Heavy Dates

Friday is a tough call if you're a fan of good melodies, clever lyrics, and simple truths. Dan Hart, whose Armageddon Now and Then (Stone Boat) was one of 1998's biggest surprises, returns to the Java Hut. Meanwhile, Gilrein's offers Kevin Connolly, who's fourth CD, Around the Bend (Real), caused us to gush with an unbridled enthusiasm generally reserved for more rockin' fare. And, if that weren't enough, Jim's Big Ego, whose new CD, Don't Be Smart (Eastern Front), we haven't got around to dissecting just yet (but the cover art is nice), headline the Commercial Street Cafe. So, while all three of these artists are worthy of your time, and we can't recommend one over the other, we offer a pocket overview to help guide you to the proper venue for your entertainment dollar. A) Fans of fun, yet politically and socially charged commentary, go to the Java Hut. B) If you dig roots-inspired stuff about love and tow truck drivers, Gilrein's is for you. C) Like your songs a little less traditional and more on the edge? Get thee to the Commercial Street Cafe. Elsewhere, the new and improved Chillum make a rare appearance at Ralph's (rare that Ralph's has a band, not that Chillum's playing out), and Fragment, God Stands Still, and Dead Eyes Under hit the Espresso Bar. On Saturday, Garrison celebrate the release of their first 7" at Dinny's. Six Going on Seven, the Magnificent Ambersons, and Huck, in their last appearance with the current line-up, join Garrison. The Plantation Club gets its bi-monthly fix of the fabulous Clutch Grabwell, and Don White and the Loomers return to the Green Rooster Coffeehouse.

-- John O'Neill

BOSTON/PROVIDENCE

Eric Burdon, master craftsman behind and in front of the Animals (for all you young 'uns, they did "The House of the Rising Sun," which was sort of the "Walking on the Sun" of its day, not to mention it was a Dylan song about a whorehouse), comes stomping our way, reportedly still in high gear. He'll be at the Iron Horse, (413) 584-0610, in Northampton, on the 25th before plopping down for a two-night stand on the 27th and 28th at the House of Blues, (617) 491-2583, in Cambridge.

And from the house of one-track-mind lo-fi highbrow faux roots indie rock, Marcellus Hall and Railroad Jerk saunter into the Met Café, (401) 861-2142, in Providence, on the 28th, then pop up at the Middle East, (617) 864-3278, in Cambridge, the following night with Peter Prescott's Peer Group, the Good Furies, and a duo that'll smoke the jerk on bottleneck slide, Mr. Airplane Man. And another indie-rock band who don't necessarily suck, Flydaddy's Number One Cup, are at the Century Lounge, (401) 751-2255, in Providence, on January 24 and at the Middle East on the 26th.

-- Carly Carioli