Disclaimer: I am a HUGE Misfits fan. Disclaimer #2: I'm an even BIGGER Danzig fan. So it should come as no surprise that tonight's Danzig show with Doyle (of the Misfits) is a pretty big deal.

For years, Glenn Danzig dismissed the possibility of a 'Fits reunion. See, Glenn and Jerry Only don't get along so well. Years of back and forth hostility over logo and publishing rights will sometimes do that to a band. A few years ago, Glenn buried the hatchet with bass player (and brother of Jerry) Doyle, hitting the road for the first time together since the early eighties. To say it was a triumph would be an understatement. Many people, myself included, had been waiting for years to hear Danzig sing Misfits songs, and when he did ,it was pretty overwhelming. Something special.

So they're back on the road together again for Danzig's 25th anniversary show. Look out for some surprises on this tour. This time around they're joined by Butcher Babies, Texas Hippie Coalition and A Pale Horse Named Death. The show iss at the only place that could fit em...Rapids Theatre (6pm, $30). If you missed them the first time around, do yourself a favor and don't miss them again. You don't want to be that person who has to listen to what an epic show it was.

Blondie is a name that brings back fond memories for me. As a child, I used to jump on my couch and dance to "Heart of Glass" and "Call Me." Long before I was acquainted with punk rock or familiar with the term "disco," when CBGB's was simply a collection of letters in my mind, Blondie's music resonated as fun, catchy and wildly danceable. That they have endured 37 years is a testament to their strength as songwriters, performers and pioneers.

As part of their No Principals Tour, Blondie is hitting the road, supporting their ninth studio album, Panic of Girls. The pop sheen of their earlier work is present, and yet Blondie continues to evolve, making them as relevant today as they were yesterday. Check out the undeniably catchy "What I Heard" from the new album for proof (listen below). Thumping beat, silk-angel-siren vocals, synth heaven, hooks for days. This is Blondie at its best.

Tonight, the Debbie Harry-led sextet will be performing at Rapids Theatre in Niagara Falls (6:30pm, $49) along with another legendary band, X. One of the first punk bands from L.A., led by the wildly enigmatic singer Exene Cervenka, X's eclectic blend of rockabilly, punk and traditional rock'n'roll made their performances in the late seventies/early eighties legendary.

Not a show to miss if your untamed hearts desire to dance. Get there early. Stay late.

Sunday night's WNY debut of UK indie firebrands Bloc Party was a long time coming and somewhat bittersweet, but also utterly worth the wait. There is something magical about the Rapids Theatre making shows up there special- that perfect fusion of ornate décor, stylish bar, and dynamic stage, along with that frisson of... excitement of being in downtown Niagara Falls. You throw in a New World Records band making an unexpected stop in our area and you've got a night to remember.

The show got off to an exceptional start thanks to a terrific set from Vancouver's Bear Mountain whose tasteful and rousing brand of 80's new wave electro pop quickly won the crowd over. Their lead vocalist and bassist is definitely Bear Mountain's secret weapon, sporting a soulfully elastic voice and swinging bass style that gives their music real hips, emotion, and arena rock scale. In fact, I would've been happy if theirs was the headlining set were if not for the fact that Bloc Party was finally here in Western New York. They came across as fully formed, with tight songs, excellent harmonies, anthemic grandeur, and competent visual accompaniment that you don't generally see from opening acts.

I'd been waiting for Bloc Party since Silent Alarm, but I'd also heard mixed reviews about them live, so I was keen and a tad anxious to see how they measured up live (and cross them off my list). From set opener "Hunting For Witches" however my anxiety turned to pure joy. Kele Okereke's voice was in excellent form, expressive and strong, Matt Tong's mighty kick drum and furious drumming delivered Bloc Party's idiosyncratic syncopation, and Gordon Moakes and Russell Lisack beautifully created the soundscapes found on their four albums, especially Silent Alarm and Weekend In The City. Ripping through a set heavy on material from Four as well as their first two albums, everything was right.

They didn't even care that they were playing to a significantly less than filled house, or if they did, they hid it well. The modest crowd was devoted to the band, and their passion came in handy, perhaps even saving the night. By the time Bloc Party ended their second encore and the evening with a searing "Eating Glass," it felt like we, both crowd and band had found a measure of righteous ecstasy (without actual ecstasy), and we were all joyfully spent.

Bloc Party's first and probably only WNY appearance felt perfect.

Tonight British indie rock heavyweights Bloc Party will be playing their first ever show in Western New York at the Rapids Theatre in Niagara Falls. Formed in 1999, this incisive band from London found widespread acclaim with their vital and insurgent 2005 debut Silent Alarm, a masterful and inspiring update of British new wave infused with scathing and passionate left wing politics. Featuring an ever evolving sound and the profoundly evocative vocals of Kele Okereke, Bloc Party consolidated their power on 2007's Weekend In The City and the underrated Intimacy from 2008 before taking a break to pursue solo projects and trigger breakup rumors until reuniting in 2011. On tour behind last year's Four, Bloc Party visits the exquisite Rapids Theatre (scene of noq legendary Strokes and Interpol shows) to give local music fans a memorable experience a long time in coming.

Naturally tickets for Bloc Party are still available and are $32 (they were cheaper in advance, at Record Theatre). Doors open at 6:30 and the show starts at 7:30 (a nice break for the working people in my book) with Vancouver BC's Blue Mountain kicking things off with their energetic, refreshing, and thoroughly alive brand of electronic jam music. See you there.

If you're a fan of dubstep, Excision needs no introduction. The pioneering Canadian DJ, also known as Jeff Abel, has been mixing it up since 2004, along with peers Datsik and Downlink, creating a unique, aggressive imprint on 2013's most divisive genre. Whether you love dubstep or hate it, there is no denying that the genre has a few standout talents, and Excision is one of them.

Tonight our favorite bass warrior will be making an appearance at Rapids Theatre in Niagara Falls along with Paper Diamond and Vaski (8pm, $30). I can guarantee you that there will be an insane amount of kids getting buck and dancing til the last bass drop. I can also guarantee you it will be LOUD ( talkin' 100,000 watts LOUD). Tonight is going to be a party, for sure. Don't say you weren't warned.

EOTO will be playing tonight in Niagara Falls at the Rapids Theatre. The psychedelic electronic duo is known for their kinetic live performances, a sonic treat which doubles as a visual feast - LED lights, a lotus flower stage, projectors,  live drums, guitar, and keys, and no back up tracks, as member Jason Hann calls it, "organized chaos."  Summer music festival energy in the middle of winter. Tickets are $25 and doors open at 8. See ya there.

I believe it was Dave Mustaine who, when asked what a "Megadeth" was years ago, responded with "It's a death that's like really mega". I'm sure he was joking (if this is even a real quote), but I think this phrase illustrates a greater truth; Megadeth is very pre-occupied with death and the darker aspects of life, the main theme(s) of their music, and that music can only be described as MEGA.

It's been twenty years since their classic album, Countdown to Extinction, was released and their still kings of the proverbial castle. Tonight, we celebrate this legacy as the band takes us back in time to play Countdown in its entirety. Megadeth was one of the very first bands I ever listened to and Countdown was the first metal album I ever heard so you can just imagine my enthusiasm. The 12 year old kid in me has been waiting years for this very moment.

Opening the show is Kyng, a blistering hard rock trio from Southern California. If your thing is heavy groove and chunky riffs, I suggest you check them out. These guys groove for miles.

The only place in Western NY that could contain this kind of energy is Rapids Theatre in Niagara Falls (7pm). Get there early to catch the opener. Tickets are still available for $45 at the door.

Last night Primus played a vibrant show at The Rapids Theater in Niagara Falls. For a Primus show it was excellent for true fans and still good for casual fans. As a hyped up 3D and Quad Surround Sound show, it was a bit of a disappointment.

True fans would have loved this show because as Claypool pointed out, they were digging into the deep tracks that night. I was surprised and very happy to hear my favorite song, "Dirty Drowning Man." This song is buried towards the end of their album Antipop and until this tour, there had never been a video on youtube of it being played live.

Claypool took several chances to address the crowd including once during "Over the Falls" to point out that this was closest they ever were to Niagara Falls while playing the appropriately titled song. During the show, Claypool noticed a pin on a hat of young kid in the front row. The pin was of the astronauts on stage at Primus shows. Claypool complimented the pin and let the young man pick what song they would play as an encore. Much to Claypool's delight in sticking to the theme of deep tracks, he chose "The Toys go Winding Down."

But the night wasn't all about rare songs. They played a few staple songs such as "Southbound Pachyderm" and to end the show they played their biggest hit "Wynona's Big Brown Beaver."

All the band members had solid performances. During the first song Jay Lane had a great drum solo and scattered throughout the night, Larry LaLonde switched things up and played bluesy guitar solos. Of course Claypool was great interacting with the crowd and slapping his bass.

But as I said in the intro, as a 3D show it was a disappointment. The best 3D effects of the night came in the first song and after that, they seemed to merely be there to justify this being a 3D show. The videos used on the screen behind the band were the same used in their last tour except now there were some 3D images such as bubbles and stars put over them. The images hardly seemed to come out at you and were simply a gimmick. The Quad Surround System was a plus though and did provide a clearer all around sound.
Their were no openers for this show and the "special guests" must have been Primus themselves as they played two sets with Popeye cartoons during intermission. 

Overall it was a great show that should have satisfied any Primus fan.
 

I've had a difficult time trying to do a proper Morrissey review. The man always delivers, always sets the audience on fire, and always play's tracks that so lovingly and affectionately pull at my heart strings. I knew I was going to have a great time and I did. So I guess the thing here is to be objective and tell you what actually happened Friday night.

We arrived to a packed audience somewhere around 7pm. Struggling to find a good place to stand, we finally planted ourselves firmly against the bar and used a proper "lean" technique to gain as much visibility as possible.

First up was Kristeen Young, a vibrant musician who I think we'll be hearing more about in the near future. I continue to describe her sound as operatic, dissonant pop music, as that's really the only descriptor I can think of that captures what she does. Unfortunately, it is still weak. Simply put, she is an artist, and an original one at that. Her live performance was compelling for a number of reasons. She played a completely solo set, devoid of the trappings of band mates  which in most cases would be a detriment. In her case, it worked in spades. She was the focus and her primal energy seemed to surge throughout the building. Judging by the crowd reaction, I'd say the reviews were mixed, but aren't they always when your faced with something bold and new?

Morrissey. There is nothing elaborate about his stage show. However, his mere presence is enough to captivate audiences for hours. Is it the rush of the sweeping chorus in "I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris?"  Perhaps the chainsaw gutting through the bridge in "Speedway" (a song I did not expect to be played and which I was overjoyed to hear)? The fascination with his ultra-pro-animals view (During "Meat is Murder" graphic films depicted the slaughtering of animals)? It's all of those things and more. I think Morrissey has become more than his music, his image, and even his own icon. He exists in a world where he is THE sole artist. The person you're not afraid to stand behind or even worship. He is the man. Plus I will dare anyone to argue that "Everyday is like Sunday" is NOT one of the greatest pop songs ever written.

Of course he encored with "How Soon is Now". It was the Smiths biggest song (and I still say one of their best despite what you B-siders think). There's a million more things I could say about a Morrissey show but I won't. It's one of those things you just have to experience. All in all a splendid night.

Morrissey needs no introduction. He is a cult icon in our little musical world; a poet, artist and visionary wrapped all in one. He is indie's darling, a spit on mainstream's collective shoe, and arguably the greatest pop artist to ever live.

I guess that is an introduction.

It's no surprise that Morrissey's show tonight at Rapids Theatre sold out almost immediately. He'll sell out whatever venue is put in front of him. Many will go solely on the basis of hearing one or two Smiths songs, others will celebrate his whole body of work, while other's will go just to catch a glimpse of the man...and possibly touch him, as crazy Morrissey fans are wont to do.

Opening the show is one of the more intriguing artists to come out recently. Kristeen Young's sound is hard to describe. Influenced by electronic soundscapes, pop music, and soaring-Bjork influenced melodic lines (operatic at times), Kristeen is an original, and in this day and age that counts for something.

Hopefully you got your tickets already. If not, you missed the boat. Sucks to be you.

While Madness and The Specials got more hype, The English Beat were one of the best ska groups of their time. With killer singles like "Mirror In the Bathroom" and "Too Nice To Talk To," they would reach the tops UK charts many times. They were more underground in the U.S., but they didn't manage to score a key hit with 1982's "Save It For Later." Tonight, the band heads to Rapids Theater in Niagara Falls. While only front man Dave Wakeling remains from original lineup, the band is as solid as ever, and should have the crowd dancing up a storm.  Tickets for tonight's show are $25 at the door.  Music begins at 7:30pm.

As I sit here listening to Neil Young, I am thinking two things:  1. Goddamn, Harvest is a great record and 2. I can't believe how serious this music is. I mean, if you aren't moved by Neil Young, there's seriously something wrong with you. This is pull-at-your-heartstrings music. These are songs about life, love, farms(?). But I don't feel like laughing. Which isn't to say that Neil is an unfunny man. I'm sure he has a sense of humor...probably sarcastic and ironic and I'm sure some of his lyrics throw inside joke jabs at the industry and "the man". Nevertheless, I am not smiling...and every now and then I need to smile.

Steel Panther makes me smile much in the way that old John Candy films make me smile. Goofy, harmless fun. The soundtrack to Caddyshack, or whazzuuuuuuuuuuuuup jokes in the nineties. It's the kind of humor serious people think is stupid and hipsters can't appreciate. It is pogs. It is Geico commercials. It is Kurt Russell in Big Trouble Little China.

If you haven't heard Steel Panther, all you need to know can be heard in the track below, "Death to All but Metal." Fashioned after 80's glam rockers and appealing to all the over-the-top theatrics of that era, Steel Panther exercise their right to rock with insult humor, profanity and lots of it. Frankly put, it's balls to the wall fun.

Tonight, the Panthers will be visiting WNY via Niagara Falls venue, Rapids Theatre (7:30pm). Also on the bill are Syracuse's Brand New Sin, a great hard rock band on Century Media, as well as the Jim Crean Band. It's Wednesday...mid-week. Your life needs some humor. Get some.

Buffalo's solid run of shows continues tonight when Mayer Hawthorne brings his classic neo soul stylings back to WNY for a Sunday night show at the Town Ballroom. I'll admit initially being more than a tad ambivalent about the early word on Hawthorne ("Justin Timberlake thinks he's the bee's knees" or something to that effect is not an endorsement I'm taking to the bank), but shut my mouth, the Ann Arbor native made a splash locally with his sweet 70's soul jams when he opened for Passion Pit at the Rapids/Dome Theater a few years back, and for lovers of classic soul music that's honestly and respectfully made, this headlining show tonight won't disappoint. Doors open at 7 PM, tickets are $20, and tickets are still available.

Morrissey will be performing at the Rapids Theatre  in Niagara Falls on October 19. Having recently announced that he will most likely retire in two years, now might be one of your last chances to see him in concert.

No information on purchasing tickets is currently available.