(Well well, somehow this week it's all about Wednesday) ...

Wednesday, July 26 - Taking their name from an old Flaming Lips record yet hailing from the UK, The Futureheads make a rare appearance at the Phoenix this Wednesday. Even though their top hit is considered by many to be a cover of Kate Bush's "Hounds of Love", The Futureheads lovely pop harmonies & post-punk guitar holds it's own in a big brash way (think XTC meets Franz Ferdinand). Minneapolis' Tapes & Tapes open. $15 @ the Phoenix (and rumour has it close to sold-out). -- Beth

Wednesday, July 26 - Locally-revered reggae band The Sattalites play the Windsor Arms (18 St. Thomas St.) each and every Wednesday. Support our local reggae scene! -- Ryan

Wednesday, July 26 - Diary of a Digital Soundboy was one of my favourite albums of 2005 and UK dnb legend Shy FX (of Original Nuttah and Shake Your Body fame) was the man behind the magic. It's infectious, upbeat drum n bass of the feelgood variety...stuff that'll make you cream your dancefloorpants. My roommate generally hates it when I play my "rabbits on speed music", but even he declared Diary was "tolerable" - and that's saying a lot. Shy FX's set in Montreal back in March was one of my best nights in recent memory, but his Toronto stop two months later was dissappointing. Here's to hoping he's on his game this Wednesday. With Marcus Visionary. Doors 10pm, $15 before 11pm, at Footwork (425 Adelaide). -- Panthea

Thursday, July 27 - Two good reasons to pack inside The Boat on Thursday night: i) Final Fantasy is playing and, ii) it's a Cancer Benefit Party. That's right! BENEFIT! Along with Final Fantasy, Ninja High School (YES!!!), Pyramid Culture and The Good Ideas will all be performing for a good cause. Tickets can be purchased at ZOINKS! (856 Bloor St. West) for $5. You can try and purchase at the door the night of the show, but that's you being risky. -- Garry