As we gear up for the insanity that is Treasure Island Festival this weekend, we can't help but still be excited about all the incredible shows stopping by before and after. Remember, this is a marathon not a sprint, so warm yourself up with these hot shows this week.

Junior Boys, Mezzanine, 10/13: Electropop Canadian cuties bring their spunk and originality to the dance floor at Mezzanine. Be prepared to move for the entire duration of the show.

Gogol Bordello, The Fox, 10/15: This eclectic Eastern European hodgepodge of self-branded "Gypsy punk" never ceases to amaze during their live show. If not for their ridiculously fun songs (see Start Wearing Purple or Think Locally…) then lead singer, Eugene Hutz' hilarious stage antics and wardrobe (or lack thereof sometimes). Expect high-energy gypsy-inspired tunes complete with accordions, violin, a DJ, and even a fire bucket, among others of course.

Pretty Lights (Treasure Island Night Show), Independent, 10/15: Colorado based producer Derek Vincent Smith (accompanied live by drummer Cory Eberhard) brings a nonstop, original and raw form of electronic house. They bring just what the crowd is looking for and lots of props for their sweet visuals. This should be a perfect set-up for Saturday at Treasure Island Festival.

Mae, Bottom of the Hill, 10/15: We fully support this band's mission of "12 songs, 12 months, 1 goal." That goal, to make a difference by offering affordable "donation" prices for their hard work. Support true artists at work by showing up to this show.

A Place To Bury Strangers & Geographer (T.I. Night Show), Independent, 10/17: This will be a nice blend of Brooklyn indie shoegazer types and our favorite local branch thereof (Geographer). This should get you nice and ready for Sunday at Treasure Island Festival.

The Polyphonic Spree, Great American Music Hall, 10/17:
If you're still standing after Treasure Island, or for whatever reason don't want to see MGMT Saturday night (we won't blame you), getting here should be your first priority. There really is something to be said about this ever-changing symposium of talented musicians constantly touring and churning out great soloists (see St. Vincent). They are simply incredible.

Brother Ali, Slim's, 10/17: A throwback to the classics, our favorite albino midwestern conscious hip-hop vet, Brother Ali has just dropped a new album, Us, proving that he's here to stay. For everything he's brought to the world of hip-hop and for all those that he's influenced, we commend him for his continued success and dedication to the true art form of the word.

Treasure Island Music Festival, 10/17-18: Stay tuned for our Treasure Island "best of" picks.

Beach House, Bottom of the Hill, 10/19: Straight out of Baltimore, Beach House nearly created their own sub-genre of indie with their dream pop noise. They aren't really touring much this year because according to them, "they're making room for a baby," so San Francisco, we should feel privileged for this quick little pit-stop from these indie geniuses.