Sun, Aug 14, Old 97’s

Led by Rhett Miller, whose witty, literate ne’er-do-well odes fulfill the promise the similarly-minded Paul Westerberg never scratched post-Replacements, the Old 97’s blend alt country and power pop into nearly irrepressible music. Tracks like “I’m a Trainwreck” and “Barrier Reef” capture the besotted spirit of romantic failure that infuses the songs. Miller’s incipient solo career never fully materialized, and the band overcame a near breakup to finally regain their lost momentum. Recorded live in an empty concert hall and released in two volumes nine months apart, The Grand Theatre represents their best work in a decade. 2708 J Street, www.facebook.com/old97s.