WHO’S PLAYING?  Cracker with a special opening set by Ashley Raines & The New West Revue

David Lowery and Johnny Hickman of Cracker

WHAT TO EXPECT?  To see one of the finest relics from the 1990s alternative movement that is not only still going but likely making the best music of their career. The hard edged rockers you know from “Low” and “Teen Angst (What The World Needs Now)” are still going strong, sure you’ll hear those songs but you’ll also hear a few of their great newer songs off of their latest triumph of an album “Berkley To Bakersfield.” It’s an album split into two parts, a distinctly country disc and a hard edged rock disc.

The cornerstone duo of Johnny Hickman and David Lowery are still heading the band with a new cast around them. They tour hard to promote each record and are likely nearing the end of their supporting tour for “Berkley To Bakersfield.” They play a solid about 16-18 song set usually with a few longer jams included (see “Euro Trash Girl).” They stick to mainly a “greatest hits” type of set that is sure to include “Low,” “Teen Angst” and “Get Off This.” The gems to look out for are “One Fine Day” from their 2002 album “Forever” and the gut punch of “Almond Grove” off the country side of their latest album.

Ashley Raines & The New West Revue

Ashley Raines knows the bumps of the road when it comes to a career in music. Battles with venues, promotors, record labels and multiple online entities are just part of the back story for Raines. The one underlying factor is that he is a great musician. He plays dark spirited music that is bursting with precision detail. Raines is fresh off the release of “King of Nothin'” last year and is soon releasing his most refined album yet with “It Could Be Worse.”

That latest record abandons Raines’ normal stark, stripped down style for the most part. There are horns, keyboards and a full band sound. The songs, as always, are great. Raines writes about the trials and tribulations in life and wears them as a badge of honor. He adds some swagger to “Desperate Man” and a little bit of hope to “Better Days” on the new album. It stands out as likely his most accomplished album to date and this show will feature many of those songs that haven’t been played live at too many shows as of yet.

WHERE IS IT?  Knucklehead’s Saloon (2719 Rochester Street, Kansas City, MO)

WHEN IS IT?  Wednesday, August 9th, 2017; 8:00 PM, $20

Here is a link to buy your tickets right NOW.

WHY SHOULD I GO?

• Tickets are $20… so that’s not bad for two bands with about two dozen albums combined
• Cracker is a national treasure. They are celebrating their 25th anniversary of their debut album as well.
• You’ll get to hear “Almond Grove” probably, it’s one of the best songs written in the last few years by anyone.
• Johnny Hickman is one of the nicest guys in rock, say hi to him, he’s great to talk to.
• Ashley Raines is playing a rare show at a larger venue, he normally sticks to smaller clubs for a more intimate environment.
• Knuckleheads is a great venue, tons of music and this show will fit right in with their style.
• It’s a good mid-week break. Wednesdays suck, make this one not suck.

You should RSVP on facebook to the event so you don’t forget, here is the link: FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE