Art-rock five-piece The Chairman Dances support Maiden Creek Lodge at MilkBoy tonight.  Though they have only been in existence since 2011, the Philly band has already released two ambitious albums – 2012′s concept record A Promise and the previous year’s double album Long Lost / A History of Iniquity.  Set apart by their dramatic storytelling and intricate instrumentation, The Chairman Dances echo the depth and emotiveness of The Decemberists and The Smiths.  Also playing at tonight’s 21+ show are Cotton Tail.  Tickets and information can be found here.  Below, watch the video for “A Voice in the Night.”

A Voice in the Night – The Chairman Dances from Steady State Productions on Vimeo.

Eighties superstar and philanthropist Midge Ure will perform at World Cafe Live tonight.  As a former member of legendary groups Ultravox, Thin Lizzy, The Rich Kids and more, the Scotland native had a hand in some of the biggest hits of the decade including “Fade to Grey” and “Dancing With Tears In My Eyes.”  In 1984 he co-wrote the benefit song “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” with Bob Geldof for Band-Aid and subsequently organized Live Aid in 1985 and Live 8 in 2005.  Performing with Midge Ure at tonight’s all-ages show are Right the Stars.  Tickets and information can be found here.  Watch the video for Ure’s solo hit “If I Was” below.

XPN welcomes Paula Cole to The Sellersville Theater tonight.  The pop singer-songwriter had a top ten hit with 1997′s “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone,” earning her a Best New Artist Grammy Award the following year.  Over the next twenty years Cole released five records, with a sixth one in the works called Raven, expected out this Spring and funded via KickStarter.  Tickets and information for tonight’s performance can be found here.  Below, watch the video for “Something I Gotta Say” from 2010′s Ithaca.

Something I’ve Gotta Say from Paula Cole on Vimeo.

International duo BOY is one of 2013′s buzziest bands, and XPN will be welcoming them to World Cafe Live on Wednesday, March 27th.  The German/Swiss pair have their debut album Mutual Friends coming out in the states next month but you can get a sneak preview via Noisetrade, who shared a sampler featuring the YouTube hit “Little Numbers.”  Stream and download the sampler below; tickets and information for BOY’s Philly show can be found here.

This week’s Key Studio Session featured punk rockers Glocca Morra, a wild bunch that put forth two releases in 2012 on top of touring extensively.  2013 sees the Philly quartet opening for hometown favorites Everyone Everywhere at The Barbary on January 19th; tickets and information can be found here.  Below, download “Deep Pocket” from Glocca Morra and revisit the rest of their session here.

• Deep Pocketby Glocca Morra from The Key Studio SessionsDownload

Indie-pop musician Matt Pond released a free acoustic EP called The Natural Lines this week via Noisetrade.  The one-time Philadelphia resident will be releasing The Lives Inside The Lines In Your Hand in just over a month and has a date set opening for Jukebox the Ghost at Union Transfer on March 15th.  Stream and download The Natural Lines below; tickets and information for the Union Transfer show can be found here.

One of the latest exports from the Motor City are Jamaican Queens, a glam-pop/rock trio with hints of a harder-edged Foster the People.  Jamaican Queens have a debut album coming out in March and have kicked-off a tour that brings them through Philadelphia on January 15th for a show at Kung Fu Necktie.  Tickets and information can be found here.  Below, stream and download the synth-y “Kids Get Away.”

Touring together for the first time since 2004, Neil Young & Crazy Horse will perform at The Wells Fargo Center tonight.  The legendary band gave fans reason to celebrate with two new releases this year, the first a collection of American classics called Americana and the second the original-material studio album Psychedelic Pill.  As if Neil Young & Crazy Horse weren’t enough on their own, they’ve invited Patti Smith to open the show.  Tickets and information can be found here.  Below, watch the music video short film for “Ramada Inn.”

Oakland’s High on Fire storm into Union Transfer tonight.  The “stoner metal” band released their sixth studio album De Vermis Mysteriis on E1 Music in April, a record that references the work of early twentieth-century writers Robert E. Howard, Robert Bloch and H.P. Lovecraft.  Tonight’s show will open with Goatwhore and Primate.  Tickets and information can be found here.  Below, stream the sludgy title track to De Vermis Mysteriis.

Cambridge, MA natives Passion Pit will play The Electric Factory tonight (moved from The Liacouras Center).  The synth-pop band released their eagerly-anticipated sophomore record Gossamer earlier this year, a record that sees them return to their doom-glitter aesthetic.  Opening for Passion Pit tonight are Ra Ra Riot.  Tickets and more information can be found here.  Watch Passion Pit perform “Carried Away” on Saturday Night Live below.

Noir Hop emcee Zilla Rocca stops by Kuf Knotz’s BoomBox Collective at World Cafe Live tonight.  The South Philly rapper released his Party With Villains EP a few weeks ago on the heels of the Wu-Tang Pulp project, and the EP is chock-full of Rocca’s signature comic book references and pulp fiction b-movie samples.  More information about the free show can be found here.  Below, listen to “Nothing in the Bank” aka The Funky Bank Heist song.

Eighties new wavers Men Without Hats dance their way to The Sellersville Theater tonight.  The Canadian group had global hits with “The Safety Dance” and “Pop Goes the World” and in May released their seventh studio album, Love in the Age of War.  Right the Stars will open tonight’s show and the Cabaret section of the theater will be cleared for dancing.  Tickets and more information can be found here.  Below, watch the video for “Pop Goes the World.”

TJ Kong and the Atomic Bomb usher in Thanksgiving with Supersuckers at the North Star Bar.  The band released its second full-length album called Manufacturing Joy in September and received wildly positive praise from Philadelphia City Paper and Philadelphia Weekly for its bluesy punk balladry.  In an interview with The Key in September, frontman Dan Bruskewicz expounded on his literary influences and why he is drawn to such dark subjects in his lyrics.  Tickets for the Supersuckers Thanksgiving Eve Party with T.J. Kong and the Atomic Bomb and The Griswolds are $15.  The 21+ show begins at 8:00 p.m.; more information can be found here.  Below, watch T.J. Kong’s video for “Trail of a Lonesome Hobo.”

Philly’s Ben Arnold brings his band to World Cafe Live for a show with Scot Sax tonight.  Arnold has been a mainstay in the Philadelphia music scene for many years and recently released “Thankful,” which will be on his next record.  Arnold also lent his vocals to David Uosikkinen’s In the Pocket project this past spring when the collective recorded a cover of Robert Hazard’s “Change Reaction.”  A portion of the proceeds from tonight’s show will benefit Philabundance.  Tickets are $15 for the all-ages show and more information can be found here.  Below, watch the video for “Thankful.”

Pomegranates bring their tour to MilkBoy tonight in support of their latest record Heaven.  The Cincinnati band covers a wide range of genres on the new album, from psych-rock to garage punk to dream pop, and each one is guaranteed to get the crowd dancing.  Opening for Pomegranates are The Hounds Below and Black Dirty.  Tickets for the 21+ show are $10 here; doors open at 8:00 p.m.  Below, watch the band performing “Pass Away” from Heaven.

Kate Faust joins Res for a show at World Cafe Live tonight.  Indie pop/soul singer Res returned to her hometown of Philadelphia a few years ago and began a new, independent chapter of her career.  Recently, she teamed up with Tom Spiker to record a Fleetwood Mac cover album called ReFried Mac and she is working on her next full-length called Reset.  West Philadelphia’s Kate Faust is celebrating the release of her new Kickstarter-funded Crucial Companion EP, which came out today.  Tickets to the all-ages show are $15; more information is available here.  Below, watch a live video of Res covering Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams.”

Electronic-pop producer Dan Deacon will take the stage at Union Transfer tonight.  The Baltimore native’s show is part-two of the Philadelphia Poster Guild series, with Bonnie Brenda Scott contributing a graffiti-art print for the event.  If you want to get involved in the concert experience beyond just attending, download the Dan Deacon app and you’ll be able to contribute to the light show during his set.  Opening for Dan Deacon are Height with Friends, Chester Endersby Gwazda and Alan Resnick.  Tickets are $15 for the all-ages show, and doors will open at 7:30 p.m.  More information is available here.  Below, watch Deacon’s new video for “True Thrush.”

Philly noise-rock outfit Purling Hiss play Johnny Brenda’s tonight.  As we learned earlier this week, the original Purling Hiss tracks were recorded in Mike Polizze’s bedroom while he focused on his main project with power trio Birds of Maya, and the tracks were not intended to be released.  Luckily, though, that intent changed and after releasing a series of home-recorded EPs and albums, the experimental trio is now looking towards the release of their first studio record expected in April through Drag City.  Purling Hiss headlines the 21+ show tonight with Chicago’s Cave and Running; tickets are $10, available here, and doors open at 8:00 p.m.  Below, stream a live take of Purling Hiss’ ”Run From the City” recorded during a stop at WFMU.

Hot off the release of their sophomore album, New York’s Freelance Whales swim into Union Transfer tonight.  The pop band that brought us the indie gem “Hannah” on 2010′s Weathervanes charmed fans again with Diluvia and the catchy lead single “Locked Out” earlier this month.  Also performing is San Francisco synth-pop band Geographer.  Tickets are $15; with each online ticket purchase you will also get a download of Diluvia in its entirety.  Go here for more information.  The doors will open at 8:00 p.m. for the all-ages show.  Below, watch a backstage/rehearsal video for “Locked Out.”

Foot-stomping Americana band Spirit Family Reunion come to The Abbey Bar at the Appalachian Brewing Company in Harrisburg tonight.  Formed in New York City, the revivalist sextet has been receiving national praise for its debut LP No Separation, a reference to the band’s communal-style shows where the line between performer and audience member is often blurred.  Tickets for tonight’s 21+ show are $7 here; doors are at 8:00 p.m.  Below, watch the band perform around Bob Boilen’s desk for an episode of NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts.

XPN welcomes Donavon Frankenreiter to World Cafe Live.  Tickets are $23 here for the all-ages show.  HEad over here for tickets and information.  You can pick up tickets here.  XPN also welcomes Shemekia Copeland to the Arden Gild Hall in Arden, Deleware.  Please note that Rickie Lee Jones‘ show at The Sellersville Theater has been postponed until Monday, November 12th, and the Fountains of Wayne show World Cafe Live at The Queen in Wilmington has been canceled.

California post-rock outfit El Ten Eleven play the North Star Bar tonight.  The instrumental duo manipulates layers of guitar, bass and drums to create hypnotic soundscapes seemingly more expansive than the result of just two people.  With five LPs to their name (the latest, Transitions, will be out on November 9th), El Ten Eleven gained exposure through the inclusion of their music in director Gary Hustwit’s Design Trilogy documentaries.  El Ten Eleven will perform alongside Michna and Beacon.  Tickets for the 18+ show are $12 through TicketFly; doors open at 8:00 p.m.  Watch a video for the Transitions‘ single “Yellow Bridge” below.

A.C. Newman will be weaving poppy indie yarns tonight at the First Unitarian Church.  The former New Pornographers front man struck out on his own in 2004 and has subsequently released three solo albums, including this year’s Shut Down the Streets.  The new album draws on the best of indie favorites like The Shins (circa Chutes Too Narrow ) while still being unmistakably Newman.  Omaha, Nebraska’s Mynabirds will begin the evening. Tickets are $15 for the all-ages show, and doors open at 8:00 p.m.  Below, watch a short video inspired by Shut Down the Streets and download “Encyclopedia of Classic Takedowns” here.

The New York Banjo Summit kicks-off a ten date tour at the Keswick Theater tonight.  Featuring five-string extraordinaires Bela Fleck, Tony Trischka, Eric Weissberg and more, the Banjo Summit is a study in all things bluegrass and beyond with up-and-coming musicians playing alongside the well-known greats.  Tickets for the Banjo Summit are $29.50 to $39.50, available here.  Doors will open at 7:00 p.m. and the show will begin at 8:00 p.m.  Below, watch a live video of Bela Fleck & The Flecktones performing their sprawling “Big Country” (the really great banjo picking begins at about 4:30 into the song).

Opening for Jeffrey Lewis & The Junkyard, West Philadelphia singer-songwriter Birdie Bush will illuminate the upstairs stage at World Cafe Live tonight.  This past spring, Busch embarked on a Pledge Music campaign to fund her fourth studio record (and to raise funds for a local music education organization); with the target pledge goal reached, the aptly titled New Album was released to campaign supporters earlier this week and will be released to the public in January 2013.  Tickets for tonight’s 8:00 p.m. show are $10 here.  Below, listen to “Joey” off of Birdie Busch’s 2010 7″ Everyone Will Take You In.

Photo by Kyle Dean Reinford

At another record release show, folk-rock six-piece Kopecky Family Band take over MilkBoy Philly tonight to celebrate their first full-length Kids Raising Kids.  Though not a biological family, the Nashville collective has been making music together since 2007, building a strong following thanks to non-stop touring and down-right fun live shows.  Tickets for tonight’s get-together are $10 here.  Doors will open at 8:00 p.m. with Marigolds and Juston Stens and The Get Real Gang kicking things off at 9:00 p.m.  Check out the video for the infectious “Heartbeat” below.

XPN Welcomes Rufus Wainwright to The Pullo Center at Penn State York.  The son of musicians Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle returns to Philadelphia after entertaining XPN fans at Penn Park last May for the XPN Listener Appreciation Free at Noon, which brought the 2012 Non-COMMvention to a close.  Shortly before, Wainwright released his most recent album called Out of the Game, which was produced by Mark Ronson.  Tickets for tonight’s show with special guest Lucy Wainwright Roche are $48 here; doors open at 7:30 p.m. for the all-ages performance.  Below, watch the video  for the title track to Out of the Game (featuring Helena Bonham Carter).  You can also listen back to Wainwright’s set at WXPN’s Non-COMMvention in May via the XPN Media Player here.

If you haven’t checked out this month’s Tuesday Tune-Out series at PhilaMOCA yet, now would be a great time to change that.  Curated by The Swollen Fox, the series continues tonight with a set from local Americana/folk band The Lawsuits followed by a screening of a surprise movie.  The Lawsuits will be releasing an acoustic EP called Numbers soon; you can check out a video for “Fine Quality (Coffee Flour Sugar Tea)” below.  Admission for tonight’s all-ages event is $5 at the door.  Music begins at 8:00 p.m.

Durham, North Carolina’s Des Ark will perform at the Goldilocks Gallery above Morimoto tonight.  The project of one-time Philadelphia resident Aimée Argote, Des Ark released its sophomore LP Don’t Rock the Boat, Sink the F*cker on Lovitt Records last year.  Argote sings about “awkward subjects” in a straightforward and confident way, connecting with her audiences by breaking silences.  Tonight, Argote will perform with The New Trust and Xanax.  Tickets are $8 for the 9:30 p.m. show; for more information, go to the event’s Facebook page.   Watch a live video of Des Ark performing in Boston below.

XPN welcomes Primus to The Tower Theater.  The wild-and-crazy rock band is touring in support of their 2011 record Green Naugahyde, their first full-length release in eleven years. As is their wont, the band is taking things to the next level on this tour with the first-ever 3D-enhanced stage experience.  The two-set evening will be outfitted with a quadraphonic sound system and a 3D backdrop; 3D goggles will be given to attendees.  Tickets to the all-ages event (because it is definitely more than just a show) are $35 to $55 here.  Doors will open at 8:00 p.m.  Below, watch the official video for “Tragedy’s A’ Comin’” off of their latest record.

Rock-hop outfit Flobots take the stage at MilkBoy Philly tonight for a show with Astronautalis and local hip-hop artist Rone.  The Denver, CO band released their socially-conscious album The Circle in the Square in August, a poetic and political exploration of national and international issues including the Occupy Movement (“#OccupyEarth”) and religious struggle (“Wrestling Israel”).  Tickets for tonight’s 21+ show are $16 and doors open at 8:00 p.m.  Below, watch Flobots’ new video for the title track to The Circle in the Square.

The Swollen Fox’s Tuesday Tune-Out series at PhilaMOCA continues tonight with a set from DRGN King followed by a movie screening.  The Philadelphia psych/indie duo signed with Bar/None Records last month and they have a new album in works for early 2013.  Doors for tonight’s event open at 7:30 p.m. and the music begins at 8:00 p.m.; admission is $5 at the door.  Below, watch a video for the upcoming album’s first single “Holy Ghost,” which will be released as a limited edition 7″ on October 23rd.  You can also listen to and download DRGN King’s 2011 Key Studio Session here.

Buzzing North London trio Daughter make their way to Kung Fu Necktie tonight.  Daughter is the vehicle for Elena Tonra’s music, a blend of piercing heart-on-her-sleeve lyrics and moody, chrystalline melodies.  Tonra has recorded two EPs with her bandmates, including 2011′s Communion-backed The Wild Youth (though the music you’ll find on either EP is not your average folk).  Daughter perform tonight alongside Choir of Young Believers and local musician Lucy Stone.  Tickets are $10 for the 21+ show and the doors open at 8:00 p.m.  Below, watch Daughter perform “Youth” on The Late Show With David Letterman.

Bleeding Rainbow – “Pink Ruff” from stereogum on Vimeo.

Prolific progressive rock band Rush take over The Wells Fargo Center tonight in support of their latest (and nineteenth) record Clockwork Angels.  The band was just nominated for the 2013 Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame ballot (which you can vote for here). Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. show are $43 to $123 via ComcastTix.  Watch the official lyrics video for Rush’s single “The Wreckers” below.

Calexico bring their Latin-Americana stylings to Union Transfer tonight.  The Arizona band released their seventh full-length album called Algiers in September and won favorable reviews from many music tastemakers for their hybrid south-of-the-border sound.  Though historically they have been tied to the southwest (they are named after a border town in California after all) Calexico relocated to New Orleans to record this latest record.  Tickets are $20 here and Dodos are the supporting act; doors open at 8:00 p.m. for the all-ages show.  Watch the video for “Splitter” below.

XPN Welcomes John Hiatt and The Combo to The McCarter Theater in Princeton, NJ.  The prolific singer-songwriter has built an extensive catalog over a career spanning almost four decades, and he released his latest record called Dirty Jeans and Mudslide Hymns through New West Records last year.  Tickets for tonight’s all-ages performance are $38 to $48, available here.  Doors open at 8:00 p.m.  More information can be found here.  Below, watch a video with John Hiatt as he talks about the making of “Adios to California” off of Dirty Jeans and Mudslide Hymns.

Singer-songwriter Justin Townes Earle released his latest album, Nothing’s Gonna Change The Way You Feel About Me Now, on Bloodshot Records on March 27th. It’s the followup to 2010′s Harlem River Blues. On Saturday, May 19th, WXPN Welcomes Justin to the TLA. Tickets for the show go on sale today at 1pm. For more information and tickets click here. The title song to the album (which you can download below) has a soulful flavor, with some Stax-Volt-sounding horn arrangements and very tasty electric guitar playing. Justin Townes Earle performs with Tristen at 8 p.m. at Theatre Of The Living Arts; tickets to the all-ages show are $16. —Bruce Warren

• Nothing's Gonna Change The Way You Feel About Me Nowby Justin Townes Earle from Nothing’s Gonna Change The Way You Feel About Me NowDownload

WXPN Welcomes The Magnetic Fields and Bachelorette at 8:30 p.m. at Union Transfer; tickets to the all-ages show are SOLD OUT.

Cheers Elephant

Tonight, XPN Welcomes Cheers Elephant to World Cafe Live. The Philly-based psych-pop quartet will be celebrating the local release of its third album, Like Wind Blows Fire (officially due on April 24th) before heading out on the road for a handful of dates scattered throughout March. You can listen to the track “Doin’ It, Right” off Like Wind Blows Fire below. (Cheers Elephant’s Key Studio Session, which we released in January 2011, can be found here.) Meanwhile, over at Tin Angel, XPN Welcomes The Milk Carton Kids.

• Doin' It, Rightby Cheers Elephant from Like Wind Blows FireDownload

Cheers Elephant performs with The Extraordinaires at 8 p.m.; tickets to the all-ages show are $14–$29. The Milk Carton Kids perform at Tin Angel at 7:30 p.m.; tickets to the 21+ show are $10.

Photo by Dusdin Condren

From NPR Music:

On her 2009 breakthrough Because I Was in Love, Sharon Van Etten is the embodiment of exposed nerves; the very essence of wounded vulnerability. The albums which follow, 2010′s epic and the new Tramp, stretch muscles and viscera over those raw nerves. Even when she’s conveying disappointment, hurt or longing, Van Etten sounds more assertive and complex these days, aided by the ever-knottier contributions of guest players from The National, Wye Oak, Beirut and The Walkmen.

You can read the full write-up and listen to the performance in its entirety over at NPR Music.

Van Etten, who is WXPN’s Artist To Watch for February, was featured in the first episode of Shaking Through, and appears on the new Shaking Through: Selected Tracks Vol. 1 & 2 compilation alongside Twin Sister, Family Band, Snowmine, Dreamers Of The Ghetto and Hezekiah Jones. You can give it a listen below.

Dusdin Condren/Courtesy of the artist

XPN Welcomes Sharon Van Etten + Shearwater to Johnny Brenda’s at 9:15 p.m. Friday, February 10th; tickets to the 21+ show are SOLD OUT. You can listen to Van Etten’s new album, Tramp, via streaming audio at NPR Music.

Also Playing: XPN Welcomes Bruce Hornsby to the Keswick Theatre at 8 p.m. Saturday, February 11th; tickets to the all-ages show are $29.50–$49.50.

[O]n his new solo album, Clear Heart Full Eyes, Finn kicks himself free from the crutches of rock. It’s a sad sort of breakup record, barren and broken and informed by the wisdom of age, but his instantly recognizable speak-singing ramble remains. Finn’s starker side is, of course, nicely conducive to stripped-down arrangements behind Bob Boilen’s desk at the NPR Music offices: All these mournful, inward-facing songs (including the unreleased “Jeremiah’s Blues”) really require is Finn, his acoustic guitar and the indispensable pedal steel of Ricky Ray Jackson.

You can watch the video below; you can also read the full write-up and download the audio over at NPR Music.

Some musicians find their rise to fame to be quick and steady, others have to work harder and longer to eventually sit atop a musical throne. Virginia-born mellow-rock artist Aimee Mann fits the latter mold, having devoted nearly two decades to her solo career—during which time she has endured major-label squabbles, enjoyed a brief flirtation with stardom (due to her Academy Award- and Grammy-nominated song, “Save Me”, off the soundtrack of P.T. Anderson’s 1999 film, Magnolia), and founded her own SuperEgo Records label. Mann now has seven studio albums under her belt (and an extensive touring history), with a new album set for release later in the year—which will undoubtedly please the solid following of fans she’s earned over the last 20 years. Aimee Mann performs with John Roderick at 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live; tickets to the all-ages show are $35–$65. —LIsa Henderson

Courtesy of the artist

Tonight, The Smithereens will be stopping by World Cafe Live for an XPN Welcomes show. The New Jersey-based rock quartet is performing behind its latest album, 2011, which was released last year. (Last summer, the band performed a Free At Noon Concert at World Cafe Live, which you can listen to here.) XPN Welcomes The Smithereens at World Cafe Live at 8 p.m.; tickets to the show are $32–$42.

Kathleen Edwards performs with Hannah Georgas at 8 p.m., Wednesday, February 1st; tickets to the show are $29–$42.

The Revelations featuring Tre Williams performs with Angela Johnson at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, January 7th, at World Cafe Live; tickets to the show are $15. You can read our earlier post in which Williams discusses some of the band’s influences (including Bobby Womack, Al Green, and Teddy Pendergrass) here. You can listen to The Revelations’ latest album, Concrete Blues, below.

Good Old War performs with River City Extension at Theatre Of Living Arts at 9 p.m.; tickets to the all-ages show are $29.

Kevin Slack

Tonight, XPN Welcomes The Loved Ones’ lead singer Dave Hause to Johnny Brenda’s. Opening for Hause is Cory Branan and Turning Violet Violet. Doors open at 8 p.m.; show at 9 p.m. Tickets to the 21+ show are $10 – $12. We spoke with Hause last April about Hause’s recent solo album, Resolutions (released last January) and his work with his punk rock band, The Loved Ones. You can read the interview here. Below, watch the video for the song “C’mon Kid.”

• Prowler Themeby Prowler from The Key Studio Session February 2, 2011Download

DARK SUNGLASSES by nicosgun