New York Dolls

And now three remember-it’s-summer-and-going-out-on-a-Wednesday-night-is-totally-kosher reasons to hop on over to the Double Door this evening…

1. The New York Dolls‘ rock ‘n’ roll influence might be immeasurable. Any band that plays dirty blues riffs with an aggressive, punk energy owes a great debt of gratitude to them. Without the Brooklyn rockers there might not have been Aerosmith, the Talking Heads or even local up-and-comers Mickey. With a look unlike any other and a sound that was never before attempted, the New York Dolls were bigger than ever when they called it quits in 1976. But reunions in the early to late 2000′s that included surviving original members David Johansen and Sylvain Sylvain lead to the New York Dolls releasing a new record, Dancing Backward in High Heels, just this passed March.

2. And now for some downhome cooking…literally. Chicago’s The Steepwater Band lurks more on the muscular Americana side of things. Talking gritty, rootsy riffs and scruffy vocals. Let’s say ZZ Top with an injection of blue collar, Midwestern-pop. It’s good to get your boogie on to or admire for the tight musicianship. Either way, rock on.

3. Finally, opening tonight’s shindig is yet another local! The Sleepers once again rock the beefy guitars, but with a bit more of a southern rock twang. Oh, but lets not forget a big ol’ helping of power-pop. The songs are rambunctious as hell, sure, but there’s quite a bit of melody to be found – and the search isn’t a difficult one.

8:30 p.m. Wednesday, 7/27. Double Door. 21+. $25.