When The Lights Go Down In The City
There's always a lull in touring during the late summer, perhaps because most other cities in the U.S. are experiencing temperatures in the triple digits and that’s not the best climate for when you pop a tire on your Econovan and have to wait on the side of the highway for roadside assistance. But some brave musicians soldier on to bring the rock to us, grabbing some respite in San Francisco’s chilly summer nights.
Magnolia Electric Co.’s new album Fading Trails recently entered our bloodstream as the soundtrack for late night reading. This is weary, worn-in indie folk shimmers with production by Steve Albini and David Lowery and features singer-songwriter Jason Molina (Songs: Ohia) at his forlorn finest. Don’t miss Magnolia Electric Co.’s show at Bottom of the Hill this Friday, and arrive early because openers Lady Hawk will scratch your itch for some old-school Sebadoh sounds.
Listen to “Lonesome Valley” and enter to win a copy of Fading Trails (Contest ends 8/9; winner will be notified via email.)
Tonight the Extra Action Marching Band's Bon Voyage & Birthday Suit Party is at 12 Galaxies, so head down to wish them well on their upcoming tour to NYC. The show flyer notes that actual nudity is not required, but since this is San Francisco any streaking or flashing will surely be welcomed with open arms. The Hotel Utah presents their Thursday Night Music Series with Colossal Yes, The Skygreen Leopards and No Boss.
We’re leaving town yet again on Friday (it’s our Grandmother’s 80th birthday in Texas, woot!) and there are multiple shows that we regret having to miss. The lineup at the Greek Theatre is practically worthy of its own festival, with Bloc Party, Broken Social Scene, Two Gallants and Mew. Spend an evening with Travis Sullivan's Bjorkestra, an 18-piece big band interpretation of Bjork, at Great American. Norwegian chanteuse Ane Brun returns for a gig at Fillmore opening for Xavier Rudd (who always makes us think of Paul Rudd, sigh). Allow us to repeat ourselves and say that you really should see Magnolia Electric Co., Lady Hawk and The Dying Californian at Bottom of the Hill. Go and tell us what we missed.
On Saturday, spandexed shocker Peaches commands your attention on the Fillmore stage with Eagles of Death Metal for two nights. On Tuesday Jason Lytle of Grandaddy lands at Cafe Du Nord for two nights with opener Nik Freitas.