The Appleseed Cast released one of the year’s worthiest records this week with “Sagarmatha,” a smoldering epic that emphasizes instrumental grandeur over emo histrionics — a good thing, since singer-guitarist Christopher Crisci’s vocals make Sonic Youth’s Steve Shelley sound like Frank Sinatra. Tonight at the Hi-Dive with 1090 Club and Rabbit is a Sphere. $12. hi-dive.com.
John Common has been putting together his Blinding Flashes of Light band for the past six months, and tonight the Denver singer-songwriter debuts it at the Oriental Theater with help from locals Achille Lauro, Ellison Park and His Parade of Elephants and the People’s Kazoo Orchestra. $10. .
Susan Tedeschi would never be confused with the sort of pre-fab blues-rock that clogs rom-com soundtracks. The Grammy-nominated Boston native, who often tours with husband Derek Trucks (Allman Brothers Band), possesses an accessible yet intimidating vocal and guitar mastery that makes most challengers run screaming. She plays Wednesday at the Paramount with James Hunter. $29.50-$47.50. .
John Wenzel: 303-954-1642 or jwenzel@denverpost.com
