Go to There: May 1 - 7

By Andrew Hertzberg

Eleanor Friedberger

Tuesday, May 1st: Eleanor Friedberger at Schubas (8 PM, 21+, $14)
One half of the left-field pop act Fiery Furnaces, Eleanor takes the stage solo tonight. While FF have made a name for themselves that stand out, Friedberger doesn't try to just rehash the same sound. Last year’s Last Summer LP carries a sense of the theatric along with quality songwriting, falling somewhere in between Neko Case and Amanda Palmer. Friedberger also plays SPACE in Evanston the following night (8 PM, AA, $12-22); Brooklyn indie-pop trio Hospitality opens both shows.

Wednesday, May 2nd: Occidental Brothers at the Whistler (10 PM, 21+, FREE)
Never listened to the afro-jazz quintet? Here’s a perfect chance. The group that’s played big stages and major festivals all over the world (from the Pitchfork Music Festival to the Montreal Jazz Festival) takes over the tiny Logan Square art gallery / cocktail bar.

Thursday, May 3rd: Spiritualized at Metro (8 PM, 18+, $25 adv / $27 dos)
Jason Pierce is one of the most brilliant songwriters today. With Spiritualized, he combines shoegaze, gospel, blues, and noise into one glorious, life-affirming sound. Sweet Heart Sweet Light is the band’s seventh studio album and has gotten near unanimous critical acclaim. Bring your earplugs.

Friday, May 4th: Mac Blackout at Burlington (9 PM, 21+, $5)
Read enough about Mac Blackout and you’ll see less descriptors about the actual music than how the music feels: seedy, trashy, grimey. The charismatic frontman for glam rockers Mickey has been rocking solo a lot recently and while both projects aren't lightyears away from each other sonically, that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Saturday, May 5th: Merlin Wall at Coles (10 PM, 21+, FREE)
If you’re looking for some tidal-wave sized surf rock, look no further. The six song EP Party at the Docks was released earlier this month, and is big on the reverb and hooks.

Sunday, May 6th: Ice Rod Chat Roulette Rap Show at Reggie’s Music Joint (8 PM, 21+, $5)
This is the WTF choice for the week. Ice Rod (St Paul rapper Michael Gaughan) sets up a fake dorm room on stage and free styles to them over Chat Roulette, which still exists apparently. Recommended if only for the novelty factor.

Monday, May 7th: Moonrises, Spires That in the Sunset Rise at Empty Bottle (9:30 PM, 21+, FREE)
For fans of the ominous and ethereal, the haunting sounds of STITSR are a must. Sounds range from droning strings, random piano, harmonium, flute…you see where I’m going with this; it’ll be interesting to see how the group (currently a duo) recreate the sounds live. Moonrises are just as far out there, but they Plastic Crimewave-led three-piece are more intent on going up to 11.