The New Lou Reeds are back with their first album since 2006's Top Billin'. But if these are hit songs, don't expect to hear them on commercial radio anytime soon. Opener "Headed for a Felony" is a boisterous rocker punctuated by singer-guitarist Steph DK's woozy voice. As he stumbles and slurs his way through the track, he comes off like Cleveland's version of blues revisionist Jon Spencer. Later, he talks his way through the "smoke and mirrors" in "Every Setback in the World." "(I'm Clearly) Rockin' Too Hard" and "Born to Rock" are raunchy anthems — in the latter, Steph even channels (and quotes) Springsteen's "Born to Run." But Hit Songs' centerpiece is "Older Than Dirt," a terrific jam that delves into psych territory. Seems like the break did these guys good. — Niesel
New Lou Reeds, with Herzog and Madame and the Moist Toilettes. 9 p.m. Saturday, October 23, at the Happy Dog. Tickets: $5; call 216-651-9474 or visit happydogcleveland.com.
