Sasquatch and the Sick-a-billys (left) bring their psychobilly mix to O'Brien's (the perfect venue for them) on Thursday. Watch out for flying beer bottles, and puke (no, seriously). With them are old time rock'n'rollers The Egos. Shows at O'Brien's are 21+, and this one is $8.

Also at O'Brien's, this Saturday You Lion celebrates the release of their EP ""End It On The Bridge". They are sandwiched between openers Nassy, and the mighty Piles headlining. Piles are a mostly instrumental 3 piece with hard hitting drums and Slint dynamics. This is a rare show for them, and not to be missed.

Sunday night, you can catch the recently reunited Shore Leave playing a free show at The Middle East Downstairs. Their brand of math-rock isn't just technically impressive, but it is also hooky - you might recognize their tune "Water" on a commercial for WBZ-TV news. Joinig them are Air Traffic Controller, and Mugison (from Iceland) - the whole evening is a part of the Taste Of Iceland event.



If you happen to be stuck in Boston this weekend and not coming to New York for our Knocks showcase at the Delancey, there are options!

Jenny Dee and the Deelinquents are hosting their CD Release party Friday night at TT The Bear's. You might know Jen from her stints in The Downbeat 5 and The Dents. Joining her are Barrence Whitfield and the Monkeyhips, Jordan Valentine & the Sunday Saints (ex- World's Greatest Sinners), Gene Dante & The Future Starlets, Blizzard of 78, and Jed Parish. Eli "Paperboy" Reed and the DJ's of Soul-le-lu-jah spin between sets. This is a night of soul, R&B, and rock that is not to be missed.

Saturday the 6th, Dear Leader performs at Great Scott. Headed by Aaron Perrino, the band continues the anthemic tradition of The Sheila Divine (who Perrino fronted). Also performing are Arletta and The Hush Now.

Two shows of interest this Friday night.

First off, Great Scott hosts The Gas - a regular comedy night hosted by The Anderson Comedy Troupe (who also host a bi-weekly open mic comedy night at The Middle East). The Gas is currently up for "Best Comedy Night" in the Boston Phoenix's annual BEST awards.

Also on Friday, The Appreciation Post celebrates their record release party at TT The Bear's. Playing with them are The Organ Beats (Noelle from Damone's new project), The Bynars, and Art Decade.

The Together - New England Electronic Music Festival is in full swing (Day 3, to be exact) and tonight at Great Scott you can catch Das Racist ("Combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell") at Great Scott. Joining them are Royal Bangs, Theory Engine, and #1 Dad & DJ Fred Mertz. Together has 4 more days of events - panels, discussions, A/V performance at Mass Art, DJs and live acts at venues all across town, and much more. Check out a full schedule of events at the above link

Great Scott is also hosting a pair of benefit shows over the weekend. Saturday and Sunday night feature some of Boston's best snarling punk. Burning Streets, Beantown Boozehounds, Snipes, Drago, The Welch Boys, and Dead Friends perform Saturday. Sunday night will see The Welch Boys (double dipping on both shows), Refuse Resist, The Murder, and Blue Bloods. Both nights are a benefit for the family of Ron Holbrook, and details are available at www.greatscottboston.com

The benefits continue at The Middle East next week, this time for the victims of the Haiti Earthquake. Monday sees the mighty Big Bear, Ketman, Chris Brokaw (ex Codeine), Monique Ortiz (Bourbon Princess), Art Decade, and The Dirty Dishes. Tuesday is more of a punk rock affair, with Once Beloved, Mongrel, Feral Children (on tour from Seattle), Meat Hammer, *silencio*, and DJ Clay N Ferno. Wednesday features the pop/rock stylings of Topheavy, Death By Fame, Bearstronaut, The Callous Stars, Cult 45, and Josh Klein. Info is available at www.mideastclub.com

Despite the near-Springlike temperatures lately, do not be fooled by New England weather. That being said, make the most of this momentary break from Old Man Winter with these hot local shows -

For those who missed it last August, Boston Band Crush sponsored an evening called "One Night Band" - an All-Star team of local music. Tonight at The Middle East marks a reunion of sorts, with The Peppermint Patties, Old Jack, Logan 5 & The Runners, Ed In The Refridgerators (members of Harry & The Potters), Cult of Point Break Society, plus the premiere screening of One Night Band movie.

Friday night at The Middle East Upstairs is Mascara's CD Release party. If you think Chris Mascara's stage moves look familiar, you're correct - the folks at Harmonix modeled the actions of the lead singer in their Rock Band games on him. Joining them are spazz-rockers Ho-Ag, as well as Super 400, and Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling (featuring members of The Motion Sick).

Also on Friday, Dead Cats Dead Rats (read the Knocks review here!) perform at TT The Bear's with A Wish For Fire, Blackbutton, and Left Hand Does.

Hot Pink Delorean, whom we interviewed last year, headline Great Scott Saturday night. Opening is Delorean protege Fantastadon (of Privus Lounge).