Have you noticed the recent slow and steady stylization of New York music venues? Just as traditional rock music must be outfitted with a hip-hop loop or a techno filter effect these days, rock clubs are also compelled to get with the times. Guitar-band mecca Brownies will soon feature a DJ booth. The Spiral, where every new-born rock band in NY must play once (and only once) is now called the "Spiral Lounge". CBGB has had the sense to maintain it's hallowed, blasted interior by placing it's "lounge" in the basement.

It's hard to imagine a similar fate for Nightingale's Bar, mainly because one doesn't get the sense that booking music is of premium value there. But getting folks to come in and get shitfaced? Now you're talking! Shabby doesn't even begin to describe the decor. About a third of Nightingales total space is taken up by the bar itself, and there is no stage to speak of. But Patti Smith has been known to play the impromptu gig there, and the august likes of Blues Traveler and Joan Osborne developed their acts right on the floor, on the same level as the sozzled patrons.

The Fleshtones take over Nightingale Bar every Saturday in October. Singer Peter Zaremba and guitarist Keith Streng have kept the 'Tones up and running for 22 years, and they've become the most accessible classic rock and roll band currently working in New York. Each 'Tone plays all the time, whether in side bands like The Master Plan or The Full Time Men, but every Fleshtones show is an event. They led a garage-rock conga line at The Lakeside Lounge in August and played the best, most anticipated set at the Continental's "Nuggets" release party last month. Outside, the surly door guy was pestered for hours by dudes asking if the Fleshtones were on next.