Scary Mansion - Make Me Cry

In keeping with tradition, it's time to take a look at what bands will be here in the next few months. I still can't seem to find a job, despite my efforts, so I have no idea how realistic it is for me to plan all of them.

July 22 (Grog Shop) - Lightning Bolt/Jeff the Brotherhood - $8-$10

I will be in attendance here–I saw Jeff the Brotherhood at Case a few months ago, and they were a worthwhile find.

July 24 (Grog Shop) - Tokyo Police Club /Freelance Whales /Good Touch Bad Touch - $15

I also saw Freelance Whales at The Spot, and they were all right too. Good Touch Bad Touch is local, and could probably use the money.

July 29 (Beachland Ballroom) - Blitzen Trapper - $14-$16

This is one of those "Grog Shop Presents" shows. If Blitzen Trapper is your thing, perhaps you should check it out. No openers, as far as I know.

August 2 (Grog Shop) - Bear in Heaven/ Emeralds/Twin Sister - $10

Okay. I am unabashedly excited for my big road trip, but allow me to take one moment to express regret that I am not going to be able to be at this show. Because not only is Bear In Heaven fantastic (I saw them a few months ago, and would readily go again), but Emeralds are a local gem that's gone national. This is one of those shows that gives you the most for your money.

August 7 (Grog Shop) - Phosphorescent/J.Tillman/Lowly, The Tree Ghost - $12

Phosphorescent is a folk sensation, and probably worth the $12 alone, but more importantly–the guys in Lowly, The Tree Ghost are really nice, and work hard. They're definitely worth checking out.

August 13 (Grog Shop) - Tinamou/State Fair/Humble Home - $10

In another effort to subtly promote my friends' bands, I urge you to check out Humble Home. That is all.

August 18 (Grog Shop) - Dax Riggs / The Black Elevators - $10-$12

Ditto to above, The Black Elevators. Sorry, these promotions are getting less creative as I realize I have so many familiars in bands.

September 13 (Beachland Ballroom) - Caspian/If These Trees Could Talk/Like Bells - $5

This price is a steal, especially if you like post-rock. Two decent genre offerings for the price of one!

September 16 (Beachland Ballroom) - Matt & Kim - $15-$17

Another one of those Grog Shop/Beachland shows. I like 'em. I mean, I know they'll put on a good show, that's really all that counts.

September 21 (Grog Shop) - Best Coast/Male Bonding - $12-$14

Now accepting applications for the friend that goes with me to this, because I am NOT missing it. Best Coast has been a big deal this year, making surf rock a completely girl-dominated field (INB4 Beach Boys, fuck off). Male Bonding will meet your noise punk needs. What more could you ask for?

September 22 (Grog Shop) - El Ten Eleven/Dosh/Baths - $8-$10

These guys know how to put on a show. Especially considering the fact that before I saw El Ten Eleven play, I was assuming there were at least 4 band members. Surprise, surprise: there are only two. One of them plays a bass and a guitar at the same time. How cool is that?

September 27 (Beachland Ballroom) - Menomena/Suckers - $15

A little pricey, but worth it if you're into Menomena.

October 1 (Beachland Ballroom) - !!! (Chk Chk Chk) - $16

The ballroom seems to always have the expensive shows. I'm happy to see these guys are still going–I only hope the disco ball gets used for this show.

October 14 (Grog Shop) - Starfucker/Octopus Project - $8-$10

Another one of those "you get your money's worth" lineups.

It seems as the years go on, the lineup at Beachland Ballroom gets weirder and weirder. I give them five years before they're just a cabaret.