3 live music venues you can't help but let loose in

Sometimes, Bangkok nightlife can get a little, well, pretentious. It’s hard work looking fabulous all the time, maintaining that steely glare as you sip a 300-baht martini and bob your head to the bass of whatever world-class DJ happens to be spinning.

But sometimes, you’ve just got to let loose. Maybe even hop on a table or two as you thrash around wildly to ear-splittingly loud energetic local bands.

When that moment strikes, these are three of our favorite bars to take it.

You’re going to have to head out to the suburbs for this one. Way out. But it’s definitely worth the cab ride. Parking Toys is massive, yet it’s packed full every night of the week with a lively crowd, thanks to a fantastic lineup of local bands that play everything from ska to alt-rock.

Loud buzzsaw guitars not your thing? If wailing trumpets are more your speed, try Brown Sugar, a local jazz institution. This place is not where you want to bring a first date. The house band, which plays nightly, is shockingly loud. But fantastic.

Don't let the sugary-sweet name and pastel decor fool you. The indie bands that play nightly at Lollipop -- a pub and restaurant in what was once an old Thai house -- can truly rock. Lollipop's mostly college-age crowd is exceedingly friendly, the food is decent and the drinks are cheap.

Follow the links for full details on all three venues. Or share your favorite live music venues below.