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Totally non-screenwriting related but a couple of amazing live shows to keep your eyes open for in the next few months.

First, the best pop band you've never heard of, Saint Etienne is doing a short U.S. tour in support of the forthcoming American release of last year's concept album, Tales From Turnpike House. Rumor has it this may be their final work, so catch them if you can. Oh yes, there will be dancing.

Feb. 13, New York - Irving Plaza - support Mosquitos
Feb. 15, Chicago - Metro - support Venus Hum
Feb. 17, San Francisco - Fillmore - support Every Move A Picture
Feb. 18, Los Angeles - Avalon- support Silver Sunshine

Similarly fab is raver-turned-folkie Beth Orton. With her first album in almost four years due in a few weeks, Comfort of Strangers, Beth is always "up for it" as they say and her loopy stage presence should make these upcoming dates mucho delightful.

3/12 9:30 Club Washington DC
3/13 Variety Playhouse Atlanta, GA
3/15 SXSW Austin, TX
3/19 Gothic Theatre Denver, CO
3/20 Club Sound Salt Lake City, UT
3/23 House of Blues San Diego
3/24 Avalon Hollywood, CA
3/25 The Fillmore San Francisco, CA
3/27 Wonder Ballroom Portland, OR
3/28 The Showbox Seattle, WA
3/29 Commodore Ballroom Vancouver, Canada
4/1 First Avenue Minneapolis, MN
4/2 Barrymore Theatre Madison, WI
4/3 Vic Theatre Chicago, IL
4/5 The Majestic Theatre Detroit, MI
4/6 Carlu Toronto, Canada
4/7 Club Soda Montreal, Canada
4/8 Avalon Boston, MA
4/10 TLA Philadelphia, PA
4/11 Webster Hall New York City

Oh, and holy crap the video for the first single, Conceived, may be the funniest in recent memory. It's like the mutant sequel to Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas.

Also, the first great thing I've bought music-wise in 2006 is Thunder, Lightning, Strike by London's The Go! Team. Who knew the real hip hop was over there? A pastiche of Fatboy Slim big-beats, jazzy horn riffs, early 80's Bronx double dutch calls, and a bit of actual cheerleading chants thrown in for good measure. Fun, fun, fun!