ROAD WARRIORS

This Month's Hottest Shows

by Sacha Dzuba

August 07 – Lords of Acid, My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult
The Masquerade
The sexually charged Lords of Acid started subverting listeners with their sexy/funny lyrics and irresistibly danceable industrial/techno in the ‘90s, and continue still today. My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult is an industrial band whose sound continued to evolve to become an afterburn of disco and funky electronic club music, full of throbbing beats and aggressiveness. 15 years ago these two bands toured together for the same event, so this is a VERY sexy anniversary. This is going to be an erotic and fun Greatest T*ts tour, make no mistake. Is that a banana in your pocket?

August 09 – AFI, Green Day
Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
Green Day is an All-American punk rock trio that has been around since the late 80’s. Their major label debut Dookie became a breakout success and eventually sold over 10 million copies in the U.S. and 15 million worldwide. Subsequent albums, while not as commercial successful as the previous, became double plantinum and gold. Though they’ve been called derivative and fake by members of the Sex Pistols and Oasis, say what you like about ‘em, they’ve got great songs. I replayed Dookie over and over… Their popularity has recently reignited in the past few years and they even have a Broadway show based around their rock opera album American Idiot. I have no doubt it will be a great concert evening of favorites, past and present, as well as some fantastic cover medleys. They’ve also got gothic punkers AFI with them, whose horror punk I really love. Go on, conform, be “punk”.

August 09 – Justin Bieber
The Arena at Gwinnett Center
Canadian pop singer Justin Biebe, gained attention through his own postings and performances on YouTube. After a meeting with Usher, Bieber was signed. His debut EP release, My World, went platinum, with seven of his songs going on to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. My World 2.0 was released early this year, debuting at #1 and certified platinum in less than two months. He’s got a good sound, but just remember this is groomed and stylized pop. Bring your Tiger Beat magazine…maybe you can get it signed!

August 11 – Spoon, The Arcade Fire
Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
The Arcade Fire is led by the husband and wife team of Win Butler and Régine Chassagne, along with numerous other musicians playing glockenspiel, French horn, hurdy-gurdy, mandolin, strings, etc., in addition to the usual guitar, bass and drums. Musically they’re reminiscent of the Pixies covering New Order, with the colors of an orchestra washing behind them. The excellent indie-rock band Spoon are with them: check out YouTube for the meme of Japanese robot Keepon dancing to Spoon's "I Turn My Camera On.” These are two great bands at the top of their game.

August 19 – Sheryl Crow
Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Sheryl Crow’s got that kind of Adult Contemporary sound where you and your mom can meet in the middle and both enjoy the music. And yes, I mean that as a good thing. Her latest album, 100 Miles from Memphis, veers into R&B. A horn section, funky bass and some nice cameos, make her new album sound like she’s been taking P-funk injections from George Clinton. Check out her new sound, mixed with her classic hits. Say hi to your mother for me.

August 21 - Scissor Sisters
Buckhead Theatre
Take a mix of disco, glam rock, KC and the Sunshine Band, Elton John, and some 80’s new wave and you’ve got the SS sound. Initially I became aware of them through their fantastic disco take on “Comfortably Numb,” but they’ve managed to maintain my interest and come out with lots of songs that get stuck in my head. Their latest album, Night Work, shifts towards a more club-friendly sound. For some reason, there are moments that make me think of the Neverending Story theme song. Bring your outlandish glam/disco gear, a feather boa, and get to dancin’!

August 28 – Tears for Fears
Chastain Park Amphitheater
Everybody may want to rule the world, but Tears for Fears have sold more than 22 million albums worldwide. Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith formed the band back in the early 1980s, but their musical influence is still felt today. Songs from the Big Chair brought us some fantastic hit singles, including “Shout,” which still gets stuck in my head even today. Blend Joy Division, New Order, and classic Depeche Mode with some punchy rock in a large saucepan under medium heat and stir­– that’s their sound. The two had a falling out in ’91, but they’ve patched up their differences. Come fall “Head Over Heels” in love with them all over again.

August 30 – Dir En Grey and Apocalyptica
Center Stage Theatre
The theatrical Japanese band Dir En Grey has been creating music since 1997. Their music has navigated many different genres, but stayed near the vein of alternative metal, experimental and alternative rock. These musicians have transcended the language barrier and gained an audience even without singing in English. Kyo's singing is one of the band’s most distinctive elements. His distinctive range and versatility allows him to howl, croon, scream, shriek, growl, bellow, like my favorite avant garde singer, Mike Patton. The amazing Apocalyptica are with them, and worth your money alone. Classically trained cellists playing Metal?! Yes please! I’ve listened to these guys since their album Inquisition Symphony, and they’ve just gotten better over the years. Come out for a great night of metal!