Chris DeLine

In some circles it’s a beloved term that is welcomed with unequivocal praise, and one that is used only in an endearing light. In others it’s a tired label that refers to a style of music that has long since worn out its welcome. Regardless of your opinion of the genre, there’s no better way to describe the music of Dallas’s Old 97’s than to simply call it alt-country. Throughout its 16-year history the band has outlived many of its contemporaries (Whiskeytown, Uncle Tupelo) only to continue by growing in popularity and exposure with each subsequent release. While singer Rhett Miller’s solo work is much acclaimed in its own right (his eponymous 2009 release received four out of five stars from Rolling Stone), the band has garnered both its highest ever charting position and some of its highest praise with its latest album, 2008’s Blame It on Gravity. Regardless of critical or commercial appeal, however, Old 97’s have always lived and died by the band’s live shows—a true testament to their longevity, regardless of genre. Miller and 97’s bassist Murray Hammond will be opening the show in what is being billed as “An Evening with Old 97’s.”

[This critics’ pick was originally published by City Pages.]