WEDNESDAY, OCT. 3
The Rogue Nations The Rogue Nations' caustic punk and social commentary helps keep the music environs of the Queen City on the political tip. They are working on dropping their first full-length LP before the year is out. It's all about classic punk, keeping tabs on oppressive government shenanigans. What more do you need? Opening for the legendary Brit punks the Vibrators. Also on the bill are The Heart Attacks and Self-Made Monsters. Milestone (Shukla)
THURSDAY, OCT. 4
Jealousy Curve Here's a nifty melodic-pop double bill. The Philly quartet Jealousy Curve's '80s new wave and alterna-rock influences translates into an expansive sound. Gainesville, Fla.'s Colourslide's U2-teased dance pop doesn't forget soaring vocals and guitars that strut along with the vibe without blasting eardrums. The Evening Muse (Shukla)
FRIDAY, OCT. 5
Foo Fighters Dave Grohl is far past the point of being referred to as "that drummer from Nirvana." The Foos have created their own place in the rock world and they're doing a damn fine job of it. This show is sure to showcase their new album, Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace, that was just released in September. Hifi Handgrenades will open. Cricket Arena (Hahne)
SATURDAY, OCT. 6
Studebaker John and the Hawks A harmonica player as much as a fiery guitar picker, Studebaker John's barrel-aged voice rounds out his blues education, acquired right on the streets of Chicago's Westside. Studebaker John, nee John Grimaldi, formed the blues-rock band the Hawks in the early '70s and the tempo hasn't eased much over the decades. The band sits comfortably in the echelons of worthy Chicago blues vets. Double Door Inn (Shukla)
Junior Brown Never mind Music Row, Junior Brown just keeps making hard-core Bakersfield-inspired honky tonk with occasional Hawaiian slack-key flourishes and outbursts of Hendrix-like pyrotechnics. Boy can play some gee-tar. Or in this case, git-steel. With the Belleville Outfit. Neighborhood Theatre (Schacht)
Vic Chesnutt Chesnutt, a paraplegic since the age of 18, was the toast of the South in the 90s, his gothic Southern folk resulting in collaborations with fellow-Athens' natives R.E.M., and Lambchop, among many others. His recent release, North Star Deserter, may be his most adventurous, and features new collaborations with members of Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra, Fugazi's Guy Picciotto and Bruce Cawdron of Godspeed! You Black Emperor. With Liz Durrett and Ham1 at the early show. Evening Muse (Schacht)
David Allan Coe David Allan Coe released two records, Nothing Sacred and Underground, that contain some of the more reprehensible songs you'll ever hear. He's also written some undeniably great tunes. "Take This Job and Shove It" (made famous by fellow outlaw Johnny Paycheck), "Please Come to Boston," and "Would You Lay With Me (In a Field of Stone)" are considered by many an old-time country music buff to be among the finest such works of the 1970s. Coe complains to this day that he's being unfairly judged for something he did 25 years ago and as a "joke," no less. He says he has a black drummer (one of my best friends is black!), and wears dreadlocks and dresses like a pimp. He says he won't apologize for the songs, but also won't play them in concert. But he also covers himself and his guitar with the ever-controversial Confederate flag, and uses the phrase "workin' like a nigger" in one of his more mainstream songs, "If That Ain't Country," with no hint of humor or hijinks to be found. Perhaps more interestingly, the man, who it is said killed another man in prison because that man demanded oral sex from Coe, has found his greatest fame with a song offering to kiss someone's ass. Dichotomy, thy name is David Allan Coe. Amos' Southend (Davis)
SUNDAY, OCT. 7
Powerman 5000 Boston's electro-metal and rock quartet Powerman 5000, fronted by Rob Zombie's brother Spider along with long-running guitarist Adam Williams, has been rattling eardrums since the mid 90s. Spider can sing or scream like a maniacal drill sergeant if needed. Last year's Destroy What You Enjoy is a straight-on hard rock disc, a marked change from the band's early industrial metal leanings. With Blackaciddisco, Never Better and Wicked Jones. Amos' Southend (Shukla)
Marc Ford Ford is a former guitarist for the Black Crowes and on tour in support of his debut solo outing Weary and Wired (He'll also be performing at The Echo Project). The disc is a collection of blues-rockers with a distinct Southern rock edge and touch of psychedelics. You might say it's a lot like The Black Crowes, but with more of a Ford sway than the Robinson Brothers touch. With Raised by Wolves. Snug Harbor (Shukla)
