RECOMMENDED “Even If It Kills Me,” the third Epitaph release from Motion City Soundtrack, debuted at number sixteen on the Billboard charts. No tiny victory for the mainstream-ready band that’s been suffering in the shadows of certain arena-sized “indie” groups. To propel themselves into that particular orbit, the Minneapolis pop-rockers brought in a dream team of indie legends to produce; Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne, Eli Janny of Girls vs. Boys and the almighty Ric Ocasek. Ocasek, the ex-Cars frontman who produced Weezer’s debut, actually contacted the band to offer his services. The result? Catchy lyrics, fluffy melodies and Rivers Cuomo-esque vocals polished to a high shine. Without question, this is the one that’ll see Motion City through to the mainstream, as evidenced by this sold-out MTVU tour. Virginia Beach’s modern-rock balladeers, Mae, support alongside Orlando alt-rockers, Anberlin and Hollywood electro quartet, Metro Station. (K. Tighe) Sunday, December 16 at House of Blues
