Ben Kweller
The show: September 9, 8 p.m., $15. Canyon Club, 888-645-5006. Why go?: To hear the 26-year-old singer-songwriter’s underrated catalog and soak up his refreshingly unself-conscious stage presence. Psych-up song: “Wasted & Ready” (Sha Sha, 2002) Proper attire: A sweater, to reflect your sensitive side.
Camper Van Beethoven
The show: September 10, 7 p.m., $17. House of Blues, 632-7600. Why go?: Because David Lowery’s pre-Cracker ’80s outfit laid the groundwork for the alt-rock of the ’90s, and still sounds distinct in the ’00s. Psych-up song: “Take the Skinheads Bowling” (Telephone Free Landslide Victory, 1985) Proper attire: A faded concert T-shirt, from a bygone era (not to mention size).
Built to Spill
The show: September 10, 7 p.m., $17. House of Blues, 632-7600. Why go?: If last year’s short, tumultuous Vegoose set left you craving oh-so-much-more of BTS’ glorious three-guitar sound-walls. Psych-up song: “Carry the Zero” (Keep It Like a Secret, 1999) Proper attire: A beard, grown to Civil-War length.
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
The show: September 11, 8 p.m., $26.50-$52. The Joint, 693-5066. Why go?: Your ears are still buzzing from June’s deafening Jillian’s workout. The only cure for tinnitus is more music, right? Psych-up song: “Stop” (Take Them On, On Your Own, 2003) Proper attire: As much black as humanly possible.
Kings of Leon
The show: September 11, 8 p.m., $26.50-$52. The Joint, 693-5066. Why go?: Your buddies have made you jealous with tales of the Followill family’s princely performances. Psych-up song: “Taper Jean Girl” (Aha Shake Heartbreak, 2005) Proper attire: Overalls, to honor the Southern rockers’ roots.
Art Brut
The show: September 13, 9 p.m., $10. Beauty Bar, 598-1965. Why go?: There’s no telling when, or if, the ballyhooed Brits will set foot in our humble burg again. Psych-up song: “Emily Kane” (Bang Bang Rock & Roll, 2005) Proper attire: Whatever you won’t mind rinsing spilled beer out of later.
Modest Mouse
The show: September 15, 8 p.m., $30-$32. The Joint, 693-5066. Why go?: Isaac and the boys haven’t played town since 2003, and, oh yeah, freaking Johnny Marr will be onstage. Psych-up song: “Doin’ the Cockroach” (The Lonesome Crowded West, 1997) Proper attire: Flannel, jeans and shit-kickers.
The Flaming Lips
The show: September 16, 8 p.m., free with specially-marked Miller Lite carton. Palms pool, area108.com. Why go?: You like a few visuals to go with your tunes, like, say, a ton of beach balls, a talking-nun hand puppet and Wayne Coyne rolling over your head in a giant plastic bubble. Psych-up song: “Race for the Prize” (The Soft Bulletin, 1999) Proper attire: A furry animal costume, for a chance to get invited onstage.