Last weekend was a blast, Athens! Here's looking forward to an even bigger and stronger Halloween parade in 2010. Heck, let's just wear costumes every weekend until then.

Marcy Playground: Maybe we shouldn't write this band off as a one-hit wonder quite yet. Although you know Marcy Playground as the group behind the '97 hit "Sex and Candy" (oh God, that music video with the tarantula still creeps me out), the band's new record Leaving Wonderland In a Fit of Rage shows a good bit of growth and diversity. But as LaVar Burton would say, "you don't have to take my word for it!" Marcy Playground was nice enough to create a mini-player, embedded below, so you can stream the whole record before deciding whether to go to the show! I was pleasantly surprised by the tinge of Americana twang and acoustic finger-picking on several tracks and the world beat shuffle on "Gin and Money." Make sure you get to the club before 9 p.m. so you don't miss local electro rockers The Orkids! Especially recommended if you are a fan of Metric and the like. (Melting Point, Wednesday 4)

Pearl and the Beard: I was tipped off on this Brooklyn trio by Dancer Vs. Politician's viola player Erin Wright. "As a violist I was thoroughly impressed with the group's talented cellist and her live electronic manipulation of its sounds, a la Tin Cup Prophette," she said. Pearl and the Beard play lovely, thoughtful folk ballads that are perfect for cozy, lazy Sundays. Each musician is also an exceptionally talented vocalist, and the rich vocal melodies are carefully arranged around warm harmonies. There is a wide range of mood and emotion captured here, from soothing to brooding, with just a touch of Gothic drama. This is really exceptional songwriting, and the interplay between vocalists reminds me of Dirty Projectors more than any traditional folk act. (Flicker Theatre, Thursday 5)

Last Comic Standing Finale: It's down to the final two comedians in this month-long competition. Who will get the biggest laughs—UGA student Eric Slauson or UGA faculty member Marc Lamott? Each comedian will get 25 minutes to showcase his best stuff. The winner will take home $250 and score an opening slot at the very first "LowDown" coming January 2010. Elite Tha Showstoppa will be your host for the evening. There will be live music following the comedy show with performances by electronic innovator Aman Amun and hip-hop jazz fusion Nautilus. $5 gets you into the whole night! (New Earth Music Hall, Friday 6)

OK Coffee: Look up! There will be a free concert on the rooftop of OK Coffee/ Bizzaro Wuxtry on College Ave. downtown from 5–7 p.m.Colby Carter of Mouser fame will play a set, along with noise folk band Howl Ye and gypsy punks The Back Pockets from Atlanta! (OK Coffee, Sunday 8)

Aloud: Everything I've read about this band's live show suggests a "fiery" "chaotic" and "high-energy" performance. The tunes seem to be all of the above, with a driving rhythm section and bluesy, distorted guitars. Singer Jen de la Osa has some really exceptional pipes, at times forlorn and dreamy like Fiona Apple and at other times roaring like Grace Slick or maybe even a slightly more lilting Janis Joplin. She trades off vocal duties with longtime collaborator Henry Beguirstain who has a more modern rock sound. The duo comes to us from Boston and will be joined on the bill by local acts Great Society and B-Side Revolution. Nutria is playing an early show Monday night at the Caledonia as well, starting at 6 p.m.  (Caledonia Lounge, Monday 9)

Pete Yorn: I was surprised by the streaming up at www.peteyorn.com (well, new to me at least). It sounds awfully R.E.M.-like which is not how I remember this singer-songwriter sounding when he made his radio debut nearly a decade ago. But the more I learn the more it seems this is a parallel that was obvious long ago, with Yorn sharing several bills with R.E.M. in the past. Mr. Pete Buck has even stepped in and collaborated with Yorn on a couple recordings in the past. These days though, you're more likely to see Yorn palling around with actress turned singer Scarlett Johansson. The two of them put an album out together in September called Break Up. You can watch Yorn and Johansson perform together here! 

Michelle Gilzenrat