Live This Month: November 2014

It’s finally starting to get colder in San Francisco, but there is a ton of great shows to force you out of the house and into local music venues this month. We’re big indie pop fans around these parts, and Toronto five-piece Alvvays released one of the year’s best albums in the genre. The group’s self-titled debut LP, out now on Polyvinyl, is jangly, hazy and catchy as hell. Speaking of Polyvinyl, the label also released Deerhoof‘s latest compelling oddity, La Isla Bonita; how the longtime, formerly local band continues to surprise and excite after all these years remains a wonder.

On the fuzzier side of the pop spectrum, Purling Hiss‘ latest, Weirdon, frequently feels like a lost ’90s classic, all tightly wound and propulsive. Those attributes could also describe Meatbodies; the L.A. band is lead by Chad Ubovich (who also plays with Mikal Cronin and FUZZ), and fans of garage rock will find much to love on the group’s self-titled album, which was recorded in S.F. by Eric “King Riff” Bauer.

Several local artists are releasing new albums this month, including Cool Ghouls, whose second LP of garage-psych, A Swirling Fire Burning Through The Rye, was recorded live-to-tape by Sonny Smith of Sonny and the Sunsets. On the orchestral side of psychedelia, Battlehooch has a new EP called Wink that arrives this month; the band offers reliably energetic live performances, and they’re sure not to disappoint at Bottom of the Hill. Meanwhile, local electronic pop wiz Giraffage has a new EP out soon, and is headlining shows around the Bay in a mini-residency that’s quickly selling out.

Enjoy the podcast and then go see some concerts!

About the bands:

Meatbodies – “Tremmors”
The band’s tour with Twin Peaks and Criminal Hygiene arrives at Bottom of the Hill on November 15.

Cool Ghouls – “And It Grows”
Celebrating the release of A Swirling Fire Burning Through The Rye at the SF Eagle on November 20 with Froth and The She’s.

Alvvays – “Archie, Marry Me”
The band comes to the Rickshaw Stop on November 29; Absolutely Free and Talk In Tongues support.

Purling Hiss – “Forcefield of Solitude”
Andy Human & the Reptoids and Feral Ohms join the Philadelphia band at the Hemlock Tavern on November 19.

The Stone Foxes – “She Said Riot”
The SF band’s residency at The Chapel continues on November 8 and 15.

Wild Ones – “Paia”
Touring with Radiation City, the two bands perform at the Rickshaw Stop on November 23; Be Calm Honcho opens.

Giraffage – “Be With You”
Playing at Leo’s on November 6 and Brick & Mortar Music Hall on November 7.

Battlehooch – “Daylight in Space”
Battlehooch, Down Dirty Shake and Kokomo Hum are all releasing new albums at Bottom of the Hill on November 22.

SunMonks – “Desert of Plenty”
The Northern California quartet opens for Arswain and Young Aundee at Bottom of the Hill on November 16.

East India Youth – “Heaven, How Long”
The British artist supports Gruff Rhys on November 18 at The Chapel.

John Wesley Coleman III – “The Love That You Own”
On November 22, the singer-songwriter appears at the Hemlock Tavern with Greg Ashley.

Thick Red Wine – “Marathon”
Joining The Wytches and Rich Girls on November 8 at Bottom of the Hill.

J. Mascis – “Every Morning”
Accompanied by Luluc, the rock veteran comes to The Independent on November 15.

Deerhoof – “Paradise Girls”
The venerable band’s latest tour hits the Great American Music Hall on November 18; Crystal Skulls and Go Dark also perform.