One of my new year’s resolutions was to see more live shows. What a better place to do that then New York City. I scoured some of the popular venues and while I’m sure I didn’t find all the bands, here are a few that shouldn’t be missed.
Hot Chip – $35
Saturday, Feb. 6 at the Music Hall of Williamsburg (Goes on sale Friday, 1/22)
Friday, April 23 at Terminal 5 (Tix on sale)
These British dance/hip-hop/electronic group has an ever-evolving sound that is contagious. I’m curious to see how they’ll transform with their next album as they have over the past four albums. Formed in 2000, these guys have been nominated for a Grammy Award.
Hold On
Justice – $45
Friday, Feb. 12 at Terminal 5 (Sold Out)
The French DJ duo made it big after their debut release (Cross) in 2007. They have since hit the festival circuit playing Treasure Island Music Festival in San Francisco and Coachella in Indio, Calif. Their much anticipated sophomore album is supposed to drop sometime in 2010.
B.E.A.T. (D.A.N.C.E. Remix)
Black Joe Lewis and The Honeybears – $13
Thursday, Feb. 25 at The Bowery Ballroom (Tix on sale)
The Austin blues band formed in 2007 finally got their big break during the 2009 SXSW music festival and have been selling out shows around the country since. Definitely a band to watch in the next few years.
Someone Loves Me
Cage the Elephant – $15
Tuesday, March 2 at The Bowery Ballroom (Tix on sale)
The Bowling Green, Kentucky natives are one the few good rock bands to arrive on the music scene in recent years. Like many other bands, they got their big break after playing SXSW in Austin and went on to play last year’s Bonnaroo Music Festival in Manchester, Tenn. They also appeared on my Top 30 Tunes of 2009.
Aint No Rest for the Wicked
RJD2 – $17
Saturday, March 6 at the Music Hall of Williamsburg (Tix on sale)
This DJ has been quietly been building a cult following in Europe and North America with his addictive beats and Nintendo influence. He just released his fourth album Colossus.
Ghostwriter
Miike Snow – $20
March 26,27 and 28 at The Bowery Ballroom (Sold Out)
I’m actually kinda pissed that I didn’t get tickets for these guys sooner. I had the initial conception for this blog post last night and in the time it took me to make my list and post it, the shows sold out. If that isn’t indicative of the hype around these Swede rockers, then you’re hopeless. (Update: The markup on tickets are already three times the sales price)
Animal
The Big Pink – $20
Tuesday, March 30 at Webster Hall (Tix on sale)
The Brits are coming, but in a good way. Their 2009 debut release, A Brief History of Love was a hit with critics and now the London duo are taking their act on the road.
Velvet
The XX – $20
Wednesday, March 31 at Webster Hall (Sold Out)
The overpowering Brit duo wrote their lyrics using an instant messaging program while talking to one another. But don’t be confused, they aren’t teeny-bopper lyrics but much more concrete and their dedication to perfection shows in their songs.
Crystalized
Rodrigo y Gabriela – $34.50
Thursday, April 29 at Radio City Music Hall (Tix on sale)
The Mexican classical guitarists are precise with their delivery and composition. Their live act is one not to be missed.
Diablo Rojo