Few new albums and winter conditions mean that there’s a seasonal dip in the number of bands hitting the road and coming to town in December. A dip, however, doesn’t mean that there aren’t noteworthy highlights, including the return of former locals Moon Duo, whose latest LP, Circles, came out earlier this year. As luck would have it, Moon Duo’s Ripley Johnson is also playing SF with his other band, Wooden Shjips, this month, as part of a stacked anniversary show celebrating twenty years of Thrill Jockey Records. Speaking of anniversaries, David Bazan is revisiting Pedro the Lion’s newly-reissued 2002 album Control, performing the record in its entirety on his nationwide tour.
What’s perhaps most striking about this month, though, is how many great New Year’s Eve shows there are to consider this year, including the Nick Waterhouse, Tumbleweed Wanderers, and Howlin Rain performances highlighted below. There are plenty that aren’t represented in this mix too, like a Fresh & Onlys-topped bill at The Chapel, and a Terry Malts show at the Hemlock Tavern.
Finally, the show we’re personally most excited for this coming month is, of course, our annual rock and roll beer festival called The Bay Brewed 2012. With six great bands and 13 amazing breweries on hand, you really don’t want to miss this one.
Enjoy the mix and then go see some shows!
Turbo Fruits — “Sweet Thang”
Co-headlining a December 7 show at Bottom of the Hill with White Lung; CCR Headcleaner opens.