Sound Menu June 20 2007

THURS/21

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ATHFEST 2007 It’s time again for the annual celebration of the music and art of Athens. More than 180 bands are participating in the ‘07 edition of AthFest, on the free outdoor stage and in the participating venues during the Club Crawl. Among the new and historic notables still untouched by corporate intrusion and clueless industry weasels (you know who you are) from the city made famous by the B-52’s and R.E.M.: the Athens debut of pop supergroup Supercluster (11:50 p.m. Thursday, 40 Watt), featuring Vanessa Hay of Pylon and an all-super cast; the Jolly Beggars, the Squalls, Time Toy (10 p.m., 11 p.m., 12 a.m. Friday, Melting Point); Music Hates You and Southern Bitch (12, 1 a.m. Saturday, Caledonia). June 20-24. $15. Downtown Athens. www.athfest.com. — Lee Valentine Smith

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MINDY SMITH Now based in Nashville, this recovering Yankee is one of the best of the new crop of singer/songwriters. Her singing style is reminiscent of folkies such as Shawn Colvin and the McGarrigle sisters, but her writing is quite original and unique. This will be an entertaining evening. $20. 8 p.m. Eddie’s Attic. 404-377-4976. www.eddiesattic.com. — James Kelly

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NO RIVER CITY, DAVID DONDERO, THE LONG KNIVES, GEORGIA FIREFLIES If they gave awards for hard work and effort in the music biz, NRC would be as big as Elvis. Its sincere Americana sound is finely crafted, and frontman Drew de Man’s songs speak for us all. But it plays last on this overloaded bill. Four bands on a school night, my ass. $8. 9:30 p.m. The Earl. 404-522-3950. www.badearl.com. — JK

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FRI/22

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JOE BUCK, CREECH HOLLER, DAN MAXWELL AND HIS BAND He’s anti-Nashville and antisocial in general. That’s right, Joe Buck doesn’t worry about being PC, unless it means “pretty cool.” And he is. He first hogged the spotlight as guitarist with Th’ Legendary Shack Shakers, then as Hank III’s wicked onstage sidekick, and now the hulking upright bassist brings his own badass “hellbilly punk” act to town. Creech Holler plays, then backs th’ Buck up. Dan Maxwell And His Band opens the show. $7. 9 p.m. Star Bar, 404-681-9018. www.starbaratlanta.com — LVS

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GRAND FUNK RAILROAD Originally formed in 1969 in Flint, Mich., Grand Funk 2007 includes founding members Don Brewer on vocals and drums and bassist Mel Schacher, with Max Carl (.38 Special) and Bruce Kulick (KISS). Expect the hits and maybe a few new things. They’re comin’ to your town, to help you party it down. How many of you have the yellow vinyl 7-inch single of “We’re An American Band”? $15-$45. 8 p.m. Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre. 770-819-7765. www.themhba.com. — LVS

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RAILROAD EARTH, THE WAYBACKS The musical melting pot is boiling tonight. Railroad Earth channels the Dead way more than they do the Bluegrass Boys, but the fans will be getting all swirly no matter what they play. The Waybacks are striking a similar vein, with a little bit more country thrown in. $20. 8:30 p.m . Variety Playhouse. 404-524-7354. www.variety-playhouse.com. — JK

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SAT/23

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NEIL HAMBURGER, DR. EL SUAVO Neil Hamburger holds the self-appointed crown of “The World’s Funnyman” but he is anything but funny. His stand-up performances are a train wreck of bad jokes, very bad timing and just plain bad ideas fleshed out and allowed to flourish in an atmosphere of hipster anti-comedy. His shows are torturous, and that’s the point. Australia’s “premier parlor magician/DJ” Dr. El Suavo opens the show. $8. 9 p.m. Drunken Unicorn. 404-870-0575. www.thedrunkenunicorn.net. — Chad Radford

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THE ROSEBUDS While they’ve remained true to an indie-pop aesthetic, each album is an entirely distinct slice, from the classic Mersey pop of their 2003 debut, Make Out, through the reverb-heavy hooks of 2005’s Birds Make Good Neighbors, to the synth- and bass-heavy, ’80s darkwave that rules their latest, Night of the Furies. The Rosebuds are filled out with a bassist and additional guitarist for a beefier-than-usual live lineup that allows married couple Ivan Howard and Kelly Crisp to concentrate more on their sweet harmonies. $12. 9:30 p.m. The Earl. 404-522-3950. www.badearl.com. — Chris Parker

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STEADY ROLLIN’ BOB MARGOLIN The ex-Muddy Waters guitar sideman is also a sharp journalist who writes intelligently about the music he plays. He also keeps the fires of his deceased boss’ sturdy Chicago-by-way-of-the-Delta blues alive on a seemingly nonstop tour. Working with a stripped-down duo allows Margolin room to roll steadily through covers and originals that recall old-school Windy City blues. It is music that is gradually becoming obsolete as slicked-up hard-rockers dilute the music’s raw qualities. Margolin delivers with the dedication of a journeyman. $12. 9 p.m. Blind Willie’s. 404-873-2583. www.blindwilliesblues.com. — Hal Horowitz

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STEVE MILLER Look under the seat of nearly any ’70s Camaro and you’re likely to find an 8-track tape of one of the Steve Miller Band’s then-ubiquitous albums: The Joker, Book of Dreams or Fly Like an Eagle. Those massive hit records sealed his “classic-rocker” status, but his late ’60s material didn’t follow the chart-hit template and remain among his more interesting releases. Expect extended, blues-injected versions of his biggest hits tonight. $50.52-$78.60. 8 p.m. Chastain Park Amphitheatre, 404-733-5000. www.classicchastain.com. — LVS

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SUN/24

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GANG GANG DANCE, DEERHUNTER, OCRILM Gang Gang Dance makes indescribable music that purees through noisy synth experiments, totemic percussive rhythms, jazzy asides and strange little freak-outs. While not necessarily as alienating as Black Dice, its fellow traveler in New York’s underground scene, the group can be equally difficult to pin down. Of course, Atlanta’s Deerhunter needs no introduction — the group has played here often and successfully since releasing its impressive Cryptograms. I don’t know what Ocrilm is, but I’m sure it’ll add to the “what-the-fuck-was-that” vibe of the night. $8. 8 p.m. Drunken Unicorn. 404-870-0575. www.thedrunkenunicorn.net. — Mosi Reeves

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SUPERSUCKERS Few can match the Supersuckers for sheer party fury. The Texas cowpunkers blast like the Circle Jerks in a severe threshing accident — pure-bred attitude, country twang and guitar that shreds more than Karl Rove’s personal assistant. Their cockeyed tales run from giving bystanders the finger (“Supersucker Drive-By Blues”) to their own goofy maladies (“Creepy Jackalope Eye,” “Born With a Tail”), and they’re handy with the cover as well (“Dead Homiez,” “Hey Ya”). With their energy and irreverence, a good time’s almost guaranteed. $15. 7 p.m. Sunday, June 24. The Earl. 404-522-3950. www.badearl.com. — CP

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TUES/26

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CASIOTONE FOR THE PAINFULLY ALONE, THE DONKEYS, TREE CREATURE CFTPA is the vehicle with which Portland, Ore., songsmith Owen Ashworth traverses the spectrum of lo-fi and ultrasensitive songwriting fare. Ashworth’s style is akin to the frazzled troubadour legacies of Sebadoh, the Mountain Goats and Bright Eyes’ older material, filtered through the fidelity of battery-powered devices. San Diego indie-pop act the Donkeys and Atlanta’s Tree Creature open. $7. 9 p.m. Drunken Unicorn. www.thedrunkenunicorn.net. — CR

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WED/27

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LITTLE BROTHER W/ ORGONE The Durham, N.C., duo Little Brother, much-respected for its fusion of alternative hip-hop and contemporary soul, has played Atlanta countless times over the past few years. Its upcoming Loft gig will be a little different, however. First, Phonte Coleman and Big Pooh will be backed by Hollywood funk band Orgone. Second, the concert is free, thanks to Scion’s monthly Live Metro series. DJ Haul warms things up. Free w/ RSVP at www.scion.com/livemetro. 9:30 p.m. The Loft. 404-885-1365. www.theloftatl.com. — MR

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MONDOHOMO KICKOFF PARTY MondoHomo is Atlanta’s answer to Olympia, Wash.’s Homo-A-Gogo, a regional celebration of queer indie arts, crafts and culture. The events are happening throughout the city and run from Wed., June 11 to Sun., July 1. Five-day passes are available for $50 at www.mondohomo.com. Admission to individual performances ranges from $5-$10. The kickoff party features performances by Small Framed Boy, Akil, KIN and Team Gina. $10. 8 p.m. The Earl. 404-522-3950. www.badearl.com. — CRVOXTROT There’s an atmospheric quality to Voxtrot’s music that suggests both jangling ’90s Britpop and the lavish chamber pop of acts such as Belle & Sebastian. The Austin, Texas, quintet built a sizable buzz behind a series of EPs, before releasing its slightly disappointing self-titled debut. While nearly as bright melodically, it’s a tad considered and not as breezily engaging as prior releases. Nonetheless, it’s a fine album of grace and beauty that heralds a significant underground talent. $8. 9 p.m. Drunken Unicorn. 404-870-0575. www.thedrunkenunicorn.net. — CP

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THURS/28

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THE CAT EMPIRE, SOUL OF JOHN BLACK The Cat Empire is a six-piece band from Melbourne, Australia, that plays tough and groovy rock with strains of ska and Latin music. If that sounds strange to you, then listen to the band’s 2005 album Two Shoes. Released in America earlier this year, it finds harmony amid the band’s crazy inspirations, making for a uniquely memorable experience. L.A. band the Soul of John Black mines a similarly funky vein, albeit with a little more blues and soul. $18. 8 p.m. Roxy Theatre. 404-233-1062. www.livenation.com. — MR

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TWO COW GARAGE The satirical name doesn’t do justice to this rugged Ohio-based trio whose tough, punky power pop and incisive lyrics recall the Replacements in their prime. Guitarist/singer/songwriter Micah Schnabel’s whisky-ravaged voice rips into raw, thought-provoking songs that explore the limited prospects and frustrations of growing old(er) in a touring rock group that isn’t exactly hitting the top of the charts. Garage’s new album, III, is its most introspective and best release as it compacts the threesome’s spiky energy into hooky, edgy tunes that will surely connect live. $7. 9 p.m. Star Bar. 404-681-9018. www.starbaratlanta.com. — HH

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RADIO BIRDMAN These brooding Aussie garage punks formed almost 30 years ago and are more a legend than a band. Their first American tour ever is quite an event, especially for cult fans who remember their lone stateside release, 1978’s Radios Appear. Four original members reformed for a recent album that is better than anyone predicted and take it to the stage for a short U.S. jaunt that might even live up to the myth. Awesome Color and Burmese Crush also appear. $20. 9 p.m. The Earl. 404-522-3950. www.badearl.com. — HH

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Bands/performers/venues wishing to be included in Sound Menu’s noted-acts boxes may send recordings, press material and schedules two weeks in advance to Creative Loafing c/o Rodney Carmichael, 384 Northyards Blvd., Suite 600, Atlanta, GA 30313, or e-mail information to: rodney.carmichael@creativeloafing.com. To be included in the listings only, e-mail venue and band schedules by Friday at noon (for the issue that comes out the following Thursday) to soundboard@creativeloafing.com.