Tues. May 15

There's Jim Carroll, the poet-rocker, and James Carroll, the former priest, Globe op-ed columnist and author. We like both Carrolls quite a lot, for different reasons. It's the latter Carroll who's in town Tuesday May 15 to speak at All Saints Church in Brookline about his latest book, "House of War." Carroll has been consistently correct about all things Bush, and in his book he writes "We have not begun to reckon with the nonsense of American policies toward nuclear weapons today - the fact that we're resuming their production now, that we continue to threathen their use even now." To Carroll - and we agree - it's 1958 redux when Dwight D. Eisenhower warned us of the "military-industrial complex" taking over our wallets and minds. Somehow, we made it through that era; let's hope we're so fortunate this time. The talk, at 7 p.m., is sponsored by Brookline PeaceWorks. It's free but they'll take donations.

1773 Beacon St., Brookline, 617-738-8029 texnology.com

Wed. June 13

 Psychic TV's history is way too long and tangled to unravel simply. Suffice to say, Genesis P. Orridge formed the industrial rock group Throbbing Gristle back in the post-punk era - back when industrial was a lot more than Nine Inch Nails - and later formed Psychic TV, with his partner Lady Jaye. The original Psychic TV was horrific: scary, noisy, bloody, slabs of sound that, literally, drove me from the theater once. It was truly unsettling, worse than the first five minutes of "Saw III." And, then, magically, they re-incarnated themselves as a electro-hippie, peace-and-love machine, pumping out the good vibes and big, beaty pop songs. "Godstar," about the late Brian Jones, is a classic. Their latest disc is "Hell is Invisible, Heaven is Here," suggests Gen and Jaye are living for the moment - the moment being now - and trying to enjoy the time they have left. Oh, and they're also big into "body modification," menaing they've got spikes, studs, tattoos, chains in things in places you don't want to know about. It's a subculture they've believed in fervently forever. You don't have to to enjoy them at the Paradise tonight Juine 13. Marissa Nadler opens at 9. Ticket: $20.

967 Commonwealth Ave., 617-562-8000 thedise.com

Sat. May 12

When the Tarbox Ramblers were about to play a New Year's Eve gig last year, we posed this to singer-guitarist Michael Tarbox: Why should a reveller plop down New Year's Eve kind of money to see his band? "People should come to see the Tarbox Rambers because we'll have the most percussion-heavy New Year's Eve orchestra around, and everybody knows that drums and rhythm are the way to go on New Year's Eve." We doubt his answer would change about attending a Saturday May 12 gig at the same spot, Johnny D's. Tarbox and his two band-mates are recording and album and will undoubtedly unveil a few new tunes Sunday. Genres? "Blues, gospel hillbilly music with raw guitar," he says. Tickets: $12. Music starts at 9:45.

17 Holland St., Somerville, 617-776-2004 johnnyds.com

Sat. May 12

 Look nothing is certain in life but: Paris Hilton (in photo) may be  in our midst Saturday May 12! Of course, she may be in jail or drunk somewhere else, too, but there is a possibility she'll be at Felt to celebrate Bullrun, which we're told is a new breed of high-end luxury/lifestyle automotive rallies. This ain't NASCAR in New Hampshire. What this is is a cross-country exhibition where 75-100 participants - generally traveling in their own cars - motor down the east coast. As you might gather, the people driving these cars can afford these cars, so we're talking CEOs and celebs. Hilton - if she has license, is out of jail, etc - is a driver, as are Carl Lewis, Dean Cain, Tila Tequila and Ryan Dunn, among others. Now, they have parties at clubs along the way, Felt being the local stop for the "after party." This, you may go to. Starts around 10 p.m. Is there a competition? Isn't there always? Boston's hottest babes may compete for the title of "Flag Girl" at the after party. We don't know what benefits this brings, but, well, it's a competition. Will the aforementioned celebs be there? No one's making any guarantees, but their day's "work" will be done and they'll no doubt want to unwind ... By the way, there is something going on beyond hedonism here. The drivers are raising bucks for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Last year's run brought in $90,000. Club admission to be determined.

533 Washington St., 617-350-5555 feltboston.com

 Sat. May 12

  Shane West, the guy who plays one of the handsome docs on “E.R.” was also the touring singer of the reconstituted L.A. hardcore punk band, the Germs. Alex Skuby, who had a role on “E.R.” nine years ago, is also fronting a rock band – the Alex Skuby Band – and is taking his show on the road, to  Mout Blue Norwell Saturday May 12. Coincidence? Well, yes. Skuby is probably best known as attorney Doug Pruzan, the boss to Leah Remini’s Carrie Hefferman on the now-ending “King of Queens.” He auditioned for what he thought would be a guest spot and ended up lasting five seasons. His character was sacked at the end of 2004 for, Skuby says, “losing $40 million” for the firm. Skuby calls his character “a neurotic, anxious, naïve attorney who made a lot mistakes.”
While Skuby has had a bunch of TV roles (including “CSI” and “Without a Trace”), he’s been a guitarist and singer for years. With the “Queens” role over, Skuby thought it was time to get more serious about his first love. “I’m 34,” he says,  “and I loved music before I ever thought of being an actor. If I get an offer to do something lucrative (acting wise), I will do it. I’m not gonna push it that far out of my life, but I’m not gonna stay in the rat race. I’m gonna take a year and focus on the music.” (You can see Skuby as the romantic lead in what he calls a “cute comedy,” “Finding Preet,” now in video stores.)
Skuby has been playing and writing for years with keyboardist Steve Peretiatko. They’ve currently a quintet, but looking for a rhythm guitarist so Skuby can be more of a frontman. When he speaks of favorite frontmen, he mentions David Lee Roth. When he speaks of favorite artists, he’ll include Billy Joel and Metallica. “I like Billy Joel because he’s an amazing songwriter and phenomenal pianist and he’s forever put himself on the line and been through a lot of troubles.” Come to think, most of that goes for Metallica, too.