Since I looked back and noticed I used this word way too much last week, I challenged myself not to use the word “rock” anywhere in this article. Aw, dammit. Okay, starting… now.

Anyway, this week has some comedy as well as the usual rock music concerts, plus an extra Manhandlers show to replace the one that was cancelled tonight. So here’s where I’m headed in the next seven days:

• Tuesday: Los Shut Up @ the Logan Square Auditorium. I haven’t seen them yet, but the songs and videos on their site are funny. They bill themselves as “The Chicago Improv Community’s Only, and Therefore Greatest, Rock Outfit.” (Okay, that one doesn’t count; it was in a quote.) 8pm, all ages. w/ Ofays UK, Michael Columbia, Princess, and Ben Fasman. $5 (cheap!)
• Thursday: The Dials & The Phenoms @ Logan Square Auditorium. Two great punk acts. The Dials are as talented as they are hot, and the Phenoms “eat damn wimpy emo bands for breakfast” (according to their site). 8pm, all ages. w/ Shot Baker & Raise the Red Lantern. $5 again!
• Friday: The Poster Children @ the Empty Bottle. I remember this group when they were just starting out in Champaign-Urbana. Back then, a female bassist was new to me, and quite a turn-on. A few years back, they had issues with their record label and decided to move to a smaller one, thus they all but disappeared for a while. However neither that nor a baby has stopped Rose from rocking jumping around on stage like it was still 1987. This show is sure to sell out; you may want to buy tickets online. 10pm, 21+. w/ Headlights & Idle Hours. $8.
• Saturday: The Reptoids @ Bar Vertigo. At the risk of stereotyping, I’ve found that if there’s a female in a band, she’s often playing bass. Well, this band is the exact opposite: three girls and a guy on bass. Relatively new to the scene (their first show was back in May), they’re a rockin’ raw, grungy quartet with a lot of promise. I know I ripped on Bar Vertigo before for charging a cover, but this band is worth it. 10pm, 21+. w/ Vamplifier. I’m guessing it’s a $5 suggested donation.
• Sunday: The Manhandlers @ the Bottom Lounge. Tonight’s show was cancelled, so next Sunday is your chance to come on out and be rocked manhandled by these punk girls! I can’t wait. 9pm, 18+. w/ the Arrivals, Dillinger Four, & the Briefs. $7.

I’m trying to save up to buy an iPod, so I’m really loving the cheap covers this week. Hope your week rocks is a good one too!