Beat Box

At the risk of sounding clichéd, or worse, sounding old, MTV isn't what it used to be. Why, back in the day it used to show actual music videos without interruption, and without having to pay extra for the network's inferior derivative, MTV2. It seems the only place to catch Britney Spears' video oeuvre nowadays is either on DVD or at a fistful of local bars. 715 Harrison's "The Crib"is one such place, billing itself as the only "all-video pop club," featuring slickly produced music vignettes starring your favorite Top 40 stars. Since it's also an 18-and-over venue -- bring along your boot flasks, kids! -- those who weren't around back then can see just why music television would be a much better place with more videos and fewer shows devoted to the repugnant Simpson sisters. The music can be seen starting at 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 15. Admission is $10; call 339-8686 or go to www.thecribsf.com.
-- Brock Keeling

In the six years since England's Ladytronformed, the electro-rock band has only played twice in the Bay Area. Usually, the quartet's fans have to settle for the individual members' DJ performances, the latest of which may be particularly galling since it features neither of the act's hot female singers. But if synth dude Danny Hunt adheres at all to Ladytron's 2003 mix-comp, Softcore Jukebox-- chock-full of party-tastic techno, rap, and garage rock from the likes of Fanny Pack, Wire, Fat Truckers, and Shocking Blue -- the band's followers should be plenty sated. Especially if he gives them a taste of Ladytron's upcoming third album. Hunt spins with Jenny and Omar ("Fake") on Friday, July 23, at the Rx Gallery; call 474-7973 or go to www.blasthaus.com.
-- Dan Strachota

Gay men have a wider selection of demographically targeted bars and nightclubs than lesbians do, period. Why? Because they drink and sleep around more than the ladies, period. Well, perhaps I'm personalizing a bit, but, really, that's not far off the mark. Which isn't to say that the women don't enjoy flirting while downing a few cocktails. They do. And El Rio's "Peppa"proves that point as an increasingly popular daytime dance club where hordes of queer women dance, hook up, and get blackout drunk -- just like their male counterparts. With DJs Trilce and Suresh spinning dancehall and hip hop beats, free barbecue, and a large, sun-drenched patio, there's no excuse for being a dyke and not heading down to El Rio this Saturday. So go. The merriment starts at 3 p.m. July 24 and goes till 8:30. Admission is free; call 282-3325 or visit www.elriosf.com.
-- Brock Keeling