Fans of punk, emo, classic funk, alt-country and even food will all find plenty of options on tonight's fairly busy -- ahem -- menu.
Paul Collins' Beat, Bad Sports, Occult Detective Club at Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios in Denton
There once were two bands called The Beat -- one American, one English. The English one, rather fittingly, became The English Beat. The other, fronted by Paul Collins, who, in his previous band (The Nerves) had toured with the Ramones pre-Rock 'n' Roll High School, became, once again rather fittingly, Paul Collins' Beat. Collins is no slouch, proffering top-notch proto-punk, punk and power-pop since 1974. Last year, he and his Beat released The King of Power Pop!, a title he so very clearly deserves. Kudos to Rubber Gloves for booking this show; the venue, which has house many a Jonathan Richman show in recent memory too, has a great knack for booking proto-punk icons worthy of another look. Joining Collins on this bill are two of the areas finest power-pop and punk providers, Bad Sports and Occult Detective Club, both of which have new records coming soon. A strong bill from start to finish -- and an incredible take at just $7 a ticket.
Earth, Wind & Fire at the Verizon Theater in Grand Prairie
For over four decades, Chicago's Earth, Wind & Fire have been doing
their inspirational blend of soul, R&B, blues and jazz. Led by
Maurice White and Philip Bailey, EW&F's unique sound connected with
both black and white audiences, helping the band achieve seven Top Ten albums from 1975 to 1981. And songs like "Shining Star" and "September"
sound as fresh and clever today as they did thirty years ago. Hell,
these guys were even the band chosen to play President Obama's first
formal White House dinner. How's that for continued relevance? Lord
knows the term "legendary" gets thrown around a bit too easily these days,
but Earth, Wind & Fire are truly deserving of such status.
Aiden, Eyes Set to Kill, Get Scared, Vampires Everywhere, Dr. Acula and Sights Not Seen at The Prophet Bar Big Room
Six bands on a Thursday night? Is this show starting in the afternoon? Whatever the start time, it's worth hanging out for the headliner, Seattle's Aiden. Any band influenced by the Misfits is all right by me, and Aiden's latest effort, Disguises, is even more steeped in the shouted choruses and classic horror themes of prime Glen Danzig and crew. Despite Aiden's silly reliance on costumes and makeup, these guys write songs that are engaging without the added accessories. Also on tonight's crowded bill is Phoenix' Eyes Set to Kill, a band fronted by sisters Alexia and Anissa Rodriguez; the feisty siblings add a definite flair to the typical emo proceedings. Starting the whole shebang off will be Fort Worth's Sights Not Seen, a fairly intense screemo outfit that actually has a sense of humor. Check out "Halloween Sucks Anyway" for some chuckles amidst the chaos.
Shotgun Party at AllGood Café
A music-and-food combo can be found tonight at AllGood Café, where Shotgun Party will be bringing the Americana goods. Although the band's name might conjure up images of well-armed rednecks, this polite trio is about as nonthreatening as they come. Featuring the fine fiddling of Katy Rose Cox, Shotgun Party plays retro-honky tonk slick and sweet.
