LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: Romy Madley Croft and Oliver Sim of The XX perform live on stage at Shepherds Bush Empire to support the release of their second album, Coexist, on September 10, 2012 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jim Dyson/Redferns via Getty Images)
Some people spend their lives stressing out about work or finances or real life dilemmas. I'm sorry to trivialize all of that when I suggest that Thursday has been stressing me out, because there are just too many great shows.
The Casbah has been working really hard to bring outside shows all over town and Thursday there are four of them: Sean Hayes at the Casbah, the Raveonettes at the Belly Up, the sold-out Grimes show at Porter's Pub and the sold-out show featuring the XX at Soma. Wow.
Add to that Howlin Rain over at the Griffin, locals Lord Howler over at Soda Bar and Soda Bar presenting an all-ages show with Bad Books at the Irenic, and this night is so packed with awesome that I wish I had a place to facilitate an after-party where all of those bands show up just to hang out after hours to spread their amazing talent all around.
So individually, each show is worthy. Collectively, you'll have to make decisions. The good news is that you can probably hit one of the all-ages shows (like the Irenic or Soma) and follow it up with the aforementioned 21+ shows. Still, there are no easy choices tonight, but aren't we lucky to live in a place where having too many great shows is a problem?
Thursday, Oct. 11:
Casbah presents the XX, John Talabot Live @ Soma (SOLD OUT)
Soda Bar presents Bad Books, the Drowning Men, Harrison Hudson @ The Irenic
Howlin Rain, Tea Leaf Green, David Dondero @ The Griffin