Amanda Palmer
TUESDAY
>> It’s not The Dresden Dolls proper, but singer/toy-piano player Amanda Palmer has her own material that she’s bringing to an early show at 9:30 Club. Vermillion Lies and The Builders and The Butchers join her. Despite their long awkward name, B&B put on an impressive showing when opening for Fleet Foxes at the Black Cat in July. 6 p.m., $20.
>> And then for something completely different. The late show at 9:30 Club is the one and only Eagles of Death Metal. One of Josh Homme’s many projects, he actually takes the drum kit and lets handlebar-mustachioed Jesse Hughes take the limelight for a set that isn’t so much death metal as a tribute to all that is sleazy but kickass about rock ‘n’ roll. The Duke Spirit opens. 10pm, $15.
>> How legendary and prolific songwriter Robyn Hitchcock‘s trip to the Birchmere has not sold out yet is beyond me, but lucky for those of you who like Hitchcock but forgot to check the Birchmere’s website. 7:30 p.m., $25.
>> For those of you who missed Bad Brains’ sold out 9:30 Club show on election night, frontman HR‘s solo outing at Jammin Java won’t exactly heal that wound you’ve made from kicking yourself, since HR’s solo sound is more reggae and less hardcore. Then again, it is HR, and therefore worth the trek out to Vienna. Outlaw Nation and Lionize open. 7:30 p.m., $10 in advance, $12 at the door.
>> Is the buzz about collaborative act Little Joy a quick flash in the pan because the group includes a member of The Strokes (drummer Fabrizio Moretti)? Or is it actually warranted due to multi-instrumental melodies and a chemistry that comes from three friends holed up in the same house? Head to The Black Cat and let us know. 9 p.m., $13 in advance, $15 day of show.
WEDNESDAY
>> Michael Franti and Spearhead are back in town, bringing their outspoken cry for social justice and their fusion of reggae, jazz, hip-hop and funk with them to the 9:30 Club. 7 p.m., $35.
>> Brandon Butler may be better known for his work with his former bands and Laura Burhenn may have received a more widespread audience with hers, but their solo projects show their strengths as singer-songwriters, which they’ll be showcasing along with Jeremy Messersmith at the Velvet Lounge. 9:30 p.m., $8, 21+
