Thursday 4/6

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THE BAD PLUS

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In the beginning, the Bad Plus existed as outsiders among jazz purists. From their inventive twists on Kurt Cobain’s teen spirit and Blondie’s glass heart to a blatant disregard for straightforward recording techniques, the Midwest virtuosos proudly defied tradition. Five years later, they’ve proved their rebellion is much more than a temporary streak. While Suspicious Activity? features just one cover (“Theme from Chariots of Fire”), the album’s nine original tracks still challenge, frustrate and delight listeners in equal measure. “Anthems of the Earnest,” rushes forward like Schroeder banging on a baby grand, sending out a pop rhythm sure to please indie rockers and classical enthusiasts alike. It’s a sound that succeeds in concert halls and dive bars. In the end, the Bad Plus successfully bridge musical divides. So why bother fitting in? The Depot, 400 W. South Temple, 9 p.m. Tickets: DepotSLC.com (with Tolchock Trio).

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Also Thursday: The Cops (Kilby Court); Sean Paul (Harry O’s)

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Friday 4/7

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BEST OF UTAH PARTY

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For those of us here at City Weekly who tracked down, wrote up, laid out and edited 400-plus Best of Utah picks, tonight’s shindig presents a highly anticipated blowout. For the rest of ya’ll, it’s a chance to hobnob with top chefs, politicos, media darlings, inventive retailers, accomplished artists and other local celebrities including X96 favorite Dave the Flower Guy. Attendees will also enjoy local bands Ether Orchestra, Rotten Musicians, DJ Knucklez and Tolchock Trio. Come early and be the first to touch Randall Carlisle’s pretty hair. The Velvet Room, 149 W. 200 South, 9 p.m. Info: SLWeekly.com

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All Capitals, 4000 Old (Kilby Court); The Bled, As Cities Burn (Avalon); The Cunted CD Release (Urban Lounge)

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Saturday 4/8

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n The Format (In the Venue, 6 p.m.); Global Underground 2006 Tour (In the Venue, 9 p.m.); HIMSA (Avalon); At All Cost (Club BoomVa, Ogden); Jeff Phillips Benefit (Burt’s Tiki Lounge)

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Sunday 4/9

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Daphne Loves Derby, Waking Ashland (Avalon); New Ending (Captain’s Quarters)

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Monday 4/10

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JOHN VANDERSLICE, CRYSTAL SKULLS

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Amateur photographer John Vanderslice spends most of his time facing inward, so it seems natural for him to turn a camera on others. The singer/songwriter, currently on tour with an impressive revolving cast of supporting acts including Feist, Wooden Wand and Death Vessel, pens intensely personal songs which he subjects to painstaking recording sessions on antiquated analog. The result is neither slick nor flawless but rather relatable. Even Pixel Revolt’s whimsical sides echo universal daydreams. Crystal Skulls are similarly fanciful, cruising through 2006 with Outgoing Behavior, a groovy collection of oddball pop perfect for coastal drives on beach-bound afternoons. Kilby Court, 741 S. 330 West, 7:30 p.m. All-ages. Tickets: 24Tix.com (with St. Sebastian’s School for Wicked Girls).

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Also Monday: Grace Gail, Her Candane (Club BoomVa, Ogden)

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Tuesday 4/11

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WHY?

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Maybe he got lonely. Maybe he felt his trusty four-track sampler was losing its luster. Whatever the reasons, Yoni Wolf’s decision to turn solo project Why? into a full-time, four-piece band is undoubtedly a good one'and really not much of a stretch. The Bay Area artist is no stranger to collaboration, his talents grouped into Clouddead, Greenthink and other projects linked to anitcon, Berkeley’s lower-cased hip-hop collective. However, Wolf’s recent union with brother Josiah Wolf, Doug McDiarmid and Matt Meldon presents a pretty serious change in tone. While he maintains a voice similar to They Might Be Giants’ John Flansburgh, Elephant Eyelash supports songs about sipping Guinness through a cigarette filter or the desire to kiss like taffy over lively instrumentation. Any questions? Kayo Gallery, 315 E. 300 South, 7 p.m. All-ages. Info: 363-1016 (with Will Sartain).

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Also Tuesday: Swollen Members (Suede, Park City); Fall Out Boy (McKay Events Center, Orem)

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Wednesday 4/12

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THE BOOKS

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What exactly is a “found” sound? Isn’t every sound the product of good, old-fashioned discovery? Not when The Books are involved. The experimental duo takes sound to a whole new level, mashing together samples, sound bytes and original compositions with seamless precision. On paper, it reads like hip hop. In stereo, it becomes offbeat folk'tight, dreamy and orchestral. Their third release, Lost and Safe, is layer upon layer of intricate composition. It’s the sort of album you want to stumble upon, share with friends and earn bragging rights for finding it first. In the Venue, 219 S. 600 West, 7 p.m. All-ages. Tickets: 24Tix.com (with Grimfeather).

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Also Wednesday: Headlights, Mother Atlas (Kilby Court); Kittie (Club BoomVa, Ogden); Living Things (The Depot)

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COMING UP

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New Transit Direction (The Depot, April 15). R.B.D. (E Center, April 15). The Elected (Kilby Court, April 16). Dinosaur Jr. (The Depot, April 16). The Stills (In the Venue, April 17). Rob Zombie (Great Saltair, April 18). Bang Sugar Bang (Burt’s Tiki Lounge, April 18). The Iron Maidens (Club Vegas, April 21). The Editors, Stellastar (The Depot, April 22). Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers (The Depot, April 23). She Wants Revenge (Avalon, April 25). Maria Taylor (Kilby Court, April 26). Pinback (The Depot, April 27). Mike Doughty (In the Venue, April 28). Pretty Girls Make Graves (Avalon, April 28). The Sounds, Morningwood (In the Venue, April 29). Dick Dale (Liquid Joe’s, May 5). Imogen Heap (In the Venue, May 5).