Q-Tip, SVSS, Shannon Curfman, Ritz Club Reunion, Nebula 

Thursday 8.6
Q.TIP, B.O.B.
Q-Tip’s famous quip from A Tribe Called Quest’s “Check the Rhime” wasn’t just a clever one-off as evidenced by the emcee’s ongoing struggles to release his latest solo album Kamaal the Abstract. Originally slated for a 2001 release, the LP got tangled up in contract hell, with Arista and Q-Tip battling for rightful dibs. Thanks largely to an online petition, the hip-hop artist secured the master recordings and is finally putting out Kamaal Sept. 15 on Battery Records. Q-Tip’s redemption is two-fold as he readies to publish his debut book Industry Rules, which elaborates on No. 4080 (record company people are shady). It’s a read that’s arguably more rewarding on tape, with his signature flow accentuating his thoughts on 20 years in the entertainment biz. Don’t miss opener B.O.B., aka Bobby Ray, a rising rapper/singer/ producer who impressed audiences at this year’s South by Southwest music fest. As always, arrive early and prepare for the mob. Gallivan Center, 239 S. Main, 7 p.m. All-ages. Free.

SOUND VS. SILENCE SHOWCASE
NPR’s All Songs Considered recently posed the question, “Do record labels still matter?” One of the show’s hosts spoke of a magical record store whose entire stock was organized by label, so if someone came in looking for a release as big as Rubber Soul, even, they’d need to know to visit the Parlaphone or EMI section. That type of filing system is a little extreme, but for many people, labels are a great way to discover new music. Indie labels, in particular, secure a loyal following by establishing a consistent sound, or at least consistent quality of sound, and Salt Lake City’s Sound Vs. Silence is doing its part to sustain this tradition. Since its 2005 inception, the local label has released 20 titles including works by Shawn Smith (Twilight Singers, Pigeonhead) and tonight’s headliners Shelter Red, The Hotness, Lionelle, and The Wilderness (new LP out this fall). Says SVSS’ Tyler Lusk, “We want our label to be more like a family and less like a business.” With a goal like that, how can SVSS not matter? Kilby Court, 741 S. 330 West, 7:30 p.m. All-ages

THE RITZ CLUB REUNION
Judging by the slate of new and forthcoming releases by rock giants Dinosaur Jr., Sonic Youth, Polvo, and Lou Barlow, the early ’90s are back. It’s fitting, then, that the dance club scene also enjoy a revival— even if it takes a modern social networking site to help it go off. A simple Facebook fan page catalyzed tonight’s party commemorating The Ritz Club’s eight-year run on 2265 S. State Street next to the bowling alley. Original resident DJs are scheduled to spin at the reunion, digging through the crates to bring revelers the best new-wave/ “alternative” jams. Relive the spirit of ’93—for free, no less! Club Sound, 579 W. 200 South, 10 p.m.

Sunday 8.9
NEBULA
Nebula’s often tagged as stoner rock, but listening to the Los Angeles trio’s latest album it’s clear why co-founder Eddie Glass finds the label irksome and, well, just plain wrong. Glass, who did time in Fu Manchu before splintering off to form his current gig in ’97, helped spark the desert-rock movement, but found his freedom in the nitty-gritty city, kicking out power chords in cramped garages with an army of fuzz pedals. For some reason, the group has largely operated under the radar, though their monstrous sound is just as killer as that of better-known contemporaries. The new Heavy Psych might lasso in a new audience already hooked on Nebula’s current Tee Pee Records label mates The Black Angels, Brian Jonestown Massacre and High On Fire, as it broadcasts a blend of cosmic noise, haze, chest-pummeling intensity and straight-up fun riffs that haven’t been cleaned since the ’70s. So, smoke ’em if you got ’em—just don’t call Glass a stoner. Club Vegas, 445 S. 400 West, 9 p.m.

COMING UP
Toots & The Maytals, N.A.S.A. (Gallivan Center, Aug.13); Sunn O))), Eagle Twin (Avalon, Aug. 14); Xavier Rudd (The Depot, Aug. 15); Jeffree Star (Avalon, Aug. 15); Kottonmouth Kings (Great Saltair, Aug. 15); Pete Yorn (Murray Theater, Aug. 16); The Dead Weather (The Depot, Aug. 18); Los Lobos, Los Lonely Boys (Red Butte Garden, Aug. 19); Iron & Wine, Okkervil River (Gallivan Center, Aug. 20)

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