The Week That Will Be (In Shows): Au Revoir Simone, Neko Case, Bat for Lashes and more
Au Revoir Simone Ever-demure synth-pop is the rule for this all-female trio, but on their latest "Still Night, Still Light," the palette broadens a bit and incoprates some deeper, richer textures and ambitious writing. El Rey Theatre, 5515 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. 7 p.m. Thursday. $15. 323-936-4790.
Neko Case The flame-haired country siren's "Middle Cyclone" may be her best album yet, with evocative stream-of-consciousness lyrics that sit atop a widescreen country-rock backdrop that feels made for open roads. Ah yes, and that voice -- it's enough to break your heart or send it sailing. Greek Theatre, 2700 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Friday. $30-$35. 323-665-5857.
Playboy Jazz Festival The stalwart compendium of contemporary, classic, smooth and exotic jazz forms comes back with headliners including the Neville Brothers, Wayne Shorter Quartet, Kenny G., King Sunny Ade and Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood. 2 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m.Sunday. $20-$145. 323-850-2000.
Clipse The coke-rap duo have been searching for their footing ever since the beloved, Neptunes-produced album "Hell Hath No Fury" eviscerated the rap community with its minimalist-beat, maximally roguish tales of drug-slinging. But go to hear some deep cuts from their excellent mixtape series, where they hijack popular beats and often show up the original artist by a healthy margin. Club Nokia, 800 W. Olympic Blvd. Suite A335, Los Angeles. 8:30 p.m.Saturday. $21. 213-765-7000.
Bat For Lashes "Two Suns" finds singer-songwriter Natasha Khan in a more exploratory mood, adding pillowy synths, deeper arrangements and an every witchier sense of magic to her inimitable Kate Bush-inspired songs. Her live set is more of a seance than a rock show, El Rey Theatre, 5515 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. 8 p.m. Tuesday. $16. 323-936-4790.
-- August Brown
Photo: Au Revoir Simone. Credit: Sarah Wilmer
