Local venues are really lacking in the number of good shows coming to St. Louis in these upcoming months. However, though there are very few shows on this list, these are definitely worth your time.

Saturday Jan. 21: AWOLNATION

Pop’s Nightclub and Concert Venue

AWOLNATION is the solo project of singer/songwriter Aaron Bruno. After working with bigger-name labels, he decided he was unsatisfied with the outcome of the publicity and success of his music. He decided to work with Red Bull Records and after a little over a year found success in his latest album Megalithic Symphony. The album is just really catchy with lots of heavy beats and vocals that are just fun to listen to.

Thursday March 22: Andrew Bird

The Pageant

Andrew Bird is really doing things right. With the purchase of a ticket for his Spring tour, ticket-buyers also receive a digital copy of his 5 song live EP Fake Conversations, a digital copy of his new album Break It Yourself on its release date March  6 and yet another download Spring 2012 of a live version of Break It Yourself. Going to shows is expensive, and artist Andrew Bird seems to appreciate the support of his listeners, by giving them extra perks.

Thursday March 29: Young the Giant 

The Pageant

The single, “My Body,” quickly became a hit off Young the Giant’s self-titled debut album. This is one of the best albums I’ve heard this year. I love everything about it from the lyrics, to the vocals, to the layers of instruments. It’s just a really good album. I’ve never seen the band live but knowing how much I enjoy listening to their album, I imagine it will be well worth my time (and yours) to go see them.

Wednesday May 2: M83 with I Break Horses 

The Pageant

 M83’s latest album, Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming, made the cut on many Album of the Year lists for 2011. Originally, the band found most of its success in Europe, not getting much attention in the states, but this latest album actually ranked higher in the states than any of the other countries it was released in. The music reminds of the 80’s with vocals similar to that of Duran, Duran and there is a heavy use of synths and beats similar to that of the stereotypical 80’s sound.