MONDAY
Hip-hop artist Theophilus London may hail from Brooklyn, but his wardrobe includes ten gallon cowboy hats and his musical style borrows as much from reggae and new wave as older rap. He even made a mixtape referencing The Smiths, This Charming Mixtape. Ra Ra Rasputin, another act that pulls its sound from multiple genres, will open this show at the 9:30 Club. $20, 7 p.m.
>> Velvet Lounge: Dino Felipe, Animal Wigs, Pilesar, This Heart Electric. $8, 9 p.m.
TUESDAY
It’s been a good year for the resurgence of Elephant 6 in the collective conscience as both Jeff Mangum and the Olivia Tremor Control are touring after several years of inactivity. Additionally, Balkan folk inspired indie pop duo A Hawk & A Hacksaw (featuring Neutral Milk Hotel’s former drummer) will actually be stopping through D.C. at the Red Palace. Dark Dark Dark and Pillars & Tongues will open. $12, 8:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY
The Swedish king of sentimentality, Jens Lekman, is still as adorable as ever. He still responds to personal emails and although he hasn’t released any new albums since 2007’s Night Falls Over Kortedala, the fact that he’s coming to Sixth & I Synagogue surely must signify some new gorgeous indie pop ballads to come, right? Sold out, but Craigslist might have some options. 8 p.m.
>> Velvet Lounge: Wild Fruit, Sleeping in the Aviary, Paperhaus. $8, 9 p.m.
THURSDAY
Okay, so there’s actually only one female in New Jersey trio The Screaming Females, but Marissa Paternoster is the one with the distinctive vocal wail and the guitar shredding that hails back to the licks of 1970s guitar heroes. They could put on a clinic on how to actually rock out and are worth watching every time they come through the area. They’ll be at the Black Cat with The Underground Railroad to Candyland. $10 in advance / $12 at the door, 8 p.m.
>> Iota: The Mekons, Chris Mills. $16, 8 p.m.
FRIDAY
There are two instances tonight of bands playing their breakout albums in their entirety, although, to be fair, doesn’t Trans Am more or less play the entirety of Futureworld at all their shows anyway? We’re not complaining, especially since they’re with the always raucous and entertaining Les Savy Fav at the 9:30 Club. The Psychic Paramount opens. $20, 8 p.m.
>> Black Cat: The Lemonheads (performing It’s A Shame About Ray in its entirety), The Shining Twins, New York Rivals. $15, 9 p.m.
SATURDAY
Merrill Garbus, the new reigning queen of vocal yelps, wild tribal loops and bizarre instrumentation has managed to sell out both the early and late tUnE-yArDs shows at the Black Cat but heed our advice (and we speak from experience), if you find an available ticket, do yourself a favor and grab it. Sold out at 6 and 9 p.m.
SUNDAY
After a strong showing on Pitchfork with their latest release, Young People’s Church of the Air, local quartet Deleted Scenes will finally bring their show back to DC9 to celebrate the aforementioned release. Look for DCist’s take on the album later this week. They’ll be playing with The Life and Times and Vs. Antelope. $12, 8:30 p.m.
>> 9:30 Club: James Blake, Chairlift. $25, 7 p.m.
