Essentials: This weekend's live music picks

Justin Gillett, Andrew Gilbert, Shay Quillen,Mosi Reeves

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Fat Freddy's Drop

Friday and Saturday @ the Independent: New Zealand combo Fat Freddy's Drop describes itself as a dub/reggae band, but the sound of last year's "Dr. Boondigga and the Big BW" is more varied. Soulful grooves and organic house fill the album, along with an ever-present horn section that sounds like the Wailers. No matter the tempo, however, Fat Freddy's Drop tends to play cool, which may be why its S.F. appearances consistently sell out. With Tom Thump. 9 p.m., $20, 21+. 628 Divisadero St., S.F. (415) 771-1421. www.theindependentsf.com. (M.R.)