You're going to have to wait for your good shows this week because it seems like the week will start to heat up towards the end (although I heard that Arcade Fire played a pretty mean show last night). The first week in August will bring straight Rawknroll to your soul with some tasty licks by some of today's best players.
Thursday 8/5
Middle East Downstairs, Cambridge, MA
Local Natives
We Barbarians
Right along side Dawes and Sleigh Bells are the Local Natives when mentioning the biggest breakout acts of 2010. The Natives back sweet CSNY harmonies with hard rock twang for a live show that has been received with great acclaim. Unfortunately, this show has been sold out for quite some time now, but if you are going, enjoy. If not, they will be returning to Boston at the Paradise in the fall.
Friday 8/6
Bank of America Pavilion, Boston, MA
Gov't Mule
Jackie Greene
One of the first show I ever went to was a Gov't Mule show and my interest has never waned. Mule's axe player Warren Haynes is one of the best and most versatile guitarist out there today, not to mention one of the friendliest and most charitable people in the jamband scene. On top of that, Jackie Greene continues to draw Dylan comparisons with his songsmith ways and easygoing feel. This will be a summer classic for sure!
Friday 8/6
Comcast Center, Mansfield, MA
John Mayer
Train
Lots of people hate on both these bands. I could personally give a rat's ass about Train, especially that song that keeps playing on commercials (although tell me you don't have a soft spot for "Drops of Jupiter" and I'll eat my hat). John Mayer, however, is too solid a talent to completely give up on. Despite his crappy pop tunes and mildly racist comments, the boy can play the geet as good as anyone out there today. If you go to this show, just hope for more "Who Did You Think I Was" and less "Who Says?"
Go see some local music this week,
Perry
