Jeremy Burk / Wednesday, July 28
Sebastian Mynarski
Easy rider Phosphorescent.
Guido
Nappy Roots: avoiding the fishbowl.
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Jeremy Burk's debut album, I Hope You Find What You're Looking For, is the offering of a man who seems like he's searching for something himself. Burk's voice is distinct in its imperfections—it cracks and breaks the way an old dusty record pops and hisses on a turntable, and when he reaches for notes, Burk sounds either hoarse or like a parrot of Conor Oberst's distinctive whine. Burk sounds best when he's not trying so hard. The man's a competent, talented songwriter whose songs are solid, but it's obvious he's still in the throes of creating his own unique sound. Since What You're Looking For is Burk's first album, it stands to reason that future offerings will improve on what's already a pretty good thing. With Levi Fuller, Robert Deeble. Sunset Tavern, 5433 Ballard Ave. N.W., 784-4880. 9 p.m. $7. SARA BRICKNER
The Toadies / Wednesday, July 28
Most people remember the grungy Texas quartet the Toadies from their 1994 Billboard smash, the slithery, squealing "Possum Kingdom." But for me it was always all about "Tyler," also off the band's debut, Rubberneck. "Tyler" is demanding, thunderous, and bone-chilling; sure, it's ultra-dramatic, but the pathos in Vaden Todd Lewis' wail is real. I still play it on repeat. And realizing that it's about a stalker breaking into a girl's bedroom just underscores the fact that something's a little off about these guys. (Depending on whom you ask, "Possum Kingdom" is either about vampires or a serial killer.) After a few less-notable records and a breakup, the Toadies are back together and touring to promote the August release of Feeler, the original follow-up to Rubberneck that their label rejected back in 1997. Welcome back, creepsters! With Dead Country, The Absolute Monarchs! Showbox at the Market, 1426 First Ave., 628-3151. 7 p.m. $18 adv./$20 DOS. All ages.ERIN K. THOMPSON
We Are Scientists / Wednesday, July 28
In 2005, around the time that similarly cheeky rock outfits like Art Brut and Arctic Monkeys were surfacing, Berkeley's We Are Scientists released a hooky debut record, With Love and Squalor; it was an instant favorite among the indie crowd. WAS has since been spending their time wandering into synth and rave territory, creating and starring in a Flight of the Conchords–like MTV series called Steve Wants His Money, and releasing a shouty, rowdy, somewhat traitorous song for the 2010 World Cup called "Goal! England!" Now functioning as a duo, with Keith Murray on vocals and guitar and Chris Cain on bass, the band's latest album, Barbara, finally returns them to their roots—singles "Rules Don't Stop" and "Nice Guys" are both neat and sweet, purely enjoyable pop ditties. Sonic Boom Records Capitol Hill, 1525 Melrose Ave., 568-BOOM. 7 p.m. Free. All ages. Also: With Black Whales, Rewards. Neumos, 925 E. Pike St., 709-9467. 8 p.m. $15. ERIN K.THOMPSON
Pizza Fest / Thursday, July 29–Saturday, July 31 See article.
Ruben Studdard & Clay Aiken / Thursday, July 29
Just like Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky and E.T. and Reese's Pieces, Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken are an unlikely pair forever linked—the last two standing in American Idol's second season in 2003 (Studdard barely won). Studdard is large, black, straight, and the poor man's Luther Vandross; Aiken is skinny, white, gay, and the poor man's Barry Manilow. But it's nearly impossible to think of one without the other. Somehow both have maintained performing careers over the past eight years despite their marginal talents, mainly through musical theater rather than stellar songwriting or album-making. And now the duo is hitting the road (well, mainly casinos) together on their "Timeless" tour. If you can't make it, don't worry—they'll probably be doing the same thing 'til the end of time. Snoqualmie Casino, 37500 S.E. North Bend Way, Snoqualmie, 425-888-1234. 7 p.m. $35–$75. MICHAEL ALAN GOLDBERG
Jackson Browne & David Lindley / Friday, July 30
Jackson Browne has penned and performed some of the most enduring country-rock songs of the past half-century ("Running on Empty," "Take It Easy"). But you might ask who's that dude standing next to him onstage? His name is David Lindley, and though he's nowhere near as famous or handsome as ol' JB, he fucking rules. Lindley was a founder of the sorely overlooked '60s group Kaleidoscope, the one psychedelic group that fully studied and embraced world music successfully. Back then, lots of shitty groups aimed for that Middle Eastern–trip thing, but Kaleidoscope was the real deal and Lindley was the man. Besides backing up Browne for a decade, he was one of Warren Zevon's best sidemen (next to Waddy Wachtel). On this tour, Lindley adds multi-instrumental elements to Browne's classics, creating an arid desert mood for otherwise familiar numbers. Chateau Ste. Michelle, 14111 N.E. 145th St., Woodinville, 425-415-3300. 7 p.m. $48.50–$68.50. BRIAN J. BARR
A Tribute to the Kinks / Friday, July 30
"Whenever the Beatles-vs.-Stones question comes up, I always have to go with the Kinks," says local rock marimba player Erin Jorgensen. "They seem the most honest to me somehow." Jorgensen isn't alone in her assessment; Seattle is full of notable musicians who love the Kinks. Consequently, the lineup for tonight's show is stacked fat. Along with Jorgensen's unorthodox renditions of "Young and Innocent Days" and "Come Dancing," this benefit for MusiCares will feature a performance of The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society by the Quaifes, an all-star band led by Kwab Copeland that includes Bill Herzog (Jesse Sykes and the Sweet Hereafter) and Dan Peters (Mudhoney). Rounding out the bill are Shelby Earl, Rusty Willoughby, Sean Nelson, and Guided by Dan, a new project that includes members of Mudhoney and Mother Love Bone. Sunset Tavern, 5433 Ballard Ave. N.W., 784-4880. 9 p.m. $8 adv./$10 DOS. HANNAH LEVIN
