Written by Patrick McNamara

Let's talk about good shows. And let's make it LOUD.

Well, except for Stephin Merritt, maybe.

But for the rest...

BRING EARPLUGS AND NOBODY GETS HURT.

#1. Lightning Bolt - The Observatory - Monday - May 4 - 2015 A.D.

Longtime Providence noise masters Lightning Bolt are a duo that must be experienced live in order to fully enjoy the power of their fury. Will things get loud? Copy that. Can you also dance to the decibels? Hell, yes you can dance.

#2. Thee Oh Sees - The Smell - Tuesday - May 5 - 2015 A.D.

John Dwyer and his crew have been up to their garage psych fun punk tricks since 1997, son. So go to The Smell tonight, release all that negative shit, and give in to the live magic of a band that's been at it a long time and still riding high.

#3. Ty Segall - The Smell - Thursday - May 7 - 2015 A.D.

Ty Segall is currently on an acoustic tour. And that's what you're going to get if you go to The Smell tonight. Don't worry, he'll still shred. He just doesn't need anything plugged in in order to do so. Wires are so fucking overrated.

*please note: ty segall might have a wire plugged in to his acoustic guitar for this one - not sure - I'll let you know as soon as someone updates his Wikipedia page with this information

#4. Purity Ring - The Fonda - Friday - May 8 - 2015 A.D.

Electronic pop duo Purity Ring play the eclectic power hits at The Fonda and if you're going to this show it's probably to see them and that's a good choice. But please note that Born Gold opens and I know this Born Gold song (below Purity Ring) is a little old (what was 2010 even LIKE, mannn) but oh how I still love it so.

#5. Stephin Merritt - Hollywood Forever Cemetery - Fri/Sat - May 8/9 - 2015 A.D.

The Magnetic Fields frontman plays two shows at Hollywood Forever and people are dying to get into these.

#6. HONORABLE MENTION: NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK AT WHEREVER

Meet Jordan, Jon (they're brothers!), Joey (the young, cute one!), Donnie (the tough one!) and Danny (the --- brainy one!). Together, these fab five represent one of the hippest and hottest bands on the planet.

If you've never heard of New Kids on the Block, ask your daughter (and even a few of your sons!) and she'll tell you all about what Joey's favorite cereal is, and what makes "the perfect date" for Jordan. (Hint: he likes going to the zoo and eating ice cream cones!)

These Boston kids are already being hyped as the second coming of their successful city mates, New Edition. And though Bobby Brown, Michael Bivins and company's sneakers are mighty hard to fill, if anyone can successfully handle their torch-pass, it's the New Kids.

All five of the boys in this band can sing (and look out, you may be treated to a rap or two by the band's resident bad boy, Donnie) and their voices blend effortlessly. But perhaps the band's most unheralded talent is their dancing. Their stage moves are the smoothest we've seen since the Moonwalk.

And in the opinion of this reviewer, it doesn't get any better than when young Joey belts out "Please Don't Go Girl" with earnestness and assurance. New Kids on the Block are here to stay.

For fans of Arcade Fire, Dan Deacon, Pelican, Mogwai, U2 and John Denver.

Other notable shows this week = Reggie Watts at El Cid + Jon Spencer Blues Explosion at The Observatory + Roses at Amoeba (free) + Shlohmo at The Fonda + Rat Fist at The Echo + No Parents at The Observatory + The Sonics at The Regent