Coolfer's Music Picks

Sorry this is a day late. I'm going to lay the blame squarely on the MTA. Why not?

The Futureheads What the heck is going on tonight? Ah yes! The Ferd is back! Kids, Franz Ferdinand is in town tonight, playing that dreaded reverb chamber known as the Roseland Ballroom. One of the better live bands you'll see this year, no doubt about it. Opening for the Ferd is the Futureheads, who sound like a split between Devo and the Jam, roughly. Problem here is that this show is extremely sold out. Don't worry, they'll be back next month. There's a consolation prize of sorts: the Ferd will DJ at Rothko later tonight at a show that will be headlined by the Futureheads. Rothko is revamped and better than ever, and the low ceiling DJ room downstairs and around the corner is gonna be rockin'.

On Friday, Rainer Maria hits the Mercury Lounge with local indie rocksters Dirty on Purpose. That'll be a good one, no doubt. If you feel like putting on your roller skates and heading over to Williamsburg (or going to Williamsburg and then strapping on the skates, take your pick) go to Office Ops to see The Natural History and Fort Ancient.

You a fan of the Secret Machines? There's a buzz building on this Brooklyn band and it's well deserved. Their Reprise album is getting great reviews and their innovative iTunes pre-release got them some attention from the media. They're playing at Rothko on Saturday with Bishop Allen and Tomorrow's Friend, Grey Does Matter and Tight Fit. OK, that's a lot of bands. The good thing about Rothko is that you can get your hand stamped and go back outside and smoke or get a slice and basically kill time, then go back in whenver you feel like it.

For you Jack Johnson fans, Monday's show at Summerstage with G. Love & Special Sauce is a must. The guy is a UCSB Guacho so you just now it's going to be a good show. Tickets are $35 and the gig starts at 6pm.

And last but not least, the Bowery hosts what is sure be a great show on Tuesday. French electronic act M83, whose celebrated album is finally out Stateside via Mute Records, will be joined by Ulrich Schnauss, whose new album (finally out Stateside on October 5th on Domino) was Coolfer's favorite album of 2003. This is the future of electronic music. Don't miss it.

Also:

- Robbie Fulks at the Mercury Lounge, tonight
- Hopewell/Blue Sparks at Sin-e, tomorrow
- Scissor Sisters at Irving Plaza, tomorrow
- Jesse Malin at the Bowery Ballroom, Saturday
- Marah at Sin-e, Saturday
- Sahara Hotnights at Southpaw, Monday
- Snow Patrol/The Zutons at Irving Plaza, Tuesday

Downloads:

- Ulrich Schnauss: "A Lie for Breakfast"
- Secret Machines: "Nowhere Again"
- Marah: "Feather Boa"
- Dirty on Purpose: "Monument"

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

September 9, 2004 12:57 PM