April 14, 2016
Another busy weekend of live music has arrived in Philly as the impressively prolific singer/songwriter Alex G. and likeminded New Yorker Aaron Maine (better known as Porches) headline Union Transfer on Thursday.
On Friday, Iggy Pop and Queens of the Stone Age founder Josh Homme bring their new album “Post Pop Depression” to the Kimmel Center. That same night, Voyeur turns over a new leaf with a themed event called Mosaic.
Check out our picks for the best live music in Philly this weekend below. (All events are 21+ unless otherwise noted.)
Alex Giannascoli churned his prolific and beautiful bedroom recordings into a bonafide label deal and “debut album” last year. Giannascoli, who goes by Alex G. on stage and on record, released his patient and gorgeously written label debut, “Beach Music,” in October.
Giannascoli is currently touring with his labelmate Aaron Maine, who goes by Porches and has also just released his own stunner of a debut for Domino Records called “Pool.”
Show 8:30 p.m. (Doors 7:30 p.m.), $15 (all ages)
The recently prolific Los Angeles rapper Open Mike Eagle’s latest release was a full-length collaboration with British beatsmith Paul White. That album, “Hella Personal Film Festival,” was as good a platform for Eagle’s relatable quirk as any of the rest, though new fans should still start with 2014’s splendid “Dark Comedy.” Thursday night, the Chicago-born emcee arrives at Kung Fu Necktie for a late-night show.
Eagle is joined by Philly’s own Has-Lo, a former Mello Music Group rapper and producer known for his subtly heady rhymes and savvy beatmaking. Has-Lo has just self-released his latest EP “Hard Writer” on iTunes.
Doors 11 p.m., $10-$12
Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme might have made headlines this week for publicly snarling at an autograph vulture, but Friday's show with Iggy Pop at the Kimmel Center is definitely still on. Homme has just produced and co-written Pop’s 17th solo album, “Post Pop Depression,” an impressively nimble effort for the 68-year-old progenitor of punk.
Pop and Homme are currently touring in support of the album and bring along Queens of the Stone Age member Dean Fertita, Arctic Monkeys drummer Matt Helders and Matt Sweeney for support.
Show 8 p.m., $45+
One of Center City’s most ambitious club spaces launches a new themed event Friday night in the form of Mosaic, a three-floor blowout featuring eight DJs and a curated visual component to help set the vibes. The inaugural run is headlined by the Sweet N Low duo of Will DiMaggio and DJ Wey, while the resident DJ list is filled out by reliable locals Maxine & Cleo, M//R, Ryan Todd, Chris B and Tigerstrype.
The $10 entry fee buys you three drink tickets as long as you arrive before 1 a.m., an added enticement that adds a bit of value to an already ambitious party. (Plus, there will be free treats from Federal Donuts while supplies last.)
Show 10 p.m.-4 a.m., $10
Matthew Law and GL Productions’ reliable monthly party “Friends & Fam” returns to Kung Fu Necktie on Friday night. Law and host, local rapper The Bul Bey, welcome fellow Philly busybody Mr. Sonny James after last month’s killer Benji B appearance. Expect a late night on the dance floor.
Show 10 p.m., $5 at the door
Less than a month after headlining the same venue, local rock group Dr. Dog is back at The Fillmore this weekend in support of their latest album on Anti, “The Psychedelic Swamp.” The band’s eighth album lends itself just as well to the live stage as any other in their 15-year catalog, and this time, they bring along Massachusetts’ indie darlings Speedy Ortiz as openers.
Show 8 p.m., $32+
Sheffield four-piece The Crookes co-headline Union Transfer on Sunday with San Francisco indie outfit Geographer. The Crookes are still enjoying praise from their fourth album, the January-released “Lucky Ones,” and racking up views for their scrappy and energetic “The World Is Waiting” video, which you can watch right here.
Show 8:30 p.m. (Doors 7:30 p.m.), $15 (all ages)
Philadelphia’s own Louie Louie — the quartet of Emily Robb, Emily Eichelberger, Leslie Burnette and Jenna Robb — make infectiously danceable garage pop. The band released its first single last summer in the form of “Out In The Streets” and seems to be gearing up for a big 2016. On Sunday, the women are joined by Montreal’s Sheer Agony and Beat Jams.
Show 8 p.m., $10
