This Week's Playlist keeps the energy up as we look forward to upcoming shows from Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Hurray for the Riff Raff and Neutral Milk Hotel this week

This Week's Playlist keeps the energy up as we look forward to upcoming shows from Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Hurray for the Riff Raff and Neutral Milk Hotel this week

This Week's Soundtrack on Spotify

1. "Just Like Fire Would" - The Saints: This cut from the Australian punk rock legend's All Fools Day got a makeover from Bruce Springsteen on his latest, High Hopes. The Boss put his signature Americana twist on the track, but the original maintains that uninhibited punk spirit still decades later.

2. "TIckin' Bomb" - Shovels & Rope: A 2012 track from the married folk duo who bring the family affair back to the city after a Voodoo appearance last year, stopping Wednesday at TIpitina's.

3. "Crash on the Highway" - Hurray for the Riff Raff: The local folk outfit is enjoying some significant buzz after releasing Small Town Heroes last week, joining Shovels & Rope Wednesday at Tip's.

4. "Richard Ramirez Died Today of Natural Causes" - Sun Kil Moon: Will wrote last week about Mark Kozelek's latest Sun Kil Moon record, Benji, noting the prevailing theme of death and loss juxtaposed by pleasant melodies and dry humor. Benji is a lot to handle, but it's ultimately a sobering and perspective-shifting piece.

5. "Wanna Be On Your Mind" - Valerie June: Taken from the Memphis singer/songwriter's latest. She'll open for Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings Saturday at the House of Blues.

6. "Holland, 1945" - Neutral Milk Hotel: Ruston's own freak folk heroes, the indie legends will bring the first tour in 15 years to the Civic Theatre for two nights, Thursday and Friday.

7. "Take Away These Early Grave Blues" - Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra: A cut from the recently released Fuck Off Get Free We Pour Light on Everything, the Canadian post-rockers and long-name addicts have plans for a April 20 show at Gasa Gasa.

8. "Chaghaybou" - Tinariwen: A group like this doesn't come around too often. A fusion of blues, folk and the heat of the Sahara, Tinariwen's 2014 release Emmaar, featuring this track, is garnering positive attention, and the group was just announced as headliner at Festival International in Lafayette. Tinariwen plays a pre-Jazz Fest show with Bombino April 24 at House of Blues.

9. "Brain Smashing - Dub" - Linton Kwesi Johnson: Do you ever need a reason for a little dose of dub?

10. "Love Bug Leave My Heart Alone" - Martha Reeves and the Vandellas: For those who keep calling Sharon Jones Motown, here's a classic example of why you're wrong.

11. "Making Up and Breaking Up" - Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings: Despite a bout with bile duct cancer, Jones is having a strong year reminding everyone she's still got it, and she'll further prove that Saturday at the House of Blues.

12. "If You Wanna Be My Man" - Lady: From the overlooked soul duo's self-titled debut — not to be confused with the other Lady of more crass fame.

13. "Body and Soul" - William Onyeabor - From the semi-mysterious Nigerian psychedelic funk artist who found Jesus in the '80s and never made music again.

14. "10th Floor Ghost Girl" - Cibo Matto: The genre-bending act led by two Japanese ex-pats released its first album, Hotel Valentine, since 1999 on Valentine's Day. Cibo Matto plays One Eyed Jacks Tuesday.

15. "Designer Jeans" - Van Hunt: Keeping up the disco rock vibes is a track from the multi-talented Hunt's 2011 album.

16. "North American Scum" - LCD Soundsystem: From the late, great group's second album, Sound of Silver.

17. "Riptide" - Prom Date: Taken from a 2012 EP, the pop rockers originally from Baton Rouge play the AllWays Lounge Thursday.

18. "Instant Beta" - Feadz: A new cut from the labelmate, collaborator and ex-boyfriend of synthpop queen Uffie.

19. "Bipp" - Sophie: The buzz-inducing 2013 single from the one of those mysterious London producers, whose online presence culminates in a minimalist black and white website and not much all else

20. "Wedding Bells" - Cashmere Cat: The Norwegian producer will play Buku in March.

21. "Winter '98" - Cymbals: New from the London act oft-labeled "post-punk," this track draws more from EDM and the fusion rock styles of M83.

22. "Day to Day" - The Casket Girls: The Savannah, Georgia-based, trio bring its spooky take on synthrock to Circle Bar on St. Patrick's Day.

23. "Bye Bye Roxie" - Nobunny: The lo-fi pop punk project of Justin Champlin stops at Siberia Tuesday.

24. "Just Like Fire Would" - Bruce Springsteen: Back to the start with Springsteen's take from High Hopes.