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FRIDAY

Quietly plucking a bass night after night while J. Mascis humps his guitar must take its toll on a person’s psyche. Just ask Lou Barlow or Mike Johnson. Both have done their time in Dinosaur Jr. and emerged with songs of their own that rival Mascis’ for communicating despair. Johnson’s brand of stoic lyricism might leave you waiting in vain for a melodic liftoff, but his talents as a producer and writer are more than you’d ever expect from one of Mascis’ invisible sidemen. Throneberry and Sarina Simoon open at 10 p.m. at the Black Cat, 1831 14th St. NW. $7. (202) 667-7960. CP