'80s Nostalgia

At some point during the past decade, it became acceptable to like Hall & Oates for kitschy reasons. Then something worse happened: People started liking them for their songs. Lawrence musicians Dan Cook (ex-Bubble Boys) and Jack Pierrelee (Log Lady) fell under the H & O spell at Starlight Theatre several years ago. Rather than repress their animal urges, they formed a cover band called Haulin' Oats. "I've never had a lot of faith in the masses, so naysayers don't bother me," Cook says. "Sure, it had sugary production, and there was an element of cheesiness, and they put out so many albums that they released a fair amount of crap, too. But if you take the time to examine how many really good songs they wrote, you can't help but be impressed." Cook and his six-piece wrecking crew bring their "Adult Education" session to the Record Bar (1020 Westport Road, 816-753-5207), with support from '80s cover act Blue Oyster Culture Club. Tickets cost $7, and mustaches are mandatory.
Sat., June 6, 10 p.m., 2009