X-Clan | B.B. King’s

It’s fun to watch an artist who has been forgotten or written off take the stage and knock you up side the head with their skills. I’m not trying to imply that X-Clan are completely off the radar, but it’s been a long time since Xodus. Furthermore, the death of Professor X has acted as an unofficial close to the X-Clan legacy, at least in my mind.  With all of these factors swirling around I wasn’t expecting much from a reconstituted X-Clan. In fact I had zero expectations, which in hindsight created a perfect storm for me to get smacked up side the head. X-Clan impressed to the point where I’m contemplating whether I should pick up their new album.  Now I’m not saying I’m going to buy the album (or DL it). I probably wont, but they made me consider and that’s what counts. At the very least you can download the lead single off their new album, Return From Mecca.

DOWNLOAD
MP3 X-Clan – Weapon X
Buy X-Clans new album here.

View more pictures from this gig.

This work has been reposted with kind permission given from Angry Citizen.

Pigeon John @ Knitting Factory

It’s inevitable that a hip-hop artist considered underground or alternative will be tapped as an opener for an established “old-school” artist. At first blush this tactic seems like a good idea. The golden age of hip-hop represents the “real hip-hop” and underground or alternative hip-hop artists are coming from that same mindset. Sounds good, but in practice it never works out quite right.

Skull Snaps @ Knitting Factory

 ”Now if you check my pulse it beats Skull Snaps.” — Beastie Boys, “Unite”

  Last month, after Pigeon John graced the stage (more on his performance in a few days, seriously) and before Slick Rick blessed the crowd, everyone in attendance was treated to the funk stylings of the Skull Snaps. Unless your funk catalog runs deep or you’re obsessively digging in the crates, you’ve probably never heard of the Skull Snaps. My funk catalog runs shallow and the last time I checked, my crate digging days were over.

Silversun Pickups | Tokyo Police Club @ Irving Plaza

Two bands, both derivative, one annoying and the other (somewhat) catchy. 

Tokyo Police Club are a post-punk outfit from Canada (go figure) that play exuberant and poppy punk music. If you’re searching for an innovative sound or something off the beaten track you wont find it here. What TPC lack in innovation they make up for in catchy hook laden songs. Performing on the same bill with Steve Malkmus was an unfortunate occurrence for the young lads.