MONDAY
>> We like When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth based on their name alone. The Austinites play noisy rock, and will be at the Velvet Lounge with Rings, Acheronian, and Life Partners. Doors 9 p.m., $7.

>> Sub Pop’s The Constantines visit the Rock and Roll Hotel, bringing their well-honed, interesting angular rock. Openers are Oakley Hall and Ecstasy the Flower. Doors at 8 p.m., $14.

>> Colin Hay comes from a land down under, where women glow and men chunder. The Men At Work singer is a solo artist now, and is at the Birchmere tonight. 7:30 p.m., $20.

TUESDAY
>> Lou Reed. The Velvet Underground singer-songwriter needs no introduction, and his solo career wasn’t too shabby either (“Walk on the Wide Side”). The 9:30 Club is sold out for his show, but maybe you can ask Craig.

>> If “Japanese action comic punk” sounds like something you’d like to see, hit the Black Cat backstage for Peelander-Z, with Pessimist Parade and Nihilitia. 9 p.m, $8.

WEDNESDAY
>> It’s indie buzz band night at the 9:30 Club, with Tapes N Tapes and White Denim. See what the fuss is about. $15.

>> Hardworking locals Bellflur are at the Black Cat’s backstage tonight, along with Hundred Hundred and Seamonster. 9 p.m., $8.

>> The Congressional Blues Festival is today at the Kennedy Center. Free tickets are gone, but you may be able to get some online (we had trouble, though). Considering you get lots of blues plus food and beer, it sounds like a great stop. 6 p.m.

THURSDAY
>> There might be other shows you could go to tonight, but the only show you absolutely must go to is DCist’s Unbuckled 7, featuring Muhsinah (***), Motel and DJ v:shal kanwar, all for only $8 at DC9. Doors are at 9 p.m., and stay tuned for special previews of the bands this week.