Sound Menu October 04 2006

THURS/5

??
ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA In a program of early 20th-century British music, Israeli violinist Gil Shaham performs as soloist in the long and emotional "Violin Concerto" of Sir Edward Elgar. The concerto is paired with astrologically inspired orchestral favorite "The Planets" by the younger and slightly more modern Gustav Holst. Robert Spano conducts. $16$68. 8 p.m. Symphony Hall. 404-733-5000. www.atlantasymphony.org. Mark Gresham

??
THE CONSTANTLY ON LIVE MIX-TAPE EXPERIMENT As part of the Atlantis Music Conference, Arc the Finger presents an indie hip-hop showcase of artists who generally aren't anything like bling-bling mainstream rap. Fort Knox and the Dumpsterdive DJ crew host performances by locals Intellekt & Dirty Digits and Psyche Origami, as well as the A-B's (formerly Asamov), the Smile Rays, A Heavenly Noise, Weatherworm and DRES tha Beatnik & Collective Efforts. $10, or $40 festival wristband. 9 p.m. The Loft. 770-499-8600. www.atlantismusic.com. — Heather Kuldell

??
JIL STATION, LESLIE, THE FUTURISTS, THE GATES OF BERLIN, SOVUS RADIO, DEAD CONFEDERATE As part of the Atlantis Music Conference, a collection of the South's youngest and freshest-sounding bands present their various interpretations of that ambiguous musical mish-mosh known as indie-pop rock. The barely out of high school members of Jil Station have moved beyond the teenage angst so melodramatically present in music today. In addition, Leslie, the Futurists, Dead Confederate, et al, each have their own unique sound, which impressively avoids monotony. $10, or $40 festival wristband. 8:30 p.m. Vinyl. 770-499-8600. www.atlantismusic.com. — Tom DeFreytas

??
REGIMENT, SIXTH FLOOR, OCCAMS RAZOR, ENDERS GAME, SOULS HARBOR, MUSIC HATES YOU Up in Marietta, the Darkside's showcasing metal and punk bands for Atlantis, so if you like bands dark and angry, head there. Don't miss Athens' Music Hates You because 1) it's a good band name, and 2) its visceral metal will make you reconsider everything you thought you knew about Athens bands. $40 festival wristband, call for price without wristband. 8 p.m. The Darkside. 770-499-8600. www.atlantismusic.com. — HK

??
THE REWINDS, HARRISON HUDSON, T-MINUS BAND, THE BEGGAR'S GUILD, ELLER, DEARSTAZAZLE On North Avenue on the West Side, relatively new venue 585 hosts a night of good ol' rock and roll for Atlantis Music Conference. Think the Rolling Stones and Tom Petty as bands like Alabama's the Rewinds take the stage. $7, or $40 festival wristband. 8 p.m. 585. 770-499-8600. www.atlantismusic.com. — HK

??
SEIS PISTOS, QUALONE, THE VAGINAS, GONZALES, ARTIMUS PYLEDRIVER There's Southern rock like the Allman Brothers made famous, then there's the swampy, aggressive Southern rock of locals Gonzales and Artimus Pyledriver. This Atlantis showcase doesn't veer too far from normal Star Bar fare, save for Seis Pistos, a Latin punk band from Chihuahua, Mexico. $40 festival wristband, call for price without wristband. 9 p.m. Star Bar. 770-499-8600. www.atlantismusic.com. — HK

??
SUBTLE Jel and DoseOne of Anticon front the Bay Area sextet Subtle. The ensemble features various string, wind and electronic instrumentalists coming together to explore a more organic approach to mechanical rhythms and melodies under the flag of progressive hip-hop. The group's latest full-length, For Hero For Fool, builds upon layers of decidedly non-hip-hop songwriting and hi-fi production, drawing from influences as far-flung as Devo to Tangerine Dream. $8. 9 p.m. Drunken Unicorn. www.thedrunkenunicorn.net. — Chad Radford

??
FRI/6

??
ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA See Sound Menu for Thurs., Oct. 5. $16$68. 8 p.m. Symphony Hall. 404-733-5000. www.atlantasymphony.org. MG

??
XIU XIU, BARR, CONGS FOR BRUMS Xiu Xiu, centered on the fragile and quavering vocals of Jamie Stewart, is the musical equivalent of psychotherapy, addressing everything from homophobia to unrequited love. The Bay Area band's new album, The Air Force, ramps up the drama via more angular-sounding synthesizers and electronic percussion than usual. The ever-evolving lineup now includes Stewart's cousin, Caralee McElroy, and she complements him with a winsome and light voice. L.A. artist Barr and Congs for Brums, the latter a project by Secret Chiefs 3 percussionist Ches Smith, open. $10. 9 p.m. Eyedrum. 404-522-0655. www.eyedrum.org. — Mosi Reeves

??
CARL COX The world's biggest DJ with a dirty name comes back to Atlanta. Do I think Fever is an odd venue for a DJ with Cox's presence and pedigree? Reviewing the club's string of DJ Skribble/Tara Reid/Playboy playmate/DJ Skribble/additional MySpace and MTV D-Generation, absolutely. OK, DJ Sneak gets a pass. But still, nothing makes sense in this town anymore. So why shouldn't Fever host an appearance by a U.K. legend and purveyor of hard funk, tribal tech, no filler floor killers? Not that there is any large-scale venue likely to be much more purified. So we'll hope this is the indication of a positive trend. In phallic summation, Cox makes you shake ya dix even if you are surrounded by tools. $20. 10 p.m. Fever. 404-886-3467. www.feveratl.com. — Tony Ware

??
DAVID KRAKAUER'S KLEZMER MADNESS Clarinetist Krakauer and his Klezmer Madness ensemble push the envelope of style by infusing rock, R&B, jazz, classical, funk and hip-hop idioms with traditional Yiddish klezmer, and vice versa. This "new-wave klezmer," as it is sometimes called, guarantees "knaydelach" in every recipe. (You'll be klezmerized.) $48. 8 p.m. Schwartz Center, Emerson Concert Hall. 404-727-5050. arts.emory.edu. — MG

??
GIRL TALK Butchering context like Sam the Butcher gave Alice the meat, Gregg "Girl Talk" Gillis uses his laptop to surgically remove pop hooks then recombine them into ass-clapping traxxx. Like Sid's room in Toy Story, Gillis' semi-naked set is full of mutant mashups and freq-nasty firecrackers. For Gillis, bringing sexy back isn't nearly as important as gittin' freakin' awn. When Gillis played Lenny's in early August, everybody saw nothin' wrong with a lotta bump 'n' grind. Will the Decatur Social Club crowd be as quick to sacrifice their salon-tussled hairstyles and designer vintage shirts to the party gods? Come check out the finger-bangin' set and find out. Preston Craig and other resident DJs also induce foot-tapping and toe-crushing mania. $5. 11 p.m. Azul. 404-377-3311. www.ragingburrito.com. — TW

??
LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM Yeah, he's been in one of the most incredibly popular bands of the last 30 years, but Buckingham has always had his own "thing" going on the side. He's a great guitar player, and writes damn good songs. Don't judge him for the obviousness of Fleetwood Mac, just let him impress you with what he creates on his own. $42.50. 8:30 p.m. Variety Playhouse. 404-524-7354. www.variety-playhouse.com. — James Kelly

??
SEVEN STAR Miami hip-hop isn't all about over-the-top super thugs like Rick Ross, Trick Daddy and Pitbull. There's a decent underground scene too, as exemplified by Seven Star. The group, which features MC Seven Star and DJ Manuevers, makes melancholy music about sociopolitical issues with a clear-eyed and trenchantly honest perspective. Tonight, the duo will promote a new album appropriately titled Alternate Invention. Local DJ/producer Chris Devoe opens. 9:30 p.m. Drunken Unicorn. www.thedrunkenunicorn.net. — MR

??
Y-O-U, MODERN SKIRTS, TELEGRAM Y-O-U's style fluctuates so much it's difficult to give an accurate description. Are they rock? Electric-prog? Folky? Funk and soul? The answer is yes. The Modern Skirts are a fashionable pop band from Athens with songs reminiscent of Ben Folds. Telegram ends the evening with smooth, pacific songs from its recent album All the World Asleep Tonight that will help guide you to a peaceful post-show slumber. Pasadena, Meghan Coffee and the Bridges also perform. Part of the Atlantic Music Conference. $10, or $40 festival wristband. 7:30 p.m. Smith's Olde Bar. 770-499-8600. www.atlantismusic.com. — TD

??
SAT/7

??
ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA See Sound Menu for Thurs., Oct. 5. $16$68. 8 p.m. Symphony Hall. 404-733-5000. www.atlantasymphony.org. MG

??
BLAIR LOTT Start the evening off a little early tonight with some great new music and a good meal, whydontcha? The voice of the late-'80s Athens pop-rock band Ruben Kincaid (remember them?) debuts his solo album Rooms and Boxes this afternoon at a slightly unorthodox time (4-7 p.m.) at an equally unusual venue (Carpe Diem). Expect plenty of treats from the gregarious entertainer and a rousing set of tunes, focusing — but probably not limited to — his new release. Free (well, the show is free, but ya gotta buy your own food, cheapskate). 4 p.m. Carpe Diem. 404-687-9696. www.apresdiem.com. — Lee Valentine Smith

??
THE BLACK LIPS, BE YOUR OWN PET, ALL NIGHT DRUG PROWLING WOLVES The Black Lips return to the old stomping ground to play a set of garage-flavored Southern punk noise and debauchery. Nashville combo Be Your Own Pet plays frenzied and fuzzed-out rock in the vein of the Iggy & Stooges, Sonic Youth and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Rising local lit-punk group All Night Drug Prowling Wolves open. $10. 9 p.m. Drunken Unicorn. www.thedrunkenunicorn.net. — CR

??
BROKEN SYMMETRY, VIETNAM, AMALGAMATED CLIFF DIVERS This ATL band reunion marks the return of three veterans of Atlanta's art-punk scene of yore. Broken Symmetry employs modern and antiquated synthesizers to craft ambient, sci-fi patterns. Vietnam comes armed with bleak rhythms shrouded in scathing saxophone squalls and a truly post-punk lexicon. Improv-rock act Amalgamated Cliff Divers return from a more than 20-year hiatus to close the show. $5. 9 p.m. Eyedrum. 404-522-0655. www.eyedrum.org. — CR

??
ENVIE, THE SWEETLOVES, GRINGO STAR The mysterious and deeply satisfying music of envie (yes, all lowercase) has finally been captured on disc. Tonight, the fruit of several years' work from the multitalented Renee Nelson is (at last) ripe and ready to be plucked and plunked down into your CD player. As Nelson, a frequent Jarboe collaborator and veteran of at least 1,267 Atlanta bands, joined by Keith Lee (Liars Club), unfurls the delicate yet firmly rocking set, go to the merch table and pick up a copy of the self-titled release. It's a rewarding and challenging listen. The Sweetloves will be there, too. Oh, yeah, A Fir-Ju Well is now known as Gringo Star. Lovely. $8. 9:30 p.m. The Earl. 404-522-3950. www.badearl.com. — LVS

??
MASTODON Atlanta-based prog-grind quartet Mastodon recently released the band's well-received third full-length, Blood Mountain. And it's somewhat like a garlic press: It makes a bit of a lovely mess, and you have to allow for a lot of pressure, but in the end it really unlocks some flavor. Atlantis Music Conference is sponsoring this sure-to-be mammoth sonic assault, bringing the live Mountain to Mohammad, so to speak. Featured is the hometown metal beasts' searing brand of amalgamated, fantastical catharsis. Also appearing are anxious post-hardcore/alt-metal quartet the Bronx and post-Melvins fuzz-fog trio Totimoshi. $16, or $40 festival wristband. 7 p.m. The Masquerade. 404-577-8178. www.masq.com. — TW

??
PETER ROWAN & TONY RICE These two old friends have been playing together off and on for the past few decades, and each one brings a unique component to the collaboration. Rowan was in Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys before he was in the seminal hippie jam band Seatrain, and Rice is one of the masters of bluegrass flatpicking. Expect a musical smorgasbord, delivered in the finest style. $22.50. 8:30 p.m. Variety Playhouse. 404-524-7354. www.variety-playhouse.com. — JK

??
SHUT EYE RECORDS AMERICANA SHOWCASE For the Americana leg of the Atlantis Music Conference, local label Shut Eye brings Stephen Simmons, the Munks, Hooverville and the Rosemont Family Reunion together. The evening's best bet is the downtempo croon of Little Country Giants. $8, or $40 festival wristband. Red Light Cafe. 770-499-8600. www.atlantismusic.com. — HK

??
SUN/8

??
JULIE ROBERTS Mainstream country music has too many divas and far too often the talented ones get overshadowed by the loud ones. Roberts is a relative newbie on the scene. She finds a nice balance between classic country tradition and contemporary style on her new release, Men & Mascara. Not too obvious, not too radical, and pretty enough to take home to mama. $20. 8 p.m. Variety Playhouse. 404-524-7354. www.variety-playhouse.com. — JK

??
KURT-ALEXANDER ZELLER & MICHIKO OTAKI France's "Belle Époque" ("Beautiful Era") persisted from the Exposition Universelle of 1889 in Paris (remember the Eiffel Tower?) until World War I. It was famous for its songs, both serious and "salon music." Tenor Zeller and pianist Otaki explore the elegance and wit of the era with Gabriel Fauré's songs, and an amusing bestiary of satirical, rarely heard songs about animals by Emmanuel Chabrier. Free. 3 p.m. Spivey Hall. 678-466-4200. www.spiveyhall.org. — MG

??
PIZZAPALOOZA Veteran musician David "Zeus" Henderson is once again bypassing the tired ol' club scene and presenting another Pizzapalooza music festival at the Athens Pizza Express on Clairmont Road. You know the one. It looks like an old Arby's building. He's offering a solid lineup, especially considering the admission price (free). Check out this stellar buffet! Gerard McHugh & the Crafties (1 p.m.), Scott Haycock (2 p.m.), an Elvis tribute by Charles Grimes (2:30 p.m.), Pizzaland (3 p.m.), What The ...? (4 p.m.), the Shut-Ups (5 p.m.), Orange Hat (6 p.m.), and the Cogburns (7 p.m.). Free. 1-8 p.m. Athens Pizza Express. www.myspace.com/pizzapalooza. — LVS

??
MON/9

??
__VERUCA SALT, AGENT SPARKS, THE STRAYS,/b> After a six-year hiatus, Louise Post is back with a retooled version of Veruca Salt and a new album. IV finds the band back doin' what made 'em famous with the insanely catchy, crunchy "Seether." It's solid-state guitar pop with an edge and plenty of hooks. Tourmates Agent Sparks and the Strays share opening duties. $15. 7 p.m. Smith's Olde Bar. 404-875-1522. www.smithsoldebar.com. — LVS??
WED/11

??
ONE SELF, PSYCHE ORIGAMI, MR. INVISIBLE One Self is a supergroup that includes DJ Vadim, a hip-hop auteur best known for the brilliant 1996 album U.S.S.R. Repertoire (The Theory of Verticality), New York MC Blurum 13, and singer/rapper Yarah Bravo. The trio issued an album last year, ,i>Children of Possibility, that propagates a sinuously minimalist sensibility through turntable cuts and live instrumentation. It's only getting around to promoting the release with a U.S. tour, hence an Atlanta show with local heroes Psyche Origami and Charlotte group Mr. Invisible. $8. 9:30 p.m. Drunken Unicorn. www.thedrunkenunicorn.net. — MR

??
THUrs/12

??
ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Robert Spano conducts the ASO with French pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet as soloist in one of George Gershwin's finest but strangely neglected works the "Piano Concerto in F." Two quintessential masterpieces round out this early 20th-century excursion: the jazzy precision and wit of Igor Stravinsky's "Octet" for winds, and Bela Bartok's "Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta" (excerpts can be heard in the film scores of Being John Malkovich and The Shining). $16$68. 8 p.m. Symphony Hall. 404-733-5000. www.atlantasymphony.org. MG

??
PAUL OAKENFOLD He's packed stadiums — and admittedly packed some CDs with cheesy guest-star-studded jams — but legendary U.K. DJ Paul Oakenfold jammed so hard in the Balearic late-'80s to Goa trance mid-'90s, I'm prone to let him coast on his own coattails just a wee bit longer. For a couple years there, did I love me some Fluoro psytrance? That's like asking if everybody partying at the Globe looked idiotic. DUH. Nowadays you really shouldn't expect more than some main room electro-trance, climax-ridden camp stompers. But Oakenfold has the depth of experience to pull it out and ramp it up, so there's always that chance something really mental will supplement the U2 remix "epics." Joining Oakie is Perfecto associate Sandra Collins, who earned a deserved crowd-pleasing party-girl-meets-moody-selector reputation. $20. 9 p.m. Eleven50. 404-874-0428. www.eleven50.com. — TW

??
WOLF EYES, JOHN WEISE, ROGER STELLA, ZOROASTER Ann Arbor, Mich.-trio Wolf Eyes stalks the forefront of American underground noise. The group churns out a terrifying concoction of mechanical rhythms, antiquated bleeps and chirps, and the fiery punk-fueled abandon of Black Flag, Swans and early Sonic Youth. Electro-ambient noiseniks Weise and Stella do their knob-twiddling things. The Atlanta-based metal trio Zoroaster plays massive doom and gloom. $8. 9 p.m. Drunken Unicorn. www.thedrunkenunicorn.net. — CR

??
· Bands/performers/venues wishing to be included in Sound Menu's noted-acts boxes may send recordings, press material and schedules two weeks in advance to Creative Loafing c/o Heather Kuldell, 384 Northyards Blvd., Suite 600, Atlanta, GA 30313, or e-mail information to: heather.kuldell@creativeloafing.com. To be included in the listings only, e-mail venue and band schedules by Friday at noon (for the issue that comes out the following Thursday) to soundboard@creativeloafing.com.__