Best Bets for Seattle Shows, December 2007

Hey y’alls! Hope you had a great Thanksgiving and are ready for tons of live Seattle music this December. I had an amazing time at the WEEN show last month. For those of you who are fans, 2.5 hrs of unadulterated WEEN. What else can I say. Gene and Dean were in rare form, the crowd was full of geeks and freaks and there was a peculiar smell in the air all night. For those of you who aren’t fans, it was everything you hate about WEEN. That I can promise. But I digress…

There are still a couple not-to-be-missed shows for November
Les Savy Fav - Friday Nov. 30th @ Neumo’s ($18 Adv)

The Cave Singers with Fleet Foxes - Friday Nov. 30th @ the Crocodile ($10)

Suicidal Tendencies at El Corozon Wed Nov 28 ($22 ADV /$25 DOS)

Now lets get to the December lineup:

The THERMALS @ Neumos - Sat, Dec 1st
It’s finally time for the December list and I can rant on about the Thermals. This Portland trio puts on an incredible live show and their newest album, The Body, the Blood, the Machine has a permanent place in my rotation. I’m pretty confident that this will remain my #1 pick

Click the link for more recommended shows

Iron and Wine @ Moore Theatre Mon, Dec 3rd ($20-23)
Drowsy, dusty, cracked and beautiful. Shame they’re not still touring with Calexico, but should be good none the less. Be sure to get “good” tix for the Moore as anything above the 2nd balcony sounds like pure shit.

Mike Doughty @ Triple Door Mon Dec 3rd ($22)
Former frontman for Soul Coughing brings his roots sound, crowd banter and slightly skewed politics to Seattle’s Triple Door. Truly the best venue in town. As far as I can tell, this show is sold out, but I’ve gotten in to the 3-Door day of before, so if you know what’s good fer ya, you’d better try.

Prefuse 73 @ Neumos Thurs, Dec 6th 8:00 ($13)
I’m not sure I even know how to explain this show. Guillermo Scott Heron (aka Prefuse 73) blends the works of many MCs and samples as a background texture for his experimental hip hop. Stunning to be sure.

Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings@ Neumos - Sat Dec 8th 8:00 ($12)
I can’t even begin to imagine what kind of fuel Sharon Jones requires to get through a full show. Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings - many of you might recognize as the backing band for Amy Weinhouse - are ready to take their most triumphant soul sound straight to your ass. Damn, you wanna see this. Click here for a live SXSW performance from 2006. This is indeed fighting for top billing in my book. I put it at #2 but I know I’ll regret not putting at #1.

KEXP Yule Benefit @ Showbox Marketplace - Sat Dec 8 8:00($20)
The 5th annual Yule Benefit offers up what might be the best lineup yet
YEASAYER - DEAD CONFEDERATE - FERAL CHILDREN - THE VALLEY
All of whom are getting heavy rotation on KEXP (as they deserve). My personal favorite here is The Valley who are going to bring a huge sound to the Showbox. If you’ve got the bucks and the patience, check them and then shoot straight to the Sharon Jones show for the uber Saturday night! Proceeds from the show go to KEXP and then back to you!

Double Album Christmas Show @ Tractor Tavern Sat, Dec 8th ($7)
And now for something completely different. I know it completes with the above 2 shows, but if you want a real taste of the local Alt Country sound, you’d be wantin to check this out. Local artists perform “Blonde on Blonde” in it’s entirity with a different artist performing every song. Performers include NWMB fav, North Twin, Sean Nelson (of Harvey Danger), the Tripwires and more…

The Cops Holiday Rock n Roll Circus @ Sunset Fri Dec 14th and Sat Dec 15th ($8)
The Cops feature a host of local rock in their Friday and Saturday shows at the Sunset Tavern. Friday night (my recommended night) you’ll find Partman Parthorse (a NWMB favorite) along with Katherine Hepburn’s Voice who are as of late in high rotation in KEXP. Sat night has Hart and the Hurricane and Motorik. If you want an all the rock you can handle, right in your face, don’t miss this weekend at the Sunset.

Blue Scholars @ Neumos - 5 DAYS !! Tues Dec 18- Sat Dec 22 ($15)
You just might get your fill of local Hip Hop greats, Blue Scholars in this 5 day event. Different bands from all over the North West back each night and package tix are available for those who want to see all 5 days. I recommend checking them with Swollen Members on Tues the 18th or with Seattle’s Saturday Knights on the 20th.

The Ruby Doe @ the Croc - Fri Dec 21 ($8)
This is music to kick ass to. These guys bring it in unadulterated style often compared to Fugazi. Triumph of Lethargy open with other guests.

Well, that’s it for now. Again, if there are any other shows that are too good to miss, please note them in the comments.

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