Arts & Culture

Just a few years ago, after the release of the critically acclaimed Tears of the Valedictorian, Frog Eyes found themselves at the forefront of “indie rock.” But amidst all of the hype surrounding their release of Paul’s Tomb: A Triumph, the biggest lament for both fans and critics alike is the absence of the eccentric pop-payoff that made Tears such a dynamic album.

It’s great when titles say it all. Take a recent NPR.org article titled “The Abramoff Saga: Reads Like A Movie, And Now It Is” about the upcoming film, Casino Jack and the United States of Money. The film’s title, like the Abramoff story itself, is almost too simple to be true.

If you like ’90s classics, electronica beats, modern music or all of the above rolled into one, then come to Freeborn Hall May 20, to see Super Mash Bros. perform live from 8 to 11 p.m.

Not only is Owen Smith’s internationally recognized work on display at the Richard L. Nelson Gallery, but the artist himself will speak in Davis today.

Nothing says “frugality” and “ecological sustainability” better that the 41st Annual Whole Earth Festival (WEF) – a weekend fully equipped with three days of nonstop music, art and education.

MUSIC Musical Charis and Shayna & the Bulldog Today, 10 p.m., $3 Sophia’s Thai Kitchen, 129 E St. Catch two local pop groups at Sophia’s tonight: Sacramento’s trio Musical Charis and Davis’ own pop/rock quartet Shayna & the Bulldog. Both groups sound ready to bring a little happiness into your Thursday night. Mark Matos & Os Beaches and Buxter Hoot’n Friday, 10 p.m., $3

Upon first listen to Broken Water’s debut LP, Whet, comparisons made to ’90s post-punk pioneers like Sonic Youth are understandable. Closer inspection, however, reveals that the numerous layers of grungy guitars and murky vocals congeal into something deeper.

If there is any artist that can reliably churn out album after album of frustratingly upbeat pop-punk influenced rock songs like it’s nobody’s business, Ted Leo would certainly fit the bill. With a runtime that clocks under 45 minutes, Ted Leo & the Pharmacists’ latest album, The Brutalist Bricks offers the standard fare: infectiously energetic rock songs that are articulate, if not obtuse, and catchy, if not homogenous.

Thanks to Urban Outfitters, The Golden Filter is already on just about every hipster’s iPod. The dreamlike, catchy single “Solid Gold” well represents the electronic duo’s debut album, Voluspa. As a whole, the album is a well-balanced collection of sultry, low-fi disco.

There’s a lot of talk about the book industry in the press lately. While some find its future prospects grim, others aren’t so pessimistic. “It’s the best time in the history of the printed word to be a publisher or a writer,” said Dave Eggers, author and founder of independent publisher McSweeney’s, last weekend at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books.

Studio 301 will put on a production Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical from April 28 to May 2, and from May 5 to 9. Tickets are $12 for students, but the preview show on April 28 will be $11. All shows begin at 8 p.m., except for Sunday shows, which begin at 7 p.m.

It’s a Thursday night in Davis and there is nothing to do. Or is there?