Sounds Good: Republic Tigers@LIVESTRONG Sporting Park; ACBs@Davey’s; Think Floyd USA@Crossroads

Thursday, June 9th

The Republic Tigers at LiveStrong Sporting Park in KCK

The Republic Tigers burst onto the national scene in the summer of 2008 on the strength of their hit single, “Buildings and Mountains,” a catchy, layered pop song that received heavy airplay on alternative rock stations for the better part of a year.  They recently released a four song EP and have plans to release another full album sometime later this year. 

Sporting KC has tapped these local KC guys to open the inaugural match at LiveStrong Sporting Park, and other local bands will be playing at the new stadium throughout the season.  The festivities start at 6 pm, and tickets to the soccer game are still available, but only about 200.  Word is there will be another 1,200 or so standing room tickets available for walk ups, so get there early if you want in.  Don’t miss this event which is sure to be one of the most talked about of the summer. 

Friday, June 10th

The ACBs at Davey’s Uptown Rambler’s Club in KC

The last time I saw the ACBs was in Lawrence, and after the show I asked the lead singer if he liked “Pinkerton,” the Weezer album that followed the Blue Album.  He kind of smiled and asked sarcastically, “How did you know?” 

Well, I knew because of the pop sensibilities – smooth vocals, harmonies, catchy hooks – smashed together with edgy guitar lines and rhythmic textures.  “Are you guys on a label or anything?” I asked next.  “Nope, we just do our own thing right now.  We put out this album independently.” 

The album referred to was “Stona Rosa,” released in November 2010, and it’s pretty damn good.  Assuming these guys keep at it I see them being one of the next breakout bands from the KC area.  So if you like good, clean, indie rock, served up in a dirty ash tray of a bar, then this is the show for you.     

Saturday, June 11th

Think Floyd USA at the Crossroads in KC

Who here has never watched “The Dark Side of Oz?”  You know, that thing where you start Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” at the moment when the lion roars for the third time? 

Anyone? 

Oh, and did you ever see the stage hand that hung himself in the background of one of the scenes when Dorothy and her posse are wandering through the woods?  That was just weird. 

Saturday night, Think Floyd USA (who were recently voted best Floyd cover band in Chicago, I’ll have you know) will be playing “Dark Side of the Moon” in its entirety, complete with what I am told is a pretty kick ass stage and light show.