With song titles like “Crippled Children Suck,” and “1 Down, 3 to Go” — written just after John Lennon was assassinated — The Meatmen have always been known for vulgar and oddball punk rock songs. Tongue planted firmly in his cheek, Tesco Vee, the Lansing band’s legendary mastermind and vocalist, broke into the hardcore punk scene in 1979. That's when he co-founded the Touch and Go fanzine and record label (which later, under a different owner, evolved into an enormously influential indie label). In 1980, Vee decided to not only write about bands, but to start his own — and to add some raunchy and politically incorrect humor, something he thought the scene lacked.

Who says rap metal died along with Limp Bizkit? This Friday, Universal recording artist Rich Nix is set to throw down his hybrid of metal, electronic and rap at The Loft. Nix is a 24-year old Canadian singer, songwriter and producer who recently released the “Note to Self” EP.

The show this Friday will showcase the musical duo (who also happen to be married) and their uncanny interpretations of blues classics, like Son House’s “Death Letter Blues.” The pair also perform work songs, field hollers, country music, folk songs and gospel tunes ' all of which eventually influenced the creation of what is now popular music.

For those looking for a night of original bluesy music ' with a touch of saxophone ' Big Willy might be worth checking out at the Green Door this Thursday. The Lansing band, led by Will Rideoutt (guitar/vocals), is heavily rooted in blues, with a solid dose of old-school rock and soul elements.

If there is anything consistent about Lansing rock shows, it’s their eclectic bills, with bands of various genres sharing the stage at the same show. Below are a few shows that mix and match sounds into one night of loud music.

This week is stocked with shows from a number of Lansing-area venues. From Mac’s Bar and The Loft, to a recently opened coffee shop in Okemos, live music from many genres are scattered across the city. Aside from locals, a few touring bands will also be passing through, here are just a few.

The emergence of independent record labels in the 1980s was a pivotal moment for under-the-radar music. When influential labels like Sub Pop, Dischord, Touch and Go, Bomp! and K Records began pressing up limited slabs of vinyl, it proved anyone with motivation could make a record, promote it and sell it.

From industrial angst and electro, to mellowed-out hippie jams, Lansing has a vast assortment of live music this week.

Local punk scene veteran Chaz Brackx (formerly of The Chirps) filmed a promotional video for a Chaz Brackx & the Tight Teens show at Mac’s Bar; it stirred up some controversy among Lansing musicians after it was posted on the Turn it Down Facebook page (it’s still posted for those interested).

“Actually, we exclude that kind of music,” said Lora Helou, the festival’s marketing and communications director. “That is something you might see at the Newport Folk Festival. What we present are not the Peter Paul and Mary types, not the singer/songwriters.