Heavy Dates

by John O'Neill and Carly Carioli

WORCESTER: They're back again! Alterno kings of geek rock They Might Be Giants make their second swing through town this academic year. If you're a big fan of the absurd, look no further than Clark University, where they perform this Friday, April 3. Call 793-7347 for information. Young Neil and the Vipers are a band who really know how to tear a joint up with their stripped-down, straight-ahead blues/rock action. They'll send you reeling at the Plantation Club Drafthouse. Method 51 not only open for, but become the majority of Another Society at the Espresso Bar, while over at the Space State of Corruption and Split join the Seven Hill Psychos for a potent one-two punch of hardcore ass kickin'. Eastcide head to the Espresso Bar Saturday to share the bill with Stuck Mojo, Skinlab, and Perseverance. The Deal, Wormtown's always underrated pop-rock trio, bash out the obligatory (money-paying) cover tunes over at the Wong Dynasty. But it's their original stuff that earned these lads a hard-earned spot on the Phoenix music poll. Downchild and Bionic Manson, also music-poll nominees, go head to head at Sir Morgan's Cove. Stocklan and Dingbat round out the evening. Over at Slattery's, Mighty Sam McClain blows through in support of his new release, and Slipknot turn the Above Club into a groovy, patchouli-scented, hippie, trippie, dance party. Next Thursday, April 9, Special 79, Sticks and Stones, Strawberry Bazzare, and Jeff Myaero play Sir Morgan's Cove, and Scott Babineau plays for free at Partners Pub, in Fitchburg.

-- John O'Neill

BOSTON/PROVIDENCE: Having just completed a national tour supporting their latest great CD on Matador, Gently Down the Stream, local indie-rock heroes Come return to home territory. On April 2 they're at the Call (401-751-2255), in Providence, with rickety urban bloozebreakers White Hassle, a side project of Railroad Jerk frontman Marcellus Hall, and the Good Furies. Then they head to the Middle East (617-864-3278), in Cambridge, for a two-night stand in the club's cozy upstairs room. On April 3, while the Fall headline downstairs, they're again joined by White Hassle and the Good Furies, as well as the Boom (featuring members of NYC's June of '44). The April 4 bill features the Fully Celebrated Orchestra and Pee Wee Fist.

The local legions of devotees of indie-folk goddess Ani DiFranco will have to hop in the car to see her this time around. Her spring tour bypasses Boston but hits the Whittimore Arena (603-862-4000), in Durham, New Hampshire, on April 3; the Mullins Center (413-733-2500) at UMass-Amherst on April 4; and the Providence Performing Arts Center (401-421-2787) on April 6. Chris Brown and Kate Fenner open all three shows.

Tim Reynolds, guitarist from that really huge band who play Foxboro this June, brings his TR3 to the Iron Horse (413-584-0610), in Northampton, on April 8, the Call on April 9, and the Middle East on April 11. Amphetamine Reptile brimstone-and-hellfire noise-rock madmen the Cows hit Middle East on April 5, and the Call on April 6. Moo.

-- Carly Carioli