Recommended Music: Torche, Suzanna Choffel, Aashish Khan, Cafe Tacuba, Duck & Cover, Blitzen Trapper

THURSDAY

* Torche at Red 7. If you missed them a few months ago at Mohawk, you absolutely have to catch this metal (heavy pop? nouveau grunge?) quartet. Melodic, anthemic and strikingly heavy even when playing tunes that are almost power-pop in structure, Torche's album 'Meanderthal' is very easily one of the year's best. With frequent and equally heavy tour companions Black Cobra and Clouds. 9 p.m. $8. 611 E. Seventh St. 476-8100. - Joe Gross

Also recommended: Golden Bear at Mohawk, Two Hoots and a Holler at Trophy's

FRIDAY

* Suzanna Choffel, Drew Smith's Lonely Choir at Lambert's. The fast-rising Miss Zanna and her crack band should be especially sharp after touring the West Coast the past month, plus as a special bonus there's Smith's Lonely Choir, whose indescribable self-titled CD is one of the year's most satisfying. 401 W. Second St. 494-2500. - Michael Corcoran

* Also recommended: Alejandro Escovedo at Antone's; Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band at Stubb's; Dave Alvin at the Cactus; The Lemurs, Deathray Davies at Emo's; Black Panda at Beerland; Supersuckers, Chapparal for Handsome Joel Foundation at Scoot Inn; Pong at the Continental Club; Broken Teeth at Red Eyed Fly

SATURDAY

* Aashish Khan at the Monarch Events Center. The master of the sarode stringed instrument, who co-founded India group Shanti in 1969 and played on George Harrison's 'Wonderwall Music' album (the first Beatles solo LP), celebrates his 70th birthday with a special show. Opening will be Austin's Sangeet Millennium Ensemble, 8 p.m. $25 6406 N. IH-35 Suite 3100, 448-2149 - M.C.

Xalapeno Charlie Tribute at the Contiental Club. This early show runs from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday, with such acts as the Leroi Brothers, Larry Lange and His Lonely Knights, Mystic Knights of the Sea, Erik Hokkanen and Texana Dames doin' like they did at the Austex Lounge. $20. 1315 S. Congress Ave. 441-2444. - M.C.

* Also recommended: Nada Surf, Delta Spirit at Emo's; Heartless Bastards, Golden Boys at Stubb's (inside); Ian Moore, Seth Walker at the Continental; Wade Bowen at Cheatham Street Warehouse; Black Crowes at Austin Music Hall; Alejandro Escovedo at Antone's.

SUNDAY

* Cafe Tacuba at Stubb's. A surprise highlight at ACL Fest a few years back, this quirky Mexico City band is early Elvis Costello mixed with indigenous folk and embellished with conjunto touches. Although the vocally acrobatic Rubén Abarrán sings in Spanish, the Grammy-winning band has been adding to its Anglo audiences. 8 p.m. $30. 801 Red River St. 480-8341. - M.C.

Also recommended: Soul Stomp with DJ Mel at Scoot Inn; Tameca Jones Quartet at Elephant Room

MONDAY

* 'Monks - The Transatlantic Feedback.' Part of Alamo Drafthouse's always pretty awesome Music Monday series. One of the least likely bands ever, the Monks were five American GI's in Cold War-era Germany who billed themselves as the anti-Beatles. Lots of feedback, weird haircuts and proto-punk innovation. The five members recount their adventures in this documentary. 9:30 p.m. $2. 320 E. Sixth St. 476-1320. - J.G.

* Also recommended: Dale Watson at the Continental Club; Heart & Soul Sound System at Room 710; Josh Allen & Whiskey Brothers at Cedar Street Courtyard; Chris Gage at Donn's; Tito and the Man at Hole in the Wall

TUESDAY

* Duck & Cover at Beerland. As is so often the case with Euro roots bands, this combo from Denmark does Wanda Jackson and Brenda Lee better than their American counterparts. 711 Red River St. 479-7625 - M.C.

Also recommended: Toni Price at the Continental; Troubadillos at Poodie's; BoomBox ATX with Rapid Ric at Lucky Lounge.

WEDNESDAY

* Blitzen Trapper at Mohawk. Experimental folk, courtesy of the fine people at Sub Pop Records. There will be cheap keyboards, guitar ramble and banjo mumble. 7 p.m. $8. 912 Red River St. 482-8404. - J. G.

* Also recommended: High Watt Crucifixers at Room 710; ; Thomas Heflin Quartet at Elephant Room; Tighten Up at Beauty Bar