by Bill Pearis

All Tomorrow's Parties may be the big event of the weekend, but it's not the only game in town and there are loads of good shows worth attending.

Headlining tonight (9/18) at Mercury Lounge are The Major Labels, a power-pop super-group consisting of three veterans of the Boston scene: songwriters Mike Viola and Bleu, plus producer Ducky Carlisle. Viola has fronted various bands over the last 15 years or so, most notably the wonderful Candy Butchers in the mid-'90s, but is probably best-known for singing lead on "That Thing You Do" from the movie of the same name. Bleu (real name William James McAuley II) put out the underheard Redhead on Columbia three years ago, and also fronts the Jeff Lynne loving L.E.O. that Viola contributes to as well. The Major Labels are a little more crunchy than L.E.O., but also owe a lot to Harry Nilsson's piano-based pop as well. These guys know their way around a catchy song and are great musicians. Should be a good show

Also on the Mercury Lounge bill tonight are Dragonette, who I remember absolutely hating when they opened for New Order at Hammerstein a few years ago. But I must admit I kind of like their new album, Galore, in an over-the-top, glammy, hammy disco kind of way. (They also did a funny response to Calvin Harris' "The Girls" which you can hear on their MySpace.) So perhaps they are worth a second look. They're also playing Le Royale on Friday.

Also tonight (9/18), at Glasslands, is something from the "And Now for Something Completely Different" category. I have no idea how to describe San Francisco's Borts Minorts. He's more performance art than musician. It's definitely bizarre. And hilarious. He confused nearly everyone at Union Hall earlier this year when he opened for Kelley Stoltz. Decked out in a white, hooded unitard and playing a bass made out of a ski, he was like if one of the Residents decided to become an aerobics instructor. There are videos of what he does below, but I really suggest you experience Borts Minorts cold.

Drink Up Buttercup

On Saturday night (9/20), I will be heading to Pianos to see Philly band Drink Up Buttercup. They've got a herky-jerky, Tin Pan Alley quality to them that I really like -- it's Beatle-esque but in a kitchen sink kind of way. I'm told they put on a fun, interactive live show as well.

Before them are SpaceKamp who describe themselves as "reggaeton stoner pop rock" and I'm curious to know what that actually means, as they don't have any songs up on their MySpace yet. The trio formed earlier this year after they got along so well as Adam Green's touring band and decided to keep on making music together. Drummer Chris also plays in World Without Magic who are playing tonight (9/18) at Union Pool with Joe & The Flying Spoons. As previously mentioned, "Joe" is Joe from Dirty on Purpose and Patrick Bower fronts World Without Magic. SpaceKamp is also openinf for Say Hi (to Your Mom) at Music Hall of Williamsburg on October 2nd.

The Feelies @ Battery Park (more by Jason Bergman)

And last but certainly no least, the newly-reformed Feelies are playing two shows this weekend -- Saturday (9/20) at Music Hall of Williamsburg and Sunday (9/21) at Bowery Ballroom. I saw them when they opened for Sonic Youth on July 4 and no doubt they've still got it. Glenn Mercer is a shit-hot guitarist and it's worth going just to watch him smoke the leads on classics like "Slipping Into Something" and "Away." Neither show is sold-out, so go check out these living legends. They'll be playing Boston in October, too.

Oh, and if you can make your way to one of Noah and the Whale's remaining shows, do that too. They were totally charming at Union Pool on Tuesday.

All tour dates, flyers and videos below...

Continue reading "Borts Minorts, Feelies, the Major Labels, Drink Up Buttercup & more in This Week in Indie "