The coveted, the favored and the surprising: I give you the top 15 not-to-be-missed shows at CMJ this week:
1. Zola Jesus
She has a new CD out, which I’ve expressed my adoration for before. Don’t miss the opportunity to see her in the flesh.
CMJ Shows:
Oct 18 9;30pm, The Knitting Factory
Oct 19 10:30am, Ace Hotel
2. MEN
Le Tigre’s JD Samson and Johanna Fateman knock it out of the park with their side-project MEN. Bring your dancing shoes.
CMJ Show:
Oct 22 7:00pm, Webster Hall
3. En Vogue
You read that correctly, the seven-time grammy nominated nineties sensation En Vogue will be performing a CMJ showcase at BB King. Free your mind and score a seat to see the divas up close and personal.
CMJ Show:
Oct 21 9:00pm, B.B. King’s
4. Islands
Neo-psychedelic indie-pop at its finest, that’s so right for the city.
CMJ Show:
Oct 22 8:30pm, Dominion
5. Neon Indian
Alan Palomo is still winning hearts with his enchanting indie synthpop tunes.
CMJ Show:
Oct 21 7:00pm, Webster Hall
6. Gang Gang Dance
Experimental electronic music unlike anything you’ve ever heard. They know how to put on a show.
CMJ Show:
Oct 23 12:00am, Bowery Ballroom
7. Datarock
The Norwegians return to the states, bringing their electro-dance grooves with them.
CMJ Shows:
Oct 21 10:15pm, Studio at Webster Hall
Oct 22 12:00pm, Living Room
8. French Horn Rebellion
The Brooklyn-based electro rockers will have you “up all night.”
CMJ Shows:
Oct 21 11:30pm, Santos Party House (Downstairs)
Oct 22 6:00pm, Spike Hill
9. The Postelles
The nyc natives (they met in high school) are everything you could hope for in a rock band. Part classic-rock revivalist, part contemporary, their fresh sound and charm will have you rioting for more.
CMJ Show:
Oct 19 8:00pm, Webster Hall
10. Portugal. The Man.
Get in touch with your ‘American’ side for this psychedelic music ride.
CMJ Shows:
Oct 19 2:30pm, Ace Hotel
Oct 20 9:30pm, Terminal 5
11. Robbers on High Street
‘Cool it down’ with this chill set by the Brooklyn natives.
CMJ Shows:
Oct 19 10:00pm, Bowery Electric
Oct 20 11:00pm, Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2
12. The Wombats
They’re British. They rock hard. They’ll have you dancing to Joy Division.
CMJ Show:
Oct 19 8:00pm, Webster Hall
13. We Are Scientists
Indie favorites We Are Scientists bring their emotive rock licks to the Studio at Webster Hall.
CMJ Show:
Oct 20 10:00pm, Studio at Webster Hall
14. Yuksek
The French producer, remixer and DJ brings his heavy dance beats to the lower east side for a bass heavy night of dancing. Get ready for a lively set.
CMJ show:
Oct 19 11:00pm, Fat Baby
15. Dum Dum Girls
Tap into your 60’s side at this lo-fi indie show.
CMJ Shows:
Oct 20 2:30pm, Ace Hotel
Oct 21 1:00am, Mercury Lounge
Oct 22 12:00am, Bowery Ballroom
Stay tuned for more CMJ coverage this week.
