The Stnnng: Notoriously finicky Nirvana, Pixies and PJ Harvey producer Steve Albini put an exclamation point on his fondness for Minneapolis' frenzied noise-punk blasters by returning to produce their fifth album, "Veterans of Pleasure." He also helmed 2013's "Empire Inward" to great results. His knack for musical mayhem seems to draw out the best/wildest from maniacal frontman Chris Besinger and the band's car-wreck-intertwined guitarists, Adam Burt and Nathan Nelson, while drummer Ben Ivascu returns from Poliça to bash away with abandon again. Similarly riveting trio Buildings headline to tout their own new record. Gay Witch Abortion opens. (9 p.m. Fri., First Avenue, Mpls., $10-$12, eTix.com.)
John Mayer: He isn't shooting off his mouth anymore. He's showing his various musical sides in concert, working in different contexts on his current the Search for Everything Tour. Mayer plays with his full band, with his power trio featuring drummer Steve Jordan and bassist Pino Palladino, and with just his acoustic guitar. That should ensure plenty of pop payoffs and guitar fireworks. By the way, Mayer drops his new album, "Search for Everything," on Friday. (7:30 p.m. Sat. Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, $46-$100, ticketmaster.com)
BoDeans: Milwaukee's most frequent musical export arrives in its home away from home for acoustic performances. And a preview of "Thirteen," the album due April 21. (7 & 9 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Dakota, $40-$60.)
Dessa: She is once again a media darling. In March, she wrote a travel story for the New York Times. This month, Dessa got more media mentions for calling in sick for the national anthem at Target Field for the Twins opener than she might have gotten if she'd actually performed. Now the ever-popular Minneapolis singer/rapper/poet/essayist/author is going to make her debut with the Minnesota Orchestra. Sarah Hicks will conduct (8 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Orchestra Hall, Mpls., sold out)
Shooter Jennings: After co-organizing a new all-star live tribute to his dad airing on CMT this month, Waylon's hard-rocking son is back on the road with his band and should be a great fit for the Turf's refined ruggedness. (9 p.m. Sat., Turf Club, sold out.)
Raul Midon: The prodigious acoustic soul/jazz man is on tour promoting the aptly named "Bad Ass and Blind," which he released last month. (7 p.m. Mon. Dakota, $25-$30.)
The Zombies: The Zombies — yes, that 1960s British rock band — will play their 1968 album, "Odyssey and Oracle," in its entirety (that means "Time of the Season," of course). "She's Not There," "Tell Her No" and other old faves will be included, too, delivered by original members Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent, among others. The still-active group recorded "Still Got That Hunger" two years ago. (7 p.m. Mon. First Avenue, Mpls. $35, etix.com)
Bob Mould: After a very fruitful, full-steaming five-year run recording and touring with his heavy-hitting trio, the former Hüsker Dü and Sugar alt-rock hero is taking a break and performing all by his lonesome self again, that same lonesome self that retreated to a farm by Pine City in 1988 to produce his landmark solo debut "Workbook." He's a relative newcomer to the Turf Club but should feel right at home over three nights there, since the Hüskers' original rehearsal space was just a few blocks away. (8 p.m. Mon.-Wed., Turf Club, 1601 University Av. W., St. Paul, sold out.)
