Live Music Preview Part II: Carsick Cars, Gar, and Casino Demon

Yep, this weekend is a big 'un. We probably spend an inordinate amount of time in YYT anyway but, if it wasn't for the Antidote Festival down in Zhujiajiao, we'd probably just camp out in Tianshan Park this weekend.

Tonight
Carsick Cars and Gar. Together, on the same bill. Carsick Cars and Gar. Do we really need to say any more? Don't expect YYT to be busy tonight, expect it to be rammed. Our advice? Grab your Zhong Nan Hai* and head down early.
¥40, 9pm, 1731 Yan'an Xi Lu (entrance on Kaixuan Lu), 延安西路1731号 (入口在凯旋路)

Over at the Dream Factory meanwhile, Shanghai indie rockers Yu Guo return after a year away from the scene. In that time they've been working on their new album, Babel, with Zhang Haisheng and tonight, the first date of a nationwide tour, is the release party. Fans were to receive a copy of the record on entry but, due to an unfortunate distribution problem, the CD has been delayed. Instead you can hold on to your ticket stub from tonight's show and turn it in for a copy of the album at YYT from May 26th onwards. Anyone who saw them at Midi (after their marathon soundcheck) will know there's been a shift in direction for the band, but will it be enough to draw people away from Carsick Cars?
¥40, 9pm. 4/F, Building B, No. 28 Yuyao Lu, near Xikang Lu. 余姚路28号B4楼, 近西康路

Four punk bands comprise your Carsick Cars alternative up at Live Bar. The night is called Korean and Japanese Bands - crack that code if you can - and features Silence Vol, Last Boul, Half Year and Ton-sui.
¥30, 9pm, 721 Kunming Lu, near Tongbei Lu, 昆明路721号近通北路

Seriously? You're still looking for other options tonight? Alright, how about free beer and free entry for "rock rhino" (no, really) Wang Wei? Who says Pu Dong doesn't rock eh?
7.30pm, Plaza 96, 796 Dongfang Lu, opposite Century Avenue metro station. 96广场, 东方路796号, 世纪大道站对面

Saturday
If you're not tempted out of town by the Antidote Festival (and you really ought to be), then we suggest you head on down to the 0 Gallery this Saturday afternoon. Here, you'll find Torturing Nurse leading the celebrations for NOIShanghai's fourth birthday and the first anniversary of RESO. The city's foremost experimental noise collectives have lined up a whole host of acts from across China to help blow out the candles. Expect carnage.
¥40 (you need to book ahead on 6447 6075), 1pm, 0 Gallery, 888 Panyu Lu, near Hongqiao Lu. 零时艺术中心, 番禹路888号, 近虹桥路

After Ratatat Thursday, the above on Friday and heading down to Zhujiajiao/going to RESO in the day on Saturday, you could be forgiven for wanting a rest come Saturday evening. Unless, of course, there happened to be another top band releasing their debut CD at YYT that night. In that case, having a rest would be pretty unforgivable. Still, at least there's no chance of a great act like Casino Demon doing exactly that and scuppering your plans for a kip. What? Oh.
¥40, 9pm, 1731 Yan'an Xi Lu (entrance on Kaixuan Lu), 延安西路1731号 (入口在凯旋路)
...and stick around for Free the Robots after as well.

Sunday
Giving you a reason to make it four solid days of live music will be The Sultans of Swing at YYT. Why it's taken so long for someone other than the good people at Time Passage to realise the genius of The Sultans is beyond us. But finally, you can catch your favourite blues-rock cover band in a proper venue (no offence TP, you know we love you). We'll be hoping for their Nirvana cover and, of course, plenty of Creedence.
¥30, 9pm, 1731 Yan'an Xi Lu (entrance on Kaixuan Lu), 延安西路1731号 (入口在凯旋路)

* Purely for throwing purposes obviously. Shanghaiist doesn't condone smoking unless you're a Hubei government official.

CARSICK CARS - 蘑菇 蘑菇 MOGU MOGU (Music Video) from Maybe Mars / 兵马司 on Vimeo.