May 18 ♦ David Cross

“Cutting edge” comedy today mostly consists of turning the subject of the morning’s headlines into a punchless punchline (à la David Letterman, who may be funnier than ever, but whose painful monologue references to Robert Blake or pedophile priests are hardly amusing in and of themselves), or smugly ranting about how stupid everything is (à la Dennis Miller, whose own ideology is far more mush-headed than the politicians he mocks). What’s made David Cross perhaps the best comedian of his generation is that he’s keenly aware of the horrors of the modern world, but his outrage is tempered with an understanding of the oft-pleasurable absurdity of it all; and when he indicts human folly, he counts himself. Cross’s hilariously incisive sketch comedy series Mr. Show (created with the equally brilliant Bob Odenkirk) makes its DVD debut next month and its feature film debut later this year (Run Ronnie Run!). In the meantime, Cross is touring with giddy punk gals Ultrababyfat, and they’ll all be stopping off at the Exit/In.

—N.M.

Picks written by Todd Anderson, Diann Blakely, Martin Brady, Chris Davis, Bill Friskics-Warren, Paul Griffith, Julie Hale, Noel Murray, Margaret Renkl, Jim Ridley, Jack Silverman, Angela Wibking and Ron Wynn.

Thursday, 16th

Sloan Sloan do what they do (make guitar pop) so well and with so few ripples that they fly completely under the mainstream radar. Maybe if they dated celebrities, wrecked some cars or did more drugs they’d get more attention—but then, they’re Canadian. For almost 10 years they’ve been releasing flawless albums that spin through rock genres while retaining the band’s own signature; their newest, Pretty Together, is no exception. Their riffs, chords and perfect harmonies hit 12th & Porter Playroom this week. It’s an intimate venue for a big rock show. Should sound great.

—T.A.

T. Graham Brown & Sally Barris Brown is the type of outstanding hybrid artist who has never been well-served by records. His strong, often captivating voice reflects his love of both “deep” Southern soul and undiluted country. Sadly, there seems to be no place in the current muddled Music Row scene for Brown, who must be heard live to be truly appreciated. He’ll be playing along with Sally Barris at the Palace Theater in Gallatin.

—R.W.

New Faggot Cunts/The Lotus The New Faggot Cunts make music out of what most bands discard—whirs, clicks and instrumental whines all float together in their “songs.” They’re joined at their first show at the Red Rose by The Lotus, who play digital hardcore—short, superfast, sparsely arranged beats, blips and shrieks played through a laptop and several effects pedals. Short attention span experimentation at its finest. This is definitely a unique show in a great space.

—T.A.

Legends of Rodeo Legends of Rodeo play classic rock tempered by a punk and indie sensibility. Their newest record, A Thousand Friday Nights, is crammed full of anthemic American music—Tom Petty and Mellencamp 30 years younger and much more excitable. Their big chords and worn voice hit Indienet.

—T.A.

Psomni/Roger/Car 27 Psomni may play in dark, minor keys, but that doesn’t mean there’s not a sense of humor lurking in there. To wit: “The P is Silent” from their Spat Records debut, Minimalism. They play with roger and Car 27 at The End.

—T.A.

Thursday, 16th-Friday, 17th

Last Train Home Last Train Home’s first two albums were four-square Americana in the tradition of Jesse Winchester, Jimmy Webb and Willis Alan Ramsey. That lyricism is still evident on the D.C. band’s forthcoming disc, but along with it and their chugging rhythms is a hitherto unseen, if modest, experimental bent; streaked with dissonance, the odd flourish of brass or marimba, as well as the subtlest of electronic effects, the record is more akin to ex-Wilco guitarist Jay Bennett’s new project with singer-songwriter Edward Burch than anything else. Last Train Home have lately been talking with record labels in town, so they’ll likely be going for broke when they open for the Andrew Bird/Norah O’Connor duo at Slow Bar on Thursday. They’ll also play a free 5:30 p.m. set on the patio of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on Friday.

—B.F.W.

Thursday, 16th-Wednesday, 22nd

Mardi Gras in May Despite all the rain and storms of late, there’s reason to celebrate all this week at Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie Bar. The venue is not only spotlighting one of Nashville’s better ensembles—The Delicious Blues Stew—each night, but they’re bringing in some hot national acts as well. Chubby Carrier, a frenetic third-generation Zydeco accordionist from Church Point, La., who’s been a professional since the age of 12, kicks things off tonight. Bobby Rush, one of the titans of soulful blues innuendo, appears Saturday night, and the marvelous Louisiana guitarist Kenny Acosta headlines on Monday evening. Perennial favorites Big Al & The Heavyweights, whose newest release Late Night Gumbo Party was produced by Nashville’s Fred James and once again expertly balances Cajun, blues and funk, appear Tuesday evening. In addition, award-winning vocalist and guitarist Stacy Mitchhart and Blues U Can Use perform Friday, Sunday and next Wednesday.