It is, if I’m not mistaken, the last weekend before Thanksgiving break. It is also, absolutely, the final home game of what’s been a long and intriguing Hawks football season. So, I imagine this weekend is going to be a little crazy, what with some last minute pre-finals partying as well as some Hawkeye mania as the team still has ground to gain as they make a bid for a top bowl. If that’s your thing, then well, you’ve probably got a plan going into this weekend already. If not, then here’s three very diverse musical events for this weekend to help you escape a little bit of the madness.

Thursday
Dr. Manhattan with Elsinore, Happy Chromosomes / PS1 / 7pm / $5
One of our favorite local bands, the Happy Chromosomes, return after a lengthy hiatus. We’re pumped for this one, as they always bring the rump-shaking pop tunes extra special. They’ll be opening for Dr. Manhattan, whose track you can download below, as well as indie poppers Elsinore.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Download: Dr. Manhattan – Mailman

Friday
Fuck Buttons with Growing / Grinnell College / 9pm / FREE
Electronic UK noise act Fuck Buttons get down at Grinnell College for a free show that brings this duo as close as you can get them to Iowa City. Their new record, Tarot Sport, recently received the old Best New Music tag, and while it’s not nearly as good as their debut, you can still assume this show is going to be colossal.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Download: Fuck Buttons – Phantom Limb

Saturday
Haley Bonar with Sin Ropas, the Vagabonds / Mill / 9pm / $8 adv or $10 day of
Midwest songwriter Haley Bonar is a kindred spirit of Pieta Brown with the sonic textures of indie rockers like Azure Ray. She’s got one of those voices that’s just downright sublime – not necessarily a virtuoso like a Neko Case, she’s just got a voice that people want to listen to. And so they do. Big Star is already her 4th album at 25. Download the first track below. Sin Ropas – featuring Tim Hurley of classic Sub Pop band Red Red Meat – provide support.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Download: Haley Bonar – Green Eyed Boy