Music Picks 

Thursday 12/22

THE RUBES, THE BREAKS

No publicity is bad publicity, but when SLUG magazine’s Cindi Robinson panned Mutiny to a Revolution, The Rubes’ latest album, furious locals cried foul. Most of her critics unleashed their rage on TheRockSalt.com, a site dedicated to Salt Lake City bands and the people who love, or vehemently hate, them. Complaints, warranted or not, mostly indicated that she didn’t give the boys a chance: “The Rubes are the best live band in Salt Lake City and the tracks off the new album that I have heard are sick,” wrote one respondent. Snap! The lengthy debate eventually dissolved into a mess of inside jokes but, in the end, everyone learned a valuable lesson about subjective opinions. Urban Lounge, 241 S. 500 East, 10 p.m. Info: 746-0557, MySpace.com/TheUrbanLounge.

Also Thursday: Erin Haley (Kilby Court); The Firm (Zanzibar); Hektik.org: Disco, ’80s, Punk, Old-School, Butt-Rock (Todd’s Bar & Grill)

Friday 12/23

MEGATTACK

Ever wonder why certain drug stores still stock large supplies of aerosol hairspray? The answer lies in ’80s returnees Megattack. The local metal gods have been kicking it live since Tommy Lee redefined masculinity'and they still have the luscious locks to prove it. Aesthetics aside, Megattack are talented mofos who rock faster and harder than any screamo kids on the block. Their latest release, Save the Nations (MegattackRocks.com), is 10 tracks of sweet shredding and epic wailing from elder statesmen Parish Hultquist and Rick “The Jack” Jackson, respectively. Skilled, stylish and dedicated, Megattack give old-school rockers a good name. The Ritz, 2265 S. State, 7 p.m. All-ages. Tickets: 24Tix.com (with Aerial and Dead in My Eyes).

UTAHHIPHOP.COM CD RELEASE

Local hip-hop artists have a hard time proving their merit. Salt Lake City media outlets rarely pimp their shows, which makes it difficult to rope in new audiences. Dismal coverage isn’t rooted in spite. Critics typically promote bands that keep them abreast of upcoming concerts. Which is why UtahHipHop.com is such a blessing. Founded by local emcees, the site provides equal footing to all hip-hop acts, inviting any group to post bios, pictures, MP3 samples'no strings attached. Check out some of the participating artists tonight when UtahHipHop releases Utah Pioneerz, a compilation album featuring 15 local acts, including One-Five, a male/female duo with an impressive DIY philosophy. Egos, 668 S. State, 9:30 p.m. Info: 521-5255, ClubEgos.com.

Also Friday: Ramones Alive (Whiskey); Medicine Circus (Urban Lounge); Rek Center Allstars (Monk’s); Ibex Throne (Club Vegas); Swamp Donkeys (Burt’s Tiki Lounge)

Saturday 12/24

CIRCUS BROWN’S LOCAL MUSIC SPECIAL

Despite a valiant, highly publicized campaign, our country’s terror-loving liberals have lost the War on Christmas. Those desperate for the gift of music might want to tune into KRCL for Circus Brown’s Not a Side Show local music special. To give you an idea of what’s in store, Brown’s recent playlists featured tasty tracks by Jawbreaker, Fear, Fugazi, Ween and Salt Lake City-bred acts like Tolchock Trio, The Rubes and Vile Blue Shades. The colorful DJ, who used to open every show with Boss Hogg’s “Itchy & Scratchy” because it “kicks ass, duh,” will thrill you like a night of barhopping minus the surly bouncers and forced conversations. Tonight, SLUG editor Angela Brown (no relation) will be on hand to preview unreleased tracks off of the long-awaited Death by Salt II compilation. Tune in for top-secret tracks interspersed by the show’s few obscenity-free interview clips. KRCL 90.9 FM, 10 p.m.-1 a.m. Info: CircusBrown.com, KRCL.org.

COMING UP

Jackass (Burt’s Tiki Lounge, Dec. 29). Spörk, Shred Bettie, Almost Undone (Brewskis, Dec. 30). The Wolfs (Urban Lounge, Dec. 31). Form of Rocket (Burt’s Tiki Lounge, Dec. 31). Whole Lotta Rosies (Club Vegas, Dec. 31). Wolf Colonel (Kilby Court, Jan. 4). Story of the Year (Ice, Jan. 5). Showdown to SXSW Prelims (Various, Jan. 6-7). Motion City Soundtrack (Harry O’s, Jan. 6). Reel Big Fish (Ice, Jan. 10). Robert Earl Keen (Harry O’s, Jan. 11). Showdown to SXSW Finals (Depot, Jan. 14). Michael Franti & Spearhead (Suede, Jan. 20). KBER Salt Lake Soundcheck Showcase (Club Vegas, Jan. 21). G. Love & Special Sauce (Suede, Jan. 21). Toby Keith (Delta Center, Jan. 26).