FRIDAY, SEPT. 21

The B-53s, Smithsonian @ 40 Watt: The cover-show season has begun! From now until Halloween, prepare for some seriously silly action. Tonight's show features B-52s and Smiths covers. Getcha '80s on!

Softspot, Pretty Bird, Twin Tigers: Brooklyn-based Softspot (which features Bambara drummer/former Athenian Blaze Bateh on drums) gets way into some cool psychedelia with their music, which also features Kate Bush-esque vocal overtones. Love it.

The Whigs, The District Attorneys, Don Chambers + GOAT @ Georgia Theatre: Them Athens boys return to town to celebrate the release of Enjoy the Company, their New West debut. (Is it just me, or are they sounding more and more like a mellower Foo Fighters? Not that there's anything wrong with that.)

The Mad Violinist @ New Earth Music Hall: While "dubstep violin" may sound like a frightening proposition, this dude, with his virtuosic playing and penchant for no-nonsense beats, smashes expectations.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 22

New Madrid, Kalen Nash @ Farm 255: Rising swiftly through the Athens indie rock ranks, the very reverb-y New Madrid is riding high on the release of their solid new album Yardboat.

Up Your Athens Punk Fest #2 @ Caledonia Lounge: With 17 bands playing two stages, expect a bevy of heavy, fast music, with bands playing everything from crust-punk to post-hardcore to doom-metal. Plus, it's ALL AGES, and only $1 if you're over 21 ($3 for everyone under).

Galactic feat. Corey Glover, Lingo @ Georgia Theatre: Get your funk fill with this sure-to-be jammin' show. Living Colour's Corey Glover will be joining the New Orleans-based Galactic for a set of that band's deep-groovin' tunes.