Seattle's Top Shows of November

Let's be honest: November is a good month for the beginnings of shitty weather and holiday stress. We have few memories of this month yielding much in the way of excellent shows or substantial numbers of bands coming through our fair city. However, this year around, it's clear that the rock gods are on out side: November closely mirrors October in terms of a huge dose of amazing bands. Let's salute the coming dark months together with some of the month's most anticipated shows.

Black Whales with Dan Mangan and Jared Mees at Columbia City Theater, Tonight
In the spirit of local bands, Seattle's own Black Whales create a loose and jangling music, complimented by a slightly fuzzy and impressively timeless sound. Don't miss the chance to hear the group in its hometown tonight.
9 p.m. // Columbia City Theater // $10, All Ages 21+

Small Black and Young Prisms at Vera Project, Tuesday, November 9
Small Black are an unavoidable internet force at the moment, getting instant love from small music bloggers to music sites along. Reverb-y, synthed out dance tracks layered with ghosty vocals and a danceable beat, the NY band is playing with similar sounding Young Prisms, whose latest single 'Sugar' was deemed "something of an anthem" by Pitchfork earlier this week.
Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. // Vera Project // $13, All Ages

Sharon Van Etten at Neumos, Wednesday, November 10
Singer songwriter Sharon Van Etten has somehow eased her way into a handful of genres, with an impressive array of comparisons to the likes of Neko Case and Diane Cluck with a strong community of long-time touring buddies and label mates. Born in New Jersey but raised in Tennessee and Brooklyn, her latest album Epic has been on repeat since it came out last month.
Wednesday, 8 p.m. // Neumos // $15, 21+

Delorean at Neumos, Friday, November 12
Spanish techno crazies Delorean were something of a spectacle when we got a chance to see them at Bumbershoot this year, and we have a hunch that their insanely fun live shows will only be enhanced in a smaller and more intimate venue. We can't think of a better way to dance off the dark winter months ahead.
Friday, November 12, 8 p.m. // Neumos // $13, 21+

Built to Spill at Showbox at The Market, November 19 & 20
Formed in 1992 in Boise, Idaho, indie rockers Built to Spill have been cited as a huge inspiration for a hefty list of musicians that has deemed them a much-deserving legendary title at this point. Releasing albums relatively consistently since their humble beginnings (a brief nod to the compilation they released on Olympia's own K Records) and touring basically non stop, it's no wonder that they'll be playing in our city two nights in a row.
November 19 & 20, 8 p.m. // Showbox at the Market // $20, All Ages

Bear Hands at The Crocodile, Sunday November 21
When researching Bear Hands, most sources couldn't provide much information other than that they're from Brooklyn, there are four of them, and their music is good. That's all we really need to know: their uniquely catchy sound with a dance punk twist, providing a slightly weird sound that's a little off, and really fun.
Sunday, November 21, 8 p.m. // The Crocodile // $10, 21+

Blonde Redhead at Showbox at the Market, Wednesday November 24th

Rock trio Blonde Redhead are one of the best examples of dream pop that we can begin to come up with. Since their first release in 1995, they've managed to sway in different directions while still creating a sound so authentic and genuine that their cultish following is well earned at this point. Their latest release, Penny Sparkle, dropped in early September, and we're pleased to announce they continue to woo us.
Wednesday, November 24, 7 p.m. // Showbox at the Market // $20, All Ages



Other shows we're excited about:

• the Moondoggies & Cave Singers @ Showbox Market, November 5


• Fitz & the Tantrums @ The Crocodile, November 9


• Or the Whale & Chris Pureka @Tractor Tavern, November 9


• Eisley @ Chop Suey, November 15


• Benoit Pioulard @ Healthy Times Fun Club, November 17


• The Frames @ Showbox Market, November 26


• No Age @ Neumos, November 26