Sound Menu January 30 2002 Wed

COUNT THE STARS, JUPITER SUNRISE, SHARKS AND MINNOWS — You know when a band features a reasonably attractive woman on its CD cover that: a) said female is not in the band and b) the band’s constitution is at least 87 percent geek. When it comes to Albany, N.Y.’s Count the Stars, both apply. Ah, but there’s also a “c)” to consider: Cool album covers — in this case, a sultry late-night laundromat scene — almost always lie. CTS’ dryer-damaged “power-pop” — i.e. samey power chords and worn-out wound-licking laments, framed by a rhythm section that couldn’t bust a move with a loaded Uzi — would have a hard time finding its way out of a men’s room stall at a Weezer concert. Also on the bill: Jupiter Sunrise and Sharks and Minnows. Echo Lounge (Rowland)

JOE GRANSDEN — Lately local trumpeter Joe Gransden has been showing up just about everywhere jazz is heard in town, from the serious jazz room at Churchill Grounds to the cabaret setting of Libby’s. He adds one more venue to his resume when he brings his trio to Buckhead’s umlaut-chic Joel, where he’ll entertain the Wednesday (6-9 p.m.) crowd starting tonight. Joel (Sarig)

PAT GREEN — See article, p. 83. Smith’s Olde Bar (Rowland)