Shows, shows and more shows

Everyone from new kids on campus to returning students to bona fide Bostonians should look out for these upcoming concerts in order to explore the city and enjoy some of this year’s most critically-acclaimed acts.

Portugal. The Man: October 22^{nd  –} Paradise Rock Club 

Natives of Sarah Palin’s sleepy hometown of Wasilla, Alaska, Portugal. The Man’s gradual rise to prominence has been impressive and well deserved. Releasing an album every year since its 2006 debut, the band has constantly pumped out quality songs while relentlessly touring. The band brings their spellbinding live act to Paradise Rock Club on October 22^nd in support of their first release, the experimental-pop In The Mountain, In The Cloud. Every P.TM show is a delight and the band transforms their songs into psychedelic epics in a sea of fog and light.

The National:  September 9^th – Bank of America Pavilion 

The indie rock quintet has been touring nonstop since last year’s release of the gloomily brilliant High Violet. Now the tour continues into the 5,000-person capacity Bank of America Pavilion, where the band will be joined by Wye Oak and Yo La Tengo. Lead singer Matt Berninger chugs white wine on stage and gets drunker with each passing song while singing the plight of a middle-aged American man in his distinctive baritone, evoking the spirit of legends before him.

Wilco: September 27^th – The Wang Theatre 

Look to hear numbers from Wilco’s modern classic, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (2001) and new tracks off the band’s soon-to-come record, The Whole Love. The band is known to play for over two hours and grow stronger with each song.

Roger Daltrey: Agganis Arena – September 17^th

BU is in store for a treat this fall when British rock royalty graces a venue known more for showcasing future NHL players such as Matt Gilroy and Kevin Shattenkirk. Frontman for The Who, Roger Daltrey is slated to sing the seminal rock opera, Tommy. Even though Daltrey’s hair has grayed as much as his belt has expanded since his early days, the charismatic crooner should certainly deliver a captivating show.

Foster the People and Cults: September 29^th – House of Blues Boston

The poppy electronica of Foster The People meets the sunny indie-pop of Cults in this collision of summer buzz bands. Honestly, how many times have “Pumped Up Kicks” or “Go Outside” been played on the radio these past few months?

Jay Z and Kanye West (Watch The Throne) – November 21^st – TD Garden

The two hip-hop giants stroke their egos and flash their opulence as they sing of the plight of owning too many Mercedes Benzes in what is certainly to be a sold out show.  TD Garden hasn’t seen this much swag since Tim Thomas grew out the beard.

DeadMau5 – November 11-14^th – House of Blues Boston

This renowned dubstep artist will be “womping” for four straight nights in November. Each concert is a great opportunity for a first date, as any formalities are left at the door.

Young The Giant @ BU Central – September 8^th

After sorting through many concert suggestions throughout the summer, BU Central will open its concert doors this year with indie group Young The Giant. Partially funded by students’ tuition, it will not – and should not – disappoint!