A college cafeteria by day and a makeshift venue at night, Saint Louis University's Billiken Club doesn't appear to be much of a rock club at first blush. But its amenities (great sound, cheap beer, and — best of all — never a cover charge) more than make up for whatever ambiance it lacks. Its slightly clandestine location led to some lower-than-expected turnouts in the past year — about twenty people saw singer-songwriter Richard Swift turn out of a set of inspired Brill Building pop — but the student-comprised board booked a series of shows that would make any traditional rock club jealous. Pedro the Lion's David Bazan played to a packed, reverent crowd, and John Vanderslice's effusive, borders-free set established him as the nicest guy in indie rock. Other shows by Deerhunter, Earl Greyhound and Richard Buckner have already passed into the realm of legend for those in attendance. Here's hoping the SLU community continues to foster this tiny bastion of all-ages rockdom. God knows this town needs it.