October is not only the month of my birth, it is also a rockin’ time in Minneapolis. I need to get through seventeen shows, so that’s all the intro you’re getting. I’m writing another book. My goal is to take up an entire page with this and Monday’s post.

Wednesday, October 3rd – Hot Hot Heat with Bedoiun Soundclash and De Novo Dahl Fine Line Music Cafe

Canada’s Hot Hot Heat’s new album, Happiness, Ltd. came out yesterday. If I hadn’t gone overboard buying CDs last month, there would probably be a song coming from them on Friday. Hey, isn’t Bedoiun Soundclash a cool band name?

Thursday, October 4th – Clap Your Hands Say Yeah with Elvis Perkins, Fine Line Music Cafe

I caught the end of the CYHSY show at lollapalooza this year, but I was more interested in getting a good spot for The Hold Steady so I don’t remember much about them. I don’t think I’ll be going to this show.

Friday, October 5th – Of Montreal with Grand Buffet and MGMT, First Avenue

Originally, this was the opening part of my grand birthday plans, but now it’s up in the air. While I would enjoy Of Montreal, I can’t help but think that the average music listener might be weirded out by lead singer Kevin Barnes.

Friday, October 5th – Girl Talk with Tay Zonday, Dan Deacon, and The Show is the Rainbow, First Avenue

That is a long list of artists. Makes sense that the doors open at 10:30, and the show will probably go until 4 in the morning. Girl Talk and Dan Deacon will be a blast, but I’m not sure if Tay Zonday (”chocolate rain“) is there for musical merit or because somebody finds him hilarious.

Saturday, October 6th – Regina Spektor, Myth
Let’s see… should I celebrate my birthday by going out and drinking, or should I enjoy the stylings of Regina Spektor? That’s a tough one… I’ll have to let you know what my final decision is. Oh, and the myth is technically Maplewood, not Minneapolis. Oh well.

Sunday, October 7th – Electric Six with Gore Gore Girls and We Are The Fury, First Avenue

Oh, Electric Six. For some reason I can’t shake you. Maybe it’s the image of the homo-erotic Abe Lincolns lifting weights together burning into my brain. Click the picture to get a better idea of their type of strangeness. Oh, and they play a pretty tight show, too.

Wednesday, October 10th – Spoon with T.O.G.P.T.F.F.S.O.T.W.O.T.H.E.A.T.S.Y.O.A. and The Ponys, First Avenue
Thursday, October 10th and 11th – Spoon with The Ponys, First Avenue

It’s Spoon. Do I need to say more? Really? You picky people. Wednesday is the 21+ and Thursday is the All-Ages. I do like those 21+ shows.

Friday, October 12th – Interpol with Liars, The State Theatre

My brother was once asked if he liked interpol. His response? “I like people who like Interpol.” Good answer. I’d agree with that sentiment. But hey, the State is a nice place to sit back and enjoy a show, even if their tickets are usually overpriced.

Saturday, October 13th – Jose Gonzales with James Blackshaw, Fine Line Music Cafe

Jose Gonzalez is a great show if you have the chance, especially if you can get near the stage. Listening to his album, it’s hard to picture where all of the sounds are coming from. After seeing him live, I’m still not sure. Oh, his new album, In Our Nature, drops on September 25th.

Saturday, October 13th – Ted Leo and The Pharmacists with A-Sides and His Mischief, First Avenue

Ted Leo puts on a very high energy show, especially for a vegan. It’s sad that I couldn’t get into Chicago in time to see him at lollapalooza. Maybe he, Erin, and I can enjoy a bottle of buckie together on the 13th.

Tuesday, October 16th – The New Pornographers with Emma Pollock and Benjy Ferree, First Avenue

I love the picture on the left. It’s my new computer wallpaper. I also love The New Pornographers. Outside of seeing Muse at lollapalooza, this is probably my show of the year.

Friday, October 19th – The Polphonic Spree with Rooney and The Redwalls, Pantages Theatre

Polyphonic Spree! Polyphonic Spree! Polyphonic Spree! Polyphonic Spree! Polyphonic Spree! Polyphonic Spree! Polyphonic Spree! Polyphonic Spree! Polyphonic Spree! Polyphonic Spree! Good description, huh?

Tuesday, October 23rd – Brand New with Thrice, Myth

Typically, Brand New would be pretty high up on shows I want to see. Too bad they’re grouped with Thrice, one of my least favorite bands that I’ve ever seen. If you like a guy posing and screaming, or you’re a teenage boy filled with angst, then Thrice is the band for you. If you can make it past Thrice, Brand New is pretty darn cool.

Wednesday, October 23rd – Architecture in Helsinki, The 400 Bar

Once again, the 400 Bar. Intimate show time again. I’m trying to figure out how they’re going to fit six people on this stage. I’m also torn, because even though I’m not a huge fan of Places Like This, I really liked In Case We Die.

Wednesday, October 23rd – Matthew Dear with The Mobius Band, Triple Rock Social Club

Just down the street from Arhitecture in Helsinki, Matthew Dear is playing at the Triple Rock. If you’re a fan of good music, and a nice microbrew, then this might be the show for you. Oh, and his song, Don and Sherri, was used in a recent Hummer commercial.

Saturday, October 27th – Josh Rouse with Maria Taylor, Fine Line Music Cafe

And with the final show of October, here comes Josh Rouse and Maria Taylor. It’s funny. I like Josh Rouse, and I know my brother likes Maria Taylor, but I’ve never been able to find the Maria Taylor CD, and I’m not sure if he listens to Josh Rouse. Between the two of us, we’ve got the perfect concert attendee.

Bonus Show! Thursday, November 1st – The Hold Steady with Art Brut, The State Theatre

Yikes, what a great show! I don’t understand the venue, though. You need to stand for a band like The Hold Steady. You need to be able to rush the stage. At the State, you’re assigned theater seats, which aren’t exactly great for the world’s greatest bar band.

Now that I’ve spent a very long time writing this post, it’s time to pick today’s song. Know what? I haven’t picked one yet, and I’ve run out of new music. So, to pick a song from one of the bands above, I think I’ll play The Ghost of You Lingers by Spoon.

P.S. I’m surprised that you made it this far.