I’ve always enjoyed First Avenue in October. No, not the street, but the Minneapolis venue. I wish I could find a list of the bands that have played First Avenue in October. In October of 2005, I felt like I could have gone to a concert every three days. Last year, there wasn’t the plethora of bands as there was in 2005, but it was still good. This year, once again, there a lot of shows in September and October.

Today, I think I’ll list the Minneapolis shows that I like in in September. Since it is the 10th of September, some of these shows are coming up this week. Click on the images to find tickets.

Friday, September 14th – Rilo Kiley with Jonathon Rice, First Avenue.

Ah, Rilo Kiley, I’m not sure if you’ll be around much longer. With the popularity of lead singer Jenny Lewis‘ solo career, she may become Gwen Stefani to Rilo Kiley’s No Doubt, except she’s a red-head. Catch them live while you still can.

Friday, September 14th – The Sea and Cake with The Zinks, Varsity Theatre.

I own The Sea and Cake’s newest album, and I’m not sure what all the hubbub is, bub. It’s a fairly mellow album that feels very familiar to me. I think it’s something my dad would have listened to on vinyl while I was growing up, but it’s not quite for me. Even without my musical blessing, the band is tight, and tight bands usually put on some good shows. Then again, they also sometimes put on some amazingly boring shows, but I won’t go into that.

Thursday, September 20th – The National with St. Vincent, Fine Line Music Cafe

This show contains two artists that have been getting heavy play-time on the ol’ iPod lately. Personally, I’m having a hard time deciding whether or not these two would create a great show together. I would, however, like to use this show as an excuse to check out the Fine Line Music Cafe, which is a venue that I have mysteriously evaded.

Monday, September 24th - Peter Bjorn and John with The Clientele, First Avenue

September 24th is a big music day in Minneapolis, with Peter Bjorn and John leading the pack. I’d like to see this show if only to make up for the missed show at lollapalooza. The songs I did see them play there were surprisingly energetic. That, and I enjoy their Swedish accents when talking to the crowd.

Monday, September 24th – The Noisettes, 7th Street Entry

The Noisettes are playing in the same building as Peter Bjorn and John in the smaller venue. It’s always interesting to see what the bigger band will do – will they tell everyone to go to the other show when they’re done? All I can say about this concert is if The Noisettes can match half the energy that they have on their CD, this will be a fun concert.

Monday, September 24th – The Brunettes with Ferraby Lionhart, The 400 Bar

Rounding out this manic Monday are The Brunettes. I first saw The Brunettes when they opened for The Shins. They were the first conglomerate group that I had seen, with band members playing multiple instruments and having a good ol’ time. The finished the show by donning masks with the likeness of Michelle Tanner (i.e. Mary Kate / Ashley Olsen) for their final song. Oh, and with the 400 Bar, you’re guaranteed an intimate experience – that’s music lingo for it’s small!

Wednesday, September 26th – Metric with Crystal Castles, First Avenue

Ok, so I didn’t buy Live It Out, but Old World Underground, Where Are You Now? is one of my favorite albums. Combine Metric with a band named after an Atari game I spent too much time playing as a kid, and you’ve got what sounds to me to be a good show.

Wait, you still want your daily song after all of this? Well, ok. Today’s song comes from Super Furry Animals. I’ve always avoided these animals that have a lot of fur, because I confused them with Animal Collective, who I find weird. Anyway, here’s Into the Night.