Words fail a writer somewhat when trying to classify a group like The Extraordinaires. Are they folkies? Are they old-timey, boogie woogie saloon music? Are they Beatles-esque, 60's pop? All of these things are accurate to some extent, but you can't help but feel a little guilty after saying each of them because it's quite clear that The Extraordinaires occupy their own oddly familiar universe. However, one thing that's constant is their theatrics and off-kilter sense of humor. They have a song called "Hi Five the Cactus" (about a cactus fellow named Hi Five who enjoys giving hi-fives...seriously). Their albums are released as conceptual, hand-made storybooks. But there's a distinct difference between nonsense and gimmickry, and The Extraordinaires certainly aren't gimmickry, as their fun melodies and memorable lyrics attest to. And fresh off a stint of shows with gypsy-punk pioneers Gogol Bordello, they show no signs of stopping. Enjoy them tonight at Johnny Brenda’s when members of The Armchairs join Jay Purdy and Matt Gibson on stage as part of their madcap band with opener New Jersey’s Real Estate! Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave, 9 p.m., $10, 21+ myspace.com/theextraordinaires - Joe Poteracki