THURSDAY, september 23

LOW DOUGH--Even tough guys secretly admit they have a soft spot for Weezer. Now here's a chance to see bassist Matt Sharp's solo act for only $5!! Happiness! His work is dim, sad, and beautifully sparse. Happy sadness! MS
w/Golden Boy, The Zutons; Ash St, 225 SW Ash, 9 pm, $5

MUSIC--England's Electrelane is intriguing because they manage to sound disaffected, but nonetheless buoyant and crazy. Using a Farfisa organ, subdued guitar playing, and sweet French-girl sounding vocals, Electrelane's new album The Power Out gives you one pretty, moody little package. Let's see what they can deliver live. KS
w/The Ex, Tara Jane O'Neil; Berbati's, 10 SW 3rd, 992-8499, 9 pm, $10

FRIDAY, september 24

MUSIC--If you've only heard "Take Me Out," Franz Ferdinand's wonky techno-splashed video on the MTV, then it's time to get the full picture. Their debut album is crammed with catchy, indie-pop beats that all the chicks and Charlies are tappin' their toes to. Experience the joy of Franz Ferdinand in the flesh. WSH
w/The Delays, The Futureheads; Crystal Ballroom, 1332 W Burnside, 224-4400, 9 pm, $17.50-20, all ages

FILM--Well, it sounds dirtier than it actually is. The Third Annual Portland International Short Short (PISS) Film Fest hosts 10 films--all of which are ten minutes or less in length! This year there are six selections from ADD-plagued Oregon filmmakers. The most ever! EH
Hollywood Theater, 4122 NE Sandy, Fri-Sat 7 pm, $6

MUSIC--Calling all grannies and grampies! Though he may cost a pretty penny, Lyle Lovett still has the alternative C&W goods to put on a charming, mellow, yet fully entertaining show. He may not be much to look at--but OH! That voice! WSH
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway, 248-4335, 8 pm, $36.50-54.50

SATURDAY, september 25

ABBA--Or something like it. The Australian outfit Bjรถrn Again have spent their lives perfectly recreating the Abba experience for your entertainment pleasure. Dance tonight to all the Swedish '70s hits; "Mamma Mia," "Take a Chance on Me," and the ever popular bump n' grind starter, "Dancing Queen." JWS
Crystal Ballroom, 1332 W. Burnside, 224-4400, 8 pm, $22

SCISSOR SISTERS--When they played Berbati's earlier this summer, the mass of dancing people nearly shook the walls down. Now in a bigger venue, get ready for a manic blast of their good natured, modern disco dance freakathon with a bit more elbowroom. MS
Roseland, 8 NW 6th, 1-800-992-8499, 9 pm, $11

SUNDAY, september 26

HUMAN CONTACT--Boxxes, one of the city's fine gay clubs, presents a different kind of tango on Sunday nights. With an oversized Twister board spread across their dancefloor and neon-colored drinks to match the game board's circles, there's no telling what sort of human pretzel you can twist yourself into. BINGO also available for the faint hearted. PB
Boxxes, 1035 SW Stark, 226-4171, 9 pm, free

BIG SECRET--The Secret Machines play psychedelic epics and forlorn ballads, all the while maintaining a steady alt-pop/rock drive. The NYC trio conjures up an earthquake of symphonic splendor, treating anyone on the fault line to an otherworldly sonic rapture. EJ
Bossanova, 722 E Burnside, 1-800-992-8499, 7 pm, $16, all ages

MONDAY, september 27

GAME--Monday Night Football at the Mission Theater may be better than actually being at the stadium. It's rowdy, noisy, and the beer is better than the crap in a plastic cup that Seahawks Stadium calls a beverage. Tonight, the fierce rivalry between the Cowboys and the Redskins promises plenty of friction. PB
Mission, 1624 NW Glisan, kickoff at 6 pm, free

TUESDAY, september 28

INDUSTRIAL--Nineties industrial dance comes back to resuscitate the fear, anger, and confusion of your youth. Purge those leftover emotions with a night of Ministry, My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult, and the talented Hanzel and Gretyl, then go home and write your parents a letter. KS
Roseland, 8 NW 6th, 1-800-992-8499, 8 pm, $23.50

WEDNESDAY, september 29

MUSIC--Few country rockers are more versatile than Robert Earl Keen, who moves flawlessly between whispery, lo-fi ditties and barn-raising, beer-slinging honkytonk hurrahs. With touring schedules that often approach 200 stops in a year, this man has learned how to perform. Saddle up, partner. JWS
w/Danny Barnes; Aladdin Theater, 3017 SE Milwaukie, 233-1994, doors open at 7 pm, $24