THURSDAY 2/7

ASPHALT THIEVES, THE LIVES OF FAMOUS MEN, WEATHERBOX, JET LAG GEMINI, ELI KELLER

(Satyricon, 125 NW 6th) See Once More with Feeling.

THE COUP, DEBASER, MIC CRENSHAW, LIVING PROOF

(Berbati's Pan, 10 SW 3rd) Subtlety is not the Coup's strength. The radical hiphop group has been hammering home their anti-capitalist and anti-racist message for almost two decades on the strength of rapper Boots Riley's Oakland twang and wry sense of humor. Boots might be the only active rapper who can invoke revolution without inducing nausea. And although the oval 'fro and generous sideburns suggest the past, the Coup crank out pain- stakingly crafted songs for the moment, which is atypical of so many veteran political rappers. Sadly, DJ Pam da Funkstress—a rare female face behind the decks—doesn't tour with the crew anymore, but the Coup's tireless years on the road and smart snappy songs still ensure a rallying experience. JALYLAH BURRELL

THE BLAKES, MAGIC BULLETS, THE VILLAGE GREEN

(Dante's, 1 SW 3rd) So I guess the question is, how melodramatic do you like your pop? When the vocals quiver high above the fray, every line delivered do-or-die style in a British accent, can you handle it? Perhaps a better question would be, are you into the Cure? Because if you are, there's a pretty goddamn good chance you'll dig San Francisco's Magic Bullets, who do a pretty spot-on imitation of Robert Smith's solemn-yet-pretty pop, only with less synths and no big, freaky goth bird's nest. "We keep our songs and our hair short," the band says. Whatever, dudes. As long as you rock the '80s-inflicted, jerky tunes loud and keep the fancy attitude under wraps everything should work out fine, regardless of what you do with your hair. ANDREW R. TONRY

DJ JOHN BOURKE, DJ JOEEIRWIN, DJ FURPURSE, DJ KOOLAID

(Branx, 320 SE 2nd) John Bourke is a master of dirty electro-house. His DJ sets are made up almost exclusively of giant peak-hour tracks with pulsating bass and lower-than-low buzz-saw synths. Imagine Justice mixed with MSTRKRFT mixed with Simian Mobile Disco mixed with whatever else just came out on Kitsune Records. Bourke's original productions are along the same lines as his influences, with Italian disco accents added to the high-energy robot-rock sound. His reputation for playing nothing but the dance floor hits along with his project Trash Yourself (with sexy vocalist Heidi Cannon) have put him on the radar of electro fans everywhere, and should go over quite well in Portland, where the neon-loving nü-rave craze shows no sign of fading. AVA HEGEDUS

THE METEORS, KAT KILLERS, NEKRONOTZ

(Hawthorne Theatre, 1507 SE 39th) The Meteors fans have a saying: "Only the Meteors are pure psychobilly." Which is just fine with me—the last thing the world needs is more cheesy reverence for 1950s greaser schtick and crappy horror flicks. Then again, I'd better watch what I say—in almost every picture I've seen of singer P. Paul Fenech, he's bleeding from the mouth. But rather than kicking my ass, Fenech and his fans ought to take on the rockabilly mall-punk poseurs the HorrorPops, who are also playing Portland this week. Shit, at least the Meteors get credit for hanging around almost 30 years without ever playing the Warped Tour or writing a song called "Thelma and Louise." See—one psychobilly band is more than enough. ART

FUTURE ARTS FESTIVAL: GLASS CANDY, FLESHTONE, DJ LINOLEUM, & MORE

(Holocene, 1001 SE Morrison) As if there wasn't enough evidence that Portlanders are spoiled rotten, tonight's Future Arts Fest—a large-scale blitz of local art and media—features enough talent for a full-on sensory overload. Four of Portland's finest DJs and two bands, including the sensational post-disco Glass Candy, will be holding down Holocene's two stages. On the walls, eight local visual artists (including Corey Smith and Peter Burr) will be showcasing their work on three projection screens, two of which are interactive. On the floor, local designers (Hazel Cox & Genevieve Dellinger, Luxury Jones, and Stand Up Comedy) will be showing off their clothes in a non-runway setup. As if that somehow wasn't enough, the whole night benefits PDJX, an upcoming project showcasing Portland DJs in Pioneer Square this summer. Music, art, and design, and the proceeds go to future events? I guess we can have our (admittedly rain-soaked) cake and eat it too. HANNAH CARLEN

RODRIGO Y GABRIELA

(Crystal Ballroom, 1332 W Burnside) Here's a weird one for you: acoustic heavy metal. Impossible, right? Well, if Spinal Tap taught me anything, it's that you can't be metal without a Marshall stack cranked up to 11 (or without an armadillo in your trousers). So acoustic metal has got to be an oxymoron—a contradiction in terms. But Rodrigo y Gabriela (that's Rodrigo and Gabriela for those of you who don't speak the Spanish) would have you believe differently. The wildly successful acoustic duo tap out heavy rhythms on the bodies of their guitars, palm-mute chuggy chords, and reportedly dig bands like Metallica, Megadeth, and Slipknot. And though Rodrigo y Gabriela might like you to believe they play metal, that's simply not what it is. Metal influenced, sure, but this is technical, pretty, even bright acoustic music. It won't bite off a bat's head or shank you with a rusty blade in the shower. And I figure, if it ain't threatening, it ain't metal. ART

FRIDAY 2/8

TALKDEMONIC, TU FAWNING, STARFUCKER

(Doug Fir, 830 E Burnside) See My, What a Busy Week!.

RODRIGO Y GABRIELA

(Crystal Ballroom, 1332 W Burnside) See Thursday's lisitng.

CHORES, KLICKITAT, H IS FOR HELLGATE, FEROCIOUS EAGLE

(Someday Lounge, 125 NW 5th) While pop acts like the Shins hog all the glory and roll playfully upon waterbeds filled with Cristal, bands like Chores are why Portland pop music is on the map. On the map? Hell, Portland pop is the map. No city boasts as many talented popsmiths as our fair burg, as we've established an assembly line of bands that whip up hook-heavy tunes with a comforting ease, and not a single ounce of rock-star pretension. Life Is Hard, the debut EP from Chores is an absolutely flawless gathering of pop songs that work in every setting—from the basement, to the stage, to that waterbed full of imported champagne—from a band that has perfected their craft. EZRA ACE CARAEFF

OVO, THE BETTER TO SEE YOU WITH, SILENTIST, MOODRING

(Hotel, 5 W Burnside) The uneasy, primordial ooze of the Better to See You With is readying its first full-length since the addition of lead singer Tina Fae Knutson in 2006. And if the unsettling two-minute mastered sample on the band's MySpace page is any gauge of the sheer animal terror TBTSYW promises, we're in for it all right. We're doomed. Vocals sound like a gush of panicked Mafia snuff (or a convincing AIDS Wolf), with words projected by hemorrhaging organs without tongues. Billy Holloway's polyrhythmic drumming jolts the camera off its tripod, so we can't get a good look at her. Is she alive? We can't tell, but sticky muck is flowing everywhere. MIKE MEYER

ROGER MCGUINN, ASHLEIGH FLYNN

(Aladdin Theater, 3017 SE Milwaukie) Let it be said: The Byrds were a great band. Actually, to be more accurate, they were a series of great bands, with a continually changing lineup. Roger McGuinn, while never as exciting as Gene Clark or Gram Parsons, was the one constant Byrd from beginning to end. In recent years, McGuinn has gone back to his folk roots and posted recordings of old folk songs on the website folkden.com. Many of these recordings are now available on a box set. His upcoming show at the Aladdin will likely feature a lot of these tepid, traditional readings. It'll probably be a snooze. Still, we're talking about the guy who wrote "Chestnut Mare," "Get to You," and "The Ballad of Easy Rider," so that's got to be worth something. NED LANNAMANN

LIMP WRIST, LEBENDEN TOTEN, PRF, SOCIAL GRACES

(Satyricon, 125 NW 6th) Oregon's domestic partnership law went into effect Monday, triggering a healthy amount of line-waiting, pie-baking, blogging, and—drum roll, please—civil-rights sharing! If the law isn't blocked again come Friday night, newly committed queer punks might want to head on over to Satyricon for the wedding band of their dreams (or nightmares, depending on musical tastes). Limp Wrist play bombastic hardcore with a twist: English lyrics (gotcha). Uruguay-born vocalist Martin Sorrondeguy is best known for his Spanish-screaming Los Crudos, the greatest band to emerge from the wreckage of mid-'90s Chicago punk. Limp Wrist carry the flame of Crudos' partial-powerviolence, painting rainbow flags on their nukes instead of anarchy symbols. On second thought, this rare Portland appearance is like a bachelor party. So wait a week to get hitched. That way, you won't feel so guilty when you're rubbed in the mosh pit. MM

MICHAEL GRIFFEN MEMORIAL CONCERT

(The Artistery, 4315 SE Division) On January 7 of this year, Michael Griffen passed away. He was 71. As a musician, Griffen was perhaps best known as a member of the '90s thrash-punk outfit Behead the Prophet, where his violin playing added a new high-art dimension to the traditional hardcore sound. Along the way, Griffen played in many other groups including the noise-duo Noggin and the Artie Smudges Trio. Believing strongly in the social connectivity of music, Griffen opened his heart and his home to musicians, pursuing free-form collaborations whenever possible. "[Griffen's] contribution to music was very significant as [a] huge proponent of improvised noise," reads a statement on Behead the Prophet's website. "Michael encouraged anyone curious about music regardless of talent and got a lot of people started on a path to true creative expression." Tonight a number of the musicians that Michael touched, including Arrington de Dionyso of Old Time Relijun and Yellow Swans Gabriel Saloman, gather to celebrate his life through music, just as he would've—with a free-flowing collaboration. ART

SATURDAY 2/9

EARTHA KITT, OREGON SYMPHONY

(Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway) See My, What a Busy Week!.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN FREEMAN, LORD MASTER, HOUSE OF BADGER, JAKE ROSE

(Ash Street Saloon, 225 SW Ash) Here's a recipe idea for you. Mix two parts Echo & the Bunnymen with one part Wire, add a pinch of Souxsie and the Banshees, and top it off with a BAMM!!! of Sleepytime Gorilla Museum. Done with care and baked to a golden brown, you get House of Badger. Fresh out of the studio this week, the band will perform songs from their upcoming release, Death Birds. Employing everything from strange Middle Eastern instruments to theremins down to your good old Les Paul, you're sure to be reminded of something from your past musical adventures... or adventures from your past life. ANDY YOUNG

THE HELIO SEQUENCE

(Music Millennium, 3158 E Burnside) The Helio Sequence's just-released Keep Your Eyes Ahead shimmers on first listen, Brandon Summers' vocals levitating above distilled keyboards and processed tones. The duo of Summers and Benjamin Weikel know their rock dynamics, evident on the push-pull yearning of opener "Lately." But largely, the band exchanges a gritty dynamic for one of modern digital chimes and waves to surround their aching core. Then, as the album comes to a close, Summers and Weikel suddenly swap keyboard tones for acoustic chords that place their songwriting into a more timeless context. TOBIAS CARROLL

SUNDAY 2/10

ROGUE WAVE, METRO STATION

(Crystal Ballroom, 1332 W Burnside) How many degrees of separation are there between Sub Pop and Jack Johnson? Only one it turns out, in the form of Rogue Wave. The former Sub Pop band has moved on to Johnson's label, Brushfire Records. While this may seem like a strange pairing, consider that My Morning Jacket now calls the Dave Matthews-owned ATO Records home. With songs bordering on electro-folk, the Rogue Wave/Johnson coupling seems more likely each listen. Touring in support of their new release, Asleep at Heaven's Gate, we all should tip our hats to a band that has had to deal with the recent and tragic passing of bass player Evan Farrell. It takes courage to continue on after events like this, and we as a music community should band together in song with them tonight. AY

MONDAY 2/11

SUPER FURRY ANIMALS, HOLY FUCK

(Doug Fir, 830 E Burnside) See Music Feature.

LIMBECK, JOHN RALSTON, THE NEW FRONTIERS, BRIDGETOWN

(Rock n Roll Pizza, 11140 SE Powell) Over the course of this decade, Orange County's Limbeck has undergone a sonic progression that they've shared with many of their predecessors: A fondness for the timeless elements of alt-country has led to a larger appreciation for a classic power-pop sound. Thankfully for Limbeck, that broader sound has suited them well. The jauntier riffs and expansive choruses heard on their latest, self-titled album (released last year) make for a warm, congenial listening experience. Driving in various forms—from touring across the country to briefer cross-town excursions—informs much of the band's lyrics, and the result is both agreeable and catchy. TC

TUESDAY 2/12

BABY DEE, HOLCOMBE WALLER

(Doug Fir, 830 E Burnside) See Music Feature.

BEDOUIN SOUNDCLASH, WESTBOUND TRAIN, BEAT UNION

(Hawthorne Theatre, 1507 SE 39th) See My, What a Busy Week!.

EMERY, MAYDAY PARADE, AS CITIES BURN, PIERCE THE VEIL, CRY THE AFFLICTED

(Wonder Ballroom, 128 NE Russell) Hello. I am a grown man. I play in a punk band called Emery. You can download our ringtone for $1.99. We sing songs about high school and our looks and manners are non-threatening. We are fashionable. Our pants are tight, but not too tight. Teenage girls take pictures of us with their cell phone cameras before their parents pick them up. Most men my age think I am a pussy because I sing with a high voice and their daughters like my band. But I don't care. I'm myself. Our producer is awesome. And just because we stand humbly before our savior Jesus Christ doesn't mean we don't know how to ROCK! (Check out "Rock -N- Rule" or "The Party Song," but please, no alcohol). Do you want to be friends? ART

WEDNESDAY 2/13

ZOROASTER, SOURVEIN, FACEPILOT, SALVADOR

(Ash Street Saloon, 225 SW Ash) See Music Feature.

8-BIT DISCO: LAROMLAB, ROBOTCOWBOY, E*ROCK, B*RETTA

(Holocene, 1001 SE Morrison) See Music Feature.

NOISIA

(Aura, 1022 W Burnside) Should you ever find yourself in need of a mid-week dance party, Crush Drum 'n' Bass goes off every Wednesday. This week is extra special because the Crush folks are bringing Noisia all the way from the Netherlands. With consistent, solid releases since 2003, relentless touring around Europe, and the launch of their own label Vision, the Dutch group has had no trouble creating a huge following. But despite being known primarily as drum 'n' bass producers, Noisia has appeal far outside their core scene and recent collaborations with Amon Tobin, Moby, and KRS prove it. AH

THE PINK SNOWFLAKES, NODDING TREE REMEDIES, DJ MYSTIC LADY

(Someday Lounge, 125 NW 5th) The Pink Snowflakes are kind of a Portland institution—not a hugely popular or well-known one, mind you, but they've been around for years and they aren't going away anytime soon. Hundreds of indie musicians have played in the Snowflakes at one time or another (okay, maybe not hundreds). Through it all, there's one constant: Andy Rossi, whose unbending vision guides the project. Rossi is unabashedly enthralled with early, acid-era Flaming Lips—you know, before they got hooked up with synths and drum machines. For Rossi, aesthetics appear every bit as important as the sounds. Intricate, old-school psychedelic posters are made by hand, and lights, bubbles, and all kinds of other shit are lugged around to make the live performance a more complete experience. ART