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M O N D A Y
Sort of like the Henny Youngman of indierock, Calvin Johnson is a one-trick pony, broke long ago by a cowboy called Howie Gotinarut. The baritone-voiced Beat Happening leader and K kingpin’s odes to both naivete and lust struck a unique chord during the late ’80s and early ’90s, but Johnson continued to strike that same chord, again and again and again, until the charm wore off. In this post-Beat period, both the Halo Benders and Dub Narcotic feature Johnson’s unbearably arch hipsterisms: What was once seemingly off-the-cuff now comes dribbling down his sleeve. Boot Party, the Dub Narcotic collective’s latest foray into the dance hall, is a lifeless pastiche of pop, dub, and funk that doesn’t shake my puddin’. At one point, Johnson sings, “You smell like monkey hips and rice.” Sure. Right back at ya, pal. The beat really happens when the Make*Up opens with its lively and liberating pastiche of punk, pop, and soul. With the Crabs at 8 p.m. at Phantasmagoria, 11319 Elkin St., Wheaton. $5. (301) 949-8886. (Christopher Porter)