Phillyist Playlist: Camper Van Beethoven at World Cafe Live

There are some artists whose legacy is defined less by the memorable songs and albums they create, but more by the other artists they inspire. That's how we think of Camper Van Beethoven (MySpace), who is probably best known—if known at all—by music fans today as the group that did "Take the Skinheads Bowling." But if you don't know Camper Van Beethoven, take a listen to songs like "When I Win the Lottery" and "Might Makes Right" and you'll have a difficult time figuring out whether it first hit the radio 20 years ago or 20 minutes ago.

In the 1980s, Camper Van Beethoven pioneered the alt-folk brand of music that is carried on today by groups like Modest Mouse, The Shins, and Counting Crows (which includes former CVB member Dave Immerglück). And while the 1980s may be in the past, Camper Van Beethoven's music is not. It's just as clever and relevant today as it was then. You can see, err, hear so for yourself tonight at World Cafe Live, where Camper Van Beethoven will perform a show in celebration of its 25th anniversary. That's 25 years of often groundbreaking and underappreciated music. If you haven't yet fully connected with Camper Van Beethoven, it would be well worth your while to check out this show. Even if you don't know them, we suspect that some of your favorite bands would not exist without them. We know some of ours wouldn't.

Y-Rock on XPN welcomes Camper Van Beethoven
Tonight, Weds., 1/7/08
9:00 p.m. (Doors 8:00 p.m.)
World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.
Tickets: $25-$35