Thursday 1.25
ttOF MONTREAL, SHINY TOY GUNS
ttFor years, Of Montreal were a select crowd’s lovely little secret. While more accessible than their Elephant 6 cousins Neutral Milk Hotel, their music was still a bit too bizarre for mainstream palates. Then something changed. The group dove deeper into electronic-based sounds, played dress-up like Bowie and recorded an album that bowled over influential critics. Suddenly, OM were on MTV! Longtime followers don’t begrudge the band’s success, but really'Cribs?! Parental Control?! Hey, it’s not their fault the shows’ music supervisors dig hand-claps, bubble-gum vocals and delicious keys. Besides, without those high-profile connections, OM might not be performing a free show in Park City today with sexy “le disko”-punk kids Shiny Toy Guns. Lower Main Street, Park City, 6 p.m. Free. Info: Festival.Sundance.org/2007.
LAURA GIBSON
ttLaura Gibson is living the liberal indie musician’s dream. Both The New York Times and NPR recognized her work as some kind of wonderful. She also recently signed to Hush Records, whose talent scouts were understandably bowled over by her commanding yet gentle voice. Still, the singer/songwriter takes success in stride, keeping her feet firmly planted in Portland’s rich, fertile soil. Widespread critical acclaim is just as thrilling as news that her nephew’s kindergarten class digs her simple, beautifully restrained songs. In keeping with her approachable character, Gibson is tracking her tour with an online journal; follow her progress at LocalCut.wweek.com. Kilby Court, 741 S. 330 West, 7:30 p.m. All-ages. Tickets: 24tix.com (with Paul Jacobsen).
- Also Thursday: Lunadance (In the Venue); Ra the Rugged Man (Monk’s); Warsaw Poland Bros (Piper Down); Vast (Suede, Park City)
Friday 1.26
tt- Misfit Toys (Black Chandelier, Fashion Place); Eden Express (Urban Lounge); KBER Salt Lake Soundcheck (Club Vegas); Maxwell Productions Showcase: Calico, Calhaine, West Indian Girl (Star Bar, Park City'see Music, p. 53)
Saturday 1.27
ttDIGABLE PLANETS
ttThe last thing most Utah residents want to do right now is chill, but Digable Planets help remind subzero sufferers of the word’s more figurative meaning. While many will forever remember the New York City trio for their crazy-catchy ’90s hit “Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat),” others appreciate Ladybug, Butterfly and Doodlebug’s power to infuse hip-hop jams with the spirit of urban-boho slam poetry'a spirit that lives on in small pockets throughout the country. For those whose experience with spoken word is limited to low-budget open-mic free-for-alls, Digable Planets offers a glimpse of how sweet soulful flow can really be. Check out each member’s solo projects for further satisfaction: Cherrywine, Ladybug Mecca and Cosmic Funk Orchestra. Dig? Suede, 1612 Ute Blvd. (Kimball Junction), Park City, 9 p.m. Tickets: SmithsTix.com.
RON SEXSMITH
ttOnly so many people can get away with covering the Boomtown Rats, but Ron Sexsmith has reached that pivotal point in his career where a tribute to “I Don’t Like Mondays” is not only excused but embraced. The singer/songwriter, adored by critics and peers alike, has established himself as the real deal with a voice that, while not technically beautiful, is versatile and inviting'like a glass of scotch. Sexsmith can steal the limelight, lay low as a subtle complement to artists like Ane Brun (“Song No. 6”) and Emm Gryner (“Angel Town”) or channel forgotten pop songs. So bug off, you, if don’t like his retro groove. Urban Lounge, 241 S. 500 East, 10 p.m. Tickets: 24Tix.com.
- Also Saturday: Broken Teeth, Thunderfist (Burt’s Tiki Lounge'see Music, p. 52); Cruxshadows (Club Vegas); Sparta (Star Bar, Park City)
Tuesday 1.30
ttSLAYER
ttNo matter how nuts you are about Audioslave, you’re never going to carve their name into your skin with a rusty knife or nail'and that’s why Slayer rules so much harder than 99.8 percent of all marginally talented alt-rock bands. By the time you read this, Slayer will have already made their first-ever network TV appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, an event that might lay the groundwork for a mind-blowing Slayer/Sarah Silverman tour. Sick metal and sick jokes? What’s not to love? In the meantime, enjoy live versions of songs you can really sink your teeth'or blade'into. Great Saltair, 12408 W. Saltair Dr., 7:30 p.m. All-ages. Tickets: KTix.net (with Unearth).
- Also Tuesday: Heartless Bastards (Kilby Court); Casket Salesmen (Country Club Theater, Ogden)
Wednesday 1.31
tt• The Fray (McKay Events Center, Orem); Flat Foot 56 (Burt’s Tiki Lounge)
COMING UP
ttMarah, Will Hoge (Suede, Feb. 1). Prism: Nick James & Jesse Walker (The Depot, Feb. 2). Dr. Octagon/Kool Keith (Urban Lounge, Feb. 3). Everclear (The Depot, Feb. 6). Jack’s Mannequin (In the Venue, Feb. 8). Three Days Grace (Great Saltair, Feb. 8). Count Bass D (Urban Lounge, Feb. 10). Machine Head (Club Vegas, Feb. 12). The Shins (In the Venue, Feb. 16). The Roots (Harry O’s, Feb. 16). Afroman (Suede, Feb. 17). Styx (The Depot, Feb. 20). Pete Yorn (Suede, Feb. 20). Gomez (Suede, Feb. 23). Dead Prez (Urban Lounge, Feb. 23). Taste of Chaos Tour (E Center, Feb. 23). Winger (The Depot, Feb. 26). George Clinton & Parliament Funk (Suede, Feb. 26). Saturday Looks Good to Me (Urban Lounge, Feb. 28).