The Suspect: Wanda Jackson
The Queen of Rockabilly got her start in 1958 with a rousing, gravelly voiced version of “Let’s Have a Party,” a song that her ex-boyfriend, Elvis Presley, had already released. Now more than 50 years later, she’s joined forces with former White Stripe Jack White, who produced and arranged her latest effort, The Party Ain’t Over.
Can Be Found: The Orange Peel, Thursday, Feb. 9.
RIYD (Recommended if You Dig): Jerry Lee Lewis, Pulp Fiction-style rockabilly.
You Should Go If: You carry I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter spray in your purse; Harrah’s Casino is your version of Cheers; eBay, schmebay, three more months till yard sale season!; Super Bowl party rule No. 1: Everyone must meow when the camera focuses on Tom Brady.
The Suspect: Railroad Earth
This six-member acoustic jam band plays a mix of bluegrass, rock ‘n’ roll, jazz and Celtic. The group just released its fifth studio album, which contains fiddle parts to “break your heart,” says jambands.com. “Railroad Earth is the sound of a band that continues to mature without getting old.”
Can Be Found: The Orange Peel, Friday, Feb. 3.
RIYD: The Grateful Dead, Acoustic Syndicate.
You Should Go If: You consider Cosby sweaters and scrunchies classic fashion pieces; car camping = little bit of heaven here on earth; you’re counting on the extra day in February to keep your vow of taking the Christmas tree down by spring break; Super Bowl party rule No. 1: Even if they are nitrate-free, if you eat more than seven hot dogs you will feel bloated on Monday.
The Suspect: Sirius B
The Asheville outfit plays high-energy gypsy-folk punk with an eclectic mix of vocal harmonies and instruments including cello, accordion, violin, charango, flamenco guitar, banjo and melodica. Sirius.B is known for its great live performances.
Can Be Found: The One Stop, Friday, Feb. 3.
RIYD: Devotchka, Gogol Bordello.
You Should Go If: You’re working hard to reframe your W-2 as a testament to your incredible thrift and resourcefulness; your idea of dancing is most people’s idea of a tumbling routine; it’s a daily struggle to choose between wearing MC Hammer pants or bicycling to work; Super Bowl party rule No. 1: Madonna, Madonna, Madonna.
OK! I can’t take it anymore. The ‘you should go if’ section in this weekly column(?) is completely ridiculous. It is never funny, barely clever, and misrepresents the bands and music being discussed. I love that Xpress, tirelessly, covers the local art and music scene..but these blurbs just come across as patronizing and unsophisticated. Stereotyping the fans that actually support the local venues, which provide entertainment, is just ‘bad business’. Here’s an idea: HIRE ME and I’ll cover the local scene with respect and candor!