Music lovers have a reason to be happy this fall

By Brian Spiegel
Online Forty-Niner
Staff Writer

Trying to find a way to spend that extra money your parents wired you for food? Here are a few concert options that might wet your whistle.

• 10/21-22 William Shatner and Ben Folds at The El Rey Theatre
Why you should go: C'mon, like your not the least bit curious.You'd like this show if: You liked Shatner's classic version of "Rocket Man' (he does a Pulp cover on his new album).Don't miss the part where: Shatner sits on his stool and sings while Ben Folds plays the piano.Price: Priceless…

• 10/23 The Pixies, The Mars Volta and The Thrills at Verizon Wireless AmphitheatreWhy you should go: Do you really have to ask? This could be your last chance to see The Pixies before they shortly implode. Plus add in The Mars Volta and, I quote Joey Lawrence, "Whoa.'
You'd like this show if: You value all that is great in music.
Don't miss the part where: The entire audience sings along to the opening of "Where Is My Mind.' Also watch the sheer power that is The Mars Volta on "Inertiatic ESP.'
Price: $15-$40.

• 10/27-28 Interpol and The Secret Machines at The Wiltern LG
Why you should go: Because your really, really hip.
You'd like this show if: You wear either all white or all black, have a Morrissey pin, listen to old Lou Reed and enjoy gently bobbing your head to New York guitar rock.
Don't miss the part where: The crowd rhythmically bobs its head to Interpol's "PDA.'
Price: $24.

• 10/28 Good Charlotte, Sum 41, Hazen St. and Lola Ray at The UCI Bren Events Center
Why you should go: Because contrary to popular belief Good Charlotte and Sum 41 put on a damn good show.
You'd like this show if: You're either 16 or don't give a damn about what other people think.
Don't miss the part where: Good Charlotte plays the somberly deep "The Day That I Died.'
Price: $35.

• 10/29 Har Mar Superstar at The Troubadour
Why you should go: Because Har Mar is a singing, dancing, entertainment machine.
You'd like this show if: You are confident enough in your sexuality to watch a man who looks like Ron Jeremy dance around in his underwear.
Don't miss the part where: Har Mar stripes down to his undies and sings a Stevie Wonder cover.
Price: $20.

• 11/7-8 All Tomorrows Parties at The Queen Mary Park featuring Modest Mouse, Lou Reed (Saturday) and The Flaming Lips, The Shins (Sunday).
Why you should go: Because you're much more alternative then any of your friends will ever be.
You'd like this show if: You read www.pitchforkmedia.com everyday.
Don't miss the part where: Wayne from The Flaming Lips eats up precious set time talking about whatever comes to his mind (example: the band's six song/45 minute Coachella set).
Price: $90 two-day ticket; $55 single day.

•11/13 Le Tigre at the Glass House
Why you should go: Because Le Tigre put on the best live show at Coachella 2004 (even if nobody saw them because they were opposite The Cure).
You'd like this show if: You really like your feminist keyboard rock (and who doesn't?).
Don't miss the part where: The opening band Lesbians on Ecstasy takes the stage. With a name like that you have to at least give them the benefit of the doubt.
Price: $20.

• 11/23 Green Day, New Found Glory and Sugarcult at Long Beach Arena
Why you should go: Because Green Day recently put out the best album of 2004, "American Idiot.'
You'd like this show if: You liked "American Idiot.' They are going the play the whole thing straight through.
Don't miss the part where: Green Day dusts off all favorites like "Armatage Shanks' and "Macy's Day Parade.'
Price: $19-$40.

• 12/9 Muse at The Wiltern LG
Why you should go: Because Muse is the best British band to come around in the last five years.
You'd like this show if: Radiohead doesn't have enough guitar rock for your tastes.
Don't miss the part where: Muse dusts off some gems from 1999's "Showbiz.'
Price: $25.

• 12/22 Latin Christmas Show with Kinky—and Juana Molina at The Walt Disney Concert Hall
Why you should go: If I've said it once I've said it a million times: you must, and I mean must, go see Kinky.
You'd like this show if: You like to dance or just bob your head while swaying your hips.
Don't miss the part where: Kinky plays anything.
Price: $25-$75.