April 613, 2000
six pick
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At 80s end, Manchester England England was the capital of twisted Anglo-pop, full of mumbled mean intentions, Stones-y riffing and 808 pulses. Stone Roses, Happy Mondays and Charlatans UK crept out of the woodwork, shimmying their vertical-striped hips. Only Charlatans UK have survived nearly intact, incorporating underground house, techno and trance as integrated partners. Though their new Us and Us Only (MCA) is a funky revelation, 1997s The Charlatans UK vs. The Chemical Brothers (Beggars Banquet) shows theyve been highly attuned to the new sound of dirty samples and scrunchy beats. Beyond the repetitive rhythms, Us offers a buffet of textures and noise with the big organ sound of yore still intact that opens itself to singer Tim Burgess astute observations. Songs like "A House Is Not A Home" and "My Beautiful Friend" are as expressive and insightful as anything youll hear from any singer/songwriter this year.
Sat., April 8, 8:30 p.m., with Stereophonics at Electric Factory, Seventh and Willow Sts., $15, $16 day of show, 215-627-1332.

