FRI 12/18: Comedy, Rock, Comedy, Rock

(I want to say "$&*#!!!", but I'll say "Egads!" Here's what was supposed to be an early post today...)

I know it's a busy time of year but, there are some good ways to blow off your responsibilities.

Congratulations to Boston! We won the Poe debate last night, which makes sense since he was born and spent his formative years here. (Maybe he'd disagree, but too bad...)


For those who are looking to buy something artsy-crafty for that naughty person in your life, think about Holiday Handjobs at the Dilboy Hall. I doubt any of the holiday fairs get this queer.

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FRI 12/18

7:30pm
The Gas
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$5 / 18+

Feat: Rob Cantrell, Reggie Williams, Dave Boz, Tim Vargulish, Chris Coxen, Morgan Smith, Mike Magid

Anderson Comedy has The Gas every Friday, and I'm an advocate of the idea of early Friday fun so you can spend the rest of the night drinking yourself to oblivion -- or whatever you'd like to do.

It's a rotating lineup, and touring comedian Rob Cantrell is on board tonight. One of his favorite topics is getting high (e.g. appeared in the "Marijuana-logues"), so he's going to be signing copies of "High Times" at Green Side Up Gallery, the relatively new head shop below Great Scott from 6pm to 7pm (enter on Harvard St, I think). Cantrell apparently writes for the magazine.

FRI 12/18

The Vivs (8pm), Monique Ortiz (10pm)
at Toad, 1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
FREE

Go for the incredibly well-written power-pop -- and stay for what may be solo bass anchoring intensely emotional songs.

FRI 12/18

9pm
Milky Way Holiday Show
at Milky Way Lounge / Bella Luna, 284 Amory St, Jamaica Plain (The Brewery Complex)
$7 / 21+

Feat: Ambitious Tugboat, The Woodrow Wilsons, Coyote Kolb, Thick Shakes, Babydriver

Take a handful of folky/rootsy and garage/indie-rock bands and force them to include 3 holiday songs in their set (covers or originals), and you've got a party. Bring a co-worker and make a pass at them!

Though they may be quite different from each other, I really like The Woodrow Wilsons and Thick Shakes. The other bands are quite good as well. I wish the Milky Way was still at its old location, but it is a closer walk from the T...

FRI 12/18

9:30pm
Union Square Round Table: "Probably Jewish"
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$7 -- 21+ / $10 -- 18+

We are a few candles into the menorah season, so why not have a "Probably Jewish" gig? It's not often that I list two comedy shows on one night, but this really is more than a comedy show. It feels more like a (usually) themed variety show with many funny people and cool bands.

Feat: Mehran Khaghani, Lucas Lewis

And usually featuring: Chris Braiotta, Nick Branigan, Steven Derocher, Marian Didio, Keira Horowitz, Caitlin Roy, TD Sidell

Musical guests: Cotton Candy, Hands & Knees

FRI 12/18

The Figgs (11:30pm), The Russians (10:30pm), Corin Ashley Quartet (9:30pm)
at TT the Bear's Place, 10 Brookline St, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10

Oh, man! This is the rock show I wholeheartedly endorse. Ever since I spent a week in an RV with their "Sucking in Stereo" CD, I've been in love with The Figgs. They cover a lot of ground, but they should be considered one of the great American rock 'n roll bands. Do yourself a favor and get into this show, because they usually raise the roof in concert.

The wonderful Corin Ashley is opening with three other friends. It could be any of the talented musicians in town, but I'd guess at least one of his fellow Pills will join him -- if not more. (It's that time of year when folks visit home…) Likewise, The Russians usually include the players that other bands want to steal from, and they've got more than enough high-quality pop-rock in their bag.

FRI 12/18

9pm
Mean Creek, Township, Movers & Shakers, Cropduster
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$10 / 18+

As much as I love the show at TT's, this show would normally make me salivate. (There was a moment when I wondered if it would be feasible to hear every band at both clubs.) Mean Creek and Movers & Shakers are two of the most impressive young bands in Boston. Township won the Rumble a couple years ago. I like Cropduster too. If I wasn't trying to get this out early, I would sing the praises of all these bands.