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Brooklyn Rocks

Sometimes you just need to rock, even if it’s the middle of the week. Lucky for you, Brooklyn’s got your back. There’s three mid-week shows coming up across the bridges that you should try to check out.

Tuesday night at the Warsaw, The legendary Buzzcocks bring classic punk rock to the city. It’s unlikely that you don’t know them if you listen to any sort of alternative rock; if that IS the case, then don’t worry. Chances are that you like Green Day, Good Charlotte, MxPx or similar bands — if so, then you already know The Buzzcocks’ sound. The English group defined what we think of as “pop-punk” in a string of classic albums, between 1976 and 1981. They broke up for a while but got together again recently. Now they’re touring behind Flat-Pack Philosophy, their latest album - and it revives the vibrance and songcraft that made them so influential.

Wednesday brings Guster to the Prospect Park Bandshell. The popular Boston band is playing for the Celebrate Brooklyn festival. They play enjoyable pop music that’s anything but mainstream - the band’s radio-friendly songs have a measure of experimentation to them. From the alternating use of acoustic & electric guitars to the drummer playing bongos, cymbals and drum kits with bare hands instead of sticks, Guster’s fun and energetic take on pop music will get listeners dancing. They’re touring behind their latest, Ganging Up On The Sun, which is getting great reviews all over the place. Guster’s Joe Pisapia has been supportive of our local talent, which deserves a mention. He plays and sings on the upcoming album by Koester, a Brooklyn band whose driving pop ballads and fragile, melancholy vocals have earned them some attention outside of the local area. Koester plays at Southpaw on Thursday July 13th.

Pick up Flat-Pack Philosophy and Ganging Up On The Sun for a look at rock that mixes fast and energetic playing with great melodies.

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Published by A.Rehak on July 10th, 2006 and listed in J&R In The News.

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Catherine 07/16/2006 06:54 PM 1 point
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I've seen Guster. I think they've only improved in the meanwhile. They were warmup for John Mayer (we were there to see the warmup of the warmup, actually. Mayer sucks. But anyway.) I was impressed with their drumming. Now it's their twang that's interesting. Nice to see a group that doesn't box themselves in creatively, but dependably enjoyable.

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A.R. 07/17/2006 01:39 PM 1 point
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They've been popular amongst college kids for a while now, it's good to see they'll be reaching a wider audience. It's a crime that such a radio-friendly group doesn't get noticed more.

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