MUSIC . Music Picks

Wu-Tang Clan/Alien Architect

Thu., Dec. 30, 10 p.m., $41.50-$44, with DJ Image, Trocadero, 1003 Arch St., 215-922-6888, thetroc.com.


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Published: Dec 29, 2010

[ hip-hop ]

These days, Wu-Tang doesn't sport the dangerous allure or the weird éclat they had in their start. Enter the Wu-Tang (1993), Wu-Tang Forever (1997) and The W (2000) were powerfully sinister-silly efforts where you were never quite certain what was going to sound off next — even when you were blaring them on repeat. And you did put "Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing ta F' Wit," "C.R.E.A.M.," "Careful (Click, Click)," and "Protect Ya Neck" on and on and on over and over. Then Ol' Dirty Bastard died, RZA became Quentin Tarantino's best friend and Method Man became a comedian. But Ghostface Killlah became a poet, and GZA and Raekwon released formidable solo efforts, too. The Wu's 2009 reunion disc Chamber Music is promising, and if you don't mind waiting until like midnight (the Clan's usual start time), you'll be reminded why you shouldn't f' wit' 'em. Then again, getting there early means catching one of my Philly picks to click, Alien Architect. The Caucasoid rapper that his mom calls Devin Cohen has a hard fluttering voice that can race or slow fluidly and frantically like an Albert Ayler sax solo with a soundtrack of scorched-earth live free jazz to match. Recently, though, he's taken to utilizing a solid sample-happy electronic-muzikDJ, and the Alien's architecture is eerily reminiscent (in a very good way) of the likes of MC 900 Ft. Jesus and the Disposable Heroes of HipHoprisy. This should be your New Year's Eve Eve.

Thu., Dec. 30, 10 p.m., $41.50-$44, with DJ Image, Trocadero, 1003 Arch St., 215-922-6888, thetroc.com.