It’s a big month for music. Here’s your calendar view for who to see, where to be each night this November.
November 1
Perhaps listening to this Danish wunderkind inspired David Lynch to reboot “Twin Peaks”—Obel’s savvy for Cocteau Twins’ atmospherics and eloquent classical structure would fit right into the program. Check out the director’s remix of her hit “Fuel to Fire”. Park West, 8 p.m. $25. Buy tickets.
November 2
The punk laureate doesn’t have to do much to evoke spirits, so an All Souls Day set of “words and music” dedicated to departed friends and muses will be quite the tribute. She’s joined by son Jackson Smith and long-time bandmate Tony Shanahan.
Old Town School of Folk Music, 4 and 8 p.m. $125. Buy tickets.
November 3
Now 21 years old, this loyalist indie rock trio has matured from New York noise rock tribute to avant garde dream pop practitioners to a newly revamped minimalist project—each time sounding better than the last.
Bottom Lounge, 7 p.m. $20. Buy tickets.
November 4
“50 records, 50 years” might be the theme of Lanegan’s latest tour. If he’s not keen to count candles he can be of the as many albums he’s been a part of, from policing Seattle grunge with Screaming Trees and Mad Season to his later work in Gutter Twins, Queens of the Stone Age and Isobel Campbell. Bottom Lounge, 7 p.m. $25. Buy tickets.
November 5
Manchester (and everyone else) is united behind latest rage act The 1975. Despite the fact that none of the British lads in the band were born until years later, the quartet reincarnates styles of Big Pink, The Kooks and My Bloody Valentine. Aragon, 7:30 p.m. $28.50. Buy tickets.
November 6
Tonight, Ford will be debuting her new album “Slap Back,” an ode to all the “babe rockers” she has loved like Pat Benatar, Joan Jett and Heart. Yet with her unique Sun Records raw rock style, she can count herself among the “flash forwards” we admire. Empty Bottle, 9 p.m. $12. Buy tickets.
November 7
“They’re like if Led Zeppelin and The Band had a baby in Joshua Tree that grew up listening to Ryan Adams covering the Stones ‘70s country influenced songs.” Couldn’t have said it better than their bio. Be prepared for alt country bedlam.
Metro, 7:30 p.m. $17. Buy tickets.
November 8
Australian crooner has caused quite a “Riptide” with the artful single released this year that ebbs and flows between heartfelt lyrics and simple construction. The coffeehouse busker spirit fully shines through on indie folk debut “Dream Your Life Away.” Lincoln Hall, 9 p.m. Sold out. More info.
November 9
When he’s not attacking The War on Drugs, Mark Kozelek is at war with himself. While the folk troubadour is known for pairing somber soliloquies with weepy classical guitar, the intersection is the stuff artists are made of. On the upside, the night also promises merry tracks from his recent Christmas album including a “Charlie Brown” cover. Park West, 7:30 p.m. $25. Buy tickets.
November 10
Age is not much more than a number when it comes to the preservation of the 73-year-old icon. Songs stepped in working man’s blues, protest folk and terrestrial country are as much historic snapshots as they are current affairs. Anything goes in this set, which could be a big finale. (Also Nov. 8, 9) Cadillac Palace Theatre, 8 p.m. $52.50-142.50. Buy tickets.
November 11
Deerhoof does to indie music what Jimi Hendrix did to electric rock — completely revolutionizes it. The celebrated indie rock band celebrates 20 years with a new album and tour—but it’s never too late to catch up with them. D.C. riot grrrl politicos Priests open. Bottom Lounge, 8 p.m. $15. Buy tickets.
November 12
Call it “Stockholm” syndrome. The Pretenders frontwoman recaptures the attention she deserves with her first proper solo album, produced by one of the guys in Peter, Bjorn and John. If you need a refresher of just her magnetism, check out Butch Walker’s new tribute song, “Chrissie Hynde.” Chicago Theatre, 7:30 p.m. $38-78. Buy tickets.
November 13
Although paparazzi have been hounding her for a rumored relationship with Robert Pattinson, the real headlines should be focused on Twigs’ incredible grasp for new world R&B. A dark mix of Tricky’s trip-hop, Grimes’ avant garde pop and diva pipes move her from obscurity as a backup dancer to a place of belonging front and center. Metro, 9 p.m. Sold out. More info.
November 14
“Sir Duke.”
“Isn’t She Lovely.” “I Wish.” “Another Star.” The reservoir of tracks on Wonder’s “Songs In the Key of Life” come to life in an exclusive 10-city tour that prove why he’s still one of the most beloved figures in pop music. United Center, 8 p.m. $39.50-189.50 Buy tickets.
November 15
Palmer puts away the dark cabaret makeup of The Dresden Dolls and the glitter and guts of her solo career to get real in a first-time book tour for a self-made guide to “The Art of Asking.” As one of the most successful Kickstarter artists, she’ll have much to advise. Thalia Hall, 8 p.m. Sold out. More info.
November 16
Teri Gender Bender is the queen of staging a show. The frontwoman of this Mexican garage punk band is known for her anti-government, pro-feminism diatribes, which she performs in wedding dresses and aprons doused in fake animal’s blood. A few years silent couldn’t capture her tongue as she makes a brilliant return opening for Antemasque. Metro, 8 p.m. $20. Buy tickets.
November 17
If you forget he was the one who discovered Justin Bieber on YouTube, Usher’s story could have been from a parallel universe. At 15 he had a hit on the “Poetic Justice” soundtrack before releasing a debut produced by P. Diddy the following year. Twenty three million albums later, the R&B superstar relives every moment in a new tour.
United Center, 7:30 p.m. $39.50-175. Buy tickets.
November 18
Julian Casablancas + The Voidz
The Strokes frontman isn’t idling by waiting for a proper reunion. Instead Casablanca recruits friends for new band. The debut Tyranny follows a familiar pattern with influences of bygone hardcore and punk recorded using modern and analog technology. It’s on Casablancas’ own Cult Records. The Vic, 8 p.m. $30. Buy tickets.
November 19
75 Years of Mavis Staples
She has a throne dedicated to her at The Hideout, but a special 75th anniversary show inducts Staples as true gospel and blues royalty. Bonnie Raitt, Glen Hansard, Otis Clay, Greg Allman, Emmylou Harris, Taj Mahal, Aaron Neville and plenty more take us all there with performances of her best material. Auditorium Theatre, 7:30 p.m. $75+. Buy tickets.
November 20
Have a question for the Soul Coughing frontman? Bring it to this all-request show. Dougbty will answer any burning curiosities and take audience requests for songs from his long track record of zingers.
City Winery, 8 p.m. $24-32. Buy tickets.
November 21
Adult contemporary had its coming of age with this Bayou group. It’s been 25 years since they released their debut “Surprise” and went on to success with hit singles like “Good,” “Desperately Wanting” and “King Of New Orleans.” They celebrate with “Surprise” releases in CD and digital formats for the first time and special anniversary shows.
House of Blues, 6:30 p.m. $25. Buy tickets.
November 22
If rappers Killer Mike and El-P weren’t already bonafide talents on their own, the combined duo combusts as Run the Jewels. An eponymous debut in 2013 was so buzzworthy it was quickly followed up with #2 in October, expanding their breadth with special guests Zach De La Rocha, Travis Barker and Diane Coffee. Run to catch this one. Metro, 9 p.m. $24. Buy tickets.
November 23
Motown meets modern art in this L.A. soul revivalist pop band. Singers Michael Fitzpatrick and Noelle Scaggs bring sugar and spice to albums “Pickin Up the Pieces” and “More Than Just a Dream” that make them one to see live every time. Riviera 8:30 p.m. $33. Buy tickets.
November 24
Rapper goes up in smoke on latest tour with songs steeped in bad habits and slick talk. There’s a reason Snoop Dogg loves him, cameras follow him and the Pittsburgh Steelers chose his song as their “national anthem.” He’s in it to win it. (Also Nov. 25) House of Blues, 6:30 p.m. $39.50. Buy tickets.
November 25
They were the one that got away. In 2004 at the height of their critical darling reception, this adrenalized dance punk duo abruptly called it a day. Ten years later, they return ready to shred with “The Physical World,” an album that should revirginize their best new artist status. Riviera, 7:30 p.m. $31. Buy tickets.
November 26
Everclear frontman famous for writing songs like “Santa Monica” and “I Will Buy You a New Life” kicks off a solo tour of “songs and stories.” Attendees also get a special souvenir: a download card for the first single off Everclear’s new 2015 album. City Winery, 8 p.m. $26-32. Buy tickets.
November 27
Thanksgiving
Enjoy the tryptophan chill out.
November 28=
If you’re a fan of Kanye West, Wu-Tang Clan or Jay-Z you are a fan of Syl Johnson, the iconic Chicago soul and blues man who is sampled like a musical deli — even if not always authorized. A treasure chest box set on Numero Group and collaborations with daughter Syleena have kept him fresh. Space, 8 p.m. $15-27. Buy tickets
November 29
It’s not very rock ‘n’ to play an 11 a.m. set, so if you missed them at Riot Fest now’s your chance to get a slice. Fronted by Macaulay Culkin, the New York troupe revamps Velvet Underground songs with handcrafted pizza lyrics. After being panned by a number of outlets, there might not be too many leftovers; see the charade while you can.
Double Door, 9 p.m. $16-26. Buy tickets.
November 30
Steeped in Ukrainian folklore and mystical theatrics, this eclectic quartet is redefining world music. Drum circles intertwine with angry cello bows, howling chants are mimicked in accordion contractions and authentic costuming adds to the feel of being an American transplant in a very beautiful new world. City Winery, 8 p.m. $28-36. Buy tickets.