The Mountain Goats at the Corner Hotel

John Darnielle is probably one of the nicest musicians I’ve spoken to. When I saw him on stage at the Corner Hotel last week fronting his band the Mountain Goats, I was reminded why.

Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings

Not since Aretha has there been a queen of soul that is quite as captivating and powerful as Sharon Jones. Her sassy voice can whip a lyric into a funk frenzy, a bluesy drone or a soulful purr while she rests her hand on an insubordinately jutting hip. Each note is dripping with attitude – this is a woman not to be messed with, fellas.