Music Forecast 11.12-11.18: Glen Hansard, Young the Giant, Eliza Gilkyson, Big Freedia, Murs, and Ben Folds

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Glen Hansard

Glen Hansard has a doctorate in breaking hearts. How else to explain his Leonard Cohen–worthy ability to make you weep just a few verses into Didn’t He Ramble. On the solo album, the former lead singer for the Frames and the Swell Season proves that, 25 years into his career, he still has plenty to offer. Take his gentle, almost undetectable Irish lilt or the occasional rasp that appears as his lyrics become deeply personal. Hansard remains generous and optimistic in his views, and that alone will give you all the feels. Ugh, pass me the tissues.

Tuesday, November 17, Uptown Theater (3700 Broadway, 816-753-8665)

Young the Giant

It’s a tough world out there for indie rockers. For starters, no one knows what “indie rock” means anymore, and yet it’s the only label that seems to fit bands like California’s Young the Giant. Last year’s full-length, Mind Over Matter, is a competent marriage of Muse-inspired guitar bursts, propulsive drumming and Sameer Gadhia’s pliable tenor. Is it memorable? Eh. Is it likable? Very.

Thursday, November 12, Liberty Hall (644 Massachusetts, Lawrence,
785-749-1972)

Eliza Gilkyson

Eliza Gilkyson has built a formidable catalog in 46 years. The daughter of 1950s singer-songwriter Terry Gilkyson is a folk artist in the tradition of Joan Baez and Pete Seeger. On last year’s The Nocturne Diaries, Gilkyson addresses social issues and explores her own conflicted views. Friday night, enjoy a splendid storytelling session.

Friday, November 13, Unity Temple on the Plaza (707 W. 47th St., 816-561-4466)

Big Freedia

Ass, ass everywhere, Big Freedia promises on “Azz Everywhere.” Saturday at the Riot Room, you can bet she’ll deliver. The irrefutable “Queen of Bounce” (as her Fuse TV show calls her) remains a powerful figure in the realm of dance — where she calls for everyone to twerk equally — and the LGBTQ community. Born Frederick Ross, Freedia has become an icon for transgenders nationwide. No matter how you slice it, she’s an inspiration.

Saturday, November 14, the Riot Room (4048 Broadway, 816-442-8179)

Murs

Have a Nice Life, Murs’ second album released under Tech N9ne’s Strange Music label, finds the Los Angeles rapper largely at peace — he’s successful, he has a family — and preaching self-reflection. It’s far from a mellow album — Murs expects his listeners to think about his messages. A particularly telling line in the timely “No More Control” addresses recent police violence: We got to start to take a look in the mirror … if we don’t respect ourselves, then they always gon’ fear us. We have a lot more to learn, Murs seems to tell us.

Monday, November 16, the Granada (1020 Massachusetts, Lawrence, 785-842-1390)

Ben Folds

I stopped caring what you think about me, Ben Folds insists on “Capable of Anything,” the opening track off So There. It’s not clear to whom he’s speaking — an old lover, a former friend, a high school bully? — but let’s assume it’s the collective haters. Folds has always been a charming weirdo, putting out the kind of music that either resonates deeply with its listeners or turns them off totally, but the good news is that, at this point, Folds doesn’t really need to worry about pleasing anyone but himself. And So There, with its resplendent harmonies and orchestral refrains, is about as Ben Folds as it gets.

Wednesday, November 18, Uptown Theater (3700 Broadway, 816-753-8665)