Steely Dan and Backstreet Boys are both in town this week, two bands your friends can't tell if you like sincerely or ironically. Looks like they're about to find out. If you answered neither, fret not! You've got plenty of options. Looking for something a little hard, fast, and intimate? Well, you sound like a pervert. But you should probably make your way to Texas Theatre on Friday to check out a rare appearance from No Age, who haven't been in town for a full calendar year. Maybe you're looking for something with a little more bounce by the ounce, in which case, you've got two hip hop greats and a bangin-ass block party to choose from. Decisions, decisions.
Kool Keith Thursday, August 29, at Club Dada Kool Keith was weirder than you when he started doing this in the '90s, and he's still weirder now. It's been a tumultuous and violent fifteen years for Keith's many personas, though most of their trauma has been at the hands of each other. The horrorcore progenitor comes to town supported by a couple locals with plenty of stories themselves in -topic and Buffalo Black. Kiernan Maletsky
Backstreet Boys Friday, August 30, at Verizon Theatre 14 years ago, Orlando, Florida's the Backstreet Boys' released their third album Millennium. Fueled by BSB's rabid fan base and the success of the album's first, still-awesome single, "I Want It That Way," Millennium set records by moving 1,134,000 copies in its first week. That was pretty much the peak for the Boys. They spent the next several years on endless world tours, less successful follow-ups and eventually the loss of a member, and eventually they broke up. Luckily for them, the Internet sped up the nostalgia process considerably, and the group has a found a second career as a guilty pleasure night for former screaming fans. Which is why Verizon Theatre will be filled with people who are slightly embarrassed by how loud they're screaming for Nick, Kevin, AJ, Brian and Howie D. They shouldn't be. We all want it that way sometimes. Jaime-Paul Falcon
Devin The Dude Friday, August 30, at Granada Theater Houston's stoner rap stalwart returns this week to grace the Granada's historic stage once again. This time, the Southern smooth talker will be joined by hometown heroes A.Dd+ and Internet Trap God. This is the kind of bill that bridges the gap between traditional third coast style and the progressive new school rap sound that continues to flourish in Dallas. There's a surprise guest in store you won't want to miss. Lets just say, it's someone who is sure to make you smile. Vanessa Quilantan
No Age Friday, August 30, at the Texas Theatre Do we know how lucky we are to have The Texas Theater in Dallas? Not only do they screen movies no one else in town is willing to, but they also host some killer events as well. Friday's No Age show is a perfect example of the theater's eclectic programming.
The band plays chaotically curated noise rock and is fresh off the release of the full length With An Object. The two piece was last in town for 35 Denton's Wet Hot Mess event last year. This should be a decidedly more intimate show. Come celebrate one of our city's true treasures with one of modern music's best live experiences. Lee Escobedo Mad Decent Block Party Saturday, August 31, at Zouk This traveling outdoor fest will draw a young, but fun crowd. Major Lazer, Dillon Francis, Baauer, Action Bronson, Flosstradamus, Griz, DJ El Dusty, Juyen Sebulba, and The Hi Yahs stack the bill for this day party. Expect a more authentic demonstration of twerking than you've been exposed to this week, and to get too faded to do anything else afterwards. Vanessa Quilantan
Seryn Saturday, August 31, at The Kessler There's no better place in Dallas to hear intricate music than the Kessler, and Seryn plays some of the headiest folk music the area has to offer. The six piece is a long time favorite, attracting large crowds and winning a handful of our own Music Awards. They're joined on this bill by Ashley Myrick. KM
Somebody's Darling Saturday, August 31, at the Granada Theater Amber Farris, front person for Dallas' own Somebody's Darling, is one of the most dynamic vocalists in this area or any other. Channeling the spirit of Janis Joplin, Farris can go from a whisper to a shout like a drunkard going from a sip to a gulp. Backing Farris' incredible range is a band filled with confidence and fire. Last year's sophomore effort, Jank City Shakedown, showcased a band ready for the big time. Hopefully, the band's nearly completed national tour brought some new fans into the fold. But popularity does not a great band make, and the country-fried soul of Somebody's Darling is just as potent in front of five people or five thousand. Darryl Smyers
Steely Dan Saturday, August 31, at the Verizon Theater Back in the '70s, Steely Dan was the nerdy, guilty pleasure for folks who normally listened to a steady diet of Aerosmith and AC/DC. Slightly jazzy in a late-night, soft rock kind of way, the music of Walter Becker and Donald Fagen was droll, exceedingly well played and joyfully offbeat. After hitting it big with such hits as "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" and "Reeling in the Years," the band decided to take a decade-long hiatus in 1981. Sadly, not much of what Steely Dan has created since reforming in 1993 has been as consistent (or as catchy) as the band's earlier work. Still, seeing the band live can be a revelatory experience -- the musical interplay between Becker, Fagan and the rest of the touring band is meticulous and dazzling. Darryl Smyers
