Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds

Tue., Oct. 7, 8 p.m., $38, with Kid Congo Powers and the Pink Monkey Birds, Electric Factory, Seventh and Willow streets, 215-336-2000, 856-338-9000, ticketmaster.com.

by A.D. Amorosi

rock

(CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION)

So with 2007's bracing Grinderman barely behind him, Cave gathers his most cock-rocking version of the Seeds and pounces on a modern-day version of the humble risen hero. Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!! is grueling garage rock with decent drapes. It's snotty punk blues laced with carnal bliss. It's heavy with cowbells and big organs. More than what it is, is what it isn't: something graceful, slowed and epic like Abattoir Blues/The Lyre of Orpheus — a gorgeous respite from all Cave previous. Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!! is really Cave's best shot at snot-pop vitality in the 21st century, his way of showing that he can play the revved-up rock game ("We Call Upon the Author to Explain") without losing his French cuff shirt or his delirious literate texts. And honestly — his voice never sounded so ample. Aren't you glad he waited to play Philadelphia until it really counted?

Tue., Oct. 7, 8 p.m., $38, with Kid Congo Powers and the Pink Monkey Birds, Electric Factory, Seventh and Willow streets, 215-336-2000, 856-338-9000, ticketmaster.com.