Earlier this week Rocks Off asked our contributors to tell us one or two concerts coming to Houston this fall they considered a "can't-miss" show. They didn't disappoint us.

Depeche Mode Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, September 18

Maybe this makes me a bit geeky, but I'm totally stoked for Depeche Mode and I don't care; I'll be there in my torn tights and overabundance of eyeliner. If there is such a thing as synth-pop royalty, even after 30-plus years Depeche Mode really hasn't had much competition in knocking them off their throne. I can't think of another concert that will be as fun to people-watch at, either. The crowd just better keep it down during "Strangelove," because they don't know how intimidating I can be in my New Wave gear. ANGELICA LEICHT

Man Man Fitzgerald's, September 22

If you quit life and decide sitting on your couch is all you're going to do while the weather cools this fall, there are only a few reasons you should decide to join civilization again. One major one would be when Philadelphia's gruff, circus-like indie toysters Man Man return to Fitz. These guys always make for a good show -- their unique sound and all-over-the-place performances are the perfect anecdote for the ADD-riddled youth of today. It may be a Sunday night, but live a little, you know. JIM BRICKER

Imagine Dragons Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, September 26

I'm curious to see the progression Imagine Dragons has made as artists now that their song "Radioactive" has blown up the entire radio. It's literally on every station ever, even hip-hop stations, and such a far cry from where they were just a few months ago: House of Blues. Cynthia Woods is where they'll be bangin' all those drums this time around, and I wonder if it'll translate or if all the fame and the bigger venue will cause them to lose a bit of sparkle. I have to hope it's the former. ANGELICA LEICHT

Ray Wylie Hubbard, Shinyribs Discovery Green, September 26

The Wylie Llama is a jaded spiritual guru, philosopher of no philosophy, teller of tall tales, Holy Ghost of the Groove, and Grand Poobah of all things Texas music. The man is literally awash in soulful grime. But the stroke of genius here is pairing him with Shinyribs, the Austin four-piece fronted by Kevin Russell.

A Shinyribs show encompasses all the emotions of a loss of virginity behind a revival tent: they don't make confession boxes large enough for the sinful fallout of an hour with the Bearded One. Screw those $50-$60-$70 ticket prices. One word: free. Screw you, we're from Texas. WILLIAM MICHAEL SMITH

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