by SCOTT C

Ever think about stupid shit, like what band you would hire to play at your wedding if money was no object? It's one of those things I often waste my time doing, fully aware that me planning wedding details at this point is hilarious. Is it wrong that, if I ever do get married, the music - not during the ceremony, but at the reception - is my main concern? I don't think so, mainly because I already know that, if and when that day comes, I could care less what the hell else goes wrong as long as Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings have done their soundcheck by the time I say, "I do." I've said it before, and I'll say it again. If you haven't yet seen this woman live, then you need to get off your ass and move! Queen Sharon and her loyal Dap-Kings bring their explosive funk and soul revue to El Salon tonight, Thursday, April 22, where I'm sure they'll work out the kinks in the new room. They'll be joined by my boy DJ Kobal, fresh from France. Doors are at 9:30 p.m., tickets are $12 in advance at Off the Hook, Atom Heart or Casa del Popolo.

Bigshot 50 Cent won't need any help packing the Bell Centre when he rolls into town with his G-Unit entourage on Friday, April 23. Some of you might go for the stories you love to hear, some of you might go for the "Magic Stick," but everybody in that place on Friday will be hoping for a 50 Cent spectacle. I'm sure he won't disappoint. Black Eyed Peas are scheduled to appear April 29 at le Dôme, a venue that despite the cringe factor seems to be positioning itself as one of the city's more active mid-size venues for live hip hop and such. Hopefully the Peas will leave that Britney-esque white girl appendage at home.

Also slated for Thursday, April 29, is a show featuring some Def Jux alumni who aren't strangers to Montreal in the least. The Perceptionists feature Mr. Lif, Akrobatik and DJ Fakts One on the cut, set to rock the house at Cabaret with some help from Sa Smash and recent Def Jux signee and Toronto native 4th Pyramid. Tix are $17 in advance, with other guests to be announced.

Seven reasons that's just gold:
1. Specifics "Lonely City" (LP)
2. Skalpel self-titled (Ninja Tune)
3. Head Roc "Sermon on the Metro" (Dara)
4. Aesop Rock "No Jumper Cables" DJ Pawl mix (Def Jux)
5. Electric Life's a Struggle (Sun Moon/Traffic)
6. Greyboy "Got to Be a Love" w/ Quantic and Sharon Jones (Ubiquity)
7. 4Hero "The Action" w/ Butterfly, Visioneers remix (Raw Canvas)

'Sup to Cryin' Jonesy & Limehouse Chappy... fathead@videotron.ca

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