Backyard Tire Fire has been rocking out since Ed Anderson left the Chicago band Brother Jed to form a new trio with drummer Tim Kram and bassist (and brother) Matt Anderson. They recorded a debut self-titled album in 2003 and a second full-length album Bar Room Semantics in 2005. Now the band is setting the road on fire with its homespun brand of blue-collar rock and roll to promote their new EP, Skin and Bones. So what's burning in the tire fire? Nothing toxic, more like influences from The Allman Brothers, Tom Petty, and Johnny Cash with pedal steel, acoustic guitar, blues-y progressions, and honest lyrics. Songwriting is the focus here and even though elements of country and Southern rock are hard to deny, Backyard Tire Fire won't bore you with cheeky lyrics and corny progressions. BTF plays rock and roll as straightforward as a cold bottle of beer — a welcome change from over-produced and over-hyped music of which everyone (whether they know it or not) is tiring. (Appearing at Double Door on Oct. 14) --text: Billy Kenefick

This year's girl…that might be what Ani DiFranco should begin calling herself. Each year she releases a new album that mesmerizes a fan base that has been noted for its cult-like devotion. This year she released her 16th studio album Reprieve, which offers a dark and visceral tongue-lashing towards the personal vices that she and other women face daily. The song "Nicotine" is a great example, with lyrics like: "I hate you sometimes but I love to be your queen. You are my muse got me smokin' nicotine." The album also includes the obligatory my-man-did-me-wrong tunes. Though the lyrics of the album prove to be deep and poetic, the average listener may not connect to DiFranco as much as her rabid fan base does. However, for those looking for an album with all the bare essentials, this may be the album for you…at least for this year anyway. (Appearing at the Chicago Theatre on Oct. 13) --text: Virgil Dickson--photo: Mark Dellas

Originally conceived as a way to piss off the "art fags" in lead singer Joe King’s hometown of Portsmouth, N.H., The Queers were determined to write songs that were the furthest thing from art. Yelling lyrics such as "Last night I had burritos and drank a lot of beer/And now a funny smell is emanating from my rear," King inadvertently inspired New England pseudo-punks to replace the Ramones patches on their denim jackets with ones displaying his band’s logo. Many bands that have less-than-serious beginnings evolve into somewhat-sophisticated musicians, but The Queers have refused to stray from their joke beginnings. Pleasant Screams, released in 2002, contains beauties such as "See You Later Fuckface" and "Homo." Inspired by bands such as Black Flag and the Beach Boys, The Queers consistently spit out riot songs with no purpose mixed with a touch of bubblegum pop and a ton of raw energy. (Appearing for two shows at the Beat Kitchen on Oct. 13) --text: Sarah Dahnke

The first time I saw Stanton Moore playing in his usual group Galactic at their home venue Tipitina's in New Orleans, he absolutely mesmerized me. No matter who he sets up his kit with — Galactic, Garage A Trois, the New Orleans Klezmer All-Stars or any number of respected musicians with whom he jams — Moore is nothing short of a phenomenon. By mixing funk, jazz and rock, Moore has developed a wildly unique style. And while his skill on the skins is unmatched, his energy radiates off the stage as well — finding him recording with metal band Corrosion of Conformity, making instructional videos and writing a magazine column. Now he is back on stage with heavy-hitting funk organist Robert Walter and precise jazz guitarist Will Bernard as the Stanton Moore Trio. The group's soon-to-be-released album, III, mimics the high energy they undoubtedly will bring to the stage. (Appearing at Elbo Room on Oct. 12) --text: Brent Kado

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