MUSIC | Death Cab for Cutie

After brushing the mainstream with Transatlanticism and song appearances on The O.C., the road-warriors of Death Cab for Cutie stop in for a show on Lansdowne Street. The bat-swinging neighbors across the street will either be in New York or done for the season, so expect the band’s melancholic strands to jive well with the surroundings. Matador rockers Pretty Girls Make Graves open, so get there early. $17.50. All ages. Avalon Night Club, 15 Lansdowne St., Boston. (CAK)

Wednesday, October 20

Reading | Stephen Elliott

Writer and political enthusiast Stephen Elliott will speak on his new book Looking Forward to It; or, how I learned to stop worrying and love the American Electoral Process. His book recounts his journey through the election process, during which he encounters a menagerie of characters including washed-up campaign managers, corrupt reporters and politicians. A reception at Noir at the Charles Hotel will follow the event. Free. 6:30 p.m. Harvard Book Store. 1256 Massachusetts Avenue. (MEB)

FILM | The Asphalt Jungle

See Marilyn Monroe in all her cinematic glory before she became cracked out. ‘Nuff said. 4:45 p.m., 7:15 p.m., 10:00 p.m. The Brattle Theater. 16 Brattle Street. (SAW)

Thursday, October 21

MUSIC | Midday Organ Recital.

The Harvard Organ Society, HUAM and Memorial church sponsor an afternoon recital with organist Andrew Paul Holman. Harvard-Epworth United Methodist Church. Adolphus-Busch Hall, 12:15 p.m. Free and open to the public. (JSG)

MUSIC | Harvard Group for New Music