This Week's Recommended Shows: Shiny Toy Guns, Jackson Browne, Cold War Kids and More

[Wednesday, September 24] If you Google British Pixies you'll suffer results on everything from elves to porn. By narrowing the search to music, you'll see the phrase questionably applied to everyone from British Sea Power to the Smiths. I'm sure I'm not the first to make this case, but I've always believed that the title rightfully goes to the Wedding Present. Though the Smiths may have come first, it's Gedge & Co. whose style, scope of influence and resurrection most mirror those of indie rock's most beloved Bean Town babies. Neumos, 925 E. Pike St., 709-9467. 8 p.m., $13 adv. Listen to Don’t Take Me Home.

[Wednesday, September 24] You could argue that Tango Alpha Tango's sound is the most seductive thing to come out of Portland since Elliott Smith crooned, Sexy energy makes me charming when I sing. But instead of bated breath and acoustic guitars, Tango relies on slinking bass lines and lyrics so enticing they feel like they're being whispered in your ear during a slow dance. With Dept. of Energy. Showbox at the Market, 1426 First Ave., 628-3151. 8 p.m., $5. Listen to What You Wanted To Hear.