When one goes to a U2 show you are invariably treated to a sermon (or two) from Bono about people of great importance, usually in far away lands, like Mandela or Aung San Suu Kyi. The last time U2 played Buffalo in 2005 the audience at the HSBC Arena however was treated to a loving and beautiful tribute from Bono to WNY's own Bruce and Mary Moser. It was almost surreal, seeing and hearing the frontman for one of the biggest bands EVER paying heartfelt homage to local folks from our music community from the stage, but if anybody deserved it, it's the Mosers. Their contributions to Buffalo's music community is incalculable, and it's safe to say that the burgeoning scene we're enjoying today has been built on the foundations they've laid by folks following in their footsteps, which is why the benefit being held for Mary Moser tonight at the Town Ballroom is so important. 

Mary has been in a coma since an accident last July, and with medical bills piling up on the family, Buffalo's music community is coming together to do their part, with the help of Canadian legend and mensch Gord Downie. Kingston Ontario's Tragically Hip were one of the bands that broke in Buffalo thanks in part to the efforts of the Mosers, and when you consider the intense popularity the Hip have in this region today, it's no surprise that Gord is in town tonight at the Town Ballroom with a raft of local bands to raise a lot of money for a friend dear to their hearts and pillar of Buffalo's music scene. You too can do your part and see said raft of bands, for the reasonable price of $20 that includes free food and beer. There will be a cash bar, a 50/50 raffle, Chinese and Silent auctions, and door prizes. To read more about Mary and the benefit, check out what Jeff Miers and Cory Perla wrote for their respective publications and the benefit's website. See you there.

Yesterday, proving its never too early to start thinking about summer, Town Ballroom announced that London band Bombay Bicycle Club will be making a stop at the Main St. venue on Saturday, August 2nd. If you are unfamiliar with the act, think of them as a UK version of Vampire Weekend and go from there. Tickets go on sale this Friday, April 4th, at noon for $20 in advance, $22 day of.

While the most buzzed-about event in our fair city this weekend was undoubtedly the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament games taking place at First Niagara Center, it's unlikely that anyone had a better time than the folks who were at the Town Ballroom on Saturday night, where indie-pop phenomenon MS MR performed an excellent set, along with sport from Gang of Youths, a talented, anthemic rock band from Nashville. MS MR - the New York-based duo of Liz Plapinger and Max Hershenow, who met while attending Vassar College - scored a major alt-rock radio hit with "Hurricane" and appear to be poised for big things in the near future. Saturday's excellent show certainly gave the indication that they are headed in the right direction.

While the performances from both acts were top notch, the people in the audience deserve some credit for the evening. The crowd was thoroughly into it throughout the night, cheering heavily for both acts. When technical problems became an issue in Gang of Youths otherwise excellent set (note to the crew at Town Ballroom: why did you turn the Syracuse-Dayton game on before they were done playing?), the crowd not only wasn't bothered by it, they actively encouraged the group to soldier on through it and continue. What followed were their two best songs of the night, and while their set wasn't as long as some of us might have liked, there's a good chance of lot of folks who only showed up for the headliner made a point of googling Gang of Youths after the show was over - they made a very positive impression on everyone.

After a relatively short break, MS MR took the stage, and immediately had the crowd hooked. It seemed that a good amount of the audience was already quite familiar with the numbers from Secondhand Rapture. When they went into "BTSK," an audience member could audibly be heard calling it her "favorite song ever." The band frequently made note of the contrast in styles between various songs on the album. When they went into the electric "Fantasy," Plapinger referred to it as the "dance party portion" of the concert, and the crowd helped to confirm this by creating quite a ruckus on the floor. When Plapimger introduced the better kiss off "Think of You," which appears to be the next single, she described it as being a sort of therapy session for both the band and the audience. Sure enough, as the crowd sang along to the swear-filled chorus, it was the most cathartic moment of the evening.

Since the duo has just one album to their name, there was a limited number of selections to choose from, so they naturally dipped into the cover vault. The two non-original songs of MS MR's set were excellent renditions of Arctic Monkeys' revelatory single "Do I Wanna Know?," as well as a stunning cover of LCD Soundsystem's "Dance Yrself Clean." While the former did fine job of capturing Alex Turner's potent mix of anguish and lust, the second cover was the highlight of the night. James Murphy's lyrics were granted additional power by Plapinger's evocative delivery. Murphy disbanded LCD Soundsystem before I had the privilege to see them in concert, but MS MR's brilliant rendition of one of their best songs was a nice consolation prize.

MS MR are quite clearly on the verge of hugeness. "Hurricane" has already become an alternative radio staple, and "Think of You" is catchy enough that it could not only join it, but launch them into Top 40 territory, as well. As MS MR prepare to become a household name, Saturday's show made it abundantly clear that they are more than ready for it. Despite only existing for three years, they played with the confidence and precision of a far more experienced band, and served notice to the music world that they are going to be a force for years to come.

380 days ago, Badfish came to a well-attended Town Ballroom and, mainly because of their firecracker of a trombone player, put on a tremendous performance. As tempted as I might be, and despite the fact that I am writing about a cover band, I am not going to copy and paste my preview from last year and attempt to get away with it. Although I guess it would be pretty funny if I tried to "cover" last year's preview, I am making the decision not to less because of journalistic integrity and more because of my desire to talk more about the trombone player. He was infectious. He led the charge. I've never seen a horn player take over a show like that.

I guess that's what a great cover band needs. Any group of assholes can cover a Sublime song, but not many can make a living doing it. Badfish isn't successful by accident; they play Sublime almost to the note, but afterwards, you still feel like you just saw a Badfish show. Last year, we were literally looking around people's heads to get a better view of the dude playing the trombone. He was half horn player, half hype man. It was unbelievable. I hope he's back this year.

Tickets are still available for $19. Tropidelic takes the stage just before Badfish. Doors open at 7pm.

If I had to describe White Lies in just a few words, I think I'd use the terms "city indie" (registered trademark). Downtrodden, dark, indie music that feels like its place is the bowels of the late-seventies bowery, even though their from the UK, this is music not for the faint of heart. Comparisons to Interpol and Joy Division make sense because the band's songs are both danceable and fun whilst still maintaining depraved, sinister overtones. If you like to dance, like good pop music, and like to think about that pop music, White Lies may be your thing.

Tonight, they play at Town Ballroom with local support from Made Violent. Tickets are still available for $23. 

Olle Corneer and Stefan Engblom are the Swedish DJ duo that make up Dada Life. Dada Life has released chart-climbing productions, performed for thousands, with high energy and a sense of humor. They are known for their signature champagne sipping and the banana display on their decks. There are "rules of Dada" to follow while in Dada Land: "Don't look back in the past. Always go forward. And whatever you do: don't trust us."

Alvin Risk, an OWSLA original producer, has had releases on record labels such as Ministry of Sound and Dim Mak. He has also been featured on BBC Radio One.



Tonight, Factory Nightlife presents Dada Life at Town Ballroom. After Dark Entertainment was originally presenting Alvin Risk at the Waiting Room tonight as well, but the shows have combined for some Valentine's Day madness. Be ready for a pillow fight.

Opening the night will be local DJs Brother Bear and Medison. XOXO Happy Valentine's Day.

No band in punk rock has carved out quite a unique niche as AFI. From their early roots as a prototypical 90's California punk band, to the Misfits-worshipping, devil-lock wearing, pioneers of pop-punk dark rock, to their more recent dabblings in electronic music, hardcore and goth, AFI's trajectory has always been upwards and onwards; a pretty interesting journey in a genre not known for experimentation or thinking "outside" of the box. They've lost alot of fans over the years, but they've gained nearly as many. Depending on who you talk to, the Very Proud of Ya era is the best...or Black Sails in the Sunset (My personal fave...listen to the whole album below), or DecemberUnderground...and that's the way it should be. When fans argue vehemently over a bands discography, with such fervor, it's usually a sign that that band is important.

It's been years since AFI made their way around these parts (which is ironic because they used to play hear every year for Warped Tour). Tonight, we have the privilege and honor of seeing them one more time. As a longtime fan, and somebody who's seen them multiple times, my advice is to not overthink this and just go. They are one of the most energetic bands I've ever seen live and truly put all of their passion into their performances. Town Ballroom at 7 ($32). Also on the bill is YOUTH CODE and Coming.

British Columbia dubstep producer Troy Beetles has been recording under the name Datsik since 2009 when he released his debut EP, Against The Machines on Substruk records. After seeing fellow producer Excision at the Shambhala music festival in 2008, Beetles was inspired to create his own tracks, eventually collaborating and releasing several remixes together in the following year. Last September saw the release his second full length record, Let it Burn, on his imprint Firepower records.

Tonight Datsik returns to the Town Ballroom after last playing the venue in April 2013 with support from Atlanta trap producer HeRobust, whose hip-hop infused bass tracks are a maximalist combination of numerous influences throughout club music. Also on the bill is GETTER, a young artist and San Jose native signed to Beetles' Firepower label whose 2013 single "I Want More" found its' way to the top of the Beatport chart. Doors open at 8pm, tickets are $24 presale and can be purchased at the door for $29.

Local psychedelic funk fans and art lovers will be coming together again for the semi annual ritual that is the welcome return of Athens, GA's of Montreal to the Town Ballroom on May 13th. Kevin Barnes and company have treated us to some fantastic shows over the years; some full on multi-media art freakouts, others stripped down and direct, but always they are weird, beautiful, and a total dance party. Ticket prices and the on sale date are not available yet but definitely circle that day. 

Clutch has carved out an impressive niche in the underground metal scene. The Maryland riff-masters have been at it since 1990, releasing ten studio albums and gaining legions of fans along the way with their groove-inspired, southern madness Sabbath attack. Calling them a simple southern rock band would not do them justice though. They have incorporated blues, funk, metal, folk and punk to create a sound that's truly their own. In the metal world there's a lot of copycats but only one Clutch.

Tonight they will be playing Town Ballroom with Austin stoner Gods, the Sword and Crobot, two bands that have also found their place in the pantheon of great new-era metal. Age of Winters and Pure Rock Fury? Yes, please.

Against Me! have been riding the punk rock airwaves since forming in 1997, releasing seminal albums such as New Wave and White Crosses all along the way. It wasn't until 2012 though that the mainstream started to take notice, and it wasn't entirely because of their music. Laura Jane Grace, formerly known as Tom Gabel, came out last year as a transgendered individual, catching the music world by storm. Whatever your opinions are on this subject, it was undeniable that Against Me! were recieving more attention than ever before; some of it good, some of it bad. Unfortunately, the details of Laura's personal life have, at times, overshadowed the band, which is a shame because they are darn good. Their brand of hard-hitting, anthem-centric punk rock has resonated for years on the underground circuit.

Fans of the band will be excited to know that Against Me! are playing tonight at Town Ballroom with the Sidekicks and the Shondes (7pm, $19), although I'm sure they already knew this. They're a rabid lot. Should be a great show...and you may even hear some new tunes from their forthcoming Transgender Dysphoria Blues.

Spring is quickly beginning to fill up here in Buffalo as another solid show was announced yesterday. On Saturday, March 22nd, Town Ballroom will host NYC electro pop duo MS MR. Led by Lizzy Plapinger's wistful yet hypnotic vocals, the self-reflective dream pop outfit's sound is a throw back to the heyday of 90s radio ballads. Fans of Bat for Lashes and Florence & the Machine should check this show out. Tickets will go on sale this Friday, Dec 13th, at noon for $18 in advance/$20 day of.

After releasing their seemingly long awaited follow up to 2011's Zonoscope in Free Your Mind, an album our writer Mike Torsell rather liked, Cut Copy will make their return to Buffalo's Town Ballroom on Tuesday, March 25th. Free Your Mind found the Australian four piece ditching some of their pop sounds for more steady, Madchester influenced groove. Tickets go on sale this Friday, Dec 13, for $22 in advance/$26 day of. In the mean time, check out the music video to Free Your Mind's title track below.

Destroid (Excision, Downlink and KJ Sawka) were scheduled to perform at Rochester's Main Street Armory this Thursday, Dec. 5, until it was mysteriously cancelled. Apparently, the artists weren't informed about the reasoning. Mike Marshall, of MNM Presents, took the reins and the event has now been moved to Buffalo's very own Town Ballroom.

The artists voiced their irritation via the realm.

The promoters in Rochester have cancelled Thursday's show. No one knows why or why they didn't bother to tell us. This is complete BS
— Excision (@Excision) December 4, 2013

We'll all be flying to there along with our 10 person crew.Full Sound and Lighting rig will be there. Hopefully we can figure something out.
— Excision (@Excision) December 4, 2013

Thanks to Marshall, their resilience did not go unappreciated, and fans now may only have to take a quick Metro ride or cab downtown for the show. Rochester folks will have to make the trip.

All tickets (which were $35 online) for the Rochester event will be refunded. Flavorus Fan Club tickets will be refunded the difference and can be used at the show. Tickets purchased through other means (ie. the box office) will be refunded at some point, but a new ticket must be purchased for the Ballroom event; cover is now $20.

 

It's a sad truth; the legends and innovators of hip hop are dying off or fading into obscurity. Whether it be literal death (Tupac, Biggie, Jam Master J), metaphorical death (Ultramagnetic MC's... although Keith is still killin' it) or a simple disappearing act (Big Daddy Kane), many of these artists have faded from the public eye, and it's a shame. These are the people who broke the mold and challenged what rap music could be. They ARE hip-hop.

And then there is Rakim. Ever present and always respected, Rakim has soldiered on, carving out a place for himself as one of the most gifted emcee's in history, albeit under the radar. He may not be the most recognizable face to the uninformed but those in the know KNOW. True hip hop fans KNOW Rakim.

Tonight, Rakim will be making a special appearance at Town Ballroom (doors at 8), along with Buffalo's own DJ Cutler and another guest. This show is WELL worth your $30. Hell, you'd probably pay that instantly to see someone corny like Drake, and he doesn't carry a tenth of the presence that Rakim carries. So yea, go to this show. Respect the legends and respect hip-hop.