The Rural Alberta Advantage (Sunday, January 17) @ The Beachland Ballroom (in the Tavern)
Given the number of talented bands that seem to be coming out of the woodwork these days, it is nearly impossible to keep track of all of them. I first learned about the frantic and poignant folk trio The Rural Alberta Advantage from a former college professor, who posted about them on his Facebook wall. From the moment I heard the first notes of "In The Summertime," among the band's New Pornographers-meets-The Notwist ballads, I realized I had been missing out on some great Canadian indie folk rock. Speaking of missing out, you may have overlooked The Rural Alberta Advantage when they blew through town last August. This time around, don't make the same mistake, and catch them at The Beachland's Tavern.
The Hood Internet (Thursday, January 21) @ B-side Liquor Lounge
The mashup is an art form attempted by many, and perfected by few. For this very reason, when there is that rare opportunity to hear some true masters of the style, one must jump on it. The Hood Internet, a duo featuring ABX (Aaron Brink) and STV SLV (Steve Reidell), are coming to town to make sure you get down. The Hood Internet hail from Chicago and have been dominating mashup competitions and silencing haters for the past two years. They recently released The Mixtape Volume Four, with amazing mashes that effortlessly meld diverse musical styles, including mainstream hip hop and indie rock, into a danceable beat. For those who have not yet heard, I highly suggest you go and download their mixes and be prepared for a lively party when they come to Cleveland's B-side Liquor Lounge.
Listen to The Hood Internet track "Good Ol' Fashion Rump Shaker (Beastie Boys x Matt & Kim)" from The Mixtape Volume Four here.
The Antlers (Saturday, January 30) @ Musica
It's always a treat when great bands play smaller venues. I am particulary delighted that The Antlers are going to be playing at Akron's supremely intimate venue, Musica. The New York indie rock upstarts were recently included on Pitchfork Media's Top 50 Albums of 2009 for their incredible Hospice LP. Led by Peter Silberman, the trio delivers emotionally charged tunes that cover such upbeat topics as death and mental illness. It's a gripping concept album, with mixed instrumentation employed in the creation of soaring melodies and whispered, brooding vocals. It's a deeply captivating listen that promises to leave the Musica audience spellbound.
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