Decent Days and Nights

By Lizz Kannenberg in Arts & Entertainment on Oct 17, 2007 5:55PM

If you're not off to New York for the CMJ Music Marathon, or to Reykjavik, Iceland for the Airwaves Festival this weekend, there's plenty to take in right here on the home turf.

There's nary a group of more talented individuals in independent music than Matador Records' New Pornographers. Despite the widely varying solo careers and additional projects of the main dudes, Carl Newman and Dan Bejar (of Destroyer and Swan Lake), and dudette Neko Case, the Pornos manage consistent evolution as a band and have earned their perennial status among the best live indie-pop outfits today.
Metro, Thursday, October 18, 8:00 p.m., $24, 18+

Semi-psychedelic pop outfit Probably Vampires celebrates the release of its new EP, Sons of Guns, by parting ways after one last dance at Schubas tomorrow night. Though they've been kicking around the area for five or so years, this 5-piece only recently rose to prominence for its warm, 60's-ish guitar tones and jangly melodies. We're bummed to see 'em go.
Schubas, Thursday, October 18, 9:00 p.m., $15, 18+

Eskimo Joe is, like, the biggest band in Australia since JET. Success Stateside may be a little harder to come by, but the expansive, orchestrated rock will find a place among U2 and Coldplay fans. It will definitely be interesting experienced within the close confines of the Bottle.
Empty Bottle, Saturday, October 20, 10 p.m., $10, 21+

Photo of the New Pornographers by Maria Chavez