Live music picks for TUESDAY MARCH 13 through MONDAY MARCH 19, 2012.

TUESDAY MARCH 13 / MINDLESS SELF INDULGENCE / THE PHOENIX / 410 SHERBOURNE / $39.50 / ALL AGES

They haven't released an album in four years, and haven't toured in three, so it's fairly safe to say that MSI's return to Toronto will be viewed as a big deal by fans of the band. Their schizophrenic blend of music styles and borderline insane lyrics are definitely an acquired taste, but their live shows are fantastic — definitely one of the wildest live music experiences you can partake in.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 14 / THE BLACK KEYS / AIR CANADA CENTRE / 40 BAY / $54.75 - $74.75 / ALL AGES

I saw the Black Keys at the Molson Amphitheatre back in July, and they were nothing short of awesome. Since the release of Brothers back in 2010, Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney have pretty much taken over the music world. El Camino, released just a few months ago, further cemented their status as one of the best groups currently making music. Fans of the blues, alt-rock and, hell, music in general, owe it to themselves to see these guys live at least once. The Arctic Monkeys will be opening, and that's practically worth the price of admission right there.

THURSDAY MARCH 15 / OFWGKTA / SOUND ACADEMY / 11 POLSON / $35 / ALL AGES

Acronyms rule! This one, however....I'm not entirely sure about. OFWGKTA, which stands for "Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All," is an alternative hip-hop group led by rapper/producer Tyler, The Creator. When it comes to hip-hop, I'm really more of an old school fan, and this is an example of what the game has become. It's just not for me, quite honestly, but obviously, it has its fans, and the Sound Academy should be packed for this show.

THURSDAY MARCH 15 / ALX / DRAKE UNDERGROUND / 1150 QUEEN W / $5 / 19+

Local girl Allie Hughes, also known as ALX, will bring her brand of dreamlike pop music to the Drake Underground on Thursday. Five bucks is beyond reasonable for a show like this, so if you're in the mood for something different, come on out. Besides, it's always nice to support some local flavour. Maloo and RatTail will offer support

FRIDAY MARCH 16 / HEY OCEAN! / LEE'S PALACE / 529 BLOOR W / $15 ADVANCE, $18 AT DOOR / 19+

Hey Ocean! was supposed to perform in Toronto back in November, but the show was cancelled due to singer Ashleigh Ball suffering a vocal cord injury. This is the make-up show, so if you still have your tickets, they'll be honoured. It's sweet, beautiful pop music with an acoustic flavour, so if that sort of thing is your bag, this is the show for you. And if you're a male fan of the cartoon show "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic" (or a 'Bronie,' as they prefer to be called), which Ball does voiceover work for, well, this is your chance to see one of your heroes in action. Seriously, you can't make something like this up.

MONDAY MARCH 19 / GRIMES / HORSESHOE TAVERN / 368 QUEEN W / $8 IN ADVANCE, $10 AT DOOR / 19+

Claire Boucher, aka Grimes is a Montreal-based musician and and artist who has quietly made a name for herself over the last little while. Her music electro-based tunes often speak to a maturity beyond her years. She's done quite a lot in two years, and that's worth some serious respect.

RECENTLY ANNOUNCED CONCERTS

March

• Make It Funky 7-Year Anniversary at the Opera House on March 10. $25.00.
• Deniz Koyu at the Hoxton on March 17. $15.00.
• Nicolas Jaar at Revival Bar on March 23. Advance tickets $21.00 (plus s.c.).
• Tyvek at Parts & Labour on March 23. $10.00.
• Sleigh Bells at the Phoenix on March 26. $25.00.
• Andrew W.K. at the Phoenix on March 27. $23.50.
• Flatfoot 56 at the Hard Luck Bar on March 29. $10.50.

April

• Sydney Blu at the Hoxton on April 7. $15.00.
• Dev at the Mod Club on April 9. $20.00.
• Laidback Luke at the Hoxton on April 12. $25.00.
• Kaiser Chiefs at the Opera House on April 17. $35.50.
• Tanlines at the Wrongbar on April 17. $10.50.
• Nick Lowe at the Phoenix on April 23. $34.00.
• Acid Mothers Temple at the Garrison on April 26. $15.00.
• Dragon Ritual Drummers at the El Mocambo on April 27. $10.00.

May

• Frankie Rose at Parts & Labor on May 2. $11.50.
• Fortune at the Garrison on May 3. $12.50.
• Eleanor Friedberger at the Garrison on May 4. $15.00
• Justin Rutledge at the Horseshoe Tavern on May 5. $17.50.


• Grouplove at the Wrongbar on May 9. $18.00.
• Maine at the Phoenix on May 9. $23.50.
• Never Say Never at the Mod Club on May 9. $25.00.
• Allen Stone at the Mod Club on May 11. $18.50.
• Mark Langean at the Mod Club on May 15. $21.00.
• Rat Scabies and Brian James at Lee's Palace on May 17. $14.50.

Beyond

• Radiohead with Caribou on June 16 at Downsview Park. $81.00
• Laura Marling at the Phoenix on June 17. $25.00
• LMFAO with Far East Movement and more at the Molson Amphitheatre on July 4. $34.50 - 69.50.
• tUnE-yArDs at the Phoenix on August 1. $21.00.
• The Black Keys with The Shins at the Molson Amphitheatre on August 4. $35.00 - $.59.50.
• Justice & M83 with Austra and Buraka Som Sistema at Fort York:Garrison Common on August 4. $49.00 (+s.c.).
• Il Volo at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts on August 25. Price TBA.
• Gordon Lightfoot at Massey Hall from November 14 - November 17. $45.00 - 85.00.

For more music listings, head on over to our events calendar.

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Photo of Mindless Self Indulgence courtesy of cryogenic666 on Flickr.