NEW YORK — We’re officially in the home stretch! More than halfway through the 2011 CMJ Music Marathon, festival attendees only have two more nights to check must-sees off their lists.
Here are Blast’s picks for the marathon’s final 48 hours.
Said the Whale – Friday at Pianos, 3:20 p.m. (Planetary Group Showcase)
O Canada! This exuberant indie quintet from Vancouver is part of an all-afternoon party at Pianos in Manhattan. Think a less strange, more distorted version of The Decemberists.
We Are Augustines – Friday at Spike Hill, 8 p.m. / Saturday at Public Assembly, 1:25 p.m. (Brooklyn Vegan day party; not part of CMJ)
The Brooklyn trio is one of the most ubiquitous acts at this year’s festival, having rocked venues from the Bowery Ballroom to the lobby of the Ace Hotel. They’re finding time to squeeze in two more performances tonight and tomorrow afternoon. Not to be missed for fans of heartfelt, Bruce Springsteen-esque rock.
Dum Dum Girls – Friday at Mercury Lounge, 1 a.m. / Saturday at Bowery Ballroom, midnight
One of the bigger acts at this year’s festival, SubPop darlings Dum Dum Girls released their sophomore album, Only in Dreams, last month. The night owls who make it to these hot tickets will surely bounce along to the group’s 2010 hit, “Jail La La.”
Caveman – Saturday at Fontana’s, 5 p.m. (Reverb Day Party)
This New York-based five-piece plays melodic lo-fi, with reverb-tinged vocals and gut-punching hooks. Their debut album, CoCo Beware, isn’t out until November (though it’s available now digitally), and look for the buzz around these guys to reach a tipping point in early 2012.
An Horse – Saturday at Highline Ballroom, 7:35 p.m.
The co-ed Australian duo (Blast favorites) bring their hook-laden alt-rock to the Highline Ballroom as the opening act for singer/songwriter Kevin Devine.
En Vogue – Saturday at B.B. King’s, 9 p.m.
Yep, you read that right. ‘Nuff said.
Jacuzzi Boys – Saturday at Public Assembly, 10 p.m.
Any festival-goers who haven’t sufficiently damaged their eardrums will want to catch this silly, loud surf-rock trio from Miami. Singer Gabriel Alcala, who channels his inner Joey Ramone as he approaches performances like a kid in a candy store, looks like a cross between Wayne Campbell and The Strokes’ Julian Casablancas.
Pepper Rabbit – Friday at Music Hall of Williamsburg, 8 p.m.
The Los Angeles via New Orleans duo has toured with Ra Ra Riot, Passion Pit and Freelance Whales. Performing live as a trio, the group incorporates a smorgasbord of instruments into jovial, effects-laden pop.
jENNiNGS – Saturday at Rockwood Music Hall, 2 p.m.
Critically acclaimed siren jENNiNGS, will once again prove that the best gifts come in the smallest packages. With full band in tow, she performs a free show at this tiny space on the Lower East Side Saturday afternoon.
Be sure to check out Blast’s complete CMJ wrap-up on Monday!
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