Aaron's Party (Come Get It)!

Aaron Carter headlines a semester full of great upcoming concerts.  Here's a look at his upcoming show, as well as a few other highlights.

Aaron Carter
Buskirk-Chumley Theater, Oct. 8

Even though former pre-teen starlet Aaron Carter hasn’t released an album in 11 years, he’s visiting Bloomington. He comes to the Buskirk-Chumley as part of his “After Party Tour,” which could be a nod to the fact that he hasn’t released new music since he was 14.

But now, at the ripe old age of 25, everyone’s invited to his party as he tours the U.S. and Canada. Even though he’s a legal adult now, it’s a safe bet that he still has a sweet tooth, too. Did you know that Carter’s hit “I Want Candy” is actually a cover from the 1960s?

Carter’s brand of pop-rap worked well for his pre-teen self.  He is the youngest male solo artist ever to have four top forty singles.  But how will those hits stack up now that his voice has changed?

Carter isn’t the only act coming through town this fall that will make audiences nostalgic. 

Even though we’re in a completely different era of music, most of us can still hum the “na-na-nas” in “Aaron’s Party.”  Maybe that’s why he chose to stop in a college town full of millenials during this tour.

Whether you choose to attend his concert ironically or sincerely, Carter ought to show you a good time. We’ll figure out if he’s still good at basketball.
And, with any luck, Shaq himself might make a guest appearance.

No Age
Waldron Arts Center, Sept. 15

This L.A. duo comprised only of guitarist Randy Randall and drummer/vocalist Dean Sprunt is known for its experimental, noisy punk rock. But they come to Bloomington on the heels of their fourth release, “An Object,” which presents a quieter sound.

Rather than the abrasive, driving punk of 2010’s “Everything In Between,” No Age let their songs brood and drone more on their new album. Having said that, don’t expect their live show not to be full of raucous energy. They are still a rock band, after all.

Waxahatchee
Russian Recording, Sept. 22

Brooklyn singer-songwriter Katie Crutchfield brings her talents to Bloomington with her band Waxahatchee. The critically acclaimed “Cerulean Salt,” released in March, presents an unpredictable style of rock and roll. It’s sometimes loud and sometimes quiet, but always raw and emotional.

Crutchfield’s folky vocals and harmonies combine with guitars and bass which are often fuzzy and distorted. The intimate setting of Russian Recording will provide a good environment for her well-crafted songs to flourish.

Titus Andronicus
The Bishop, Sept. 23

These New Jersey punk prodigies are still supporting last year’s underrated “Local Business” with one of the fiercest live shows in the country. Consequence of Sound named Titus Andronicus the Best Live Act of the Year back in 2010, and their performances have only gotten tighter with time.

For three albums, the band has perfected the art of writing emotive punk songs. Patrick Stickles’ emotionally transparent and heart-wrenching lyrics combined with the band’s explosive guitar leads and aggressive, shout-along choruses are a match made in punk heaven. For any non-believer, be sure to check out the band’s impressive debut, “The Airing of Grievances,” or 2010’s truly epic masterwork, “The Monitor.”

Danny Brown and Action Bronson
Bluebird Nightclub, Sept. 24

The “2 High 2 Die Tour” should please the hardcore hip-hop heads in town. The tour brings together Detroit rapper Danny Brown, known for his acclaimed 2011 mixtape “XXX,” and New York MC Action Bronson, a front-runner for the funniest rap personality the genre has seen in some time.

While they both have plenty of hilarious quotables throughout their songs, don’t let that undersell their skill. Brown and Bronson are two of the most consistent rappers in the underground, and their talent as rhymers is undeniable.

It’s worth noting that both artists have had their fair share of notoriety in the live setting — Danny recently received oral sex while performing, and Bronson is known to abandon the stage mid-performance to spit rhymes from the crowd. Expect a wild night and don’t forget to bring munchies.

Laura Stevenson
The Bishop, Oct. 2

This Long Island singer-songwriter brings her unsung talents to Bloomington once again. Stevenson released her third album, “Wheel,” in April.

Her brand of rock and roll takes influence from the indie rockers of the 1990s — the brash noise of Built To Spill and the quirky melancholy of Neutral Milk Hotel. Even though the Bishop is an intimate setting, don’t expect Laura to hold anything back.

Charles Bradley
Bluebird Nightclub, Dec. 7

At first glance, Charles Bradley might seem like a washed-up soul singer from yesteryear. But at the age of 64, his music career is only a few years old. His debut album, “No Time for Dreaming,” was released in 2011, and he comes to Bloomington after the release of his sophomore effort, “Victim of Love,” in April.

Though his stage antics might be more reserved than those of James Brown, his vocals certainly aren’t. Bradley wails and croons with all the emotion of the soul greats of old, and his set will provide some welcome nostalgia.