Music Forecast 7.9-7.15: Talib Kweli, Rush, the Griswolds, Sturgill Simpson, and Wilco

Talib Kweli

We’ve been promised a new Talib Kweli album, Radio Silence, this year. Kweli has been teasing it since January, and yet we still don’t have an official release date. Fine. We’ll just listen to 2013’s Gravitas on repeat, reveling in Kweli’s verbose — but always refined — lyricism. Gravitas was not perfect, and in some places uneven — a guest appearance by rock guitarist Gary Clark Jr. proved puzzling — but for many, it signified a return to form for the 39-year-old rapper. Here’s hoping that Radio Silence improves upon its predecessor. Lawrence rapper Marty Hillard, who performs as Ebony Tusks, opens Tuesday’s show at the Granada.

Saturday, July 11, the Granada (1020 Massachusetts, Lawrence,
785-842-1390)

Rush
The members of Rush — lead singer, bassist and keyboardist Geddy Lee; guitarist Alex Lifeson; and drummer Neil Peart — are in their 60s, but don’t expect Thursday night’s Sprint Center show to be a sit-down affair. The band is touring to celebrate its 40th anniversary, and this could be the last outing for Rush, due in part to Peart’s tendinitis. So if you have a tender spot for the Canadian power trio, now would be a good time to lock down tickets. Shows on the R40 tour so far have featured career-spanning setlists, replete with big hits and minor cuts.

Thursday, July 9, Sprint Center (1407 Grand, 816-949-7000)

The Griswolds
The Griswolds’ debut is titled Be Impressive, which says a lot about the Sydney act. For one, the titular phrase teases the Australian band’s affinity for aspirational lyricism; hit single “Heart of a Lion” cautions the protagonist to beat the drum and have fear of the hunter. The Griswolds seem committed to supercharged power pop, with sugar-high synths and reckless percussion. Tuesday night, the group stops at the Tank Room for a sold-out show. We advise standing outside on the sidewalk and jamming out as best you can.

Tuesday, July 14, the Tank Room (1813 Grand, 816-214-6403)

Sturgill Simpson

Sturgill Simpson was last in town in December, and he delivered his personal brand of psychedelic country to a sold-out crowd at Knuckleheads Saloon. He’s back, this time at Crossroads KC — a much larger stage, thanks in part to the breakthrough success of his acclaimed 2014 full-length, Metamodern Sounds in Country Music. Continuing this trend of well-deserved prosperity, Simpson has freshly signed a worldwide-publishing agreement with Downtown Music Publishing that includes his entire catalog. Big things are on the horizon for the Kentucky native. Get further acquainted Tuesday when he rolls through town.

Tuesday, July 14, Crossroads KC at Grinders (417 East 18th Street, 785-749-3434)

Wilco

Wilco celebrates 20 years of being awesome with a sold-out show Wednesday at Crossroads KC. What you can expect from the iconic Chicago band: A particularly long setlist (this tour’s average is about 30 songs) that spans Wilco’s genre-defying, industry-shaking career. Also, charming interludes from lead singer Jeff Tweedy. This is a show for Wilco nerds and die-hard fans. If all you know of the band is its seminal 2002 album, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, you’ll be woefully underprepared for this concert experience.

Wednesday, July 15, Crossroads KC at Grinders (417 East 18th Street, 785-749-3434)