How's this for a normal pre-teen existence: school, soccer practice, homework, gig with Pearl Jam. It's all in a day's work for the sisters in Smoosh. At the ages when most teenage girls are locked in their rooms distraught over the politics of popularity or some unrequited crush, Chloe (12) and Asya (14) are out in the proverbial garage writing edgy pop songs on keyboard and drums. The best part? It's not a novely act. Smoosh opens for the Eels at The Fillmore on Wednesday night. We're giving away a copy of their forthcoming record Free To Stay out June 6th on Barsuk Records. Download "Find A Way" from the album and enter to win. (Contest ends 5/31. Winner will be notified via email.)

Who was at 12 Galaxies last night for the tribute to The Replacements? The turnout was impressive and the lineup gave a great taste of local talent including Kelley Stoltz, Penelope Houston, members from Oranger and Finest Dearest and more. There was a lot of love for The Replacements in the room, including John Doe reminiscing about how X gave The Replacements some of their first gigs in Madison, WI. Hats off to man-about-town Nick Tangborn for putting on a fine show.

And now for this week's recommended shows. On Friday, Popscene presents Damone and Birdmonster at 330 Ritch. We got excited over Damone's irresistibly spiky pop rock when we first heard them a few years ago, but then they seemed to have disappeared for a while. They resurface this week with a new album called Out Here All Night featuring Noelle's petulant vocals and a wall of metal guitars. Also on Friday New Amsterdams play Bottom of the Hill.

Listen to Damone's "What We Came Here For"
Download New Amsterdams' "Turn Out the Light" from Story Like A Scar

More music after the jump.

On Saturday, check out all the hip rock boys with their dirty hair at Slim's when Elefant, Voxtrot and our beloved Silversun Pickups perform. Read Austinist's interview with Voxtrot here.

Tuesday has us running between two shows. The last time we made a comment about Jordan Catalano, we wound up with free tickets to see his band and how far he's come since the MSCL days. We respect Leto's accomplishments as an actor (as well as his ability to give good brood) so we're making our best efforts to see 30 Seconds To Mars' rescheduled show at Great American. We might get held up at Café Du Nord seeing the Sam Roberts Band perform songs from their new album Chemical City, but hopefully we can see both.

Everyone should see some live music on Wednesday night. We're celebrating the return of our favorite new rock trio, weighing in at approximately 333 pounds - We Are Scientists! They open for Arctic Monkeys at the Warfield so don't you be late to that show. Smoosh opens for the Eels at The Fillmore and Pinback gently complicates things at Bimbo's. Head to Café Du Nord for a full night of local bands: The Heavenly States, The Husbands and Citizens Here and Abroad.

Download Pinback's "B" from Offcell.