The Memphis Scene

It really is. Union Avenue in front of the Peabody is clogged with buses carrying legions of South Carolina 'Cocks fans, along with what at least one member of the Houston Cougar nation (vast as it is). That must mean the AutoZone Liberty Bowl kicks off at 3:30 p.m. Friday. I lived in South Carolina for a couple years after college, so I have something of a soft spot for the Chickens. On the other hand, I'm a lifelong Steve Spurrier hater since my brother's UT days. For its part, Houston is starting to show flashes of offensive firepower that almost call to mind the record-shattering run-and-shoot days with Andre Ware and David Klingler at quarterback. If I were a betting man, I'd take Houston plus the 6 points, and definitely take the over. But I'm not.

In other news, in case you've been under a rock this afternoon, Mike Fratello is out as Grizzlies head coach. Catch all the developments here.

Which big Midtown show should you go see Saturday night? Noise Choir with Vending Machine and Spread Eagles at Murphy's, or the always-memorable Harlan T. Bobo Christmas show at the Hi-Tone? Surely, if we can put a man on the moon, and buy gifts via the wireless Internerd, we can figure this one out. (Both shows will start around 10, and $5 is the cover at each.)

Earlier today, I ran across this nice story in The Washington Post about the 1977 "Little Drummer Boy" duet with David Bowie and Bing Crosby. Since then, the tune hasn't left my head. I finally had to turn on some Internet radio before I lost my mind.

It turns out that Bowie didn't even want to sing the song, so the Christmas special's producers found a piano and hammered out from scratch the "Peace on Earth" counterpoint tune for the Thin White Duke. The rest is history. Check out the video here.

I should be showing up near the end of this party, tunes in hand. Unfortunately, I have to work Thursday night, see? This should be fun. Top-notch bartender in Jessica, top-notch deejays, and that unique Automatic Slim's Tonga Club vibe. (9 p.m.-1 a.m.; no cover)

I finally located the flier for tonight's thing at the Hi-Tone. Sounds like fun ...

The long-running Tuesday night beer bust at the Hi-Tone has been completely revamped. Oh, sure, you can still sip on all the draught Pabst Blue Ribbon you can handle for just $5, but instead of the '80s hits with deejays Piper and Stevan, the concept now is Rock and Roll Drive-In, featuring concert films from bands like Judas Priest (last week) and MC5 (this week). After the film, The Hook Up drops heavy tunes from his massive record collection. (10 p.m.; no cover)

The local news outlets seem to have preferred "Manny," "Tom Lee" stuck over at the Goner board, but I think the coolest name for the sea cow that wandered into the Mid-South -- and tragically died here -- would have been "Mantronix."

... of Billy Lee Riley's death are greatly exaggerated. The rockabilly legend is alive an well, notwithstanding the erroneous photo caption in Wednesday's newspaper. Gotta hate those ...

Don't miss Thursday night's big show at the Young Avenue Deli featuring the pride of Akron, Ohio, The Black Keys. I'm not sure if I'll be able to make this one (doors at 8, I work till 10 ...), but I caught them in Nashville a couple years ago, and I can't recommend them enough. Read more about the Black Keys here, courtesy of our new music writer Bob Mehr. (Doors at 8; tickets $15)

For the most excitement one could possibly find from watching men stand at a laptop computer on stage, head to EP's Delta Kitchen on Beale for this Saturday's big lineup featuring electronica producer/audio wizard BT and electro-pop godfather Thomas Dolby (yes, "She Blinded Me with Science").

Both BT ("This Binary Universe") and Dolby ("The Sole Inhabitant") are supporting new CD/DVD releases that showcase an array of state-of-the-art audio geekery, so be prepared for a dazzling surround-sound experience. The artists chose EP's over much larger venues, sacrificing hundreds of ticket sales in favor of the right vibe. Get your tickets in advance, since EP's only holds about 500 at capacity. (Doors at 9:30; $15 in advance, $20 at door.)

Interesting fact: Dolby's company invented the polyphonic ringtone software for mobile phones that allows you to annoy the hell out of your officemates and people at the grocery store.