Ennio Morricone at Barclays Center, March 23rd

(click on image for tickets)

Darkside at Terminal 5, February 5th

(click on image for tickets)

Prefab Sprout: Crimson / Red

8.

This is a fine 'comeback' album for Prefab Sprout. I was surprised to hear all the similarities to their earlier material, that 80's production is prominent. But it's not their best album, nor their worst. It's kind of a lost B-sides collection, except these are new songs. That's what it sounds like if you're a fan already. There are police sirens and sound effects throughout the record, making this a trippy little pop album, but essentially it's exactly what a fan would expect from the group. I don't think that's bad, but I would have liked to hear how they would sound in a more modern setting. I applaud them for keeping 'their' signature sound, but the material isn't up to par as their classics. Like all reunion albums, if that's what this is considered, it's passable and listenable, but missing some ingredients that made their early releases so special.

GOASTT (Ghost of a Sabre Tooth Tiger) at Union Pool TONIGHT

Elton John at Madison Square Garden December 3rd & 4th

(click on image for tickets)

Joel RL Phelps & the Downer Trio: Gala

10.

This is a magnificent return from Joel Phelps. There is more of a country rock influence on Gala compared to his previous release Customs (2004). It's a fair mix of acoustic country ballads and heavier rock tracks. Phelps' music is emotional, realistic and passionate. He is an original with a profound musical vision of his own, sonically and lyrically. It's adult music for the modern 'indie' listener. His voice is very powerful and expressive in a unique way. There are some beautiful acoustic songs reminiscent of the late Townes Van Zandt mixed throughout the album. Gala is the perfect rainy day rock album for your collection.

Jagwar Ma at Rough Trade NYC, TONIGHT

(click on image for tickets)

Scott Weiland at City Winery, December 3rd

Television at Rough Trade TONIGHT

David Byrne at Terminal 5 - Here Lies Love: The Concert for the Philippines

A Tribe Called Quest performs their FINAL show with Kanye West TONIGHT

Darkside at Glasslands TONIGHT

Danny Brown, Sleigh Bells, Doldrums at Terminal 5

Black Sabbath at Barclays Center, March 31st

Kayo Dot, Vaura, Psalm Zero at 285 Kent Avenue

Fates Warning and Shock Radar at Revolution Music Hall - November 26th

Kanye West at Barclays Center, Brooklyn TONIGHT 7:30pm

Cut Copy at (le) poisson rouge TONIGHT 10pm RSVP

(click on the photo to rsvp)

SCHOOL NIGHT! FEATURING: MNDR The Ludlow Thieves, Reuben and the Dark, Gospels, Guest DJ Shy Kidx, resident DJ Jason Eldredge (KCRW/East Village Radio), Hosted by Chris Douridas (KCRW), & Matt Goldman (MFG)

Chris Cornell at Beacon Theatre TONIGHT