7

thursday

At times, Philosophy and Underwear—the latest record by Kid Congo Powers and the Pink Monkey Birds—feels like the musical equivalent of Spencer’s Gifts. Songs such as “Black Bag” and “Johnny” could easily be stocking the same shelves as the shopping-mall-grade S&M peddled by America’s favorite raunchy gift shop. Of course, if you are in the market for edible underwear, there’s no better place to go than Spencer’s—and if you want to hear a song like “Why Hurt Flesh,” there’s nobody better to turn to than Kid Congo Powers. Once a guitarist for legendary sleaze bands such as the Cramps, the Gun Club, and the Bad Seeds, Powers is about as close to the original scuzz-rock source as you’re likely to get. After all these years, Powers proudly revels in his well-worn shtick: “Even though your leather is cliché,” he sings on a song of the same name, “I like what it has to say anyway.” Wear it proudly when Kid Congo Powers and the Pink Monkey Birds perform at 9 p.m. at Iota Club & Cafe, 2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. $12. (703) 522-8340. (AL)