If you’re a fan of the Strokes, you know Albert Hammond Jr. as the backbone of the band’s fuzzy, melodic garage rock. But as a solo artist, Hammond Jr.’s music is more subdued, pretty and not quite as self-assured or distortion-heavy. You still hear the distinctly Hammond Jr. guitar sound — especially in the way he meshes with bass lines — but the music is clean, particularly the vocals. Though he hasn’t released an album since 2008, Hammond Jr. is returning to Denver for a solo show at the intimate Moon Room (250-300 capacity) on Nov. 17. ($20, )
Just ahead of announcing their sophomore album, “Static,” Cults headlined The Denver Post Underground Music Showcase in July, playing a set of the old favorites from the duo’s debut. Now, returning only a few months later, Cults’ much-anticipated album is on shelves and Denver audiences can look forward to a completely new show. Louder and more intense than Cults’ debut, “Static” will make for a darker live show that Denver fans may not expect from the cute indie-pop band. Cults plays the Bluebird Theater on Nov. 20. ($18-$20, )
Now on sale
Winter on the Rocks returns with Jurassic 5 and Duck Sauce
Most of us are somewhere between mourning the warm weather and digging into ski season, but ski-maker Icelantic is likely hoping for the latter. The company’s third annual Winter on the Rocks event returns to Red Rocks Amphitheatre Jan. 31 with music from hip-hop heroes Jurassic 5 and disco-house duo Duck Sauce. Tickets are on sale at 10 a.m. Nov. 15. ($52.80-$65, Ticketmaster)
The Motet will mark its first new album in four years with a party at the Fillmore Auditorium that includes guests Snarky Puppy, Orgone and DJ Mikey Thunder. Tickets for the Jan. 25 concert are on sale at 10 a.m. Nov. 15 ($25-$30). Also at the Fillmore: Lotus will take over the venue Feb. 7-8 to promote new album “Monks.” Tickets on sale at 10 a.m. Nov. 16 ($27.50- $30; $50 2-day pass). Passes for both shows are available via .
Comedian Jeff Dunham, like Rodney Dangerfield, never gets any respect — in his case because he employs ventriloquist dummies that some see as pandering stereotypes. Regardless, Dunham’s a touring juggernaut, as he’ll prove with a return visit to the Budweiser Events Center on March 16. Tickets are on sale at 10 a.m. Nov. 16. ($46.50, )
Also in the stand-up world: Comedy Works favorite Kathleen Madigan will step up to the Paramount Theatre on April 4, with tickets on sale at 10 a.m. Nov. 15. ($34.50-$39.50, TicketHorse) And stoner favorite Doug Benson returns for a one-day, 4:20 p.m. gig at Comedy Works on Larimer Square Dec. 15. Tickets are on sale. ($20, )
Celtic Woman is already looking forward to spring with its April 19 concert at the Buell Theatre. Tickets for the Irish, all-female ensemble’s show are on sale. ($31-$100, .
Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings are making a triumphant return after their leader’s cancer treatment and recovery. Tickets for the act’s March 17 Gothic Theatre show with Valerie June are on sale at 10 a.m. Nov. 16. ($25.75, )
It’s rare when a show at the Fillmore costs lest than $20, but KBPI’s “Low Dough Show” will feature In This Moment, Pop Evil, Devour the Day, Butcher Babies and All Hail the Yeti on Jan. 7 for only $10.67 per ticket — and that’s including service charges. Tickets are on sale at 10 a.m. Nov. 16. ()
John Wenzel: 303-954-1642 or jwenzel@denverpost.com
More shows this week
Nas, Justin Bua, Sol. Nov. 15, Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom. $65-$70.
Monofog, Machine Gun Blues, RedCloud. Nov. 15, Hi-Dive. $5.
Greensky Bluegrass, Fruition. Nov. 15, Gothic Theatre. $22-$25.
Blitzen Trapper, Alialujah Choir. Nov. 15, Bluebird Theater. $16-$20.
Selena Gomez, EMBLEM3. Nov. 15, 1stBank Center. $28.50-$99.50.
The Black Crowes. Nov. 15-16, Ogden Theatre. Sold Out
Michal Menert, Run the Jewels. Nov. 16, Fillmore Auditorium. $35.
Zebroids, the Photo Atlas. Nov. 16, Hi-Dive. $5.
The Oak Creek Band, Eldren, Petals of Spain. Nov. 16, Bluebird Theater. $12-$15.
Bad Luck City, Red Orange Yellow, the Royal. Nov. 17, Hi-Dive. $5.
Thundercat, RUMTUM. Nov. 19, Larimer Lounge. $16-$20.
Dir En Grey, Dagoba. Nov. 19, Bluebird Theater. $25.50-$30.
Michael Buble’. Nov. 20, Pepsi Center. $54.50-$99.50.
Destroyer, Porlolo. Nov. 20, Larimer Lounge. $15-$20.
Cults, SACCO, Mood Rings. Nov. 20, Bluebird Theater. $18-$20.
Vanessa Carlton. Nov. 21, Ogden Theatre. $25.75-$30.
