We usually stay pretty hog-tied to the folk and roots music world, but a year or so ago, we found ourselves volunteering to cover a show at Neumo's featuring Common Market and The Coup. Hot damn! That was a good show. The Coup is back in town tonight for a set at Nectar in Fremont. Think of a mix between Public Enemy and Prince. Check it: 9 PM // Nectar Lounge // $12......

Katelyn just mentioned Common Market, but there's also hip-hop aplenty at the Showbox this weekend, with Portland's Lifesavas and New Orleans' funk-tastic Galactic (featuring Chali 2na of Jurassic 5 and Boots Riley of The Coup) tonight and Blackalicious, Lyrics Born, and The Mighty Underdogs (featuring The Gift of Gab, Lateef the Truth Speaker and Headnodic) tomorrow night. Here's some footage of Blackalicious freestyling at Florida's Langerado festival a couple months ago.......

Not a huge week in music, but hey, it's a holiday. Stay home and eat! Then put your sweatpants on! Tuesday 21st >>> +/- at the Croc. Fresh off their glowing review from Pitchfork, Plus/Minus brings their dynamic sensitive indie-pop to town. *mp3: Steal the Blueprints 9pm; $8. Wednesday 22nd >>> Blue Scholars at The Showbox. If you don't know who the Blue Scholars are and why you should see them live, get the......

Hip-hop is ruled by ego. Whether it's the ego of an MC, that of a DJ, or a combination of the two, hip-hop is dominated by superlatives. Descriptions of being the biggest, baddest, and richest are the typical trappings of mainstream hip-hop, which is nothing new. The underground scene has its own failings, focused instead on being "realest," clamoring to fit as many syllables as possible into every bar. In both cases, the result......

You got something better to do? We don't believe you. Wednesday 2nd >>> Mellowdrone and Monsters are Waiting at Chop Suey. Both of these dancey Cali bands rely on heavy synths. 9pm doors; $8 advance. Thursday 3rd >>> Mark Erelli at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. Sensitive Bostonian singer/songwriter with a sweet, sweet voice. 7pm; free. All ages. Friday 4th >>> Harvey Danger at Neumo's. CD Release Party – New album is good. Sean Nelson......