Music Forecast March 14-20
Morrissey
There was so much sadness when Morrissey postponed his Lawrence show in early February, due to a bleeding ulcer. But he quickly recovered, and now he’s returning, a little more than a month later, to make good on his original promise. What can we expect from this performance besides a scarcity of meat products? Moz’s solo catalog is plenty strong enough, but he has been throwing in some Smiths classics on this tour for good measure. Also, I heard that the merch booth is selling pillowcases with the words Last night I dreamt that somebody loved me etched on them. My birthday is in April, in case you’re wondering.
Monday, March 18, at Liberty Hall (644 Massachusetts, Lawrence, 785-749-1972)
Lydia Loveless
A new star on Chicago’s venerable “insurgent country” label Bloodshot Records, Lydia Loveless is a petite rural Ohioan who writes honky-tonk shitkickers and twangy two-steps with punk undertones. She’s only 23, but her powerful, throaty voice and weary worldview put her in league with such forebears as Neko Case and Loretta Lynn. With Tiny Horse and Two Cow Garage.
Tuesday, March 19, at RecordBar (1020 Westport Road, 816-753-5207)
The Elders
The Elders, arguably our most successful band, have exported their Celtic rock the world over, but every year they keep St. Patrick’s Day open for Kansas City. Their annual “hoolie” at the Uptown is a reliably rowdy and rollicking affair. Picture the world’s largest Irish pub at full tilt and you’re in the ballpark.
Saturday, March 16, at the Uptown Theater (3700 Broadway, 816-753-8665)
Mac DeMarco
“Jizz jazz” is how 22-year-old Canadian Mac DeMarco describes his sound, which goes a little way toward capturing the sleazy swagger of his songs. What he’s really doing, though, is merging a spare, scraggly glam aesthetic with 1950s croon rock. Lyrical topics range from his father’s cooking meth to his favorite brand of cigarettes (Viceroys) to just chillin’ and takin’ it slow. DeMarco’s 2012 release, 2, was a highlight in an otherwise boring year for white-boy indie rock. With Naomi Punk and Calvin Love.
Monday, March 18, at the Replay Lounge (946 Massachusetts, Lawrence, 785-749-7676)
Rattle and Hum
People don’t tend to think of U2 as much of an Irish band these days. Bono and company are a global brand that transcends cultures; Dublin is in the rearview. But go back to those early records, and the traces of the old homeland are more evident. That’ll be true, too, of this St. Patrick’s Day show featuring local U2 cover band Rattle and Hum, at which you’ll be more likely to hear “Sunday Bloody Sunday” than, I don’t know, “Vertigo.”
Sunday, March 17, at the Riot Room (4048 Broadway, 816-442-8179)
Houndmouth
Houndmouth hails from the Louisville area; I caught its set at Forecastle last year and was impressed with both its bouncy, Band-like Americana and its ridiculously hot — like, she should be playing Don Draper’s secretary wife on Mad Men; she is that hot — singer-instrumentalist Katie Toupin. It’s looking like 2013 might be a breakthrough year for the quartet. It’s fresh off some dates with Drive-By Truckers (with a few lined up with Alabama Shakes), and Rough Trade is soon to release its debut LP.
Wednesday, March 20, at the Bottleneck (737 New Hampshire, Lawrence, 785-841-5483)
