Also this issue: Billy the Kidder Will Oldham is being difficult. -A.D. Amorosi Time and Tide Jon Langford talks about death and going it alone. -Sam Adams HearHere -Patrick Rapa Sam Jayne, Sam Beam, James Mercer -Chris Parker Miguel Zenón Quartet -Kyle Parker Erykah Badu -Elisa Ludwig Joe Strummer/Clash Tribute -A.D. Amorosi Benny Golson Quartet -Kyle Parker

January 30-February 5, 2003

musicpicks

The 90 Day Men

Though they've received accolades from Spin, Magnet and Alternative Press for their full-length debut [It(Is)It] Critical Band, The 90 Day Men seemed to fall into coin-flipped categories of being loved or hated. After sprinkling out some singles, a five-song EP for Temporary Residence, a split disc with GoGoGo Airheart and (for many, the dealmaker) a recording session for BBC Radio One's John Peel and a full-length follow-up, To Everybody, the Chicago-via-St. Louis quartet has given you ample opportunity to pick a side. Unfortunately, the Men often find themselves mistakenly lumped into the sundry trash pile of "post-prog-math-rock." True, the band uses fluctuating rhythms, odd time signatures, sinewy guitars and vocals that are either sluggish mediations or bellowed howls, but underneath that are leanings toward jazz and dub reggae that propel the band from dime-a-dozen to at least four for a quarter.

Thu., Jan. 30, 10 p.m., $8, with Boas, Alkali Flats and Apache Grip, Doc Watson's, 216 S. 11th St., 215-922-3427

—Paul Burress