It's time to start thinking about Friday.  There are three very good
shows all in different parts of town and all at about the same time,
which means you only get to choose one.  But when you have three good
choices, whatever choice you make will be a good one.

Or, The Whale:  I first saw this seven member San Francisco based group
in Austin about six months ago.  They have a wonderful new album out
with the easy to remember title of Or, The Whale.  Call their sound
high energy alt country and rock with great harmonies.

Or, The Whale, Pianos, 158 Ludlow Street (F Train to Second Avenue,
take the First Avenue exit, walk three blocks to Ludlow and Stanton),
10 pm, $10

Sister Sparrow and The Dirty Birds: A large band (nine pieces) with a
horn section and they've been packing them into The Rockwood Music Hall
all summer.  SS&TDB play blues, soul and whatever else comes their
way with energy.

Sister Sparrow and The Dirty Birds, The Canal Room, 285 West Broadway
at Canal Street (A or C Train to Canal Street), 9pm, $10

Winterpills: This Northampton-based band plays ambient rock often
called chamber pop, probably the reason their last album was called
Central Chambers.  But the Winterpills rock out as well, especially on
their song Broken Arm.  But since this show is being held at The
Calhoun School, expect to hear the PG rated version of that song.

Winterpills, Mary Lea Johnson Performing Arts Center, 433
West End Avenue at 81st Street (1 Train to 79th Street), 8pm, $10

 –Eliot Wagner