A reluctant hipster to attempts to rationalize why he selects indie rock show over a dance hall reggae and Haitian music bill and why you gotta go to the cake shop later
The Junior Reid show this afternoon in the tree-lined comfort of Summerstage promises to be a lively diverse New York affair ideal for a 95 degree afternoon. Whereas yet another party in the blazing concrete slab that is McCarren Park Pool, today stuffed with the type of annoying kids that appreciate Dan Deacon (read our most recent recommendation with free mp3s) since he got swallowed by blogs and New York Times, etc. – in addition to whatever the heck kinda folks Octopus Project manage to bring out. But, I gotta come to terms with the fact that I was never too enthusiastic about Reid’s work – even in the legendary Black Uhuru. And the primary factor swaying me poolward is the mighty Erase Errata (read last year’s recommendation with free mp3s), who, despite paring down to a three-piece, very much still have it and have become utterly timeless, beyond fashion, and simply for real. Plus, a number of the schmaltziest Haitian acts are also billed in Central Park, including the barely bearable Wycliff Jean. And the McCarren Pool is a ten-minute walk from my house. OK, OK. You’ve convinced me. I guess you’ll find this hipster at McCarren Park Pool. What’s your excuse?
It would also be unfair to discuss today’s shows without mentioning the slammin’ bill from the heavier end of the indie horse costume at Cake Shop tonight. The lineup not only includes local percussive heroes Aa (Big A Little A), who’ve been at it with even more frequency than usual since the release of GAame (read our review or check out a free Aa mp3 and video) and our very own noise rock legends Vaz (read last year’s recommendation), who rarely perform of late, but also Dead Science, the only somewhat gothy contemporary band I can stomach of late – perhaps because of their much fresher and more musical approach. Last time I caught ‘em with Carla Bozulich they were pure dark fire with dozens of unexpected twists and turns. Dome Theater and Gregory Reynolds get the whole thing going.
Dan Deacon, Erase Errata, Octopus Project at McCarren Park Pool (details here)
Aa, Dead Science, Vaz, Dome Theater, Gregory Reynolds at Cake Shop (details here)
