Live music picks for TUESDAY AUGUST 7 through SUNDAY AUGUST 12, 2012.

TUESDAY AUGUST 7 / THE TEMPER TRAP / KOOL HAUS / 132 QUEENS QUAY E / $26.50 / ALL AGES

If you want to see just how truly successful a band can be based on the popularity and exposure of just one song, look no further than The Temper Trap. Their song "Sweet Disposition" has been used in just about every movie and commercial ever made since its release in late 2008. To be fair, the band has had much success in their native Australia, and their catalogue is fairly extensive. They're fresh off the release of their self-title sophomore album, so expect to hear some newer material.

THURSDAY AUGUST 9 / STEEL PANTHER / SOUND ACADEMY / 11 POLSON / $35.25 / 19+

I hate '80s hair metal. I think it's illustrative of everything that's ever been wrong with mainstream music - it's repetitive, it's soulless, and worst of all, there's just nothing unique about it. That being said, I'm absolutely in love with Steel Panther. This quartet, which has been together for the better part of 12 years, is essentially a parody of hair and glam metal bands. Their lyrics are delightfully profane, and their personas are deliciously over the top.

FRIDAY AUGUST 10 / THE INTERNET / MOD CLUB / 722 COLLEGE / $25 / ALL AGES

A few years back, hip-hop collective OFWGKTA, or Odd Future, was founded by flavour of the week Tyler, the Creator. The Internet is an offshoot of Odd Future, and it's actually far superior on all levels. Rather than straight hip-hop, it's a blend of electronica and hip-hop soul, and, to be perfectly honest, it's quite good for what it is. Syd Tha Kyd, who provides lead vocals, has a very desperate and soulful voice that lends itself well to these tracks. If you're into this sort of thing, you'll want to check this show out. Kilo Kish will open.

SATURDAY AUGUST 11 / SONNY AND THE SUNSETS / SILVER DOLLAR ROOM / 486 SPADINA / $11.50 - $13 / 19+

I recently discovered San Francisco-based musician Sonny Smith, the frontman for the incredible little slice of garage rock, Sonny and the Sunsets. Their music is laid-back and chill, and it will remind you of bands like the Velvet Underground and Sparklehorse. Make no mistake, if you're only going to check out one show this week, let it be this one.

SUNDAY AUGUST 12 / DUKES OF SEPTEMBER / MOLSON CANADIAN AMPHITHEATRE / 909 LAKESHORE W / $20.11 - $174.50 / ALL AGES

Finally, I'll end this week's Hot Ticket with something a bit different - a classic rock supergroup. Dukes of September is comprised of Steely Dan's Donald Fagen, the Steve Miller Band's Boz Scaggs, and the Doobie Brothers' Michael McDonald. Obviously this show isn't going to be for everyone (and really, you'd have to question the sanity of someone who would pay the maximum ticket price of $175), but it's safe to say that there will be a few gems played from a great era of music. And who knows, they might even do a rendition of "Yah Mo B There".

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Photo of The Temper Trap courtesy of pamhule on Flickr