Tonight, Tonight: Massive Attack at the Palladium Ballroom, Sarah McLachlan at Verizon, Black Tide at The Loft and Johnny Flynn at The Prophet Bar, Hanson at House of Blues, The Local Hang at The Libertine
Busy way to start the work week--and on a night when the Rangers face World Series elimination, no less...
Massive Attack and Thievery Corporation at The Palladium Ballroom
It's a pretty safe bet that, without Massive Attack, the entire trip-hop genre would be dramatically different; and not for the better. Starting in 1988, Robert "3D" Del Naja and Grant "Daddy G" Marshall, along with a critical assortment of singers and instrumentalists, began what would become a surreal musical journey. The band's 1991 debut, Blue Lines, is still considered the Holy Grail for trip-hoppers around the world. And the rapping work was handled by some youngster by the name of Tricky. Maybe you've heard of him? Unfortunately, Blue Lines set the bar impossibly high and Massive Attack never made an album as solid as that first effort. That's not to say that any of the band's other five efforts are too shabby. Indeed, this year's Heligoland was received favorable by critics and fans alike. And don't forget that Thievery Corporation joins the band on this incredible trip-hop double-bill. Expect a review in the morning right here on DC9.
Sarah McLachlan at Verizon Theater
Renowned Canadian singer/songwriter Sarah McLachlan founded the Lilith Fair tour, has sold over 40 million albums and has made countless appearances on other folks' records. Also, she hates you for hating your dog. Although McLachlan can come off as a bit self-important to some, she continues to be an important spokesperson on a variety of issues. This performance will consists of two sets, one with McLachlan sitting in on songs from special guest performers and a second set of McLachlan going through her hits. There will also be times will McLachlan will answer questions submitted by fans as they enter the venue. So get there early and have good questions ready.
Black Tide and Fallin Ill at The Loft
Miami's Black Tide is a metal band influenced by--you guessed it--Metallica, Iron Maiden and AC/DC. But having generic influences does not mean this band plays generic music. Far from it, actually. Gabriel Garcia leads this quartet in all sorts of interesting speed metal places. Light From Above, Black Tide's 2008 debut, came out when every member of the band was under 20, and it's a remarkable blend of '70s and '80s metal with current production values. Check out "Shockwave" and "Warriors of Time" for some serious head-banging enjoyment.
Johnny Flynn, Cheyenne Marie Mize and Abby Peck at the Prophet Bar
Singer, actor and poet Johnny Flynn cites Yeats and Shakespeare as major influences. But Flynn's gentle folk is not as nearly as pretentious as his reading material might imply. Flynn's 2008 debut, A Larum, received critical kudos for the singer's interesting wordplay and his unique, British take on Americana. Kentucky's Cheyenne Marie Mize and Austin's Abby Peck add some feminine perspective along with some native roots authority to this talented triple bill.
Hanson, Jarrod Gorbel and Jaci & Those Guys at House of Blues
The Brothers Hanson made it big as little tykes thanks to "Mmmbop," their glowing slice of bubblegum pop nonsense. But, 15 years later, the Oklahoma sons are still plying their craft, and, with a new album called Shout Out Loud in tow, they're playing the House of Blues tonight. And the new one isn't a terrible effort, either; lead single "Thinkin' 'Bout Somthin'" proves that the band still knows how to write a pop song, even now that its members all can grow facial hair. Oh, and they got Weird Al to play the tambourine video in their music video for that song, too. And that's pretty cool.
The Local Hang with Playlister P at The Libertine
Our resident music editor takes over the PA system at The Libertine, and plays nothing but local music as he does each and every first Monday of the month. It's free to attend. And awesome. [Editor's Note: I may or may not have added in that last sentence. But it's true! Swear!]