Live music picks for MONDAY JULY 30 through SATURDAY AUGUST 4, 2012.

MONDAY JULY 30 / TWIN SHADOW / LEE'S PALACE / 529 BLOOR W / $25 / 19+

Twin Shadow, the stage name of New York-based musician George Lewis Jr., will be playing two shows at Lee's to kick off the week. If you're a fan of synth-heavy music that harkens back to the New Wave movement of the 1980s, this will be right up your alley. He's fresh off the release of his second album, Confess, which received near-universal acclaim. You can expect to hear a lot of material off of it.

TUESDAY JULY 31 / CHILDISH GAMBINO / ECHO BEACH / 909 LAKESHORE W / $48.25 / 19+

You're probably familiar with Donald Glover, of Community and Derrick Comedy fame. The man is arguably one of the brightest young talents in comedy at the moment, but he's more than just a comedian - he's also a surprisingly talented rapper. He adopted the moniker Childish Gambino (which, I maintain, is one of the best rap names of all time) after he found it on a Wu-Tang Clan name generator. He has great flow, and his lyrics switch from funny to poignant at the drop of a hat. This is definitely one to check out.

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 1 / SIGUR ROS / ECHO BEACH / 909 LAKESHORE W / $65 / ALL AGES

Echo Beach has been making a case for itself this summer as one the city's best venues for live music. The trend continues with Sigur Ros, who have consistently proven themselves to be one of the finest acts in the world since the release of their astonishing 1999 album ÁgÌtis byrjun, which remains one of my favourite albums of all time. By all accounts, they put on one hell of a live show, and an outdoor venue such as Echo Beach should be a great showcase for their talents.

SATURDAY AUGUST 4 / THE BLACK KEYS / MOLSON AMPHITHEATRE / 909 LAKESHORE W / $49.75 - $77.75 / ALL AGES

The Black Keys are the very definition of a can't-miss act. Every time these guys take the stage, you know you're in for an absolute treat. Since the release of Brothers in 2010 and El Camino in 2011, Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney have become one of the biggest bands in the world. Love them or hate them, their talent, chemistry, and overall awesomeness can't be denied. And come on, whether you agree with their tactics or not, you have to respect a band that openly bashes Nickelback. The Shins will offer support - yes, this is going to be one hell of a show.

SUNDAY AUGUST 5 / THE AGGROLITES / LEE'S PALACE / 529 BLOOR W / $16.50 / 19+

After an intense week of live music, this is exactly the kind of show you need to cap it off. The Aggrolites have been playing their old-school hybrid of reggae and ska for the last decade, and while it doesn't exactly break any new ground, it's a complete joy to listen to. Music like this is what you want to be listening to when you're chilling with friends, hoisting a pint, and smoking your...cigarettes. The Balconies will open.

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Photo of The Black Keys courtesy of kate.gardiner on Flickr.