The product of country-music icons June Carter Cash and Carl Smith, songwriter Carlene Carter initially attempted to distance herself from her honky-tonk parents (her early work is more rock than country). But only after giving up rock and roll in favor of her mothers vintage twang did Carter achieve mainstream success. That is, until Little Acts of Treason (1995) flopped commercially in spite of overwhelmingly positive reviews. Not long afterward, Carter, who suffered from burnout as well as drug addiction, effectively dropped out of music the same way she had once dropped out of school. More than a decade later, a rejuvenated, drug-free Carter decided to release Stronger on independent label Yep Roc. But dont expect weepy documentation of the travails Carter endured during her absence; on the whole, Stronger is a triumphant, catchy comeback from a woman whos older, wiser, and ready to take a new generation of country fans by storm. Triple Door, 216 Union St., 838-4333, www.tripledoor.net. $35$40 (all ages). 8 p.m. SARA BRICKNER
Sat., Nov. 15, 8 p.m., 2008
