MONDAY
>> This ain’t not J-Pop, we swear. If you want good old-fashioned Japanese rock ‘n’ roll (OK, it’s true, we don’t really know what that’s supposed to sound like either), The Captains from some place in Japan (the city name on their MySpace page uses Japanese characters) will drop by The Red & The Black tonight. They will be supported by Sugarcane Crawl, formerly known as Blues Hammer, and D.C.'s The Bourbon Dynasty. 9 p.m. $8.

>> If today's anything like last night was, do whatever it takes to dig up a ticket to the 2nd night of Kings of Leon at the 9:30 Club.

TUESDAY

>> Oooh, baby, we love his way. Peter Frampton will be at The Birchmere both Monday and Tuesday night. 7:30 p.m. Both nights. $75.

>> The Lost Bayou Ramblers, like the Pine Leaf Boys, are showing that Cajun dance music is not just made by over 50 folks for over 50 folks. These young Louisiana guys make accordion, fiddle, acoustic bass, and rhythm guitar led sounds for all ages. Hear ‘em and move to ‘em for free at 6 p.m. at the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage.

>> Yeasayer @ Black Cat. Daytrotter.

WEDNESDAY
>> Wednesday night is a good night to break out the dancing shoes (and UFOs and glowsticks and whistles - actually we’ll beat you if you bring the whistles). Five is bringing in the drum and bass talents of LTJ Bukem and MC Conrad from across the pond. Local DJs and artists Bobby Jae, Locks of Intellect and Cakes will also be spinning. 9 p.m. $10.

>> For the dub step fans in the house, head over to Rock and Roll Hotel for a night of local EDM thanks to the talents of Barrios Bros., Mob Barley, Dan Amitai, Lycan and Wicked Sway. 9 p.m. $8.

>> Mixed feelings abound for Rilo Kiley's latest album, Under the Black Light, but their live show should bring back some of their older, better, less live concert series.

THURSDAY
>> If you didn’t nab tickets to see Rilo Kiley at the 9:30 Club before they sold out, but still want to get a small taste of frontwoman Jenny Lewis’s vibe, check out The Watson Twins, the duo she collaborated with last year on her solo album. They’ll be opening for Magnolia Electric Co. at Black Cat. 8 p.m. $13.

>> It’s CD release party time for local powerpoppers Boxcar Collision. The group will be supported by Bain Mattox and Shot from Guns at the Iota show. 9 p.m. $10.

>> If you’re tired of all the soulful, wistful dime-a-dozen piano-playing female singer-songwriters out there, Nellie McKay will chew you up and spit you out. She writes her own stuff and plays piano, but that’s where the similarities end. Her jazz and even occasional rap influences set her apart in a crowded genre. See her at The Birchmere. 7:30 p.m. $25.

>> Want a little weird in your week? Head to the 9:30 Club and catch Baltimore's always noteworthy Animal Collective as they tour in support of their latest album, Strawberry Jam. $20, late show, 10 p.m.

FRIDAY
>> They’re named after and old school video game system, they’ve covered Don Henley and, yes, they’re still around. The Ataris will lead a night of a four-band show at The Rock and Roll Hotel, including Olympia, Dappled Cities and you, me, and everyone we know. 8 p.m. $12 in advance, $14 at the door.

>> GWU's Jukebox the Ghost, one of our favorite local pop rock outfits, is taking the stage at the university's Mitchell Theater this weekend, and bringing lovely indie music makers The Winter Sounds along with them. This is the beginning of a new concert series for the school, so keep your ears and eyes perked for future show announcements.

>> Merriweather Post Pavillion will be one more stop on Bob Dylan and his Band’s Neverending Tour - probably for like the 10th time. Amos Lee and Elvis Costello will open. 5:30. $40-$125.

SATURDAY
>> Who loves Le Loup? DCist loves Le Loup! Come to the Black Cat and celebrate the release of their album, The Throne of the Third Heaven of the Nations' Millennium General Assembly, along with another of our most beloved local bands, These United States. $10, 9 p.m.

>> Sonic Youth has been around for 26 years. Scary, huh? Well, the alt-rock pioneers aren’t coming to town anytime soon, but lead singer and guitarist Thurston Moore is dropping by The Rock and Roll Hotel along with opener Christina Carter. 8:30. $15.

>> Le Loup's one and only label mate, Seattle's Arthur & Yu, are coming to pay D.C. a visit. It's a big night for Hardly Art. Opening for the sold-out Iron & Wine show at the 9:30 Club, they'll be a perfect compliment to Iron & Wine's hazy, lulling indie folk sound.

SUNDAY
>> So you didn't score Okkervil River tickets. How else can you finish off the week? How about with a little Megadeth at 9:30? 7 p.m. $40.

Amanda Mattos and Steve Kiviat contributed to this week's agenda. Photos from Peter Frampton & Nellie McKay's websites.