> CONCERT SAMPLER
Thursday
HSY, “Scratch.” Pronounce ’em hussy, if you will, and brace yourself for the Toronto foursome’s ominous post-punk that’s been making the rounds for a couple of years. With debut LP Bask just out and making waves they should be in a fine frame of mind-blowing. Headliners Nihilist Spasm Band bring a pedigree that extends back 50 years as “the world’s first noise band” — after starting in London, Ont., as a kazoo ensemble — and are joined by freejazz pal Joe McPhee and his revolving horns. Recommended for connoisseurs of the offbeat, along with ear protection. (The Garrison, doors 9 p.m.)
Friday
Scorpions, “Blackout.” They’re biggest in their native Germany but also big enough globally to keep it going as one of hard rock’s protean collections, hence this “50th Anniversary” tour. With prog-metal vets Queensryche along on the bill, it’s a sing-along/headbangalong (the more studious might want to try Empress Of at the Drake) as the outdoor season counts down these last few days of summer. (Molson Amphitheatre, 7 p.m.)
Saturday
Van Morrison, “On Hyndford Street.” First of two weekend nights for Van the Man and his first time here in six years. Given the rarity of large-scale touring anymore, and the fact that he just turned 70 on Aug. 31, chances are running out to catch one of the rock and folk world’s most revered songwriters. And this particular song, with its spoken-word walk through Morrison’s early haunts and formative figures growing up in east Belfast, does make for an essential and entirely moving moment on his setlist these days. (Sony Centre, 8 p.m.)
Sunday
St. Paul and the Broken Bones, “Fake Plastic Trees.” The Alabama sevenpiece’s local debut a year ago was one of the year’s rousing concert nights, with gospel-schooled Paul Janeway winning over a sold-out Horseshoe crowd and the band of Muscle Shoals regulars behind him playing their role faithfully as millennial MGs to Janeway’s Otis. They’ll pitch curveballs, including this novel reshaping of an old Radiohead number. On a night that includes competition from Ed Sheeran and the Punch Brothers, it’s the pick of the week. They’re also down for an outdoor TURF fest set Saturday night. (Lee’s Palace, doors 8 p.m.)
Monday
Bully, “Trying.” Nineties revivalists out of Nashville go beyond mere Pixies copyists thanks mostly to the formidable pipes and guitar of frontwoman Alicia Bognanno. It’s their Toronto debut as headliners, and anybody who was on board earlier this year with visitors like Hop Along (back at the weekend’s TURF Fest) and Speedy Ortiz will get them immediately: especially Bognanno, whose raw, rasping vocals are a good match for the band’s simple rockouts. (The Garrison, doors 8 p.m.)
Tuesday
Brigitte, “A bouche que veux-tu.” Versatile, fashionable pop duo of Sylvie Hoarau and Aurélie Saada are on their first North American tour, bringing slick accompaniment, close harmonies and matching wigs and sequins. It’s all very smart and très chic (even sometimes, slavishly Chic). Last month’s fall preview in this space highlighted Braids’ show tonight at Lee’s, so there’s always that, but here’s something completely different. They’re helped along by a move to this Queen West spot that’ll better fit their style. (Rivoli, doors 8 p.m.)
Wednesday
Alabama Shakes, “Dunes.” Fresh off her Thunderbitch side project’s sudden LP drop earlier this month, Shakes frontwoman Brittany Howard returns with her regular, bluesier crew, still wringing the best out of stunning second LP, Sound and Color. They’ve come a long way from seeming one-trick pony act barely filling Lee’s Palace four years ago, hundreds of thousands of touring miles on and going into one of the biggest barns in town. Given the way they’ve handled the ascent, the ready-or-not question seems almost moot. Locals July Talk open. (Air Canada Centre, 8 p.m.)