Lydia
Thursday
8 p.m.
The Launchpad
$10
13
Lydia’s staples are breathy vocals and cheesy chord progressions combined with overly sentimental lyrics. If you enjoy wallowing in heartbreak then this band is definitely worth checking out, but be warned, they seem to be completely faithful to the subject of love, letting it dominate their sound waves. Even when the topic is upbeat, Lydia still manages to make it irritatingly melancholic. Too bad it’s billed as a concert and not a whine and cheese party.
Ra Ra Riot
Nov. 7
7 p.m.
Santa Fe
Brewing Co.
$14
All ages
I’m not sure if this band’s name is trying to be humorous or induce an angry mob, but I guess both outcomes are possible. My editor loves this band, but I am not sure why, but he says the music is “catchy” or something.
The band is trying to be humorous (or at least whimsical) in one of its music videos, where musicians are dressed in fuzzy green caterpillar suits. So who knows? Maybe there will be a few funnies thrown in with their somber death-oriented lyrics. It sounds like an unpleasant mix of emotions — maybe that’s when its time to get angry and take to the streets.
mr. Gnome
Friday
8 p.m.
The Launchpad
$5
21
mr. Gnome’s new album art shows off a hybrid of a llama and a rabbit sitting in a field of wheat. It’s also wearing a Chinese ornamental gas mask over its nose. Who knows what this show has in store — but it could be really weird. Case in point, the band’s sound features harmonies mingling with electronic tones, and hard drums pounding out a beat that won’t be ignored. If you like the Fleet Foxes or the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, this might be the show for the you.
Immortal Technique
Nov. 17
8 p.m.
Sunshine Theater
$18
All ages
Rapper Immortal Technique is coming to Sunshine with lyrics like: “Ima hijack a plane and fly it into your house, burn your apartment with your family tied to the couch, and slit your throat, so when you scream, only blood comes out.” He’s not for everyone to say the least. The rapper’s most popular song describes a young boy raping and killing his mother with a gang in the projects. That isn’t exactly my idea of a good time but whatever floats your boat, as long as your boat isn’t floating in a bloodbath before the night is over. Special guests include Chino XL, Da Circle and DJ GI Joe.
Maria Muldaur
Sunday
7:30 p.m.
Outpost Performance Space
$25 students
All ages
Maria Muldaur was part of the 60s folk revival movement that included greats such as Bob Dylan. Her low, sultry voice rasps along to the bluesy twang of a banjo, offering a journey back to the old whiskey drinking traveling days, figuratively of course.
The price might be steep, but the show’s worth it considering it’s a free history lesson as well as some real music — none of this Bieber-Britney-Rihanna bulls***.
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Fishbone
Nov. 18
7:30 p.m.
El Rey Theater
$20 presale, $25 door
All ages
Fishbone’s old school funky grooves will resound throughout Albuquerque when this 80s band graces the El Rey’s stage with all the gusto they can muster. Combining ska, punk rock, hard rock, funk and soul, the band’s sound matches its frantic performance style. Band members bounce, gyrate, and fling their limbs so hard it’s a wonder they’re still holding on to their trumpets by show’s end.
