Music

Seven Days, Seven Shows

The concerts to see from August 9-15

by Josh Kurp   |   Aug 9, 2010

Seven Days, Seven Shows

Photo: myspace.com/grizzlybear

| | More

Monday, August 9
Empire of the Sun
Terminal 5, 8 p.m.

No, not the movie starring a young Christian Bale; rather, Empire of the Sun is an Australian electronic music duo whose debut album, 2008’s Walking on a Dream, received 11 ARIA Music Award nominations (their Grammys). They’re the most oddly popular Australian export since Crocodile Dundee. $25

Tuesday, August 10
See second listing for August 12

Wednesday, August 11
Here We Go Magic and Chuck Klosterman
Coco 66, 8 p.m.

In June, we told you about “Show Off Your Sugar,” where authors and musicians come together to appease both indie bookstore inhabitants and those who just need Ladies and Gentleman, We are Floating in Space on vinyl. Tonight’s show will pair the Brooklyn-based Here We Go Magic with Sex, Drugs and Cocoa Puffs author, Chuck Klosterman. $16

Thursday, August 12
Grizzly Bear, the Walkmen and Gang Gang Dance
Governors Island, 6 p.m.

While I am looking forward to hearing Grizzly Bear’s set—Veckatimest and Yellow House are two of the previous decade’s finest albums—I’m actually more excited for the Walkmen. I saw them at Osheaga, but only for 30 minutes; they’ll play a much longer set on Thursday, including selections from the soon-to-be-released Lisbon, which is all-but-guaranteed to appear on numerous 2010 lists. $33

Thursday, August 12
Deerhunter and Real Estate
Pier 54, 6 p.m.

Okay, we’re cheating here. There’s no one amazing show on Tuesday, which is why we’re focusing on two Thursday shows: the aforementioned Grizzly Bear/the Walkmen on Governors Island, and Deerhunter at Pier 54. The four-piece “ambient punk” group from Atlanta has been one to watch since 2007’s Cryptograms, and now they’re on the verge of releasing their next album, Halcyon Digest, which should make them popular than ever. I saw them opening for Spoon a few months ago, and as much as I like Britt Daniels & Co. Deerhunter stole the show, something they’re known for (lead singer Bradford Cox isn’t above spreading fake blood all over himself). Be sure not to miss Real Estate at Pier 54 before Deerhunter, too. Free

Friday, August 13-Sunday, August 15
Solid Sound Festival
MASS MoCA, North Adams, MA

We’ll be there, as will Wilco (including drummer Glenn Kotche, who we recently interviewed), Mavis Staples, the Books and Leonard Nimoy’s new photo exhibit (!!). You should, too. $91