THE NATIONAL @ Brooklyn Academy of Music - 2/22 - 2/23

The boys from The National are back in town and if you didn't see them during their last tour, you should see them this time around. You can check out NYCUG's early posting on them here. Their heavily melodic music derives directly from the British scene of the late 80's and early 90's and like many other bands who were influenced at the time, the result can be very dark and gloomy at times, but can also be a bit sweet at times. While they do put on an excellent live show, if you expect to be moshing or slamdancing, this is not the show for you. If you're looking for a more cerebral evening, find it in Brooklyn this weekend.

RIYL: Interpol, British Sea Power, Broken Social Scene, Clearlake

BEIRUT @ Brooklyn Masonic Temple – Thus. 9/20

Zach Condon’s success has gone mostly unnoticed by the general public, but fans of underground music might recognize this native New Mexican by his widely inspired orchestra-style tunes. Somewhat of an overnight story, Beirut, as Condon is professionally known, really takes from all over the world by combining african drumbeats, middle eastern horns and rhythms and good ol’ indie rock lyrics and vocals. See his live show this week in his second home: Brooklyn, but try to get there early just in case because it should be a good show. Plus he’s playing in a Masonic Temple, which is pretty badass.



RIYL: Gogol Bordello, Neutral Milk Hotel, Bright Eyes

AGAINST ME! @ Music Hall of Williamsburg, Brooklyn – 9/5

Blowing up would be an apt way to describe Against Me!’s meteoric success story this year. Touring behind what Spin magazine described as “the best rock record of the year” and including appearances at Lollapalooza and Letterman, their current tour is in a whirlwind. This Gainsville, Florida quartet combines old school hardcore punk and folk/protest music to make music that, this is the fun part, sounds nothing like Green Day. These guys are not new to the scene by any stretch of the imagination, having been working on their craft for nearly ten years now, but sometimes it takes time for people to notice. You can go notice them this week in Brooklyn…just please don’t confuse them with Rise Against.


RIYL: Black Flag, Billy Bragg, Replacements, Bad Religion


Against Me! on Conan: