We reckon a good percentage of San Franciso music-lovers will be at Great American Music Hall this week, whether it's at one of the three sold out Arcade Fire shows or Saturday's sold out X show. We commend you, SF, your taste is impeccable. While you're down at Great American, SFist Emily recommends stopping by the box office to purchase your ticket for the Tsunami Relief Benefit on January 28th. A $20 donation gets you in to see performances by Ben Gibbard (Death Cab For Cutie), Mark Kozelek (Red House Painters) and Eric Bachman (Archers of Loaf). We smell another sold out show coming on.

If you like your Americana with a little dirt under its fingernails, tonight The Independent has Jesse Malin and Ball-Point Birds featuring Tim and Greg of Mother Hips. Malin's new record has appearances from fellow greasy-haired folkies Ryan Adams and Pete Yorn. Kaiser Chiefs have brought their deafening dance-punk buzz all the way from the UK down to the Popscene stage at 330 Ritch. SFist Mary-Lynn recommends Turn Records’ 5 year anniversary party at Cafe du Nord, featuring Track Star, Xiu Xiu, Dealership, The Dying Californian and Doctor Nurse (w/ members of The Contrail). Take this opportunity to congratulate the Turn folks on five great years, then slip your demo tape into their bag when they’re not looking.

Friday night offers great shows in every genre. Bottom of the Hill will have the stylish haircut crowd shimmying and slithering along to Von Iva, Scarling and Death Of A Party. Indie rockers can release all their nervous energy along with The Thermals and Oranger down at Cafe Du Nord. Relax to the ambient sounds of The Album Leaf, Rum Diary and Roots of Orchis at The Independent. Wave your hands in the air with Special Ed at Elbo Room with Coolie High and Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist. Or head down to Slim's to let X school you on how to rock a crowd. This ain't no rickety nostalgia ride; stay out of the first few rows if you're afraid to get spit or sweat upon.