Mastering Guitar Hero III, watching reruns of “The Office” and drinking the night away: college students have certainly devised endless ways to procras… pass the time. Well, put down the plastic guitar (and that book you’re not reading) and check out some live music before the semester’s end.

For the indie rocker, ’tis the season to check out Texas natives Spoon on Dec. 4 at the Orpheum. These guys are getting huge, so see them now while it’s still semi-affordable.

If indie isn’t your thing, you’ve got three nights to check out the improvisational Grace Potter and the Nocturnals at the Paradise (Dec. 6-8). If you’re not already a cult follower of the Vermont-based band, give them a listen and you’ll be drinking their Kool-Aid.

Speaking of music with soul, The Blind Boys of Alabama will be at Berklee on Dec. 7. For more than 60 years, the boys have brought their unique take on southern gospel to stages across the country. Listening to the Blind Boys provides a spiritual cleansing regardless of your religion.

Why not rock in the free world with legend Neil Young? Starting this Sunday, Young will play three nights at the Orpheum. His wife-cum-backup singer, Pegi, will join him for what should definitely be three memorable shows.

Whatever show you choose, I guarantee you’ll enjoy it more than pretending to play “Freebird” on a guitar with multi-colored plastic buttons.

Scott Spiegel hosts “Go Time with Scotty” Friday nights from 10 p.m. – midnight on wtburadio.org. Check out gotimewithscotty.com.