Modey Lemon

When in doubt, plunder the Stooges. On their quality new release, The Curious City, this Pittsburgh trio throws in some not-so-subtle nods to Nirvana and a few goofy, antiquated bleeps from a Moog, but it's ultimately at the altar of Fun House-era Iggy Pop where they worship. Lead man Phil Boyd is all sneer and attitude, gleefully dispensing his brand of skuzzy wisdom in propulsive cuts such as "Bucket of Butterflies" and "Mr. Mercedes." Add to the racket the Keith Moonish melee of drummer Paul Quattrone and it's either another heavenly slice of disenfranchised, white boy blooze or one hell of a headache. Definitely worth the drive to Denton; just remember the Tylenol.