Ride out the summer in a smoky club or two

I understand that this is the last Vanguard to grace our fair campus for the rest of the summer, so with that in mind, I am put to work giving you the lowdown on music events taking place over the next two months. As usual, August and September look to be the hottest months of the year on the musical calendar, here are a few suggestions.

Thursday, Aug. 9, head over to B complex, 320 S.E. Second Ave., for Plaid’s moody ambient electronic sound as they open for Squarepusher (all-ages, 9 p.m., $14 in advance.) Then on Saturday, Aug. 11, head on down to AIMFest (see related story) and from there head to Blackbird (Northeast 37th and Sandy) for Seattle transplant, indie moodsters Carissa’s Weird (21+, $6).

Or if it’s an experience you’re after, spend all day Saturday teasing your hair and fitting into the leather or lace of your choice and drift down to the Rode Garden for Stevie Nicks (all ages, 8 p.m., $39.50, $49.50, $75). This should be an interesting look at what one might call a true rock icon.

If you really want to have a bad time, I suggest you head down to the Schnitz on Wednesday, Aug. 15 for the Moody Blues, who will perform some of the most boring classic rock ever made (all-ages, 8 p.m., $39.50, $59.50, $69.50!). What you really want to do, though, is check out Japanese noise-mongers Zeni Geva at Satyricon (125 N.W. Sixth) that same night (21+, $8?).

Then Thursday Aug. 16, check out PSU resident comet-rockers the High Violets as they bring some of the city’s best pop sounds to Blackbird (21+).

Friday, Aug. 17 proves to be a special day, with an appearance by none other than the mighty X at the Roseland (Northwest Sixth and Burnside). Old, but not broken, X is a punk classic for the ages.

A week and a day later, on Aug. 25, check out The Goddamn Gentlemen CD release party at the Blackbird ($6) for some blazing garage punk. Then on Aug. 31, if you’re like me, lazy and not lucky enough to get tickets to see Ween at the Crystal (sold out), you’ll head down to see Sonic Boom of Spacemen 3, Spectrum and E.A.R. fame. He is one of the most creative makers of music Britain has seen in the last 12 years, and will be performing hits new and old at the SatyriconOn the electronic tip that same night, there will be an OMCO records showcase at the Blackbird. If Nudge is playing, I’ll have to rethink my plans ($5).

Moving into September, Modest Mouse holds court Aug. 7 and 8 at the Crystal (14th and Southwest Burnside). They’re still, and might forever be, the world’s indie darlings (all-ages, $13/advance).

If you’re into the hip-hop trip, or are hip to the trip-hop tip, head down to B Complex for DJ Krush on Sept. 15. And then the next night, get all brainy with the always-irreverent They Might Be Giants at the Crystal.

And finally, looking ahead all the way to Sept. 28, how can I neglect to mention Unwound at B Complex. I caught them at Berbati’s a while back and was floored by their two-hour assault on my senses. This is not a group of has-beens; this is a group that has amassed a truly impressive body of work.

So, we’ll see you in the fall ���� now get off your asses and go listen to some music!