When bands play gigs they sometimes have to abbreviate their set, especially when sharing the bill with many acts. A few weeks ago I saw Starbelly play two sets at Armadillo's in Annapols, and they intermixed their originals with lots of covers. Great show.

The Spongetones played two sets at the Double Door last Saturday. The two times I had seen them in New York, they played originals, but given a long time to play, they had a chance to show off their uncanny ability to cover sixties classics.

I never thought a four-piece would ever tackle "A Day in the Life" (Hint: Jamie Hoover used an e-bow) or try "I Am the Walrus" (Jamie donned a bass for a two-bass attack.) Speaking of the Hollies, they did a perfect rendition of "Carrie Anne". They did both "Purple Haze" and a stump-the-band version of "Little Wing", and many, many more classics.

For the grand finale they brought out Dixon and members of the Carpenter Ants in a tribute to Ray Charles. They performed a rousing "What I'd Say".

See ya,
Sherman

NP: Darden Smith, "Circo"