Rock Picks: Neil Young, the Pogues, Michelle Shocked

If you’re going to the Orpheum tonight to catch Broken Social Scene’s Kevin Drew, make sure to arrive in time for the opening set by Australian singer Sally Seltmann, who performs under the name New Buffalo. Her new album, Somewhere, Anywhere (Arts & Crafts), is a charming collection of airy piano ballads and sugary melodies. “I love the piano,” she says. “It’s a solitary instrument where you can turn your back on the world.” She’s bright and cheery, facing the world, on the romantic reverie “City and Sea (Lady Nameless),” where she finds herself “mapping out the stars inside your brain.” She contrasts that joy with the glassy breakup song “It’s True,” confessing that “I got myself into this mess/I chose to wear this stupid dress” as stormy sonic waves swell and crash around her. Lavish piano curlicues adorn the soft cooing of “Emotional Champ,” and she’s soothingly reassuring on “I’m the Drunk and You’re the Star.” Seltmann, who got some attention when Feist covered her song “1234,” is quite talented, although the unvarying feeling of wispiness can get a bit twee in the long run. (Falling James)

Also playing Tuesday:

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & THE E STREET BAND at L.A. Sports Arena; REGINA SPEKTOR at the Wiltern (see Music feature); BATTLES, NO AGE at Henry Fonda Theater; TED LEO & THE PHARMACISTS, QUASI at El Rey Theatre; STATIC-X, SHADOWS FALL at Avalon; THURSTON MOORE, SCORES at the Echoplex, 8:30 p.m.; FATLIP & TRE HARDSON at Knitting Factory; CRANKY GEORGE at Molly Malone’s; THE OOHLAS at Safari Sam’s; FEDERICO AUBELE, MEXICAN DUBWISER at the Troubadour; SONDRE LERCHE at Amoeba Music, 7 p.m.

{mosimage}Wednesday, October 31

The Pogues, Ted Leo & the Pharmacists at the Wiltern

It’s never a bright idea to pass up an opportunity to see the Pogues, especially now that the legendarily hard-living Irish folk-punk band is entering the middle-age phase often unkind to touring musicians (guitarist Philip Chevron, sidelined by throat cancer, is sitting out this trek) and especially now that we’re entering the home stretch toward Christmas (which means Shane MacGowan can probably be convinced to slur his way through “Fairytale of New York,” the Pogues’ beloved holiday classic). Show up early tonight to catch an opening set by Ted Leo, one of MacGowan’s most committed successors. Living With the Living, Leo’s latest album with his crackerjack backing band the Pharmacists, features another generous batch of his tuneful ruminations on work, family, war and justice. Provided you’re sloshed, you might even take one of Living’s highlights, “A Bottle of Buckie,” for a lost Pogues gem. Also Thurs. (without Ted Leo). (Mikael Wood)

Also playing Wednesday:

DANZIG at Greek Theatre; HORRORPOPS at Natural History Museum; THEMSELVES, DAEDELUS at the Airliner; RADARS TO THE SKY, FRESAS, MONOLATORS at All Star Lanes; CYPRESS HILL at House of Blues; THE BINGES, SASQUATCH, JESSIE DELUXE at King King; ATOMIC SHERPAS at Taix; MEDUSA, ZANE ONE at Temple Bar; GHOSTFACE KILLAH, RAKIM, BROTHER ALI at Vault 350.

{mosimage}Thursday, November 1

Michelle Shocked at Temple Bar

Michelle Shocked has always marched to her own beat. After starting out as a fiery folkie back in the late ’80s, she has taken an eclectic journey across the American musical landscape: visiting rock, swing, blues, soul and other genres in between. Shocked’s latest disc, the live ToHeavenURide, finds her exploring her spiritual side. Since this is Shocked, we’re naturally not talking genteel music. Rather, it’s the foot-stomping gospel sounds of the South Central church she frequents. The music not only nicely captures her religious passions and societal concerns but also provides a fine showcase for her strong, soulful singing. Besides testifying in song to her love for the Staples Singers and Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Shocked is also performing new originals and old favorites. And is it purely coincidental that she chose Temple Bar to perform this inspirational music? (Michael Berick)

Also playing Thursday:

THE POGUES at the Wiltern; DIOS MALOS at Rio Hondo College; BRYONY ATKINSON, BLACK OLIVE at the Bordello; YOU ME & IOWA, COCO B’s, SAINT MOTEL at the Echo; THE AGGROLITES, BREAKESTRA at the Key Club; JON BRION at Largo; LONESOME SPURS at Taix.