Like a lot of bands, I Was Totally Destroying It doubles as an occasional tribute band. But IWTDI's tribute-band alter ego is loads cooler than most. They call themselves I Was Totally Destroying U2, and they've got their target subject down perfectly -- especially frontman John Booker's conjuring of Bono's histrionics.

"I put on that stupid leather jacket and the shades, and it helps get the character going," Booker says. "I have a blast with it, and the whole thing is a lot of fun. It also helps fund I Was Totally Destroying It, which we need. We just had a crazy tour. A window got smashed out in the van."

The next I Was Totally Destroying U2 show is scheduled for Jan. 2 at Raleigh's Tir Na Nog. In the meantime, you really should catch IWTDI's original-band incarnation because the group's new album is fantastic. A fine place would be tonight at Duke Coffeehouse, as part of Durham's Troika Music Festival. See the story in Friday's paper; and for some audiovisual content, check their bit from the 2008 edition of Eight Great Local Acts or their recent Studio B performance.

ADDENDUM (3/10/10): Brazilian spot for Vivo phones.

It's hard not to feel like we're on borrowed time with the Rosebuds, as far as keeping them our little secret here in the Triangle. They're picking up acclaim from all over, more with each new album; and Kelly Crisp, who does standup comedy as well as music, also has designs on a career path that would take her a long way from Raleigh.

"My ultimate goal is to be on 'Saturday Night Live,' but I can't make them understand that they need me today," Crisp says with a laugh. "My standup act is observational, more stories about things I see. At this point, I'd say it's more entertaining than funny. I'm still working at it, figuring out who I am as a comic. Sometimes it's good, sometimes it's terrible. So I'm just trying to string together enough shows up there to where friends can bring the people who need to see me. It's a vetting process that can take a while. I'm giving it three years because I know it won't be this year. But Seth Myers is a Rosebuds fan."

Rosebuds play tonight in Durham as part of the Troika Music Festival. For more, see the interview in Friday's paper.

ADDENDUM (2/24/09): "Life Like" video.