KATHY MCCARTY — 8.00pm, Cactus Cafe

For me, this was THE show -- the one that got me misty-eyed with anticipation. In the '80s, Kathy McCarty shared vocal duties with Brian Beattie in the best indie rock band you've never heard of, the awesome Glass Eye. They were so ahead of their time back then that the music still sounds fresh today. But that was the '80s.

When the band broke up, Beattie moved on to producing, co-helming the beloved Dead Milkmen record Beezlebubba. McCarty went solo, recording Dead Dog's Eyeball, a collection of Daniel Johnston tunes that's infinitely more cohesive than the recently released Discovered, Covered comp. For a sample, check out the credits to Richard Linklater's Before Sunrise; a lovely track called "Living Life" runs throughout. But that was the '90s. Then she disappeared.

This comeback performance of sorts, to promote her long awaited second full-length Another Day in the Sun, reunited her with Beattie on bass as well as a couple of other talented musicians. Decked out in her trademark '50s bun hair-do and horned-rimmed glasses, Kathy played as if she never left. The set list was a roller coaster, ranging from beautiful ballads to funky Glass Eye-style rock to danceable pop. The glue that holds it all together, of course, is McCarty's voice, which is bold, low, and loud -- catchy yet unconventional. On this night, she rocked the cozy, acoustic venue like an arena, and judging by the standing ovation she received after the all-too-brief set, she succeeded in doing what only the best arena bands are capable of. She left the audience wanting more.
     Dave Dierksen