There's not a lot to say about the Conor/Obama show yesterday at the Civic. Bright Eyes consisted of Oberst and trumpet player Nate Walcott, joined by M. Ward and Jim James on guitars. It dawned on me while listening to Oberst croon through "Land Locked Blues" -- one of three songs performed for the 9,000-plus crowd -- that Bright Eyes' music isn't exactly inspirational in a "Let's go get 'em!" sort of way. In fact, it's somewhat downcast and slightly depressing. Hardly the "Celebrate good times COME ON!" revelry that one expects at a campaign rally. Oberst made up for it with his own brief comments, the first of the evening where anyone declared Obama "the next president of the United States." We'd hear the same thing again from Ben Nelson, Mike Fahey and the governor of Iowa. Anyway, after their three songs, Oberst and Co. strolled off stage, and it would be another two hours before Obama would finally arrive with his usual, inspiring stump speech, much more of a rock star than Oberst and Co. will ever be. Niz made it to the Slowdown Obama rally; you can read her brief comments on the OWH site here. The caucus is tomorrow morning, where you'll all get to see where your neighbors stand, except in my case because most of my neighbors are probably republicans.

I think there's a law against voting drunk, so you may want to hold back at the shows tonight. It could be difficult, as Satchel Grande is headlining a show at The Waiting Room with Polydypsia and Dessa Vibes. $7, 9 p.m. Down at Slowdown Jr., Thunder Power!!! returns with Darren Keen (a.k.a. The Show Is the Rainbow) and Somewhere Soon. $7, 9 p.m. While at Mick's, Scott Severin and his band opens for Jumpin' Kate. $5, 9 p.m.

Tomorrow night, of course, is Daniel Johnston and The Rayguns at Slowdown. Opening is Flowers Forever and Jake Bellows. $18, 9 p.m., tickets are still available at theslowdown.com. While over at The Waiting Room, those old stoners from Clever are playing, along with pop-punk bands Old Boy Network and Straight Outta Junior High. $7, 9 p.m.

Don't forget to caucus tomorrow!!!

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