Stuffed and Listening

Action Patrol, Paramore, and Justin Timberlake(!). Things to buy and hear around town.

November 27, 2007; 7:30 AM • by Sean Patrick Rhorer

If last week marked the Thanksgiving holiday and getting stuffed on great food, this week serves as the beginning of the holiday season. As music critics sweat over their year end best of lists, stores turn from new releases to stocking greatest hits CDs, and generally the music industry slows to a pace that would make even the most casual of college students jealous, having December just over the horizon doesn’t make for the best timing to start a new music column. I’m not afraid though, so here goes…

Shopping Spree

As previously mentioned, now is anything but a prime time to seek out new releases from up-and-comers since most labels all but shutdown moving into the holiday season. The only noteworthy new release this week would be the expanded version of Justin Timberlake’s FutureSex/LoveSounds, featuring the new duet with Beyoncé and a DVD packed with making of footage, videos, etc. Let’s be honest: you know you love it so don’t pretend you’re above this pop masterpiece.

Moving right along…

Be There or Be Square

The lack of new music can easily be compensated this week with the solid calendar of shows happening around town.

Richmond’s newest venue Toad’s Place cleans up with a couple of must attend events this week: Thursday (11/29) Paramore, Silversun Pickups, and Army of Me will be performing and young boys/creepy old men throughout central Virginia are stoked to the chance at an in-person glimpse of that singer girl. The following night (11/30) might be the most anticipated dance night to hit Richmond in quite some time; it’s the return of The Reflex, an indie/Britpop/new wave party that’s free if you get there before 11pm… I’ll be there for sure!

Also happening this week are the two exciting reunion shows of Richmond’s own pop-punkers Action Patrol, taking place Saturday (12/01) and Sunday (12/02) at Alley Katz and Empire respectively. We all know the Empire one will be insane, so if you’re not up to the challenge make sure you’ve got a ticket for the Alley Katz show.

Other shows worth mention: Chuck Ragan, the guy from Hot Water Music that isn’t in The Draft (so he must be the talented one), will be performing solo alongside Lawrence Arms side-project Sundowner and Robbie Huddleston (ex-Inquisition/Ann Beretta) at The Camel on Thursday (11/29) night. And, for those interested in venturing to other parts of the state (of whom I am one), mewithoutYou will be doing a headlining show in Harrisonburg at Guzman’s Thursday (11/29) and then rejoining their current tour with Brand New and Thrice in Norfolk at the Norva Friday (11/30).