WHERE TWEE MEETS THE '60S

The Aislers Set

[ FRIDAY, MAY 3 ]

Yes, I know. We're supposed to talk all about how exciting it is to have Belle and Sebastian in town, especially since it's been a while. So okay, it's exciting, and you should see them. But the less celebrated opening band, the Aislers Set, is reason enough to catch the show. Listening to the Set's cheery la-la-la's makes you feel good about being part of the human race, corny as that may be, and reminds you of walking home from school on the first warm spring day. Aside from the inevitable comparisons to B&S, who have mastered their own brand of sunny cheer, there's no doubting debts to the Velvet Underground, the Left Banke, and in sly moments, Jonathan Richman. The soft harmonies recall the Mamas and the Papas or, more recently, the Softees. The Bay Area five-piece started as a side project for Henry's Dress alum Amy Linton, but by the 2000 release Lack, the band had really gone beyond backing Linton. Prior press about AS have pointed to their great live performances, so it's worth coming out to see them. After all, when you get Belle and Sebastian as a bonus, you know it's a good time. (Liz Spikol)
8pm. Sold Out. Tower Theatre, 69th and Ludlow sts, Upper Darby. 215.336.2000. www.electricfactory.com

COME TOGETHER, RIGHT NOW

Saigon Slimm

With so many bands these days engaging in bizarre forms of musical fusion, it's always refreshing to find a group that does it with style. Saigon Slimm, comprised of six Philly locals, offers a little bit of everything: jazz arrangement, great guitars, some Latin rhythms and a singer who sounds just a little bit like Portishead's singer Beth Gibbons. Bassist Sean Dade jokingly calls their music "electro-acoustic world trip-hop." Whatever it is, Slimm's style is all about evolution, and they've evolved quite a bit since forming the band three years ago. After an open-mic beginning, Slimm soon began headlining their own shows for a growing, dedicated fan base that appreciates the way Slimm brings in the various backgrounds of its musicians for a truly distinct sound. They recently played at the Grape Street Pub with Townhall and released a short EP, Music. Plans for a full-length are under way. (Leila Ely)
9:30pm. $7. Khyber, 56 S. Second St. 215.238.5888. With Subtle Ground, Infectious Organisms + Cobraman.