ADAM & THE ANTS 12/26, EMPTY BOTTLE These Chicagoans have dedicated what presumably will be a short career to re-creating the career of the original new-wave war-paint warriors. Their “press releases” are copies of the originals, as are their albums, which they “release” on the anniversaries of the original releases; they play only on dates when Stuart Leslie Goddard himself originally stood and delivered Antmusic. So if you can tell the difference, they’re doing something wrong. Best to catch this ultimate tribute band now, before the cease and desist order.
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ASTRA KELLY & FAR ROCKAWAY 12/26, MARTYRS’ On last year’s home-recorded, self-released solo CD, Stones, Bones and Boxes, local songbird Kelly blew right past postmodern irony in her rush to pick up the torch of earnestness (“Back to the Oneness,” “Teach Me to Love,” “Evolutionary”). But on a more recent demo, with her new band, Far Rockaway, there’s a little too much pop punch behind the philosophy–like you’d better get uplifted or else. Kelly also jams every Sunday at Elbo Room in Sumo.
TRIPLE FAST ACTION 12/31, DOUBLE DOOR If you’re looking for New Year’s entertainment that won’t distract you from drinking, this is it. On Cattlemen Don’t (Deep Elm), the new release from these bidding-war casualties, Wes Kidd and company raise their AOR guitars like crucifixes against any evil original spirit that might be so misguided as to bite them in the ass. Local H headlines and Ultra Swiss opens. There’s an open bar, but for the $50 cover you’re gonna have to drink a lot to get your money’s worth.
