Kevin Bronson on January 7th, 2011

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[What a strange and wonderful batch of shows this first weekend of 2011 offers. It’s even Dave Matthews’ birthday on Sunday, so celebrate responsibly …]

Top 5 weekend outings:

‣ It’s a long story involving a broken back, Enrique Iglesias, and time in Australia with Ben Harper and in Russia with Cossacks, but Scott Thomas and Ringside are back. The band’s first album since 2005, “Lost Days,” is coming out Jan. 25, featuring contributions from myriad heavy hitters including Harper, Ozomatli, Brian Bell of Weezer and, of course, bandmate and co-producer Balthazar Getty. That’s the video for the title track, above. Ringside headlines the Satellite on Saturday night, supported by Parade of Lights and Oh Darling.
‣ Andy Clockwise – his album “The Socialite” finally coming out this spring – co-headlines the El Rey Theatre with Abandoned Pools (and Eastern Conference Champions support). If you attend the show, though, no need to wait for the record – it’ll be available at the El Rey.
‣ Sludge gods the Melvins kick off their January residency tonight at the Satellite, performing two sets that will include their “Lysol” and “Colossus of Destiny” albums and their “Eggnog” EP.
‣ Tonight, Swedish electro-soul outfit Little Dragon kicks off this year’s First Fridays series at the Natural History Museum, and then the band headlines the Echoplex on Saturday night.
‣ Outsider folkie Jandek plays Crystal Cove Auditorium at UC Irvine backed by bassist Mike Watt and Health drummer B.J. Miller.
And there’s plenty more …

Also tonight:
Tha Dogg Pound at the Key Club
Rocco Deluca and Tom Freund at the Hotel Cafe
Viza at the Troubadour
Billygoat at the Bootleg Theater (they also open for Little Dragon on Saturday)
Black Jesus and Summer Twins at Lot 1 Cafe (Peter and the Wolf canceled)
Downtown Union at the Echo
Assemble the Skyline and Scarlet Grey at the Roxy
Big Sean at the El Rey Theatre
High Places and Ghost Animal at the Smell
Ladyjack and Selling LA at the Viper Room
Super Duper and Black Crystal Wolf Kids at the Mint
Kamikazi and the Mo-Odds at the Redwood Bar
The Terrapin at Casey’s downtown
Ernest Troost at McCabe’s

Also Saturday:
The Quarter After at Casey’s downtown
Captain Ahab at the Smell
Thatwasthen and Bethpage Black at the Troubadour
People Under the Stairs at the Detroit Bar in Costa Mesa
Kelley James, Kate Voegele and Amy Kuney at the Roxy
Paper Tiger at On the Rox
The Sin City All-Stars and Old Californio at Molly Malone’s
Exene Cervenka at McCabe’s
Tyler Hilton at the Hotel Cafe
The Slackers at the Key Club
Con Brio at the Mint
The Deadlies at the Viper Room
The Monthlies and Ross Sea Party at the Silverlake Lounge (happy hour show, 6 p.m.)

Also Sunday:
Michael Davis (with Dawes) and the Chances at the Bootleg Theater
Crom at 3 Clubs
Comfort Slacks at the Smell
Dune and Jared Lee at the Roxy
Jessica Lombard at the Mint
Matt Beal at the Viper Room

Not to mention: Art Fein’s annual Elvis Presley Birthday Bash on Sunday at the Echoplex– there’s quite a list of guests appearing.