Critical 5 concerts in NYC this week: kick the winter blues, Jan. 14-21

Let's face it, going to see live music in the dead of winter can be a total drag. Waiting on long lines in the blistering cold, having to deal with a bulky coat (if you don't wanna pay a ridiculous coat check charge), sweating it out in a venue only to emerge a few hours later to find it colder than it was a few hours ago? It can be really draining.

So this week, we're bringing you the 5 events that make all that rigamarole totally worth it, from old favorites to new. The weather outside may be frightful, but these concerts are guaranteed to be totally delightful.

Mission of Burma, 1/18, 8PM at The Bowery Ballroom 

Arguably the dudes who kicked off this whole 80's indie reunion game (for better or for worse), Mission of Burma have managed to avoid putting on a simple nostalgia show; continuing to release new material and play live just as much as they did when Vs. was hot off the presses. If you go to The Bowery Ballroom on Friday night, remember to bring earplugs.

Nude Beach, 1/18, 10PM at Mercury Lounge 

Around the time MOB finishes pummeling their audience with artsy shards of feedback, the three Long Island-based bros of Nude Beach will have just started revving up the crowd at the Mercury Lounge with their own brand of supercharged, beer-soaked power pop. Fight the winter blues with catchy tunes that will instantly remind you of reckless fun on endless summer nights.

Freakwater, 1/15, 8PM at The Bell House 

Freakwater remain one of alt-country's best kept secrets, despite having released records of sparse, haunting Americana as far back as 1989, the duo of Janet Bean and Catherine Irwin are still spoken of in hushed voices by old dudes in denim who horde their old back issues of No Depression like gold bars. Considering how rare a Freakwater live show is, you don't want to miss this one.

Gringo Star, 1/18, 8:30PM at Glasslands Gallery 

On the chance that Freakwater's live show leaves you wanting more alt-country, then perhaps catch up with Gringo Star on Friday. These Georgians' take on alt-country is decidedly more psychedelic and at times raucous, but one can certainly trace their lineage back to the same dusty Hank Williams 45s. If Freakwater are like bourbon, then Gringo Star is decidedly moonshine.

Mykki Blanco, 1/16, 9:30PM at Mercury Lounge 

If you're looking for something unlike anything else out there today, then you could do a lot worse than Mykki Blanco at Mercury Lounge on Wednesday. Featured in Pitchfork's piece on NYC's underground queer rap scene this past year, Blanco describes himself as an "Acid Punk Rapper" and is prone to wearing makeup, braids, and '90s club kid gear. This should make for a super fun night you probably won't remember much of the next morning.