Thursday

ROM at The Shelter

Shelter looks to be the spot tonight. We’ve got a group of DJs who plan to dazzle you with visual effects and something called “ratchetcore.” This could be the best new genre name since “crack house.”

The Shelter, 5 Yongfu Lu, near Fuxing Xi Lu, 20 RMB

Friday

Handsome Furs at Yuyintang

I skipped this show the last time they were here because I knew it was just going to be sardine can-packed. Apparently, I was right, but probably wrong overall, as the show has widely been lauded as one of the best of 2009. This one has a chance to be less packed, due to the mass exodus from the city in August, but it will still be a big one. Pairs and Duck Fight Goose in support.

Yuyintang, 1731 Yanan Xi Lu, near Kaixuan Lu, 80 RMB advance, 120 at the door

Saturday

Pairs at Not Me

Obviously a big weekend for Pairs. Did you notice our Pairs interview and Xiao Zhong’s playlist this week? Anyways, cheap drinks at the spaceship cave known as Not Me, as well as what will undoubtedly be some great tunes spun by DJs Heller Shitty (Super Sophia), Toshi, Rex Hunt, and Alicia, should make for a real bloodbath.

Not Me, 21 Dongping Lu, near Hengshan Lu, FREE

Akiri at LOgO

Also in the running for best genre name: “Nintendotronica,” which will be presented by the Danish band Akiri. Warming up the dance floor will be the Fromage House masters Acid Pony Club. Akiri will play at midnight, so you can head over from Not Me at that point.

LOgO, 13 Xingfu Lu, near Fahuazhen Lu, 20 RMB

Conrank EP Release at the Shelter

Another option for Saturday night is dubstep and too many Uprooted DJs in the dungeon. Beatboxer Killa Kela and many others will be crowding into the DJ booth for your listening pleasure.

The Shelter, 5 Yongfu Lu, near Fuxing Xi Lu, 40 RMB

Sunday

Quruli at MAO Livehouse

Free show at MAO! What can I say about this pop-rock duo from Japan? Um, actually, nothing. But, by all means, get there and indulge the Nippophile inside you.

MAO Livehouse, 570 Huaihai Xi Lu, near Hongqiao Lu, FREE