The Boston Public Health Commission placed a billboard featuring a giant pair of hands unwrapping a giant condom in an awkward spot – across the street from a Catholic School in Dorchester. Somehow, it never occurred to the people locating the billboards that the officials of the Saint Kevin School might get a tad upset. No one asked the kids what they thought – they are probably getting quite a kick out of it, and......

This week has seen finally-blooming trees, an uncharacteristically shining sun, and Bostonians emerging from their long grey coats—just in time for some jaunty indiepop. With some help from the kindly gaylords at Total Gaylord Records, the Student Council is bringing sixteen bands' worth of twee to town for the first (Bostonist hope it's "first annual") Cream of the Pop festival, commencing this evening and continuing through Saturday. Regional darlings Smittens, Mittens, and Hands & Knees......

After the total lunar eclipse spiced up the night sky this past weekend we've got enough of the visuals. This week we're committed not to go see live music but to go hear live music. This week we're welcoming a few new contributors to the list, have a listen, will ya? Monday 3/5 Badly Drawn Boy It's okay to admit to liking British singer-songwriter Damon Gough, aka Badly Drawn Boy. He may write lyrics......

It seems everyone is talking about bib numbers, their knees, or the New Balance they hope are broken in by the time Marathon Monday rolls around. There’s not much time to train for the treck past Heartbreak Hill, but it’s not stopping lots of people out there. These bands aren’t on the run. They’re kicking up the amps and pumping pure, sweet decibels of goodness into our ears all week long. Tuesday 4/11 Shumai Indie......

Hey, remember when Bostonist was all "Whooo! Spoooooon!" and advised you to pick up tickets for their show? Bostonist sure hopes you did, because their Paradise show tonight is sold out, although craigslist tickets seem less jacked-up insane than normal. However, when your songs are on The O.C. and your album debuts at #40 on the Billboard charts, you can't sleep on buying tickets. Thanks, Josh Schwartz! There's a sold-out WFNX/The Boston Phoenix "Best Music......