The Best Shows of September 2007
One More Reason to Punt Problem Sets
As freshmen will soon discover, life at MIT can sometimes take over life away from MIT. Between classes, recitations, problem sets, research papers, clubs, sports, Greek life, and “The Office” (you know you love it), it can be hard to get off campus for much of anything. Many times, it’s unnecessary to leave to all — the dining options here are fantastic, and there are so many events going on that you’ll never be bored. But a life lived solely on Mass. Ave. could never sate the active music lover, which is why The Tech brings you upcoming concert listings for those nights when you need a fix of live music or a reason to punt your problem set.
Check back in the Arts section monthly for recommendations of the best things coming to Boston, or e-mail arts@tech.mit.edu if you know of a concert you would like to see listed.
Here are September’s concert listings. Those of special interest are noted with stars.
Tuesday, Sept. 4
Mute Math (with Eisley) *
Paradise Rock Club, 18+, $15
Frontman and keytarist Paul Meany could very well be channeling Police-era Sting, but Mute Math puts on one of the most exciting live shows around, complete with set destruction, handstands, and tight, fun, innovative music. Don’t miss this.
Wednesday, Sept. 5
Animal Collective
The Roxy, all ages, $16
The group consists of four best friends who grew up recording music together. The moniker enthusiasts will release their eighth LP a week after this show. Scope out some of their new songs before you buy in stores — and you will buy it, won’t you?
Thursday, Sept. 6
Editors
Paradise, 18+, $16.50
The Editors are British music tech grads touring in support of their second album, An End Has a Start. Their sound is likened to Interpol and fellow Europeans Franz Ferdinand.
Friday, Sept. 7
Peter Bjorn And John (with The Clientele) *
Avalon, all ages, $20
Opting out of titular commas for the sake of album printing beautification, Peter Bjorn And John put out some of 2006’s best songs with their ironically titled debut Writer’s Block. Expect whistles, harmonies, fantastic drums, and Swedish accents.
Monday, Sept. 10
Blaqk Audio
The Roxy, all ages, $25
Blaqk Audio is an electronic project from AFI members Davey Havok and Jade Puget. 80s sound.
Thursday, Sept. 13
The English Beat
Middle East (Downstairs), 18+, $20
These British second wave ska heroes off the famed 2 Tone label combine Jamaican groove with UK punk.
Friday, Sept. 14
Noisettes (with Turbo Fruits)
Middle East (Downstairs), 18+, $12
Bust out your hipster pants for this show — or did your hipster radar tell you about this concert before you read the listing? Sure to be hip.
Saturday, Sept. 15
The Receiving End of Sirens
Avalon, all ages, $15
True Bostonian hardcore act TREOS ends their national tour right at home.
Tuesday, Sept. 25
Devendra Banhart *
The Roxy, all ages, $18
You could love him for combatting the ever-irritating new term “freak folk,” or you could love him for his endless support of his contemporaries, but mostly love him for his wonderful acoustic folk songs, which he constructs with all the care of a fine artist.
Wednesday, Sept. 26
Rocky Votolato
The Middle East (Downstairs), 18+, $12
If you’re into new folk music, check out Rocky Votolato. His simple melodies and pure voice make his smooth but sad songs a real treat.
Thursday, Sept. 27
Freezepop
The Middle East (Downstairs), 18+, $12
Less talk, more rock! Bust out your Guitar Hero axe and celebrate these Steer Roast alums’ album release party featuring Ad Frank and the Fast Easy Woman as well as Provocateur.
Saturday, Sept. 29
Fujiya & Miyagi
Middle East (Downstairs), 18+, $12
NME called them “brilliant,” and Time Out lamented them as “criminally overlooked.” So be an upstanding citizen and check out this electronic rock trio as a final hoorah for the month of September.