I remember all too well what it's like to be 11 years old. Awkward. Insecure. Mentally and hygienically unstable. Nothing like the self-assured tween the Launchpad has become. You're finally a woman, Launchpad. We're so proud of you—mazel tov!

Charming, sun-soaked and obsessed with death. Tokyo's all-girl power trio Tsu Shi Ma Mi Re is irony personified.

Since the early '70s, Tim Finn has been both rocking and mellowing English-speaking countries in the Earth's southern hemisphere. He was frontman for the colorfully original new wave-ish band Split Enz, had a stint in his younger brother's group, Crowded House, also saw success with the Finn Brothers and has had a lengthy solo career. With fans that follow him with a cultish fervor, those that love his music are more than elated that the Auckland-based troubadour presses on after more than 30 years.

Poor Man’s Ferrari, Five Minute Sin and Sabertooth Cavity shred for change. A portion of proceeds from their Saturday, Sept. 6 show at El Rey Theater (21+) goes to the Yellow Ribbon Foundation, a nonprofit that gives aid to U.S. veterans. $7 is the least you can do. (LM)

Tim Hagans’ trumpet burns on a low, hot blue flame, welding your ears to his ideas. He keeps pyrotechnics out of it; the better to tell his stories, a perfect blend of atmosphere and line. The open-ended harmonies of pianist Marc Copland, who contributes four tracks (“Over and Back”—opium dreaminess with an amphetamine edge—could be subtitled “Monk Meets Sting”) give him plenty of room, and bassist Drew Gress and drummer Jochen Rückert keep it tight like that. Three standards, including the “Alone Together” title track, “You Don’t Know What Love Is” and the stellar “Stella by Starlight,” round out this fine release. (MM)