There are a lot of great shows coming to the DC area this month but some may slip through the cracks when there are so many to choose from. From time to time there are shows and bands that need a little bit of a spotlight shined on them. So consider this spotlight number one. Let’s start with a show and band coming to DC9 next Wednesday October 12th. A lot of people in the US may not be familiar with the name The Parlotones but this rock band that hails from Johannesburg is already well known in many other parts of the world. They are one of the most popular and biggest bands in South Africa, recently opened for Coldplay and they even have a line of wines named after some of their songs. So it seems like it is only a matter of time before this band that has been compared to everyone from Muse to Radiohead to The Killers are more well known in America.
With their trademark sweeping and unique sound and theatrical live shows complete with the band sporting some of the most dramatic and cool makeup and outfits they are definitely one to see live. Lead singer Kahn Morbee’s gorgeous and powerful voice is very hard to describe because it is so distinctive but it is almost like a cross between singers Mike Scott (from the band The Waterboys) and Tim Booth (from the band James) with a hint of Thom Yorke (from Radiohead) in there too. But it's not just about the singer but the epic sound that's unlike anything out there that the entire band produces as a whole. Rounding out the lineup of this immensely talented quartet is: Neil Pauw- drums; Glenn Hodgson - bass guitar, piano, backing vocals and Paul Hodgson- lead guitar and keyboards.
But while The Parlotones may be lesser known in the US don’t mistake them for a “new” band because they have numerous releases under their belts including 3 EPs and numerous CDs such as their 2009 release Stardust Galaxies that features some of arguably their best work to date like “Push Me To The Floor,” “Life Design,” “Fly To The Moon” and many more. They also have another new CD that was released this summer called Eavesdropping on the Songs of Whales which features all acoustic versions of some of their biggest hits.
But to whet the appetite and introduce newbies to the music of this wonderfully unique band below are several songs from The Parlotones. Just click on the links to check them out on YouTube. But the short list of songs below is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the impressive catalog of music this band already has produced. But definitely make sure to check them out next Wednesday at DC9 while they can still be found touring in small clubs. This is one band that seems destined to take their music to bigger crowds at larger venues very soon. Tickets to the show are $12 in advance and $14 the day of the show. The show is at 8pm and the band Prism will be the opening act. (Buy tickets here: http://www.ticketalternative.com/Events/15728.aspx )
For more info on the band and their music check out: www.theparlotones.net/; www.myspace.com/theparlotones; www.facebook.com/theparlotones; or www.last.fm/music/The+Parlotones For more info on "The Parlotones wine" go here: http://theparlotoneswine.com/ But enjoy the music and the show!
SIX PARLOTONES SONGS TO GET YOU STARTED:
"PUSH ME TO THE FLOOR" http://youtu.be/OPo3KLZ4SpM
"LIFE DESIGN" http://youtu.be/JbH6nzcMq7M
"FLY TO MOON" http://youtu.be/DZs5lR8wHc8
"STARS FALL DOWN" http://youtu.be/XY8u8JCIfuc
"BEAUTIFUL" http://youtu.be/TJheWfvuofc
"WE CALL THIS DANCING" http://youtu.be/rnG8y7Q-wTw
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