Raleigh
Micah Schnabel
Tir Na NogMicah Schnabel’s new When the Stage Lights Go Dim confirms what I’ve suspected ever since encountering “Should’ve California,” the tattered heart of Three, the 2007 album by Schnabel’s Two Cow Garage. Somewhere in the middle of Two Cow’s roots-rock-in-the-rearview stomp and Replacementsy stagger was a stripped-down, big-thoughts solo record itching to emerge. Stage Lights is full of raw-voiced promise and promises, including the vow to keep playing music until “the van becomes a hearse.” And speaking of The Replacements, Schnabel becomes the second maverick, joining Justin Townes Earle, to record “Can’t Hardly Wait” this year. American Aquarium’s BJ Barham joins Schnabel for this free 10:30 p.m. show. You can also catch Schnabel at The Cave on Dec. 13. See www.tnnirishpub.com. Rick Cornell
