Before digging into this week's shows, and since more than a few of you might care, Gothamist should point out that Franz Ferdinand tickets go on sale tomorrow at noon. The show is on September 9th at the Roseland Ballroom, which is universally regarded to be one of the worst music venues on the planet. But if anybody could make a trip to that craphole worthwhile, it's Franz Ferdinand. Yes, believe the hype. Those guys put on a great show. Don't dawdle. Their last few NYC shows sold out.

Though they pass through town quite a bit, any Pernice Brothers show is worth mentioning. The road-hardened pop geniuses play the Mercury Lounge tomorrow night with The Honorary Title (very catchy stuff) and Eiffel Tower.

On Friday, there's an important show at Sin-e. A group of NYC bands are throwing a benefit for cult band the Television Personalities. Proceeds will go to paying for studio time for the band's recently resurfaced (released from jail) singer Dan Treacy and the rest of the band. On the bill will be Mad Scene, My Favorite, Baskervilles, Ira Robbins, Insomniacs, Burnside Project and notTVPs. Tickets are $10. If you don't live near NYC you can still donate money to help fund the recording sessions. Click here and hit the "Make a Donation" button.

Friday night in Williamsburg, you can put on your roller skates and skate circles around bands Office Ops' Rock n Rollerskate. As the website says, "they don't care, they're in a cage." On the bill are Dirty on Purpose (highly recommended indie rock), Au Revoir Simone and Circle and Square. Skates are limited, so come early or bring your own. It's $5 and will start at 9pm.

Also Friday, Asobi Seksu and Benzos play the Mercury. People love Asobi Seksu. Love.

Since Lollapalooza bailed out of 2004, the Cure's Curiosa Festival on Saturday at Randall's Island is all that's left for that sizable NYC crowd eager for aging, brooding English musicians. Reviews of the Cure's new album are mixed. Some think it's great, others think it's weak. Either way, nobody will be attending just to hear anything off the new album. It's all about the classics. Joining the Cure will be local heroes Interpol and the Rapture, Mogwai, Auf der Maur, The Cooper Temple Clause, Muse and Thursday. Tickets aren't cheap. They're $60. Gig starts at 4:30pm.

If you're not at the Curiosa, you may want to head over to PS1 to check out the Scissor Sisters, the glammed out band that is all over the UK charts. Honey Dijon and Ryan Tapia will also be there. $8 for six hours (3-9pm) of fun.

Also on Saturday, David Grubbs plays at Pianos. He has a great new album out on Drag City. Recommended for those who like their folk music to be experimental and left of center.

And also:

- Cex w/Make Believe at Sin-e, tonight
- Sunn O))) at Northsix, tonight and the Knitting Factory tomorrow
- The Natural History w/Blood on the Wall, Tigers and Monkeys at Southpaw, tomorrow
- Orange Park, Cougars at Pianos, tomorrow
- The Clientele at the Knitting Factory, Friday
- Atomic Bitchwax at Northsix, Friday
- Cafe Tacuba at Spirit, Sunday
- Adem, Sons and Daughters at Joe's Pub, Monday
- The Break Up, Exit Ocean at Pianos, Monday

For Your Listening Enjoyment:

- Asobi Seksu: "Sooner"
- Benzos: "You're Forever An Hourglass"
- Cex: "Dot One"