It’s official—Noise Pop has fallen off like whoa. Sure, you could make arguments for The Mountain Goats, Magnetic Fields and Cursive, but this year’s lineup can’t hold a candle to last year’s big names like Sebadoh, Roky Erickson, Ted Leo and tons more good shows. But c’mon, Stellastarr*? How does Carson Daly’s favorite band hold up to a 60-year-old mentally ill psych rocker? Fear not, there’s a few events to note in between all the middle-of-the-pack indie artists playing this year. -By Oscar Pascual
Wed 2/27 — What We Do is Secret, 9:15 p.m. at Roxie Theatre. $10.
Since there’s no band at NoisePop even a smidgeon as aggressive and vitriolic as The Germs were, you might as well just check out the screening of What We Do is Secret, a new biopic about frontman Darby Crash, that will be followed by a Q & A with the film’s director and cast. But please don’t give yourselves cigarette burns at the Roxie. The smell of popcorn butter and searing flesh just don’t go well with each other.
Thur 2/28—Human Giant, 8 p.m. at Mezzanine. $15/$20. ... (Click 'More' to Continue Reading 'NoisePop
This will be one of your only chances to see hipsters practicing rather unorthodox activities for their kind: laughing and having fun. Not to mention Human Giant is the best thing on MTV since The State.
Fri 2/29-- Wesley Willis’ Joy Rides, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. at ATA. $8.
The ridiculous poetry and synthesizers of a schizophrenic transient are way more entertaining than the whimsical songwriting of the Mountain Goats’ John Darnielle. Plus, I’ll bet you John never had the brass ones to write a timeless lyric like “Suck a cheeta’s dick.” So go see Wesley Willis’ Joy Rides, a documentary detailing the Willis’ life and music, instead. And after the film, you get to ask Jello Biafra questions for some reason.
Sat 3/1 – MSTRKRFT, 9 p.m. at Mighty. $15/$20.
Once again, ditch John’s wisful tails of West Texas for a full-out dance party extravaganza. Being high on ketamine just isn’t as fun listening to acoustic instruments.
Sun 3/2—She & Him, 8 p.m. at Great American Music Hall. $18/$20.
Sorry, the Mountain Goats lose once again. M Ward’s indie folk aesthetic is just more believable and enjoyable. Also, Zooey Deschanel is a straight-up cutie pie.
