Robbie Fulks plays Reverb Lounge Saturday, April 9.

by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

Robbie Fulks is something of a modern-day folk music legend, whether he knows it or not (but he probably does). He’s released 12 albums over the course of 30 years and pretty much defined the alt-country style that Bloodshot Records has become known for, being one of their first acts way back in ’93. Those early recordings, made in Chicago, captured Fulks’ country-tinged singer-songwriter style even though they were engineered by punkmeister Steve Albini.

Albini is behind the knobs again for Fulks’ latest, Upland Stories (2016, Bloodshot), released just last week. The 12-track collection of down-home story songs are rife with clever detail, wry humor and stark observations that capture modern life in rural parts.

We asked Fulks to take our Ten Questions survey. Here’s how he responded in a way only Fulks can:

1. What is your favorite album?

Robbie Fulks: Upland Stories, the new release from Robbie Fulks.

2. What is your least favorite song?

Bacciagaloop (Makes Love On The Stoop) by Louis Prima

3. What do you enjoy most about being in a band?

The confusion about whether to feel superior to people in straight jobs because I enjoy more freedom or inferior because they outearn me by multiples

4. What do you hate about being in a band?

Constant creation of bastard children

5. What is your favorite substance (legal or illegal)?

Carbon.

6. What city or town do you love performing at?

“At”? As though I’m standing on a hill outside the town and shaking my hips performatively in its direction? Shreveport.

7. What city or town did you have your worst gig (and why)?

Saint John N.B. because the check bounced.

8. How do you pay your bills?

Online.

9. What one profession other than music would you like to attempt; what one profession would you absolutely hate to do?

I would like to try cucumber waxing because something tells me I already have the skills needed. I would hate to be the late-shift counter clerk at Payless Car Rental at LAX because then I would be a miserable incompetent who would be yelled and cursed at by me.

10. What are the stories you’ve heard about Omaha, Nebraska?

I hear Woodmen Insurance has a lovely and subtle presence in the downtown area, and that many residents are interested in getting out.

Robbie Fulks plays Saturday, April 9, at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Admission is $20 Adv/$25 DOS. For more information, visit onepercentproductions.com.

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Quite a few shows this frigid, awful weekend.

Tonight’s big attraction is All Dogs at Milk Run. You read the Q&A yesterday here. If not, read it now (or read it again). Has Milk Run hosted a sold-out show yet? Maybe tonight. Also on the bill are Sean Pratt & the Sweats, Crypt Kid and Jade Lacy. Big show. $8. Starts at 9.

Also tonight, Uh Oh headlines at fabulous O’Leaver’s. It’s a stacked bill with Brooklyn band Haybaby (Tiny Engines Records) and No Getter. $5, 9:30 p.m.

Meanwhile, over at the legendary Brothers Lounge, Nathan Ma & the Rosettes headlines with Noble Trash (Nance and Sterba at it again) and Minneapolis band Daisy Chains. $5, 9 p.m.

Tomorrow night (Saturday) you’ve got the aforementioned Robbie Fulks show at Reverb Lounge. It’s an early one — 7:30 p.m. $20 today, $25 tomorrow. Save some cash and get tickets now.

Then it’s the big Kurt Vile & The Violators show at The Waiting Room. Purling Hiss (Solo) opens. $22, 9 p.m. I’ll be honest with you, I’m surprised this one hasn’t sold out yet.

Also Saturday night the mighty Bloodcow plays at Maloney’s Irish Pub (right there on No. 72nd St. next to Burger King, you know the place). Super Moon opens. No price listed for this one, but it starts at 8.

That’s not all. The good times keep on rollin’ at The Brothers Lounge when Thick Paint headlines Saturday night with Rogue Moon and Little Ripple. $5, 10 p.m.

Finally on Sunday, here’s a good opportunity to see the new Almost Music, now located in the Blackstone District. Ryley Walker (Dead Oceans Records) is playing a free instore. Joining him is guitarist Ian O’Neil from Deer Tick. The fun starts at 4 p.m.

That’s all I got. If I missed your gig, put it in the comments section. Have a brutally cold weekend (for April)…

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Read Tim McMahan’s blog daily at Lazy-i.com — an online music magazine that includes feature interviews, reviews and news. The focus is on the national indie music scene with a special emphasis on the best original bands in the Omaha area. Copyright © 2016 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.