Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti

Ariel Pink has said that his music is not meant to be played live. Ten years ago, when he was recording schizophrenic, ultra-lo-fi freak folk in his home, this statement was more believable. But given the tightly produced, clean pop of last year’s Before Today and the force of his backing band Haunted Graffiti, it’s difficult to buy this as an excuse for his infamously unpredictable and frustrating live performances. (This year’s mumbling Coachella meltdown and moody circus karaoke at Lincoln Center are just a few recent examples.) Hope for “Round and Round,” a gorgeous anthem with surprising and delightfully lush harmonies.

Thu., June 2, 7 p.m., 2011