This week we bring you sweaty garage rock, theatrical jams and plenty of kitsch (Pizza Underground anybody?). Although there's plenty of shows out there with a party vibe, heady acts like Mincemeat or Tenspeed come through to provide focused experiments in sound. If you're a music nerd or just looking for a mid-week break, we've got you covered for the next 7 days.
Har Mar Superstar w/ The Pizza Underground Monday, November 3 The Firebird 8:30 p.m. | $12.50-$15 By Joseph Hess When Lou Reed passed away, child star Macaulay Culkin made headlines. You see, the Home Alone star fronts a kitschy pizza-themed tribute to the Velvet Underground. The band doesn't reinvent the wheel, nor do they do an especially good job covering VU, but the show should be worth checking for fans of gimmicks and goofy rock n' roll. Har Mar Superstar is set to headline the show with an oversexed, sweaty mass of R&B. There's an obvious respect to the genre here, but band leader Sean Tillman propels the songs with high energy. For more about this show, check out this comic by St. Louis artist Curtis Tinsley.
Anberlin Tuesday, November 4 The Ready Room 8 p.m. | $25 Check out this show preview from the Riverfront Times archives: As always, the quartet sounds like what would happen if MxPx and the Starting Line had a baby, with a bit of pop that's heavy on rock & roll harmony. But Anberlin promises to stay the course with its high-energy melodic performances: You'll probably end up singing along halfway through each song, or at least screaming along when the boys call for crowd response.
Primus and the Chocolate Factory Wednesday, November 5 Peabody Opera House 8 p.m. | $32-$52 By Joseph Hess Les Claypool's latest endeavor is his own childhood dream come true. He cites Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory as a major inspiration - so his warped musical take on the beloved 1971 film is deeply personal. Arguably the best Primus line-up is back on this tour with Larry LaLonde and Tim Alexander in tow.
Mincemeat or Tenspeed w/ Unguent, Spiritual Recess, DJ Eli Keszler, DJ Rashad Becker, DJ Ghost Ice Thursday, November 6 Schlafly Tap Room 9 p.m. | Free By Joseph Hess Davey Harms, the brains behind Mincemeat or Tenspeed, recently steered his project into a cleaner, more refined sound. Known for building beats by looping noise, MoT has evolved by making controlled songs through a distinct use of synthesizer. This line-up is a no-brainer for fans of outsider dance music with 3 special guest DJs and two more featured performers: Unguent and Spiritual Recess.
Read on for shows on Friday through Sunday.
