Sound Bites

Who let me miss Calla playing at the Paradise last night?! Do I have to do ALL the work around here?

The next two months are already full of good music, the majority of which I will be attending, so come along. It looks like I'll be making two trips to New York this month for shows -- Los Halos (who I'll finally get to see) and the Damnwells (who I've only seen 25 times). Just can't get enough of that Alex Dezen.

I'll be here:

• 1/14: Rilo Kiley (acoustic!!!) - Middle East
• 1/17: Los Halos - Sin-è (NYC)
• 1/19: Subway Songster Celebration - Club Passim
• 1/24: The Damnwells - Bowery Ballroom (NYC)
• 2/13: The Shins - Roxy
• 2/14: Apollo Sunshine - MidE
• 2/24: Elefant - MidE
• 2/26: Brian Webb - Paradise
• 2/29: Bright Eyes - Somerville Theatre

Also, Death Cab for Cutie will be on The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn 1/19. This should be entertaining.

I'm waiting for some really good show to land on my birthday (February 21st, mark your calendars). It's going to happen, I just know it. If not, in the end, I'll take the Bright Eyes show as a consolation prize. Last time they played the Somerville Theatre I went into Store 24, Conor Obherst was in there and I tripped all over myself and in the end didn't say anything to him. He's very skinny and not exactly intimidating, but I was at a loss so I kept my mouth shut and just bought my lemonade. It's weird to see people out of context.

Coming soon to a Joyful Thing near you -- my top ten albums and shows of the year. Stay tuned.