(MUSIC) These two Danish musical exports intend to charm your American ears with some uncontroversial but high-quality rock. Figurines offer sprightly, winsome melodies in songs that fizz and sparkle like a Shins-Strokes jam session. (Tonight is the CD-release party for Figurines’ joyous Skeleton on Sonic Boom.) Kira soulfully channels Janis and Johnette while her Kindred Spirits plow hearty, classic rock/R&B grooves. (Crocodile, 2200 Second Ave, 441-5611. 9 pm, $5, 21+. Also Sun Mar 12 at Sonic Boom Records, 2209 NW Market, 297-BOOM. 5 pm, free.)

Dave Segal is a journalist and DJ living in Seattle. He has been writing about music since 1983. His stuff has appeared in Gale Research’s literary criticism series of reference books, Creem (when...