Critic's picks: Nightlife

Wolf Parade. Listening to the weird and ferocious song "My Father's Son," you know Sub Pop made the right choice in signing this Montreal band. Isaac Brock turned Sub Pop on to Dan Boeckner's band, then later recorded some of the tracks — and you can hear a bit of resemblance to Brock's Modest Mouse. A full-length called "Apologies to the Queen Mary" is scheduled for release Sept. 27. Sept. 22, Crocodile Cafe, 206-441-5611 or www.thecrocodile.com.

Reggie Watts. Little-known fact: The lead singer of Seattle's beloved neo-soul band Maktub was a Montana state high-school comedy champ. Those who have seen Watts in smaller music clubs, where he often takes off like Jonathan Winters on way too much caffeine, will not be surprised that this hilarious impressionist has been knocking them dead at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, as he mixes rants, songs and bizarre music. Oct. 19, 21, Mirabeau Room, www.themirabeauroom.com; Oct. 21, opening for Charlie Murphy, Moore Theatre, 206-467-5510 or www.themoore.com.

Jimmie Dale Gilmore. You don't have to like country to like Jimmie Dale Gilmore. Although Gilmore is a fantastic writer, "Come On Back," his latest, is a collection of covers of Texas songs that were favorites of his late father. Oct. 7, Triple Door, 206-838-4333 or www.thetripledoor.net.

Death Cab for Cutie. The indie-rock heroes from Bellingham/Seattle play songs from their major-label debut, "Plans." Ben Gibbard's writing just keeps getting better and more powerful, and guitarist Chris Walla shows he is one of the top producers going. Nov. 18-19, Paramount Theatre; 206-682-1414 or www.theparamount.com.

Laura Veirs. Veirs' songs are like poetry — but not the pretty kind; these often have a vaguely sinister edge. After releasing the riveting "Carbon Glacier," she's back with a collection of powerful subtleties, "Year of Meteors." She is tough to pigeonhole — a little bit folk, a little bit Americana, a little bit rock — and has yet to develop the local following she deserves. Nov. 19, Tractor Tavern, 206-789-3599 or www.tractortavern.com.