In May 1983, the Clash were en route to a headlining gig at the second and final US Festival (look it up, kids) when they stopped to perform a one-off show in El Paso, Texas, home to a big military base and 15-year-old me. During the show, I was splashed with Joe Strummer's spit and sweat, rendered temporarily unconscious by a stage-diving soldier (whose boot heel caught the back of my head), and, uh, forever changed. Even then I understood this miracle concert was enabled in large part by Joe Ely, the pioneering country rocker who served as the de facto Texas branch of the Clash, finding deep friendship with Strummer and playing shows with the band all over Texas and in Juarez. Now it's 500 years later and I still love the Clash, but these days I spend a lot more time with the work of Joe Ely, a great American songwriter blessed with Gram Parsons-level gifts and—thank God—Stones-level longevity. Those unfamiliar with the Joe Ely songbook, head directly to 1978's Honky Tonk Masquerade. Those who know and love Ely, head directly to the Triple Door, where tonight Ely performs, along with his opener, Austin indie-folkie David Ramirez. DAVID SCHMADER
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Humanoid Void by Hightek Lowlives

(Vera) OCNotes: This man we all know. Celebrated “black weirdo,” producer of immaculately conceived beats, genre-defying renaissance everyman (probable winner of a Stranger Genius Award, eventually); if you’re not down with Notes at this point, there’s probably nothing to say that will convince you, and that’s your loss. Hightek Lowlives are a promising new project, whose recently released debut album straddles the line between underground hiphop, lushly produced funk pop, and something a bit more abstract and free-form—one can almost imagine the Lowlives becoming a sort of local Gorillaz, without the high concepts but with a similarly alluring range of styles and sounds. With Richie Dagger's Crime. KYLE FLECK
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If you’ve been to any type of loud rock show in the past five or so years, there’s a solid chance you’ve run into Adam “Superfan” Bass. Not only does this dude make it his mission attend more shows than anyone I’ve ever met, he also takes matters into his own hands by booking ragers under the banner of “Ladies Choice.” Adam has created a community—one that comes together for Choice Fest, a yearly extravaganza featuring all that is loud. Day two is being held at the Highline and features local noisemakers Samara, Dust Moth, Darsombra, Noise-a-Tron, and Power Skeleton. Make the choice! KEVIN DIERS
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On Craig Salt Peters's new album Songs for Hungry Ghosts (Lost Sound Tapes/Jigsaw Records), sparkly guitars and unabashed sad-boy feelings abound. It's a strong emo-tinged, singer-songwriter punk debut, with Peters bristling with lyrical candidness and sharp melodies, delivered steadfastly by his band. Local indie-pop act Tangerine headline the night, and should provide even more anti-gray solace with their beach-ready, '60s-inspired pop. Last summer's Radical Blossom EP was a coyly sweet treat, lacing sugary female vocals with twangy, bursting flickers of guitar and even more tambourine. Tangerine's songs instantly bloom inside your earspace and stay there. With the Yellow Dress. Heartland, 8 pm. BRITTNIE FULLER
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(Black Lodge) If you're looking for something completely unhuggable for your weekend show-going, check out this hardcore and punk-centric show. Be sure to catch Cop Rot, a newly formed act whose strident guitar lines dictate with a surprising grooviness. Judging from Trrash's demo, expect shrill, indiscernible screams and whelps over a slurry of belligerent riffs, performed furiously and abruptly. With Bricklayer, Crime Zone, Pig DNA. BRITTNIE FULLER
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This one didn't quite make the cut for Data Breaker due to space limitations, but certainly not lack of quality. Kyle Hall is one of the Detroit club scene's brighter lights, fusing a minimalist sensibility with populist appeal. Just check his remix of post-bass weirdoes Mount Kimbie above: the sly melodic sensibility of the original is intact, just jacked in to propulsive old-skool house motifs and a wicked bass line juking and strutting underneath. You can probably go to any show tonight and still catch the last hours of Hall's set, which is a highly recommended way to spend your Friday evening.
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And here's all our recommended music events—tonight, tomorrow, this weekend, and beyond!