KEANE SCORES WITH UPBEAT 'SYMMETRY'

Following Keane's fashionably moody 2006 release, "Under the Iron Sea," and frontman Tom Chaplin's stint in rehab, the British band could have returned with a collection of dirges and invited critics to gauge the depth of its disaffection.

Instead, on its new CD "Perfect Symmetry," the group moves onward and upward, at least musically speaking.

Tunes such as the big, boisterous single "Spiralling" and the Bowie-esque "Better Than This" sound so unapologetically exuberant that you might not even notice the shades of irony and doubt in the lyrics.

A few other songs have a more earnest, anthemic quality that borders on maudlin. But the greatest pop artists don't avoid sentimentality, they transcend it.

If the guys in Keane can make that leap, perfection — or something close — may be within reach.

Few things require more courage or skill than an upbeat rock album, but Keane seems to have found its footing with this charming CD.

Download: "The Lovers Are Losing," "Pretend You Are Alone"

Skip: nothing

— Elysa Gardner, USA Today

BIRTHDAY BASH

They say after you pass the terrible 2s and the treacherous 3s, you become a perfectly golden 4. Let's hope that's the case for thirtyninehotel, gearing up for its fourth birthday celebration on Saturday. The Chinatown multimedia space has an impressive cocktail bar, outdoor patio and quality entertainment, and if that isn't sufficient, its newly installed sound system combines vintage and new-jack technology, inspired by New York City's David Mancuso's '70s loft parties. Celebrate good times and join disco enthusiasts, party-goers, and rollerskaters, along with DJs Mark Chittom and NYC's Eric Duncan of Rub-n-Tug in celebration, 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturday, 39 Hotel St.; $12, 21 and older. 599-2552, www.thirtyninehotel.com.

— Lacy Matsumoto

WHAT'S ON YOUR IPOD?

DJ Mark Chittom, thirtyninehotel

1. "Marbles," John McLaughlin

2. "Lansana's Priestess," Donald Byrd

3. "Don't You Know," Jan Hammer

3. "Spirit of the Age," Hawkwind

4. "Long Black Veil," Lefty Frizzell

5. "Egocentric Molecules (Bumbai Sports-Rock edit)," Jon Luc Ponty

CRATE DIGGER'S DELIGHT

Back in the old days, Jelly's Music was a prime place for DJs to find their party rocking music; now, with iPods and programs like Serato, the search for vinyl and CDs has slowed. But for those who love keeping it old-school, Jelly's has remained a constant. Offering selections in hip-hop, jazz, funk, reggae, rock and alternative in every format — LPs, 45s, vinyl and CDs. Now back in Honolulu, it's a DJ's or music lover's dream come true. Jelly's Music, 670 Auahi St. (entrance on Coral Street); 587-7001, www.jellyshawaii.com.

— L.M.

SPIKED COFFEE

Got a morning off and a yen for Irish coffee and a sweet pastry to wake you out of your doldrums? Check Bambu's, the relatively new outdoor bar at Restaurant Row in the space formerly occupied by the Row Bar. Owners Al and Jane Sieverts, Dave Stewart (Bar 35, Brasserie Du Vin) and Allan Beall gave the bar a much-needed makeover, adding Indonesian outdoor lounge seating, jeweled-tone accents, a bamboo roof and whimsical chalkboard specials to create a relaxing stop before or after work or while in the neighborhood. Menu choices include gourmet coffees, smoothies or light meal options prepared by Panya Bakery, delivered daily and served all night long. Try the Oriental chicken salad, $6, or choose from an array of sandwiches, pupu, crostini or daily specials. Bambu's, 6:30 a.m to 2 a.m. daily, Restaurant Row. 528-2345.

— L.M.

TREASURES FROM WILD BLUE YONDER

Inspired by the ocean, Katrina Cordova buys repurposed shells from California and wraps them with gold wire. She favors aquamarines and blue topaz for her light and airy wire-wrapped earrings. Her signature line includes layered chain necklaces with real rose leaves, or shells dipped in gold and paired with clusters of tiny gemstones. She's also created a line with children in mind — little discs that she will hand stamp by special order with the initials of a baby, child, boyfriend or girlfriend, parent or grandparent. Since the birth of son Keanu, now 22 months, jewelry has been her full-time gig. "I was just following my passion. But it really works as a 'mother profession,' " Cordova said.

Get Katrina Cordova jewelry at Global Creations Interiors, MisFortune, Lily Lotus, Mu'umu'u Heaven and Shasa Emporium. Her children's line is sold at Kahala Kids. www.katrinacordovadesigns.com.

— Paula Rath

SALES & BARGAINS

• If the recent downturn in the stock market has you feeling bare, get sexy with super cute and affordable luxurious finds at Nordstrom Rack. Discounted designer goods from Chantelle, Calvin Klein, Betsy Johnson, Hanky Panky and Cosabella are in stock, in many sizes. 330 Kamake'e St. at Ward Centre; 589-2060.

• Avoid waste: Take your beloved yet not perfectly fitted items to Salva at Nordstrom Rack for alteration. Prices are of course lower on original Nordstrom merchandise, but we have yet to find a match to the quality of her tailoring. Shortening of a hem or sleeve, a little nip or tuck can do wonders.

• Have lots of style with little green to show for it? Salvation Army has got you covered. It's still the cheapest of the thrift stores, with most goods hovering between $3 and $6. Finds here have included vintage clip-on earrings, suitable for use as hair ornaments, and a sweet aloha vintage mu'u mu'u, revamped as a modern mini. Just be prepared to put aside at least one hour to really dig — treasures are waiting for you here. Store locations: www.salvationarmyusa.org.

• Attention, big-wave riders: As the seasonal North Shore swells roll in, don't let your drenched bodies ruin your car's interior. Wet Okole has its signature exact-fitting neoprene seat covers slashed half off. Skip the salt stains on your seats and retain that jalopy's value! 660 Ala Moana Blvd.; 531-9778, www.wetokole.com.

— Pualana Lemelle

Have a bargain-hunter's tip? Hit us up at sales andbargains@gmail.com.