In 2011, I had the pleasure of seeing hundreds of bands perform live. Of those shows, there were a few dozen that rose to the top as the year's most memorable performances. The Milk Carton Kids delivered one of those special shows. Formed when two singer/songwriters linked up to make a new dynamic, the duo balance the heaviness of its lyrics and delivery with banter that is funny in an awkward and slightly nerdy way. They've released two albums, both of which are available online for free download, and I imagine that this time around, the whole room will be singing along to "Michigan" instead of just half the room.
Wednesday, Jan. 11:
The Milk Carton Kids, the Brendan Hines @ Anthology
Olin & the Moon, Maxim Ludwig & the Santa Fe Seven, Hills Like Elephants @ Casbah
Ninjasonik, Jasmine Solano, Dr. Seahorse, Night Brawl @ Soda Bar
The Homecoming, Hydra Melody, Mexican Hexagon @ Tin Can
The Wailers Revolution Tour, Outernational, DJ Unite @ House of Blues