The Problem of Leisure: Denver's Essential Concert for the week of October 28 - November 3, 2010
What's better than a bag filled with fun-sized candy? Probably nothing, but this week's concerts are just as sweet as any trick-or-treater's haul. And much like candy, there's something to please every taste. From the high-energy punk of the Thermals, to the ever-evolving complexity of Sufjan Stevens, to the beachy fun of Best Coast, there will be more than enough treats to go around. Don't forget to consult Gigbot for an exhaustive listing of local and national acts who are on tap to play Metro Denver.
October 28: The Thermals
Since 2002 Thermals Hutch Harris and Kathy Foster have made a career out of breathing new life into two-chord punk. Their latest release Personal Life features the stylings of the band's newest drummer, Westin Glass. Hutch and Kathy change drummers between nearly every Thermals release, but regardless of who is behind the kit, the Thermals always deliver a tight performance that brims with angst and desire. Atlanta's Coathangers and Denver's own Pacific Pride open the show.
Bluebird Theater 3317 E. Colfax Ave Denver, CO 80218
November 2: Sufjan Stevens
Sufjan Stevens is a musical visionary who isn't afraid to take on big ideas. Alhough he (thankfully) abandoned his plans to write a concept record dedicated to every state in the union after completing only Michigan and Illinois, he never slowed the pace of his quest to forge new musical motifs. His latest release, Age of Adz, came just after he released a surpise EP, All Delighted People. On Age of Adz Stevens relinquished his banjo (and presumably also his butterfly wings) and turned his attention to manipulating electronic sounds. Though they aren't the Illinoisemakers, he's traveling with a 10-piece ensemble which is probably necessary to bring Age of Adz's dramatic and complicated layered melody and chanting choruses to life.
Paramount Theater 1621 Glenarm Place, Denver, CO 80202.
November 3: Best Coast>
Don't miss the chance to catch California trio Best Coast performing songs from their debut long player Crazy for You. Hyper-charismatic front woman Bethany Cosentino is ably backed by multi-instrumentalist Bobb Bruno and (ex-Vivian Girls) drummer Ali Koehler. Though Cosentino isn't as flashy as Lady Gaga, her claim to the mantle of indie rock "It Girl" was almost as swift as Gaga's own ascent. Cosentino writes sweet songs for the lovelorn that effortlessly find their way into the listener's long term memory. San Francisco's Sonny and the Sunsets open the show.
Bluebird Theater 3317 E. Colfax Ave Denver, CO 80218
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