Music A-List

Foundation

Stones Throw Records, like its brethren Def Jux to the east, has long been an institution for quality underground rap (whatever that means), an easy one-stop shop for those who like their beats smoked out and their vibes eclectic. Through housing such disparate acts as crooner Dudley Perkins, gangsta rapper Guilty Simpson, and Madlib himself (who fronts a half-dozen projects with different aliases), the label has been opening up heads to the many funky ways one can get down, whether through reggae dubs, funk reissues, or straight-up genius hip hop (see 2004's Madvillainy). Stones Throw co-creator Peanut Butter Wolf has been slowly moving from behind the wheels of steel to behind a big desk, overseeing the whole beautiful mess. Come early tonight to catch Percee P, a little-known but highly respected Bronx MC who's been spitting since 1979(!) but only recently got his first LP on the shelves. It'll be like a three-ring circus, only without the scary clowns. 18+. $20. 10:00 p.m. 10 S. Fifth St., Minneapolis; 612.332.3931. —Jordan Selbo

Aids Wolf

Turf Club

Like kindred spirits and Skin Graft labelmates Arab on Radar and PRE, Aids Wolf craft punk that makes no wave seem quaint. Last year's The Lovvers captured the Montreal-based quartet's two-minute-assault mode well enough, but the band is more inclined to stretch out live. As for clothes, who knows? Maybe their well-documented penchant for undressing is what sparked their newly ended, two-year wait for a visa. Or maybe Aids Wolf's friendship with members of Wolf Eyes and Wolf Parade—coupled with the "We are a fucking cult and will cause you harm and ill will" announcement on their web page—had the Feds thinking: "Werewolves, bent on spreading splinter cell amnesia." Syncrocyclotron and Voyager offer ample support. 9:00 p.m. 1601 University Ave. W., St. Paul; 651.647.0486. —Rod Smith

FRIDAY 11.30

Tegan & Sara

Pantages Theatre

Pigeonholed early on for quirks of genetics and identity, this Canadian duo has proved expert at delivering something any demographic can sink its teeth into: spiky, emotive, Cars-y guitar pop. "Walking with a Ghost" was a bona fide hit last year. In the way of hits these days, it found the American ear through TV and soundtrack spots rather than traditional radio. Their latest album, The Con, produced with Death Cabber Chris Walla, explores the varieties of modern heartbreak—another universal. Live, expect plenty of sisterly cattiness, revved-up arrangements, and two voices that can charm and cut glass from one line to the next. All ages. $25-$27.50. 7:00 p.m. 710 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis; 612.339.7007. —Geoff Cannon

Prof & Rahzwell

Fine Line Music Café

Celebrating the release of their upcoming Project Gampo in appropriate fashion, with a live show likely to evolve into a live party, Prof and Rahzwell signify all that is (as well as all that is good about) the Twin Cities rap flavor. They aren't afraid to shed a tear or two, but never take their soul-searching so seriously as to become corny. They came up by performing tirelessly and earned a rep in our familiar haunts, using local talent for recording collaborations as well. Their whole foundation is built around letting the art form of rhyming grow—seeing how badass the rhythms can get, but remembering that Thou Shalt Move the Crowd is commandment numero uno. With plenty of party-pleasing friends around town and secret guests being scheduled to warm up beforehand, this will be one sweaty throwdown. T.C. b-boys and -girls, whatchu wanna do? $10/$12 at the door. 8:00 p.m. 318 First Ave. N., Minneapolis; 612.338.8100. —Jordan Selbo

SATURDAY 12.1

Shonen Knife

Triple Rock Social Club

Look out! Flying jellybean attack! Flying at you. Shonen Knife group. All-female Japanese pop-punk trio on tour. Fun! Fun! Fun! With quick bursts of sugar-sweet glee, Shonen Knife founding sisters Naoko and Atsuko Yamano have been making fans out of art-rock Americans for over two decades now. Writing catchy pop ditties about things like Toucan Sam, Choco-Bars, and Ice-Cream City, and pumpin' them out with the garage-y speed punch of the Ramones, they've continued touring and releasing albums regularly, even after the loss of original bassist Michie Nakatani and a reshuffled lineup. Their latest record hasn't yet seen release in the States, but they're sure to have copies on hand as they blow through town mid-swing on a coast-to-coast tour. While the group's sound has tightened up over the years, there's still a raw exuberance in the delivery that's as cute and weird and rock 'n' roll as ever. With the Last Conservative and Verona Grove. $12/$14 at the door. 21+. 9:00 p.m. 629 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612.333.7399. —Christopher Matthew Jensen

MONDAY 12.3

Modest Mouse

Orpheum Theatre