The Decemberists
(Moore) The other night I was watching a DVD of the Decemberists playing a show in Portland in 2005, although I was only half watching because I was also reading. At the ideal Decemberists concert, you would be able to read during the show. There would be a copy of Moby Dick and a little book light at your seat. It would not be considered rude. The last time I saw live music at the Moore, I left my seat and climbed to the top of the balcony and lay on my back on the concrete behind the very highest row of seats, very close to the ceiling, and felt the 101-year-old building vibrate against my spine. The Moore, Seattle’s preeminent site of opulence in decay, is perfect for the Decemberists’ antique anxieties. CHRISTOPHER FRIZZELLE

Nada Surf, Port O’Brien
(Triple Door) In 1996, Nada Surf released the extremely catchy song “Popular,” which musically explained the “rules” to a successful high-school dating career. “Being attractive is the most important thing there is/If you want to catch the biggest fish in your pond you have to be as attractive as possible/Make sure to keep your hair spotlessly clean/Wash it at least every two weeks/Once, every two weeks.” But interested in being more than an alterna-rock one-hit wonder, Nada Surf plowed through the aftermath of their short-lived MTV-star status (“They’re that one ‘Popular’ band, right?”) and continued to release records that confidently combined wistful and smart pop with warm indie rock. Their new album, Lucky (to be released on Barsuk February 5), doesn’t cover much new territory for the band, but I do very much appreciate the addition of strings in the first single, “See These Bones,” which could sound really dramatic and fantastic when played during tonight’s all-acoustic set. But unless you were quick enough to grab tickets early, you will never know—the show’s sold out. Then again, there’s always Craigslist. MEGAN SELING