BRITAIN’S Kaiser Chiefs are slamming through the rock universe with their first single “I Predict a Riot.”
The tune daringly recalls the late ’70s early punk of the Clash’s “White Riot” and the Mekons’ answer-song, “Never Been in a Riot.”
But the Chiefs have the power to take such risks. As the song also ponders the Smiths and Bauhaus, it’s a must-have, iPod-ready, bouncy, punk single. And the Chiefs are diverse! The flip side’s “Wrecking Ball” resembles a Blur ballad.
“Riot” is already getting airplay at KROQ in L.A. and the group was named a band to watch by England’s New Musical Express, making their March-due debut album, “Employment,” one of the most anticipated releases since U2’s latest.
The five-member group, including a keyboardist named Peanut, will be as big as the Libertines by the time it performs at South by Southwest in March, so to avoid the throngs of fans, join the Williamsburg white belts at Northsix (66 N. Sixth St., Brooklyn; [718] 599-5103) where they perform with the Prosaics and Madison Strays, on Saturday.
On Valentine’s Day, the Kaiser Chiefs perform at Mercury Lounge (217 E. Houston St.; [212] 260-4700) along with Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and Blue Sparks.
TONIGHT: One Stop Pop! is a mini indie rock and pop event at the Delancey (168 Delancey St.; [212] 254-9920) with six bands, including Human Television and synth-pop pleasures My Favorite (truly a playlist favorite). DJ Paddy Casino (Day for Night) spins indie, underground pop, punk, northern soul, mod and disco.
SUNDAY: Lucero, Memphis root rockers born under the cloud of Uncle Tupelo, features Ben Nichols’ soul-stirring, plea-ful vocals. The group performs at the Knitting Factory (74 Leonard St; [212] 219-3006) along with Northstar and the Honorary Title.
Honor the Grammys by seeing live music.
MONDAY: If you’re not out waving a single rose in the air, stay home alone or with company to listen to “Songs for Swingin’ Lovers!” by Frank, of course.
TUESDAY PLUS : The Bluegrass Music & Film Festival swings into action at Makor (35 West 67th St.; [212] 601-1000) with the Cobble Hillbillies, a six-piece band stitched together by members from places as distant as Quebec and Oregon but who landed in Brooklyn and found each other.
It could almost be a Valentine’s Day moment.
On Wednesday, the Special Consensus, performs traditional bluegrass numbers by Bill Monroe and Flatt & Scruggs as well as original music. And Thursday, the Kruger Brothers, from North Carolina via Switzerland, make their New York debut.
See http://www.makor.com for a full schedule of festival events, including the some excellent film choices.
TUESDAY: The smoldering and very funny Raul Malo, the leading man of the very fine Mavericks, lights up some old and new solo tracks and some Mavericks tunes at Joe’s Pub (425 Lafayette St.; [212] 539-8770).
THURSDAY: Here’s a New York bill for all you heat-seekers in the house.
French Kicks, a foursome which used to be in ’60s soul cover act Swollen Colon and wore matching blue tuxedos, bring the synth-guitar pop tunes from their smashing debut, “Trial of the Century,” to the Bowery Ballroom (6 Delancey St.; [212] 533-2111)
Calla, hypnotic, dark and brooding New York indie rockers, with the hypnotic, dark and brooding – and magnetic – Aurelio Valle on vocals, open, along with Grizzly Bears.