17th Chapter

I can’t decide whether or not I like the movie Singles (however, I know that I hate Reality Bites). On the one hand, Singles is hamstrung by some horribly broad Jet City grunge/indie/angsty caricatures and a typically cliché-addled, rose-colored script from the overrated Cameron Crowe—although, Almost Famous was good stuff; and he obviously married the right Wilson sister. Still, Paul Westerberg must have written “Dyslexic Heart” while taking a dump after a half-rack of Schlitz. On the other hand, it’s a glorious time capsule for pre-boom Seattle (look at that teensy weensy skyline!), Campbell Scott makes you feel his pain through sheer strength of six-day stubble, and Bridget Fonda’s sort of lovable. So it goes with 17th Chapter, a band whose sound makes you nostalgic for that Seattle, sans Kyra Sedgwick’s fish lips. Plus, lead vocalist Matt Garritty once worked on a movie set with Corey Feldman and Don Swayze, brother of Patrick. The only thing more awesome than working with “the Swayze” is working with his bro, bro. With the Maldives and the Crying Shame (CD release). Tractor Tavern, 5213 Ballard Ave. N.W., 789-3599. 9:30 p.m. $8. MIKE SEELY
Sat., April 26, 9:30 p.m., 2008