Queens of the Stone Age guitarist Troy Van Leeuwen's new project Sweethead, which has the Spaceland residency this month, milks every ounce out the arguable (in this day and age) notion that rock 'n' roll is a dangerous, decadent beast. Frontwoman Serrina Sims vamps better than she sings (one observer made a Courtney Love comparison), overpowering almost every phrase. And the band, which includes Mark Lanegan Band cohorts Norm Block and Eddie Nappi, covers the Strokes. That said, Sweethead's set — and the band's self-titled debut album — is absolutely a must-hear for anybody who genuflects at the alter of guitar gods, and the Silver Lake club has been full of them the past couple of weeks. Sean Wheeler and Zander Schloss support tonight's residency installment.

Elsehwere: War Tapes doesn't have a record deal anymore (having parted ways with Saranthan), but they have some rockin' new songs and play them fiercely. They're at the Silverlake Lounge with Repeater and Hexham Heads. .. The Like, which continues its Echo residency with support from Jail Weddings and Starfucker, promises more of those “special surprises.” … And Spirit Animal will start your dance party at the Viper Room.

Also: MusiCares' benefit at the Hotel Cafe for those hit hard by the flooding in Nashville; Square on Square at the Troubadour; and Abe Vigoda at the RSVP-only It's a School Night at Bardot.

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