4

FRIDAY

During the late ’80s and early ’90s, metal was the soundtrack to this alienated kid’s life. It was music that would piss off any parent or authority figure. Metal’s message was often dark, its album covers foreboding and evil. And once I discovered metal, I had not only music to relate to but a way to make friends with the other misfits in school. And what better way to advertise this shared interest than on the back of a jean jacket? The backpatch, which usually featured your favorite band’s best album cover, was an accessory no true metalhead could be without. The right backpatch served the dual purpose of irritating adults and drawing adoration from the other metal kids. Of course, though there may be some designer jean jackets when neo-metalheads the Fucking Champs play tonight, there will likely not be any backpatches. Too bad. That guy from Nation of Ulysses’ current band plays with Drunk Horse and Cherry Valance at 10 p.m. at the Metro Cafe, 1522 14th St. NW. $8. (202) 588-9118. (Jacob Long)