Weekend round-up: focus on the undergound

image courtesy of dinahcancer.net/45 Grave

There's just something about a city that sees its summers completely wrapped in fog that draws out the contrary, counter culture instinct in its residents. Nowhere is that more apparent than in the music that thrives in San Francisco's underground scenes.  So  this weekend we are celebrating all that is not heard on corporate radio with a line-up of local shows that truly define  San Francisco.

First up on Friday: What ever you want to call it be it, gothic, darkwave, or death-rock the strong guitars and electro embellishments that are key to the genre have been a major influence in music for over 30 years. (Seriously, there'd be no Interpol, She Wants Revenge or The National if there wasn't first Bauhaus, The Damned and Joy Division.) And while in other areas, "goth" is often scoffed at and incorrectly categorized as goofy-Marilyn-Mansonesque-prefabbed for MTV schlock, San Franciscans have always had a better appreciation for the subtleties of the music. Because of this San Francisco has always been a major stop on tours, for some of the most seminal gothic bands.  See one such band, Los Angeles' 45 Grave, supported by   Joy Inferno and The Bachelors  at Kimo's Penthouse and lounge on Polk. Doors at 8PM. No pre-sales.  

On Saturday: Attention former riot grrls! What better way to blow off some steam than taking in a female-fronted show at Oakland's Punk Rock palace, The Uptown?   Saturday offers up the perfect line-up: The Muffs, TurbonegrA, The Bruises, and Talky Tina. Get all these kick ass babes on one bill for $12 via ticketweb, or $15 at the door.  9PM

Also on Saturday: It doesn't get more old-school than 924 Gilman, one of the oldest (possibly THEE oldest) independent music venues in North America, that has served as the launch pad for everyone from The Dead Kennedys to Green Day. On the bill for Saturday, it's all about  Hardcore with Ringworm, Nails, Bitter End, New Lows, and Crucified. 7:30PM, $10 with $2 membership card. 

Rasputina/courtesy of Rasputina

On Sunday:

Describing Rasputina, to the those who haven't actually seen the legendary 3-piece play is something like trying to describe really good wine to a non-drinker. You end up sounding like a pretentious douche as the list of adjectives and mentions of 'undertones' and 'subtle notes' comes spilling out. Yet all those words are needed to truly get the point across. So what does Rasputina sound like? They are like prairie punk, with a classical strings twist, and melancholy undertone that is both poetic and folksy. In other words, totally original, influential and an absolutely must-see band for music lovers of all genres.  Limited  general admission seats are still available for Rasputina at the Great American Music Hall .  Doors at 7:30pm- Show at 8.