Weekly Music Picks: Keepin' it Simple

Some weeks, we get ambitious with our music picks. This week, we're taking a laid-back approach that matches the music of (some of) our selections.

Wednesday, June 10

Meat Puppets with Retribution Gospel Choir. Uh, Meat Puppets! Cobain inspiration, backwater swirling, et cetera. Can't say no. The Paradise (967 Comm Ave), 7pm doors, 18+, $15.

Joe Lally (of Fugazi), Glorytellers (ex-Karate), The Soft Drugs at Middle East Upstairs (472 Mass Ave). Subtle and soulful but also capable of straight-up rocking out, tonight's group of performers will offer a wide variety of quirky and competent tunes. 18+ $9 adv / $10 doors (@ 8pm).

Thursday, June 11

Sunset Rubdown keeps it weird with Elfin Saddle and Witchies. Sure to be surreal but spectacular. Middle East Downstairs (480 Mass Ave), 18+, $12.

Friday, June 12

Tennessee boy Todd Snider whiskies up the Paradise with his down-home tunes. With David Zollo. The Paradise (967 Comm Ave), 7pm doors, 18+, $15.

The Fiery Furnaces and Hallelujah The Hills (with Bodega Girls) bring beautiful vocals to the Middle East Downstairs (480 Mass Ave), 18+ $10 adv / $12 doors.

Saturday, June 13

They Might Be Giants search birdhouses for Istanbul at Berklee Performance Center (136 Mass Ave). Note that it's a family show, so don't be crass. 3pm, $26.

Sunday, June 14

Cowboy Mouth with Chris Barron (from the Spin Doctors). "Jenny Says" and the potential for "Pocket Full of Kryptonite"? So early '90s! The Paradise (967 Comm Ave), 7pm doors, 18+, $15.