This Week's Tour News

Who : Iron & Wine
When : May 17th 18th
Where : Abrons Arts Center
On Sale : Soon?
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Thoughts : Last week I admitted to having never seen Bonnie "Prince" Billy and this week I have to admit to never getting my ass to an Iron & Wine show. Both artists have had my ear for ages and yet for whatever reason (or better yet, for no reason) I have never gotten my lazy ass to seeing them. These things should be corrected ASAP and if you're in the same boat as I am I suppose I will see you there!
Listen : Iron & Wine - "Her Tea Leaves"

Who : Marissa Nadler
When : February 27th March 4th April 25th
Where : Lutheran Church of the Messiah Joe's Pub Highline Ballroom
On Sale : No Advance NOW NOW
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Thoughts : The lovely Ms. Nadler will be celebrating the release of her immaculate new album with a slew of tour dates across the U.S. . Of course these include a few dates in New York, the first two of which are headlining dates and the Highline show is with Handsome Family. If you've never caught the beauty and grace that is Marissa Nadler live I highly suggest getting out to see her at at least one of these upcoming shows! I assume she'll be playing with a full band this time around as well, which I'm sure will only heighten the experience of seeing her live!
Listen : Marissa Nadler - "River of Dirt"

Who : Late of the Pier
When : April 3rd
Where : Studio B
On Sale : NOW
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Thoughts : Late of the Pier's Fantasy Black Channel was released overseas last year with whole shit load of fanfare behind it. Now that the record is finally being released in the States I expect a smaller, but still rowdy reception for these boys. It seems the latest influx of British bands can do no wrong, and with the reputation these guys have for wild live shows I think it would be a lot of fun to catch them live. Hopefully Studio B will be able to stay open until they get here.
Listen : Late of the Pier - "Broken"

Who : The Hold Steady
When : March 30th
Where : Irving Plaza
On Sale : One Hour Ago (Sorry)
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Thoughts : I'm sure I'm not the only one but I have been really damn confused by a lot of the choices The Hold Steady have been making of late. First they announce a tour with The Counting Crows, then they release a way more mainstream record, and now comes word that they have paired with The Dave Matthews Band for a tour! WTF!?!? Still, if you're in New York they will be headlining on their own at Irving Plaza, a venue about 6x smaller then where they've been playing lately and where there will hopefully be a huge reduction in the number of stoners and frat boys coming to see them.
Listen : The Hold Steady - "Positive Jam"

Who : Vetiver
When : May 3rd 7th
Where : Bowery Ballroom The Bell House
On Sale : Today at NOON Soon
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Thoughts : On their most recent release, Tight Knit (out this past Tuesday!), Vetiver have taken a slight chance with their sound. They have expanded it to include more of a pop oriented feeling to it without trying to neglect their past. The chances kind of pay off with a more accessible and catchier record then they've ever released before. There are still some pretty sleepy moments on the new record though and I expect a lot of that will come across live as they adjust to these new songs.
Listen : Vetiver - "More Of This"

Who : TV On the Radio
When : June 5th
Where : Central Park Summerstage
On Sale : Presale Today /Regular 2/27
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Thoughts : Getting the news of the first official Summerstage show of '09 put a bit of sunshine on a still too cold day! Making it even better was the fact that it was TV On the Radio who would be making that Summerstage appearance! Now I know this isn't one of the free shows, but $30 doesn't seem all that bad when you're dreaming of a summer sun and the awesome tunes of TV On the Radio!
Listen : TV On the Radio - "Family Tree"

Who : Lil' Wayne
When : March 19th
Where : Prudential Center
On Sale : Today, 10am
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Thoughts : It has been ages since I last saw a rapper perform outside of a festival setting, but if these tickets were within my budget I think I would for Lil' Wayne. Something about him screams performer and I believe his live show would be something to behold.
Listen : Lil' Wayne - "Tie My Hands"

Who : The Thermals
When : May 8th 9th
Where : Bowery Ballroom
On Sale : 2/27 @ 12pm
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Thoughts : I just caught The Thermals a couple of weeks back at The Bell House and I am still just as in love with this band as I have ever been before. The new songs they played that night fit right in with the older stuff and with all the kids going crazy up front you know the show's gonna be fantastic.
Listen : The Thermals - "Now We Can See"

Who : Amadou and Miriam
When : June 8th
Where : Webster Hall
On Sale : Saturday 2/21, 12pm
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Thoughts : Two musical geniuses! Their last two albums have been absolute worldly brilliance, blending the sounds of their native Africa with elements of pop, ska, and a slew of other influences. I've never seen them, but let's be fair they haven't been to the States all that often so I think this is as much of a must see as anything else listed here today!
Listen : Amadou and Miriam - "Africa"