Two great alt-country shows in Indianapolis this Friday. Elizabeth Cook’s at Spencer’s Stadium Tavern, while Jason Isbell and his band hit the stage at Radio Radio. Damn tough call to make, because both joints are great. And take the dueling shows for what it really is: Indianapolis (and these two clubs, among a handful of other hard-booking venues) sits in just the right place – close to Tennessee, but South of Chicago – to capture some righteous alt-country music artists.
Elizabeth Cook – Spencers Stadium Tavern
June 4 – One day after playing the Grand Ol Opry, the sultry country mama Cook heads to the nicely classic near-southside venue. If you’ve heard her morning show on Sirius/XM’s Outlaw Country channel, you already know she’s whip smart and full of poke-ya-with-a-stick attitude. And her voice? Fucking gorgeous. Think Loretta Lynn and Joan Jett at a hayride, doing shots. She drags along the gritty Tim Carroll (her husband) and his subtle guitar heroics, and bass player Bones Hillman (he played in the great Aussie rock band Midnight Oil) for this leg of the tour. $10 to get in.
Important footnote: Carroll was born in Terre Haute, and attended IU. He was with the punk rock band The Gizmos about 30 years ago.
watch her videos / website
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit – Radio Radio
June 4 – Isbell is a former member of the Drive-By Truckers and is touring behind is his second solo release (and first release with his band).
“I want it to be known that it’s a band record,” says Isbell. “I want it to be known that it’s something we all did together. Even though I wrote the songs, it was a very inclusive project.” And it rarely hurts to record an album at the FAME Studios at Muscle Shoals, AL, as they did.
Tickets are $15, day of show
online review: “The sultry organ and soulful vocals set Isbell and band apart from the current gang of reverb-obsessed Americana folkers. Isbell and company have released one hell of a record.” —The Tripwire
read full review
jasonisbell.com
There ya are. Two shows. Choose one. Can’t lose.
Radio Radio
Spencer’s Stadium Tavern
Spencers Stadium Tavern Facebook