Critics' Choice

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  Brian Barney/Jamie Lee Rake
  January 6, 2005
  Shepherd Express
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Since their debut release, Lulu's Walk (1987), Mrs. Fun built a reputation working with Indigo Girls, k.d. lang and Martha Davis. Their off-center jazz approach results in a sound so eclectic that it defies description. Starting this week at Brady Street's newest upscale pizzeria, Vucciria, Friday nights belong to Mrs. Fun, where they will provide the ambiance from 9 to midnight for your dining and dancing pleasure.

Back in 2002, Marashino strived to define a sound while covering '70s heavy groove acts such as Led Zeppelin and Mountain. Their 2004 release, Diseased Room, shows how the band has taken influences from that decade--an era focused on musicianship. A follow-up to their 2002 debut, it shows improved songwriting. Their live performances have earned Marashino spotlights working with big-name acts such as Seether. Check out this truly up-and-coming act Friday, Jan. 7 at the BBC with Binky Tunny, Droids Attack and Last Place You Look.

Milwaukee's Holy Mary Motor Club has spent the last decade combining quirky lyrical content with post-punk eccentricity. The band has endeared itself to many fans who would probably list favorites among acts like Devo, Talking Heads and the Violent Femmes. As with many artists such as Frank Zappa, the band's levity, while highly entertaining, can't mask the musical achievement that keeps records selling and asses in the seats. So, get yours down to the Cactus Club Saturday, Jan. 8 when HMMC performs with 1984 and the Venom Lords.

Milwaukee's favorite wandering minstrel, Peter Mulvey, has hit it hard since the release of Kitchen Radio, playing shows worldwide. With rave reviews coming from the likes of Rolling Stone magazine, it's sometimes hard to imagine him having such strong ties to the Midwest. It seems somehow right, or natural, that an artist whose songs reflect such an introspective feel would play the part of the prodigal son who, at least in the minds of the listener, might gravitate homeward for a familiar perspective on a well-traveled life. Thursday Jan. 6, Shank Hall with Zach Broocke and Troy Johnson.

Though they have won WAMI trophies in the Christian/gospel category, Kenosha's Skillet have broadened their reach. A contract with Lava Records has taken them outside the Bible-bookshop market and generated secular radio play for their latest CD, Collide. The foursome stick to familiar territory Monday when they bring their poignant, industrial-leaning rock to Kenosha's First Assembly Of God, 10700 75th St. at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 10. The dramatically post-grunge Seventh Day Slumber and pop-punksters Kids in the Way open.

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