Pick of the Day 1/24/08

Here we go again. Another weekend is upon us, and that means it's time to put your nice t-shirt on and step out the door for:

Through the Sparks / Kristy Kruger @ Bottletree

Admission: $8
Go Time: 8:00 p.m.




Through the Sparks are one of the few bands signed to local label Skybucket Records. They are a constant presence at the clubs here in Birmingham, so chances are you’ve already seen a show of theirs. If not, you’re missing out on the goods. These guys intertwine hazy organs and honky-tonk keys with indie style guitars and end up with a brew all their own. It’s hard to pigeon-hole, but easy to listen to.

Kristy Kruger sounds like she should be coming through the tinny speaker of a gramophone. She plays lonesome music, the auditory equivalent of a storm gathering. Just when I think I’ve got her figured out, she slips in a devious little change. She’s channeling Tom Waits a bit, and she’s surrounded herself with the same apocalyptic jug band feel that a lot of his work has in spades.