[The Record Crate] We Don't Need No Stinking Badges

The next two weeks are a great time to be a concertgoer in Baton Rouge. As every band in the universe makes their way down to Austin for the massive SXSW industry showcase cluster, they are all looking for shows on the way there and the way back, and while the prospect of spending a long weekend seeing any band you can think of, there is no scramble for VIP badges or guest list additions. No hotel rooms to reserve, sets longer than 30 minutes. Adequate parking. It’s practically being handed to you. You’re welcome.

There is plenty of fresh newness to absorb this week. Asobi Sesku flutter in on the gossamer wings of their just-released album Hush, a gorgeous mix of old school Cocteau Twins glimmer and modern indie intimacy. Seasoned Americana homerun hitters Paul Burch and Jason Isbell are both appearing at Chelsea’s. Post-everything disco ingénues YACHT and Mochipet are on deck to support any and all rump shaking needs. Even the iO Theatre: The Improvised Musical, fertile ground that introduced Tina Fey and Amy Poehler to the greater public will be doing two nights at The Varsity. Your bases are covered.

All said, the best bets in town this week are locals. Generationals, formed by former members of the Eames Era, will be playing the infectious pan-genre pop bliss form their debut Con Law, one of the smartest albums I’ve heard yet this year. The Junior League (http://www.myspace.com/juniorleague), New Orleans’ most loveable power pop explosion will be on hand this week supporting their second record Smile Shoot Smile. Blues powerhouse Luther Kent will be on hand at Phil Brady’s for the release of his latest album, The Bobby Bland Songbook. And while Greenwood, Miss., may not be exactly local, their favorite son Lil Dave Thompson will be tearing it up at Teddy’s. All this and no badges required.

Wednesday, March 18

Mochipet, CLP and DJ Otto at Spanish Moon

iO Theatre at The Varsity

Thursday, March 19

Streamline, versa Nova, and Leaving Brightside at Chelsea’s

Bright City Lights at Click’s

Damon Fowler at Boudreaux & Thibodeaux’s

iO Theatre at The Varsity

Friday, March 20

Paul Burch and the Junior League at Chelsea’s

Bright City Lights at Click’s

David Borne and Diamondback at Boudreaux & Thibodeaux’s

The Chee Weez at the Varsity

8 Days in the Making at Phil Brady’s

Lil Dave Thompson at Teddy’s Juke Joint

Saturday, March 21

Jason Isbell and Hoots and Hellmouth at Chelsea’s

Pandemic and Falls from Grace at Click’s

The Beau Young Trio at Boudreaux & Thibodeaux’s

Luther Kent at Phil Brady’s

Selwyn Cooper & the Sharecroppers at Teddy’s Juke Joint

Sunday, March 22

Big Al & the Heavyweights at Teddy’s Juke Joint

Monday, March 23

Asobi Sesku, Tyvek, & Generationals at Spanish Moon

Tuesday, March 24

YACHT and Chairlift at Spanish Moon

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