I am one of the working dead; I punch a clock, stare at a computer all day, and drink to forget that I have to do it again in the morning. We the “stiffs” dream lofty dreams but one of our many obstacles is the resume. Under qualified and lacking the fluff to pad the resume we pretend our qualifications will cut the mustard…but they don’t. We have few pleasures, few respites, few things to look forward to except the three day weekend; And what should we sad sacks do with that weekend but enjoy some live music. This coming week does not disappoint so belly up to trough and enjoy your slop you swine. Thanks as always to True Endeavors who have one hell of a blog and the High Noon Saloon for the job they do in taking our minds off the daily grind. As always, the rules: One pair available for each show listed below (unless otherwise noted), first to comment - wins!

July 3rd at the Majestic Theatre, Fallout (a Police Tribute) and Vertigo (a U2 Tribute) $8 advance, $10 day of show, 8pm doors, 9:30pm show - Marquee Room PreParty! All ages

There are cover bands and then there are tribute bands. A cover band plays the songs of your favorite artists, often putting a personal spin on the sound and style, while a tribute band seeks to get into the soul of a band, rip it out, and wear it like it belongs to them. Two of the best tribute bands are coming to the Majestic and rumor has it that Fallout, a tribute to the Police, puts on a better live show then the currently reunited fogies. Meanwhile, Vertigo, a tribute to U2, utilizes a complete stage experience bringing on board many of the props and visuals used during an indoor U2 stage show. Hawt!

July 3rd at the High Noon Saloon, True Endeavors present Dead Confederate and Rock Plaza Central. The show starts at 9:00pm and it is a 18+ show.

I think we should all take a moment right now and thank the city of Athens, GA for all the contributions they have made to independent music. With a population of a little over 175,000 people the have given us REM, Vic Chesnutt, Elf Power, Drive-By Truckers, and my personal favorite Neutral Milk Hotel. What small city can you think of that has a greater per capita ratio of musical genius than Athens?

You can add another band to that list of musical superiority with Dead Confederate. Lyrically dramatic and even more so musically Dead Confederate blanket their earthy sound in a sonic whirl sure to please any fan from Pink Floyd to My Morning Jacket. Filling out the bill are Rock Plaza Central who’s 2007 release “Are We not Horses” album has been in steady rotation at the James Manor for some time.

July 4th WORT and True Endeavors bring The Stars and Stripes Extravagonzo to the High Noon Saloon featuring Robbie Fulks and Friends with Romantica. The show is 21+ and starts at 9:30pm.

What better way to celebrate Independence Day than with some Americana and who better to bring it to you than Robbie Fulks. Fulks has been a staple in the alt-country and roots-rock scene for over a decade and with each release of passionate and sometimes sarcastic music he only cements his legend. Romantica perfectly compliment Mr. Fulks with their brand of often subdued folk.

July 5th at The Annex True Endeavors present the award winning Mother Truckers. The show is at 9:30pm and is 18+ so have fun kids.

The Mother Truckers are the best roots-rock band in Austin, TX according to the 2006-2007 SXSW Austin Music Awards. Their music carries a great deal of swagger or a hitch in their giddy-up if you will and they have the musical licks to back it up. The Mother Truckers are a hungry band who will show you why they can be considered amongst the best.

July 5th The Crest (10th Anniversary Show) with Carnage, The Last Hope, Me You & Crew, R.O.D and host by Gary Knowledge this packed bill is brought to by the High Noon Saloon. The Show starts at 10:00pm and is 18+.

If hip-hop in Madison makes it ten more years I’m sure The Crest will remain at the fore front of the best our fare city has to offer. The Crest embody everything that is missing in Hip-Hop, honest and uncompromising. The backpacker in me could go on about The Crest for many more paragraphs than you would be interested in but I will spare you . What I will say is that you need to catch this show if you have any interest in what Madison’s Hip-Hop scene has to offer.

July 10th Cemetery Improvement Society, Real ID Act and Scarf Party at the High Noon Saloon. Starts at 9 p.m. 21+

Those of you who follow Dane101’s Notes On A Scene likely know Scarf Party well. The band always has news to report about recording and releasing, but rarely, if never, do they actually play out. Well, your wait is over, the band will finally grace the stage of the High Noon next Thursday. They’ll be joined by the magical madness that is the Cemetery Improvement Society and the Real I.D. Act. We have a pair for you and yours.