The profiler

The Suspect: Say Hi

The music site Consequence of Sound says “The band (Say Hi) hasn’t made a bad album,” which is impressive considering there have been seven. Even more remarkable: this Seattle-based indie band is one guy; Eric Elbongen plays all the instruments and sings all vocals in these home-recorded releases. He brings his friends along as a back-up band on tour.

Can Be Found: The Grey Eagle, Thursday, March 10.

RIYD (Recommended if You Dig): Belle and Sebastian, Shout Out Louds, mellow Arcade Fire.

You Should Go If: You’ve done the radio-over-the-head scene from Say Anything for your last four girlfriends; every time you drive past the Liberty Tax “dancer” you blush and look down; you start thinking about what you’re going to wear the first day of school a minimum of two months in advance; you can clear out a room when you … insist that everyone analyze all aspects of your personality to make sure your astrological sign really fits you.

The Suspect: Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

The band formed in 1966, and their 1970 hit, “Mr. Bojangles,” was recently selected for the Grammy Hall of Fame. Their 2009 release, The Speed of Life, has a roots-rock feel, and the Boston Herald says “NGDB sounds fresh alongside the likes of Wilco and Son Volt.”

Can Be Found: The Orange Peel, Friday, March 11.

RIYD: Eagles, Alabama, Del McCoury Band.

You Should Go If: Velcro sandals dramatically improved the quality of your life; people “can’t believe you have grandchildren!  Shut up!”; you pretty much miss out on everything that requires remembering a PIN; you can clear out a room when you … hike up your shirt and start soliciting opinions regarding “unusual” moles on your back.

The Suspect: Menomena

Originally founded in Portland, Ore., as a trio, the band’s mixing software creator/keyboardist Brent Knopf left the group in January to pursue other musical projects. Menomena (sounds like “phenomena” or just like the Muppets song of your childhood memories), this band plays melodic art pop with computer loops, though live they recreate them on drums, bass, sax and guitar.

Can Be Found: The Orange Peel, Saturday, March 12.

RIYD: Radiohead, RJD2.

You Should Go If: Even though it’s “hopelessly flawed,” and “a valiant yet failed attempt at achieving a meritocracy in college admissions,” you still manage to mention your S.A.T. scores on a daily basis; you think the sound your alarm clock makes is kinda catchy; you challenge anyone to demonstrate that they are more underemployed than you; you can clear out a room when you … start reciting entire scenes from A Hitchhikers’ Guide to the Galaxy.

The Suspect: Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings

Jones spent many years as a correctional officer at Rikers Island until she was “discovered” at the age of 40 after a backing session for soul legend Lee Fields. Jones’ live performances inspired Pitchfork to rave “Jones herself is a … preening, strutting, yowling force of nature. The resulting show is almost a guaranteed fun night out.”

Can Be Found: The Orange Peel, Sunday, March 13.

RIYD: Amy Winehouse, Duffy.

You Should Go If: You get dressed to the nines for flights and visits to your grandma’s house; you’re extremely attracted to women who can kick your ass; even though you get all your information on art and culture from Robert Siegel and Liane Hansen don’t mean you ain’t keepin’ it real; you can clear out a room when you … try to hit the high notes in “Respect.”