NOISE

Last time Swedish metal band In Flames played here, they opened with their song "Cloud Connected," and the crowd went nuts. Since this is my favorite song, I jumped into the mosh pit. Sweaty bodies slammed into sweaty bodies. I pounded into some guy and took his elbow in my ribs. Hurt like hell. Someone kicked my leg. But when the singer told the people who were still sitting down that he'd never want to be one of them, that he'd rather be one of us, I had to cheer—even if I did leave with a bad limp and a bruised rib.

Mogwai

Mr. Beast

Sometimes music leaks onto the Web long before its commercial release. The Anonymous Downloader gives us a sneak preview: Who can wait 'til March 7 for Mogwai's latest? Not me, that's for sure. The Scotsmen shift amplitude and dynamics like no others, lulling you to sleep one moment only to ambush your eardrums the next. As always, instrumentals rule the day, but rare vocals spice up the mix on a couple of tracks. Dramatic piano-driven opener "Auto Rock" might be worth actually buying the CD for.

Jeff Beacher brought his Madhouse cast to Jet Monday as he hosted the Light Group's fifth annual Las Vegas Nighties awards (the Weekly is a media sponsor), a celebration of this town's nightlife through the magic of online balloting. This year's winners are:

Best Dance Club: Tao

Best Lounge: Foundation Room

Best Weekly Party: Worship Thursdays at Tao

Best Dining with a Scene: N9NE

Best Burlesque: Ivan Kane's Forty Deuce

Best Local Resident DJ: Scotty Boy

Best Gentleman's Club: Spearmint Rhino

Best Local Bar: Double Down Saloon

Best Nightclub Shopping: Bebe

Best Tanning Salon: The Tan Factory

Best Hair Salon: Globe Salon

Best Local Modeling Agency: Envy Models

THE 88


Over and Over (2.5 stars)

Listening to the straightforward power pop on this Los Angeles quintet's sophomore album, it's difficult to fathom the fast-swelling buzz surrounding the band. Not to say the 88's mildly catchy tunes in the spirit of Queen, Cheap Trick and the Kinks aren't pleasant enough, but far better hooks and more memorable lyrics can be found easily enough elsewhere.

The Stevenson Ranch Davidians


The Stevenson Ranch Davidians (3.5 stars)

Fans of the Brian Jonestown Massacre and Dandy Warhols will likely dig the swirling, retro-psychedelia of this LA-based foursome. The Davidians soak this six-song EP with '60s-inspired melodies, droning guitars and a healthy appreciation for all sounds British, all of which bodes well for the full-length disc the band is said to be wrapping with an eye toward an early March release.