Giveaway: A Pair Of Tickets To Catch The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart Tomorrow Night at Lola's Sixth

funny thing about The Pains of Being Pure at Heart--aside from the band name--is that the band, uh, really never meant to become a band. No, seriously. In this week's issue--out on certain newsstands already, out on others tomorrow morning--Observer contributor Chris Parker learns that the band's first gig was simply a performance thrown together almost as a joke. For a birthday party for now-keyboardist Peggy Wang. Music superfans, the friends put together a ramshackle performance heavily influenced by certain late '80s twee acts, and oddly enough, it went off super well--so much so that the band was signed to Slumberland Records just a little while later, go figure. As such, the transition to the other side--from music fan to much-buzzed about touring act--has been an interesting one for the group, which candidly discusses as much in Parker's piece (which you should really make sure to read).

But even with a very obviously influenced sound, the fact remains: The band's full-length debut is one of the most cohesive, exquisitely congealed albums of the year.

As such, yes, we're pumped about tomorrow night's show from the band at Lola's Sixth in Fort Worth--and even more excited that our friends at Spune have been kind enough to pass along a pair of passes for one lucky reader to attend the show with a friend--for free, no less. Could that be you? Sure: Email me with the words "Pains In The Ass" in the subject line, and if you're the first to do so, you're seeing this show for free. Good luck!

Update: Contest is over. Congrats to our winner.