When The Lights Go Down In The City
This week's shows have an equal emphasis on the old and the new. Mix things up a little by seeing an up-and-comer followed by a living legend or two; it's just the kind of eclectic variety that San Francisco's concert venues have to offer.
On Friday we're delighted about the opportunity to see 80 year old living legend Charlie Louvin play an early show at the Swedish American Hall. The Louvin Brothers had their heyday in the 40s and 50s, but their sound spread to later decades when their style of songwriting, storytelling and gorgeous vocal harmonies influenced artists like Gram Parsons and today's alt-country artists. We're going to guess that opener M.C. Taylor is also a fan, and counts Louvin as an influence for his bands Hiss Golden Messenger and the Court and Spark. It's going to be a heartbreaking night of moving stories and gorgeous voices, and luckily for you there are still tickets available.
Watch a recent performance by Charlie Louvin below (and check out an old performance here, preceded by a saucy exchange with a purple-suited show host.)
After we get our fill of golden country-tinged vocals, we'll conclude our Friday night over at Bottom of the Hill to see our friends in The Life and Times. We pledged our allegiance to singer Allen Epley back in his days with Shiner, and we love the L&T for their dark guitars, dense time signatures and they way they bring it at their live shows. Plus they always offer a new and exciting array of choices at their merch table, so pack an extra 20 bucks.
Listen to The LIfe and Times
On Saturday afternoon, check out a free show by Love of Diagrams at Amoeba. The postpunk trio from Melbourne, Australia, also plays later that night with Ted Leo and The Pharmacists and local band The Dont's at Slim's. Sunday brings you the start of five chances to see another living legend at the Fillmore, when Willie Nelson moves into town. Also on Sunday, check out the new kids in local band Magic Bullets when they open for Say Hi To Your Mom at Bottom of the Hill.
Listen to:
Love of Diagrams
The Dont's
Magic Bullets
On Monday, The Shins play the first of three nights at the Warfield with openers Viva Voce, and over at The Independent one of our favorite bands of the the last few years Silversun Pickups play a sold-out show with Sea Wolf. Are you running or drunkenly weaving your way through Bay to Breakers this year? If you want a vote in who plays at Footstock, the post-race concert, head to The Independent on Tuesday for a Battle of the Bands featuring Squaretape, Heathrow, Smith Point, and Unlikely Hero as the contenders.
Hey let's watch Silversun Pickups' video for "Well Thought Out Twinkles" again!
Devendra Banhart has a new record label with Andy Cabic called Gnomonsong, and later this summer they're putting out an album by Michael Hurley, another legend playing live here this week. Curious to hear what Hurley was all about, we searched high and low for mp3s or song samples, to no avail. We finally found this shaky YouTube video. You have a chance to see Hurley perform at Cafe Du Nord on Wednesday night. If you want to hear from a newer school of singer/songwriters, Rocky Votolato and Street To Nowhere are at Bottom of the Hill.