Pop Smart - See & Do: Music: Gentleman Jesse Smith

GENTLEMAN JESSE SMITH is heir to Atlanta’s power-pop throne. His songwriting is bound by a simple, driving Rickenbacker chug that channels heartbreak, wit and catharsis into rambunctious pop gems that culminate somewhere between Beatlesesque pop and punk/new-wave gems circa ’79. The Fri., JUNE 20, show is the record-release party for Smith’s debut full-length (Douche Master Records). But at press time, Smith stressed that he’s “holding his breath” and hoping he’ll actually have records to sell. Regardless, the show will be nothing short of a full-force exhibition of pure pop tunes not meant for the faint of heart. Nashville garage rockers Cheap Time open. $8. 9:30 p.m. The Earl, 488 Flat Shoals Ave. 404-522-3950. www.badearl.com.

(Photo by Laura Hull)