There just aren’t too many bands that can open for both James Brown and the Misfits. In fact, I only know of one band that has shown the combined versatility, energy, and testosterone necessary to share the stage with the godfather of soul then turn around and open for those ghoulish old-school punks. That band would be Rocket From the Crypt.
In the mid-’90s this ever-evolving San Diego-based retro-punk outfit was being hailed by critics coast to coast as saviors of rock-and-roll. Major labels were bidding for them like a lost Picasso masterpiece at Christie’s. Anyone who has ever heard their spectacular album Scream Dracula Scream knows exactly why. They use horns like weapons. Their guitars cut a blazing trail straight through the middle of your face. Their lyrics are inspired by only the hippest drive-in-movie horrorshows. Striking a perfect balance between the pure outrageous punk of Pussy Galore and the infectious horn grooves of “Soulfinger”-era Bar-Kays, this group puts on a sweaty, intensely physical live show that is pretty hard to top. Miss these guys when they play the Young Avenue Deli on August 1st and you have missed one of the greatest rock bands of the era. Their new record, Group Sounds, isn’t quite as thrilling as previous releases, but for those who like to rock with wild abandon, it’ll do nicely. The shirtless, truly scorching Southern rock of Little Rock’s Go Fast and the garage-wave stylings of Memphis’ Lost Sounds are good gravy for what already promises to be one helluva meaty show. — Chris Davis
After a few slow weeks on the concert scene finally comes a week where local shows aren’t the most interesting live-music options: In addition to the notable shows written about elsewhere (Continental Drifters at the Hi-Tone Café, Rocket From the Crypt at Young Avenue Deli, and Mr. Quintron at the Map Room), this week sees the Center for Southern Folklore continuing with its recent fine bookings. After having Little Milton, Kate Campbell, and Billy Lee Riley in recent weeks, the center is bringing zydeco master Roy Carrier in on Friday, July 27th. Showtime is 8 p.m. with a $12 cover ($10 for advance tickets), but there will be free dance lessons given from 7 to 8 p.m.
The Map Room boasts one of its biggest bookings in a while with Rebecca Gates, the former lead singer for mid-’90s indie faves the Spinanes. Gates will hit town with a new solo album to promote and will be at the Map Room on Thursday, July 26th.
On Saturday, July 28th, Handy Park will greet bluesy singer Joan Osborne, who will always be remembered for her mid-’90s hit “One of Us” (even if Prince’s cover was better) and who most recently produced the fine new album from the New York blues band the Holmes Brothers. — Chris Herrington
