The Tragically Hip

The Egg, Thursday

The Tragically Hip may be getting just a little too commercially hip, a tragedy for some fans that were into the gritty, anthemic rock for which the band were known. Since being joined by producer Bob Rock for their 2006 album, World Container, their music has become noticeably more polished. But after so long in the biz, one has to give these guys credit for doing something right. With 11 albums under their belt, perhaps they’re attempting to push their creative horizons. Local fans will have a chance to decide for themselves when Gordon Downie and the rest of the Hip come to the Egg to promote their 12th studion album, We Are the Same. Maybe they’ll play some old favorites, too. (Oct. 15, 8 PM, $35-$45, Empire State Plaza, Albany, 473-1845)

Travis Caudle

Emack & Bolio’s (uptown), Saturday

Australia has an illustrious history of fostering high-caliber rock acts, from AC/DC to INXS, Midnight Oil to Men At Work. More recently, the land down under has produced a series of notable singer-songwriters—why, just last week, Aussie pop sensation Kate Miller-Heidke visited the area as the opener for Ben Folds. This weekend sees another in that line: Travis Caudle is touring the States in support of his debut record Signals. It was produced by Tim Powles, drummer for another fine Australian rock act—the Church—and features a dozen reasons why Caudle should soon see his description change from “great Australian performer” to, simply, “great performer.” (Oct. 17, 7 PM, free, 1704 Western Ave., Guilderland, 512-5100)

STS9

Revolution Hall, Sunday

It seems like just yesterday that Santa Cruz livetronic quintet STS9 were touring the country as Sound Tribe Sector 9 with a stage full of crystals and heads full of Mayan astrology. The group built their live show, fan base, and legacy upon an organic melange of dub, breakbeat, drum and bass, and IDM that rivaled any laptop-savvy act on the jam circuit, but last year’s Peaceblaster proved the band could do post-rock just as well as Tortoise or Explosions in the Sky—not to mention cut a record that stood up to their live reputation. The band’s style has matured considerably, but they’ll still make you dance ’til you’re delirious. Philadelphia electronic trio Telepath open the show. (Oct. 18, 7 PM, $25, 425 River St., Troy, 274-0553)

HOCKEY

Hockey

Jillian’s, Monday

It’s been a busy year for Portland, Ore., band Hockey. Some massive U.K. buzz for their debut record, Mind Chaos, landed them on tours with like-minded dance-rock acts Passion Pit and Friendly Fires. That same buzz turned into a deal with Capitol Records, who rereleased the album last month, and appearances at massive music fests like Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza. On Monday they’ll take a sidebar from their tour with Portugal. The Man to visit downtown Albany, where they’ll be joined by Texans the Black and White Years. You can thank the folks at WEQX for bringing another great free show to the area, but you’ll need an ID to thank them in person: This show is open only to ages 21 and over. (Oct. 19, 8 PM, free, 59 N. Pearl St., Albany, 432-1997)

Shooter Jennings, Earl Greyhound

Revolution Hall, Tuesday

We’ve sung the praises of Earl Greyhound before, but let’s revisit: The New York trio, led by guitarist Matt Whyte and bassist Kamara Thomas, combined classic blues-rock flavor and arena-size anthems on their 2006 debut album Soft Targets. Since adding powerhouse drummer Ricc Sheridan, they’ve been a nonstop touring machine, though word has it they’ll unveil a new album early in 2010. Waylon Jennings, Jr.—better known as Shooter—has been living up to his famous dad’s “outlaw” nickname, leaning steadily toward the rock side of country-rock. With his band, the .357s, he’s also expected to release new material soon. So Tuesday’s show will be chock full o’new. (Oct. 20, 7 PM, $17, 425 River St., Troy, 274-0553)

JDT

Caffe Lena, Wednesday

Jazz meets ambient electronic sounds and killer keyboard skills in this trio headed by composer-pianist Jason Domnarski. Domnarski graduated from Skidmore College before going on to debut in NYC at the National Arts Club, and his trio’s sound is hypnotic, seductive and unassuming at the same time as it is new, inventive and exciting. If the live performance is anywhere near as good as the songs from JDT’s recent recordings for the Ropeadope label, compiled on the Inventing the Wheel release, then Caffe Lena is definitely the place to be this Wednesday. Especially if you’re into awesome piano music—or, better, if you have a hot date. (Oct. 21, 7 PM, $5, 47 Phila St, Saratoga, 583-0022)

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