Ladybug Transistor/ Bound Stems

Originally part of a loose Elephant 6-ish collective revolving around Marlborough Farms (which, as rustic as it sounds, is actually a Brooklyn apartment/basement studio), the Ladybug Transistor has emerged over several CDs as one of pop music's brightest lights. The band's latest album, Can't Wait Another Day, is perhaps its most sumptuous and tuneful to date; it boasts sophisticated, near-orchestral arrangements and lead singer Gary Olson's baritone croon, which evokes both Stephin Merritt and Lee Hazlewood. Despite the loss of some key members (including, sadly, the recent death of drummer San Fadyl), the Ladybug Transistor is currently touring with the likes of Starlight Mints, Papercuts and Sparklehorse. This rare local date with Bound Stems is one of the very first shows at the Bluebird, a brand-new club with an ambitious schedule.