Let's Discuss: DC Music Venues

I'm not going to lie. Austin is better than DC when it comes to live music. That doesn't mean I don't miss going out in the District. Recently I was thinking about my favorite places in DC for live music. Here's my best and worst lists. Let me know if you agree or disagree.

The Best

5. Comet Ping-Ping - I've never stepped foot in this place (I live in Austin after all). However, it has all of my favorite things: pizza, cheap beer, indie rock, and ping-pong. It may jump up to number one if I actually see a show there.

4. Galaxy Hut - Okay, I'll admit it's not really a great music venue. It is great in every other sense of the word so it goes on the list.

3. Black Cat - Pluses: The Red Room, the pear shaped Asian worker who tells kids to "Go back to Virginia!" when kicking them out. Minuses: the gas The Red Room Ale gives me and their crappy sound system.

2. Rock & Roll Hotel - squeaked ahead of The Black Cat only because it's always so easy to get close to the stage.

1. 9:30 Club - great sound and sight lines, the people are nice, and the shows are always well run. Sure, it's not everyone's favorite place but it's the best DC has to offer.

The Worst

3. Sixth and I Synagogue - Sorry, no beer will land you on this list every time. You might disagree if you're not too much of a pussy to sip whiskey from a flask (like me). Or you could point out it's superior acoustics and say it's not about the booze. Whatever, nerd.

2. Jammin Java - Again, no beer. Plus it's way out in the 'burbs and it's name is Jammin Java. Horrible.

1. Nissan Pavillion - if you've ever been there, you understand. They should really let everyone who survived the Radiohead show last year burn that fucker to the ground, riot-style.

Others to consider:

- Fort Reno - just missed my Best list. Lots of good memories here (Fugazi, Dismemberment Plan, Q And Not U, etc).

- Wolf Trap - not bad if you enjoy wine, cheese, and The Gyspy Kings. Personally, I don't.

- DC9 - the home of Rock Club's first official show. I haven't seen a show there in the three years since then.

- The Red and the Black - I always enjoyed the shows there, I just didn't see that many.

- Velvet Lounge - I was down on this place but it's really not bad. They do a good job of booking decent bands.

- Birchmere - I haven't been there but as I get older places with seating and a decent menu have more and more appeal.

- Also: Iota, The Wonderland Ballroom, Jaxx, Merriweather Post, State Theatre

Let's Discuss: Grizzly Bear

Potsy's going to the sold out Grizzly Bear and Here We Go Magic show on Monday. While I'm a fan of Here We Go Magic (check out their Daytrotter session), I don't have a strong opinion on Grizzly Bear. "Knife" on Yellow House is a great song but I really never got into them. Their new album, Veckatimest, was released this week and everyone has opinion. Some love it, some hate it. I haven't listened from start to finish so I'll reserve judgement for the time being. However, based on what I've heard on their MySpace page, I don't see what the fuss is about. Hopefully, seeing them in Austin on June 16th will help me decide which camp I should pitch my tent.

Are you undecided as well? Here's something to help you out - the video for "Two Weeks". I find the song a little boring but the video is too fucking creepy not to love.