the hum / By Bob Doran

alt. something

Between the dark themes, growling vocals, monstrous guitars, pounding drums and often twisted imagery, modern metal in its many forms seems perfect for the All Hallows season. It’s way before the holiday, but San Francisco stoner rockers Floating Goat and Walken roar Thursday at the Alibi. Saturday the Alibi hosts Portland’s Facepilot , who lay down thunderous chords propelled by driving drums, backing your classic distorted Satanic metal vocals. They’re on a brief tour with Humboldt’s heaviest band, Dragged by Horses .

There’s metal plus punk across the Plaza Saturday at Mazzotti’s. Rocktoberfest brings together Oceanside punks Pig Champion , Sacto thrashers Awaiting the Apocalypse and locals Entheogen and Forcefed Trauma .

Ready for church? Earl Thomas takes you there on Sunday singing with the True Gospel Singers at the Arkley Center to raise money for the National AIDS Day Marathon.

My favorite folky Lila Nelson is at Muddy’s Hot Cup that night joined by Kenny Edwards the veteran songwriter (from the Stone Poneys etc.) who has been working with Lila on her next record.

Coming Monday, Oct. 29, to the Jambalaya, mad accordionist Jason Webley on his The Cost of Living CD release tour with several alt. folk bands, Ribbons , Led to Sea and Quilken , whose members also play on Jason’s new album.

Yes, I, reggae moves ever forward, this week with hot Jamaican sing-jay Lutan Fyah , whose dancehall hit “Save The Juvenile” topped the Kingston charts earlier this year. He’s at Indigo Friday night, a show presented by 2b1 Multimedia. As you might recall, way back in March Lutan was among the headliners booked by 2b1 for the ill-fated Reggae on the River 2007.

Is semi-related news, a note came in over the weekend from former Mateel E.D. Taunya Stapp. It seems her lawyer friend Robert Highley has filed the required papers to renew the Reggae on the River® trademark for 10 more years. Will there be a RotR 2008? Time will tell.

One more thing — don’t forget Snoop Dogg and his posse are at the Muni Thursday, Oct. 25. When I checked before press time there were a few tickets left, but not many. Should be a rager, same with the after party at Indigo. Be there or be square. And don’t forget, there ain’t nuthin’ wrong with being square — if that’s your thing.

1 2 3 SHARE