The Lashes have put out a new video for the song "There Goes The Neighborhood." It's on You Tube, and you can see it here:
And here's a completely unrelated video from a 1991 Arsenio Hall performance by Body Count that shares only the song title. :)
p.s. man, Body Count was weak. It's funny now to look back on all the "Cop Killer" hub bub and realize how much distraction politics was at work.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
KEXP pledge drive
Just a note to all that KEXP is holding its winter 2007 pledge drive. Head over to their website to donate funds. They do good work.
I would ask why the winter pledge drive is going on when tomorrow is the first day of march. But, the yard full of snow I have right now probably is enough of an answer. :)
I would ask why the winter pledge drive is going on when tomorrow is the first day of march. But, the yard full of snow I have right now probably is enough of an answer. :)
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Really freaking late mp3
It wasn't Monday morning, it wasn't even Tuesday morning this week. Nope, this week it's the Tuesday Evening mp3. That's not as catchy as "Monday morning mp3," but it will have to do.
So, here's a great song by Kurt Hagardorn, out of Portland. Kurt is going to be opening the next SPB Powerpop night, which is March 10 at the Mars Bar. He's got this great roots pop thing happening that seems equally influenced by the Beatles, the Everly Brothers and some of the modern-day alt.country folks like The Jayhawks (with perhaps a bit of 1990s indie pop a la Portastatic thrown in for good measure).
The song I'm linking here is called "It's Okay, It's Alright," and it's a more delicate number. Altogether pleasant, while still aching with sadness and ending with an unexpected layer of guitar feedback.
You should pick up his record, titled Ten Singles, because it's really chock full of tunesmithy goodness.
So, here's a great song by Kurt Hagardorn, out of Portland. Kurt is going to be opening the next SPB Powerpop night, which is March 10 at the Mars Bar. He's got this great roots pop thing happening that seems equally influenced by the Beatles, the Everly Brothers and some of the modern-day alt.country folks like The Jayhawks (with perhaps a bit of 1990s indie pop a la Portastatic thrown in for good measure).
The song I'm linking here is called "It's Okay, It's Alright," and it's a more delicate number. Altogether pleasant, while still aching with sadness and ending with an unexpected layer of guitar feedback.
You should pick up his record, titled Ten Singles, because it's really chock full of tunesmithy goodness.
New West Motels interview
The good fellows of New West Motels have a show tomorrow night (2/28) at The Crocodile with Lions in the Street and Brides of Obscurity. I interviewed Rob from NWM via myspace messages.
1. How do you think others would describe New West Motels, and is that the same or different than you'd like to think of yourselves?
In Seattle it seems like if you focus on the vocals, and play rock, you automatically get compared to 3 bands-- Built to Spill, Modest Mouse, and/or Death Cab For Cutie... which is completely flattering, but honestly I think, like all those bands, we have our own sound.
If I could choose who to be compared to, it'd probably be Sparklehorse, or Snow Patrol, or Travis, maybe Low, or Reindeer Section, though they're not actually a "band" per se (Scottish "supergroup" featuring members of Snow Patrol, Mogwai, Teenage Fanclub, Arab Strap, Belle & Sebastian)... And, okay fine, I'll admit it-- Built to Spill... *laughs*
2. Who are your favorite Seattle bands and why?
I like a pretty wide variety of stuff, but it's almost always vocal-based and full of great hooks (that's my definition of "pop music", I suppose)... I like songs more than bands, per se, but maybe-- Central Services just made a great record, I really like the new Friday Mile... I think Karen Pernick is amazing, if you haven't heard her... Tullycraft, the Minus Five, Mountain Con, the Long Winters, Slender Means... I grew up listening to my older brother and sister's record collection, stuff like America, Simon & Garfunkel, Supertramp, Tom Petty, so I tend to like music that you can sing along to the first time you hear it...
3. What are your feelings about the state of pop music in the Northwest and Seattle in particular?
I think people are getting a little bored of the whole angular, jagged-edged, staccato beat, "hey let's sound like The Jam" thing that's been going on the past few years (which only annoys me because I LOVE The Jam)... but if you think about it, the top bands the past couple years in Seattle-- a year later-- they're nowhere to be found... It was style over substance for awhile... It's hard to constantly be playing "the new sound" and even harder to keep the people who like it interested... I used to joke that there are 4000 amazing bands in Seattle, and maybe 10 good songwriters... But it was TRUE for a long time...
And now, suddenly, there are a bunch of great pop bands making waves in town, sort of circling like sharks below the radar, waiting to get their chance in the clubs... which hopefully the clubs figure out, 'cause all these bands are playing the type of music that appeals to a wider audience than just other bands and the hardcore indie kids in town... Seattle is unique in that way, when you travel to other cities... It isn't acceptable to be in a band here that the average joe on the street would like... Which is sad, 'cause it's THOSE people who really need music most... the ones with the shitty everyday lives who need a break from it and are counting on you to provide it for them... The part of music that makes it "pop"-- as in popular. People want to relate to what you're saying, not just be impressed by "I haven't heard/seen that before"... And until recently that wasn't happening in Seattle...
I think the major sign that the pop tide is turning is that some great pop bands from years gone by are getting back in the pool-- like Sister Psychic, and Peter Parker. It's finally safe to be "pop" in Seattle. Thanks to Death Cab and Modest Mouse, who were somehow able to straddle the line between indie and popular, and break the mold.
4. If you could be the opening act for any band, any time period, who would that be and why?
Easy, The Who during "Sell-Out"-- best pop album by a rock band ever... the harmonies, the guitars, the picturesque lyrics, the hilarious advertisements between songs... Although, since I wouldn't actually be alive for that one, 2nd choice might be Wilco during their "Being There" days... Another great pop record written by a rock band... Of course, the liquor tab for either of those tours would be astonomical!
5. What's the latest news from you guys and what's on the horizon?
The last couple months have been crazy really, we finished recording the majority of our debut record outside Manchester, England in December, little place called APE Studios... GREAT studio, great people, great little town overlooking Wales... Got picked up by a production/management group called The Dexa Cult (based out of London)... literally in the last two weeks have had 3 labels pop up on the radar asking about us... We're suddenly worrying about all the little stuff that gets a little overwhelming, like lawyers, band agreements, tour offers, press, etc. We're headed down to play a showcase at SXSW.
Meanwhile, finishing up the vocals and overdubs for the record, when we can fit it in, so it can actually come out. Playing shows when we can fit 'em in. It's fun, though. It's all the stuff you'd WANT to be happening, so we're pretty excited about it. For now, we'll just finish the record and see what happens. We're letting the music do the talking for us.
6. What's something people don't know about New West Motels?
In England, our bassplayer Doran is practically a celebrity, because his Great Uncle was Cliff "Boy" Bastin, who played football (soccer) for Arsenal back in the '30s and '40s. He was the all-time leading scorer for Arsenal all the way up until the 1990s.
Mat, our drummer, almost died a couple years ago from an infection he got when he cut his hand on his snare drum. He lost all the skin halfway up the inside of his left arm. Very scary moment. Then he had a secondary infection flare up this past October, but insisted on playing drums immediately after getting released from the hospital-- we have pictures of him playing Emo's in Austin hooked up to an IV-- no lie!!!
(Blogger's note: I'm working on getting a copy of the photo of Mat playing with an IV in his arm)
1. How do you think others would describe New West Motels, and is that the same or different than you'd like to think of yourselves?
In Seattle it seems like if you focus on the vocals, and play rock, you automatically get compared to 3 bands-- Built to Spill, Modest Mouse, and/or Death Cab For Cutie... which is completely flattering, but honestly I think, like all those bands, we have our own sound.
If I could choose who to be compared to, it'd probably be Sparklehorse, or Snow Patrol, or Travis, maybe Low, or Reindeer Section, though they're not actually a "band" per se (Scottish "supergroup" featuring members of Snow Patrol, Mogwai, Teenage Fanclub, Arab Strap, Belle & Sebastian)... And, okay fine, I'll admit it-- Built to Spill... *laughs*
2. Who are your favorite Seattle bands and why?
I like a pretty wide variety of stuff, but it's almost always vocal-based and full of great hooks (that's my definition of "pop music", I suppose)... I like songs more than bands, per se, but maybe-- Central Services just made a great record, I really like the new Friday Mile... I think Karen Pernick is amazing, if you haven't heard her... Tullycraft, the Minus Five, Mountain Con, the Long Winters, Slender Means... I grew up listening to my older brother and sister's record collection, stuff like America, Simon & Garfunkel, Supertramp, Tom Petty, so I tend to like music that you can sing along to the first time you hear it...
3. What are your feelings about the state of pop music in the Northwest and Seattle in particular?
I think people are getting a little bored of the whole angular, jagged-edged, staccato beat, "hey let's sound like The Jam" thing that's been going on the past few years (which only annoys me because I LOVE The Jam)... but if you think about it, the top bands the past couple years in Seattle-- a year later-- they're nowhere to be found... It was style over substance for awhile... It's hard to constantly be playing "the new sound" and even harder to keep the people who like it interested... I used to joke that there are 4000 amazing bands in Seattle, and maybe 10 good songwriters... But it was TRUE for a long time...
And now, suddenly, there are a bunch of great pop bands making waves in town, sort of circling like sharks below the radar, waiting to get their chance in the clubs... which hopefully the clubs figure out, 'cause all these bands are playing the type of music that appeals to a wider audience than just other bands and the hardcore indie kids in town... Seattle is unique in that way, when you travel to other cities... It isn't acceptable to be in a band here that the average joe on the street would like... Which is sad, 'cause it's THOSE people who really need music most... the ones with the shitty everyday lives who need a break from it and are counting on you to provide it for them... The part of music that makes it "pop"-- as in popular. People want to relate to what you're saying, not just be impressed by "I haven't heard/seen that before"... And until recently that wasn't happening in Seattle...
I think the major sign that the pop tide is turning is that some great pop bands from years gone by are getting back in the pool-- like Sister Psychic, and Peter Parker. It's finally safe to be "pop" in Seattle. Thanks to Death Cab and Modest Mouse, who were somehow able to straddle the line between indie and popular, and break the mold.
4. If you could be the opening act for any band, any time period, who would that be and why?
Easy, The Who during "Sell-Out"-- best pop album by a rock band ever... the harmonies, the guitars, the picturesque lyrics, the hilarious advertisements between songs... Although, since I wouldn't actually be alive for that one, 2nd choice might be Wilco during their "Being There" days... Another great pop record written by a rock band... Of course, the liquor tab for either of those tours would be astonomical!
5. What's the latest news from you guys and what's on the horizon?
The last couple months have been crazy really, we finished recording the majority of our debut record outside Manchester, England in December, little place called APE Studios... GREAT studio, great people, great little town overlooking Wales... Got picked up by a production/management group called The Dexa Cult (based out of London)... literally in the last two weeks have had 3 labels pop up on the radar asking about us... We're suddenly worrying about all the little stuff that gets a little overwhelming, like lawyers, band agreements, tour offers, press, etc. We're headed down to play a showcase at SXSW.
Meanwhile, finishing up the vocals and overdubs for the record, when we can fit it in, so it can actually come out. Playing shows when we can fit 'em in. It's fun, though. It's all the stuff you'd WANT to be happening, so we're pretty excited about it. For now, we'll just finish the record and see what happens. We're letting the music do the talking for us.
6. What's something people don't know about New West Motels?
In England, our bassplayer Doran is practically a celebrity, because his Great Uncle was Cliff "Boy" Bastin, who played football (soccer) for Arsenal back in the '30s and '40s. He was the all-time leading scorer for Arsenal all the way up until the 1990s.
Mat, our drummer, almost died a couple years ago from an infection he got when he cut his hand on his snare drum. He lost all the skin halfway up the inside of his left arm. Very scary moment. Then he had a secondary infection flare up this past October, but insisted on playing drums immediately after getting released from the hospital-- we have pictures of him playing Emo's in Austin hooked up to an IV-- no lie!!!
(Blogger's note: I'm working on getting a copy of the photo of Mat playing with an IV in his arm)
Monday, February 26, 2007
Shake Some Action on Radio 8 Ball (2/27)
Tomorrow night (Tuesday, 2/27) Shake Some Action will be performing live on KAOS' Radio 8 Ball program at 7pm. KAOS is out of Olympia, but you can listen online via their website, as well.
If you're not familiar with the Radio 8 Ball program, check my past blogs or see their myspace page.
If you're not familiar with the Radio 8 Ball program, check my past blogs or see their myspace page.
Shows for week of 2/26
Here's how you should spend your evenings this week:
Monday, 2/26
Sirens Sister with several bands that I don't know about at Chop Suey
Tuesday, 2/27
Snow Patrol, OkGo and Silversun Pickups at Key Arena. A rare arena show that has three bands that I actually like!
Wednesday, 2/28
New West Motels, Lions in the Street, Brides of Obscurity and Driving the Eights at The Crocodile
Friday, 3/2
Parliament freaking Funkadelic at Showbox
Boy Crush and The Happy Ending at Cafe Venus & Mars Bar
The Hot Rollers, Sgt. Major and Tennis Pro at The Sunset Tavern
Saturday, 3/3
Awesome, Central Services, C'mon C'mon and The Shee Bee Gees at the Sunset Tavern
Monday, 2/26
Sirens Sister with several bands that I don't know about at Chop Suey
Tuesday, 2/27
Snow Patrol, OkGo and Silversun Pickups at Key Arena. A rare arena show that has three bands that I actually like!
Wednesday, 2/28
New West Motels, Lions in the Street, Brides of Obscurity and Driving the Eights at The Crocodile
Friday, 3/2
Parliament freaking Funkadelic at Showbox
Boy Crush and The Happy Ending at Cafe Venus & Mars Bar
The Hot Rollers, Sgt. Major and Tennis Pro at The Sunset Tavern
Saturday, 3/3
Awesome, Central Services, C'mon C'mon and The Shee Bee Gees at the Sunset Tavern
Monday Morning Powerpop mp3
The Monday Morning Powerpop mp3 will be posted.... on Tuesday morning.
Like a goober, I forgot to upload the song last night. So, I'll do it tonight and post it tomorrow. oopsie.
Like a goober, I forgot to upload the song last night. So, I'll do it tonight and post it tomorrow. oopsie.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Cantona, Shortand For Epic & Hot Toddies photos
I took in the Nada Mucho show down at The Comet last night. I was totally low on energy all night, and came close to leaving three times before I actually headed out the door halfway through the Hot Toddies set.
The first band was already playing when I arrived. I don't even know their name, to be honest. The guitar player had some pretty good song ideas and a strong voice, but the rhythm section was pretty pedestrian. I actually felt sorry for them at one point, because the crowd was not particularly patient nor welcoming, and at one point someone yelled "you f#@king suck." That's harsh for someone to hear regardless of how "ready-for-stage" they may or may not be.
Up next was Cantona, who I've only managed to see once previous (at one of last year's Studio 66. I enjoyed them quite a bit last fall. Tonight they were short one member -- the bass player, who was stuck in New York. A show like this makes you realize how much the bass guitar is needed. I'm not talking about a group like The White Stripes or locals The Snakebites, where there is a purposeful absence of bass. Rather, when a group normally has bass (and has all their songs prepared thusly) is all of a sudden lacking in that department, it's obvious. Cantona did as well as could be expected under the circumstances. But, even as a fan, it was lacking.
Cantona - Leslie Beattie
Shorthand For Epic came on next. But, before I talk about their show, I want to get a chuckle at either Brooke's or my expense.. not sure which. I was leaning against the wall under the big neon "C" next to the stage as she brought her keyboard stuff into the room. As she walked past me, I said in a fake, deep voice, "hey lady." Well, she proceeded to stick her keyboard stand into my sternum, thinking I was some random lame dude.
In fact I was a specific lame dude. But, funny that she didn't recognize until they were almost playing their show that it was me, at which point she walked off stage and came over to apologize and say a real hello. It was a funny moment. But, note to self, be less convincing as the creepy deep voiced guy. :)
Anyway, once they started up, they rocked the house. They've always been good, but I think they've been practicing, as they were as tight as I've ever seen them. Stormi rocks the drums... she's a little loose at times, but is 100% going for it at all times, which I love. They provided the most rocking set of the night. I was going to say if I have any complaints about SfE it's that their songs are too long, but if you have the word "epic" in your band name, I suppose that's to be expected.
Shorthand for Epic - Larry and Brooke, laughing as a song ends
Shorthand For Epic - Billy from down low
Shorthand For Epic - Billy from up high
Closing out the night were the Hot Toddies from California. They have obviously made a splash here in town by having a song called Seattle (in addition, of course, to just being catchy and good), which contains the lyric "I get so horny when I'm in Seattle." The crowd went nuts when they played it (smartly done 2nd in the set to avoid some of the less cool folks [read, jerkwads] in the crowd from starting to call for it). The crowd felt a little icky at times, like a bunch of dudes hooting and hollering at cute girls.
Of course, in this instance, the cute girls are on stage and playing bouncy and fun pop tunes that are thoroughly modern in their lyrical content but backed by 60 pop melodies. I don't know if the Shangri Las ever envisioned singing something along the lines of "w w w, sha la la la, dot com." But, there it was. Cute, campy, catchy, and I was done after 6 songs because it was late on a friday and I suck.
The Hot Toddies - Jessica
The Hot Toddies - Sylvia
The first band was already playing when I arrived. I don't even know their name, to be honest. The guitar player had some pretty good song ideas and a strong voice, but the rhythm section was pretty pedestrian. I actually felt sorry for them at one point, because the crowd was not particularly patient nor welcoming, and at one point someone yelled "you f#@king suck." That's harsh for someone to hear regardless of how "ready-for-stage" they may or may not be.
Up next was Cantona, who I've only managed to see once previous (at one of last year's Studio 66. I enjoyed them quite a bit last fall. Tonight they were short one member -- the bass player, who was stuck in New York. A show like this makes you realize how much the bass guitar is needed. I'm not talking about a group like The White Stripes or locals The Snakebites, where there is a purposeful absence of bass. Rather, when a group normally has bass (and has all their songs prepared thusly) is all of a sudden lacking in that department, it's obvious. Cantona did as well as could be expected under the circumstances. But, even as a fan, it was lacking.
Cantona - Leslie Beattie
Shorthand For Epic came on next. But, before I talk about their show, I want to get a chuckle at either Brooke's or my expense.. not sure which. I was leaning against the wall under the big neon "C" next to the stage as she brought her keyboard stuff into the room. As she walked past me, I said in a fake, deep voice, "hey lady." Well, she proceeded to stick her keyboard stand into my sternum, thinking I was some random lame dude.
In fact I was a specific lame dude. But, funny that she didn't recognize until they were almost playing their show that it was me, at which point she walked off stage and came over to apologize and say a real hello. It was a funny moment. But, note to self, be less convincing as the creepy deep voiced guy. :)
Anyway, once they started up, they rocked the house. They've always been good, but I think they've been practicing, as they were as tight as I've ever seen them. Stormi rocks the drums... she's a little loose at times, but is 100% going for it at all times, which I love. They provided the most rocking set of the night. I was going to say if I have any complaints about SfE it's that their songs are too long, but if you have the word "epic" in your band name, I suppose that's to be expected.
Shorthand for Epic - Larry and Brooke, laughing as a song ends
Shorthand For Epic - Billy from down low
Shorthand For Epic - Billy from up high
Closing out the night were the Hot Toddies from California. They have obviously made a splash here in town by having a song called Seattle (in addition, of course, to just being catchy and good), which contains the lyric "I get so horny when I'm in Seattle." The crowd went nuts when they played it (smartly done 2nd in the set to avoid some of the less cool folks [read, jerkwads] in the crowd from starting to call for it). The crowd felt a little icky at times, like a bunch of dudes hooting and hollering at cute girls.
Of course, in this instance, the cute girls are on stage and playing bouncy and fun pop tunes that are thoroughly modern in their lyrical content but backed by 60 pop melodies. I don't know if the Shangri Las ever envisioned singing something along the lines of "w w w, sha la la la, dot com." But, there it was. Cute, campy, catchy, and I was done after 6 songs because it was late on a friday and I suck.
The Hot Toddies - Jessica
The Hot Toddies - Sylvia
Friday, February 23, 2007
Boss Martians w/The Stooges in Seattle
I just got word via a myspace bulletin that The Boss Martians are slated to open for Iggy and the Stooges on their Seattle date. Rock on, guys. I don't know who else might be on the bill.
Here are the details:
WaMu Theatre
800 Occidental Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98134
Friday, April 27th -- 8:00PM
Obviously that's a ways off. But, according to the venue website, tickets are on sale starting tomorrow (2/24). So, heads up.
Here are the details:
WaMu Theatre
800 Occidental Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98134
Friday, April 27th -- 8:00PM
Obviously that's a ways off. But, according to the venue website, tickets are on sale starting tomorrow (2/24). So, heads up.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
March 10 SPB Powerpop Night annoucment
It's time to make the formal annoucment about the next SPB Powerpop Night. Here are the details:
Saturday, March 10
Mars Bar & Club Venus
SPB Powerpop Night featuring
Vanilla
The Riffbrokers
Kurt Hagardorn
I'll have the formal graphic up soon. It's a ripoff/tribute to Andy Warhol. :)
Saturday, March 10
Mars Bar & Club Venus
SPB Powerpop Night featuring
Vanilla
The Riffbrokers
Kurt Hagardorn
I'll have the formal graphic up soon. It's a ripoff/tribute to Andy Warhol. :)
The Hot Toddies, Shorthand For Epic, Cantona...
The Hot Toddies, from California, have a tune called "Seattle" in which they declare "I get so horny when I'm in Seattle." I suppose you now have the opportunity to put that to the test. They're going to be live on KEXP tomorrow (Friday, 2/23), and then will be at The Comet Tavern that night with a great line up.
The show is presented by Nada Mucho. This is a solid pop show, my friends. Make your plans now.
The show is presented by Nada Mucho. This is a solid pop show, my friends. Make your plans now.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Live365 Stations
I often listen to Live365 while at work. So, I thought it might be helpful to share some links to stations that do good stuff, and perhaps also have a Seattle connection.
D23 Powerpop Plus - out of Seattle, and presumably named after The Posies tune "Dear 23." This is always a good listen. It doesn't seem to get updated very often in recent times (most recent update was November, 2006). But, it's full of great tunes of the powerpop variety.
Shake Some Action radio - out of Seattle and programmed by James Hall of Shake Some Action and The Jeunes. James has dipped into his collection and put together some great hours of music. I'm not sure how long it goes before repeating. But, what's here rocks.
Power Pop Of The Gods - out of Seattle. I haven't listened much here. I just found this one today. The programmer seems to be pretty open on the content front, with artists ranging from Sugarcult, The Kinks, Athaneum, Zeppelin and others out both in and outside the powerpop field.
Jet City Radio - out of Seattle, and focusing primarily on "oldies" from the 60s and 70s.
Powerpop Radio - out of Georgia. Good programming, and a good place to go to hear many of the "core groups" of the powerpop world.
Popbang Radio - out of Minnesota. Like Powerpop Radio above, but going deeper into lesser known acts and newer releases.
D23 Powerpop Plus - out of Seattle, and presumably named after The Posies tune "Dear 23." This is always a good listen. It doesn't seem to get updated very often in recent times (most recent update was November, 2006). But, it's full of great tunes of the powerpop variety.
Shake Some Action radio - out of Seattle and programmed by James Hall of Shake Some Action and The Jeunes. James has dipped into his collection and put together some great hours of music. I'm not sure how long it goes before repeating. But, what's here rocks.
Power Pop Of The Gods - out of Seattle. I haven't listened much here. I just found this one today. The programmer seems to be pretty open on the content front, with artists ranging from Sugarcult, The Kinks, Athaneum, Zeppelin and others out both in and outside the powerpop field.
Jet City Radio - out of Seattle, and focusing primarily on "oldies" from the 60s and 70s.
Powerpop Radio - out of Georgia. Good programming, and a good place to go to hear many of the "core groups" of the powerpop world.
Popbang Radio - out of Minnesota. Like Powerpop Radio above, but going deeper into lesser known acts and newer releases.
VERA ribbon cutting
I found this on the Stranger's Line Out blog. Congrats to VERA on getting the doors opened!
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Shows for week of 2/20
Here are some shows to have on your radar this week:
Tuesday, 2/20
The Shins & Viva Voce at the Paramount Theater
Wednesday, 2/21
The Thermals and Speaker Speaker at Chop Suey
Thursday, 2/22
Patience Please, The Glasses and others at the Jules Maes Saloon
Friday, 2/23
The Blasters and the All American Playboys at The Tractor Tavern
Shorthand for Epic, Cantona and others at The Comet Tavern
Aqueduct is doing an in-store at Easy Street at 7pm, also
Saturday, 2/24
Paul Lynde Fanclub, The Fucking Eagles, and The Tripwires at The Rendezvous
Tuesday, 2/20
The Shins & Viva Voce at the Paramount Theater
Wednesday, 2/21
The Thermals and Speaker Speaker at Chop Suey
Thursday, 2/22
Patience Please, The Glasses and others at the Jules Maes Saloon
Friday, 2/23
The Blasters and the All American Playboys at The Tractor Tavern
Shorthand for Epic, Cantona and others at The Comet Tavern
Aqueduct is doing an in-store at Easy Street at 7pm, also
Saturday, 2/24
Paul Lynde Fanclub, The Fucking Eagles, and The Tripwires at The Rendezvous
Monday, February 19, 2007
Monday Morning Powerpop mp3
It's just barely still Monday morning (11:55am). So, I'm getting this in under the wire. It will, however, definitely be afternoon by the time you finish listening to this, because it's a nearly 14-minute long live medley by The Posies.
It's rugged and rough and perhaps a little drunk. But, totally fun.
(and I doubt I have any easily offended readers, but if you are, you might not listen to the lyrics too closely....)
It's rugged and rough and perhaps a little drunk. But, totally fun.
(and I doubt I have any easily offended readers, but if you are, you might not listen to the lyrics too closely....)
Central Services' recordings for kids
I've always liked the guys in Central Services. They're like regular ol' dudes who happen to play great music. But, as much as I've liked them in the past, they just jumped up another notch in my eyes by putting together a set of songs for kids via a new myspace page that they have called Central Services Division of Educational Outreach. No doubt this is what happens with rock dudes have children... but perhaps while still a little high.
It's all quite silly and cool.
Their blog post about it says:
It's all quite silly and cool.
Their blog post about it says:
These songs probe the depths of loneliness in the common tomato, explain how fun the coming ice age will be, point out the deplorable treatment of your elbow, and highlight the usefulness of commas, and of course, the danger of their overuse.
enjoy.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Red Sky v. New West Motels
As previously reported New West Motels annouced a name change at the Global Cooling Benefit. But, rumor mill has it that such a name change has been put on hold because all of a sudden they find themselves fielding phone calls from record industry types who have taken a shine to the new recordings over at their myspace page (listen to "Dandelions").
Personally, I always loved the name New West Motels. So, this does not break my heart at all. What does break my heart is a diggety-damn awesome show is taking place a few weeks from now... on a Wednesday. Don't clubs realize I've got an early alarm clock for work? :)
Such is the way of the world. But, this is a line up that will be worth missing a few hours of sleep. It's at the Croc on February 28 and features:
[edited to remove one of the bands, who, for weird legal reasons with former management, asked me not to mention them at this point... but they rock]
New West Motels
The Brides of Obscurity
Driving the Eights
Rock! Mark your calendar now.
Rob from New West Motels
Personally, I always loved the name New West Motels. So, this does not break my heart at all. What does break my heart is a diggety-damn awesome show is taking place a few weeks from now... on a Wednesday. Don't clubs realize I've got an early alarm clock for work? :)
Such is the way of the world. But, this is a line up that will be worth missing a few hours of sleep. It's at the Croc on February 28 and features:
[edited to remove one of the bands, who, for weird legal reasons with former management, asked me not to mention them at this point... but they rock]
New West Motels
The Brides of Obscurity
Driving the Eights
Rock! Mark your calendar now.
Rob from New West Motels
New TIG podcasts
The shiny, happy ladies over at Three Imaginary Girls have posted three new podcasts with some great stuff on them. Groups featured over the three podcasts include:
Friday Mile
The Femurs
The Long Winters
Shake Some Action
Central Services
and a lot more. So, head on over and take a listen.
TIG - photo by William Anthony
Friday Mile
The Femurs
The Long Winters
Shake Some Action
Central Services
and a lot more. So, head on over and take a listen.
TIG - photo by William Anthony
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Duran Duran night tonight (& video)
Tonight (Valentine's Day, smooches) The Crocodile is hosting Duran Duran cover night featuring a ton of cool bands, including:
PETER PARKER, SPEAKER SPEAKER, HARVEY DANGER, SAY HI TO YOUR MOM, CENTRAL SERVICES, VALU-PAK, PARTMAN PARTHORSE, ARGO, LONELY FORREST, THE CAPILLARIES, SIREN SISTER, CHAPSTICK AND MORE!!!
All I can say is I'd better see some dancing on stage that has the same quality as that found here:
PETER PARKER, SPEAKER SPEAKER, HARVEY DANGER, SAY HI TO YOUR MOM, CENTRAL SERVICES, VALU-PAK, PARTMAN PARTHORSE, ARGO, LONELY FORREST, THE CAPILLARIES, SIREN SISTER, CHAPSTICK AND MORE!!!
All I can say is I'd better see some dancing on stage that has the same quality as that found here:
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Friday Mile: Love & Gasoline review
Friday Mile has a new recording coming out soon (Feb 20 to be exact) titled Love & Gasoline. If they were on top of things, they'd arrange a tour with The Doll Test, who named their 2006 ep Gasoline & Banks. :) But, I digress.
Jace was kind enough to send me a copy of the new release, which checks in with six new tracks. I've listened to it probably a half-dozen times since receiving it late last week, and I've got to say there isn't a clunker in the bunch. In fact, I can already see this being on a number of Top EPs of 2007 lists 10 months from now. It displays their mastery of melody while bringing to light a series of influences ranging from Americana sounds to 1970s AM radio pop.
Here's a song-by-song run down as I listen to the disc.
Track 1 - Distance Is Danger
This track is unique among the songs on the disc for a few reasons. First, it's the most uptempo of the bunch, and that's not particularly difficult since most of them are slower numbers. Second, it's also the only tune on the e.p. with a minor-chord progression that sounds vaguely "menacing" rather than aching or longing. This couples nicely with the lyrical content, in which the main character says "we should have it out right now" with "little miss laceration" who is "cutting up my words."
Track 2 - Curtain Call
Jace and Hannah trade lead vocals on this slow churning, heart-wrenching tune. This song features the "aching and longing" mentioned in the previous song in both the lyrical content and the melody. "I love you, but you've already made up your mind. So, sorry but I've wasted enough of your time." they sing in a sweet harmony. This song reminds me of the group Mysteries of Life, which features Freda from The Blake Babies and Jake from Antenna (although you can't hear the similarities on their myspace page). I never quite got why Friday Mile tends to say they have R&B influences, but I hear it in Hannah's voice here.
Track 3 - Islands Abound
Within 10 seconds of this song being on, I thought of REM. It was only after my second listen that I realized the opening phrase of the main melody of this tune is nearly identical to part of the "South Central Rain" melody. In fact, there are REM touchstones throughout this song, and that's not a bad thing. In fact, that's not to say that the song is even derivative. We'll just say that it "harkens" in that direction.
Track 4 - Battlescars
Track four opens with a waltz beat, and I initially thought it was going to sound like Elliot Smith, who used the waltz beat so effectively. But, that comparison washes away as soon as the song kicks in. This song emphasizes the rootsy side of Friday Mile and sounds familiar in the same way that all great pop songs do. It's like they grabbed a sheet of paper, made a list of all the important pieces of our collective musical memory, balled that piece of paper up and tossed it into our laps on the way out the door.
Track 5 - Three Years
This one finds Friday Mile in full ballad mode. Imagine the credits rolling on a romantic movie. The screen is black, the text is white, and this song is playing in the background. But, I don't mean that in a cheesy way. The song is earnest and heart-felt and all together pleasant to the ears. This song is the soundtrack to the best heart ache of your life, be it good or bad.
Track 6 - Westward Bound (The Whitest Blankets)
Another one that taps into their rootsy side. Brushes on the drums, long strums on the guitar, lyrics that reference Independence Day and vocals that have just a touch of twang in their delivery. A bit of haunting melancholy covers the song. So new, yet so familiar. There's an element of Southern Gothic to this tune, and as someone who grew up in the South, the whole thing feels like home to me.
As you can tell, I love the whole album. None of it would technically fall under the "powerpop" genre. But, powerpoppers understand and appreciate good songs, and that's what you've got with this release -- six solid tunes that should be required companions on cold weekends, lonely weeknights and perhaps should be issued each October to every person who moved to Seattle during the sunny summer months to prepare them for the dark gray that is to follow.
Jace was kind enough to send me a copy of the new release, which checks in with six new tracks. I've listened to it probably a half-dozen times since receiving it late last week, and I've got to say there isn't a clunker in the bunch. In fact, I can already see this being on a number of Top EPs of 2007 lists 10 months from now. It displays their mastery of melody while bringing to light a series of influences ranging from Americana sounds to 1970s AM radio pop.
Here's a song-by-song run down as I listen to the disc.
Track 1 - Distance Is Danger
This track is unique among the songs on the disc for a few reasons. First, it's the most uptempo of the bunch, and that's not particularly difficult since most of them are slower numbers. Second, it's also the only tune on the e.p. with a minor-chord progression that sounds vaguely "menacing" rather than aching or longing. This couples nicely with the lyrical content, in which the main character says "we should have it out right now" with "little miss laceration" who is "cutting up my words."
Track 2 - Curtain Call
Jace and Hannah trade lead vocals on this slow churning, heart-wrenching tune. This song features the "aching and longing" mentioned in the previous song in both the lyrical content and the melody. "I love you, but you've already made up your mind. So, sorry but I've wasted enough of your time." they sing in a sweet harmony. This song reminds me of the group Mysteries of Life, which features Freda from The Blake Babies and Jake from Antenna (although you can't hear the similarities on their myspace page). I never quite got why Friday Mile tends to say they have R&B influences, but I hear it in Hannah's voice here.
Track 3 - Islands Abound
Within 10 seconds of this song being on, I thought of REM. It was only after my second listen that I realized the opening phrase of the main melody of this tune is nearly identical to part of the "South Central Rain" melody. In fact, there are REM touchstones throughout this song, and that's not a bad thing. In fact, that's not to say that the song is even derivative. We'll just say that it "harkens" in that direction.
Track 4 - Battlescars
Track four opens with a waltz beat, and I initially thought it was going to sound like Elliot Smith, who used the waltz beat so effectively. But, that comparison washes away as soon as the song kicks in. This song emphasizes the rootsy side of Friday Mile and sounds familiar in the same way that all great pop songs do. It's like they grabbed a sheet of paper, made a list of all the important pieces of our collective musical memory, balled that piece of paper up and tossed it into our laps on the way out the door.
Track 5 - Three Years
This one finds Friday Mile in full ballad mode. Imagine the credits rolling on a romantic movie. The screen is black, the text is white, and this song is playing in the background. But, I don't mean that in a cheesy way. The song is earnest and heart-felt and all together pleasant to the ears. This song is the soundtrack to the best heart ache of your life, be it good or bad.
Track 6 - Westward Bound (The Whitest Blankets)
Another one that taps into their rootsy side. Brushes on the drums, long strums on the guitar, lyrics that reference Independence Day and vocals that have just a touch of twang in their delivery. A bit of haunting melancholy covers the song. So new, yet so familiar. There's an element of Southern Gothic to this tune, and as someone who grew up in the South, the whole thing feels like home to me.
As you can tell, I love the whole album. None of it would technically fall under the "powerpop" genre. But, powerpoppers understand and appreciate good songs, and that's what you've got with this release -- six solid tunes that should be required companions on cold weekends, lonely weeknights and perhaps should be issued each October to every person who moved to Seattle during the sunny summer months to prepare them for the dark gray that is to follow.
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