By Niki D’Andrea
One sign of summer coming to the Valley (besides the ungodly, ever-present heat, of course) is the announcement of a wide variety of concerts. This week, a slew of shows spanning several genres were announced. Whatever your musical tastes, the city’s got your ticket.
Annuals Wednesday, June 4, 8 p.m. Modified Arts $10 (www.modified.org)
This North Carolina sextet has been peddling wisftul, experimental indie pop since 2003, while simultaneously becoming Internet darlings (they’ve nabbed kudos from Pitchfork, Spin.com, AOLIndiemusic.com, and others). The band is currently touring in support of its Wet Zoo EP on Ace Fu Records.
Random band fact: Annuals singer Adam Baker ended up getting coverage at Daytrotter.com by walking in the offices and asking to use the bathroom.
Below: The video for the Annuals’ song “Brother”:
------
Crüe Fest With Mötley Crüe, Buckcherry, Papa Roach, Sixx: A.M., and Trapt. Thursday, July 31, 5 p.m. Cricket Wireless Pavilion $29.50-$95 (www.ticketmaster.com)
The original incarnation of Mötley Crüe returns, older and wiser (and past its prime), but with a back catalogue of hair metal classics and a slew of younger bands in tow. One of the tour highlights will be Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx’s new band, Sixx: A.M., and the always-effusive energy of Buckcherry.
Random band fact: When the band formed in 1981, they were using the name Christmas before landing on the moniker Mötley Crüe.
Below: The video for “Life Is Beautiful,” the first single from Sixx: A.M.:
------
Jimmy Eat World Wednesday, June 18, 7:30 p.m. Dodge Theatre $30 (www.livenation.com)
Tempe’s last big breakout band, Jimmy Eat World burst onto the national music scene in 2001 with their Bleed American album. While many label the band as “emo,” J.E.W.’s last two albums -- 2004’s Futures and last year’s Chase This Light -- embody more of a straight-ahead rock sound.
Random band fact: The band takes its name from a crayon drawing made by guitarist Tom Linton’s younger brother, Ed.
Below: The video for “Always Be” from Chase This Light:
Making the Band 4 Tour With Danity Kane, Day26, Cheri Dennis, and Donnie Klang. Thursday, June 5, 7 p.m. Dodge Theatre $48-$68 (www.livenation.com)
Diddy did it again, making a cohesive hip-hop group out of a bunch of unknowns on his MTV reality show, Making the Band. Last season’s hot R&B/pop progenies, Danity Kane, are now on tour with previous season artists Day26 and Donnie Klang, along with Bad Boy recording artist Cheri Dennis.
Random band fact: Cheri Dennis was arrested in June, 2007 by Florida Police, after asking for their badge numbers when she was allegedly thrown up against the police car.
Below: The video for Danity Kane’s “Show Stopper” feat. Yung Joc:
------
Times New Viking Wednesday, June 18, 8 p.m. Modified Arts $10 (www.modified.org)
One of this year’s big SxSW buzz bands, Columbus, Ohio indie-fuzz rockers Times New Viking sound reminiscent of one of the late Kurt Cobain’s favorite bands, The Vaselines. Currently signed to Matador Records, TNV takes a rough, raw approach to its songs, which all tend to be loud and heavy on the high-end.
Random band fact: The band has a “gigography” on its Wikipedia page.
Below: A guy named Mike Long’s groovy homemade video for Times New Viking’s song “Little Amps”:
