John Butler Trio - Grand National

The dude from Down Under is back with his latest collection of jam-rock stoner epics. A dazzling, earth-hugging guitarist, Butler has toned down the politics this time around in favor of a more infectious groove. Songs like the hot banjo workout “Better Than,” the horny “Daniella” and the hyperactive “Funky Tonight” are indicative of his new agenda. At times, he tries a little too hard: “Groovin’ Slowly” is embarrassingly bad white-boy reggae. But mostly Butler, the dreadlocked wizard of Oz, manages to keep it pretty real.

Mar. 27