The Blues Gangsters, The Perils of Life. This debut
begins hesitantly but gathers steam as it moves along. At 8 songs and
31 minutes, it’s just long enough to test its blues-meets-modern-rock
meddle and leave a memorable impression. The five members’ extensive
experience dating back to the early-1980s “Che Underground” scene in
San Diego means it’s probably just how they wanted it. (Furious
Babyface Records)
Tiny Television, Mission Statement. An alt-country
album that proclaims, only half-kidding, Cash rules everything
around me, honey? Now that’s something. Tiny Television’s Jeremy
D’Antonio, a self-proclaimed “son of the West,” generally plays by the
rules, but plies his own city-country hybrid on songs like “C.R.E.A.M.”
and the gospel-flavored “Rose Colored Sunsets.” (self-released)
At Café du Nord (2170 Market St., San Francisco) on October
3. 9:30 p.m., $12
TV Mike and the Scarecrowes, Spittin’ in Cursive.
Offering a brilliant vision of early My Morning Jacket crossed with
locals the Trainwreck Riders, West Oakland’s TV Mike and the
Scarecrowes accomplish the rare feat of making folk-rock both
transcendent and earthy. Anthemic melodies and atmospheric harmonies
are fueled by strong banjo and guitar work, plus TV Mike’s absorbing
vocals. (Brave Scarecrow Records)
At Café du Nord (2170 Market St., San Francisco) on October
1. 9 p.m., $10
Mucho Axé, Time Is Art. The third album from
this eight-year-old paragon of progressive Bay Area Latin music is a
fresh, mid-tempo assemblage of reggaetón, cumbia,
mambo, samba, salsa, rock, and more. Using the cover art to equate
their music to a slow drag from a cigarette was bold, but smart; like
the two-minute guitar solo in “Seductor,” it bolsters the band’s
laid-back vibe and the philosophy Time Is Art.
(self-released)
At La Peña Cultural Center (3105 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley) on
October 3. 9 p.m., $8-$10
