October Music Roundup

A couple weeks ago, I found out that a good friend of mine doesn't like the autumn. When someone else was listing off the reasons to be excited about crisp weather (sweaters, hoodies, mulled wine, etc) this person screamed out "That sounds horrible? How could you like that?" Needless to say, I haven't thought of him the same way since.

October is by far my favorite month of the year, for reasons to numerous to list here, and there's a whole bunch of good shows coming through DC this month that will help get you in the mood for cold weather. Full list beneath the fold, along with a couple early November shows of note.

10/7:

-Crosby and Nash: 70's foursome Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young has the prettiest harmonies (sorry, Fleet Foxes.) And 2 our of 4 ain't bad, as long as you don't indulge the mental image of David Crosby impregnating Melissa Etheridge. (Lisner Auditorium)

10/8:

-Hot Chip: Sold out, but I warned you... (9:30 Club)

10/9:

-Of Montreal: The unholy face-painted stepchild of Queen, David Bowie and The Beatles might be married to a woman, but his newest album is gay, gay, gay. Sold out, but worth checking craigslist for. (9:30)

10/10:

-Shudder to Think: Local boys come home to play from their first new album in ten years. Former TNG contributor Robert is a fan. (9:30, early show)

-Girl Talk: The master of mash-ups is already sold out. But did you know that he was my first ever TNG interview? You can read it here! (9:30)

10/12:

-Galactic: Louisiana jazz/funk band comes to DC the same weekend that Ben goes to visit Louisiana. The ironing is delicious. (9:30)

-Ra Ra Riot, Walter Meego, and Morning Benders: I don't know why this show is relegated to the backstage, as all these bands are really good. Just check out their Myspace pages. You'll like them. (Black Cat, backstage)

10/13:

-Yelle: Oversexed french pop tart makes music you'll wish you could sing along to. Recommended. (9:3o)

10/14:

-Alison Moyet: The voice of Yaz, and oft-reputed lesbian, plays a solo show. This is also a good chance to point out that "Love Resurrection" is one of Michael's top 25 most-played songs. I checked. (9:30)

10/15:

-The Notwist: Moody indie veterans are back to leave me once again baffled at their pronunciation. No-Twist? Not-wist? The world may never know. (9:30)

10/16:

-Monotonix: Israeli noise-rockers with reputation for pyrotechnics and dancing on the bar. They're joined by first ever Ask A Straight Guy featuree Brian Porter and his band Imperial China. Recommended. (DC9)

10/18:

-Cold War Kids: Also sold out, but I interviewed them last year. Check it out! (9:30)

10/19:

-Lykke Li w/ Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson: Swedish torch-songstress joins the darkest singer-songwriter there is. Highly recommended. (Black Cat)

-Little Ones: Fun catchy pop from L.A. How can you go wrong? (DC9)

-Vivian Girls: The Mary and Mary Chain? This fuzzy all-female quintet is already earning some flattering comparisons. Find out for yourself if they're valid. (Rock and Roll Hotel)

10/21:

-The New Year: Explore the fine line between "rainy day music" and "wanting to put your head in the oven." (DC9)

-Ben Kweller: When I was 21 I spent three months straight with "Wasted and Ready" on repeat, though I still don't know if thats a good enough reason to schlep down to H street. (Rock and Roll Hotel.)

10/22:

-Octopus Project: Better than your average noise-rock. Worth checking out. (Black Cat, backstage)

10/23:

-Black Crowes: "She Talks to Angels" kind of embarrasses me, but I understand that many people like this band. They're playing on the 24th and 25th too. (9:30)

-Rosebuds: Raleigh band with a really nice sound. Listen to this if you're curious. (Black Cat)

10/25:

-Mirah: Lesbian singer/songwriter with Israeli name. And if that wasn't exciting enough, her wikipedia page says she was born on a kitchen table. Remind me never to eat at her parents house... (Black Cat)

10/26:

-Deerhoof: Prog-rock guitars meet little-girl vocals in a show thats worth it for it's lead singers hand motions alone. Recommended. (Black Cat)

-Magnetic Fields: The best gay band of all time. I'm really excited for this one. (Lisner Auditorium)

10/27:

-Billy Bragg: Because people who didn't like Mermaid Avenue are heartless. Watson Twins open. (9:30)

10/28:

-Jay Reatard: He sounds like The Clash and his name makes me giggle. (Black Cat, backstage.)

10/31:

-The Pietasters: Hey, remember ska? Remember band names you couldn't say in front of your mother? (9:30)

NOVEMBER:

11/02:

-Hercules and Love Affair: Disco revival with gay, lesbian and trans members. Highly reccomended. (9:30)

11/03:

-Matisyahu: Another orthodox Jewish reggae singer? Boooring... (6th and I Synagogue)

11/04:

-Deerhunter: Queer Atlas Sound musician Bradford Cox brings his full band back to town. (Black Cat)

11/05:

-Sisters of Mercy: Because "This Corrosion" will always be awesome.