Monday, February 24:
Angel Olsen/Nicholas Altobelli/Cian Nugent (Three Links): Chicago’s Angel Olsen originally got her start in St. Louis, and the singer-songwriter has recently caught the necessary attention of such requisite gatekeepers as Pitchfork, NPR, and the New York Times for her most recent album, Burn Your Fire For No Witness. The album came out just last week, and often has a fuzzy and distorted shadow that keeps it from ever becoming overly sweet. Olsen attempts to croon mid-century melodies through the guitar noise, and her producer, Dallas’s own John Congleton, has made it a habit of adding some grit to otherwise gentler performances, as he has with everyone from Bill Callahan to St. Vincent.
Philip Glass (Winspear Opera House): A composer with a crossover audience that must be the dream of both serious and pop musicians the world over, the iconic Mr. Glass will be joined by violinist Tim Fain. Winspear attendees and performers alike may already be familiar with a singular Glass piece if you’ve ever sat under the proud elegance of the Moody Foundation Chandelier. It’s accompanied by Glass’s “The Light,” which was inspired by David Bowie’s Heroes. This specific adaptation is specific to the Winspear, however.
Wednesday, February 26:
Rich Loren (Crown and Harp): Label owner, Rich Loren, is the founder of Handmade Birds, an imprint which has helped locals such as Pinkish Black and Vulgar Fashion find attention (and customers) far outside of the North Texas Music scene. As one would expect, a man who has spent so much of his time releasing records, probably has amassed a few favorites of his own. Tonight you’ll get the rare opportunity to hear some of the collection, as he guests with the Wednesday night weekly, “Wardance.” He’ll be joined by DJ Death Church. I attended “War Dance” last week, and it wasn’t nearly as harsh as I thought it would be, but I say that with affection. I heard both Alien Sex Fiend and Gang of Four, and my conservatively dressed friends may have even shared the dance floor with a goth or two.
Thursday, February 27:
Dap Kings (DJ Set)/Gabriel Mendoza (Good Records): This free DJ performance at 5:30 pm, ahead of the Sharon Jones show later that evening. I’m guessing you’re likely to hear some really fantastically selected soul sides, but I don’t want to want to pigeonhole anyone. There will also be adult beverages on hand, also for no cost to you.
Friday, February 28:
The Pixies (South Side Ballroom): It’s with some heaviness that we recommend this show, as it’s impossible to imagine a Pixies without bassist and singer Kim Deal, who left the band last year. To be fair, singer Black Francis did pull off believable versions of Pixies’ music in his solo career, but the expectations were not as high. Since that may be the case this time around, the abandoned gang may just make it through on Friday.
Saturday, March 1:
Black Angels/Roky Erickson/Golden Animals (Granada Theater): As I mentioned in last week’s show preview (for Black Angels’ tourmates, Sleepy Sun), Austin’s Black Angels may have found an entirely new crowd due to the use of their music in the runaway HBO series, True Detective. They were popular before, but the association just might make them a household name. But the connection doesn’t stop there. Roky Erickson’s pioneering psychedelic band, The 13th Floor Elevators was also featured in the show. The group’s ever-haunting “Kingdom of Heaven” was featured in the second episode. If you’re more of a television fan as opposed to music, it sounds like you have plenty of incentive to be at the Granada on Saturday.
Image: Angel Olsen. Credit: Zia Anger. Courtesy of Jagjaguwar.
