After an eighteen month long hiatus, J. Bearclaw, Johnny Taint and the rest of The Donuts have come back onto the scene with not one but two albums, Jet Ear and 5-4-5. And once you hear songs like “Guantanamo”, “Justice In The Desert”, and “The Sign Up”, you’ll realize how little of a beat the band has missed. And when you see Chapter 7 Records kick up the music at Johnny Brenda’s tonight, it will feel like they haven’t taken a break at all. They’ll be joined by long-time friends Beretta 76, who has also been on a bit of a hiatus so they could record a brand new album that they hope to release in early 2010. But the quartet will prove that their still masters of whiskey nights and stark urbanity. They’ll be joined by The Broken Prayers, who are still feeling the highs of their last album Crow. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ myspace.com/thedonutsrock (Photo by Matteo) - Bill McThrill

 

 

If you haven’t heard yet, the Live Nation/Ticketmaster merger was approved this week. The new company will be called Live Nation Entertainment. What does that mean for already ridiculous ticket prices? Our magic eight ball says, “Outcome Not Good!” Looks like big business and government relations remain status quo with the new crew in office, but we didn’t really expect that to be different. Are you disturbed by this news? What can you do about it? We suggest writing a letter to your Representative - NOT. That’s stupid. Who rights letters anymore anyways? OK, we’re done being stupid. Well, it’s a perfect time to act locally. Support the DIY venues that we are lucky enough to have in Philly! They run on volunteers so donate! JB’s and R5 have been using Ticketfly, which helps build some fair competition in this lopsided marketplace. They’ve been doing a great job at keeping ticket prices reasonable for some great acts, but we'd suggest buying tickets at the box office to save you some more cash. OK, we’ll get off our soapboxes now, and get to the fun stuff. Where should you definitely make it out to this weekend? We heart POWER ANIMAL! After catching them at Orbit to Leslie’s sold out CD Release Party at JB’s that The Deli was fortunate to present, we can’t wait to see them again. With a full band, Keith Hampson has really created a most excellent live show with his beautiful experimental pop tunes as the foundation. If you were shut out that evening, the Orbit to Leslie boys will be joining them tonight at Danger Danger Gallery. More good times! Good times! Danger Danger Gallery, 5013 Baltimore Ave., 9pm, $5 - $10 Donation, 21+ myspace.com/poweranimalpa

 

Other places to stay indoors…

 

Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) FRI Victory Over Leukemia w/The Swimmers, Audible, East Hundred, SAT Beretta 76, The Donuts, Broken Prays

Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) SUN The G and The Spooks

MarBar (200 S. 40th St.) FRI Swift Technique, SUN Cultureal
 
North Star Bar (2639 Poplar St.) FRI The New Connection, SAT Ruder Than You, SUN Absinthe Drinkers

The Khyber (56 S. 2nd St.) FRI The Chimeras CD Release Party w/Busses and Caterpillar

M Room (12 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Acres of Diamonds, SAT Fooling April

World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) SAT (Downstairs) Jealousy Curve

Blockley Pourhouse (3801 Chestnut St.) FRI The Moxy, Stonethrown, Colofield Theory

Tritone (1508 South St.) FRI The Three 4 Ten, SAT Sugartown’s 9th Anniversay w/Bell Bell Album Release Party

The Rotunda (4014 Walnut St.) FRI Philly NORML Kickoff w/ Agent Moosehead, Psychedelphia, Si Senorita, SAT Crazy Man Crazy, Shakey Lyman, The Speedkings

Green Line Café (4426 Locust St.) SAT Faux Slang

 

The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Lion Versus and Lady

 

 

The Chimeras bring their fun, jangly garage rock to The Khyber tonight to celebrate their latest release, Her, aptly titled since it’s a concept album in which each song tells the story of a different girl and all the tracks have female names. We find these W. Philly stalwarts joined by Busses, whom we predict good things from once their debut album drops which was produced by our local favorite man behind the board Jeff Zeigler. I guess, ladies, this night’s for you! The Khyber, 56 S. 2nd St., 9pm, $8, 21+ myspace.com/thechimeras - Bill McThrill

 

 

Like we’ve said before, WE HATE CANCER! And we do like Victory Hop Devil (well, except when it’s hand-pumped - sorry JB’s), and Golden Monkey is good to get your drunk on. So tonight you can support a worthwhile cause when Victory Brewing presents “Victory Over Leukemia: A Benefit for the JMML Foundation”. They’ll be joined by The Swimmers, Audible and East Hundred. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 pm, $10, 21+ jmmlfoundation.org - The Deli Staff