The Pietasters?Cat?s Cradle: Sept. 13 at 9 p.m. $12
You probably hid your Reel Big Fish CDs when the last ska wave crashed, but it?s time to break out your two-toned jackets again. In the tradition of Madness and the Specials, the Pietasters play fun, energetic ska replete with horns and danceable beats.
of Montreal?Go! Rehearsal Studios: Sept. 16 at 9 p.m. $7
Musicians still clinging to the Beatles tend to split right down the old Lennon/McCartney line, whether it be the cutting, blue balladry of Elliott Smith, or the bouncy lilting pop of Beulah. of Montreal fall squarely within the small, freakshow Ringo camp of Octopus Gardens and Yellow Submarines. Expect an assortment of the oddest instruments above the sea, charming and precious melodies and lots of songs about tulips, peacocks and coquelicots.
Victoria Williams?The Cat?s Cradle: Sept. 21 at 8 p.m. $15
Williams, quirky songwriting and all, has long been a darling in both critical and artistic circles. She has toured with Lou Reed, Neil Young and the women of Lilith, and in this solo tour, she will be testing her headlining chops.
Girls Against Boys?Go! Rehearsal Studios: Sept. 24 at 9 p.m. $7
GvsB are a never-bright ?90s indie rock act, fading fast; if you remember them from then, they probably haven't changed much by now. But Radio Four's worth the money alone; nervous and infectious and true to its ?80s post-punk roots. They whipped up all fifteen people that were at the Coffeehouse at their show last spring.
Azure Ray? Go! Rehearsal Studios: Sept 26 at 9 p.m. $7
The band?s dream pop whispers could warm the abominable snowman and then lull him gently to sleep. The Athens, Ga., duo rock about as hard as a fistful of daffodil petals, but they smell real pretty. Get there early to nab the upstairs couches and bring a warm lap to lay your wistful head on.
Dismemberment Plan?Cat?s Cradle: Oct. 4 at 8 p.m. $10
Dismemberment Plan manage to be quirky and funny while still bringing the rock, but their greatest feat is almost unheard of?busting folded indie-kid arms into bouncing indie-kid booty. Their new songs are more contemplative and album-based but that didn?t keep down last spring?s show.
Q and Not U?Go! Rehearsal Studios: Oct. 9 at 8:30 p.m. $6
Washington, D.C. may not exactly be renowned for it?s music scene, but local band Q and Not U is one of the most innovative, accomplished punk bands to come along since D.C.?s own Fugazi. Simultaneously experimental and melodic, their music features searing, angular guitars and measured percussion.
Guided by Voices?Cat?s Cradle: Oct. 26 at 10 p.m. $14
Tired of hearing your inebriated friends sing out of tune at 2 a.m.? Then how about drunken strangers at 10 p.m.? Sobriety aside, Guided by Voices still turn out great live shows, performing classic rock with pounding drums and crunchy guitars, often channeling The Who in the process.
Pedro the Lion?The Cat?s Cradle: Nov. 6 at 8 p.m. $9
Spewing an infectious combination of catchy hooks, acoustic guitars and incisive lyrics, Pedro the Lion still stands as one of Texas? best dirty secrets. This one-man act is well worth discovering.
Keller Williams?Lincoln Theatre: Oct. 1 at 8 p.m. $17
The cool thing about Keller Williams is that he plays a completely solo show, but once he gets started, he sounds like a full orchestra. Having gained a fan base touring with the String Cheese Incident, Keller?s now out on his own, literally, and putting on one hell of a show.
Nickel Creek?Regency Park: Oct. 3rd at 6 p.m. $26.
Nickel Creek are so prim, proper, beaming, sunshiny, Christian, that you just might want to barf. And you would think that their beaming, sunshiny bluegrass pop would prompt the final retch; but no, damnit, it?s so beautiful that if you?re not careful you just might start talking in okely-dokely?s.
Dashboard Confessional?The Ritz: Oct. 6 at 8 p.m. $15
While you?re not likely to hear intricate guitar work or see Chris Carrabba stage-diving, a Dashboard Confessional show is still an intense experience. Dashboard?s sorrow-drenched lyrics are sung with conviction?typically by everyone in the room, creating a sonic cacophony of heartbreak. Bring plenty of Kleenex.
Paul McCartney?Raleigh Entertainment and Sports Arena: Oct. 7 at 8 p.m. $55
Apparently, the Cute One is going skimpy on the post-Beatles material here?a smart move. Another reason to shell out the hefty ticket price: The only other place you?re ever going to hear authentic Beatles music is at a Ringo show.
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