Whether you’re in the mood for literary songwriting, ethereal pop or genre-defying frenetic rock, May has a live show perfectly suited for your tastes. And, as spring nears its finish line, there is no better time for live music. Days are longer, and the evenings are warm. So either relax or move to the beat, just make sure to order a beverage and take in May’s musical offerings.
FREEDY JOHNSTON, 5/7, HMAC, TIME AND ADMISSION TBD
One of the ‘90s most acclaimed singer-songwriters, Freedy Johnston has continued to build upon his extensive repertoire. He will by stopping by the capital of the Commonwealth in support of his forthcoming LP, “Neon Repairman.” Like many of his contemporaries, Johnston has used a faltering record industry to his advantage, taking creative direction into his own hands and producing his most recent work through private fundraising. This is fitting considering he is often referred to as “a songwriter’s songwriter.” This is a perfect show for fans of Neil Young, Tom Petty or Elvis Costello.
ERIC + ERICA w/SHAWAN & THE WONTON, 5/8, 6:30PM, LITTLE AMPS DOWNTOWN
Dreampop seems to make a lot more sense come the warmer months. It’s hazy yet inviting, never in too much of a hurry, but not morose. Durham, N.C.’s Eric + Erica perfectly exemplify these particular characteristics. Their live performances feature such exotic instrumentation as autoharp and foot pedal bass synth. Yet their music is also somehow familiar and reassuring. Since the release of their first album “This is Where”in 2013, they have been constantly touring. They are wrapping up their second full-length album, due to be released later this year. They will be joined by local artist Shawan & the Wonton.
JON SPENCER BLUES EXPLOSION, 5/27, 8PM, ABBEY BAR, $15
Formed more than 20 years ago, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion has earned a reputation for musical iconoclasm and limitless experimentation. Drawing influences from such divergent styles as R&B, noise rock and rockabilly, they have worked with equally diverse artists such as Ad Rock, Elliott Smith and Steve Albini. Their live shows are high energy and electric, disorienting yet still somehow indisputably rock n’ roll. Either way, this is a show that will surely make you move.
Mentionables: Vacationer, 5/1, The Millworks; Cruisr, 5/8, FedLive; the Baseball Project, 5/15, HMAC; Steven Wilson, 5/23, Whitaker Center; Kelly Zullo, 5/30, Midtown Scholar
