MONDAY
>> As far as rock history is concerned, the name Ray Davies is right up there with names like Paul McCartney and Sly Stone. He led one of the 60s’ most important bands, The Kinks, and continued to be prominent throughout the years, stopping along the way to have a daughter with Chrissie Hynde, write short stories and a memoir, and get shot in the leg. Now he’s touring in promotion of his brilliant solo release, Other People’s Lives, which is quickly catching praise as a “masterpiece.” Tonight’s your chance to catch a living legend at work, as Davies storms the 9:30 Club. Legends don’t come cheap; tickets are $35, doors at 7:30 p.m.

>> Featuring two rappers (Phonte and Big Pooh) and one extremly well respected producer (Ninth Wonder, best known for making beats for Jay-Z), Little Brother come to the Black Cat tonight in support of their sophomore album, The Minstrel Show. While critics battle out the validity of their indictment of the current state of hip hop, my sources say these guys are worth the $15 to get you in the door. Part of the okayplayer team (along with other acts like The Roots), these guys could loosely be compared to A Tribe Called Quest, with straightforward, relaxed and clever flow from the two MCs. 8:30 p.m.

TUESDAY
>> Got concept rock? Baltimore’s Animal Collective will stock you up with enough aural non-sequitors and riffs-of-a-different-direction to last you clear through at least next week. If you’re at a crossroads, perhaps you’ll find some solace in their lyrics, “You don’t have to go to college.” Quite frankly we don’t know what to expect from their live show (other than to expect all new material), but it’s probably worth looking into. Black Cat, $13, 8:30 p.m.

>> Billed as “The Greatest Show on Earth” District Hip-Hoppers Asheru, W. Ellington Felton, and Jamila come to the DC9. Get there early, cause the show starts at 8:30. $15.