Live music picks for MONDAY JULY 16 through SATURDAY JULY 21, 2012.

MONDAY JULY 16 / THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM / OPERA HOUSE / 735 QUEEN E / $28.13 / ALL AGES

You'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn't have at least a passing appreciation for the music of the Gaslight Anthem. Arguably one of the most talented and popular bands of their generation, the quartet from New Jersey has accomplished quite a bit in their six years together, and they show no signs of slowing down. Their fourth album, Handwritten, will be released on July 23. So, you know, check it out. Dave Hause will offer support.

TUESDAY JULY 17 / MAPS & ATLASES / HORSESHOE TAVERN / 368 QUEEN W / $11.50 - $13 / 19+

A quick disclaimer: this show was originally supposed to take place on May 16, but was postponed. If you have tickets for the May 16 show, they will be honoured on July 17. Now that that's out of the way - Maps & Atlases started out as a very technical and aggressive alt-rock band that, over the years, has mellowed considerably. Their sound now is much different than their sound in 2004, but they have a very rabid fanbase that should be well-represented at this show. A Lull will open.

FRIDAY JULY 20 / MURDER BY DEATH / HORSESHOE TAVERN / 368 QUEEN W / $18.75 / 19+

When you hear of a band with a cheery name like Murder by Death, you might think that it's a metal band. But in this case, you'd be wrong, as this is gothic alternative country at its absolute finest. This Bloomington, Indiana five-piece is responsible for some incredibly dark music, so if you're looking for something that will get your toes tapping, this probably isn't it. But believe me when I say that they put on one hell of a live show, and this one isn't to be missed. Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons will open.

SATURDAY JULY 21 / SHOUT OUT OUT OUT OUT / HORSESHOE TAVERN / 368 QUEEN W / $15.63 / 19+

Evidently, there's absolutely no reason to go to a venue other than the Horseshoe this week. They've got a little something for everyone, and this one's for fans of electro-pop and dance punk. Shout Out Out Out Out from Edmonton is fresh off the release of their third album, Spanish Moss and Total Loss, so you can expect to hear some new material. In the footage I've seen of these guys performing live, they appear to be having the time of their lives on stage, which is always a plus.

SATURDAY JULY 21 / LIARS / LEE'S PALACE / 529 BLOOR W / $18.75 / 19+

It's not unusual for bands to experiment with different sounds and genres of music, but Brooklyn trio Liars has pretty much made it their trademark. Every album this group has released has had a different sound than the last. One of their most infamous moments came when they released their 2004 album They Were Wrong, So We Drowned, a concept piece that drew on tales of witchcraft. Recently, they've been experimenting with a more electronic sound, and it's certainly unique if nothing else.

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Photo of The Gaslight Anthem courtesy of Chris Gruggen in the blogTO Flickr pool