[EXPERIMENTAL] + FRI, NOV. 1

Les Rhinoceros make experimental music that vacillates from the understatedly regal ("Seepy Seepy") to defiantly abrasive ("Brea Spiders") and everything in between. Incorporating elements of noise-rock, world music, progressive rock, and ambient electronica, Les Rhinoceros make for a difficult band to pin down. From song to song, or even moment to moment, this is a band that seems utterly determined to take the listener on a journey of surprise after surprise. Just when you settle into the spindly guitars and horns of their trips across the border, sludgy guitars rain in and send the song surging into a different direction. Close your eyes and let your mind drift - see what images dart across your fluttering eyes during every peak and valley and jarring sidestep offered up by Les Rhinoceros. {REV. ADAM MCKINNEY}

LES RHINOCEROS, w/ No Body, 7 p.m., all ages, Le Voyeur, 404 E. Fourth Ave., Olympia, cover tba, 360.943.5710

[HIP-HOP] + FRI, NOV. 1

We do our best to preview shows and parties within a few minutes distance from Tacoma/Olympia (The 25360), but sometimes an event supersedes home. For those who claim to love, like or just listen to hip-hop, this is that show. The legendary DJ/producer Pete Rock and his trusted friend on the microphone CL Smooth will be performing their universally acclaimed classics Friday at The Crocodile in Seattle. The reuniting of such a significant duo - lyrically, sound and style - is major.  Wherein N.W.A. brought a gangsta attitude, De La Soul delivered a daisy-age attitude, Pete Rock and CL Smooth brought a sound and message delivered by the soul, for the soul. Should be a fun one. {JOSE GUITERREZ JR.}

PETE ROCK & CL SMOOTH, w/Camp Lo, Porter Ray and DJ Supreme LaRock, 8 p.m., all ages, The Crocodile, 2200 Second Ave, Seattle, $20, ticketfly.com

[PSYCHEDELIC HOBO DEATH TRANCE] + SAT, NOV. 2

In looking out for bands to cover, what usually draws me in first is not the music. Band names that catch the eye or make me laugh are usually shown preference. Well, Power Skeleton hit the holy trifecta. They have a great name, they have an intriguing way to describe their style ("psychedelic hobo death trance"), and they reference the Marx Brothers for their hometown (Freedonia, WA, they say). So, what does psychedelic hobo death trance sound like? Their song, "Vacuum{2}," is spooky sludge adorned with warbly effects that send the listener spiraling down a K-hole. "Robot Skulls in the Jungle Temple" is a 15-minute primal march into the heart of darkness. "Pwrcrnkn" is glitchy psycho jazz. All of these instrumental excursions of improvisational madness are aimed at melting brains and rendering flesh. If you're looking to stretch out Halloween, you could do worse than Power Skeleton. {REV. AM}

POWER SKELETON, w/ Regional Faction, Godzillian and Hand of Doom, 8 p.m., Bob's Java Jive, 2102 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma, no cover, 253.475.9843

[RAP] + SUN, NOV. 3

Dirty rhymes, sexy times, shit-talkin', costume-wearing, debauchery and brilliant parodies have led many to cite Blowfly as the father of rap. Since the early '70s Blowfly has made more than 40 albums, some clean, under his birth name Clarence Reid, and most dirty, with titles like "Funk You" and "'Electronic Pussy Sucker." Now, Blowfly is on tour promoting his new album, Black in the Sack, and will hit up The Brotherhood Lounge in Olympia with local rawkers Mosquito Hawk, who have their own special blend of sexy songs and space travel. "I'm looking forward to playing Olympia," said Tom Bowker, drummer for Blowfly, "It has this rep of being a cool place where it's easy to be an oddball, which is great because Blowfly is King of Freaks." {NIKKI MCCOY}

BLOWFLY, w/Mosquito Hawk, 9 p.m., Brotherhood Lounge, 119 Capitol Way, Olympia, $7, 360.352.4153

See Also

Calendar: Arts and Entertainment

Calendar: Music and Nightlife