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Holy Ghost!
For anyone still mourning LCD Soundsystem’s split—or longing for a Talking Heads reunion—Holy Ghost! is a perfect salve: The Brooklyn duo mixes ’80s-inspired synth-pop with funky rhythmic backbeats. (Friday, 3:40 p.m., Downtown Stage)
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The Weeknd
For as inscrutable as the artist born Abel Tesfaye might have seemed initially, his concerts are surprisingly straightforward and uplifting affairs that allow him to croon over his woozy R&B-tronica tunes. (Friday, 8:35 p.m., Downtown Stage)
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Tycho
Dig early M83 or Broken Social Scene’s sprawling electro atmospheres? Ghostly International anchor artist Scott Hansen and his incisive, guitar-augmented tunes are for you. (Saturday, 5:45 p.m., Ambassador Stage)
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RAC
Proprietor André Allen Anjos has played in bands for years in addition to his extensive remix work, which is probably why the electro-pop group’s album and concerts are both danceable and emotionally rich. (Friday, 9:45 p.m., Huntridge Stage)
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TV on the Radio
The New Yorkers’ November return with new album Seeds is welcome news. Even better? From percolating, sharp-edged synth-pop single “Happy Idiot” to the murky, Radiohead-esque “Careful You,” they sound better than ever. (Saturday, 7:25 p.m., Ambassador Stage)
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Alt-J
The Brits’ percussion-pricked, goggle-eyed indie-psych plays best in a live setting, where the band can stretch out and indulge its more atmospheric tendencies. (Saturday, 9:05 p.m., Ambassador Stage)
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Arctic Monkeys
The British band’s greaser-stoner vibe and sinewy post-punk bombast have taken America by storm in recent years. It’s no wonder: Live, the group is a seductive rock ’n’ roll tour de force brimming with swagger. (Sunday, 7:45 p.m., Downtown Stage)
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Foo Fighters
The Foos’ live experience is like having dinner at your favorite restaurant. You know what to expect but are never disappointed. As the recent Letterman appearances proved, the band is still as fired-up and raucous as ever. (Sunday, 9:45 p.m., Downtown Stage)
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OutKast
The pioneering hip-hop duo’s victory lap continues—and while some have noted Big Boi and André 3000’s lack of onstage chemistry, any perceived chill dissipates when they launch into “Bombs Over Baghdad,” “Ms. Jackson” and “Hey Ya.” (Saturday, 10:45 p.m., Downtown Stage)
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Little Dragon
Little Dragon’s woozy synth-pop certainly sounds Swedish, from the sugar-sweet indie-pop edge to the whimsical, chilly programming—but frontwoman Yukimi Nagano’s neo-soul-inspired vocals add a distinctive edge. (Sunday, 8:25 p.m., Ambassador Stage)
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Tune-Yards
There’s a reason Merrill Garbus has become such an indie icon: Between her live drum loops, swerving post-punk rhythms and sour synths she sounds like no other artist around. (Sunday, 5:05 p.m., Ambassador Stage)
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Kacey Musgraves
The country star recently toured with Katy Perry, but there’s nothing frothy about her songs. Filled with realistic characters and inspired by bluegrass, alt-country and twang-folk, they’re some of the genre’s most engaging. (Sunday, 9:25 p.m., Western Stage)
Life Is Beautiful
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Diversity rocks: Five acts to catch at the Sick New World fest
This weekend rock festival’s lineup runs the gamut of genres.
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Mariah Carey’s new residency is a retrospective, a biography and a gift to fans
The first five songs of Mariah Carey’s show at Park MGM come off like a fireworks display.
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Leon Bridges wants to tend to his Texas roots in his next album
Fort Worth-raised Grammy Award winner Leon Bridges performs at the Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas on April 25.
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