—AC/DC has released ”Rock ‘N Roll Train,” a stomping new riff off their 4,177th studio album, “Black Ice,” which will be released exclusively at Wal-mart, Sam’s Club and the group's Web site on Oct. 20. The song isn’t bad at all, as long as you don’t make the mistake of listening to the three classic tracks that stream after it on their MySpace page. In that case, it resembles leftover filler from “Flick of the Switch” or something. OK, maybe not quite. I’m biased. I love AC/DC, but I gotta admit: The last thing I crave is a new album. Like, I’m already totally satisfied, Angus. No need for anything else. You’re golden. Go smoke cigarettes and relax with Malcolm. (OK, fine, it’s their 15th studio album.)

—Bluesy, eclectic folk-rocker Taj Mahal has been booked Oct. 17 at the Egyptian Theatre. A few fans might consider it a slight piggy-bank buster — $35 and $37 advance, $38 and $40 at the door — but Mahal is an internationally respected performer with a gritty, cool sound. (

—The Marcus Eaton Trio will perform on the side stage at the Dave Matthews Band shows at the Gorge Amphitheatre over Labor Day weekend. It should be a fun run, though dampened in spirit by the death of DMB sax player LeRoi Moore. Eaton and company write this: “Our hearts are heavy after learning of the untimely passing of LeRoi Moore, saxophonist and founding member of the Dave Matthews Band. On behalf of Marcus, James, Kevin and all of the crew here, we want to send love and healing out to all of LeRoi's family, friends and fans who are grieving. He will be greatly missed by all of us.”

—Hard rockers Rose Hill Drive will play Oct. 15 at the Knitting Factory (on sale Sept. 5 for $12.) The Boulder, Colo., band's music has been likened to Led Zeppelin’s. It's a compliment they managed to back up when they visited the Bouquet about a year ago, despite that room’s harsh sound. (Maybe the new owners will upgrade significantly?) Illinois-based opener Backyard Tire Fire also is definitely worth catching.

—To be fair, The Bouquet’s acoustics do fine with mellower music from acts such as North Carolina singer-songwriter Tift Merritt. She's slated to perform there Sept. 27 with Darren Smith and Jeremiah James. That show is $8 at the Record Exchange or here.

Merritt with “Keep You Happy”: