FIVES” is the brand-new Daze feature that gives Sun writers the chance to rattle off lists, observations, ruminations, musings, or rankings on anything and everything having to do culture in Ithaca or at large, all for your reading pleasure. Enjoy.
Cornell will be treated to a smorgasbord of musicians, big and small, over the course of the semester. Here are five acts to watch out for in the coming months:
Taj Mahal (Tonight, State Theater):
Blues, Reggae, Cajun, Bluegrass, African — the broad range of influences this Grammy Award-winning performer boasts makes my head spin — and also makes me wish I had tickets to see him.
Super Furry Animals (Tomorrow, 2/22, No Radio Records)
Their sound does take some getting used to, but contrary to popular belief you can enjoy SFA without indulging in psychotropic substances. If you’re an indie kid, definitely check ’em out.
Lyle Lovett (Sunday, 2/24, State Theater)
This country singer has been around forever, and seems to have done everything. He’s recorded CDs, acted in films, married Julie Roberts for a short time, and even fought a bull (sort of). Oh, and his music is pretty good too.
Stronghold in Siam (Wednesday, 3/12, The Nines)
Not just another college band, Stronghold has started gaining traction thanks to a killer brand of power-pop. The Massachussetts natives even include a Cornellian (Pete Hunt ’10) on lead guitar.
The New Pornographers w/ Okkervil River (Sunday, 4/13, State Theater)
Two of the biggest names in indie rock, a Canadian super-group and some up-and-coming indie folk-rockers. This is THE must see concert of the semester. But don’t take my word for it, pick up some of these artists’ music and decide for yourself.