Elvis Costello, The National, The Cinnamon Band, Animal Beat and Carrie Underwood

Clockwise from top: The National, The Cinnamon Band, Carrie Underwood & Elvis Costello.

By: Christy Sheppard | Richmond.com
Published: April 22, 2010

I'm changing things up a bit. I've still got all the good shows going on this week in the little widget over there to the right, but I'll just be mentioning the top five (or so, under special circumstances) in greater detail from now on.

If you truly object, just let me know, that way at least I'll know you're reading!

Top five shows coming up in RVA - Thursday, April 22 - Wednesday, April 28.

1First up, we have the National at the National. How's that for a confusing mouthful? My good music buddy @dbrowell described the National (the band) as "What the Blake Babies would sound like if we chained them to Interpol (the band, not the police force) for 14 days." That might help, Dean, if I had a clue who the Blake Babies were. Huumph.

Anyway, the National's lead singer, Matt Berninger, has a super sexy baritone that's enticing and beautiful. The rest of the band consists of two sets of brothers. The brothers Dessner, Aaron and Bryce, play bass/piano and guitar, respectively. The other set, Scott and Bryan Devendorf, play bass/guitar and drums.

There's a quiz later, so I hope you're paying attention. They're currently on tour supporting their brand-new album, High Violet - (it just leaked on the internet this week and they're streaming it live Friday on the New York Times Website here). The actual release date is May 11.

They play both Thursday and Friday nights, and Friday is already sold out, so get your act in gear and get some tix. Details.

2That same night - it's a night of killer male vocalists in RVA - The Cinnamon Band comes to town, this time at the Triple. Opening act is Little Master (made of members of Ultra Dolphins) and Antlers (RVA) will headline. I might even try to drag myself out to this show if the National lets out early enough, since it doesn't start until 10 p.m.

I've been excited about The Cinnamon Band since I heard them open for Great Lake Swimmers over a year ago in Charlottesville. Lead singer John Harouff (Vocals, Guitars) reminds me a little of Springsteen and a little of Jakob Dylan, while Neil Campbell (Vocals and Drums) is totally in-your-face on the drum set. They've toured with the Handsome Furs and are poised for going big places (I hope). Details.

3Gonna be honest here, folks, and just say that I'm not a huge Elvis Costello fan (I know I'm going to get sh!t for this admission). I'm still "with it" enough to know that, to some, he's huge. He'll be at the National Saturday night. Details.

4Lost Satellites, Palominos and the Animal Beat - three of Richmond's premier bands - are set to rock you at Capital Ale House Saturday night. Plus, it's for a good cause - Indie Art Rocks for the Homeless: A Benefit for Home Again. Details.

5Widespread Panic does the second double-header this week at the National on Monday and Tuesday nights. Details.

Oh, and Carrie Underwood (I actually like her but she's gotten enough publicity already) performs at the Coliseum on Tuesday. Details.

Click here for a complete listing of recommended shows.