Also this issue: The Fantom Melvin Buzz Osborne plans a hostile ambient takeover with The Melvins. -A.D. Amorosi Song of Himself Fred Hersch takes solo piano to a new place. -Nate Chinen Beat Box -Ain� Ardron-Doley The Orange Peels -Sam Adams Red Bull Music Academy 2002 -Sean O’Neal

June 20-26, 2002

musicpicks

The Realistics

As the garage rock explosion continues to flare, some notably kick-ass regional acts are beginning to get some much-deserved exposure. Staten Island's The Realistics have more buzz and verve than a certain group of pollinating Swedes. Their songs have more color and depth than that linear brother/sister/husband/wife duo. And they kick those Manhattanite pretty boys off the island with their songcraft -- churning out wicked pop hooks comparable to those of Elvis Costello. Their debut album Real People Are Overrated (Tiswas Records) will suffice any hipster's musical palate and is even more fulfilling in live form. Take note of the soul ballad "Should've Known" (singer Dennis' falsetto riffs will be a crowd pleaser). And the jaunty "Prettiest Idiot" is sure to wiggle some hips. Grappling with your opinions on this surge of real rock music oscillating in the mainstream's ears? This band makes it a good thing. The Realistics have an ebullient stage energy that will floor you and then set your feet on fire.

Fri., June 21, 9:30 p.m., $7, with Three 4 Tens, Ty Cobb and Jai Alai Savant, The Khyber, 56 S. Second St., 215-238-5888.

—Hillary Rea