THE BLACK KEYS, SLEIGH BELLS, MORNING TELEPORTATION
(Crystal Ballroom, 1332 W Burnside) Sure, this 94/7 "December to Remember" show couldn't be any more sold out, but when it comes to the Black Keys, be prepared to do anything to get inside the Crystal tonight. If you manage to con your way inside (don't say "I'm the Black Keys' bass player"—the Akron duo doesn't have one), don't miss another fantastic duo: openers Sleigh Bells. EZRA ACE CARAEFF
HOT PANDA, HERE COME DOTS
(The Woods, 6637 SE Milwaukie) Hailing from Edmonton, Alberta, Hot Panda are touring in support of the wildly schizophrenic How Come I'm Dead? An affront to the notion that all albums must proceed in a linear direction, Dead? is a truly baffling collection of songs that run the gamut from standard pop, to keyboard freakout electro-rock, to hiphop (sort of), plus just about everything else in between. It can be a maddening listen, at times as frustrating as attempting to hold a conversation with that one crazy guy on the bus. Yet for the most part it's hard not to be envious of a band so free. Rules? Hot Panda doesn't need your stinkin' rules, man. EZRA ACE CARAEFF
Complete show listings can be viewed here.