We don’t get into prime concert season for another month or two, but the word is already spreading that we’ll soon see The Strokes at the Fillmore and Donald Fagen (of Steely Dan fame) at the Paramount.
Of the winter/spring shows already announced, here are the 20 concerts you shouldn’t miss.
Margot & the Nuclear So and Sos, Jan. 19, Larimer Lounge
This Indianapolis chamber pop outfit is not kidding around. Its music is more delicious than ice cream in the summer and more irresistable than your prom date at midnight. It’s like The Shins and Arcade Fire on an awkward date.
Cut Chemist, Jan. 28, Fillmore Auditorium
The Jurassic 5 DJ is a legend in certain circles, and he is the unannounced special guest opening for night No.2 of Sound Tribe Sector 9’s two-night stand at the Fillmore on Jan. 28. (Digable Planets open STS9’s night No.1 on Jan. 27.)
Gogol Bordello, Jan. 25, Fillmore
Cake always headlines the Unlimited Sunshine Tour, but it’s the support acts that always make it special. And this year it’s Eastern Bloc punks Gogol Bordello who will inject the festival with the necessary juices to rock and roll.
INXS, Jan. 30, Lecture Hall at the Colorado Convention Center
This post-Michael Hutchence reincarnation of INXS – which found new lead singer J.D. Fortune (a former Elvis impersonator) via a network television reality show – is appealing to an entirely new demographic this time around.
Aerosmith, Jan. 30, Pepsi Center
Steven Tyler and Joe Perry are at it again. Though their arena rock is waning – the evidence of which can be found all over 2004’s “Honkin’ on Bobo” – they can still pack the house. Lenny Kravitz, who is similarly stuck in a creative hole, opens.
She Wants Revenge, Feb. 1, Larimer Lounge
This indie buzz band (think Interpol meets The Killers) is picking up steam, and this show is bound to sell out.
Elefant, Feb. 5, Gothic Theatre
Opening for Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, this elegant band of merry ’80s revisionists makes lush music that requires your attention – and dancing shoes.
Stars, Feb. 14, Fox Theatre
This Canadian group of pop misfits gave us one of the most rewarding records of 2005 in “Set Yourself on Fire.” Like Arcade Fire a year before it, the band presented a complete record of indie pop (and, at times, alt-country) gems placed in exactly the right order.
Jeff Tweedy, Feb 15-16, Boulder Theater (15th) and Gothic (16th)
The Wilco frontman’s solo shows were the thing of legend, and the Wilco movie “I Am Trying to Break Your Heart” proved the magic intimacy he creates in a room.
The Bronx/High on Fire, Feb. 17, Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom
Bound to be one of the loudest shows of the winter, the Bronx/High on Fire double- bill is not to be missed.
Coldplay, Feb. 19, Pepsi Center
This is without question the biggest Colorado show of the winter. Chris Martin’s pop sensibilities seemed a bit dulled with “X&Y,” but that didn’t stop the British singer-songwriter from going multiplatinum (again) and mounting one of the biggest arena rock tours of the year. Fiona Apple opens.
Sigur Ros, Feb. 23, Paramount
The Icelandic band singing in a dreamy, made-up language is one of the best live bands playing today. And here they’ll bring “Takk …” to life.
Bon Jovi, Feb. 23, Pepsi Center
Nothing new here. The New Jersey band’s new record is called “Have a Nice Day.” It has a nice ring to it, right? Somebody should put it on a T-shirt. (You can count on them being available on tour.)
Low, Feb. 25, Larimer Lounge
It’s not every day you’re in the mood for intense slowcore – stylized music more moody than voluminous – but it’s also not every day Low comes through Colorado. Take heed!
Matisyahu, Feb. 28, Paramount
Mastiyahu is a Hasidic Jew MC who’s absolutely unafraid of stage diving. More important than the apparent gimmick: Matisyahu’s for real, and his reggae rhymes are too.
The Fray, March 10, Paramount
This show is nearly sold out, which is a testament to the city of Denver’s pride in their boys who have spent the last six months conquering mainstream radio.
The Original Sinners, March 11, Hi-Dive
Exene Cervenka is a living legend, having written and performed with seminal punk band X for so many years. And to see her on the Hi- Dive’s modest stage will be an honor.
The Warlocks, March 16, Fillmore
It’s terrific that Andrew Eldritch and his Sisters of Mercy will headline this show – they’re a seminal gothic band, indeed – but get there early enough to catch The Warlocks, an influential but little- known group that makes noise in the style of Velvet Underground and Brian Jonestown Massacre.
Electric Six, March 18, Larimer Lounge
The art of the live rock show has been mastered by few, but Electric Six singer Dick Valentine is a true sensei. Don’t mess with his wild air-kicks or high-flying vocals. You could get seriously hurt.
Revolting Cocks, May 12, Ogden Theatre
They’re opening for Ministry, but the Revolting Cocks will likely blow everybody else on the bill out of the water. (Al Jourgensen sings for both bands.) Best known for their sleazy cover of Rod Stewart’s “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?,” the band is sure to answer that question for you. (Umm, no.)
Pop music critic Ricardo Baca can be reached at 303-820-1394 or rbaca@denverpost.com.
