THE RACONTEURS, BIRDS OF AVALON
(Wonder Ballroom, 128 NE Russell) Mr. White or not, I pity the Raconteurs for having to follow Birds of Avalon. Anyone that’s seen BoA, or Paul and Cheetie’s former band Cherry Valence, knows the heat those dueling North Carolina guitars bring. They make melodic, progressive 1970s rock sound so fucking immediate. Obviously then, being “progressive,” BoA have some serious chops. But their songs are written so clearly, that even when piling years of rock history on all at once, the music doesn’t get bogged down in thickheaded rock cliché. Honestly, it’s kinda shocking how smart they are, and it makes those twenty-something long-hair beardos attempting to pull off the same seem so silly. Hmmm, now what’s the average age of a Raconteur? MIKE NIPPER

The only time I have ever blacked-out in a bar—a glorious moment of my wasted early 20s—was during a Cherry Valence performance. Just seeing their hissing raw garage rock in a sweltering club, during a late-Summer California heatwave, was enough to put me on my back. Plus, I suppose, all those drinks probably had something to do with it as well. See them tonight and do your best to stay upright.

MP3:
Birds of Avalon - Measure Of The Same