MUSIC PICKS DEC 14 - 20 

• @graegat
• Fur Foxen

Fur Foxen, Hooch, Sean Baker's Recycled Stardust @ DLC 12/14
"Fur Foxen sounds like Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and Jenny Lewis showed up with a case of whiskey and a cello at a Texas bar in the 1980s," the band describes themselves on their website. It's scientifically impossible to be sad while listening to Fur Foxen's music. That's obviously an exaggeration, but the band really knows what they're doing in terms of having a sound that's familiar, but uniquely theirs at the same time. Hyperbole aside, there's probably something for everyone in Fur Foxen's library. They've treated us to a few singles this year, but one of their most recent singles, "Traveler," is one to highlight. It's the perfect track for rambling down a desert road, dust kicking up behind you and sun beating down as the heat surrounds you. That's just their most recent release; there's plenty of fun to be found digging through their previous releases to find something that really speaks to you. Joining Fur Foxen is Hooch, a self-proclaimed "frog rock" band from SLC. Also in tow is Sean Baker's Recycled Stardust, who perform "existential folk punk." Their debut release Purple House is all about change and finding yourself again after hard times. It features a great variety of sounds, and is perfect for listeners who have a soft spot for acoustic string instruments, well-placed electric guitar riffs and a need to heal. Catch this great local lineup on Thursday, Dec 14 at 8 p.m. Tickets for the 21+ show are $10 and can be found at 24tix.com. (Emilee Atkinson)

• @buildestroy7, @snapjackson

Living Legends @ The Depot 12/15
It seems like many hip-hop artists have a brief window of popularity before they are considered out of touch. You don't see those kind of epic career arcs where emcees repeatedly absorb new shit that comes on the scene, filter it through their own established sensibility and come out with something that's still recognizably them but also completely new and of the moment. California supergroup Living Legends have been slanging tapes and CDs since the '90s, and are back with their first new LP in almost two decades, The Return. But why did it take so long? "Life happened," member Luckyiam told Rockthebells.com in October. "We are a group made up of solo artists and inner crew groups. People did their own things. We went on a long hiatus, some one-off shows and tours/festivals happened, but we never stopped recording music here and there. We just never seriously focused on an album." The Return features guest spots from Del the Funky Homosapien, Reverie and Atmosphere (among select others), and music production from the crew's own Eligh, as well as the likes of Amplive, Voodoo Lion, Statik Selektah and more. With their DIY spirit and over the top live performances, Living Legends continue to show that they are one of the most enduring acts in the genre's rich history. Brother Ali and Ocelot open. Catch these acts on the How The Grouch Stole Xmas tour at the Depot on Thursday, Dec.. 14. Doors at 7 p.m. Tickets for the 21+ show are $35 at livenation.com (Mark Dago)

• Jordan Sabillo
• DJ Diesel

Diesel @ Sky SLC 12/15
Many know Shaquille O'Neal, aka Shaq, for his legendary basketball career, impressive 7' 1" height, his sense of humor and, last but not least, his philanthropy. Many may not know, however, that he is also a DJ, and a rather good one at that. He'll be bringing his beats to SLC this week in an unforgettable show. The self-proclaimed "Dubstep Dad" has been active as DJ Diesel since 2015, and has continued to explore the entertainment industry. He has released four solo albums as a rapper, starting with Shaq Diesel (1993) soon after he was drafted as the first overall pick to the Orlando Magic in 1992. His new dubstep album Gorilla Warfare (2023) includes bangers like "Bang Your Head" and "Watch Ur Back." While the transition from NBA champion to EDM headliner is unprecedented, O'Neal has loved DJing since adolescence. He bought his first turntables at age 14, and regularly played at local high-school and college parties. There is also something to be said about the similarities of both these careers: whether it's in a basketball arena or an EDM festival, Shaq knows how to hype up a crowd. Come see Shaq aka DJ Diesel perform at Sky SLC on Dec. 15. Doors open at 9 p.m.; general admission is selling out fast, so grab them while you can. GA tickets are $60 at skyslc.com. (Arica Roberts)

• Via Instagram
• Crewless

Crewless, Staycation, Sydney Rian @ Kilby Court 12/19
It's fun when artists have fun—not only with how their music sounds, but the way they arrange it and present it to listeners. Indie dance band Crewless hit the scene with their first release Elevator earlier this year, showcasing two tracks: "Elevator - Going Up" and "Elevator - Going Down." Not only do you get a fun and interesting concept, you get exciting and catchy music from a new local band. Both tracks completely encapsulate the idea of heading up and then coming back down. "Going Up" is upbeat, lively and has an excitement about it. It also incorporates so many different musical elements that will keep you hooked with its great combo of electronic elements, drums and squealing guitar. "Going Down," on the other hand, is more relaxed. It has more mellow vocals, and ditches the guitar for a steady drumbeat reminiscent of your favorite R&B tracks. While there may only be two songs to the collection, it tells an interesting story that will have you coming back for more. Joining the indie dance group is Staycation, a young indie group whose soothing tracks will have you feeling comforted in no time. Rounding out the bill is Sydney Rian, who has an entertaining library full of rock/pop punk vibes that offer a lot of nostalgia to fans of those sounds from the early aughts. Catch this great trio of local artists on Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. Tickets for the all-ages show are $10 and can be found at 24tix.com. (EA)

• Michael Schoenfeld

Jerry Joseph @ The Pearl on Main 12/20-21
Jerry Joseph is a reliable rocker, whether on his own or at the helm of his long-standing band the Jackmorons. He's a heartland hero with a stoic reputation and populist appeal, spawned from a combination of grit, gravitas, passion and purpose. He's always been tough, tenacious and prone to speak his mind, no matter how gruff or uncompromising the music he makes might seem. His latest album, descriptively titled The Beautiful Madness, makes that clear, given that it finds Joseph tackling issues ranging from the rancor raised in response to the Black Lives Matter movement to the seemingly endless roller-coaster rides that life has become in the wake of today's turbulence and turmoil. He dispenses with triviality and doesn't allow sentiment to shade his perceptions—and when he lets loose with some scathing invective, it simply serves to assert his intent. On the other hand, Joseph has put himself in the trenches, both literally as well as figuratively. His charity, the Nomad Music Foundation, brings music instruction to children in war zones and refugee camps, and he has no qualms about sharing the cold realities of those dark and dire circumstances with those who care to listen. Driven and determined, assertive and steady, Joseph offers a reality check he hopes will be heeded. Jerry Joseph plays The Pearl on Main at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 20 and 11:30 p.m, Thursday, Dec.. 21. Tickets cost $25 for a single show, $40 for both dates, at tix.com (Lee Zimmerman)