This one is easy for me. Because I never saw the Beatles. But I've seen, and will see, Guided by Voices. That's how important and influential to me this band is. Leg three of the Electrifying Conclusion tour (the band's swan song) won't disappoint. No one is doing bass, two guitars, drums and vocal melody like these five right now.

With Tobin Sprout. 10 p.m. Friday. The Southgate House, 24 E. Third St., Newport. $18; 18 and older. (859) 431-2201; www.southgatehouse.com.

Marvin Hawkins' pick: LOW KEY WITH LUCKY

These cats are off the hizzle! Low Key, a local five-piece band with a groove that melds rock, soul, funk and R&B, represents every time. Local artist Lucky, who will be celebrating the release of his new album, is crowned the brainchild of Steely Dan, Bobby Caldwell and D'Angelo wrapped into one.

9 p.m. Saturday Neon's, 208 E. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine. $5; 21 and older. (513) 721-2919.

Susan Vitello's pick: ALLYN'S CAFŠ SONGWRITER NIGHT

It happens every Tuesday, and is a great opportunity to eat a fabulous meal, choose from a vast beer menu, hear some music and network with friends and fellow musicians. Host Eric Diedrichs, a Cincinnati music scene veteran whose current project is Cari Clara, has brought this event back to life by bringing in soloists and members of popular local bands, such as Wojo, Chaselounge, the Greatmodern. This is also the perfect forum to get your music heard if you are a budding musician or new to the area.

9:30 p.m. Tuesday. Allyn's Cafe, 3538 Columbia Parkway, Columbia Tusculum. Free; all ages. (513) 871-5779.

Aaron Sharpe's pick: SOUND OFF FOR KERRY

As much as my inner hippie wants to send you to see Moe. on Saturday at the Taft Theatre, I can't NOT recommend the Sound Off for Kerry concert. Organized by Republicans for Kerry, this show is packed full of some of the most prominent local artists of the last 20 years - Over The Rhine, the Ass Ponys, Psychodots, Freekbass, the Graveblankets, Katie Laur, Mohenjo Daro, Pike 27, Abiyah, Len's Lounge ... 21 acts in all.

8 p.m. Thursday, the Southgate House, 24 E. Third St., Newport. $10 suggested donation; 18 and older. (859) 431-2201; www.southgatehouse.com.

C.E. Hanifin's pick: THE CRAMPS

You can thank prepubescent exposure to John Waters' films for my predilection for camp. No band embodies that decadent aesthetic better than the Cramps. The New York group is as revered for its kinky onstage antics as its psychotic punkabilly rock.

With the Gore Gore Girls and Foxy Shazam!, 8 p.m. Wednesday at Bogart's, 2621 Vine St., Corryville. $15.50; all ages. (513) 562-4949; www.ticketmaster.com.

THE PANEL: Susan Vitello, production manager for MidPoint Music Festival and sound engineer for York Street Cafe in Newport; Swarthy (aka Brian Love), frontman for the Swarthy Band; Aaron Sharpe, acting director of development and marketing for WNKU (89.7- FM); Marvin Hawkins, frontman for Marvin & the Experience; C.E. Hanifin, Enquirer staff writer.