Grousing The Aisles: Circle Gets the Square

Welcome to another edition of Grousing The Aisles. It's been a busy week, with many terrific shows being offered up on the familiar torrent sites. I struggled to decide which shows made the cut, but in the end I decided on a glimpse into the future of rock with Circle Sound, as well as a look back on classic shows by The Band, Steely Dan, Queen and Widespread Panic. Check it out...

Circle Sound 1/19/07 DAUD (FLAC): North Mississippi Allstars guitarist Luther Dickinson and Black Crowe Rich Robinson debuted their latest side project at the Bowery Ballroom this past Friday. The new band played a few of Robinson's originals, one Crowes song and a heady mix of classic rock covers. Patti Smith even got in on the fun, singing a song with the band -- it's not everyday the Queen of NYC christens a new project. I saw the North Mississippi Allstars a few times in the early part of this century and left unimpressed. As a friend said to me, "If these are the Allstars, I'd hate to see what the other bands in North Mississippi sound like." Recently I saw the NMAS play a blistering set opening for Umphrey's McGee in Chicago, and I came away from that night with a whole new respect for Luther Dickinson as a performer. After listening to Circle Sound's debut set, I think I've actually become a Dickinson fan. Luther throws his heart and soul into this project, both vocally and on the guitar, adding a killer compliment to Robinson's soaring leads and harmonies. I have a feeling this band is going to not only play more gigs, but might just be the outlet both guitarists need to keep innovating southern rock. Queen, Steely Dan, The Band and Widespread Panic shows after the jump...