What a packed Wednesday evening. And that's not even counting Your Texas Rangers playing in their first ever World Series game. Crazy, right?
Interpol and White Rabbits at The Palladium Ballroom
About as gothic as post-punk can get, New York's Interpol has been parlaying its dark, indie rock for nearly 15 years now. Surprisingly, Interpol's self-titled fourth effort, which was released this past September, displays a bit of a lighter touch than previous efforts. Then there's the fact that the touring band now features former Dallasite Brandon Curtis. Perhaps The Secret Machines' main man will help lighten the band up even more. Good luck with that! Also on tonight's bill (and also from New York) is White Rabbits, a far more chipper sextet capable of a getting a crowd revved up early into the evening.
Widespread Panic at The Verizon Theater
Although certainly not a favorite of this particular writer, Athens' Widespread Panic could well be the top dog among American jam bands. For almost a quarter of a century, John Bell and crew have soloed and soloed their way into the hearts of Deadheads across the globe. At this point, the band is practically immune to criticism. The live shows have long been pilgrimages for the faithful to trek across the country, trade bootleg recordings and generally boogie until their knees bleed. If that sounds like fun to you, please head on over to Grand Prairie. And don't forget your wrapping papers.
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Johnny Ringo at The House of Blues
Although the members of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony may be getting a little long in the hip-hop tooth, the band still deserves credit for developing a unique approach to the genre that brought some much-needed melody to the gangsta rap roar. E. 1999 Eternal (ironically from 1995) is the band's landmark recording as it features the much imitated "The Crossroads." Uni5: The World's Enemy, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony's eighth effort, came out in May and shows that the band is still masterful at those super-fast rhymes and super mellow grooves. Thankfully, though, at this show, the group, which will be backed by a live band, will be sticking to E. 1999 Eternal, performing the album in full. Duncanville's Johnny Ringo opens the show.
Don Williams and The Quebe Sisters at The Majestic Theater
Anyone who likes local country crooner Danny Balis ought to check out Don Williams. The 71-year-old country legend known for his smooth baritone was clearly an influence on Balis' much-adored debut release from last year. Don Williams has not only amassed 17 No. 1 hits over the span of his career, but his songs have been covered by the likes of Pete Townshend, Tortoise and Bonnie "Prince" Billy--as well as by more traditional country folk such as Johnny Cash and Charlie Pride. Yes, Don Williams is that cool. Fort Worth's The Quebe Sisters should get things started off in the right, rootsy, timeless direction.
