Thursday, April 10

THE FLESHTONES

The Fleshtones’ first single, “American Beat,” was released 30 years ago. A smoldering slab of 1960s-inspired garage-stomp, soul-raving and R&B-swagger, the 45 would provide the template for everything the New York-based band has recorded since. While three decades is enough time for a rock group to be derisively considered “elder statesmen” in some circles or, more generously, “garagefathers” in others, the guys in the Fleshtones have never given a rip about time. From the onset, the group’s riotous live shows and infectious recordings have sneeringly stared in the face of everything that was self-consciously “hip,” no matter what decade it was. Is dancing on the bar, imploring the crowd to sing along and doing the frug with abandon a naturally cool thing to do? Decidedly, no. Is it a great time? Certainly, yes! The story of these super rock stalwarts has finally been told, in the form of Joe Bonomo’s superlative book Sweat (Continuum Books), while the group’s gritty musical legacy is embodied full-form in the band’s latest platter, Take a Good Look (Yep Roc). What’s left to do? Somebody nominate these guys to the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame, pronto! Handsome Jack and the Thermidors open the show.

—mark norris

8pm. Mohawk Place, 47 E. Mohawk Street (855-3931/mohawkplace.com). $10