Concert Previews

It's an alt-country geek roots-rock dream come true. Eight bucks, eight bands, and some world-class ones at that, starting with the Clash-meets-Cash Waco Brothers, Dan Baird and Terry Anderson's the Yayhoos, Brian Henneman's stalwart Bottle Rockets, and ingeniously tongue-in-cheek songwriter Robbie Fulks. Wait, flannel shirt-wearing Hank Williams worshippers: The Bloodshot BBQ, held in celebration of this big-shouldered Chicago record label to which all of the above - plus Ha Ha Tonka, Dexter Romweber, Deadstring Brothers, and Cordero - are signed, gets even better. The first 100 ticket buyers to the show, which begins at the inhuman hour of 4 p.m., will be rewarded with something that might be even better than a bucket of beer that doesn't have a hole in it: free food.

- Dan DeLuca

Power-pop darling Matthew Sweet and former Bangles singer/guitarist Susanna Hoffs first discovered their shared musical chemistry, and their abiding affection for songs from decades past, as members of the fictitious '60s rock band Ming Tea in the first

Austin Powers

movie. That experience led the two jangle-popsters to record an inspired album of '60s covers that highlighted Hoffs' shimmery vocals and Sweet's always-gorgeous guitar-playing. Three years later, the L.A.-based duo (calling themselves Sid 'n' Susie) have moved into the decade of their teen years, the '70s, with

Under the Covers, Vol. 2.

Taking on everything from Yes' prog-rock to the Raspberries' sugary (and then considered risque) '72 chart-topper "Go All the Way" seems to have elevated the vocal versatility of both musicians. While fans can't help but wonder what Sweet and Hoffs would sound like if they ever got around to recording some original material, their endearing love for this music translates onstage into a witty rapport and often hair-raising harmonies.

- Nicole Pensiero

A mainstay of the '80s underground, Chicago quartet Naked Raygun cut its teeth on punk before evolving into something even more exciting. Over a handful of albums on such seminal indie labels as Homestead and Caroline, the band struck a kinetic balance between screeching guitars, a roiling rhythm section, and the pointed yet funny rants of barker Jeff Pezzati. Along with Mission of Burma and Husker Du, Naked Raygun lent blistering smarts and blustery hooks to the raw power of hardcore. Recording new material for the first time in 17 years, the reunited foursome is touring the East Coast with Philly's own Paint It Black and heralding its return with a series of vinyl singles.

- Doug Wallen