Pusha T, Omar Souleyman, Cults, Ali Shaheed Muhammad: (le) Poisson Rouge, October 16, FREE w/ RSVP
With CMJ taking over the city this week, recommending just three shows seems a bit ridiculous. That said, NPR's showcase at (le) Poisson Rouge is an absolute must-see — if only for the inspired billing of coke-rap icon Pusha T alongside Syrian popstar Omar Souleyman. Support from Cults is nothing to sneeze at either.
Wednesday, October 16, 9 p.m., (le) Poisson Rouge, 158 Bleecker Street (between Thompson and Sullivan streets); 212-353-3474.
Yamantaka // Sonic Titan, Speedy Ortiz, Priests, Joanna Gruesome, Perfect Pussy, Courtney Barnett, Eleanor Friedberger: 285 Kent, October 18, $10
Pitchfork's unofficial Friday night showcase runs the gamut of garage rock, art punk, indie-pop and more. It's a great chance to see a wide variety of quality acts in one spot — no badge necessary.
Friday, October 18, 8 p.m., 285 Kent, 285 Kent Avenue (between South 1st and South 2nd streets); Brooklyn; 718-599-1450.
Ryan Hemsworth, Kelela, TRAXMAN, The Range, Jahiliyya Fields, HUERCO S., Mas Ysa: 285 Kent Avenue, October 19, $10
Though rumour has it Arcade Fire will be playing a mystery venue on Saturday night, we're at a loss as to when and where (sorry, folks). That said, another more reliable option is once again 285 Kent. This time, it's a dance-leaning lineup headlined by remix wunderkind Ryan Hemsworth. Also great are Kelea, whose new mixtape is a must-listen, and HUERCO S., whose deeply textured production is some of the year's best.
Saturday, October 19, 7:30 p.m., 285 Kent, 285 Kent Avenue (between South 1st and South 2nd streets); Brooklyn; 718-599-1450.