CONCERT SAMPLER
1. Howler “Back of Your Neck” The Minneapolis indie-rock group just released America Give Up in January, and this track rides a pretty fun, slightly dark surf vibe, complete with requisite woo-hoos. (Thursday, Drake Hotel, bit.ly/howlerneck)
2. “Rhyme O’clock” feat. More or Les Wordburglar The local, lovable nerd-reference-dropping rapper unveils his first single from his upcoming album,
3rdburglar, with a super fun and special effects-laden (Millennium Falcon! The ED-209! Bram of Sharon, Lois and fame!) that simply must be seen. Don’t sleep on this. (Thursday, Rancho Relaxo, bit.ly/rhymeo)
3. “Curl of the Burl” Mastodon Incongruous Venue Alert: The Sony Centre seems a little pristine for a loud metal show, but it’s the spot for the always-heavy-and-good Mastodon, who bring Opeth and Ghost along for extra riffage. (Saturday, Sony Centre, bit.ly/mastocurl)
4. “Selectah” Teaser DJ Craze The five-time DMC champ comes to town to do his magic on the decks. Torro Torro and Lucie Tic support. (Saturday, Wrongbar, bit.ly/selectease)
5. “Swerve” Shabazz Palaces This rap group, led by the guy who was Butterfly in Digable Planets, released the critically acclaimed and
sonically intriguing Black Up last year. It doesn’t easily fit into rap’s wellestablished categories, other than it’s just darn good. (Tuesday, Lee’s Palace, bit.ly/swerverap)
6. “Come on, Be a No One” The Cribs Johnny Marr’s long gone, but the British indie-rock trio is back and coming through before their next
album, In the Belly of the Brazen Bull, officially drops in May. (Wednesday, Lee’s Palace, bit.ly/cribscome)