THURSDAY, May 8

CD RELEASE--Tonight it's a triple-decker CD release throw-down featuring three local faves with a decidedly dark edge. First there's heavily-mascara'd heartthrobs The Prids, along with Joy Division sound-alikes Green Circles, and The Vanishing Kids breaking out with the fuzz-bustin' goth. And all of 'em have new CDs! WSH
Berbati's, 231 SW Ankeny, 248-4579, 9 pm, $5

QUEER DANCE PARTAY--When asked how the Skervy dance night won her patronage, regular dancing queen Danielle effused, "I was just really drunk and it was fun!" It also boasts three different DJs' danceables, and a colorful party atmosphere for showing off your fruity booty! MS
Cobalt Lounge, 32 NW 3rd, 225-1003, 10 pm, $3.99

FRIDAY, May 9

MUSIC--It's electronica timewith your favorite electro-punk duo, Adult. Whatever you do, do not leave that extra period off the group's name while shaking your booty. Adult. is far too mysterious and groundbreaking to take it anything but personally. JWS
B Complex, 320 SE 2nd, 224-TIXX, 9 pm, $12

HOT DOG!--If you like your red-hot foot stompin' Delta blues all dressed up in a hot dog costume, do not miss the hilarious one-man band, Frank Furter and the Hot Dogs. This Oscar Meyer wannabe plays the best ass-shaking blues in Portland. WSH
Delta Café, 4607 SE Woodstock, 771-3101, 10 pm, free

DRAG RACING--High school drag racing returns tonight! Last year's reigning kings of the strip (from Tigard High, of course) return to defend their turf. Remember kiddies, if you want to race, you need to have a parent (or someone who has a signature like mom) sign your release form! PB
Portland International Raceway, West Delta Park, gates open at 3 pm, burn-out race at 6 pm, eliminations at 7 pm, 823-RACE, $7 to watch, $20 to race

SATURDAY, May 10

POP--Visqueen is what they call power pop, with fun, slightly chalky girl vocals and peppy guitar riffs that keep you bouncing around like a superball. They're not high art--but then again, high art doesn't exactly equal a raging good time. KS
w/Baseboard Heaters, UHF; Ash Street, 225 SW Ash, 226-0430, 9 pm

THE GOSSIP--Oly's fave blues-punkers are on the cusp of releasing their new record, Movement. Beth Ditto's vox are positively uplifting--that is, if you're a dirty lady that don't take no shit and blessed in the warm holy light of S-O-U-L. Get faith-healed by this get-down party. JS
Meow Meow, 527 SE Pine, 230-2111, 9 pm, $7

SUNDAY, May 11

HIPHOP--Put your fists in the air one more time, because Dead Prez is coming back around for an all-ages show! All the shawties need to know about widespread oppression at the hands of the capitalist system, too! Political without the preaching, D.P. helps make revolution fun again! MS
PSU Smith Center, 1825 SW Broadway, 725-4522, 7 pm, $10

MUSIC--Gigantic basslines, tittering disco beats, vocals gripped by the passion of a man trying to break out of his ennui... and saxophone? Yes, friends; it's The Rapture, America's shit-hottest dance punk band--and the only one to truly cross over into the dance world. Which means: if you don't shake it, you are dead stankin' meat. JS
Berbati's, 231 SW Ankeny, 248-4579, 9:30 pm, $8-10

MONDAY, May 12

MOVIE--If you haven't seen Donnie Darko yet, here's your chance to supersize it. A film about schizophrenia, giant talking bunnies, the 1988 presidential election, and the difficulties of high school, Donnie Darko is a fabulous film, made more fabulous by Jake Gyllenhaal's fabulous performance as Donnie. KS
Clinton Street, 2522 SE Clinton, 238-5588, 7 & 9:30, $6

TUESDAY, May 13

MUCKRACKER--Come early, stand in line, talk about creating literature that actually makes a difference with the other fanatical fans of Eric Schlosser, he of the blistering Fast Food Nation and now Reefer Madness, an investigation of underground businesses like drugs and porn. It's quite possible this guy's the most influential textual journalist alive. JWS
First Congregational Church, 1126 SW Park, 228-4651, 7:30 pm, FREE

WEDNESDAY, May 14

MUSIC--Cass McCombs' quavering sultry vocals are the sounds down-and-out drug movies are made of. But mind you; good down and out drug movies. Acoustic guitar, tambourine, and piano fill out the sound and McCombs whisks you into a pleasant nod off of whiskey folk and cigarette smoke. KS
w/The Anchors, Cuspidor; Blackbird, 3728 NE Sandy, 282-9949, 10 pm