Jonathan Richman @ Knitting Factory 2/1, 2/2 2/3, & 2/4

Since the eponymous Modern Lovers' album dropped way back in 1976, Jonathan Richman has been a prominent figure in underground rock music. That first album, culled from demos recorded by the Velvet Underground's John Cale, led directly to what would become American punk rock & new wave. Regardless of his backing band, Richman has been putting out solid gold ever since. His influence extended well into the 1990s, paving the way for indie rock groups like the Replacements, Pixies, and Pavement.

This former Modern Lover is kicking off his 2007 North American tour with four successive nights on the Knitting Factory's main stage.

RIYL: Talking Heads , Television, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop

Get tickets here, here, here, and here. They're $20 apiece.

DEERHOOF w/ Busdriver + Proton Proton @ Irving Plaza – Friday 1/ 26/07

Half cute, half insane, Deerhoof have carved their way into the independent music consciousness in recent years with the help of several terrific albums courtesy of Kill Rock Stars. Although their lineup has changed several times since their inception in the early 90’s, their mission and sound have stayed relatively constant. Deerhoof manages to toe a fine line between charming indie rock and noisy, no wave inspired punk. Their unique approach to music has garnered opportunities to share the stage with the likes of the Flaming Lips and the Fiery Furnaces. Offbeat rapper Busdriver will be opening this Friday.

RIYL: Black Dice, Cibo Matto, The Microphones

The Bad Plus @ The Village Vanguard, 1/23 - 1/28

Nearly four years ago, three Midwesterners—a pianist, a drummer and a bassist—rocked The Village Vanguard with a set that resulted in a recording contract with Columbia. Their debut, These Are The Vistas, appeared shortly thereafter. With re-arrangements of classic hits including Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and Blondie’s “Heart of Glass,” The Bad Plus are known to leave the scent of rock, while their rhythms are consistent with the flavor of post-bop.

Their show at the Blue Note several months ago had the audience captivated: you just simply didn’t know which guy to watch since Iverson, King and Anderson were all getting far too ill. Whether it be their colorful display of call and response, improvisation or the surprise in hearing a familiar bassline from an 80’s pop song, it’s clear that they thrive in a live setting. Now, having produced two more albums since their debut and having gone on worldwide tours, The Bad Plus is bound to deliver on this six-day homecoming stand.

Alarm Will Sound performs Edgard Varèse @ Miller Theatre 1/20

This Saturday, Columbia University's Miller Theatre presents a retrospective of experimental composer Edgard Varèse (1883-1965) as part of their ongoing "Composer Portraits" series. Alarm Will Sound, perhaps most famous for their 2005 album of Aphex Twin covers, will take on Varèse's work. This ensemble will perform 10 Varèse pieces, including his famous tape experiment Poème électronique (how they will perform this live, I am not certain):

Ionisation, Intérgrales, Offrandes, Octandre, Un grand sommeil noir, Dance for Burgess, Hyperprism, Poème électronique, Density 21.5, Déserts



Tickets are $25 for general public, $7 for Columbia Students

The Juan Maclean & Professor Murder @ Hiro Ballroom 1/18

The Juan Maclean AKA John Maclean: former Six Finger Satellite guitarist reinvents himself as an electronica all-star; the DFA's secret techno weapon. He's going without his backing band on this one, performing a DJ set Thursday night at the Maritime Hotel's Hiro Ballroom.

RIYL: LCD Soundsystem, Hot Chip, Kraftwerk, DFA

Up-and-coming fellow indie-electronicsters Professor Murder are playing as well. Their debut EP Professor Murder Rides the Subway came out this past year, and they're looking to show their live chops.

RIYL: Mixel Pixel, The Rapture, Le Tigre

The show is a steep $20, but evidently one can get in for free via this.