I'm not avoiding blog updates, I'm just buried under writing assignments, all of which will appear on this site throughout the rest of the week. The main event is a story focused on The Ranch Bowl -- specifically the Matt Markel years -- based on an interview with Markel that took place last Thursday, the same day Markel went out to the site and watched his old club get torn down. It's part of a cover story in this week's issue of The Reader, but I'll have my portion online here Thursday. Also this week (tomorrow, to be exact), a brief interview with Magnolia Electric Co.'s Jason Molina. This week's column is a rehash of last week's The Song Remains the Same live review, with some additional comments about the virtues of cover bands. Look for it Friday.

A couple noteworthy shows are going on tonight. Down at Slowdown Jr., it's Capgun Coup with Or, the Whale. By now, we all know about Capgun. Or, the Whale plays music in the same vein as Okkervil River, a band that seems to be riding a well-deserved wave of hype based on their new album. $6, 8 p.m. Meanwhile, over at The Waiting Room, Hydra Head recording artist Pelicans (from Chicago) plays with Clouds and Your Black Star. $10, 9 p.m.

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