THURSDAY 6/9

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HEADPHONES, CRYSTAL SKULLS

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Who’s feelin’ groovy? Seattle’s Crystal Skulls! The indie quartet’s shagadelic debut, Blocked Numbers, waxes nostalgic with hot and heavy passion for ’70s pop. Vocalist Christian Wargo is masterful on the mic, summoning his inner lounge singer in the key of Steely Dan to relay tales of airport motels, weak spots and hussies. The group’s humorous, laid-back style has summoned numerous predictions of its future appearance on a very special episode of The O.C. Decide for yourself whether this generalization merits any warrant. The Velvet Room, 149 W. 200 South, 9 p.m. Tickets: 800-888-8499.

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Also Thursday: The Beach Boys (Sandy Amphitheater); Building Press (Urban Lounge); Sleepytime Gorilla Museum (Egos'see Music, p. 80)

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FRIDAY 6/10

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Gypsy Soul (Kenley Amphitheater, Layton); Jesse Dayton (Egos); Spork, Last Response, Utah County Swillers (Burt’s Tiki Lounge); In Camera (Todd’s Bar & Grill); SLUG Localized (Urban Lounge)

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SATURDAY 6/11

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GIGI LOVE

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There’s something refreshing about Gigi Love. Maybe it’s her honey-dipped voice, caressing electric guitar, fiddle, flute and pedal steel. Then again, it’s pretty common for an alt-country crooner to deliver sweet, heartbreaking fare. Love’s appeal isn’t tied to a few sentimental notes. Her presence, fearless and straightforward, lends a universal quality to otherwise self-conscious content. Now, just months after releasing her third effort, Turning to Gold, the local musician is headed for Nashville to work under songwriter and EMI publishing rep Bruce Burch (Reba McEntire, Faith Hill, Kris Kristofferson). This could be your last chance to catch her before Love is a household name. Mo’s Grill, 358 S. West Temple, 6:30 p.m. Info: 359-0586.

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AQUALUNG

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It didn’t take much to inform Matt Hale’s chosen profession. As a child, he jammed on his parents’ piano then channeled burgeoning talent through several bands including Mecano Pig, Gravel Monsters, Ruth and the 45s. His latest project, Aqualung, has Hales making music for Volkswagen commercials, romantic interludes and moments of quiet introspection. Strange & Beautiful isn’t only for the lonely, but it helps to listen when you’re feeling either completely in or out of love. Lo-Fi Cafe, 127 S. West Temple, 6:30 p.m. All-ages. Tickets: 800-888-8499.

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Also Saturday: KRCL Day in the Park (Jordan Park); Courtney Jaye (University Mall); The Wicked Tinkers (Piper Down); Brant Bjork (Burt’s Tiki Lounge); Six-Sided Box (Egos); Salty Frogs (Mo Diggity’s'see 24-Seven, p.29)

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SUNDAY 6/12

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THE BUTCHIES

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First, let’s get this out of the way: The Butchies are not a lesbian band'they are a band composed of female musicians who also happen to be lesbians. In fact, the pop-punk trio makes music for universal audiences. Anyone drawn to cotton-candy vocals, quick guitar riffs and lyrics boasting unapologetic sexual appetite will dig their fourth release, Make Yr Life. Celebrate their bold confidence and lust for life by dancing in the streets at Utah Pride Fest. This could be their final appearance in Utah as the trio go their separate ways. Library Square, 210 E. 400 South, 2 p.m. All-ages. www.UtahPride.org.

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Also Sunday: Chris Isaak (Red Butte Garden); B-Side Players (Egos); Goat Girl (Monk’s)

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MONDAY 6/13

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NEKROMANTIX

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Ice cream magnates Ben & Jerry once said, “If it’s not fun, why do it?” Turns out psychobilly all-stars Nekromantix took the chubby buddies’ advice, adopting a similar credo with one additional stipulation: Nothing is sacred. The lighthearted, dark-spirited trio laughs when the hearse goes by, tossing out bass lines through a coffin-shaped upright bass. Their latest release, Dead Girls Don’t Cry, reflects continued love for B-movie monsters'their hopes, fears and plans once the reel stops spinning and real life begins. Don’t fear the reaper. Embrace Nekromantix. In the Venue, 579 W. 200 South, 7 p.m. All-ages. Tickets: 800-888-8499.

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TUESDAY 6/14

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THE FUTUREHEADS

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Comparisons can be useful for describing up and coming acts, but when the next big thing is constantly touted as, well, the next Franz Ferdinand, something gets lost in translation. The Futureheads have as much in common with the Scottish rockers as they do with the Clash. Which is to say, they are pretty in punk. Or post-punk, if you will. Songs like “Piece of Crap” and “Remote Control” are bouncy, catchy numbers sounding off social and political content worthy of Mr. Strummer himself. Lo-Fi Cafe, 127 S. West Temple, 7 p.m. All-ages. Tickets: 800-888-8499.

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DIGABLE PLANETS

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Ba da da. Ba da da. Digable Planets are all grown up. Back in the day, the jazzy hipsters wasted passion on feuding, leaving behind a legacy built on one funky debut and its unforgettable single, “Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat).” Sure, they won a Grammy, but what did it mean if the trio stopped trying? With age, came maturity'and an answer to “what if.” The group reformed, recorded a third album, and jumped on the Lollapalooza bandwagon'hoping the previously ill-fated tour will bounce back with force comparable to their lust for Round 2. Suede, 1612 Ute Blvd. (Kimball Junction), Park City, 9 p.m. Tickets: 800-888-8499.

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Also Tuesday: Alana Davis (Egos); Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra (Velvet Room)

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WEDNESDAY 6/15

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Me Without You (Kilby Court); Mingo Fish Trap (Velvet Room); Ted Dancin’ (Urban Lounge); Luciano (Suede, Park City)

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COMING UP

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Meat Beat Manifesto (Velvet Room, June 16). Hell’s Belles (Egos, June 17-18). G. Love & Special Sauce (Library Square, June 18). Farm Folk Festival (Tremonton, June 18). Hacienda Brothers (Egos, June 20). Kenny Chesney (Delta Center, June 21). Hot Hot Heat (Sound, June 21). Static-X (Lo-Fi Café, June 22). Utah Arts Festival (Library Square, June 23-26). Michelle Shocked (Velvet Room, June 23). Moot Davis & Pete Anderson (Brewskis, June 25). Donny Osmond (Kingsbury Hall, June 28). The Flatlanders (Red Butte Garden, June 29). Jonathan Richman (Kilby Court, June 29). Kelly Clarkson (Rice-Eccles Stadium, July 2). Salt Lake City Int’l Jazz Festival (Washington Square, July 6-10).