When The Lights Go Down In The City

Perusing the club listings for December, we're seeing an awful lot of blank calendars. We reckon that means many of SFist's great music venues are being rented out for holiday parties. Perhaps even parties to which we were not invited. Party throwers, don't be afraid to invite SFist. We promise not to do anything untoward that might tarnish our sterling reputation. Not like we did last year.

Dear readers, there is a wealth of good music this week, if you're willing to take a chance on something new. Take The Subways, for instance. They rock in an instantly likeable way and their debut album, Young for Eternity, is built from beats that move you and melodies and lyrics that suck you in. Plus, they're a lean and mean co-ed trio (Charlotte flails effortlessly with a bass that's possibly bigger than she is). If their video for "Rock & Roll Queen" is any indication, their live performance at Popscene tonight is going to be positively electric. Enter to win a copy of their debut album (contest ends 12/7.)

Thursday 12/1
The Subways @ Popscene
The Wrens, The Rum Diary, The Pale Pacific @ Bottom of the Hill
Rock n Shop, The Herms, Ebb and Flow @ 12 Galaxies
Party to which we were not invited: with Har Mar Superstar, The Heavenly States, Dntel feat. Jimmy from Postal Service, Ryan Stout @ the Independent
Rasputina, Aberdeen City @ Great American -- Get there early to see opener Aberdeen City, a melodic rock group that's also opened for SFist favorites The Constantines
Tom Carter, The Alps, Starving Weirdos @ Hotel Utah
Emergenza Music Festival @ Red Devil Lounge -- The "festival," which has something to do with competing for a chance to play in Germany, lasts through Sunday night. The "enrollment fee" is $70 per band for a 30 minute slot. Bands, this is a racket. It is not going to make you famus.