San Diego Shows–Monday, June 29

PLAN A: Ida Maria, The Fascination @ The Casbah–Sometimes you really don’t want to like a song but you can’t help it. That’s how it goes with me and Ida Maria’s “I Like You So Much Better When You’re Naked.”  I want to hate it because it totally bites post-Runaways Joan Jett. I want to hate it because she’s now part of the major label machine that’s trying to market her as the next Avril Lavigne or some shit. But goddamn it, it’s just so catchy (see video below)! And as AnnaMaria Stephens’ article from last week’s issue points out, there’s way more to this young Norwegian than I originally thought. PLAN B: Extreme Animals, Volts, Moon Pearl @ Che Cafe–Schools out for summer but the Che Cafe’s got one more homework question for you: What happens when you mix crunk and punk? Do you call it “prunk”? I’m not sure either but judging by the strange noises coming from Extreme Animals, bands like Atari Teenage Riot and Crystal Castles just aren’t fucking weird enough. Sam goes for the O.C.’s Moon Pearl. They describe themselves as “60% GWAR, 40% pussy,” but really, it’s some sweet fuzzed-out noise-rock that sometimes has a booty-bouncing beat overtop it. Lil Jon would be proud. BACKUP PLAN: Mothfight!, Donkeys DJs @ Ruby Room–Is “moth” the new nom de jour for indie bands. We certainly have enough “wolf,” “bear” and “bird” bands. Simply put, if you dig Animal Collective, miss Polyphonic Spree, or totally geek out over the Flaming Lips, then you definitely want to check out the Austin weirdos in Mothfight!.

QUICK PICKS:

She Rides, What I Did @ Radio Room

“Industrie de Lundi” @ Soda Bar

“Dub Dynamite” with DJ Rashi, Eddie Turbo @ The Office

Cover Me Badd’s Musical Pursuit Trivia @ Whistle Stop

Astra Kelly, Podunk Nowhere, Cathryn Beeks @ Dublin Square