Music Monday: Gigs in Glasgow This Week

The ever dependable Bob Dylan kicks off the week for those of you who can afford his inflated ticket prices. Given that he’s managed to pack out three nights at the Armadillo in a row, perhaps claims that there’s a recession on have been overstated. Or maybe Mr Zimmerman is simply worth the financial hit. What more is there left to be said of Dylan? Anything I could possibly say would undoubtedly come across as cliche. You all know the songs, you all know how good they are and how good a performer he is, even if his voice isn’t what it used to be. Yet while he’s got that incredible back catalogue to dip into, you can’t help but hope that, given the time of year, he might treat audiences to a couple of tracks off of his truly bizarre Christmas album, Christmas in the Heart. We can but dream.

While Dylan may be expensive, he is probably worth the money. Sadly the same can’t be said for The Pixies at The Barrowlands. Sorry, I mean three-quarters of The Pixies, which, for this writer at least, isn’t really The Pixies at all. Here’s a question, when you think of The Pixies what’s the first thing you think of? For me it’s probably that opening bassline to Debaser. That sound is the The Pixies in a nutshell. So without the woman behind said sound, you have to ask yourself, what’s the point? The Pixies were just as much about Kim Deal as they were Frank Black, and without Deal I’m not sure this tour is worth anyone’s time or money. Maybe I’m just a purist, and no doubt the current line up is still a formidable live presence, running through all the songs you know and love with workmanlike aplomb (no doubt finishing with “Where is My Mind?”). But is it worth it? Is it? Hmmm?

Your attention would be far better served by Metz at Broadcast on Saturday. Those of you paying attention will remember that Metz have graced this site before. That was back when they were in the unenviable position of supporting two of the very best bands around at the moment, Titus Andronicus and Fucked Up. Fans of those two will agree that distinguishing yourself among such hallowed company is no easy task, yet Metz, with a loud and energetic performance, managed just that. They’ve now hit the big time, being included on the soundtrack to the most revered cultural artefact of our time (GTA V), so this might be your last chance to see them before they sell out (just kidding…)! While they’re often compared to grunge (by those who just can’t let go dammit!) they actually carve their own niche between hardcore punk and noise rock, with probably the heaviest drums you’ll hear outside of a Black Metal gig. Well worth checking out, and oh look, it’ll only cost you £8.

You might have noticed a few weeks back the re-introduction of comments to GOG. Unfortunately from time to time a handful of smaller gigs may get missed from the listings below - I have a day job after all! Glasgow is such a great city for live music, with more venues than any sane (unpaid) person can possibly account for. So don’t be offended if I overlook you, someone you know, or a band you like. If there’s something going on that’s not covered below then hit us up in the comments and let us know. We’re always on the lookout for new music.

Full Listings

Let us know in the comments, who are you going to see this week? Or are there any must-sees which somehow haven’t made it onto our list?