Milwaukee’s rockin’ psych-pop act Jaill (Sub Pop Records) will turn you on to good times at the Strutt tonight. Supporting will be Detroit garage rockers Conspiracy of Owls and local punk-n-rollers Legendary Wings. Dig one of Jaill’s music videos for an idea of what to expect (FUN).

A sick flyer by Kyle Sherman!

Tonight, post-hardcore dudes Pro Con Pro will do their ever-changing thing down at the Globe Theatre (under Shakespeare’s). Joining them will be local rock outfit Pleasant Drive and psychedelic weird-Os Jeremy Ruggles & the Mind Death Quintet. If you grew up around here, you’ll probably see a lot of kids you used to know. Triiiiippy.

There’s a $5 cover, down to $3 if you wear a costume.

Monday, October 25 is going to be a real epic night for y’all. You can finally retreat into that place in your head where the whole world is a movie and you’re the protagonist, and no one will think it’s weird. That’s because we’re having a big ol’ instrumental post-rock show featuring the bands Deadhorse (from Erie, PA) and Analecta (from South Bend, IN).  Also, way out of left field, Pittsburgh PA folk punkers Run, Forever will kick it off with some fist-shakin’ anthems.

Bands at 9 pm, $2 suggested donation. No Fun means no booze, no drugs, no jerks. If you don’t know where the No Fun House is, send us an email at ditkalamazoo@gmail.com and find out!

I STILL LIKE SKA. Tonight at the Strutt, Chicago’s Deals Gone Bad will be skanking the night away with Montreal’s the BeatDown and locals the Mushmen.

Longtime Kalamazoo troubador Glenn Willis will be taking his Bastards far far away from the ‘zoo, all the way to Oregon. If you’re the sort of person that enjoys whiskey breath, rattlin’ chains, unchecked aggression, and banjos, be sure and head to 1310 Merrill Street at 10 pm tomorrow to have your fill. Good News, Kids on Fire, Branden Mann & the Reprimand, and Timmy Held will provide support.

If “Glennerd” ain’t yer bag, Memphis alt-country rockers Lucero will cook the Strutt tomorrow, along with Empty Orchestra and the Wildfire. These guys have been working hard for years, and it has paid off. A series of successful albums, sold-out tours with big acts, and tons of rave reviews have followed. Frontman Ben Nichols even co-stars in MTV’s “$5 Cover,” a quasi-fictionalized series about the Memphis independent music scene. Should be nuts.

Listen: Husband & Wife –  Proud Flesh

Come see ’em at Ye Olde STRUTT tonight with Jes Kramer, Son Drop, and Jake Simmons & The Little Ghosts! Show is at 8, $5 door, see ya there!

Husband & Wife is a startlingly interesting indie rock band from Bloomington, Indiana. They play a blend of melodic slowcore and effervescent, intricately woven POP MUSIC. It is good. Download the Daytrotter Session or visit their website to hear more.

Jes Kramer, Son Drop, and Jake Simmons & the Little Ghosts will provide support. Show at 9, $5 doors, bring that special someone. DIT!

THIS SHOW IS GOING TO BE AMAZING. BRING YOUR FRIENDS. BRING YOUR FAMILY. EVERYONE SHOULD SEE THIS!!!

AIDS Wolf is releasing their new album ‘March To The Sea’!

D Rider features one of the members of the great U.S. Maple!

Rotten Wood Moon is playing as the ‘classic quartet’ (Sean, Alex, Benji & Josh!)

Spykes is the solo project of Wolf Eyes’ John Olson!

Only $10 for all of this great fun!!! Doors are at 8pm and Spykes kicks it off at 9pm sharp.

See you there!

On the night of Friday, October 8, 2010, we had exceptionally good weather.

We also had day two of Barking Tuna Fest as the Strutt. With a distinctly diverse bill, we started the night off with a local(ish) band called Stepdad, a 3 man group comprised of guitar, synth & keyboard, and vocals. Hailing from our sibling music scene of Grand Rapids, these dudes took the stage and the crowd took the floor. They sent people into a dancing frenzy with some wicked beats and catchy melodies.
Next up was Tree City, a four man hip-hop group from Ann Arbor. Not being a huge fan of hip-hop, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself nodding to the beat and listening intently to their lyrics. It was somewhat refreshing to hear lines that actually rhymed and didn’t use a tremendous amount of profanity. Definitely was thoroughly enjoyable for something that I don’t particularly subscribe to.

Then was Child Bite, one of my current local favorites. These Detroit natives blend together  fascinating assortment of music genres including (but not limited to) bits of indie, experimental, borderline pop at times, and straight rock. The vocalist/key/guitarist put on an exceptional performance, at one point busting out a joystick controller and making noise, and never standing completely still. All of the members were very passionate about the music they were playing, which is exhilarating to witness from the perspective of a frequent show-goer. A definite must-see if you’re into this type of music.

Lastly, and most certainly not least, was the Dan Deacon ensemble. Two words: blown away. This twelve-piece took the stage and did not give it up until about an hour and a half later after completely and entirely captivating the whole crowd. The two times that people weren’t dancing to the mesmerizing experimental dance beats was when Dan called for a gap in the middle of the crowd and announced a dance contest, and when a member of the band went to the middle of the crowd and everyone mimicked his actions. Not having heard this group before, I was extremely pleased and felt quite fortunate to have experienced such a spectacle.

All in all, this show is probably one of the top 3 I’ve attended all year. Was a great time. Hope to see you kids out there!

The Poison Control Center is rad. They sound kinda like Pavement and Superchunk mixed together. They have some pretty funny music videos online. They have an awkward name. Even Pitchfork gave these guys a good review, saying they are “clearly a band getting familiar with.”  What more do you want?

Joining the PCC will be two of our own; Kalamazoo’s own (Electric) Lincoln County War will play their signature war-torn country rock n roll, and Dylan Lancaster and his acoustic guitar will tell a few tales as well.

Show’s at 9 sharp, $2 suggested donation for touring bands. If you don’t know where the No Fun House is, send us an email at ditkalamazoo@gmail.com.

The annual Barking Tuna Festival began Thursday night at the Strutt.  The show opened with Otouto, a 3 piece from Melbourne, Austrailia.  Sisters Hazel and Martha Brown shared vocal duties, blending their sisterly-similar voices to deliver softly floating melodies and feathery harmonies.  The band offered a unique combination of baritone electric guitar and vintage sounding synthesizer, with innovative minimalist drumming holding the group together.  They are definitely worth the listen if you enjoy pop music on the mellow side.

http://www.myspace.com/hazelbrownmusic

On his farewell North American tour, Chicago’s Owen Ashworth played his final Michigan show last night as Casiotone for the Painfully Alone.  With a table full of electronic gadgets, Casiotone delivered a fantastic set of low-key electro-pop.  His heartfelt monologues were sung calmly above a layer of lo-fi synthesizers and infectious drum beats.  His departure is understandable as he has been at it for 13 years, but CFTPA will be missed.  Although this project is over, he implied that he would still be making music…so be on the lookout.

http://www.myspace.com/cftpa

Coming up from Atlanta, Gentleman Jesse and his men brought a high-energy rock ‘n roll set with them.  They had a very 60’s rock vibe, complete with rickenbackers, rock organ, and even Paul and George sharing a mic for background vocals.  Fully entertaining, danceable and musically solid, these southerners successfully brought rock history into modern context.

http://www.myspace.com/gentlemanjesse

With a three-piece horn section, organ, and a back up dancer, the Shrines introduced their fearless frontman.  As King Khan stepped onto stage, an aura of energy and soul spread from him and his feathered hat out to the 200+ in the audience.  The next hour or so was filled with dancing and general merriment, as King Khan and the Shrines put on one of the best performances to ever take place in our fair city.  With a history of playing in town, Khan performed his song, Land of the Freak:

From Atlanta, Georgia to a Castle City, too
We are due for a lot, even a little Kalamazoo

Thanks for the shout out, King.  You can come back anytime you want.

http://www.myspace.com/kingkhantheshrines