Tuesday, November 4th
One way or another, it’s going to be a dramatic evening of political theater in the good 'ol U.S. of A. on election night, but don’t waste your precious time watching self important talking heads like Wolf Blitzer pore over color coated electoral college maps when you could be out there like a true patriot celebrating American independence by rocking out. Trust me; you’ll still be able to get election results from somebody at the bar. Those seeking sonic succor in St. Paul should make their way to the Turf Club for a gig from motor city rockers The Von Bondies, still unfortunately best known at this point for front man Jason Stollsteimer’s public fist fight with the White Stripes’ Jack White back in 2003. That’s a crying shame since the quartet’s made some darn fine raucous garage rock when not busy getting into scraps with more famous folks. The group (now featuring Minnesota's own Christy Hunt of Ouija Radio)is on tour promoting a forthcoming new album, their first in five years, allegedly due in early 2009. (9 p.m., $7, 21+)
Thursday, November 6th
After taking Wednesday to either celebrate boisterously or further drown your sorrows—depending on your political viewpoint—Thursday’s a good night to get back on the rock ‘n’ roll horse. There are plenty of alluring options on the West Bank of Minneapolis alone. A solid local line-up anchors the action at the 400 Bar with performances from fresh faced hardcore influenced trio The Van Gobots, who recently released an awesomely pugnacious and prickly EP, and psychedelically inclined indie-rockers Pictures of Then, who are currently working on a follow-up to their pristinely recorded debut (9 p.m., $5, 18+).
For quirkier touring fare head up the street to the Triple Rock Social Club for a set from the always inventive Danielson, a truly ingenious fellow whose managed to fuse acid-laced rock theatrics with old fashioned gospel maneuvers for the past decade without the combustible mix exploding in his face. He’s touring behind a just released anthology, Trying Hartz, which does a nice job showing off the wide ranging nature of his often off kilter but always engaging melodies. (7 p.m., $12, All Ages )
Friday, November 7th
There aren’t many local musicians, hip-hop or otherwise, with the staying power of Unknown Prophets MC Big Jess, who drops his third solo album, High Rule, tonight at the Triple Rock Social Club. Proving that intelligent rhyming doesn’t have to stop after age 30, the proud husband and father shows aging gracefully with a mic in hand is possible (albeit rarely it would seem). Jess will be joined by longtime partner DJ Last Word for the gig along with opening duties courtesy of St. Paul crew Abstract Pack and live painting from Chris Allen of Inkproof, an appropriately eclectic bill from an always envelope pushing scene veteran. (9 p.m., $10, 18+)
Rather inexplicably given how flat-out catchy and accessible their music is, local electro-pop band Solid Gold seems to have made bigger waves in cities far flung from their home town (New York, Reykjavik). That should all change now that their finally dropping their long time coming full length debut, Bodies of Water, tonight at the Varsity Theater. With a sound that combines British melancholia of the New Order school with club kid friendly rhythms it seems like a foregone conclusion that these guys will be huge, in Iceland at least, they’re already on their way. (11 p.m., $10, 21+)
Saturday, November 8th
Laurie Lindeen, may be best known these days as the wife of local music legend Paul Westerberg, but back before she was Mrs. Replacement she had her own beloved scrappy underdog rock band, Zuzu’s Petals. Lindeen recently revisited her formative years as a fledgling rocker by penning a highly acclaimed and compelling memoir, Petal Pusher, and her show tonight at the 400 Bar doubles as a celebration of the book’s paperback release. It should be a highly unique hybrid affair as Lindeen combines readings from her book with live musical performances (backed by a crack band of local vets dubbed Retrofit) of tunes from throughout her life as a music fan and performer.
Classic rock doesn’t live on only in the hearts of KQRS listeners; just give one listen to local power trio Little Man for the proof. The band’s look and sound may be shot straight out of That ‘70s Show but they are cooking up new material right here and now on local stages. The group’s latest slab of delectable glam-rock pomp, Of Mind and Matter, celebrates its release tonight at the 7th St. Entry. Those who love huge hooks and snappy retro fashions should make a point of being there. (9 p.m., $8, 18+)
