Last week I suggested you enjoy a double bill of looping specialists. You could have seen a pair shows of concerts each from Tune-Yards and Reggie Watts over a five-day stretch. I was traveling and had to miss the shows, but a quick Internet search lets me know that Reggie Watts got all kinds of funky and Tune-Yards got rave reviews from their Tuesday night ACL taping show and their sold out Mohawk show got even more people sweaty and dancing Wednesday night. I didn't make it to ab class this week, so I don't know incredible the instructor thought Skrillex was, but I have to believe it was a nightmare. This upcoming week has some good shows and some bad shows, but nothing life changing or weekend ruining. Unless you're up for a road trip to Houston.

Pay

Two Door Cinema Club (Concert) at Stubbs Friday June 1st, Sold Out

This Irish pop band grows on you. They have more singles than you remember and have an endearing, fast paced live show. They opened for Phoenix a tour or two ago and the pairing fits perfectly. The show may be sold out, but I'm confident you can get a ticket in front of Stubbs for around $20-$30 and it would be worth it.

The Boxing Lesson (Concert) at Hotel Vegas Wednesday, June 6th for $5

The Boxing Lesson is the first Austin band I ever liked when I came to my first SXSW 4 SX's ago, and they've grown incredibly since then. Their outer space synth's and psychadelic guitars are often compared to Pink Floyd, but if Pink Floyd was in outer space. I can't put my finger on why they're so under-appreciated in Austin, but you should see them any chance you get. Their new single "Health is the New Drug" is some of their best work to date. Stay out for their Wednesday midnight show. It's your only chance to see them for a month, as this show kicks off their tour. The price of the show is $5, which is completely worth it.

Yeasayer (concert tickets) at Stubbs for $25-$27 on sale Friday, June 1st.
"I bought us Yeasayer tickets." My girlfriend woke me up with this a couple days ago. I was totally excited. The show might not be until September, but it will almost certainly sell out and future you will be psyched you have tickets already. It came out to around $31 after service charges. One of the best touring bands around. Easy decision. Apparently she bought the tickets from a pre-sale, but they go on sale Friday. Get some.

Play:

Metric album Synthetica (Streaming free):

Gotta love when a band puts their new album online to stream. Even better, it's quite good and even has a guest spot from Lou Reed. This is a far better pairing for him than Metallica. It's the last song on the album, but start at the beginning. It's a sensational listen all the way through from the opening line, "I'm just as f*cked up as they say" to the last words out of Lou's mouth.

Free Press Summer Fest in Houston:

I would feel remiss if I didn't mention that there's a very good music festival in Houston this weekend. Willie Nelson and Snoop Dogg headline, in addition to The Flaming Lips performing Dark Side of the Moon, Two Door Cinema Club, Young the Giant, Pretty Lights, Turqoise Jeep, Quiet Company and Clap Your Hands And Say Yeah, among others. It's a lot of great acts, no doubt, but if I'm being completely honest, my take is that I'd only go if it was convenient. Some festivals have such an enticing line-up, that you do whatever it takes to go. I have to work Sunday and decided it wasn't worth the 3-4 hour drive each way for one day of bands. Sure, I'd pay to see most of those bands, but there's really no one on that list that I'd say are an absolute must see to travel for, so I'm staying home. If I had the time off and could get a ride with someone, I'd totally do it.

Stay away:

Foster The People at The Backyard at Bee Cave for $35, Sold Out:

Some bands get a totally undeserved backlash after getting too big too fast (Vampire Weekend) and some totally deserve being knocked down a few pegs (MGMT, Kings of Leon). I'd say Foster the People lies somewhere in the middle of that. They made a nice album with some hits that got more popular than they are talented. They're not particularly engaging live and the Mark Foster's voice is far worse live than on record. The crowd will be just horrific in the Backyard on a Tuesday night. It's going to be a bunch of high schoolers who have nothing better to do than sit in front of the gate all day in stupid neon hats/sunglasses, waiting to see this show. Avoid this at all costs.

P.S. I considered putting Collective Soul as my last stay away, but decided against it. If you really like Collective Soul (I don't think I've ever met someone who calls themselves a Collective Soul fan), then $22 isn't a terrible deal to see them at La Zona Rosa Saturday night. Have fun.