Weekly Music Picks, October 18–24

If you don't feel hemmed in by the weather, two great shows tonight kick off a solid week of local music with some decent names dropping by for a good time. Plus, our friends at Ryan's Smashing Life are having an anniversary show Saturday, so keep an eye out for more info on that. In other local music blog news, we sincerely regret missing the "For Amie" breast cancer benefit put on by Bradley's Almanac at the Middle East yesterday, but you can stop by the 'Nac and offer your support if you haven't done so already.

Sunday, October 18

Lucero brings out the southern in you, manufacturing a desire for freight trains and dirt roads. A perfect sunny (but sorrow-tinged) antidote to a rainy (and, now, fucking snowy) New England weekend. With Amy LaVere, Cedric Burnside (which we almost mistyped as Bunsride, which would be way cool), Lightnin' Malcolm. Middle East upstairs, 8pm, $20.

Portugal. The Man humanizes vast landscapes of sound with staccato imperfections and rich vocals, making their songs both familiar and uncanny. With local fave Drug Rug and Hockey. Paradise, 8pm.

Echo and the Bunnymen are still around? But of course. And they're still playing rad live shows. Make the 80s magic happen at Great Scott. 9pm, $35.

Monday, October 19

The Postmarks evoke a gentle, wistful feeling like that brought on by a postcard from afar: you'll wish you were at this show, if you don't go. With Sian Alice Group, Brookville. Middle East Up. 9pm, $9.

Austin's Rocketboys celebrate the release of 20,000 Ghosts with an upbeat show at PA's Lounge. With Dignan, Gillermo Sexo. 9pm, $7 ($10 for the 18-20 crowd).

Tuesday, October 20

Pedro the Lion alternately lulled and challenged; former frontman David Bazan alone (at the microphone...) has a similar gently provocative effect, while TW Walsh (who recently tweeted something we've often wondered) took The Soft Drugs in a slightly grittier direction. Don't miss both of these accomplished musicians at TT's Tuesday. 9pm, $12 (sold out online but tickets will be available day of show at the venue).

Stylish pop darlings The Raveonettes are joined by rough Austin psych-rockers The Black Angels for a show that neatly pairs two distinct but enjoyable genres. Paradise, 9pm, $18.