Calexico

MONDAY
>> How about some Brooklyn hip-shaking indie sandwiched between some southern rock? Kings of Leon are a band you may have heard of. Also, you may have heard of this website called craigslist. You will need one to make the other happen. KoL is joined by We Are Scientists (the meat of the metaphor) and The Whigs (more southern rock brioche). DAR, 7 p.m.

>> The lonely acoustic melodies of Mark Kozelek (of Sun Kil Moon and Red House Painters fame) is a good option for a cold Monday night. He's touring in support of his Nights LP, which is a career-spanning compilation of live stuff and rarities. Rock and Roll Hotel for a mere $20. 8:30 p.m.

>> This is a good week at Black Cat. Cloud Cult wrote the theme song for the hilarious blog The Sneeze, and that's probably reason enough to go see them. In addition to their "sprawling, cathartic" songs, two of their band members are painters who join them on stage to create live works of art. With openers Exit Clov. $12, 8 p.m.

>> Shawn Colvin at Birchmere. $45, 7:30 p.m. Who is Shawn Colvin, you ask? Remember this from VH1?

>> Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band has been sold out for some time now. With side projects for his side projects (see: Bright Eyes, Desaparecidos, Norman Bailer, Commander Venus, Park Ave.), Oberst's latest iteration is sure to please fans of his quirky Americana. Talk to Craig about tickets. 9:30 Club, 7 p.m. doors.

TUESDAY
>> It's '90s night! I would totally go see the heavy swamp rock of Toadies at 9:30 Club if I were you. Apparently, they have new songs, which hurt my ears a little but, let's be honest, everyone just wants to see them play "Tyler" anyway, and it will be epic when they do. $15, doors at 7.

>> They're married and they're in a band together. It's kind of adorable. Last time I saw them was a couple years ago, and singer/keyboardist Kori Gardener was massively pregnant. Wonder where they've stashed their little ones this time around. Probably backstage drinking with the roadies. Mates of State at Black Cat, $15, 8 p.m.

WEDNESDAY
>> The chopped and shredded samples of Diplo, who helped launch M.I.A. to stardom, will get butts shaking this Wednesday night. Just listen to what he does to Orbital's "Halcyon" and Rich Boy's "Rollin' Rollin.'" Also, note that he is playing with basically everyone (No Age, Abe Vigoda, Boy 8 Bit, Telepathe). Seriously. Abe Vigoda plays their version of surf rock and Boy 8 Bit plays heavy electronica laced with video game bleeps and boops. Even with short sets, this could be a long show. But good! Or just random as hell. Black Cat, $15, 7:30 p.m.

>> Rose Hill Drive bring their 1970s inspired rock 'n' roll to DC9, $12, 8:30 p.m. With Colour Revolt.

>> Robert Earl Keen is the Jimmy Buffet of Texas. If country, folksy wit and sing-a-longs are your thing, this is probably the show for your Wednesday. Corb Lund will open with his marching blend of folk and country. 9:30 Club, $35, doors are at 7 p.m.

>> Bob Schneider is at the Birchmere, with opener Amie Miriello. $25, 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY
>> More good shows at the Cat. M83's (aka Anthony Gonzalez, at right) most recent album Saturdays=Youth has received some great reviews. Gonzalez's most poppy and accessible work to date, it features an incredibly broad range of musical styles that are all firmly rooted in 1980s pastiche. Openers School of Seven Bells stole their guitarist, Benjamin Curtis, away from the Secret Machines, which made the SMs considerably less good. Black Cat, $17, 8 p.m.

>> Tucson, AZ based Calexico are touring in support of their excellent new album, Carried to Dust, which just dropped in September. 9:30 Club, $17, Doors at 7 p.m.

>> With as much punk activity as has existed in D.C., it's almost surprising that more of the legendary post-punk greats haven't stopped by. Cross The Homosexuals off of that list. They'll be at the Velvet Lounge with local veterans (of other bands) The Cheniers and Sonic Youth producer Martin Bisi. 9:30 p.m., 18+ $10.

FRIDAY
>> Ethiopian restaurant by day, new venue on the block by night, Dahlak will feature a five-headed beast of show. Ugly Purple Sweater (D.C.-based, think Beirut or Bower Birds), Lost in the Trees, The Never, Dancer vs. Politician, and Pearl and the Beard. Yes, that's a lot of links. And one of them sings in German. At "party o'clock," let's say 7:30ish. Only $1.40 per band.

>> Three Stars alums Imperial China know how to make a room jump with their loud and highly percussive sound, and when coupled with Report Suspicious Activity, the new project from legendary J. Robbins (of Jawbox), one might wonder if the structural integrity of the Velvet Lounge floor can handle this line up. 10 p.m. $10. 18+

SATURDAY
>> AC/DC Black Ice World Tour at Verizon Center. Sold out. Craigslist is probably your best bet here, but prepare to pay through the nose. Fact: it will probably be more epic than the Toadies. Expect lots of leather and velvet. 8 p.m.

>> If you can't get tickets to AC/DC (or if you can't stomach them), there's also a great lineup of D.C. bands capped off by the new wave power pop of The Dance Party. They will be joined by Greenland, The Nunchucks, and Ra Ra Rasputin. It should definitely be high-energy. Rock and Roll Hotel at 9 p.m., $10.

SUNDAY
Check out the fun indie folk of Denison Witmer at Iota. Perhaps the perfect mellow show to refuel/recuperate before the Monday grind. $12, 8:30 p.m.