Musical blasts from the past play the city

Welcome to flashback weekend. The next couple of days rides a vibe of the good old days - whether it be the '70s, '80s or '90s. We may be cheating with Gordon Gano's new band, but he'll forever be associated with '80s folk-punks Violent Femmes.

THE GOOD RATS

WHAT The "world's most famous unknown band," as the legendary Long Island guys like to call themselves, plays two shows in the big city. Peppi Marchello and the rest play the Rib City Ale House in Port Jefferson next Friday.

WHEN | WHERE Tonight at 7:30 and 10:30. B.B. King Blues Club and Grill, 237 W. 42nd St.

INFO $50; 212-997-4144, ticketmaster.com

GORDON GANO & THE RYANS

WHAT Well, as long as Gano is with the Ryans, you can kiss that Violent Femmes reunion bye-bye (that "Blister in the Sun"/Wendy's commercial plays a part, too). For now, we'll take his new rock outfit.

WHEN | WHERE Tonight at 7. Le Poisson Rouge, 158 Bleecker St.

INFO $20, 212-505-3474, lepoissonrouge.com

LILA DOWNS

WHAT The Mexican-American songbird put out her first live album this week, but you can see and hear the real folky deal this weekend.

WHEN | WHERE Tomorrow at 9 p.m. and Sunday at 8 p.m. City Winery, 155 Varick St.

INFO $25-$55, 212-608-0555, citywinery.com

SWING OUT SISTER

WHAT It's been a long time since those heady pop days of "Breakout," but the Brit duo of Andy Connell and Corinne Drewery is back.

WHEN | WHERE Sunday at 8 p.m., HighLine Ballroom, 431 W. 16th St.

INFO $26.50 (advance), $30 (day of); 866-468-7619, ticketweb.com