Nightlife Agenda Pick of the Week

Nearly six months after its launch party, Gypsy Eyes Records finally has GYP-001 ready to go. Shortstack's "The History of Cut Nails in America" proves to be worth the wait, as the local quartet hones its twangy, throwback country sound on its second album. The blueprint for most songs is the same -- a galloping drumbeat, walking bassline, reverb-heavy guitar and singer Adrian Carroll's confident vocals. More and more bands, especially in this area, seem to be looking to the past for inspiration today, but Shortstack pulls it off better than the rest. And as good as "History of Cut Nails" is, the band's live show is even stronger. On Friday, Nov. 3, celebrate the release of the new album at the Black Cat, where These United States and the Hard Tomorrows round out a top-notch all local bill.

This is just one of the events profiled in this week's Nightlife Agenda column, which has info about a DJ appearance by a member of !!! and Out Hud, where to drink vodka for charity, the return of some British punk legends and a low-key lounge appearance by one of our favorite local turntablists.