November may already be halfway over, but we wanted to take a moment to highlight a few shows you can sandwich your Thanksgiving festivities with. Unlike the in-laws you may be wishing weren’t returning to town next week, Australia’s Alex Lahey and mandolinist Chris Thile (of Nickel Creek and The Punch Brothers) will both back in Boston. Check out our team’s picks for the second half of November:
Monday, November 13, 2017
Circuit des Yeux at Great Scott -Selected by Charley
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
Alex Lahey at Great Scott -Selected by Haley
2017 has treated Alex Lahey very well. On top of performing at SXSW and festivals with the likes of Cyndi Lauper and Blondie, the Australian singer-songwriter’s debut LP just received rave reviews from Rolling Stone, The New York Times, and Pitchfork. Oh, and this past weekend, she announced that she’ll be performing on Late Night With Seth Meyers. Produced by her independent label, Nicky Boy Records, I Love You Like A Brother features charismatic lyrics that speak candidly about the vulnerable, sometimes uncomfortable, experiences in early adulthood.
Lahey’s relaxed yet engaging vocals, upbeat, rhythmic melodies, and memorable guitar riffs present this material with delightful and unapologetic frankness. Her music diverges from other artists preaching relatable millennial angst that has you weeping in your room wondering where the simple times went. Instead, you’ll be up and grooving, thinking “Yeah, I’m $30k in debt, had one too many beers this week, and have a career path that changes more than the weather in Boston, but I guess this is what being alive feels like!”
Alex Lahey finished her first US tour in the spring at Great Scott. On Wednesday night, she’ll be gracing us again with her effortlessly cool presence at the first US show on her “I Love You Like A Bother Tour.” Who better to welcome her back to the states than a wonderfully disillusioned and grungy Allston crowd? I know I’ll be spending hump day attending (and reviewing) this show – see you there!
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
Chris Thile at the Sanders Theatre, -Selected by Meaghan
If you’re into folk music of any flavor, Chris Thile is required viewing. He is simply the most talented mandolin player I’ve ever seen, and he’s a velvet-throated singer to boot. The guy oozes musical talent; he’s a MacArthur Genius grant fellow, for crying out loud. Thile has also played with everyone.
It’s well known that Bob Boilen makes a point not to have acts at the Tiny Desk more than once; Chris Thile has managed to play the Tiny Desk at least four times, all with different acts. Along with Sara and Sean Watkins, he first made his name as part of the folk and bluegrass band Nickel Creek, and later became the front man of the Punch Brothers. Thile oscillates between folk and classical music and has played with the likes of Yo Yo Ma. If none of this has convinced you to check him out, Thile’s performance style is incredibly entertaining. While he makes sweet, sweet music, he also makes some very funny faces.
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Jacob Banks at The Sinclair-Selected by Knar
While the driving rhythms of electronic-infused soul of Jacob Banks are sure to bring you back to life after Thanksgiving feast food coma, the real reason why you shouldn’t miss the British-Nigerian artist is his deep, hearty vocals. Some tracks, like “Photograph” have more of the sad pop flavor of Sam Smith (fitting, considering he has supported Smith on tour in the past, alongside other big names like big soul-pop artists Alicia Keys and Emeli Sandé) but “Mercy” and “Chainsmoking” carry a sort of cinematic feeling of grandness that will fill the Sinclair.