Central Track Contributor
Go Solo with My Morning Jacket's Jim James.
It's finals season over at the region's various college campuses, so keep that in mind if you think you see some zombies walking the streets.
Though these people may look undead, but, alas, they are not. Nor are they auditioning for any roles extras on The Walking Dead. They're just woefully unprepared for an econ exam and way past the point of caffeine being any help whatsoever.
So if you see any of these crusty-eyed mumblers ambling about at a glacial pace, just politely take a step to the side and allow them to pass. They probably won't even see you, but you'll be doing them a serious solid.
Later tonight, then, you can congratulate yourself for being a halfway decent person and head out on the town to celebrate that fact. After all, you've got a number of ways to do so tonight.
Jim James at the House of Blues
My Morning Jacket frontman Jim James is no stranger to dalliances from his main gig. In fact, he's out out three releases outside of the MMJ brand: First came that all George Harrison cover EP in 2009, Tribute To, which he released under the Yim Yames moniker; later that year, he teamed up with Conor Oberst, M. Ward and Mike Mogis (and local hero Will Johnson, who toured as the group's drummer) to release that Monsters of Folk record; and, just last year, he rejoined Johnson, plus Jay Farrar and Anders Parker, to record the New Multitudes tribute to Woody Guthrie. Still, the February-released Regions of Light and Sound of God stands as his debut solo LP. But fans of MMJ need not fret too much. The album's less bombastic, perhaps, than most MMJ releases, but very much exists within the same sonic vein.
Suicidal Tendencies at the Granada Theater
Suicidal Tendencies' newest and ninth studio album, 13 calls for a tour, don't you think? Sure, the only original member still in the band is vocalist Mike Muir, but Muir deserves some credit: It's been 30 years since the band released their eponymous 28-minute debut in 1983. Besides, you owe it to yourself to check out a band that's so punk rock that they've been rumored to have been approached and interrogated by the FBI.
Fela! at the Winspear Opera House
Fela! is a musical based on the life of Fela Kuti, who is widely considered to be the creator of afrobeat. Think about it this way, you little ignorant hipster, you: If there was no Fela Kuti, there'd be no Vampire Weekend. Need more street cred if you're gonna check out a musical? No problem. Consider this: This one's been produced by some dude named Shawn Carter (the man more commonly known as Jay-Z), a former fresh prince (Will Smith) and Morpheus' love interest in The Matrix (Jada Pinkett-Smith). Also? One of the stars of the show happens to be none other than Destiny's Child's Michelle Williams. Oh, and it's won three Tony Awards. You have no excuse not to see this one.
IAMX at Trees
Not to be confused with IMAX, IAMX is the newest project from Chris Corner, the former frontman of the classic British trip-hop outfit, Sneaker Pimps. These days, Corner's traversing darker, more sexually androgynous waters. He's still rocking a sweet synth-based sound, though.
Wakarusa DJ Classic at Three Links
Some of Dallas' best DJs will be competing for a slot a Wakarusa, which is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year. Not familiar with Wakarusa? It's a rain or shine music festival in Arkansas during the summer. A very free spirited type of thing. That patchouli-loving friend of yours is a big fan.
The Toadies' “Rattler's Revival” Video Premiere at Sundown at Granada
Check out the video premiere of — and some behind-the-scenes footage from — “Rattler’s Revenge,” the latest single from the Toadies' fifth LP, Play.Rock.Music. This event also promises drink specials, prizes and a possible acoustic performance. See.You.There?
Peopleodian, Home Body, Summer of Glaciers at Macaroni Island
If you haven't checked out Macaroni Island yet, here's what you need to know: It's house in Denton that transforms its garage into a venue at night; the acoustics can often sound better here than they do at a lot of the more traditional performance spaces throughout the region; and, if you check it out, you just might stumble upon your new favorite band.
Tuesday Night Trash presents Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama at the Texas Theatre
The film title kind of says it all about this 1988 “gem,” eh? Amazingly, the folks at the Texas Theatre also convinced one of the film's stars, John Stuart Wildman, to come to the screening for a Q&A, too.
Jim James cover photo by Neil Krug.
