Sound Menu December 13 2006

THURS/14

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ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA & CHORUS ASO Chorus director Norman Mackenzie ascends the podium again to lead the ASO&C in another seasonal tradition: the Christmas portion of G.F. Handel’s best-known oratorio, “Messiah,” plus the almost-as-frequently performed “Gloria” in D major of Antonio Vivaldi. After these two familiar Baroque classics, you might be inclined to shout “Hallelujah” or something similar. $19$57. 8 p.m. Symphony Hall. 404-733-5000. www.atlantasymphony.org. Mark Gresham

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SNOWDEN, ¡FORWARD, RUSSIA!, SLOW MOTION CRASH Slow Motion Crash (formerly Creve Coeur) plays slow and dramatic goth-pop. ¡Forward, Russia! comes all the way from Leeds, U.K., with a high and anxious blend of dark Brit rock under the influence of plastic American new hardcore production. Snowden’s emotionally indifferent pop aesthetic evokes the distance of Joy Division and the spaciousness of Spiritualized driven by melancholy tones and guttural passion. $12. 9 p.m. The Earl. 404-522-3950. www.badearl.com. — Chad Radford

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THOMAS DOLBY, BT Two giants of the electronica movement will share the stage tonight. Dolby is best known for his quirky “She Blinded Me With Science” and his amazing and strange pop-music videos of the ’80s, but did you know he created the “Beatnik” software used in many cell phones? He hasn’t made an album of new material since ‘92 but his new CD and DVD, The Sole Inhabitant, revisits his past glories with the fresh perspective of modern technology. Don’t expect new tunes, though he’s been busy working on them. Tonight, it’s the songs of his past, presented with a series of computers, vintage oscilloscopes and live visual effects. BT will perform music from his two-disc CD/DVD, This Binary Universe. $24. 8 p.m. Center Stage. 404-885-1365. www.centerstage-atlanta.com. — Lee Valentine Smith

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Fri/15

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ASYLUM STREET SPANKERS, BLIND CORN LIQUOR PICKERS Combining old time, ragtime and underground parlor music into an authentic and unique sound, the Spankers continue to delight crowds all over the country. There are only a few singers who can belt it out like Christina Marrs. The openers, Blind Corn Liquor Pickers, better be good. $12 plus two cans of food. 8 p.m. Smith’s Olde Bar. 404-875-1522. www.smithsoldebar.com. — James Kelly

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BOYS OF THE LOUGH Ireland-based band Boys of the Lough offer seasonal music from around the British Isles. One of traditional folk music’s most influential groups, the band infuses its concerts with stories about the music’s history and a bit o’ Celtic fun. Discount admission for “youth” is available. $20-$37. 8 p.m. Ferst Center for the Performing Arts. 404-894-9600. www.ferstcenter.org. — MG

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HOPE FOR AGOLDENSUMMER, DANIEL CLAY, THEATER FIRE Hope For Agoldensummer revels in slow-burning acoustic, indie-folk songs. The group’s sound is a humid and homespun affair that unfolds with spectral and Southern surrealism. Clay is a singer/songwriter who blends the stark and inward voice of bleak Americana with long, sustained bouts of acoustic strumming and shimmering minimalism. Fort Worth, Texas, outsider folkies Theatre Fire also perform. $5. 9:30 p.m. The Earl. 404-522-3950. www.badearl.com. — CR

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I SELF DIVINE, CX KIDTRONIK A few years ago, I Self Divine lived and thrived in Atlanta as part of the Micranots, a duo that emphasized black metaphysics and inner consciousness. The group has since moved back to its native Minneapolis, probably to be closer to its record label, Rhymesayers. But the pair are still fondly remembered here, and old friends will undoubtedly come out to see him perform cuts from Obelisk Movements as well as solo material from last year’s album, Self Destruction. Another former Atlantan, ass fetishist and punk-rap weirdo CX Kidtronik (author of this year’s Krak Attack, as in booty crack), will be there, too. Budah Tye, Muja Messiah and DJ Wesu open; and Metalface Academy members Mobonix and Killa K serve as hosts. $10. 9:30 p.m. Drunken Unicorn. www.thedrunkenunicorn.net. — Mosi Reeves

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KRS-ONE Last July, KRS-One killed it at the Loft, giving one of the best shows Atlanta hip-hop fans have seen all year. He must have enjoyed the experience, too, because he’s coming back for an encore. Those who missed him (or spent more time at the Needle to the Record turntablist competition next door at Vinyl) can get familiar; Dropbombz, Rising Sons, Mr. SOS and Riot Squad lend local support. $15. 9 p.m. Lenny’s Bar. 404-577-7721. www.lennysbar.com. — MR

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•10TH ANNUAL TOYS FOR TOTS SPECTACULAR The 10th annual holiday event features Bitch, J.J. and the Hustlers and the Deciders tonight. See Sound Menu for Sat., Dec. 16. $10 or free admission with a new toy donation. 9 p.m. Star Bar. 404-681-9018. www.starbar.net. — LVS

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Sat/16

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ANGIE APARO Touring to support his latest release, Praise Be, part two of an independently released trilogy of albums, is hometown-boy-gone-major-and-back-again. The oft-touring Aparo brings his cache of great songs and angelic voice back to town for an intimate evening of music. $17. 7 p.m. Center Stage. 404-885-1365. www.centerstage-atlanta.com. — LVS

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ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA & CHORUS See Sound Menu for Thurs., Dec. 14. $19$59. 8 p.m. Symphony Hall. 404-733-5000. www.atlantasymphony.org. MG

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FREDDY COLE’S CHRISTMAS The younger brother of the late Nat “King” Cole, Atlanta resident Freddy Cole has long been recognized as an international jazz star in his own right. Cole and his quartet offer up a “Cool Yule” concert for the season. Although there are strong similarities between his singing and that of brother Nat, Freddy has a style and musical sophistication all his own. $30. 8:15 p.m. Spivey Hall. 678-466-4200. www.spiveyhall.org. — MG

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GABRIEL & DRESDEN Gummi bears have played an important part in history. In WWII, they were set up to simulate miniature German warfare. They have been croutons on a fruit salad, or food coloring for vodka drinks, or earplugs in Willy Wonka’s factory. And like Gummi bears, San Francisco DJ/producers Gabriel & Dresden — who have made over Britney, Jewel, Sarah McLachlan, New Order, Bloc Party, Way Out West and more, and also record under the name Motorcycle — drop the jams that are sweet and springy. They unleash melodic crescendos of synth-twitching, bass-throbbing prog/trance that makes you want to savor the flavor. Rob Wonder adds to a chew-your-face-off evening. $15. 10 p.m. Eleven50. 404-874-0428. www.eleven50.com. — Tony Ware

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KELLY WILLIS & BRUCE ROBISON, THE WRIGHTS, SETH WALKER It’s “couples night” at Smith’s, with the talented Ms. Willis and her old man Mr. Robison bringing some holiday cheer all the way from Austin, Texas. Our former Atlanta-dwellers the Wrights are sure to entertain us with their great harmonies and fine tunes. Walker opens, and will probably need a date. $17.50 plus two cans of food. 8 p.m. Smith’s Olde Bar. 404-875-1522. www.smithsoldebar.com. — JK

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KRISTEN STREZO AND THE CZECH REPUBLIC, K. OCTET Kristen Strezo and the Czech Republic play Tim Burton-esque dark pop that blends spooky and oddball sounds with gypsy rhythms. There’s a bit of a Klezmer feel to the instrumentation in some songs, and more of a rock aesthetic in others. The music never stays in the same place long enough to be labeled as either one. K. Octet also performs. $7. 9 p.m. Eyedrum. 404-522-0655. www.eyedrum.org. — CR

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SUBCULTURE What happens when you combine dubby drum breaks, rollin’ bass and a bar tucked into the basement of El Azteca? Why, it reminds me of a Pixies song, goes something like this: “We did the clubs what ass/I was hoping to have her in the sack/I was looking handsome/She was looking like an erotic vulture/I was all dressed in black/She was all dressed up in black/Everything was fine down here/What you call it here/Call it what you will here/Way down down down in this ... subbaculture.” Truer words have rarely been spoken, and local DJs Soundwave, Blake Bleezy and Mayhem hope to have you shaking like a jellyroll sculpture in your eyeliner as you grope for luna. $10. 10 p.m. El Bar. www.myspace.com/el_bar, www.404audio.com. — TW

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SUPREEME Co-signed by L.A. underground don Murs, Supreeme are three local kids that come off like Slum Village-meets-American Pie. Signed to Record Collection, it released Supremacy this spring and then proceeded to build with fellow bohemians like Sa-Ra Collective Partners. Perhaps making moves will result in a mature follow-up album next year — hey, you can’t talk shit and chase pussy all the time. 10 p.m. Drunken Unicorn. www.thedrunkenunicorn.net. — MR

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10TH ANNUAL TOYS FOR TOTS SPECTACULAR Shitty Claus, Jim Stacey’s perennial holiday alter-ego and midsummer night’s nightmare before Christmas, leads headliner Yule Log through a set of irreverent and rockin’ tunes as the Toys for Tots benefit continues. The band, featuring a cast of Star Bar irregulars, will rage as the Marines collect toy donations to make the season a little brighter for the less fortunate children of the world. The Sweetloves, Rocket 350 and members of Blast-Off Burlesque troupe will also gather ‘round the mistletoe for some wickedly wacky yuletide cheer. $10 or free admission with a new toy donation. 8 p.m. Star Bar. 404-681-9018. www.starbar.net. — LVS

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URSULA 1000 Here’s where I originally planned to say something about the appropriateness of a DJ named after an actress who played a Bond girl in the wake of the Casino Royale remake. But that seemed like an unnecessarily long sentence. And then I realized the other meaning of Ursula 1000’s name — the man has rocked the decks at Halo like 1,000 times, dropping those mod stompers, psychedelic shack shakers, disco boogie and space-age bachelor-pad bop. Come experience the funky freakbeat. Burlesque troop Dames Aflame comes along for the sleigh ride to help get it hot. Call for admission. 10 p.m. Halo. 404-962-7333. www.halolounge.com. — TW

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VIETNAM, THE SUBLIMINATOR, DMONSTRATIONS, GREG CONNORS San Diego-based spazzcore trio Dmonstrations crafts a visceral dirge guided by epileptic vocals and unconventional tunings. Serson Brannen is the Subliminator, a one-man, four-Theremin, spoken-word force that creates mind-melting psychedelia and analogue industrial rhythms. Vietnam is a bastion of old-school Atlanta post-punk circa ‘79. This updated lineup gives new life to the group’s blend of acerbic pop and skronk. Connors opens. $7. 9 p.m. Lenny’s. 404-577-7721. www.lennysbar.com. — CR

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Wed/20

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ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Pops specialist Michael Krajewski, best known as principal pops conductor for the Houston Symphony, leads the ASO in a holiday concert featuring selections from The Sound of Music (“Edelweiss,” “Climb Every Mountain,” “My Favorite Things”) with appropriate musical guests: the modern incarnation of the Trapp Family Singers (musical heirs of the family in the film’s story). The show also includes seasonal favorites such as “Carol of the Bells” and “Do You Hear What I Hear?” $21$53. 8 p.m. Symphony Hall. 404-733-5000. www.atlantasymphony.org. MG

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LARRY KEEL, NATURAL BRIDGE Not only is Keel an amazing guitar picker, his rough, deep voice is an anomaly in a genre best known for the “High Lonesome” style of singing. But don’t be scared away, this is real bluegrass played by really good musicians, and Mr. Monroe would be proud of this band. $12-$15. 8 p.m. Red Light Café. 404-874-7828. www.redlightcafe.com. ­-- JK

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THURS/21

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ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA See Sound Menu for Wed., Dec. 20. $21$53. 8 p.m. Symphony Hall. 404-733-5000. www.atlantasymphony.org. MG

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SOL DRIVEN TRAIN Charleston, S.C.-based Sol Driven Train seamlessly mixes Allmanesque Southern rock, languid world-beat, swampy funk and downright catchy melodies as they swap lead singers and instruments. A punchy horn section adds an extra dimension of sweaty soul to the genre-blurring jam party. Call for price. 9 p.m. The Saloon. 770-992-6266. www.thesaloonatlanta.com. — LVS

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•Check out our website at atlanta.creativeloafing.com. Click the Music category for a full selection of Soundboard events. CL online provides the address, a map and directions from your location.

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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 David Lee Simmons, 384 Northyards Blvd., Suite 600, Atlanta, GA 30313, or e-mail information to: davidlee.simmons@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.