Ever since the Aston twins each decided the other was a jerk, there have been two versions of Gene Loves Jezebel, the beloved British band that gave us glammy goth-rock songs like “Gorgeous,” “Motion of Love,” “Heartache” and “Desire” in the late ’80s. When they settled their legal dispute in 2009, Michael claimed the United States for himself, and Jay took the U.K. If either of them decide to tour in the other’s domain, they must call themselves Michael (or Jay) Aston’s Gene Loves Jezebel. So, on this show, don’t expect any of the Jayonly GLJ tunes, like “Jealous,” from 1990’s Kiss of Life (Geffen). That’s too bad, because the sassy rocker got so much airplay here in Salt Lake City. But a lot of people think the band’s best albums are its two predecessors: 1986’s Discover and 1987’s The House of Dolls. Since the four aforementioned fan favorites came from those two albums, most fans oughta be happy tonight. (Randy Harward) Liquid Joe’s, 1249 E. 3300 South, 8 p.m., $12 in advance, $15 day of show, LiquidJoes.net
FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY 4.15, 16, 17 Booker T. Jones
Soul innovator Booker T. Jones has had—and continues to have—an awe-inspiring career. Born in Memphis, Tenn., Jones was something of a musical prodigy, learning to play the oboe, sax, trombone and piano at an exceptionally young age. He went on to play the key-
Booker T. Jones
BOSSAGENCY.COM
Gene Loves Jezebel
board, bass, guitar and, most notably, the Hammond B-3 organ. In his teens and 20s, Jones went to work for Stax Records as a studio musician and writer, variously crafting hits for Eddie Floyd, Otis Redding and Albert King. His first major success came with the instrumental “Green Onions” by Booker T. and the M.G.s, released in 1962. Since then, Jones has received three Grammy Awards, released more than 20 albums, and collaborated with Neil Young, Elton John, Lou Reed and even Rancid—playing organ on “Up to No Good,” from 2013’s Let the Dominos Fall (Hellcat Records), along with countless others. Sound the Alarm, released in 2013, heralded Jones’ return to Stax, with favorable reviews. Jones’ signature soul, R&B and rock sound is as versatile as it is ageless. (Zac Smith) The Egyptian Theatre, 328 Main, Park City, Friday & Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 6 p.m., $35-$55 ($5 more day of show), EgyptianTheatreCompany.org
Gene Loves Jezebel song. So, when he juxtaposes one “me” with the other, comparing his serious stuff to his, sigh, “hit,” he’s simply asking us to check out what else he has to offer. “Nobody,” and the other songs on Spose’s fifth album Why Am I So Happy? (on his own P. Dank label), are hilarious and incisive, a much-needed rap reality check. Universal’s loss is our gain, as Spose capitalized on the experience, using social media to ensure he didn’t fade away— his newer YouTube tracks still clock in the six- and seven-figure range. With Tommy B, The Underclassmen and Young Yankee. (RH) In the Venue, 219 S. 600 West, 7 p.m., $14, IntheVenueSLC.com
Spose
SATURDAY 4.16 Spose
CONCORD MUSIC GROUP
“This is me,” wrote Spose in an email to City Weekly. “This” was a link to the video for his song “(Nobody).” He probably sent it to every other media outlet on his tour schedule, too. I mean, it’s not like we’re special. Or awesome. “But, whether I like it or not,” Spose followed up, “I’m most known for this.” That link pointed to “I’m Awesome,” a track from his self-released 2007 album, Preposterously Dank. The track went viral and, as of this writing, has 12.7 million views on YouTube. It also netted Spose a deal with Universal Republic Records, which lasted all of one album—because Spose, who champions the working class and lives to skewer the egomania and hypocrisy of rap music—wouldn’t sell out and write a pop
ANDREW FOSTER
| CITYWEEKLY.NET |
44 | APRIL 14, 2016
BY RANDY HARWARD, BRIAN STAKER & ZAC SMITH
FRIDAY 4.15
| CITY WEEKLY |
| NEWS | A&E | DINING | CINEMA | MUSIC |
LIVE
THIS WEEK’S MUSIC PICKS
COMPLETE LISTINGS ONLINE CITYWEEKLY.NET