Sat., May 11, Paul Collins Beat

Ever wondered why British ska band the Beat was known as “the English Beat” here in the United States? We already had a band called the Beat, arguably one of the best underrated yet prolific power-pop bands of the late 1970s. Though it never had a big hit like power-pop peers Cheap Trick or the Knack, lead singer Paul Collins was a machine. He always maintained a formula of driving beats, heavy riffs, thick harmonies and strong vocal hooks, but somehow each song was its own well-crafted pop gem that stood on its own. By its sophomore album, the group changed its name to the Paul Collins Beat. 1815 19th Street, www.thepaulcollinsbeat.com.