Opening Acts to See: Longwave and Joan Jones of Sun 60

The not-so-big secret at Pageant shows is that the opening acts are often just as worthy as the headliners. Les Claypool bringing along Saul Williams and DeVotchKa on March 17 is one example of this -- and Saturday, January 31 is exhibit B. On that night, Joan Jones of Sun 60 is opening for Big Head Todd and the Monsters. 

Who's Sun 60? The LA group was a kindred spirit of Belly, Lush and Throwing Muses, one that matched ethereal vocals with of-the-time rock guitars and big beats. Jones is now a solo artist and writes music reminiscent of her folk-rock roots.

MP3: Sun 60, "Mary Xmess"

Bloc Party's return to town on March 31 -- on the heels of its fantastic album, Intimacy -- is exciting in and of itself. But its opening act is Longwave, whose 2008 album Secrets Are Sinister is a riotous return to form. Gone is the anemia that doomed the band's last RCA effort; instead, twisted synths, clouds of distortion and monstrous guitars blend together on songs such as "Satellites."

Longwave, "Satellites" (live at KEXP in December 2008)