Master Musicians of Bukkake, Thrones, David Scott Stone - Monday Nov 12 7:00 p.m.

The Master Musicians of Bukkake have been dormant for a few months now, coming out of hiding for a single show at the Rendezvous a few weeks ago backing Herb Diamante. No over-the-top, ritualistic psych theater that night, but instead some acoustic guitars, odd drum kits, and keyboards to feather Herb’s pillow. But come next Monday, everyone can get their Bukkake dose at the Greenhouse (2515 S. Charles). The Greenhouse is one of the greatest D.I.Y. venues in this city, considerably more low-key the S.S. Marie Antoinette (R.I.P.) or Atlas Clothing. Managing to avoid the press (meaning the articles in the The Stranger documenting the last two which, I believe, helped with their demise. Sound on journalistic ethics, but in terms of music, why report on that shit?), Greenhouse presents free shows in a great house party atmosphere.

For folks who’ve never been to a Bukkake gig and are wondering what to expect, I am at a loss to tell you. The last two times I’ve seen them were the low-key backing job and a destructive, all out assault on Portland’s minds with Damo Suzuki (Can). No two shows by this ultimate mysterioso rock mindfuck have been similar this year. I’ve seen full on dragon maks, dance parties, embriotic sacs, togas, violent attacks by a guitarist in sarong and S&M mask, appearances by Damo, Herb Diamente, and everyone’s favorite demented summoned schizoid, Uncle Jim.

In terms of freaky live experiences, a lot of shit can be tossed about, but I have never seen anything top ‘em at their best. Or even at their medium. Or anywhere in between. They don’t even operate on these levels — they are an entity unto their unknown.

A small peak at some of the madness can be found here on YouTube: Master Musicians

Also performing are Thrones and more.

Popularity: 8%

MORE Recommended Nov ‘07 Shows

While Kevin did a fantabulous job with this month’s upcoming shows, there were a few more that I wanted to call out:

The Ponys - I know, I know, this was already included, but for the love of god, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE support this band!  They’ve put out three (3) solid albums to date and their infectious garage rock—embellished with pop sensibilities—is sure to please.  Their latest release Turn The Lights Out is awesome, but check out the previous LP, Celebration Castle, for the real goods.  TONIGHT @ THE CROCODILE ($10).

Grand Archives (w/ Helio Sequence & Minus the Bear) - This show goes down at the Showbox (ugh, “at the Market”) Saturday Nov. 10th.  With three solid local bands on the bill, this will no doubt be good.  While Helio Sequence and Minus the Bear have received plenty of high marks before (and rightly so), it’s Grand Archives that whets my whistle.  Mat Brooke (of Band of Horses and Carissa’s Wierd fame) fronts this recently signed Sub Popper. $16 Adv / $18 DOS All Ages

These Arms Are Snakes - This band is so awesome, not even the fact that their name is just the 2nd most awesomest band name ever can diminish their awesomeness.  For fans of local post-hardcore (that just means it’s LOUD and AWESOME).  Part of ISIS’s 10-Year Anniversary Tour.  Wednesday Nov. 14th @ Neumo’s;$15 Adv All Ages.

Lake of Falcons - So, in case you were wondering, this is the band with the best name ever.  EVER.  Just think about it: A lake…of FALCONS.  Fashioning a “throwback” grungy sound with crunchy monster-guitars and dual vocals, it’s a pleasure to see them still booking shows.  They’ve been around on fantastic DIY label Beep Repaired for some time, but haven’t got their proper due.  A great chance to support the hard-hats of the local scene: Wednesday Nov 21st @ the Crocodile ($6).

Les Savy Fav - This is another of my favorites…Art-rockers from Brooklyn celebrate their first release in three years.  The bass lines will slice you into pieces, the guitars will make you squeal and you just might get some sort of ambiguous liquid thrown on you by satiric frontman Tim Harrington.  I love this band.  Friday Nov. 30th @ Neumo’s ($18 Adv)

The Cave Singers with Fleet Foxes - Can’t say enough about the beautiful, macabre folk of Seattle’s Cave Singers and the 70s AM radio-inspired musings of Fleet Foxes.  Check them out while they’re still under the radar. Friday Nov. 30th @ the Crocodile ($10)

That is all.

Popularity: 23%

Partman Parthorse Rocks Comet, Infuriates Inept Centaurs

Caution! Inaugural post–read at your own risk…or something…

In eager anticipation for the past few weeks, the lady and I met up with some fellow audiophiles at The Comet Tavern this past Saturday night (11/3) to check out local sex-punks, Partman Parthorse.  Oh sure, they were the third act of a quadruple bill, but who were we kidding?  It was PMPH that truly piqued our interest.  The band’s fractured funk, augmented by the stage theatrics of front-dude Gary Smith, are not necessarily new to Seattleites with a keen ear and a Wednesday night at the Funhouse to kill.  They’ve been on the scene since 2006 (I was only introduced to them several months ago, after being blown away at the Funhouse and subsequently again during a High Dive set), so I will admit that I expected a slightly larger turnout for a balmy Saturday evening with an extra hour.   I suppose this poor showing might have been a function of the venue–while steeped in the tradition of local dive-bar-badassery, as an audience member the Comet leaves a bit to be desired.  Didn’t stop us, though.  Seven pints of High Life and one twisted ankle later, LeDon’t was totally into it.

In any event, it was Smith’s red underoos and the frenetic tempos of bassist/keyboardist Rachel Ratner that made the mostly female crowd’s hips quiver.  Not to mention the steady percussion of Lisa Smith and the angular stylings of guitarist Marshal Nall.  The real treat, however, came when said underoos were dutifully put on display two songs into the set, after which Smith could only be seen three quarters-naked, holding his monitor aloft as if it were a boombox and he was strollin’ through a SoCal (neighbor) hood.   I’m sure you can probably YouTube it.

I was mildly disappointed that only a few (“Partman Parthorse”, “Bang!”, “High Five Heaven”) of the seven or eight songs they played were from their lone LP, but the new tunes definitely sounded slick and the band was eager to exhibit.  I welcomed them unconditionally.

I would advise anyone itching for a radical sound and a unique spectacle to not look any further.  Just check out their next show, for chrissake:  Thursday, Nov. 8th with Pwrfl Pwr at temporary venue Pony (former space of the Cha Cha Lounge).  You can also catch them at the Wild Rose with The Intelligence Dec. 7th.  Be there or be square.

Popularity: 13%

North Twin’s last Seattle show of 2007 Sat, Nov 10 (also at PDX 11/9)

North Twin announced two killer lineups this weekend. The first at Dante’s in Portland and then at the Tractor in Ballard. Lots of local NW Ass Slappin, Dirty, Grimy, Ol’ timey Twang and Boot Rhumpin Rock’n'Roll! Read on to win tix.

Popularity: 17%

My KEXP donation

I done squeaked in my KEXP pledge this morning. I like a lot of other stations, but something just tugged at the corner of my soul. Kinda like those Greenpeace kids in front of Whole Foods… but John and Cheryl were more effective. I didn’t give enough for Riz to come over cook me dinner or for Stevie Zoom to give me a personal tour of the studio, but hey, it’s something. 

Popularity: 12%

Let’s Get Lost

Let’s Get Lost is a documentary film shot 1987-88 about the sad, interesting life of Jazz legend Chet Baker. He died within months of its release.

I saw this a couple nights ago. It’s playing for only one more night here in Seattle — tonite. Good one, Matt, wait till the last day. My apologies for not writing about this sooner.

I’ve wanted to see this for — not kidding — 12 years. In fact, seeing a review of the film triggered my interest in Baker. It’s not on DVD, and renting the (out of print) VHS tape from Scarecrow Video requires a $200 deposit. It’s rare. Seeing it on the big screen was a treat.

Popularity: 6%

Recommended shows for November 2007

November is pulling the grey blanket over the city once again and it’s the perfect time to turn your attention back to the concert scene. So throw away your shades (cuz you KNOW you ain’t gunna find them in the spring anyway) and don the rain slicker. It’s showtime!

Click here to check out recommended shows..

Popularity: 20%

Kinski @ COMET Friday Nov 23rd

KINSKI, THE HACKS, SEX VID play the teeny tiny Comet Tavern on Capitol Hill. This is a show not to be missed. Kinski is gunna blow the fuckin windows out of the place!

Popularity: 8%