Sound Menu December 05 2001 Mon

STAR 94 XMAS — This holiday-inspired triple bill could easily serve as the virtual definition of alt-rock lite. From the polite, parent-approved folk pop of Natalie Merchant (see Record Reviews, p. 93), to the Monkees-go-punk radio slickness of Smash Mouth to the anemic “neo-classic rock” of the inescapable Train, this triumph of blandness is enough to make even the jolliest soul look forward to mid-January. Atlanta Civic Center (Robertson)

TRANS AM, OXES, RYE COALITION — Locally produced Chunklet Magazine — celebrating another of its anticipated yearly (or two) opinion-packed issues — offers another of the top-form indie rock shows that have become its calling card. Headlining: Trans Am, whose mix of post- and progressive rock gained them hot indie status for championing a Rush meets retro-electro kraut-rock-influenced sound. Lately they’ve been captured mixing their searing guitar leads, warm bass drops and beatboxes with metal masters the Fucking Champs. Baltimore’s Oxes apply two highly calculated guitarists and a drummer to math rock improvisations that lean toward the metal edge of the spectrum. Rye Coalition rock filthy, discordant and anthemic for fans of D.C. post-hardcore, Shellac and the Jesus Lizard. The Earl (Ware)APACHE CAFE: Boundless with Azikiwe, Art Mondays w/Zoe Dale, Fourth Sun jazz session

ATLANTA CIVIC CENTER: Star94’s Not So Silent Night w/Smash Mouth, Natalie Merchant, Train

BLIND WILLIE’S: The Shadows

BUFFALO’S-PLEASANT HILL: Bob’s Karaoke

CHURCHILL GROUNDS JAZZ CAFE: The Kebbi Williams Project

DARWIN’S: Slim Fatz

THE EARL: Chunklet Magazine release w/Trans Am, Rye Coalition, Oxes

EDDIE’S ATTIC: Acoustic Open Mic

EMORY PERFORMING ARTS STUDIO: Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony

FAT MATT’S RIB SHACK: Delta Moon

40 WATT CLUB-ATHENS: The Gerbils, McIntosh Opry

FOUNTAINHEAD LOUNGE: Post-Modern

FUZZY’S: Francine Reed

INTERNATIONAL ARTIST GUILD: Jazz Jam

KAYA: 6th Annual Motown Holiday Bash

NOMENCLATURE MUSEUM: Dirty Deep

NORTHSIDE TAVERN: Northside Blues Jam hosted by Larry Griffith

PARADOX: Sky Sushi with DJ Shakim, Special T

PERFORMING ARTS STUDIO: Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony

POPPER’S: Karaoke

ROXY: Vagina Monologues

SMITH’S OLDE BAR: New Faces Night with Cookout, King Reno, Poppies 3

TASTY WORLD-ATHENS: Spin Man, Skychurch

TONGUE & GROOVE: DJ Shakim & Special T

VIOLETTE RESTAURANT: Jus JazzWoodruff arts center: