The Killers, Death Cab for Cutie, Cold War Kids, Shiny Toy Guns, Aqueduct
(WaMu Theater) So, the Killers are Mormons, and the Mormons funneled shitloads of money into passing California's anti-gay-marriage amendment, Proposition 8. Of course, it would be unfair to dismiss the Killers just because of the actions of their bigoted, crazy-talking church (Did you know Jesus Christ visited America's Wild West? It's true!). It would be plenty fair, though, to dismiss the band because their few great singles are now two full albums behind them ("When You Were Young" was just okay). Their latest, Day & Age, was produced by Les Rythmes Digitales/Jacques Lu Cont/Thin White Duke mastermind Stuart Price, so it sounds sharp enough, but it's just more new-wave rehash, lazy rock, and radio-ready power balladry—well worth boycotting solely on its own merits. ERIC GRANDY

The Grouch & Eligh, the Bayliens
(Neumos) The Grouch & Eligh come out of the Living Legends, a veteran eight-man crew that connects Los Angeles's underground with Oaktown's. Now, a very useful way to think about the Grouch & Eligh's approach to hiphop is to see the divide between underground hiphop and mainstream rap in this way: The mode of the rapper in the latter is that of self-promotion; whereas the mode of the rapper in the former is that of a confession. From the Grouch & Eligh we receive raps that reveal this or that aspect of their inner condition. "I'm just a lonely individual with nothing to lose"—this is one of Eligh's many confessions. CHARLES MUDEDE

Shadow '86, Kim Virant, Star Anna, Kristen Ward
(Tractor, early show) Participating in this year's annual Strangercrombie auction is a fantastic way to support Treehouse for Kids, a local organization that provides services for foster children. But Strangercrombie is not the only way to make sure Treehouse gets a much needed donation—if you're feeling extra charitable, hit up tonight's show featuring performances by Hendrix tribute act Shadow '86, Kim Virant, Star Anna, and Kirsten Ward. All proceeds will benefit Treehouse, and if you bring a new toy to the show, you'll get a free drink. So pick up a little something on your way to the Tractor—it'll benefit both you and the children. MEGAN SELING

18th Dye, Devon Williams, Waves
(Chop Suey) Loved by Yo La Tengo, signed by Matador, and recorded by Steve Albini, Berlin/Copenhagen trio 18th Dye had a lot of hipster momentum behind them in the '90s. The threesome folded in 1999 after two albums and an EP, but resurfaced on disc this year with the fine Amorine Queen. Their rock is tart, taut, and tangled, at once understated and intense—something like a Northern European Bailter Space. Guitarist for dreamy L.A. folk-pop group Lavender Diamond, Devon Williams released his solo debut album this year, Carefree (Ba Da Bing). It's full of immaculately crafted, nice-guy, singer-songwriter sing-alongs, of which the world will never run out, no matter how abysmal the economy gets. DAVE SEGAL

Find show info in our online calendar.