Mon 5/8 – The Submarines / Goldspot @ Viper Room ($10) – The Submarines debut album doesn’t come out until 6/20 but you can sample some tracks on their website or on Myspace. The album has call and response boy/girl lyrics about the two singers’ relationship (both the breakup and reunion). The electronic blips call to mind the Stars and some Folk Implosion. Her voice is in the neighborhood of the woman from Mates of State. Goldspot is a big Nic Harcourt band. If you prefer underground rap go see Soul Position at the Echo.

Tues 5/9 – Destroyer / Blood on the Wall / Psychic Ills / Hudson Bell @ Spaceland ($12) – A mash-up of two separate tours means more value for you, the consumer. Destroyer is Dan Bejar’s (he’s also in the New Pornographers) main band. He writes very wordy songs (like Leonard Cohen wordy). Critics really like him. Brooklyn’s Blood on the Wall are an energetic indie band. Download Blood on the Wall’s “Mary Susan” Psychic Ills are also from New York and this track sounds like early Sonic Youth... download “January Rain” Get there early and check out San Francisco’s Hudson Bell. Last year's album was underrated and their show at Sea Level was under-attended. He’s probably heard a couple of Built to Spill records in his day. Download “Slow Burn” but don’t judge a man by his t-shirt.

Wed 5/10 – The Shore / Fairechild @ Knitting Factory ($10) – The Shore are a local band that writes big, universal rock songs along the same lines as the Verve. Lead singer, Ben Ashley has a strong voice and adds an occasional classic rock guitar solo. LA’s Fairchild is led by Josh Schwartz (Further, early Beachwood Sparks) and his wife Elisa Randazzo who trade off lead vocal and songwriting duties. Their music makes you feel like you're driving through Topanga Canyon in the 1970s listening to Joni Mitchell and Neil Young. They also have a tendency to break out well-chosen covers by artists like Emitt Rhodes and Fairport Convention. When you see Schwartz play guitar you'll understand why he once opened for the Rolling Stones (as guitarist for Tim Burgess of the Charlatans). Get there early, Fairechild goes on at 8:00 PM.

Thurs 5/11 – The Helio Sequence @ Spaceland ($12) – Portland’s the Helio Sequence always put on a great live show. They’re only a two-piece but they layer songs and make interesting dense and spacey music. They haven’t put out an album in two years, so ask them what they’re up to. Download the Helio Sequence’s “Everyone Knows Everyone” If you don't like them, go see John Vanderslice at the Echo.

Photo: (left to right) San Francisco's Hudson Bell and LA's Fairechild