Let me be the first to wish all of our readers a very merry Thanksgiving holiday. While you’re stuffing your gullet with turkey and dressing, we’ll be here all holiday long providing you with the latest Chicago music news and reviews. Also, beginning in December, we’ll start our best of the decade/best of the 2009 lists. So that’ll be fun.

This weekend, we’re spotlighting tonight’s Pixies’ show, Peaches and Permanent Records Third Anniversary Bash at The Hideout.

But before we get to our picks for top weekend shows, a reminder: Loud Loop Radio will once again grace the intertubes tomorrow, Saturday, November 21, at 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. CST on Radio DePaul. We’re going to review the Them Crooked Vultures album, so that should be fun. Joining me in the studio this Saturday will be Loud Loop associate editor Andy Kahn.

Let’s get to it, shall we?

The Pixies
Ok, so not everyone is a fan of The Pixies obvious cash grab tour. Still, it’s The fucking Pixies. And they’re playing all of Doolittle? Yes, please. Say what you want about selling out and so forth, but they put on a damn good show. Our own Audrey Leon gives you some great reasons to try and finagle your way into at least one of this weekend’s shows. Also, No Age is tonight’s support with Jay Reatard opening Saturday night’s show – so that’s awesome. – Richard Giraldi

7:30 PM. Friday, 11/20 & Saturday 11/21. Aragon Ballroom. SOLD OUT.

Peaches
Queen of electro-shock rock, Peaches, will get the audience at the Metro hot and bothered on Friday night with her always wild and provocative live show. Peaches is in town to promote her latest album I Feel Cream, which was produced by James Ford of British electronic act Simian Mobile Disco and features the singles “Talk to Me” and “Lose You.” – Audrey Leon

9:00 PM. Friday, 11/20. Metro. 18+. $23 adv. / $26 door.

Brendan Benson
I might not have given the new Brendan Benson the greatest review, but I did note that his new stuff sounded way better live. Well, you have two chances this weekend to decide for yourself. Friday he’s playing for free at the downtown Apple Store at 6:30 and then hustling on over to Lincoln Hall for a 10:30 show. – Ross Meyerson

6:30 PM. Friday, 11/20. Apple Store on N. Michigan Ave. All Ages. FREE!

10:30 PM. Friday, 11/20. Lincoln Hall. 21+. $20.

The Gorilla Press
A weekend diversion that’s not the Pixies. Local alt-rockers The Gorilla Press will be headlining at The Bottom Lounge tonight with Split, Flights, and The Sweeps. I’ll be there if anyone else wants to come! – Britni Day

8:00 PM. Friday, 11/20. Bottom Lounge. $9.

3 Inches Of Blood
Oh, Canada. Not a metal haven per se but when you bring it you really bring it. Vancouver’s 3 Inches Of Blood bring their throw back to self-referential metal to the Beat Kitchen Saturday night. If songs about metal are your thing or you just miss Overkill-esque vocals go check it out. To sweeten the pot, Oakland’s Saviours open. You very well be reading more on their new album here shortly. Anyways, riffs will be flowing. – Ross Meyerson

9:00 PM. Saturday, 11/21. Beat Kitchen. 18+. $13.

Permanent Records Third Anniversary Bash
Our friends at Permanent Records are throwing a bash at the Hideout to celebrate their third anniversary. It will be, as the kids say (or used to), off the hook. You know I champion the store and the label they started. Well, 4 of the bands on their in-house label will be playing: Cave, Cacaw, Black Math, and Mako Sica, whose review you, of course, have read here. That’s a ton of good stuff for, how much, really, only $5? Go tell Lance and Liz and the rest of the staff how much you dig their little record store that could. – Ross Meyerson

9:00 P.M. Saturday, 11/21. The Hideout. 21+. $5.