Main drag for live music: May 20 2004

It's not Austin's Sixth Street, but for Atlanta, there's no one-stop shop for good music that rivals Flat Shoals Avenue in East Atlanta Village. Realistically, we're only talking about a density of two or three venues here, but they all traffic the rock with affordable, beer-soaked intensity.

First up is The Earl (404-522-3950), ground zero for the local indie rock scene. Bands that play everything from guitars to saws, power-pop to scuzzed-out psychedelia can be found in the backroom of this notorious scenester restaurant and bar. Some of rock underground's rising national acts will hit the small corner stage, raised a mere 6 inches off the floor for maximum intimacy. You can see it all for a reasonable price, provided you're 21 and doorwoman Jennifer doesn't think your unsolicited crossword hint was totally uncalled for.

Two blocks down the street is the Echo Lounge (404-681-3600). Don't mess with the actually genial but initially imposing Don at the door. Inside, you're in the bastion of scenester rock, hip-hop and electronica in Atlanta. The walls are covered with old tour posters of bands who went on to be your life. Recent acts include Canadian orchestral pop collective Broken Social Scene, underground rappers Eyedeas & Ablities and British drum 'n' basser Squarepusher. So celebrate, but watch your head if you try to get on stage, the stage door is cut for only the nimblest Liliputian.

Cameli's Vegan (404-622-9926), just a long jump off Flat Shoals, does the open-mic thing, as well as hosts some organic rock acts such as Athens' sweetly rich Hope for Agoldensummer. If you're looking for something sassier, grab your nearest beard and hit up Mary's (404-624-4411) for Maryoke. It's the place to be to see some happy dudes who are dead serious about their Britney, Christina and Cher. Looks like Flat Shoals may not be the only drag around after all.