Wednesday Jul 23top

Neil Masson Trio

  Benson Hotel, 309 SW Broadway., 228-2000. All ages. Map

DJ Robb

  C.C. Slaughters, 219 NW Davis St., 248-9135. Map

African Sizzle: DJ ODUB

  Club Calabash, 835 Sw 2nd Ave., . All ages. Map

A Hawk and a Hacksaw, Shearwater, Tu Fawning, Benjamin Wetherill

[EXPERIMENTAL INDIE] Now the main gig of onetime-Okkervil River member Jonathan Meiburg (who, not coincidentally, started the project as a one-off album idea with Okkervil’s Will Sheff), Shearwater is coming into its own with second Matador release Rooks. Gorgeously produced, the record makes the most of Meiburg’s rich, dramatic vocals, as well as the band’s delicate woodland instrumentation and occasional noisy outbursts. Songs like “Leviathan Bound” and “Lost Boys” build and break between quiets and louds, allowing Meiburg’s furious rock tendencies and near-effeminate, gentle vocals to shine in turn. AMY MCCULLOUGH. 9 pm. Doug Fir, 830 E Burnside St., 231-9663. $12. 21+. Map

DJs Atom 13, Soil

  East Chinatown Lounge, 322 NW Everett St., 226-1659. Map

Hate of the City: DJs Keebler, Jonny P Jewels

  East End, 203 SE Grand Ave., 232-0056. Map

The LBC, Crown Sound, Mad Life, Fate or Fortune

[THE SUBLIME EXPERIENCE] The LBC does not, as far as we know, practice Santeria, but its revivification of Sublime still seems in poor taste and scarily cultish. The original frat ska band wasn't overly productive, and with only two full-lengths anyone has heard, it didn't innovate any sound (the opposite, really). And we doubt half this evening's attendees remember anything about the band's departed frontman beyond his overdose. Nevertheless, the LBC has sold out clubs across the globe and will soon release a live album (baffling, and one-fourth of the way toward bettering its inspiration's output). Wouldn't the Sublime Experience—featuring Natural Light kegs, blondes in Jäger-stained hoodies and music that's thoroughly ignored—make more sense? JAY HORTON. 8 pm. Hawthorne Theatre, 3862 SE Hawthorne Blvd., 233-7100. $8. All ages. Map

Ah Holly Fam'ly, Truly Me Club, Ghosties, Cereal

[AWKWARD FOLK] Fans of awkward instruments, take note: Local avant-folkers Ah Holly Fam’ly really love the whir of a good musical saw. Yet instead of employing non-traditional sounds (at least in the folk-rock sense) as extra color, Ah Holly Fam’ly—whose ranks include the swoon-inducing voice of frequent Au collaborator Becky Dawson—brandishes its array of banjos, horns, and bells like they really mean something. It’s not mere background fodder, either; the quietly brooding compositions the Fam'ly writes beg for a respectful audience and a thoughtful listen. MICHAEL MANNHEIMER. 9 pm. Holocene, 1001 SE Morrison St., 239-7639. $4. 21+. Map

Oakhelm, Knelt Rote, Stoneburner

[METAL] Pagan fantasy metal is revered in Portland, and local act Oakhelm does its part to bring a sense of mysticism and epic capacity to the local crust scene. Most of these guys cut their teeth in seminal scene-uniters Fall of the Bastards; Oakhelm is far less blackened than its predecessor, concentrating on European progressions and woodsy anthems that would fit right into a Tolkien tavern. This will be its last show for quite some time, as the band's irreplaceably talented drummer, Elias Bloch, is moving out of state. Openers Knelt Rote provide the mind-numbing speed grind, while Stoneburner takes the opposite path, paving a monolithic dirge in tunnels beneath the audience, before leveling them with destructive power. NATHAN CARSON. 9 pm. Kelly's Olympian, 426 SW Washington St., 228-3669. Cover. 21+. Map

Hyphema, Heathen Shrine, Butchered Fixation, Burn The Gallows, The Abrogation (7:30 pm)

  Satyricon, 125 NW 6th Ave., 231-1606. Map

Adam Hurst Gypsy Cello (7 pm)

  Siam Society, 2703 NE Alberta St., 922-3675. Map

Young Pianists from the Jill Austin Studio (noon)

  The Old Church, 1422 SW 11th Ave., 222-2031. Map

The Zombies, The Sugarlumps

[BRITISH INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS] We Yanks sadly missed out on the full reunion of classic Brit Invasion rockers the Zombies. They performed in London last April for the 40th anniversary of the pop-psych cult classic Odessey and Oracle, joined by that album's chief composer, former bassist Chris White. But the return of the road band, featuring stunning original vocalist Colin Blunstone and the group's sonic architect, keyboardist Rod Argent, is a more than adequate consolation prize. Their previous Portland shows—and last year's live CD/DVD—demonstrate that these Zombies are still going strong, long into their afterlife. JEFF ROSENBERG. 8 pm. Wonder Ballroom, 128 NE Russell St., 284-8686. $30. 21+. Map

Thursday Jul 24top

Glenn Miller Orchestra

Glenn Miller won't be on hand—the bandleader disappeared in 1944; rumors have him continuing as a shadowy soldier of fortune to this day—but for the past 60 years, a "ghost band" absent the string section has respectfully paid tribute to classics even skatepunks could whistle: "In the Mood," "Moonlight Serenade" and countless others. This is where we're supposed to rail against the calcification of once-popular music and ridiculously formal staging of what was meant to be a dance band, but it's important to remember that Glenn Miller was never cool. He hated hot jazz and delighted in increasingly rigid arrangements, and his orchestra should continue trotting out the hits until the members are fully animatronic. JAY HORTON. 8 pm. Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway., 248-4335. $63.50-$79.50. All ages. Map

Axtion Pak'T, Aron AOB Obyran, Luie G, Jae-Lava

[MINOR HIP-HOP] Axtion, Luie G and Jae-Lava represent the new hip-hop blood on the block. All of these barely post-high-school-aged MCs are testing the rap waters alongside equally young AOB, who's a brimming plateful of R&B songwriting, piano playing, composition writing and slick dance moves. Pop-star potential abounds, and it will be a blast watching this group of young individual artists come into their own skin and stage presence, each baby-faced one of them eager for industry fame. SARA MOSKOVITZ. 9:30 pm. Ash Street Saloon, 225 SW Ash St., 226-0430. $5. 21+. Map

Jean Ronne, Lee Wuthenow

  Benson Hotel, 309 SW Broadway., 228-2000. All ages. Map

DJ Alex Hollywood

  C.C. Slaughters, 219 NW Davis St., 248-9135. Map

DJ Zoxy's Thursdays Trance Sunrise

  Club Calabash, 835 Sw 2nd Ave., . Map

DJ Drew Groove

  Crown Room, 205 NW 4th Ave., 222-6655. Map

Trash Thursdays

  Dunes, 1905 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd., 493-8637. Map

Jon Koonce

  Eugenios, 3584 SE Division St., 233-3656. Map

J*Malem

  Gemini Bar & Grill, 456 N State St., 636-9445. Map

Top Down: "Big Time" and Love Menu

  Gracie's Restaurant (Hotel deLuxe), 729 SW 15th Ave., 241-3363. Map

Bill Beach (6 pm)

  London Grill, 309 SW Broadway., 228-2000. All ages. Map

DJ I Love You

  Matador, 1967 W Burnside St., 222-5822. Map

Echo Helstrom (noon)

  Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 SW 6th Ave., . Map

Mark Kadderly

  Rafati's Encore, 310 SW Lincoln St., 221-0140. Map

At the Gates, Darkest Hour, Municipal Waste, Toxic Holocaust

[METAL] In the early ’90s, in Gothenburg, Sweden, At the Gates helped to blaze the trail for a melodic death-metal style that inspired countless commercial hardcore bands. As usual, the originators are far superior to the followers (i.e., main support act Darkest Hour). But At the Gates broke up before it had the opportunity to enjoy the surprising longevity of its classic recordings. As the myth has grown, and the album Slaughter of the Soul has seen a recent expansion and reissue, ATG put its current side projects on hold to give the world what it wasn’t ready for the first time around. NATHAN CARSON. 8 pm. Roseland, 8 NW 6th Ave., 219-9929 (Grill), 224-2038 (Theater). $25 advance, $30 day of show. All ages. Map

Spittery & Knolly, ExcelRate, Osama Bin Logic, Lil Messy, VooDoo, J-Louie, Jom Rapstar, Hustle Mania, The Navy, Ghetto Blaster, Lil Senny & Jr., K.I.C.K.Z., Hazardous Ways, & Yung Magnificent (6:30 pm)

  Satyricon, 125 NW 6th Ave., 231-1606. All ages. Map

Drunk Ladies, Here Comes a Big Black Cloud, Phantom Lights

[DANCE-GARAGE WEIRDNESS] For anyone who thinks garage rock/punk has become a stale beacon of the past, Here Comes a Big Black Cloud is in town to make you eat your fucking words. Specializing in a brand of brash, outrageous and kind of schizo rock, the weirdos in HCABBC—who often dress up (or is it dress down?) in bloody outfits and homemade “best of the Bins” costumes—thrive on creating chaos from primal, stomping rhythms and the cheapest-sounding keyboards ever made. If Sam Raimi ever made another Evil Dead flick, he’d be just a MySpace click away from the perfect soundtrack. MICHAEL MANNHEIMER. 9 pm. Slabtown, 1033 NW 16th Ave., 223-0099. Free. 21+. Map

The Fix: Rev Shines, Ohmega Watts, DJ Kez, DJ Dun Diggy with Shawn Jackson (9 pm); DJ Keane (5 pm)

[GUNG-HO HIP-HOP] Shawn Jackson joins the familiar Fix family DJs at Someday tonight. First of All, Jackson’s meaty premiere EP effort off Tres Records, has been making noise across the country since dropping last week. The West Coast native is nice on the mic, and although he’s new to the scene, he carries himself with confidence while offering carefully crafted extended rhyme schemes and beats you can dig your fingers into. Always a treat to witness a talented fresh face on his first tour! SARA MOSKOVITZ. 9 pm. Someday Lounge, 125 NW 5th Ave., 248-1030. Free. 21+. Map

The Airborne Toxic Event, Southern Belle, Blue Horns

[JANGLE PUNK] Bridging the gap between airy, toe-tappin’ jangle pop and angular post-punk, local trio Blue Horns would often get lumped in with a band like the Shaky Hands if not for singer Brian Park’s distinctive yelp. Dude’s already earned a few Jello Biafra comparisons, but I hear a more expressive version of Wilderness’ James Johnson, with a little extra kick in his near-monotone delivery. With guitars bouncing along to the beat, Park makes a call to “start dancing!”—and, unless you’re tone deaf, that surely won’t be a problem. Slickly produced, lyrically dense headliners the Airborne Toxic Event (California) and the fine pop stylings of hyped local openers Southern Belle round out the bill. MICHAEL MANNHEIMER. 9:30 pm. Towne Lounge, 714 SW 20th Place., 241-8696. $8. 21+. Map

Friday Jul 25top

Courtney Jones (CD-Release)

[ACOUSTIC/POP/ALTERNATIVE] While perusing Courtney Jones' MySpace page, I have to admit that my sass-o-meter was going off the charts. Genre as acoustic/pop and alternative? Really? Based in Seattle/Portland and L.A.? Really? But personal snarktastic tantrum aside, her songs did lead my roommate to perform an impromptu kitchen dance party while doing the dishes ("You can definitely BOP to it!") and I have to admit Jones has a sultry, strong Amy Lee (Evanescence) voice that holds its own among the myriad of sounds that threaten to turn her into the next, well, Amy Lee. Her lovely pipes really shine during the simpler songs; let's hope she's got more of these understated arrangements up her sleeve for her Awake and Dreaming CD release at the Aladdin. ANNIE BETHANCOURT. 8 pm. Aladdin Theater, 3017 SE Milwaukie Ave., 233-1994. $10 advance, $12 day of show. All ages. Map

Neil Masson Quartet w/ Lee Wuthenow

  Benson Hotel, 309 SW Broadway., 228-2000. All ages. Map

2Mex, Smob, Verble, Animal Farm

[HIP-HOP] Los Angeles-based MC 2Mex is a vicious lyricist who pronounces each syllable as if it were an individual bullet in his verbal drive-bys. His turntable-chirp flow dovetails nicely with his lyricism, an open-ended mish-mash of city stories, personal rants and musings on society (not a huge surprise, perhaps, as 2Mex claims influences as disparate as Adam Ant, Rilo Kiley and Slick Rick). Tonight the prolific MC is paired with Smob, a serviceable Phoenix conscious outfit randomly collaborating with a "Kansas country girl," according to the group's hometown alt-weekly; jagged, battle-ready Southern California MC Verble and local quartet Animal Farm, who just released a pretty dang solid album called The Unknown that is worthy of your attention. CASEY JARMAN. 9 pm. Crown Room, 205 NW 4th Ave., 222-6655. Cover. 21+. Map

DJ Kenoy

  Devils Point, 5305 SE Foster Road., 774-4513. Map

Fleet Foxes, The Duchess and the Duke, Harper Simon w/ Eric Earley (9:30 pm); Jay Brannan, Annie Stela (6:30 pm)

[HARMONY FOLK] I usually get a little scared when a band I really adore gets so much buzz. More than anyone this year, Seattle’s Fleet Foxes sure have reaped the benefits of a few glowing musings on the blogosphere—scoring prime gigs opening for Blitzen Trapper, garnering some serious SXSW love and landing a coveted early summer release on Sub Pop. And wouldn’t you know it, the boys deserve every hyperbolic word thrown their way, making both Glee Club choir nerds and CSN&Y fans jealous with some of the best vocal interplay since Brian Wilson left the Beach Boys. It’s not just the gorgeous harmonies, either; singer Robin Pecknold, despite his tender age of 22, leads the group through a folk-rock journey filled with mountains and meadowlarks, hymns and streams, guitars and banjos, and, ultimately, one of the best records of the year. Nature never sounded so good. MICHAEL MANNHEIMER. 9:30 pm. Doug Fir, 830 E Burnside St., 231-9663. $12 advance, $15 day of show. 21+. Also see Tuesday listings. Map

Lewi Longmire Band (9:30 pm); Little Sue (6 pm)

  Imbibe, 2229 SE Hawthorne Blvd., 239-4002. Map

Earl and the Reggae Allstars

  Jolly Roger, 1340 SE 12th Ave., 232-8060. Map

LiveviL, CassoVita

  Know, 2026 NE Alberta St., 473-8729. Map

'80s Video Dance Attack: VJ Kittyrox

  Lola's Room at the Crystal Ballroom, 1332 W Burnside St., 225-0047. Map

Bill Beach (6 pm)

  London Grill, 309 SW Broadway., 228-2000. All ages. Map

DJ Trixie Doll & Sarafina

  Matador, 1967 W Burnside St., 222-5822. Map

Jon Koonce (7 pm)

  McMenamins Edgefield, 2126 SW Halsey St., 669-8610. Map

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Marc Broussard (7 pm)

[RETRO SOUL] Thirteen years ago, Sharon Jones was working as a prison guard at Riker’s Island. That’s a far cry from her current occupation, singing soul with a sound and a fervor that’s straight out of ’60s-era Motown. Once Jones realized she could sing for her supper, she scored a tight little outfit called the Dap-Kings as her backing band and found her calling. Since then, Jones and the Dap-Kings have ridden the wave of soul’s revival also enjoyed by crazy lady Amy Winehouse and her kin. Except Jones’ powerful, emotive voice has one thing the others do not: authenticity. JOE WATTS. 7 pm. Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Road., 220-2789. $17. All ages. Map

Oz Street Fossils

  Produce Row Cafe, 204 SE Oak St., 232-8355. Map

Danny Hay Davis Trio

  Queen of Hearts Tavern, 5501 SE 72nd Ave., 788-9844. Map

Tom Grant and Nancy Curtin

  Rafati's Encore, 310 SW Lincoln St., 221-0140. Map

Hot Victory, Brass Clouds, Paper/Upper/Cuts (7 pm)

  Rererato Artspace, 5135 NE 42nd Ave., 732-407-4418. Map

Dave Evans & Dave Frishberg

  Riverplace Hotel, 2115 SW River Parkway., 552-9500. Map

DJ Shadow, Cut Chemist

[TURNTABLE TRICKS] World-renowned California-bred turntablist DJ Shadow, a trip-hop leader, record digger and vinyl collector extraordinaire associated with the influential Solesides and Quannum Projects labels will hang with Cut Chemist tonight. The latter is a member of Latin funk band Ozomotli and hip-hop crew Jurassic 5, who self-reportedly sound like “if [Ethiopian composer] Mulatu Astatke had a punk band." The longtime collaborators are on tour together to support their new mix, The Hard Sell, which, given their individual discographies, shouldn’t be such a hard sell after all. SARA MOSKOVITZ. 9 pm. Roseland, 8 NW 6th Ave., 219-9929 (Grill), 224-2038 (Theater). $30. All ages. Map

PDX Pop Now!: The Builders and the Butchers, Devin Phillips Band, Nick Jaina, Panther, Dykeritz, Guidance Counselor, Tu Fawning, Sleep, The Rainy States, Love Menu (starts at 6 pm)

[POP & THEN SOME] See music feature and preview, coming soon. 6 pm. Rotture, 315 SE 3rd Ave., 234-5683. Free. All ages. Map

Claptrap & Crimetime, Burnside Billionaires, The Mean Jeans, The Headliners, Last Regiment of Syncopated Drummers, Muddy River Nightmare Band, The Bugs, Therapists, Cafeteria Dance Fever, The Eegos, Paper Dolls, Shannon and The Clams, Howie and the Hot Knifes, The Pity Fucks

[PUNK 'N' STUFF] A host of thrashy punk/garage bands you have and have not heard of unite for an all-day gig at the Twilight. Highlights include: the Mean Jeans, an accessible Portland punk outfit that unapologetically steals the Ramones formula; the Bugs, one of Stumptown's catchiest garage-rock bands; the massive Last Regiment of Syncopated Drummers, which does exactly what its name suggests and makes March Fourth Marching band look like total pussies; and the Muddy River Nightmare Band, which also sounds just like its name: fast, bassy punk and drunk dudes who, given the choice, you'd rather not fuck with. CASEY JARMAN. 2:30 pm. Twilight Cafe & Bar, 1420 SE Powell Blvd., 232-3576. Free. 21+. Map

Yamn

  Twilight Room, 5242 N Lombard St., 283-5091. Map

DJ Hornet Leg

  Valentine's, 232 SW Ankeny St., 248-1600. Map

Beaver Boogie Band

  Wishing Well, 8800 N Lombard St., 286-4434. Map

Melvins, Big Business

[SLUDGE/NOISE] It’s gratifying that a band I saw booed off a Portland stage back in ’91 can return to enjoy such massive adoration here on a semiannual basis. As a quartet (incorporating the Big Business duo as additional rhythm players), the band sounds as heavy and focused as ever. Latest album Nude With Boots is very much a rock ’n' roll affair. Its slamming heavy rock puts emphasis on groove, boogie and Kiss worship. Melvins entertain themselves and their collective muse alternating between end-of-the-world sludge stylings and obnoxious noise explorations. Enjoy their current “reward the audience” phase while it lasts. NATHAN CARSON. 9 pm. Wonder Ballroom, 128 NE Russell St., 284-8686. $18 advance, $20 day of show. All ages. Map

Saturday Jul 26top

Live Wire!: Richmond Fontaine, Derby, Michael Ian Black, Curt Ellis, Willie Vlautin, Paul Anthony

[VARIETY SHOW] Lest we forget Willy Vlautin was a musician before an author, his band, Richmond Fontaine, plays a star-studded edition of Portland's beloved Live Wire! radio program tonight. From the band came Vlautin's rugged brand of realism, unapologetic and American (in the complimentary way). Straight-faced comedian Michael Ian Black and toe-tappin' alt-pop assembly Derby share the evening's bill. For the unfamiliar, Live Wire! is like Prairie Home Companion, but less geriatric and far more daring. And the music is top shelf. MARK STOCK. 8 pm. Aladdin Theater, 3017 SE Milwaukie Ave., 233-1994. $15. All ages. Map

Black Eyes & Neckties, Sprinkles

  Ash Street Saloon, 225 SW Ash St., 226-0430. All ages. Map

Rock 'n' Roll Camp For Girls Showcase (5 pm)

[GIRLS ROCK!] Here's an SAT prep for you: Lilith Fair is to chicks with guitars as the movie School of Rock is to...a) grade school bassists, b) recently potty-trained drummers, or c) infants who come out of the womb singing "Poor Some Sugar on Me." Oh snap, trick question! It's all of the above! In this post-JackBlackalyptic day and age, you can't throw an earnest Jewel wannabe six feet without hitting a Clash T-shirted pre-teen sauntering through "Smoke on the Water." So for the best of both worlds, get yourself to the Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls Showcase. The $7-$10 donation will help young girls increase self-esteem, learn team building and shred, of course. ANNIE BETHANCOURT. 5 pm. Bagdad Theater & Pub, 3702 SE Hawthorne Blvd., 236-9234. $7-$10 sliding scale. All ages. Map

Neil Masson Quartet w/ Lee Wuthenow

  Benson Hotel, 309 SW Broadway., 228-2000. All ages. Map

Night Moves w/ King Fader

  Berbati Restaurant, 19 SW 2nd Ave., 248-479. Map

DJ Alex Hollywood

  C.C. Slaughters, 219 NW Davis St., 248-9135. Map

Dots' Sweet 16: Satan's Pilgrims, DJ T1-11

  Dots, 2521 SE Clinton St., 235-0203. All ages. Map

Lifetime: DJVJ

  Dunes, 1905 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd., 493-8637. Map

D3

  edge of Belmont, 3350 SE Morrison St., 971-230-3343. Map

Piano Throwers, Tony Furtado

  Goodfoot Lounge, 2845 SE Stark St., 239-9292. Map

No Age, Mika Miko, Abe Vigoda, Gun Outfit (Main Theater); Tina Marie Band (Balcony)

[THE NEW POP] Is it possible to gauge a band's popularity in 2008? Back in the ’90s, you just went to the mall and heard the hottest shit blared from every car stereo in the parking lot. Today, with a billion download sites to choose from, labels dying and radio coughing its last transmissions, how do you drop it like it’s hot? All I know is that I went to Ben and Jerry’s yesterday and they were playing No Age. And MTV (which, last I checked, doesn’t even have videos anymore) just debuted its new video—then freaked out about it. The spazzy vegan duo from L.A. seems to be everywhere. Some yuppie is wearing their shirt in a Times photo-op. Full-page spread in The New Yorker. Is it insidious self-promotion, or do they just rule? The proof is in the pudding: Go to the show, equip your earplugs, and freak the fuck out. Believe. ERIK BADER. 9 pm. Hawthorne Theatre, 3862 SE Hawthorne Blvd., 233-7100. $11 advance, $13 day of show. All ages. Map

Earl and the Reggae Allstars

  Jolly Roger, 1340 SE 12th Ave., 232-8060. Map

The Awful Din

  Know, 2026 NE Alberta St., 473-8729. Map

Bill Beach (6 pm)

  London Grill, 309 SW Broadway., 228-2000. All ages. Map

DJ Moisti

  Matador, 1967 W Burnside St., 222-5822. Map

Eric John Kaiser (7 pm)

  McMenamins Edgefield, 2126 SW Halsey St., 669-8610. Map

Water in the Desert Festival: Harupin-Ha Butoh Theatre, TeeTh, World's Greatest Ghosts, Adam Hurst, Mizu Desierto, Noah Mickens, Luciana Proano, Alchemystical Workshop, Morphed Productions, A Minority of One, Todji Kurtzman (starts at 1 pm)

[ARTY] What is this "Water in the Desert Festival"? Let's check the website! Here we are: It's "a festival of creations that are in dialogue with our natural resources & rhythms, highlighting revolving contemporary social and ecological topics, with a consistent emphasis on the essential element of water." Oh, so it's hippy-dippy shit! All fun-poking aside, once you get past the big New Agey words, there's some pretty cool stuff at the Water in the Desert Festival: Harupin-Ha does butoh dancin', which is like watching gruesome scenes from the freakiest Japanese horror movies of all-time in slow motion, and World's Greatest Ghosts is an excellent electro-pop/punk band increasingly topping local youngsters' to-see lists. Still, the curious should come with an open mind or, you know, not come at all. CASEY JARMAN. 1 pm. Peninsula Park, , . Free. All ages. Map

Don Hellions, Magic Johnson

  Produce Row Cafe, 204 SE Oak St., 232-8355. Map

Phil & Nancy Goldberg

  Rafati's Encore, 310 SW Lincoln St., 221-0140. Map

Randy Porter

  Riverplace Hotel, 2115 SW River Parkway., 552-9500. Map

Girl Talk, Panther, Monkey Trick

[MASHUP MIXTAPES] Copyright-infringement chancer Gregg "Girl Talk" Gillis likes to splice and layer together cross-sections of seemingly disparate pop gems, a trick that's entertaining in an archive-raiding/DJ set sense, if nothing else; witness new album Feed the Animals, where he less-than-coyly collides Avril Lavigne's "Girlfriend" and Jay-Z's "Big Pimping" (one example of many). Portland duo Panther, on the other hand, offers a much more interesting proposition, favoring a post-Prince groove propulsion that's guaranteed to keep listeners blood clot-free. RAY CUMMINGS. 9 pm. Roseland, 8 NW 6th Ave., 219-9929 (Grill), 224-2038 (Theater). $15. All ages. Map

PDX Pop Now!: Starfucker, Atole, Loch Lomond, Portland Cello Project, Living Proof, Blind Pilot, Nurses, Reporter, The SubArachnoid Space, Eskimo and Sons, A Ghost's Face Two Inches From Your Own Face, Bodhi, Sweater!, Andy Combs and the Moth, The Tenses, Y La Bamba, Swim Swam Swum, Chris Robley & the Fear of Heights, The Revisions (starts at noon)

[POP & THEN SOME] See music feature and preview, coming soon. Noon. Rotture, 315 SE 3rd Ave., 234-5683. Free. All ages. Map

The Slants & 2nd Annual Kimono Fashion Show (6 pm)

  SakéOne, 820 Elm St., 357-7056. Map

The Ben Rice Band, Chervona (3:30 pm)

  THPRD Complex, 158th Ave. & Walker Road, Beaverton., . Map

David Friesen w/ Rob Davis, Greg Goebel

  Voleur, 111 SW Ash St., 227-3764. Map

Beaver Boogie Band

  Wishing Well, 8800 N Lombard St., 286-4434. Map

Sunday Jul 27top

Chromeo, Steed Lord, DJ Rad!

[KEYTAR UTOPIA] The genius of the electro-pop machine that is Chromeo, an Arab and Jewish set of BFFs hailing from Montreal and NYC, is that these two bottle up the best, most piercing and addictive ’80s synth, keyboard and voice box sounds of Ready for the World, Starpoint, Jermaine Stewart, OMD, UTFO, Erasure and Ultravox—then they shake that shit up! The four fellow '80s whores of Iceland's Steed Lord rock rainbow-colored ping-pong electro that sounds like joyriding a purple DeLorean across star-filled skies. SARA MOSKOVITZ. 9:30 pm. Berbati's Pan, 231 SW Ankeny St., 248-4579. $16 advance, $20 day of show. 21+. Map

Ron Steen Jam w/ Tom Grant & Kevin Deitz

  Clyde's Prime Rib, 5474 NE Sandy Blvd., 281-9200. Map

The Hold Steady, The Loved Ones

[POSITIVELY BRILLIANT ROCK] On Stay Positive, the Brooklyn-via-Minneapolis rock saviors that make up the Hold Steady further refine their sound. The formula is still Husker Dü embedded in the E Street Band (Bruce-ker Dü?), and yes, it sounds smoother here—but smooth like sheet metal battered by hammers. Craig Finn's lyrics are as telling for the bits left out of the story as for what's included, finding a balletic balance between hope and despair as his characters painfully mature. He's singlehandedly (OK, along with Ted Leo) dragging trad-rock lyricism, kicking and screaming, into the 21st century. JEFF ROSENBERG. 9 pm. Crystal Ballroom, 1332 W Burnside St., 225-0047. $20 advance, $22 day of show. All ages. Map

Jay Reatard, Cheap Time

[GARAGE-ROCK DELUGE] In the burgeoning tradition of prolific, net-savvy miscreants like Lil Wayne and Deerhunter/Atlas Sound frontman Bradford Cox, Jay "Reatard" Lindsay puts just about every song he records online as soon as it's done. That every homespun indie bomb the Memphis native lobs into cyberspace is pretty solid—in the best Guided by Voices/Ariel Pink/garage-punk sense of that phrase—bodes well for the Matador Records phase of his young career, which recently began with a collection of singles. Perhaps most impotantly, Lindsay doesn't take himself too seriously: Cranking out these off-the-cuff barnburners, he seems to be having as much fun performing as we have listening. RAY CUMMINGS. 9 pm. Doug Fir, 830 E Burnside St., 231-9663. $12. 21+. Map

Songwriters in the Round: Craig Carothers, Randy Sharp, Don Henry (7:30 pm)

  Kennedy School, 5736 NE 33rd Ave., 249-3983. Map

Eli Reischman (5:30 pm); Jean Ronne (9:30 am)

  London Grill, 309 SW Broadway., 228-2000. All ages. Map

Lyle Lovett and His Large Band (7 pm); Nann Alleman & Friends (5 pm)

[COUNTRY] By any reckoning, Lyle Lovett should've been the alt-county Willie Nelson: laconic charisma, iconic hair, sun-damaged authenticity (Lovett was almost killed by a bull at his uncle's farm two years after the Dharma & Greg spot) and appreciation for Nashville blueprints spiked with a voice helplessly distinct. He arrived just a bit too early, flew too close to the sun—associations with Randy Newman have never helped anybody—and indulged a self-deprecating wit the No Depression crowd never understood. He continues to record sparse epics ever more refined, and your grandchildren, studying his box set's liner notes, will one day ask why this...what'sthename..."Julie Roberts" ever left him. JAY HORTON. 7 pm. McMenamins Edgefield, 2126 SW Halsey St., 669-8610. $37 advance, $42 day of show. All ages. Map

Sunny Cohen Duo (12:30 pm)

  Proper Eats, 8638 N Lombard St., 445-2007. Map

PDX Pop Now!: New Bloods, Norfolk & Western, Sandpeople, The Warfield Experience, White Fang, Eat Skull, Pure Country Gold, JonnyX and the Groadies, Dragging an Ox Through Water, A Weather, Bark Hide and Horn, Experimental Dental School, Cower, Mattress, Grouper, Podington Bear, Meth Teeth, World's Greatest Ghosts, Wooden Indian Burial Ground (starts at noon)

[POP & THEN SOME] See music feature and preview, coming soon. Noon. Rotture, 315 SE 3rd Ave., 234-5683. Free. All ages. Map

Grab The Camera, Cottagers (7 pm)

  Satyricon, 125 NW 6th Ave., 231-1606. Map

Monday Jul 28top

PWRFL POWER, Neighborhood Stars, Why I Must Be Careful

[BUZZING, HOWLING INSTRUMENTALS] The duo known as Neighborhood Stars sounds like one of the few bands that could give fellow distorted-pop icons No Age and Times New Viking a run for their money. That the outfit could do so without a vocalist only adds to its brilliance, if you ask me. The Stars are currently gearing up for a two-week West Coast tour, where those pesky Californians could easily woo them away from us. I suggest we show our full-throated support for tonight and ensure that the twosome's magnificently buzzing, clattering sound returns to our welcoming embrace. ROBERT HAM. 8 pm. Artistery, 4315 SE Division St., 803-5942. $6. All ages. Map

Crush UK (6 pm)

  Music Millennium, 3158 E Burnside St., 231-8926. Map

Pegasus, Everybody, Lite Brite, Ihabial (7 pm)

  Rererato Artspace, 5135 NE 42nd Ave., 732-407-4418. Map

Pete Krebs Trio

  The Maiden, 639 SE Morrison St., 232-5553. Map

Tuesday Jul 29top

Bill Beach & Brasil Beat

  Benson Hotel, 309 SW Broadway., 228-2000. Map

Brewhaha! (7 pm)

  edge of Belmont, 3350 SE Morrison St., 971-230-3343. Map

Thao with the Get Down Stay Down, Horse Feathers, Harper Simon

[FOLK-POP TRIFECTA] A very intriguing lineup tonight at the Holocene: There's the disarming, heartfelt acoustic pop of Thao Nguyen, whose album We Brave Bee Stings and All is garnering the attention of both  indie kids and the Starbucks crowd (her song "Bag of Hammers" was recently added to a digital comp by the coffee giant). Thao plays alongside one of our best local bands (Horse Feathers), whose Kill Rock Stars debut (and sophomore effort) drops Sept. 9. The lineup’s rounded out by Paul Simon’s musical son, who is touring in support of an album of lilting pop he cooked up with his dad’s third wife, Edie Brickell. Should be one of the summer’s better shows. ROBERT HAM. 9 pm. Holocene, 1001 SE Morrison St., 239-7639. $8. 21+. Also see Friday listings. Map

DJ Donny Don't

  Matador, 1967 W Burnside St., 222-5822. Map

Chris Isaak, Nicole Atkins (6:30 pm); Bridgetown (7 pm)

[SHIRTLESS CROONER] Rare is the chiseled adult-oriented rock troubadour to avoid the enmity of young male rock fans, but whether from his association with David Lynch or Jonathan Demme or the videos featuring writhing supermodels, nobody dislikes Chris Isaak. His personal appeal, so manfully adorable, comes across through ever more sparse (and sparsely released; it's been six years since the last non-yuletide original) romantic ballads, neatly managing to tug heartstrings without that sappy business of emoting. JAY HORTON. 6:30 pm. McMenamins Edgefield, 2126 SW Halsey St., 669-8610. $35 advance, $40 day of show. Map

Garth Michael McDermott, Justin Jude, Breanna Paletta (7 pm)

  Music Millennium, 3158 E Burnside St., 231-8926. Map

Derby (noon)

  Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 SW 6th Ave., . Map

Service Industry Night

  Produce Row Cafe, 204 SE Oak St., 232-8355. Map

Alkaline Trio, American Steel, The Fashion

[GUILTY PLEASURE?] I’m not sure if Chicago’s Alkaline Trio, currently touring in support of Agony & Irony, is considered cool anymore (I’m guessing no?), but I’ll be damned if the Matt Skiba- and Dan Andriano-led outfit hasn’t had me pumping fists and yelling along for what feels like eons. Sure, I was a little turned off by the gothier leanings that first appeared on 2001’s From Here to Infirmary (and haven’t yet quit), but—none-more-black aesthetic and gory lyrics aside—good God, can these guys write some hooks. And Andriano’s penchant for Morrissey-esque melodrama and emo lyrics still get me, that’s for sure (“Let’s do it right/ Under a streetlight!”). No, it hasn’t been the same post-2000’s Maybe I’ll Catch Fire, but close is still way better than what most of this band’s cheese-dick pop-punk peers are up to. AMY MCCULLOUGH. 7:30 pm. Roseland, 8 NW 6th Ave., 219-9929 (Grill), 224-2038 (Theater). $17.50 advance, $20 day of show. All ages. Map

Buffalo Killers, LSD&D

[CLASSIC-SOUNDING PSYCH ROCK] If you’re not already completely rocked out thanks to Slabtown’s “Recession Fighter Series”—seven gratis rawk shows every night from July 20 to 26—you’ll surely be by the end of Cincinnati-based trio Buffalo Killers’ set. Loads of spaced-out stoner guitar combine with vocals that fluctuate between Ozzy and Robert Plant and a deep, sludgy rhythm section sure to finalize that psych-rock trance. The band cut its crunchy debut disc at the studio of one John Curley (Afghan Whigs, represent!) and is currently touring in support of Southern-fried, metal-tinged stomper Let It Ride. Like-minded locals LSD&D open. AMY MCCULLOUGH. 9 pm. Slabtown, 1033 NW 16th Ave., 223-0099. Cover. 21+. Map