The Month Ahead

POP/ROCK by Erin K. Thompson

Mastodon/SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6

Atlanta’s great sludge-metal outfit is touring fresh off the September release of their epic fifth LP, The Hunter. The album was wildly well-received by both critics and fans—it even debuted at #10 on the Billboard 200. With The Dillinger Escape Plan, Red Fang. Showbox SoDo, 1700 First Ave. S., 652-0444. 7 p.m. $25 adv./$28 DOS. All ages.

Real Estate/MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7

Real Estate traffics in easy, sun-soaked indie pop; the New Jersey quintet’s new album, Days, is wonderfully idyllic. Tonight’s show is a Northwest return of sorts for guitarist/vocalist Martin Courtney, an Evergreen alum. With Big Troubles. Crocodile, 2200 Second Ave., 441-4618. 8 p.m. $12.

Shonen Knife/TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8

Japan’s biggest girl-punk band is celebrating 30 years together (they’ve released a breathtaking 16 albums, the most recent being last year’s Osaka Ramones tribute). It’s only too bad their most famous fan, Kurt Cobain, won’t be there to see it all. With Grave Babies, Watch It Sparkle. Tractor Tavern, 5213 Ballard Ave. N.W., 789-3599. 8 p.m. $12 adv./$14 DOS.

Unknown Mortal Orchestra/WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9

Portland’s psych-pop group, fronted by New Zealand transplant Ruban Nielson and backed by a teenage drummer, has been garnering national praise lately on the back of their hooky eponymous debut. With Gauntlet Hair. Crocodile, 2200 Second Ave., 441-4618. 8 p.m. $12. ERIN K. THOMPSON

Wild Flag/FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11

Carrie Brownstein’s a rock star first and a sketch comedian second, and now that Portlandia‘s wrapped its second season, she’s on the road with her bitchin’ girl band Wild Flag, who released their swaggering self-titled debut album in September. With Drew Grow and The Pastors’ Wives. Neumos, 925 E. Pike St., 709-9442. 8 p.m. $16.50.

M83/SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13

In October, this electro-pop project of French musician Anthony Gonzalez released the gorgeously expansive Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming; the songs do, indeed, strikingly play out like rapturous dreamscapes, and have gained such favorable press and hype that both shows tonight are already sold out. With Active Child. Neumos, 925 E. Pike St., 709-9442. 6 & 10 p.m.

*Feist/THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17

Leslie Feist’s latest record, Metals, is a sight less peppy than her previous ones—you won’t find any “Mushaboom”s or “1234”s on it. The shift away from pop hooks was deliberate, though, and if Metals is less memorable than The Reminder or Let It Die, it still comes off as sweet and satisfying. With Chilly Gonzales. Moore Theatre, 1932 Second Ave., 467-5510. 8 p.m. $33 adv./$38 DOS. All ages.

Visqueen/SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26

Ten years after Rachel Flotard and Ben Hooker formed one of Seattle’s finest rock-and-roll bands, Visqueen, they’re going on hiatus. Tonight’s Thanksgiving Fare-Thee-Well concert will feature a mélange of songs from their three critically acclaimed albums. With Broadcast Oblivion. Neptune, 1303 N.E. 45th St., 467-5510. 8 p.m. $11 adv./$13 DOS. All ages.

Jane Birkin/TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29

It’s been two decades since the legendary Serge Gainsbourg succumbed to a heart attack; to celebrate his legacy, the great love of his life, the actress, singer, and fashion icon Jane Birkin, will perform a tribute concert featuring a selection of Gainsbourg’s songs. Neptune, 1303 N.E. 45th St., 467-5510. 8 p.m. $34 adv./$36 DOS. All ages.

COUNTRY by Gwendolyn Elliott

Jay Farrar & Bobby Bare Jr./FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4

Nashville’s mischievous minstrel Bobby Bare Jr. has been rounding the Seattle circuit these days, but Jay Farrar, the founding member of classic alt-country groups Uncle Tupelo and Son Volt, hasn’t. Not one to miss if you like your Americana royalty soaked in beer and whiskey. Tractor Tavern, 5213 Ballard Ave. N.W., 789-3599. 9:30 p.m. $20.

Gram Parsons Tribute/FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4

Pay your respects to country’s folk-rock innovator gone too soon—and the classic voice of the Flying Burrito Brothers and the Byrds’ Sweetheart of the Rodeo—with the traditional honky-tonk sounds of Seattle’s own The 1 Uppers and Country Dave’s Pickin Crew. Conor Byrne, 5140 Ballard Ave. N.W., 784-3640. 9 p.m.

Jo Miller & Her Burly Roughnecks/SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6

Country rockers and Little Red Hen mainstays Jo Miller & Her Burly Roughnecks will dance you into the wee hours with their hillbilly, rockabilly swing. Little Red Hen, 7115 Woodlawn Ave. N.W., 522-1168. 9 p.m. $3.

Lydia Loveless/MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7

With a debut album forthcoming on revered “insurgent country” label Bloodshot Records (home to Ryan Adams and Justin Townes Earle, among others), Loveless is a powerful new voice in alt-country worth keeping on your radar. Sunset Tavern, 5433 Ballard Ave. N.W., 784-4880. 9:30 p.m. $7.

Wynonna/THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17

Battling body issues, family scandals, and the highly critical media, Wynonna Judd has seen some ups and downs in her personal life and career, but the woman can sing, and she’s a country-strong model for anyone who has to just tough it out. Snoqualmie Casino, 37500 S.E. North Bend Way, North Bend, 425-888-1234. 7 p.m. $20–$105.

Over the Rhine/FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18–SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20

Fresh from a handful of dates opening for Lucinda Williams, the folk-infused, alt- country pop of this 20-year-old four-piece from Cincinnati returns to The Triple Door for three nights with a recent album in tow and a masterfully crafted folk sound. With the Milk Carton Kids. Triple Door, 216 Union St., 838-4333. 8 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 7:30 p.m. Sun. $30 adv./$35 DOS. All ages.

Lloyd Mitchell Canyon/FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18

Fronted by J. Crow’s deeply resonant vocals—recalling country era Michelle Shocked or kd lang—this Western-themed group out of Portland is sure to put on a show with their driving, reverb-laden country balladry. With the 1 Uppers. Slim’s Last Chance Chili Shack, 5606 First Ave. S., 762-7900. 9 p.m. $8.

Davidson Hart Kingsbery/SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19

With a warm, raspy voice like Jeff Tweedy, easy-paced honky-tonk tunes, and a weekly residency at Hattie’s Hat, Davidson Hart Kingsbery is quick becoming the two-step king of Ballard. With the Maldives, Widower. Tractor Tavern, 5213 Ballard Ave. N.W., 789-3599. 9:30 p.m. $10 adv./$12 DOS.

Greensky Bluegrass/SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19

This Michigan all-string quartet cranks out lively, contemporary bluegrass with the stamina and energy of a rock band, infusing Appalachian-style harmonies and toe-tapping tunes with a jammy, rootsy vibe. With Hot Buttered Rum. Showbox at the Market, 1426 First Ave., 628-3151. 7 p.m. $18 adv./$20 DOS.

*Rats in the Grass/MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21

As band names go, few words could better describe the jug-band stylings of this youthful bluegrass quartet from White Center. With Larry and His Flask, Gravel Road. Tractor Tavern, 5213 Ballard Ave. N.W., 789-3599. 8 p.m. $8.

HIP-HOP by Todd Hamm

Black Star/SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5

Talib Kweli and Mos Def (now Yasiin Bey) were the two most prominent lyricists to emerge from the Rawkus Records–bred New York conscious-rap renaissance, and in 1998 they came together on record as Black Star. Their insightful, graduate-level rhymes effectively created an intelligent alternative to the often less-thought-provoking materialistic rap of the late ’90s/early ’00s. With THEESatisfaction, Abyssinian Creole. Showbox SoDo, 1700 First Ave. S., 652-0444. 8 p.m. $35. All ages.

*Das Racist/WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9

The witty New York trio have built a connection with Seattle over the past couple of years, collaborating with Blue Scholars’ Sabzi and packing out a number of local shows in close succession. Now with a fresh LP, Relax, atop their catalog, DR have come to conquer Neumos, and they should do so handily. With Danny Brown, Despot. Neumos, 925 E. Pike St., 709-9442. 8 p.m. $15.

Sapient/WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9

This veteran Portland artist just released Tusks, the mostly instrumental first installment in his Eaters series of albums that makes use of subtle change-ups and original guitar work. Also a competent lyricist, his varied skill set could take the show on a few turns. With DJ Nykon, Dopethought, Saint Warhead, Scribes, Julie C. Chop Suey, 1325 E. Madison St., 324-8005. 8 p.m. $7.

Big Sean/THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17

While he’s not the best lyricist on the scene, or even the most captivating Kanye West protégé, Detroit’s Big Sean does make poppy, lightly Auto-Tuned club soundtracks that help you get your dance right. With Cyhi the Prynce, Shawn Chrystopher. Showbox SoDo, 1426 First Ave., 628-3151. 7 p.m. $20 adv./ $22 DOS. All ages.

Don’t Talk to the Cops!/SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19

DTTTC! and associated act Mash Hall are two of the most entertaining live acts in town of any genre, and their music is far too catchy to be a mere vessel for their dance moves. Fresh off a crowd-pleasing Reverb Fest set, Bles One, Emecks, and Gatsby should be flaunting all kinds of new material from their new album Let’s Quit, so get there! With SPORTS, Humans, USF. Comet Tavern, 922 E. Pike St., 322-9272. 9 p.m. $7.

Sadistik & Kristoff Krane/FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25

Prey for Paralysis is the joint venture of Seattle’s Sadistik and Minnesota’s Kristoff Krane, and the two celebrate the album’s release tonight. Both have a poetic tilt to their verses, and Sadistik sounds a bit like Slug from Atmosphere when he raises his voice, so if that’s you, then slide through. With Audio Dose Crew, Graves33, Sarx. Crocodile, 2200 Second Ave., 441-4618. 8 p.m. $8.

Immortal Technique/WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30

The hardcore truth-spitter returns to Neumos where he will be aiming his realpolitik assault at all aspects of the zeitgeist. Count on 1) some vicious criticism of our crumbling capitalist structure 2) being able to nod your head to it. With Chino XL, Da Circle. Neumos, 925 E. Pike St., 709-9442. 8 p.m. $15. All ages.

DJ/ELECTRONIC by Eric Grandy

Anamanaguchi/THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3

Hella nerd cred: NYC chiptune band Anamanaguchi has remixed Das Racist and soundtracked the Scott Pilgrim video game; live, they add rock drums and guitars to their 8-bit NES synth jams. With Starscream, Live Animals. Vera Project, 305 Harrison St., 956-8372. 7:30 p.m. $11 adv./$13 DOS. All ages.

The Field/THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3

Swedish producer The Field swirls up impressionistic micro-loops over motorik heartbeats to make soft-white techno with shoegaze depth and melody; a full band rounds out the live set. With Copy, Nordic Soul. Chop Suey, 1325 E. Madison St., 324-8005. 9 p.m. $13.

Body Heat/SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5

This new monthly at Electric Tea Garden is dedicated to “classing things up” with long sets of deep house, techno, nu-disco, and other underground selections. With Tanner Ross, Kadeejah Streets, Recess, SlowPoke, OFDM. Electric Tea Garden, 1402 E. Pike St., 568-3972. 10 p.m. $10.

DJ Cam & Blockhead/THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10

Tonight unites two instrumental hip-hop producers from across the globe: France’s smooth, jazz-inflected DJ Cam and NYC’s eclectic, psychedelic vinyl warper Blockhead. With Suttikeeree, DJ Sean Cee. Chop Suey, 1325 E. Madison St., 324-8005. 9 p.m. $12.

Kevin Saunderson & Derrick May/THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10

Two-thirds of the “Belleville three,” the originators of Detroit techno, swing through Seattle to spin the classics and the latest, alongside Decibel’s own Nordic Soul. Neumos, 925 E. Pike St., 709-9442. 8 p.m. $15.

DJ Vadim/SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12

Come for Russian hip-hop orchestrator DJ Vadim, but show up early for local lights including analog electro rockers Truckasauras and agile boom-bap beatmaker WD4D. With Graintable, Al Nightlong. Chop Suey, 1325 E. Madison St., 324-8005. 9 p.m. $10.

Metro Area/SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12

New Jersey duo Metro Area—Morgan Geist and Darshan Jesrani—has been pumping out some of the finest nouveau disco going for over a decade now; they hit TROUBLE at Fred for their first Seattle show in six years. Fred Wildlife Refuge, 127 E. Boylston St., 588-6959. 10 p.m. $15.

*Austra + Grimes/TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Two inventive female-fronted acts (and Canadian compatriots) bend electronic pop to exciting ends, from Austra’s icy, beat-heavy minimal wave to Grimes’ thrillingly evaporative arias. Crocodile, 2200 Second Ave., 441-7416. 8 p.m. $12.

Plaid/TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22

Along with Warp Records mates Autechre and Aphex Twin, London duo Plaid helped pioneer IDM in the early ’90s; since then, they’ve stayed busy tinkering, lately with soundtrack and audio-visual projects. With Copy, Vox Mod. Neumos, 925 E. Pike St., 709-9442. 8 p.m. $15.

JAZZ by Ben Morrow

Tribute to Jim Knapp/WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2

Trumpeter, composer, and bandleader Jim Knapp founded the Cornish College jazz program 40 years ago; now members of the Cornish and Seattle jazz communities come together to celebrate him. With the Jim Knapp Orchestra, Cornish Big Band. Triple Door, 216 Union St., 838-4333. 7:30 p.m. $12–$24. All ages.

University District Jazz Festival/FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4– SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6

Having trouble figuring out which local jazz groups you should be digging? Or feeling overwhelmed by all the choices presented by Earshot? This festival is a great way to get a big bang out of your buck. Featuring multiple artists performing throughout the U District, this is jazz for those who just can’t decide. Various locations; see udistrictjazzfestival.com for details. $15–$35.

Chad McCullough/Bram Weijters Group/FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4– SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5

Combining Seattle trumpeter McCullough and Antwerp-based pianist Weijters with drummer John Bishop and bassist Chuck Deardorf, this promises to be a night of lyrical, nuanced, and majestic jazz. It was this lineup that recorded February’s Imaginary Sketches; hearing how their music has developed since then should be a real treat. Tula’s, 2214 Second Ave., 443-4221. 8 p.m. $7–$14.

Bill Anschell Trio/SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6

To close the 2011 Earshot Jazz Festival, pianist Bill Anschell leads a standards trio with Chris Symer on bass and the fiery Jose Martinez on drums. In January 2011 Anschell was named “Northwest Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year” by Earshot Jazz for the second time. Expect good food, drink, and plenty of good cheer. Tula’s, 2214 Second Ave., 443-4221. 7:30 p.m. Donation.

Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra/SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6

Presenting “An Evening with Ol’ Blue Eyes: The Music of Frank Sinatra,” this concert should be a sure-fire crowd-pleaser. The SRJO is an all-star Seattle big band, and for this show they’ll feature guest vocalists performing music by Quincy Jones, Count Basie and Nelson Riddle, all in tribute to Sinatra himself. Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland, 425-828-0422. 3 p.m. $15–$39. All ages.

*Miguel Zenon Quartet/MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14

Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Zenon is a multiple Grammy nominee, a Guggenheim fellow, and a recipient of a MacArthur “genius grant.” His music expertly blends modern and traditional elements of Latin American music, folkloric styles, and jazz, and his latest album is a perfect example. Alma Adentro is a tribute to the Puerto Rican songbook, yet it manages to sound like cutting-edge jazz straight out of NYC. Jazz Alley, 2033 Sixth Ave., 441-9729. 7:30 p.m. $22.50.