Time: 03-22-2012 19:08 User: bdgray PubDate: 03-23-2012 Zone: KY Edition: 1 Page Name: D7 Color: CyanMagentaYellowBlack

KY VELOCITY | courier-journal.com/features THE COURIER-JOURNAL | FRIDAY,MARCH 23, 2012 | D7

the argument music WHATROCKS, WHATDOESN’T Want more reviews? Get them at www.courier-journal.com/music ‘The Tour’: Will it be awesome?

By Jeffrey Lee Puckett Who only wants to party every day

KISS and Motley Crue an- Esperanza Spalding, Melanie Fiona, The Shins, ‘Port of Morrow’ nounced this week that they’re ‘Radio Music Society’ ‘The MF Life’ Since 2007’s“Wincing the Night Away,” joining forces this summer for Listening to “Radio Music Society,” it’s The next-big-thing hype around Canadi- Shins frontman James Mercer has hired an “The Tour,” clearly aname de- easy to imagine Esperanza Spalding’shead an R&B singer Melanie Fiona was deafening entirely new band and, in away, anew signed to not favor either camp. I exploding on afairly regular schedule, maybe leading up to the release of her 2009 debut sound. The latter comes courtesy of “Port am torn about this, so torn that I three or four times aweek. She has alot CD, “The Bridge,” and though the collection of Morrow” co-producer Greg Kurstin, who feel compelled to argue with my- going on up there, including afew centuries’ spawned two hit singles in “It Kills Me” and functions here as collaborator,bringing a self, which is not any different worth of music. What she doesn’thave is an “Give It to Me,” it failed to make areal hazy brand of electronic pop to the table editor. impression. Part of the problem, as with that signals Mercer’srecent shift from from most days, as it happens. I’ll guitars to keyboards (see: Broken Bells). just do it here instead of at ran- “Radio Music Society” is Spalding’sfollow- most modern R&B, was that the songs were up to 2010’s “Chamber Music Society,” an more attitudinal than memorable. Mercer and Kurstin (of The Bird and the dom downtown bus stops. unexpected hit that crossed over from jazz to The songs are abit stronger this time Bee) aren’texactly acase of opposites These bands together,shred- pop. That album searched for connections around, but few offer much in the way of attracting. Both favor asimilar kind of pop ding astage? That is atreasure between classical music and jazz, while this great lyrics or real insight as they stick to song, retro in attitude but not specifically trove of vintage rock ’n’ roll, my one branches out to include all forms of pop, themes of heartache, heartbreak and the dated, with awistful quality ideally suited friends, and not the kind that’s soul, R&B and funk. The album titles imply a occasional romantic triumph. Fiona’svoice, for either long, cool evenings wrapped up hard to describe. There are no thematic continuity, as if Spalding, 27, even- at times reminiscent of Mariah Carey’s, is in alover,orones spent wondering where hyphens involved. This is the es- tually plans on merging the DNA of all known fantastic throughout, though she often that lover has gone. Melody is their addic- sential DNA of rock ’n’ roll: forms of music. lapses into hard, hyper-emotive singing that tion, and bubbling, ethereal keyboards do But just because you’ve figured out how underscores the fact that it’smerely asim- the job here just as surely as guitars. songs about girls, various Despite the five-year gap between body parts that when as- bedroom funk shares apast with jazz fusion ulation of genuine human emotion. YES and Frank Sinatra, doesn’tmean it should. While she climbs inside smolderingly albums, some of “Port of Morrows” sounds sembled make girls, and all Spalding makes it work at times; “Hold on forlorn tracks “I Been That Girl” and unfinished, or maybe just not fully realized of the terribly juvenile Me” has asweet certainty, but songs such as “Wrong Side of aLove Song” for heartfelt in comparison to the finer tracks. The two things that boys think about girls “Cinnamon Tree” sound hopelessly confused, readings, elsewhere she relies too much on a most awkward songs come at the end, with but rarely say out loud. as if alesser Stevie Wonder ballad has collided lump-in-the-throat effect to suggest despair. aCurtis Mayfield rip that goes nowhere KISS’sPaul Stanley will, howev- with Ella Fitzgerald and Grant Green. On songs like “Running,” she blows the roof (“40 Mark Strasse”) and the title track, er.Really loud. And the Crue’s In the end, it’sjust too much — of every- offwith her voice, and the whole point which trades Mercer’susual efficiency for Tommy Lee will actually demon- thing — but with precious little in which to seems to be to show that she can. aimless atmospherics. strate, on stage and while drum- truly believe. — Ernest Hardy, Los Angeles Times — Jeffrey Lee Puckett, The C-J eee ming, everything that Paul sings — Jeffrey Lee Puckett, The Courier-Journal ee½ about. “The Tour” is the very defi- ee nition of big, dumb fun, suitable for young rockers on aretro kick, but perfect for us old guys who calendar WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR AREA the five Christy Lemire | Associated Press just want to shut off our brains for Country seniors. (502) 807-9604. She’sbeen best awhile and be astupid kid again. CONCERTS West Point Music Ranch Miranda Lambert, Chris USA. 407 South St., West known for her The best way to do that is to be Young, Jerrod Niemann. Point, 7:30 p.m. Saturday. comic roles in entertained by abunch of guys Bluegrass KFC Yum! Center,1Arena Larry Sanders, Rebekah who remain stupid kids, who never Plaza, 8p.m. Saturday. On Lynn, The Family &Friends movies like C.F.Bailey &Shadow Fire Tour.$27.75-$52.75. Band. $8, $7 seniors, $5 for had to quit sleeping until noon, and Ridge. Shepherdsville Music (800) 745-3000. ages 6-12.(502) 543-6239. “The Hang- Barn,1833 Ky. 44 W, Shep- Corydon Jamboree. Town over” and “For who have proved that anything is herdsville, 8p.m. today. $12. square, Hurst Lane, Cory- possible with guitars, drums and a (502) 552-9771. don, Ind., 7:30 p.m. today. Jazz Your Consider- near total aversion to responsibil- Recycled Teenagers. $12. Bill Frisell, guitar. Clifton ation,” and TV Blues 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Moe Center,2117Payne St., 7:30 ity. Bandy Show. $28, $6 for p.m. Thursday. $22. shows includ- BoneyJames. Louisville ages 6-12.(270) 422-3122. www.cliftoncenter.org. ing “New Girl” Palace, 625 S. Fourth St., 8 Jefferson Hill Farm and UofLFaculty Jazz En- p.m. Saturday. $19.50- Jamboree. 10704 Jefferson semble. Bird Recital Hall, and “The Daily $69.50. (800) 745-3000. Hill Road, 7p.m. Saturday. UofLSchool of Music, First Show With Jon Jackson Scott, The Country Street and Brandeis Avenue, Stewart.” But Rachael Classical Creek Band. $7, $6 seniors, 8p.m. Monday. With Harry free for ages 12 and young- Pickens. Free. Harris reveals adra- RachaelHarristells us Choral Arts Society. St. er.(502) 375-1539. herfavoritemovies Francis in the Fields Episco- Louisville Opry. 1110W. matic facet to her tal- pal Church, 6710 WolfPen Indian Trail, 8p.m. Saturday. Pop ent in “Natural Selec- aboutstrongwomen. Branch Road, 8p.m. today. Carl &Irma Brown and the Jane’sAddiction. Louisville AP Tickets available at the door. Stones of Fire. $5. (502) Palace, 625 S. Fourth St., tion,” in which she $20, $15 seniors, $10 stu- 964-0410. 7:30 p.m. today. $39.50- plays aconservative dents. River City Music Hall. 2901 $47.50. (800) 745-3000. Dallas Tidwell, clarinet. Seventh Street Road, 7:30 Christian woman who goes on aroad trip to Comstock Concert Hall, Uof p.m. Saturday. Tayler Lynch, find the son her husband never knew he had. LSchool of Music, First Christy Miller,Doug Pinson. R&B Street and Brandeis Avenue, $10,free for ages 12 and Human Nature: The With this indie film festival favorite arriv- 3p.m. Sunday. UofL younger.(502) 235-5186. Motown Show. Louisville ing in theaters, we asked Harris to choose Faculty Artist. Free. Ross Country Jamboree. Palace, 625 S. Fourth St., Louis Goldstein, piano. Ross Country Jamboree, 31 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. her five favorite movies about strong wom- Comstock Concert Hall, Uof E. Wardell St., Scottsburg, $31.50-$57.50. (800) 745- en. But since she’ssonice (and, full disclo- LSchool of Music, First Ind., 7p.m. Saturday. Gene 3000. Street and Brandeis Avenue, Watson. $10.(812)752-8877. sure, since she’safriend) we let her pick six: 8p.m. Wednesday. Free. Shepherdsville County »“Hannah and Her Sisters” (1986): I UofLDouble Bass Stu- Music Show. Ky. 44, Various dio. Bird Recital Hall, UofL Shepherdsville, 7:30 p.m. Louisville LeopardPercus- love Dianne Wiest so much in this film it School of Music, First Street Saturday. Frank Hamilton, sionists. BrownTheatre, makes my heart hurt. Ifind her arc very and Brandeis Avenue, 7p.m. Tracy Gabehart, Greg 315 W. Broadway, 2p.m. Thursday. Free. Stapleton, Pat Portman & Saturday. $15.(502) 584- satisfying. She’sacomplete disaster who The 44 Country Band. $8, $7 7777. finds dignity and acceptance by the final frame. Count on Paul Stanley of KISS to say »“Kramer vs. Kramer” (1979): Tw o juvenile things. Is that good or bad? East End Ace. CLUBS ZaZoo’s. 102Bauer Ave. words: Meryl Streep. She’sjust open —her Blue Horse Bar/Crowne Friday, Jess Langer Band, heart is full and open. She makes awoman By JeffreyLee Puckett Plaza. 830 Phillips Lane. Vitek, TedStevens, The Downtown Friday, Randy Meyers. Susan Constant. Saturday, leaving her son to live with his father alik- Who is very disappointed in Gene Simmons Bluegrass Brewing Com- The Steepwater Band, The able person. Youfeel deep compassion for BBC on 4th. 660 S. Fourth St. pany. 3929 Shelbyville Tunesmiths, Discount Guns, Puckett, show some self-respect Wednesday, open mic. Road. Wednesday, Bluegrass David Ramirez. Thursday, her character —that’scrazy hard to do. Blu Italian Mediterranean Jam. The Breedings, Coralee & »“Broadcast News” (1987): Iloved forachange. Will ya do that for Grille. 280 W. Jefferson St. Clifton’sPizza. 2230 Frank- The Townies, Thomas Bryan me, just once? Tuesday, Doug Elmore Jazz fort Ave. Tuesday, danny Eaton. watching Holly Hunter’scharacter wres- Trio. Wednesday, Carly flanigan plus one. tling with her needs to be successful and “The Tour” is actually the an- Johnson and Craig Wagner. Gerstle’s. 3801Frankfort Ave. Friday, Lamont Gillispie South tithesis of rock ’n’ roll. It’sabla- Thursday, Hickory Vaught driven and at the same time be avulnerable and Friends. &100 Proof Blues. Saturday, 19th Hole Pub. 5603 Green- woman wanting and trying to find love. tant money grab by acouple of Brown hotel. 335 W. Rocktimus Prime. Sunday, wood Road. Friday-Saturday, The Pranksters. Thursday, bands that can’teven fill an am- Broadway. Friday and Entertainment with Mark W. »“Waitress” (2007): Adrienne Shelly Thursday, Sue Ann Stone Winston Hours, Mercy BJ’s. 7017 Global Drive. wrote and starred in the film and the entire phitheater on their own anymore, (piano). Academy. Saturday, DJ Rip. Headliners Music Hall. 1386 much less an arena, so they’re Howl at the Moon. 434 S. Bud’sTavern. 4014 Dixie cast was perfection in my opinion: Keri Rus- Fourth St. Saturday, Rock ’n’ Lexington Road. Friday, J. Highway. Friday-Saturday, sell, Cheryl Hines, Jeremy Sisto and Nathan desperately chasing one more Roll Dueling Piano Show. Roddy Walston &The Mike Willett &Friends. Business ,The Features, $15 payday and calling it an event. It’s Haymarket Whiskey Bar. Eezy’s. 7323 St. Andrews Fillion. Simple and honest. 331E.Market St. Friday, advance, $17 day of show. Church Road. Friday- »“Tootsie” (1982): This is my favorite sad, buddy. Jubalson, The Lonely Sons, Wednesday, We Were Saturday, Mo Bear &Full Promised Jetpacks, Bad Does alove of music Flood Waters. Saturday, Throttle. Sunday, Allen movie —Ilove the way Dustin Hoffman is Stellar Corpse, Jane Rose & Veins, New Cassettes, $12. McCoy Band. Wednesday, playing awoman. He does more for women even enter into this? May- The Deadend Boys, Beeler Thursday, Borgore, $20 Lindsey Lane &Axis. Thurs- general admission; $35 VIP. NO be for the Crue’sMick Attic. Monday, Ray Rizzo, day, karaoke with host Alan in his portrayal of Dorothy Michaels than a Aaron Latos. Hideaway Saloon. 1607 Bybee. lot of female actresses. Imay get in trouble Mars, and even for Vince JazzyBlu. 815 W. Market St. Bardstown Road. Friday, The Hillview Lounge. 1891 Old Pranksters. Neil on agood day.But for KISS’s Friday, Songbird, DJ Dad- Preston Highway.Wednes- for saying that but Istand on my convic- dy-O. Jerry Green &Friends. day, open mic. tions. Gene Simmons the music has nev- Stevie Ray’s. 230 E. Main St. 2800 Breckenridge Lane. JT’sVariety Club. 8021 Friday, Saturday, Jerry Green er been more than ameans to an Friday, Lil T&A, King Bees. Preston Highway. Friday, »“Steel Magnolias” (1989): Sally Field: Saturday, the Predators. &Friends Band (pop/ Wednesday-Thursday, “I’m fine. Ican jog to Texas and back, my end, which is getting rich and lord- Monday, open mic/jam/ Motown). karaoke with host Chris. Jim Porter’s. 2345 Lexington ing it over the rest of us. In fact, I karaoke. Tuesday, blues jam. Saturday, DJ Bruce Wayne. daughter can’t. She never could! Iwant to Wednesday, Kimmet and Road. Friday-Saturday, Trick Kettle Creek. 1150 N. know why!” The most painful, real moment believe that he actually hates all of Doug. Thursday, Mississippi Nickel, Bag of Hammers, Bardstown Road, Mount Adam Riggle. Bluestown. Wednesday, Washington. Thursday, in that film. Full of tears and laughter exist- us, and has since around 1976. Classic Rock Wednesdays. ThirdSt. Dive. 442 S. Third Michael Goodman. ing at the same time. Ilive for those mo- We’re just ATMs to that guy. St. Friday, Paperplanes, Jane Thursday, UCall-it Dance Longhead’sBar &Grill. Rose &The Deadend Boys. Night with DJ Ron Wallace. 8238 Dixie Highway. Friday, ments on screen. Yeah, Iget the whole thing Saturday, Tenn Pound Limestone Bay Yacht Club. DJ Carlos. Saturday, DJ about wanting to relive the glori- Hammer,Hurts to Laugh, 5801Upper River Road. Squish. Thursday, DJ K- The Zachary Buns Band. Sunday, Wednesday- Dogg. ous past, but you never had one. I Tuesday, Rooney Tunes. Thursday, Jim Dishman. should know.Going to see KISS Wednesday, Open Mic Night Molly Malone’s. 933 Baxter app happy POPULAR DOWNLOADS with host Scott Dale. Ave. Friday-Saturday, DJ. West and Motley Crue will only remind Uncle Slayton’s. 1017 E. New Direction Bar &Grill. Cole’sPlace. 2928 W. Broadway. Friday, Jack 2630 Chamberlain Lane. Kentucky St. Friday and Top5freeapps for Wednesday: you that even your childhood he- Friday, Saturday, Kirby’s Holiday and the Westerners, Saturday, DJ. Thursday, ANDROID APPLE roes get old, forget the lyrics and Houndmouth. Saturday, Kri Dreamland. karaoke. fall apart. You’ll just drink too NHettie, Huh roBots, Jacob Phoenix Hill Tavern. 644 Joe’sPalm Room. 1821 W. » Draw Something by OMGPOP » Draw Something by Reisch. Thursday, Trouba- Baxter Ave. Friday-Saturday, Jefferson St. Friday and » Cut the Rope OMGPOP much, be sick for three days and XS. Wednesday, Retro dours of Divine Bliss. Saturday, Harmony, DJ. » TuneIn Radio Pro lose the last 10 percent of your Rewind. » WhatsApp Messenger Central Pizza Place. 2931Richland » Beautiful Widgets » Fruit Ninja hearing —all to line Gene’spock- Ave. Saturday, The Blues- Indiana » Where’sMyWater? » Angry Birds ets. Nachbar. 969 Charles St. 10 benders. Sunday, River City Culver’s. 240 Federal Drive, p.m. next Wednesday, Blues Band. Corydon. Friday, Dennis Hill, » Where’sMyWater? So how about this, Puckett? VAMP (Jacob Duncan, Jason RPlace Pub. 9603 Whipps Lori Clark. — Distributed by MCT Mill Road. Friday, Midnight How about we skip “The Tour,” Tiemann). 19th Green Pub &Grill. Information Services Smoketown USA. 1153 Radio. Saturday, Calling 1740 Williamsburg Drive, maybe have acookout with afew Logan St. Friday, Billy Hower. Eastwood. Jeffersonville. Sunday, friends, and if everyone is feeling Vernon Club. 1575 Story Wick’s. 2927 Goose Creek Mojobey. Ave. Friday, AGreat Big Pile Road. Sunday and next Irish Exit Ale House. 207 E. good we’ll throw on “Dressed to of Leaves, Mansions, Young Wednesday, DJ Dave. Main St., New Albany. Kill.” Now that’srock ’n’ roll. Statues, The American Tuesday, Trivia Night. Friday, Jon E. Saturday, Dream, Begging Victoria. Wednesday, Thursday, DJ Adam Green.