4

THURSDAY

No matter how hard you try, Beulah’s songs don’t die. Even at the hands of critics, who say that the band’s songs are too shallow, too easy on the ears, too Elephant 6-lite. I could go on—too pretty, too Freddie Prinze Jr.-soundtrack appropriate—but it doesn’t matter. Singer Miles Kurosky has a voice that is pleading for approval. He wants you to like his band, really like his band. You can try to ignore its songs. While you listen, you can instant-message, watch Barry Bonds on mute, whatever. It won’t make any difference. Beulah’s tunes will stick to you. Try to block out its mellow new album, The Coast Is Never Clear. With its galloping verses and sunny choruses, its swanky horns and piano, its easy-to-memorize lyrics, it’s a set and band you can’t get outta your head. So beware when Beulah plays with Mate of State at 7:30 p.m. at the Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW. $8. (202) 667-7960. (Jason Cherkis)