ROY

>>> Saturday, Dec. 11

It's not every day that you get a show from Ben and Dave Verellen's band Roy. In fact, as Tacoma music fans know all too well, it hasn't happened in three years. A veteran of notable recent-rock stalwarts like Helms Alee, These Arms are Snakes and Harkonen, Ben Verellen makes music the way he makes amps - big, sturdy and with an ability to get really loud (no, seriously, Ben owns Verellen Amps, makers of the "Meat Smoke" amp, among others). Loud isn't the only trick up Verellen's sleeve, however. Often pictured in woodsy settings, guitars and antique guns in hand, Roy has been described as "an ongoing experiment," an "in-joke" and an "excuse to indulge in guilty pleasures." In reality, what it ends up being is an un-nauseatingly epic, plodding roll through post-post-hardcore-folk - all while wearing a flannel. Any show with Roy set to take the stage is one to catch. Throw in Pioneers West, Destruction Island, Colonies and a CD release from Goldwing, and you've got the kind of stuff dreams are made of. Or, as the man who put the show together - Destruction Island's David Bilbrey (Rural Wolf, Xylophones) - puts it, you've got a "doozey" of a show. I'll say so. - Matt Driscoll

[Hell's Kitchen, with Colonies, Goldwing, Destruction Island, Pioneers West, 9 p.m., $5, 928 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.759.6003]

GOLDIE WILSON

>>> Saturday, Dec. 11

Goldie Wilson is a band that is in the business of making super clean, sunny, AM radio pop. Sometimes, like in "Starlight Express," lead singer Mike Ball's voice snarls and sounds dryly aggressive, but most often he sings with the bright amiability of a pop singer from the British Invasion (another very strong influence on Goldie Wilson). The idea of a band resurrecting the music of the '60s is not a new one, but Goldie Wilson does an admirable job of keeping the tropes fresh and the songwriting brisk and unpretentious. Occasional forays into the styles of American alternative rock help to broaden and deepen the band's sound. This will be Goldie Wilson's first time performing in Tacoma. Let's hope it's not the last. - Rev. Adam McKinney

[Bob's Java Jive, with Battersea, Toward the Flame, Rosie Cheexx, time and cover TBA, 2102 S. Tacoma Way, Tacoma, 253.475.9843]

KENSETH THIBIDEAU

>>> Saturday, Dec. 11

Kenseth Thibideau's name may sound familiar from the Pinback and Three Mile Pilot portions of his resume, or it may not, but whether you've heard of the dude doesn't necessarily matter - he'll be in Olympia at Northern this week. Utilizing minimalist tendencies, a few pop sensibilities, a subtle wash of reverb and a guiding bassline that achieves a chill-factor reminiscent of completely on-point soundtrack work - making for an atmospheric vibe perfect for late-night driving - the solo Kenseth Thibideau is an artist and composer not to take lightly. Whether adding hushed lyricism or going instrumental - he does both on his solo debut, Repetition - Thibideau has something to offer that most can't claim: individuality and hook. The all-ages gig with Thibideau and Trawler Bycatch at Northern Saturday would be an excellent way to round out your evening - or get it started. Your call. - MD

[Northern, with Trawler Bycatch, guests, 8 p.m., all ages, $6, 321 Fourth Ave., Olympia, northernolympia.org]

TACOMA GETS SMASHED

>>> Sunday, Dec. 12

This time of year heralds many things, including Seasonal Affective Disorder, ugly sweaters, Rankin Bass TV specials and, for music aficionados, the sweated-over year-end "best of" lists. In a similar spirit, Tacoman Andrew Childs has assembled his own Best of Tacoma 2010 compilation CD, which he'll be releasing at the New Frontier Sunday night. The tracks included on the disc were determined based on submissions, and the comp's (admittedly subjective) roster of artists spans from psych rockers the Legend of Bigfoot to the unhinged honky-tonkers in The Brotherhood of the Black Squirrel - 13 artists in total. To commemorate the release, Brotherhood of the Black Squirrel will perform, comp artist Trees Without Leaves will make their live debut, a piñata (courtesy of the crafty "Tacoma Gets Smashed") will be destroyed in faux-effigy, all proceeds will go to charity, and there will be an ugly sweater contest. Because, you know, the holidays. ...  - Jason Baxter

[The New Frontier Lounge, with The Brotherhood of the Black Squirrel, Trees Without Leaves, 6 p.m., donations, 301 E. 25th St., Tacoma, 253.572.4020]