The changing leaves, the crisp autumn air, the pumpkin spice something or other… we all know it’s fall. Let’s just get straight to it; here are seven shows our team is looking forward to this month. If our selections aren’t spooky enough for you, join locals Noble Dust, Rachel Sumner and Kaiti Jones for their third annual Halloween show at Lizard Lounge!
Thursday, October 10
Wilco at the Wang Theatre– Selected by Nicole
Chicago local legends and alt-country-turned-dad-rockers Wilco are coming to Boston’s Boch Center Wang Theatre for two nights in a row this month, ahead of their upcoming studio album, Ode to Joy. Throughout their over-20-year tenure, the band has left a monumental mark on indie and folk music, crafting a truly unique, melancholic bluegrass–rock sound that seems only to flourish and grow with each new release—from 2001’s cathartic, experimental Yankee Hotel Foxtrot to 2016’s peppier Schmilco. And the band’s live performances are no exception: undeniably cathartic in an immensely moving way.
Friday, October 11
The Black Keys at TD Garden– Selected by Mario
With Let’s Rock, their first album release in over five years, the Black Keys will be back in Boston on Friday, October 11th, to showcase that signature bluesy static electricity that’s kept them at the top of the rock world for over a decade. If the prospect of getting a live version of classics like “Howlin’ for You” or “Lonely Boy” isn’t enough, joining the tour in support is Modest Mouse, arguably one of the more influential alternative rock bands of the 00s. This is certainly not a night to be missed.
Sunday, October 13
Tobi Lou at The Sinclair – Selected by Kristen
Nigerian-born, Chicago-raised artist Tobi Lou is bringing his whimsical raps to Boston. Lou began releasing music back in 2016, but it wasn’t until recently that he established a name for himself with his bouncy beats, witty verses and playful visual productions. Inspired by the work of legendary rapper/producer, Kid Cudi and Chicago’s own Kanye West, Lou’s imagination is unbounded in his music. Animated and carefree, Lou’s cleverly crafted verses and sprightly beats transport you to an alternate universe. If you’re looking for a show to sway, bop and sing along to—if you’re looking for a show that will send you off to another realm—this is the show for you.
Monday, October 14
Gallant at House of Blues – Selected by Knar
The last time Gallant came to Boston (a show that was sandwiched between a cancelled performance at Royale opening for Zhu a few years back and a scratched Too Good To Be Tour last year) his falsettos opened for John Legend. Gallant has recorded with many industry greats and up-and-comers: Seal, Sufjan Stevens, Dua Lipa, Saba, Andra Day… the list goes on. Hearing him live, you’ll understand why so many are keen to collaborate. His vocals hit Sam Smith heights, and he sometimes jumps an octave higher than the recorded songs (which are already skyscrapers in themselves). By the end of the night, headliner and R&B songstress Sabrina Claudio’s soft vocals will likely melt you away. Fingers crossed that we’ll have a chance of hear their dance-y collaboration “Compromise” in full force.
Wednesday, October 16
BJ the Chicago Kid at Great Scott – Selected by Jared
“Come on in, close the door and feel the vibe… and don’t forget to close the screen.” BJ the Chicago Kid is bringing the soul from Chicago’s South Side to Allston to promote his latest album, 1123. BJ serves up a blend of vintage and modern R&B with a laid-back hip hop sensibility. Complete with head-bouncing beats and sweet melodies, it’s “get-close” music. Born to church choir directors, Bryan James Sledge follows in a long tradition of legendary Chicago soul music dignitaries: Curtis Mayfield, Earth, Wind & Fire, Common, Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, and Chance The Rapper. Signed to Motown Records, BJ performed at Barack Obama’s 2017 farewell address and has earned multiple Grammy nominations including best R&B performance for “Turnin’ Me Up.” Be sure to come out and bring someone special to this one.
Thursday, October 17
Charli XCX at House of Blues – Selected by David
What might pop music sound like in 2099? Even at 19, Charli XCX accepted the challenge of answering that question; and for the most part, she’s succeeded. The eccentric pop savant, who has written unforgettable songs like, “I Love It” and “Fancy”, seems to exclusively produce songs that, at once, satiate and challenge. She blends the excessive sweetness of pop collective PC Music with rigid pop formulas, demonstrating a mastery of the genre’s potential and its basic elements. As a performer, she has the self-awareness to realize she’s not an average pop star. “As an artist, it kind of felt like I was getting up onstage and waving to 5-year-olds,” she said after touring with Taylor Swift. So, what does a pop music show for adults sound like? There’s only one way to find out.
Monday, October 21
Ghost at DCU Center – Selected by Alexis
If you’re looking for a gig to electrify your October and chill you to your bone, check out Grammy-winning Swedish rock band Ghost as they storm into New England (just in time for Halloween) to promote their latest string of shows, The Ultimate Tour Named Death, fresh off their European tour with Metallica. Ghost—led by the enigmatic and nightmare-version-of-Andrew-Lloyd-Webber, Tobias Forge—is known for their innovation and gothic-infused live shows. Forge adorns a black leather waistcoat and cardinal robes with a mask as he sings. A haunting backdrop of towering stained glass windows and cathedrals fall behind him as pyrotechnics spring out of the sides of the stage. The band’s cult following is nothing but enthusiastic and passionate, creating an authentic rock show atmosphere. With a setlist brimming with metal and Broadway-influenced tracks, such as hits “Rats,” “Dance Macabre” and “Square Hammer,” seeing Ghost live is not an experience you want to miss.