Cory Graves
End The Work Week Early With Vampire Weekend.
While we can all probably rattle of half-a-dozen quote-unquote hangover cures (read: stopping for some 3 a.m. Jack in the Box, drinking coffee or a gallon of water before bed, taking a cold shower, popping a handful of Advils, trying not to drink too much in the first place) most of those methods don't actually work for shit.
But new research also shows that seemingly good ideas — such as drinking herbal teas, for instance — can actually prolong hangovers. That's because, as a team of scientists at the Sun Yat-Sen University in Guangzhou, China, recently discovered, when the liver processes alcohol, it also creates a chemical byproduct called acetaldehyde, which researchers think is the main culprit behind all those ruined Sunday mornings. And, turns out, drinks like herbal tea can lengthen the amount of time acetaldehyde stays in one's system.
On the other hand, this same research has found that Sprite and soda water, among other beverages, are particularly good at speeding up the body's processes for eliminating acetaldehyde.
That being said, if any of tonight's options — which we've conveniently listed for you below — look especially appealing, you might want to stash an emergency Sprite in your fridge for tomorrow.
Y'know, just in case.
Vampire Weekend at Verizon Theatre
For better or worse, Vampy Weekend is, more or less, considered the quintessential “indie” band going these days. And that designation helped the band set a record with its third album, which sold 10,000 vinyl copies of its new Modern Vampires of the City LP in its first week alone. This is one big ACL spillover show that might potentially excite both you and your Paul Simon-loving mom. Family outing! — Cory Graves
The Dodos at Three Links
The Dodos' recently released fifth album stands as one of the band's most somber, as it was influenced partly by the death of Women guitarist Christopher Reimer, who was also a touring member of the band. Carrier also represents a dichotomy of the band's musical palate, shifting back to the finger-picked guitar and distinctive drumming of the group's earliest LPs while at the same time leaning more heavily on electric guitar than ever before. — CG
AT&T Patio Sessions: Bravo, Max! and Eric Harvey at Sammons Park
Despite the fact that he's playing his solo material around town with an increased frequency, we've yet to see Eric Harvey's name pop up on a bill sans the phrase “of Spoon” tacked on at the end. Nonetheless, he'll be performing his non-Spoon-affiliated brand of piano pop at this free, weekly offering. — CG
Wild Child at The Prophet Bar
What first comes to mind when you think of the ukulele? That played out cover of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” that's been in every credit card commercial known to man? That tiny little thing the wiggling hula girl on your car's dashboard is holding? Do you envision reenacting a miniature version of that scene from Animal House where Blutarsky smashes that beatnik's guitar? Even those who answered “all of the above” may still find the adorable boy/girl vocals and chemistry between Austin indie-folk outfit Wild Child pretty endearing — even if they do prominently feature the uke. Interested parties can catch them twice tonight, too: The band will be doing an in-store over at Good Records immediately prior to this one. — CG
Kid Congo Powers at Double Wide
Pioneering garage punk guitarist Kid Congo Powers is, perhaps, best known for his work with legendary acts like The Cramps and The Gun Club, as well as for being one of Nick Cave's Bad Seeds. Tonight, he'll play with his own outfit, The Pink Monkey Birds, in the Double Wide's cozy venue space. It's a good chance to get up close and personal with the veteran rocker. Locals Pink Smoke and Sir Name & The Janes open. — CG
Improvised Horror Movies at Dallas Comedy House
Every Thursday in October, director Tabitha Muhn and her crew of improvisers will create a new, live horror movie onstage at the DCH. Despite the fact that each week's creation will be based on audience suggestion, Muhn expects to be able to work in plenty of slasher flick cliches from week to week. Seating is limited, and advanced tickets — which can be purchased here — are strongly recommended. — CG
The Venetian Sailors at Adair's Saloon (Free)
While an Americana-leaning band that prominently features vibraphone work — in its live offerings, anyway — might not sound like it'd work out, The Venetian Sailors have managed to carve out an interesting niche. The talent level of its individual members combined with the uniqueness of their choice of instrumentation help make them one of the best live acts in town. They'll be playing multiple sets tonight at one of our favorite dive bars around. —CG
Sealion, Daniel Markham and RTB2 at Lola's Saloon
This is about as solid an all-local lineup as you'll see anywhere in town. Every member of the two opening bands is nominated for one of the best instrumentalist categories in this year's Dallas Observer Music Awards. Aside from RTB2 — whose members Ryan Thomas Becker and Grady Sandlin are nominated in the Best Guitarist and Best Drummer categories respectively — Best Guitarist nominee Daniel Markham's backing band also includes Best Bassist nominee Tony Ferraro. — CG
Filmage: The Story of Descendents/ALL Screening at Alamo Drafthouse
This Descendents doc, which was shot by a group of locals, contains countless interviews with well-known rockers like Dave Grohl, Keith Morris, and every member of Descendents/ALL, and spent the summer winning awards at a number of independent film festivals. Here, it will be shown in town for just the second time, this time as part of the Dallas Video Fest. — CG
Cover photo by Steven Brahms. To find out what else is going on today, this week and beyond, check out our events page.
