Decent Days and Nights
By Scott Smith in Arts & Entertainment on Sep 25, 2006 1:46PM
The return of fall means no more suburban sheds or city parks filled with the sounds of rock. Instead, it’s time for live music fans to head inside to dark clubs that smell of cheap menthols and stale beer. We couldn’t be happier. Apparently, we’re not the only ones, as shows from Sufjan Stevens and Social Distortion/Supersuckers are already sold out. Here are a few with tix still available.
We've never really bought what Cursive's been selling, but we do admit to some heavy window-shopping. And with its new album Happy Hollow, there's plenty to linger over. Though the album is certainly political, Tim Kasher avoids easy targets, and instead explores the resulting personal crises that come from struggles with faith and the world. Tonight, Metro, 6:30 p.m., $17-19, 21+. With the Thermals and Ladyfinger.
Canadian bands are so lucky what with their ability to apply for government grants to fund their music-related activities. You Say Party, We Say Die!
is just one Canuck band making the most of cultural socialism. If D.C. were throwing around cash to people willing to start their own punk bands, we’d be first in line. Until then, we’ll enjoy this Vancouver quintet that often seems to be combining three of our favorite Bs: B-52s, Bunnymen and Buzzcocks. Wednesday, Abbey Pub, 9 p.m., $10-12, 18+. With Bang! Bang! and The Groodies.
In retrospect, it was probably a bad idea for a band called Massive Attack to start its recent tour a day before the fifth anniversary of September 11th. Subsequent visa problems that forced them to cancel their September 13th show here were the cherries on top of an irony sundae. Their rescheduled show this week will hopefully see them continuing to innovate the trip-hop genre they helped originate. At $40, they damn sure ought to be.Wednesday, The Riviera, 7:30 p.m., $38-40. 18+.
The Melvins have done what many of their contemporaries have not: neither burned out nor faded away. Their 19th album, (A) Senile Animal drops on October 10th. Founding members Buzz Osborne and Dale Crover are joined on the album and this tour by second drummer Coady Willis, as if their sound didn’t have enough bottom to it already. Thursday, Double Door, 9 p.m., $17.50, 21+.
Finally, Estrojam rolls out this week at various venues around the city and Nick Lachey is playing the Rosemont Theater on Thursday. If death were not an option, we’re not sure which one we’d rather attend.
Decent Days and Nights is an ever-so-brief look at shows in the week ahead that we think are worth noting, for one reason or another. It will run each Monday (or Tuesday when it's a lazy holiday weekend). Feel free to note your own plans in comments.