I've always believed that Meghan Taylor's voice superseded her band, Bee Eater. That's not to say it isn't a great band, but Taylor possesses a star quality even she isn't fully aware of.

Over the past few years I've watched this band grow from a well-oiled hard rock quartet that borrowed and Frankenstein'd its music to an incredibly tight, powerful, and original band. The current line-up is top-notch and I really enjoy watching Brian Dudley rumble and twang his guitar. Grimey beats the drums directly with a casual ease and minimal distraction. And 5Head's former bottom-end hot dog Steve Pizzuto will remain in my heart forever as the only guitar player on earth that can play both guitar parts to "Detroit Rock City" at the same time. (Yeah, I know Jet can probably do it too...)

Anyhow, the curve ball came, and Taylor really shined when the band started up its Wednesday night set opening for Boston's The Charms at the Bug Jar with a smoking, sulty, sexy, seductive, unnerving, unhinging, version of "Cry Me A River." Hell, I almost did.

The Charms were a little more on than when I saw them a while back with the New York Dolls. The band broke out some shiny new material and rocked --- as it always does --- in a way that oughta keep garage rock fresh and exciting for a couple more years anyway.