The Raveonettes

THE RAVEONETTES

9 p.m. • Triple Rock • 18-plus • $17

The Raveonettes' usual retro noise pop has been toned down by longtime producer Richard Gottehrer (best known for his work with Blondie) on the new "Observator." The first half of the Danish-bred, New York-based duo's sixth album is carefully arranged pretty pop with messages that aren't always pretty. The second half is more familiar fuzz-rock fare. Melody's Echo Chamber opens.JON BREAM

STEVE VAI

8 p.m. • Mill City Nights • 18-plus • $37-$40

Vai draws a fanatical, ferocious excitement from gear-headed guitar geeks like few other players, having played with the likes of David Lee Roth and Frank Zappa before becoming a star himself. He's out supporting a new album, "The Story of Light," which features "The Voice" finalist Beverly McClellan as a guest singer. McClellan will deliver her own opening set, then join Vai's band. CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER

ED SHEERAN

7:30 p.m. • State Theatre • $20-$24

At the ripe old age of 21, Sheeran is well on his way to being the James Taylor of the hoodie-clad emo generation. The British soft-rocker -- you might remember him as the guy who sang Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" at the Olympics closing ceremony -- has blown up on the U.K. charts with über-tender songs such as "Lego House" and "The A Team." He's taking off stateside now, too, thanks in part to VH1's "You Oughta Know" promotion of him. Fellow British band Passenger opens. C.R.

HEAD AND THE HEART

Wed.-next Thu. • First Avenue • 18-plus • $22

The Head and the Heart, Seattle's harmony-loving organic folk-rockers with a bit of a campfire vibe, have made their mark with the radio favorite "Lost in My Mind" and "Honey Come Home." The male/female vocal tension enlivened the group's performance at this summer's Basilica Block Party, where violinist/singer Charity Rose Thielen welcomed her family, mentioning that Mom grew up in Roseville and they used to live in Arden Hills. Blitzen Trapper opens. Wednesday's show is sold out.J.B.