(Artwork care of Karen Ramsay (www.karenramsay.com), profile photo care of brianlackeyphotography.com)

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Front Range recommendations, 8/5

This week offers three strong bands and a wild-card.

Monday, 5 August (Fillmore Auditorium, Denver CO)
Gipsy Kings

Look through your parents' CD collection. If they ever went through a "world music" phase, you're guaranteed to find something there by the Gipsy Kings. They introduced countless people to an exotic cross pollination of pop, powered by a full formation of Flamenco guitars and Gypsy jazz solos. Their new album, Savor Flamenco is coming in September and the band is making the rounds to bring their sound to a new generation of fans.

Tuesday, 6 August (Walnut Room - Walnut Street, Denver CO)
Vieux Farka Touré

Vieux Farka Touré is following in his famous father's footsteps. Malian guitarist Ali Farka Touré was known as the African John Lee Hooker and the younger Touré evokes some of the same sounds on his new album, Mon Pays. But more than that, his latest project is a message to his countrymen, as Mali is torn with insurrection and strife. Despite the serious inspiration, his songs still find a hopeful note. 

Tuesday, 6 August (Larimer Lounge, Denver CO)
Sebadoh

After a messy separation from Dinosaur Jr in 1989, Lou Barlow turned to his side project, Sebadoh, for therapy and creative release. The band's raw, low-fi sound offered plenty of cathartic release. After the standard hiatus and reunion to support the reissues, the band is finally release a new album, Defend Yourself, this September. It's good to hear something new after the 14 year studio break. Listening to the soft-loud punch of new single "I Will", I can hear the same immediacy of their old songs, but the sound is definitely cleaner.

Thursday, 8 August (Hi-Dive, Denver CO)
Neil Hamburger

Comedian Neil Hamburger (Gregg Turkington)  is bringing his awkward stand up act to the Hi-Dive this week. Normally, I recommend music shows, but this will be a treat. Hamburger's character works best with an interactive room and the Hi-Dive should have no problem provoking a great performance.


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