Crib Notes

Cracker plays the Earl Wed., July 22.

WED/22
CRACKER Rootsy wise guy David Lowery and shotgun-riding guitarist Johnny Hickman may never have a “Low”-sized radio hit again, but 17 years along in their remarkably consistent career, Cracker’s new album is as musically gutsy and lyrically sharp as anything in the band’s catalog. $18-$20. 8 p.m. The Earl. 404-522-3950. www.badearl.com. — Hal Horowitz

THUR/23
JAAFAR The city of Birmingham may not be considered a bastion of progressive soul, but with the layered debut album Travel Light, B’ham native Jaafar is breaking the mold. Rich vocals, narrative lyrics and lush production make Jaafar one of the genre’s most respected rising talents. In short time, he’s proving he has the goods to carve out his own lane. Free. 8 p.m. Café Circa. 404-477-0008. www.cafecircaatl.com. — Jacinta Howard

MAIA SHARP Despite penning songs for a wide array of rootsy Americana artists such as Bonnie Raitt, the Dixie Chicks, and er, Cher, Sharp’s own albums have flown under the radar. Enter super-producer Don Was to give her latest set of melodic singer/songwriter musings a high-profile boost and bid for mass attention. $12-$60. 8 p.m. Eddie’s Attic. 404-377-4976. www.eddiesattic.com. — HH

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(Photo courtesy Jason Thrasher)

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WED/3
THE DECEMBERISTS The chamber pop quintet engages fanciful folklore with baroque instrumentation and prog-rock arrangements. Their ability to pull it off is a testament to front man Colin Meloy’s storytelling and the group’s musical talent. $27.50. 8 p.m. Tabernacle. 404-659-9022. www.livenation.com. — Chris Parker

THURS/4
TAB BENOIT, LEGENDARY JC’S Louisiana bluesman Benoit might be a frequent visitor but that doesn’t make his Telecaster driven swamp rock any less riveting. Recent shows have him stripping down from his roaring trio with an acoustic solo mid-set performance that further showcases Benoit’s underrated soulful voice. $17.50. 8 p.m. Smith’s Olde Bar. 404-875-1522. www.smithsoldebar.com. — Hal Horowitz

WAYNE HANCOCK The train is a roadhouse boogie warrior, and didn’t let a nasty dustup stop his tour. Grooming a couple of fresh faces on stage every night, they should be pretty dang good by the time they get here. $12. 9PM. The EARL. 404-522-3950. www.badearl.com. — James Kelly

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CL’s Chanté LaGon and Chad Radford chat about upcoming shows around Atlanta, including Zoroaster’s CD release party at the Drunken Unicorn (Friday, March 27), Eva Kennedy at Sugarhill (Saturday, March 28), and the Preakness at the Earl (Saturday, March 28).

Check out this week’s Sound Menu for a more comprehensive list of upcoming shows.

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Music acts for Friday, August 15:

LUCERO They started as a country band to piss their punk friends off, and got a little early help from Luther and Cody Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars). Guitarist Brian Venable left, and whiskey-throated frontman Ben Nichols tacked Lucero toward indie-country roots somewhere between the Drive-By Truckers and the Replacements. Venable returned for the grimy garage rumble of 2005’s Nobody’s Darlings, and then in 2006 (before the Truckers!) they added a keyboardist (Rick Steff), producing the soul-soaked Southern rock Rebels, Rogues and Sworn Brothers, like the Boss deep-fat fried with the pork rinds. $12. 9 p.m. The Hummingbird Stage & Taproom, Macon. 478-741-9130. www.myspace.com/thebirdstage. — Chris Parker

RODRIGO Y GABRIELA After their previous Atlanta show was cancelled due to visa problems, the acoustic guitarists have exploded commercially and now play a larger theater. Anyone expecting a snoozy, laid-back evening probably hasn’t seen any YouTube videos of the pair as they hyperventilate through a set that includes traditional classical Spanish guitar originals along with nontraditional prog and trash-metal covers all performed with complex, technically intricate fret-melting picking. It’s rousing, unpredictable and intense music that shifts emotions in less time than you can say “Stairway to Heaven,” which they famously cover. $35. 8 p.m. The Tabernacle. 404-659-9022. www.tabernacleatl.com. — Hal Horowitz

THE WRIGHTS, ANNA KRAMER Former local duet the Wrights come back home to celebrate the release of a great new acoustic CD of all cover songs. Adam and Shannon’s vocal interplay and smart song choices make for a pleasant evening. Kramer returns to her country roots for a night, and will make you wonder why she wandered down that rock ‘n’ roll highway. The gal can flat out nail those tearjerkers. $12-$60. 9:30 p.m. Eddie’s Attic. 404-377-4976. www.eddiesattic.com. — James Kelly

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