Phillyist Playlist: Evan Dando at M Room

Photo by Wonderlovely, www.evandando.co.uk

Yep, I reported on Dando the last time he played in Philadelphia: about six months ago, as the frontman of the Lemonheads (MySpace). And yes, he still wears the flannel ... don't you judge him. Dando was in the press a lot last year, as he resumed using the Lemonheads name after an eight-year break to focus on his solo career, released a new album (the lovely quirky mess covers LP, Varshons) and filed a suit against General Motors over a 2008 commercial using an unauthorized copy of his band's 1992 song "It's a Shame About Ray." Dando is seeking damages and a percent of the profits from the ad campaign, which GM used for its Buick and Chevrolet brands. Save the empire, Evan.

The Lemonheads rocked the Philly crowd that night last June, and Dando will surely bring the same force and charm tomorrow night at the M Room, though it will be with a very different sound than usual. Dando will be playing old Lemonheads favorites as well as solo material, but tomorrow night will be an acoustic show. This will be a very different concert experience than the typical plugged-in and amped-up Dando show—Dando is such a memorable performer that his concerts still resonate in people's heads 15 years after (see this Lemonheads feature by Philly Weekly reporter Michael Alan Goldberg, who cites a show in DC from back in 1993, which also happens to be the first concert this Phillyist ever attended).

There's no denying it; the man even rocks other rock celebrities' socks off. Just look at the list of people who have performed on his solo records and tours: Oasis, Ryan Adams, The Dandy Warhols, Ben Lee, Juliana Hatfield, Gibby Haynes, Smashing Pumpkins' James Iha, Hole's Melissa Auf Der Mar, Spacehog's Royston Langdon and members of the Descendents. Yeah, pretty much a who's who list of innovative 1990s rock artists.

The thought of a stripped-down show in such an intimate setting is a veritable wet dream for alt-rock kids old and new, so it's actually a miracle tickets aren't sold out yet. In other words, go buy them now!

Evan Dando with the Candles and Steve Yutzy-Burkey
M Room, 15 West Girard Avenue
Friday, February 5, 9pm
Tickets: $15