Sound Menu September 12 2007

CL’s picks for the week’s best shows

THURS/13??
ANDREW BIRD, AUGIE MARCH The violin is considered one of the most difficult instruments in the world, but Bird makes it look easy. His style is unconventional and his music is unique, mixing classical, Eastern European folk music and a little hillbilly blues to make something completely new. Aussie pop band Augie March opens. $20. 8:30 p.m. Variety Playhouse. 404-524-7354. www.variety-playhouse.com. — James Kelly

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CAROLINE HERRING, BO BEDINGFIELD Originally from Texas, where she made quite a name for herself in a very crowded music scene, Herring is now a Decaturite and has found a second home at Eddie’s. And it’s a good match, as her insightful and gentle acoustic songs fit right into the groove of the place. Athens resident Bedingfield opens. $12-$60. 8 p.m. Eddie’s Attic. 404-377-4976. www.eddiesattic.com. — JK

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QUEENSRŸCHE Touring to support its recently released Mindcrime at the Moore DVD and Sign of the Times: The Best of Queensrÿche CD, the Seattle-bred band should be in a decidedly retrospective mood tonight. Sign compiles the best of the group’s work since the ’80s, and Mindcrime is a live presentation of its wildly popular concept album and sequel. Lovers of progressive, literate, at times overwrought, yet always skillfully executed rock will surely enjoy the show. Ultradrive is scheduled to open. $34.50. 8 p.m. Coca-Cola Roxy Theatre. 404-233-7699. www.ticketmaster.com. — Lee Valentine Smith

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YOUNG ANTIQUES, ADAM AND THE PINKS, LAKE CITY Founding ‘Tiques Blake Rainey and Blake Parris are back in action after pursuing separate paths for the past couple of years. Rainey, who has enjoyed a successful foray into the low-key Americana-folk field, and Parris, a key member of Sodajerk, are putting those roles on the back burner for the moment to concentrate on the revitalization of their punky, punchy Young Antiques, one of the best Atlanta rock bands of the past two decades. Kevin Charney of Sodajerk is on board as well, and the band is as vital as ever, apparently energized from the hiatus. Adam and the Pinks and Lake City open. $7. 9 p.m. Star Bar. 404-681-9018. www.starbar.net. — LVS

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FRI/14

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CAPITOL CITY OPERA Two works are featured: the blatantly baroque “Dido and Aeneas” by Henry Purcell, an epic story of tragic love between the Queen of Carthage and a shipwrecked Trojan refugee, based on the fourth book of Virgil’s Aeneid, plus a modern operatic scene for soprano and piano from 2005, “At the Statue of Venus,” by San Francisco composer Jake Heggie. $20-$25. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 3 p.m. Conant Performing Arts Center, Oglethorpe University. 678-301-8013. www.ccityopera.com. — Mark Gresham

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DRIVIN N CRYIN The lowercase drivin n cryin has been the major vehicle for Kevin Kinney’s alternately rockin’ and ponderin’ songs for two decades. Tonight begins a special, intimate two-night stand for the unpredictable and uncompromising rock and acoustic band that also includes Tim Nielsen, Jeff Sullivan and Mac Carter. They never do the same show twice, so expect rare treats both nights, and probably a few special guests. David Franklin opens the Saturday show. $25. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m. Smith’s Olde Bar. 404-875-1522. www.smithsoldebar.com. — LVS

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THE HEART ATTACKS Denied a much-hoped-for chance to play Warped Tour, this Atlanta quintet joined the tour anyway, selling alcohol and cigarettes from its pirate bar to postshow musicians. Besides enjoying a riotous (if grueling) good time, they met Rancid’s Lars Frederickson, who produced last year’s Hellbound and Heartless for his label, Hellcat. While their hard-working DIY attitude helped, it wouldn’t mean a thing if the music didn’t sizzle. Their slash-and-burn, garage-punk aesthetic recalls the Dead Boys, New Bomb Turks and the Humpers. $8. 7 p.m. Masquerade. 404-577-8178. masq.com. — Chris Parker

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JOHNNY IRION Despite similarities to a ’70s Neil Young due to his quivering tenor voice and floating country/folk, Irion has crafted a distinctive persona, even without wife and frequent touring partner Sarah Lee Guthrie. Being part of the storied Guthrie lineage hasn’t affected his own music that tilts toward tender, moving and spry acoustic-based pop. Irion’s somewhat skewed melodic approach circumvents the traditionalism epitomized by his legendary in-laws in favor of studied, dreamy and wistful songs that are equally as affecting, just in different ways. $7. 7:30 p.m. Red Light Cafe. 404-874-7828. www.redlightcafe.com. — Hal Horowitz

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KODAC HARRISON Ubiquitous singer/songwriter/spoken-wordsmith Harrison is celebrating the release of Dreams and Nightmares, his newest album. The collection features a stellar cast of players, including his longtime associates Sean O’Rourke, Nick Longo, Kristin Markiton, Brandon Bush and Daniel Brown. And of course there’s a little spoken word on there, too, utilizing Decatur-based Harrison’s extraordinary narrative skills and evocative wordplay. Jody Worrell, Tom Wolf and assorted others will be on hand for some spontaneous musical combustion, and Markiton, formerly of Delta Moon, opens the show. $12. 9:30 p.m. Eddie’s Attic. 404-377-4976. www.eddiesattic.com. — LVS

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STEVIE WONDER In the annals of popular music history, few artists have the well-deserved accolades of Wonder. In his five decades of performing, he has rarely hit a wrong note, and many of his amazing songs will be considered masterpieces long after he is gone. And he puts on a hell of a good show. Hope you are one of the lucky ones. Sold out. $58-$128. 8 p.m. Chastain Park Amphitheater. 404-249-6400. www.atlantaconcerts.com. — JK

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TIESTO His remix of Delirium’s “Silence” launched him, but it’s his talent and epic sets that made him DJ magazine’s No. 1 in the world an unprecedented three years straight (‘02-‘04). His effervescing trance isn’t as diva-driven as other Europeans, and he’s known to spice the set with a eclectic range of dance styles; after all, he’s a fan of Maiden and Priest. (Weird, huh?) The Dutch DJ’s supporting Elements of Life, an artist album that toys with some dance/traditional pop blends. $45-$75. 10 p.m. North Atlantic Trade Center, Norcross. 770-279-9899. northatlantatradecenter.com. — CP

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SAT/15

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AMEL LARRIEUX Larrieux will always be best known for her ’90s work with Groove Theory, which spawned soul classics such as “Tell Me” and “Keep Trying.” But she’s continued to make records, from 2004’s Bravebird to this year’s Lovely Standard, an album of jazz covers. She’ll undoubtedly offer a sampling from throughout her career when she plays Sugarhill. $25-$30. 8 p.m. Sugarhill. 404-658-0068. www.sugarhillatl.com. — Mosi Reeves

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COBB SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA David Doke joins the CSO as mandolin soloist for “Dances of Galanta” by Zoltan Kodaly and the “Concerto for Mandolin and Orchestra” by Antonio Vivaldi. The program also features popular 20th-century classics “The Pines of Rome” by Ottorino Respighi and “La Valse” by Maurice Ravel. $25-$35. Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m. Dozier Centre for the Performing Arts, Marietta. 770-429-7016. www.cobbsymphony.com. — MG

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TRACKSIDE TAVERN’S 25th ANNIVERSARY The 25th anniversary of any club is a big deal, but the intimate, “never a cover charge” Trackside has remained a consistently popular destination for lovers of music, drinks, bar food and communal good times. A host of the city’s singer/songwriter elite has played the friendly joint over the years, firmly establishing the fertile ground that begat the stars of the now internationally known Decatur acoustic scene. This should be a hearty event, with performances scheduled from Green Bracelet and Dr. Bombay. Music continues well into the night, because the good ol’ Tavern is open late. Free. 8 p.m. Trackside Tavern. 404-378-0504. www.tracksidetavern.com. — LVS

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SUN/16

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WILLIAM CALLAWAY Currently organist at First United Methodist Church in Chamblee, Bill Callaway offers up a varied program including “Pece d’Orgue” by J.S. Bach, “Aria” by Chicago-based organist/composer Paul Manz, the “Triumphal March” by Edvard Grieg, and a transcription of the popular mezzo-soprano aria, “Mon coeur s’ouvre a ta voix,” from Camille Saint-Saëns’s opera, Samson et Dalila. Free. 3:15 p.m. Cathedral of St. Philip. 404-365-1050. www.stphilipscathedral.org. — MG

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MON/17

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CIRCLE, ENDLESS BOOGIE, BIG BEAR Circle is a Finnish prog-rock curiosity that explores the outer reaches of blackened metal and long, intricate grooves. The group is a Nordic cousin to both the introspective patterns of Tortoise and the hypnotic rhythms of Can; all infused with Thor-like chants and pulsating guitars. NYC’s Endless Boogie plays a slow and druggy “In a Gadda Da Vida” jam. Big Bear opens. $7. 9 p.m. Drunken Unicorn. www.thedrunkenunicorn.net. — Chad Radford

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DIPLO Diplo may be one of the most influential DJs of the decade. While his Philly-based Hollertronix crew didn’t pioneer the mashup, they were the ones who made it a staple of hipster nightclubs across the land. He’s mostly been quiet as of late, focusing on his Mad Decent label and a forthcoming documentary on Brazilian favelas. But a new mixtape, Hollertronix 7, and an iTunes EP, hints at future musical activity. His MJQ gig serves as the official Björk afterparty; arrive early to avoid long lines and/or a sold-out club. $15. 11 p.m. MJQ. www.thedrunkenunicorn.net. — MR

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KIM RICHEY Producer Giles Martin, son of George, perhaps inevitably brings increased pop flavor to country/folk singer Richey’s first release in nearly five years. But her richly expressive vocals are perhaps best experienced live, where Martin’s intricate production is stripped away, leaving her terrific songs and lovely, bittersweet voice to sauté in a more organic atmosphere. Richey rarely tours, so this is a unique opportunity to experience her talents in an intimate setting. Peter Bradley Adams, formerly of eastmountainsouth, opens. $15. 8 p.m. Eddie’s Attic. 404-377-4976. www.eddiesattic.com. — HH

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WED/19

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DAATH, ZOROASTER, WAITED, DOOMSAYER Any bill that boasts names such as DAATH and Doomsayer is guaranteed to bring a harsh and churning black-metal storm of symphonic angst and dark mysticism channeled through thrashing guitars and synthesizers. Expect nothing less than a gratuitous display of sweaty head banging. Most importantly, this show is the CD-release party for Zoroaster’s excellent new drone-metal opus, Dog Magic (Southern Lord). Waited also performs. $10. 9 p.m. Lenny’s. 404-577-7721. www.lennysbar.com. — CR

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PLASTIC PEOPLE OF THE UNIVERSE Plastic People of the Universe laid the foundation for a European proto-punk legacy amid the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968. By merging American psych rock, spanning Jefferson Airplane, Captain Beefheart and the Velvet Underground, with a thorny improv approach, PPOTU became an enemy of the state and was forced to live in secrecy. After so many years the group’s sound is more austere than ever before. $10. 9 p.m. Eyedrum. 404-522-0655. www.eyedrum.org. — CR

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THURS/20

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FIONN REGAN It seems like a setup when a brand-new artist is excessively compared to the greats, as Regan has been. With names such as Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Nick Drake being tossed around in his hype machine, the expectations of this young Irishman are high. I say just listen with a clean palate, and let his soft, folky sound take you to where he wants you to be. $12. 8 p.m. The Five Spot. 404-223-1100. www.fivespotatl.com. — JK

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JANIVA MAGNESS After struggling in the blues trenches for 25 years, Magness finally scored 2007’s Best Contemporary Female Vocalist at this year’s Blues Music Awards. While the California-by-way-of-Detroit singer hasn’t crossed over into mainstream recognition just yet, it’s only a matter of time until her powerhouse vocals and rootsy material connect with a larger audience. Hear her belt out rollicking R&B, smoky jazz, sassy soul and blistering blues with the conviction and professionalism only a quarter-century of experience brings. $10. 9 p.m. Blind Willie’s. 404-873-2583. www.blindwilliesblues.com. — HH

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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 Rodney Carmichael, 384 Northyards Blvd., Suite 600, Atlanta, GA 30313, or e-mail information to: rodney.carmichael@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.