As I was perusing the slick new Hailey's Web site the other day (haileysclub.com), I noticed two weekend shows that should interest anyone with light pockets. Since all the students are back in Denton, the club's putting on a couple of back-to-school bashes.

Friday's the night to dance, with sets from Left/Right, Vega, Fizzy Dino Pop, Cartright and many more. Yeahdef will DJ the soiree; it's free for those over 21 and only $5 for the non-drinking crowd.

Spune Productions takes over the joint the next night, with an "ice cream social" featuring Telegraph Canyon (fresh from its victorious CD-release weekend), Sans Soleil and Matthew Delves Into the Overly Long Side Project Title. (Ed. note: This band name might not be accurate.)

Pair that with Rubber Gloves Free Week starting Monday, and it makes Denton the official capital of free musical entertainment. I'll either let my jealousy consume me or move to Little D for a week. Haven't decided yet.

Some news about a couple of big records coming soon ...

• Midlake's Eric Pulido broke the silence about his band's long-awaited new album in an interview with Under the Radar magazine last week. No official date to report for the follow-up to critical fave The Trials of Van Occupanther, but Pulido did throw out February 2010 as a possibility. And despite the interviewer trying to work every possible angle to get the goods on the new songs, Pulido would only hint at a heavier and darker folk sound for the new stuff, influenced by bands such as Fairport Convention and Steeleye Span. You know you're gonna Google them. We'll tell you more when there's more to tell. Meantime, keep checking midlake.net.

• Local music fans won't have to wait as long for Dallas soul singer N'Dambi's (left) new record, being released on the legendary Stax label. Pink Elephant hits stores on Oct. 6, led by the sassy kiss-off single "Can't Hardly Wait." Hear it at myspace.com/ndambi.

E-mail Hunter at hhauk@quickdfw.com.

SHOP AROUND

Best-selling titles for the week ending Aug. 24.

1. Telegraph Canyon, The Tide and the Current

2. The Flaming Lips, The Soft Bulletin (vinyl)

3. Yim Yames, Tribute to

4. Japandroids, Post-Nothing

5. Wilco, Wilco (The Album)

6. Fruit Bats, The Ruminant Band (in-store performance scheduled for Tuesday at 7 p.m.)

7. The Antlers, Hospice

8. Jay Reatard, Watch Me Fall

9. Phoenix, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

10. De La Soul, 3 Feet High and Rising (vinyl)

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