I’m going to keep it simple this weekend.  There’s still a lot going on but the things I have listed come very highly rated from me to you…

FRIDAY
I’m telling you - Skipmode is the illest.  He’s probably one of theee most subtle and humble dudes but when he steps up to the turntables it’s pretty much GAME OVER! I feel like Skipmode resides more in the hip-hop scene and that many people in the hipster scene don’t venture over to the hip-hop side of things too much - which is unfortunate because the Futureshock Illvibe party Upstairs at the Khyber is really really fun. 9pm. 21+. Free.

After you leave the Khyb, head over to the Inciting HQ (940 Delaware Ave) for some late night juking compliments of Jason Carr, Gitano and DJ Nehpets. Midnite - 5am. $8. BYOB.

SATURDAY
Saturday night you get your pick of two really worthwhile shows. 

First up Johnny Brenda’s is hosting a record release show for a band that I’m really psyched on: Ravens And Vultures. Check out this forward thinking, the Ravens and Vultures record Keep Your Kill is going to be released on January 15th as a digital only EP with a special Bit-Torrent edition. But, if you attend the show, the album will be available in limited hand-painted sleeves, as well as digitally at a Sync Station. That’s right,  if nerds bring their mp3 players or USB devices to the show they can just plug into some crazy mainframe and get a digital copy of the record. Like I said, I’m way geeked on this band because they are right up my alley with a nice meld of laptop driven beats and blips with melodic guitar lines and heavenly vocals. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that Chetana and Darshana are in the band - OG Trackstar Records messageboard family for life, yo!

But, wait - there’s more! Brooklyn’s critical darlings Dragon’s Of Zynth and Philly’s own Ape School are also playing and Jason and Manny are DJing. Turn on, tune in and bliss out. 8pm. 21+. $8.

It’s no real secret that when I was a youngin’ roaming the streets of South Jersey in the mid-80’s I was a metalhead. I don’t really listen to too much metal nowadays but I won’t ever front on the classics. Which leads me to this awesome Khyber show - Queen Diamond are an all female King Diamond tribute band. Peep this clip of them absolutely shredding and you’ll get an idea for the metal carnage that you are in for. I feel like that alone would be worth the price of admission, but wait, there’s more - The Hydrogen Hellhorses have a cd coming out and this is their cd release show. HHH are ex member of the old Philly area HC band Bleed so, uh, don’t make them angry…you wouldn’t like them when they’re angry. The Dark Lords of Stonehurst are a thrash metal band that features Dave Fox of teh amazing and legendary Olde City shop. Finally, A Day of Pigs round out the line up. Don’t be a poser. 9pm. 21+. $8.

Or, if you just feel like shaking what your mama gave ya then you pretty much owe it to yourself to head to the basement bunker that is the Medusa Lounge for yet another thrilling installment of Philadelphyinz with DJs Apt One and Skinny Friedman. This time they are hosting a special secret guest. You gotta show up to find out who it is. 21+. Free.

SUNDAY

Usually I’d say just stay in and watch The Wire but Brickbat Books (709 South 4th St) has a sweet Jack Rose / Glenn Jones show and The Wire repeats at midnight. It is worth noting that Jack Rose will have copies of his newest cd for sale - a cd called “I Do Play Rock N’ Roll!”