Central Track Contributor
See Why Everything Is Purple in A$AP Rocky's World.
Halloween is over. About time, right? When it happens in the middle of the week like that, the parties just stretch on.
Now that that's over with, you'll have to come up with some other excuse to dress like a total weirdo. And while the parties might not be going on as strong as they were last weekend, this weekend more than makes up for it with a ridiculous amount of concerts.
Seriously, I contracted carpal tunnel just by looking at all of the things going on. You can credit Austin's Fun Fun Fun Fest for the influx, so be sure to check the list of acts playing both Dallas and Austin here.)
What can you expect? Well, Friday night has A$AP Rocky, WHY? and STRFKR — and just for a start. On Saturday, you can check out Titus Andronicus, Deerhoof or Ssion. Sunday isn't a slacker either, with King Tuff, Blitzen Trapper, Jackson Browne and the Psychedelic Furs.
Friday
A$AP Rocky, Schoolboy Q, and Danny Brown at House of Blues
With his critically acclaimed mixtape LiveLoveA$AP and his appearance in Lana Del Rey's nostalgic “National Anthem” video, A$AP Rocky has rocketed up in the public consciousness in a very short span of time. With Schoolboy Q and Danny Brown opening for him (even though Danny Brown swore he would never return to Dallas), this is definitely the show to see tonight.
STRFKR at Trees
Although they've been coasting off of the re-release of 2009's Jupiter, STRFKR can get away with it because it's such a fantastic album. The Portland band's been touring a lot recently, so there's no excuse not to see them at least once.
WHY? At Sons of Hermann Hall
WHY?'s latest album, Mumps, Etc., continues the WHY? tradition of mixing hip-hop with a variety of other genres. Yoni Wolf's songwriting is spectacular, and the eclectic album is better heard than described. Luckily, you can do that tonight.
Larry g(EE) at Sundown
It's looking like Sundown is an up-and-coming spot to see local acts. Tonight, it's the always awesome Larry g(EE). OH, AND IT'S FREE.
Kreayshawn and Rye Rye at Palladium Ballroom
Is Kreayshawn still a thing? Apparently, as the “Gucci Gucci” rapper is playing the Palladium tonight.
The Helio Sequence and Ramona Falls at Dan's Silverleaf
The incredibly awesome Sub Pop signed duo The Helio Sequence rolls through Denton tonight. On a slower weekend, this could easily be the best show in the region.
Saturday
Minus the Bear at House of Blues
Everyone's favorite bear-less band is back! Bring your own bear, since this math rock and electronic hybrid band definitely won't have one.
X at Granada Theater
Remember how punk the '70s and '80s were? One of the most influential Los Angeles punk bands of that time were so punk that they could only be described with a single letter.
Deerhoof and Liam Finn at Prophet Bar
Delightfully weird and always eccentric, Deerhoof is often cited as a critical influence for contemporary experimental bands. Love it or hate it, vocalist Satomi Matsuzaki's deadpan baby singing voice is definitely memorable.
Ssion and Class Actress at Dada
Ssion's Cody Critcheloe has long been known for his work on music videos for the likes of CSS and Peaches, but his own band is widely known for their extravagant live shows. Their recent release, Bent, is sassy enough to provide more fodder for the stage.
Titus Andronicus at Tapatio Studio
Titus Andronicus's latest album, Local Business,, unfortunately didn't follow in the footsteps of The Monitor in continuing the war-themed album concept. Just think: We could have had an entire Titus Andronicus album about the Seven Years War! Or the French Revolution! Missed opportunity, in my opinion.
Sedated, Stoogephilia, and the Gorehounds at Lola's
Not only is it a night of punk rock cover bands, but it's also a masquerade ball. Guests will get to pick up a mask at the door, which they will presumably use to try to trick people into thinking that they are someone else. Someone mysterious!
Deep Ellum Outdoor Market at Good Records
Everyone's favorite market is back! Oddly, it's not in Deep Ellum this time around, but name-changes are so confusing. Also, indoor markets are for total chumps.
Slideluck Dallas at Power Station
It's hit in a lot of major cities, and now it's finally Dallas' turn to experience Slideluck. Artwork from 20 local artists will be shown while guests dine on potluck. If you bring a dish, you're in free. If you come empty-handed, you are out two fins (that's $10 for those of you who haven't seen Clueless).
AIA Dallas Tour of Homes
If you're into architecture, put this event in your day planner because you probably have one that you frequently use.
Skeleton Coast CD Release at Live Oak
Skeleton Coast are finally releasing their new album, and this'll be your first chance to hear it, presumably. And party. But mostly party.
Against Me! at the Prophet Bar (Big Room)
This is the second time Florida punk outfit Against Me! has played Dallas since frontman Tom Gabel became frontwoman Laura Jane Grace. She how much she still brings it (whatever “it” may be) at this show.
Sharon Van Etten, Damien Jurado and Yellow Ostrich at Trees
This stacked bill of indie folkers is as good a case for sticking around Dallas and skipping Fun Fun Fun Fest as there is.
Sunday
King Tuff and Natural Child at Dada
King Tuff is most certainly a character, using his quirky/creepy persona as an additive to his brand of rhythmic garage rock. Natural Child, a band of players who take their name literally and refuse to trim their hair, will be opening.
Meat Fight at Sons of Hermann Hall
A dozen Dallas chefs will compete to see who has the best barbecue. Where I come from, though, meat fighting means something totally different.
Jackson Browne at Verizon
The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and prolific songwriter has definitely earned his spot in history, so the least you could do is buy a ticket and see him. It'd be rude of you not to.
Psychedelic Furs at Granada
Is it just me or is new wave making a comeback? I guess what I really mean by “new wave making a comeback,” is “new wave bands coming back to Dallas all the time.” Ain't a thing in my opinion, though. New wave is mad cool.
Delta Spirit at House of Blues
Even though they've been around for a while, it was pleasingly surprising to find that Delta Spirit's recent self-titled is selling so well. You guys! They've made it!
Blitzen Trapper at Dan's Silverleaf
Blitzen Trapper is probably one of the most successful alt-country bands of the past few years, and that makes sense. Frontman Eric Earley was making music at the age where most kids are destroying train sets.
North Texas Printmakers Guild Show
If you are a printmaker or a printmaker groupie (I know there has to be a printmaker groupie out there somewhere), you should check out the first ever North Texas Printmakers show.
First Annual Latino Arts Festival
Hey, it's a day for “firsts!” This festival will have art, spoken word performances and live music, all of the Latino persuasion.
