If folk music’s prime currency is authenticity, Langhorne Slim might well earn some crooked eyebrows. Classically trained at the SUNY-Purchase conservatory, Sean Scolnik donned loafers and floppy hat and named himself after his hometown in the tradition of all those rail-hoppin’ ramblers who used to do that. The blogosphere gobbled up this aesthetic and and have cast Slim in the role of Guthrie-Dylan inheritor he came dressed to play.

Really, Slim doesn’t make music like that at all. His music is much more poptimistic, with an evangelical energy that has led some critics to call his music religious (and not in the way Bob Dylan equated Woody Guthrie’s music with religion). Slim’s lyrics lunge, albeit passionately, with a blade that is shinier than it is sharp. Cat Stevens, with his spiritual conceit, is an apter analog—or the Avett Brothers, with whom Slim has toured.

Read More “Tonight: Langhorne Slim @ Rock ‘N’ Roll Hotel w/ Dawes” »

Check out locals Face Accidents (think Pixies, Stooges) at Velvet Lounge with Spider Bags, Golden Boys, and The Antlers. 9 p.m.; $8; 21+

If you need a folk-rock fix go to the Black Cat tonight for Langhorne Slim (pictured) and the Heartless Bastards. 8 p.m.; $13; all-ages.

Willing to drop 20 bones on French Euro-pop? Then check out Yelle at the 9:30 Club. 10 p.m.; $20; all-ages.