This Week In New York

CONCERT FRENZY: DECEMBER 17-18

While you’re running around shopping and going to parties these next couple of days, you also might be missing some great music if you don’t stop and take a break. Tonight and tomorrow, a slew of bands are playing Manhattan and Brooklyn in a sonic overload that has us both excited and frustrated, knowing we can’t see it all. Tonight, Harper Blynn, formerly known as Pete and J, are at Bowery Ballroom ($15) with Pretty Good Dance Moves and Madison Square Gardeners (who we hope are better than the Knicks and Rangers). Mountains, consisting of childhood friends Brendon Anderegg and Koen Holtkamp, bring their minimalist electronic soundscapes and hypnotic compositions to the Knitting Factory Brooklyn ($15), playing with the For Carnation. Brothers Hays and Ryan Holladay, formerly of the Epochs, will be playing their first-ever live show as Bluebrain at Monkey Town ($10 minimum), with Peephole. And longtime favorites the Ks, who are in the studio recording their next album, will be at Arlene’s Grocery (free) with Talain Rayne, Jane Getter, Character Nine, Shot, and the Lows.

On December 18, a friend of ours will be masked and onstage with Fanfarlo for their show at Webster Hall ($17) with Freelance Whales. The socially conscious and rebellious Steve Earle, a truly great live performer who always has a lot to say, will be at the Society for Ethical Culture ($35-$45). And Deidre Muro and Paul Hammer, known as Savoir Adore – and whose “We Talk Like Machines” has been rumbling through our head for days now – will be at the Cameo Gallery with French Horn Rebellion.