Music Picks 

Thursday 11/24

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THANKSGIVING KARAOKE

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Instead of staying home watching hilarious Thanksgiving-themed sitcoms (see Friends circa 2003 co-starring Brad Pitt!) or sharing uncomfortable silences with your third cousin after Grandma’s downed one too many whiskey sours, head downtown for some pre-Christmas caroling (Christmas songs not included). Burt’s Tiki Lounge, 726 S. State, 9 p.m. Info: 521-0572, MySpace.com/BurtsTikiLounge.

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Friday 11/25

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ALLISTER

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You know a band is young when their name references Nickelodeon’s You Can’t Do That On Television. That, and an urgent pop-punk sound fueled by insatiable lust for life. Then again, Chicago’s Allister have had their share of turmoil, mostly in the form of drug-addled/suicidal ex-girlfriends and personal battles with booze. Lessons learned appear throughout, Before the Blackout, their third and most substantial release yet. Catch similar vibes from Fenix TX, Houston Calls and Day at the Fair at tonight’s Drive Thru Records Tour. In the Venue, 219 S. 600 West, 5:30 p.m. All-ages. Tickets: 24tix.com

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Also Friday: GWAR (Lo-Fi); Trans-Siberian Orchestra (E Center); Dead Beats (Monk’s); Stiletto, The C'ted (Todd’s Bar & Grill); Dead Rif to Drag, Art of Kanly, Charlie Don’t Surf (Burt’s Tiki Lounge)

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Saturday 11/26

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LOVE IS CHEMICALS

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While no one’s proven Paula Abdul’s theory that successful relationships start with one step forward, two steps back, true romance does seem to be rooted in some sort of scientific formula. San Francisco’s Love is Chemicals agree. The dreamy power-pop trio add their two cents on a sing-along self-titled sophomore album respite with upbeat, slightly self-deprecating lyrics (“I know better than to claw your sweater/ With my crooked fingers how they creep you out”) coasting on a mellow vibe à la Yo La Tengo and Built to Spill. This love will last forever'even if opposites don’t attract. Kilby Court, 741 S. 330 West, 7:30 p.m. All-ages. Tickets: 24Tix.com.

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KING’S X, MARDO

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Not since Travis channeled Britney Spears has a cover sounded so delicious. Mardo’s fist-pumping version of “I Want a New Drug” almost inspires newfound appreciation for Huey Lewis (but not, necessarily, for the News), although that’s where the California-based trio’s love for the ’80s ends. Their original material is more devoted to ’70s-era anthem rock'over-the-top guitar riffs with a little piano-driven balladry tossed in for good measure. Their self-titled second album is an essential guilty pleasure. Rawk! Egos, 668 S. State, 9:30 p.m. Info: 521-5255, ClubEgos.com (with Almost Undone).

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Also Saturday: Vile Blue Shades, Blackhole (Burt’s Tiki Lounge); Kathy & I, Mad Caliber (Todd’s & Bar & Grill); Sunset Strip Girl Contest (The Whiskey); UtahMetal.com Anniversary Show (Club Vegas); Yoko Deathray, Starmy, Royal Bliss (Urban Lounge)

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Monday 11/28

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THE LOVEMAKERS

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Like Stevie and Lindsey, Gwen and Tony, the Lovemakers feature former-lovers-turned-amicable-bandmates making nice for art’s sake. Unlike their famous counterparts, however, Lisa Light and Scott Blonde must project continued sexual tension. The San Francisco quartet, with Jason Proctor and Josh Kilbourne balancing things out, are all about audio foreplay. Live, their electro-dance rock elicits seductive moves both on and offstage. Feeling lucky? Lo-Fi’s Café (formerly Spice), 123 S. West Temple, 6:30 p.m. All-ages. Tickets: 24Tix.com (with She Wants Revenge).

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Also Monday: Moonshine Mondays (W Lounge)

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Tuesday 11/29

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QUIET RIOT

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Not much more can be said about Quiet Riot, other than “They take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’!” Following the usual break-up/make-up/repeat routine that’s plagued so many Aqua Net bands, the ’80s-metal act is plugging along like clockwork. Featuring a proper mix of new and old band members, Kevin DuBrow & Co. are packing stadiums, er, bars, er, college ballrooms (!) with people who are fully prepared to come on, feel the noise. Tonight’s noise will be brought in part by original bassist Sean McNabb, filling in for Chuck Wright. If you find this switch at all significant, you best be at the show. Olpin Union, University of Utah, 7:30 p.m. All-ages. Info: 521-5888 (with Skid Row).

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Also Tuesday: Morello, Our Time in Space (Lo-Fi Cafe); Most Precious Blood (Club Overdrive)

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COMING UP

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Blackalicious (Suede, Dec. 2). Cave In (Lo-Fi, Dec. 3). Kurt Bestor Christmas (Abravanel Hall, Dec. 6-10). Agent Orange (Burt’s Tiki Lounge, Dec. 8). Jerry Joseph & the Jackmormons (Egos, Dec. 9-10). All-American Rejects (In the Venue, Dec. 10). Dandy Warhols (In the Venue, Dec. 10). Dokken (Whiskey, Dec. 10). Monsters of Metal (Club Vegas, Dec. 10). International Noise Conspiracy (In the Venue, Dec. 13). Neil Diamond (E Center, Dec. 16). U2 (Delta Center, Dec. 17). Swamp Donkeys (Burt’s Tiki Lounge, Dec. 23).