Music Listings
WEDNESDAY, MAY 10
HOTEL LIGHTS
Finally-a new album from the former drummer of the Ben Folds Five! Gorgeous keyboards and tasteful guitar produce background music for Rufus Wainwright laying out his evening clothes.
Maxwell's, 1039 Washington St. (at 11th St.), Hoboken, 201-798-0406; 8, $8.
LES DUDEK
Cher's old boyfriend-and partner in punkish rock-whose bluesy greatness as '70s super session man overshadowed some sharp solo albums. Swindled out of his writing credit for the Allman Brothers' "Jessica," yet remains a dirty hippie guitarist at heart.
The Cutting Room, 19 W. 24th St. (betw. B'way & 6th Ave.), 212-691-1900; 7:30, tba.
BRIAN JONESTOWN
MASSACRE W/THE LILYS
Ten years later, and Thank God For Mental Illness remains a delusional album title on the level of Chinese Democracy. Last year's We Are The Radio showcased further BJM decline as Anton Newcombe attempted return to garage greatness amongst techno misfires.
Webster Hall, 125 E. 11th St. (betw. 3rd & 4th Aves.), 212- 353-1600; 7:30, $20.
Closed out the '90s with Crash Course In Roses, summing up all her strengths as both comic commentator and tragic romantic. Subsequent albums explore heartbreak in the context of snappy copywriter patter.
Makor, 35 West 67th St. (betw. CPW & Columbus Ave.), 212-601-1000; 7:30, $18.
Lameness of last year's Posies' album no longer a mystery, as co-founder emerges with Songs From The Year Of Our Demise as a proper solo debut. Proudly fey, defiantly precious, very wily.
Mercury Lounge, 217 E. Houston St. (at Ave. A), 212-260-4700; 9:30, $10.
THE CODETALKERS
Impressive rural jazz funk obsessions by Bobby Lee Rodgers accomplish the amazing task of putting Col. Bruce Hampton in the background. If you ever lived in Atlanta, you know that's a blessing.
Coda, 34 E. 34th St. (betw. 5th & Madison Aves.), 212-685-3434; 11, $12.
THE MOONEY SUZUKI
More overblown aping of a fake blues heritage from a band that would've broken up years ago if it hadn't been for The White Stripes' success. Last seen returning favor with crappy live album that makes even The Raconteurs sound interesting.
Southpaw, 125 5th Ave. (betw. Sterling & St. Johns Pls.), Brooklyn, 718-230-0236; 8, $10.
ICE CUBE
Star of Are We There Yet?, humbled by Robin William's superior work in R.V., attempts new career in genre of rap.
B.B. King Blues Club, 237 W. 42nd St. (betw. 7th & 8th Aves.), 212-997-4144; 8, $40/$44.
GLENN PHILLIPS
Toad the Wet Sprocket frontman conquers his past with Mr. Lemon, earning his place as superstar of catchy soft-rock that currently passes for Americana.
The Canal Room, 285 W. B'way (at Canal St.), 212-941-8100; 8, $20/$25.
LUCY KAPLANSKY
Clinical psychologist plays folk songs about Chinese baby that she's adopted, and also seeks to share deep thoughts about 9/11; fortunately, her only current product is reissue of sole high point from 1994.
Through May 13. Joe's Pub, 425 Lafayette St. (betw. Astor Place and East 4th St.), 212-254-1263; 7, $25/$30 + two drink minimum.
Innocence reveals formerly irritating '90s Irish folkie maturing into gorgeous sensitive '60s folkie. Flower power most likely derived from 1968 bottle of Four Roses.
B.B. King Blues Club & Grill, 237 W. 42nd St. (betw. 7th & 8th Aves.), 212-997-4144; 8, $25.
DANIELSON W/SATURDAY LOOKS GOOD TO ME
Despite most annoying cast of guest musicians since Eartha Kitt went disco, Ships is first time that Danielson's cheery elves have cobbled together kiddie-pop tunes both entertaining and engaging.
Northsix, 66 N. 6th St. (betw. Kent & Wythe Ave.), B'klyn, 718-599-5103; 8, $8/$10.
GHOSTLAND OBSERVATORY
Texas boys cross the ocean for the determined beats of Eurodisco, and pick up the Parisian love for Jerry Lewis. Artless, spazzy, dated, and catchy.
Mercury Lounge, 217 E. Houston St. (at Ave. A), 212-260-4700; 9, $10.
Self-titled debut's over a year old, so bout is as dated as Sgt. Slaughter vs. Iron Sheik. Also close to a rock opera of Koyaanisqatsi, with Patton's classic-rock crooning skipping over a stellar barrage of drones and beats.
Irving Plaza, 17 Irving Pl. (at 15th St.), 212-777-1224; 8, $25/$30.
MATT COSTA
Songs We Sing gets a second release this year, establishing Costa as positively punk by standards of winsome L.A. guys with guitars, or at least more worthy of Curious George than Jack Johnson.
Mercury Lounge, 217 E. Houston St. (at Ave. A), 212-260-4700; 8, $12.
Getting all glam with Supernature, revealing that luscious electro-heroes have a sense of funk that's closer to Peter Schilling than David Bowie. Still their most danceable record-as heard clearer when opening for Depeche Mode days earlier.
Irving Plaza, 17 Irving Pl. (at 15th St.), 212-777-1224; 8, $30.
LAURA VEIRS
Nerdy-girl sex symbol falls safely between Lianne Smith and Syd Straw on cover of Year of Meteors; sparse beauty and jazzy melodies makes for better slide show than anything by The Trachtenburg Family.
Mercury Lounge, 217 E. Houston St. (at Ave. A), 212-260-4700; 9, $12.
Once a strapping young embodiment of Americana, now mellowed like America to the point of incoherency. Deep thoughts currently consist of "I'm okay, you're okay" mentality inspired by a need to tango.
Joe's Pub, 425 Lafayette St. (betw. Astor Place and East 4th St.), 212-254-1263; 7, $15 + two drink minimum.
THE FAVOURITE SONS
Combo from Brooklyn gets brilliant idea of ripping off only good song by Jonathan Fire*Eater. Resultant greatness allows decade's first realistic hype over local band with discordant anything.
Delancey Lounge, 168 Delancey (betw, Clinton & Attorney), 212-254-9920; 9, $10.