Now that I have my own ticket safely in hand, I can say to the rest of the world: Mark Kozelek is playing at Neumo’s on January 13th. ($10)

He’s not for everyone — whenever I put in a CD by his old band, Red House Painters, my boyfriend asks me to turn it off before he falls into a stupor of despair. But his music, if sad, is beautiful, and his album of AC/DC covers rearranged for acoustic guitar and subdued vocals won my heart completely. (The latest album from his current band, Sun Kil Moon, is composed entirely of covers of Modest Mouse songs.)

Another show that moved me to buy my ticket early: Colin Meloy of The Decemberists (he mostly sings their songs in his solo shows) is playing with the wonderful Laura Veirs at the Showbox on January 18th. ($13 adv)

Now, if I were cool enough to go out on a Tuesday night, which I very rarely am, I might go to the Crocodile tonight to catch The Earlies. Are they British? Are they Texan? Yes! And they sure sound good, if difficult to describe. I don’t think I want to try. You can hear their recent appearance on Morning Becomes Eclectic here. Openers are The Like and Giant Drag. ($8)

Related posts:

1. Who the hell is Laura Veirs, and does anyone care?
2. Mini-review: Mark Kozelek at Neumo’s
3. veirs report: free show tomorrow
4. Upcoming shows to see
5. Weekend Agenda: pop music and art shows