Nada Surf’s fifth album is the aptly titled Lucky. After their label refused to release their sophomore record because it “didn’t hear a single” — thereby refusing the band an opportunity to follow up on their mega-hit “Popular” — many bands would have just walked away. Nada Surf, however, refused to cave and turned their focus to Europe, where The Proximity Effect became a small hit — eventually allowing the band the buy back the…

One thing to be said for constant touring is that it’s a very effective way to learn exactly what one’s fanbase wants. When Delta Spirit started touring over a year ago in support of the Cold War Kids, they had an admirably high energy level and some fun percussion, but no songs that seemed particularly memorable. A year later, their gimmicks complement the songs rather than outshine them, and although Delta Spirit still falls into…

FRIDAY: >> Local comic book store Fantom Comics is celebrating the grand opening of their new Union Station store tonight with a party from 6 to 10:30 p.m. They’ll be serving up free pizza on the early side and the comedy stylings of the Geek Comedy Tour during the second half of the night. There will also be a trivia contest with $500 gift certificates up for grabs. The party is inside the Union…

>> No Reservations star Anthony Bourdain was reportedly at Ben’s Chili Bowl last night, so if you’re heading to his reading at GW’s Lisner Auditorium tonight, be sure to try to ask him what he thinks of the chili half-smoke. For more information & to check on ticket availability (it’s nearly sold-out), call Smithsonian Associates at 202-633-3030. $28, $14 for GW students at the Lisner box office. 7 p.m. >> Philadelphia quintet Dr. Dog…