by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

Beyond the fact that Dinosaur Jr. is one of the most important, most influential bands of the post-punk ’80s and ’90s sitting right up there alongside Minutemen and Husker Du, and that this show marks the first time the band has played here since, what, 2009? is the fact that 1) Their new album, I Bet on Sky, is a tour de force return to the band’s glory days — right up there with the new Bob Mould album as among the best revival records of the year, and 2) J Mascis’ solo set at MAHA Music festival two years ago was among the day’s highlights — i.e., the guy hasn’t lost anything, and 3) Frickin’ Shearwater is opening, a band who would be an amazing draw by themselves.

Only $20? How much did you spend on movie tickets last week or booze or dope or dining out? $20 is nothing. I figured this one would have sold out a long time ago. 9 p.m. Go!

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Okay, okay, so maybe you don’t have $20 to spare. What’s that you say? You only have $5? Well, $5 is all you need to get into tonight’s Yuppies show at Slowdown Jr. Also on the bill are Jealousy Mountain Duo and up-and-comers Worried Mothers (with a new release on Rainy Road Recs). $5, 9 p.m.

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Read Tim McMahan’s blog daily at Lazy-i.com — an online music magazine that includes feature interviews, reviews and news. The focus is on the national indie music scene with a special emphasis on the best original bands in the Omaha area. Copyright © 2012 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.