The Cops, Juhu Beach at High Dive

Fri, Jan. 18, the High Dive, $7
The Cops
Sunday Night Blackout
Juhu Beach

This will be a pretty entertaining show. You know the Cops, they usually bring it. Juhu Beach is awesome and up-and-coming; I saw them last month and was thoroughly impressed. I don’t know too much about Sunday Night Blackout, but I do know that they employ a female drummer and are bringin’ back the butt-rock—basically two aces in the hole for good times. Seriously, though, who’s doing butt-rock these days?

LB Recommends: Other Shows for January 2008

Duders, dudettes, and ranchers (dude only),

As usual, Kevin did a pretty sweet job outlining the upcoming shows for the month. As usual, I have a few more to add. Here are some local shows that should (or should not, if you’re lame) be on your show-goin’, ass-shakin’, head-bangin’ radar. At the very least, they should all take precedence over even reading about the Bravery <shudder>.

Fri, Jan. 18, the High Dive, $7
The Cops
Sunday Night Blackout
Juhu Beach

This will be a pretty entertaining show. You know the Cops, they usually bring it. Juhu Beach is awesome and up-and-coming; I saw them last month and was thoroughly impressed. I don’t know too much about Sunday Night Blackout, but I do know that they employ a female drummer and are bringin’ back the butt-rock—basically two aces in the hole for good times. Seriously, though, who’s doing butt-rock these days?

Sat, Jan. 19, the Funhouse
Partman Parthorse
The Lights Bird Language
Pleasureboaters

This is probably one of the best triple-bills of the month. I’ve written ad nauseum about PMPH (look for plenty of new tunes). The Lights are local stalwarts who put out a very popular LP last year (Diamonds and Dirt). Pleasureboaters might just be the next big thing (and who also play 1/11 at the Fusion Cafe). Highly recommended.

Update: The Lights won’t be playing this show. Local group Bird Language will take their place.  Thanks, Ggary!

My 10 favorite shows of 2007

Here it is, yet another year end list. Of the 110 shows I saw this year, I’ve decided these were my 10 favorite…

10. October 24th – Thurston Moore at Neumos. Sonic Youth frontman Thurston Moore touring in support of his second solo album, Trees Outside the Academy. To get an idea of what this show was like, imagine Sonic Youth playing acoustic guitars and violins.

9. March 24th – the Heavy Hearts at the Sunset. Read what the Seattle Weekly said about this show and what Three Imaginary Girls said about this show.

8. October 8th – Band of Horses at Easy Street Records (Queen Anne location). A special in-store performance for the midnight release of Cease to Begin. YouTube videos from the show here.

7. January 14th – Rob Dickinson at the Tractor. Former frontman of the Catherine Wheel on stage all by himself playing songs from his solo album as well as Catherine Wheel favorites.

6. September 1st – Tiny Vipers at Bumbershoot. A magical performance in the EMP Sky Church.

Queens of the Stone Age at the Paramount 12/18

Josh Homme is a businessman. And his business is rock and roll.

Last week at the Paramount, I arrived in time for the thunderous first song, “Regular John” at the earlier-than-expected time just after 9pm. It was released on their debut album before most of the fans on the floor even had email addresses or I had a wireless device. But that song, and the ones the followed in the next 80 minutes, were surprisingly cohesive. The setlist represented efforts from all of their studio albums.

While there was no shortage of aural fuel for the kids in the pit up front, I was a little disappointed to find QOTSA’s presence quite a bit less personal than expected. For one, Homme scarcely spoke, only referencing the town in which they were playing by confessing his long-held desire to play the Paramount after living here many years ago. One might think that a band with roots in this city might engage the crowd a little more than, say, the fans in Topeka. (But then, does your barista at Starbucks give two shits that you’re ordering coffee in Seattle as opposed to somewhere else?)

Unscrew the Croc Staff part 2

Three Imaginary Girls and the Chop Suey have organized another benefit event for the displaced employees for the Crocodile Cafe. It’s another great line-up with all the proceeds going to help clean up the mess on 2nd Ave

FRIDAY – January 4, 2008 @ Chop Suey
Coconut Coolouts
The Intelligence
The Girls
Das Llamas

$6 donation
8pm doors
21 and Over

Holiday Treats – Free Albums from Llama

One of my long-time favorite bands, Llama has posted their self titled album as well as a new release (so far called Llama II) on their website for free download.

Llama plays a self-dubbed style of music called stew rock which-as the name implies-is a bunch of styles boiled up together. The songs tend to be short and simple, mostly bass and drum driven with that almost marching-band rhythm Spoon often employs. The hooks do tend to get stuck in your head so beware.

You can check out the site, see some alluring llama imagery and find the albums here

If you want to just give it a test run, my personal favorite is “Alright” from Llama II

NWMB Recommends: Seattle Shows for January 2008

This month, the choices range from tributes for the “King’s” birthday to experimental rock at the Sunset. The highlights come from the High Dive in Freemont. The weekend of the 11-12, the High Dive stretches it’s musical range with 2 great lineups. 1 Hip Hop 1 Alt country. Jan 16th at the Funhouse smashes 4 worthwile bands into one night for a measly $5
(NOTE: New Years Eve recommendations can be found by clicking here. For the rest of the month follow the link below..)

Unscrew The Crocodile Employees Benefit Show – Sun Dec 30th

As you may have already read, Crocodile Cafe owner Stephanie Dorgan closed the club a week before Christmas, leaving all her employees a voice mail telling them, in a way as gentle as getting bent over a keg in the back, that they were all jobless-and thus “screwed”.

The local music community is rallying to support them. Former Croc booker Pete Greenberg (now booking Chop Suey) has put together an incredible bill to benefit the former Croc employees with performances by members of
Fleet Foxes,
Peter Parker,
the Pale Pacific,
Siberian,
Triumph of Lethargy
Skinned Alive To Death,
Dave Terry (of Aqueduct),
Siberian,
Pleasureboaters,
J.Tillman,
Damien Jurado,
and David Bazan.
With DJs Kristoffer K and Roy (Rooha-that’s Canuk for Roy…).

This is a chance to hear some great local music and support the team that brought us so many nights of debauchery.

Chop Suey–1325 E. Madison St.

Sun-Dec 30th
7pm $10 21+

Helms Alee at the Comet on 12/28 (tomorrow!)

This is a slow time of year for good shows, but tomorrow night at the Comet is a show that is not to be missed. Helms Alee is easily my favorite new band of 2007. They are loud, heavy and intense. They sound like sledgehammers in a thunderstorm, but still remain beautifully melodic.

The Purrs Keep Their Chemistry Together

Disclaimer: This a review of show that occurred more than a week ago, but due to illness and holiday bustle, it’s a bit late in coming. Since it was such a pleasant experience, I say, “Better late than never!” Believe me, if it sucked, I wouldn’t give a hoot OR pollute. Honest.

I remember when the Purrs were a “buzz” band. KEXP’s afternoon DJs couldn’t play enough of their self-released long-playing debut The Dreams Our Stuff Is Made Of, particularly tracks like the jangly “Loose Talk”, the perfectly-pop yearning of “She’s Gone”, and, of course, the dark psychedelia of “Taste of Monday”. They managed to convince Sarathan Records to release a self-titled combination of Dreams and 2004 EP No Particular Bar, No Particular Town, received with modest praise. Now they’ve come full circle to the DIY method with their latest, The Chemistry That Keeps Us Together. And while this sophomore effort may not have all the catchy, radio-friendly hits of the debut, it certainly makes up for it in terms of sonic fullness and song evolution. The quality of the songwriting is not limited to a select number of tracks, but rather runs through the entire disc. And the composition and lyricism sound more accomplished this time around, if not more jaded. As well, the group delves into more of the shoegazing guitar strategies of the 80s (My Bloody Valentine, the Jesus & Mary Chain), moreso than the melancholy California pop of the 60s.

My Favorite Albums of 2007: A Post by Lord Bison (Part II)

So, yesterday I posted the first half of my “dissertation” on my favorite records of the year. Now I give you the rest:

6. Les Savy Fav – Let’s Stay Friends (Frenchkiss)

If they could package and sell the insanity and exuberance of a Les Savy Fav live show, the returns would surely be fast and great. Tim Harrington is a one-man wrecking crew, simultaneously entertaining and bamboozling any available on-looker into the sensation of a sweat-and-scream-induced hangover (read my own personal account here). For now, the recordings will have to suffice, and oh, do they ever. These Brooklyn art-punks have always been trendsetters, more willing to rebuff their own machinations than to embrace them; but here they seem—and sound—more comfortable in their shoes than ever before. The most intriguing aspect of the cheekily titled Let’s Stay Friends is the variety of chances these artists take throughout the record: Harrington’s poetic reflection over Syd Barret’s dub-inspired bass line in “Brace Yourself”; the surprisingly pleasant placement of horns during the chorus of “The Lowest Bitter”; the pop-inspired melodies of “Patty Lee” and “What Would Wolves Do?”; and the sentimental acoustics of “Comes & Goes”. The record is not without vintage Les Savy Fav, thankfully, as “The Equestrian” puts Seth Jabour’s brash guitar proudly on display, “The Year Before the Year 2000” would be right at home on 3/5, and Jabour’s swirling guitar combined with the thumping drum march of Harrison Haynes places “Slugs in the Shrubs” squarely in another category. I haven’t even mentioned “Raging in the Plague Age,” a decadent punk-disco jam fit for a king. These guys would know, after all.

My Favorite Albums of 2007: A Post by Lord Bison (Part I)

It would be quite arrogant of me to try to put together an all-encompassing “Best Of 2007” list, given that I’ve heard probably about 3% of the records that might qualify for such an endeavor. Instead I give you the crème de la crème of my own personal listening world, with the simple hope that one of the six NWMB regulars will go out and buy just one of these lovely compositions (if they haven’t already). Given the title and content of our weblog, I do lament that there are only two Seattle bands on this list, but, hey, it ain’t like I ain’t supportin’ the lot of ‘em; there’s just a shit-ton of great music out there.

And since I’m a such a longwinded sonuvabitch, I’ve divided this post in 2: today numbers 7-12, tomorrow 1-6. Without further ruckus:

12. The Ponys – Turn the Lights Out (Matador)

I feel like the Ponys have never received their proper due. Their 2005 release, Celebration Castle didn’t show up on many people’s ‘best of’ lists. They don’t seem to get much press, despite being signed to independent label/giant Matador and putting on a terrific live show. Turn the Lights Out has earned them yet another spot on my humble little list, due in large part to tidy, fuzzy guitar antics, proficient and bouncy bass lines, extraordinary lyricism and beat-conscious, retro-style drumming. Lead guitarist Jered Gummere is the main proprietor of the Ponys’ trademark 60s/80s influenced guitar pop. He’s colossal in stature, but still manages to maintain a modest, unassuming quality that floats throughout the band’s music. Lead track (and single) “Double Vision” is a soulful yet spastic tune buoyed by bassist Melissa Elias, ending with a guitar squall reminiscent of Thurston Moore. The influence of SY is more prevalent in this album (“Poser Psychotic, “Everyday Weapon”), but the feeling that this music is a simply a rehash is quickly washed away with intermittent organ accompaniments and twangy, playful guitar interludes courtesy of new bandmate Brian Case. Hopefully, this record will turn the listening world’s lights on.

The Showbox, The Crocodile and The Comet.. OH MY!

There is a rift in the Seattle music scene this month. Like the entire society that controls our nightly musical experiences is on a giant purge session.

First the Showbox is sold off to AEG, sure, sure they placate us with promises that the original booker and talent scout will remain in his position, but everyone just knows Celine is coming to town. It’s inevitable. This is a company concerned with nothing but the bottom line and they’ll throw any Clear Channel shit at you to make that dolla.

THEN, the Crocodile just up and closes it’s doors. Apparently, this was a long time coming. Stephanie Dorgan (owner) was reportedly brought to court after her first year for keeping shoddy accounting records. Her husband and partner in the Croc, Peter Buck-of R.E.M. fame, pulled out after their divorce last year. So I guess we shouldn’t be surprised. And every club is first and foremost a business. Yeah, right, I get it. But these are the places we revolve our social lives around. The places we go to see that little band from Albany we’ve been tracking all year. Of course we’re up in fucking arms about them being bought out by giant promoters and buttoning up shop.

Now, it’s rumored that the Comet Tavern is up for sale. The Stranger pulled a posting from Craigslist stating the following
——————————-
Seattle’s oldest bar – $400000
Seattle’s oldest tavern/bar, centrally located in Capitol Hill. Very established. Possible Class H and pull tabs. NDA required. DO NOT TALK TO EMPLOYEES. ——————- Check out the post here

Just when it was becoming a standard in the Seattle Music Scene. I mean. I’m pretty sure pull tabs AND punk rock can coexist, but damn! What the hell is going on here? Are we on the turn of a new music revolution? Or is Seattle Music just going to be systematically wiped off the face of the Pac NW?

UPDATE————-
The Comet Tavern HAS BEEN SOLD!!! The Seattle Times reports that the comet Tavern was sold TODAY – Wed Dec 19th. It is said that all will remain status quo with the venue/bar. Whew!

you can check out the short article here

Crocodile Closed for Good?!?!?

Driving in to the office this morning I heard on KEXP that the Crocodile Cafe was going to close its doors for good. I’ve been digging around hoping for something to dispel this awful news but info is scarce right now, and what info there is all points to the news being true. Three Imaginary Girls reports that the venue just doesn’t have the capitol to remain viable. It is also reported that all remaining shows have been canceled.

The Crocodile has been the go-to spot for the greatest sound in Seattle forever. I was just having a conversation this weekend about the best shows I’ve seen this year and 2 of the top 3 were at the Croc. The Blakes with the Cops, and Britt Daniel’s solo acoustic show. Over the years there have been so many good bands and good memories spawned at the Croc. I can only hope it falls into the right hands (stay away AEG!!!) and that Jim the sound-guy finds a proper home. It will be truly missed.

You have some favorite memories about the Croc? Best show? Most rediculous evening? Let’s hear ‘em.

Top 20 Singles of 2007

OK, the best album thing of the year thing has been done… and to be perfectly honest, with all of the blog browsing and one-by-one song downloading I do these days, I don’t think I’ve really listened to too many entire albums. Essentially, if I were to list my “best albums of 2007″ that would just be a list of the 5 albums I’ve listened all the way through this year. Not much to base an opinion on, eh? Now singles on the other hand, I’ve heard a ka-zillion. I’ve done my best to narrow it down and have 20 of my faves for you. Some I heard in January and have hung on through the entire year. Others are new just this week.

So without further ado, I give you my Top 20 Singles of 2007. I’ve even hooked up links to the songs/videos if you’re not familiar. Enjoy.

Sleepy Workers Rise Again!!!

It’s understandable that one might say, “Who are the Sleepy Workers?” At this point you might call them a reverse-supergroup-of-folks-who-you-probably-still-have-not-heard-of. Sleepy Workers roamed Seattle in the early 21st century and have not performed a show since 2005. Prepared-guitarists Brad Dunn and Nicholas Gonzalez are Texas exiles who also were the initial core of the Curious Mystery (though Brad no longer performs with them). Drummer Dave Abramson is also the sticksman for Morricone-psych-surf specialists the Diminished Men, free-jazz ensemble the Spider Trio, archaic-audio-anthropologists Climax Golden Twins (who just returned from a quick European tour), and sometimes second drummer for the Master Musicians of Bukkake. Sleepy Workers often reference Polvo. Sadly, I’d seen them a few times, but buried under enough alcohol and time, I can not remember what it sounded like. Brad and Nicholas are also doing solo sets and Waves will be playing also.

Sleepy Workers
Brad Dunn (solo)
Nicholas Gonzalez (solo)
Waves

12/18 — Blue Moon Tavern
FREE!!!

If you can’t

If you can’t catch Sleepy Workers, then the various aspects of both bands are having busy weeks as well. Curious Mystery are performing tonight at the Rendezvous ($6). Curious Mystery and Diminished Men are also playing at Le Voyeur in Olympia this Saturday with Lozen. Next Thursday, at the Rendezvous as well, Diminished Men and Sean are having a holiday party.

Showbox sold to the Devil

OK, remember when a big bad national “entertainment” group (and I use that VERY lightly) AEG swooped in and peed all over Bumbershoot this year? Well, get ready for the Showbox Clubs to start reeking of that same tangy subway smell.

AEG, those geniuses that thought Fergie was viable as a performer – let alone HEADLINE Seattle’s largest music festival, struck a deal on Tuesday Dec 11th with Jeff Steichen, longtime owner of the Showbox for the purchawse of the Showbox Clubs (SoDo and Market) If you take a second and check out the AEG website, you’ll see that they are resting on the laurels of booking some “huge” names such as Justin Timberlake, Bon Jovi, Prince, Christina Aguilera, Kenny Chesney and Paul McCartney. Let’s not forget Celine Dion and Yanni. Barf.

At least they are retaining Jeff Steichen and Chad Queirolo as General Manager and Talent Buyer/Manager, respectively, so there should be some local influence, but the possibility of Celine playing the Showbox… EVER… kinda makes me wish it was getting turned into condos…

2007 Reviewed: Brits, Tango, Music to Drink Beer to (and possibly makeout to) & More

The New Year is nearly here so that means it’s time to review the big happenings of 2007. And since this is a music blog, that means music happenings (as it relates to my life of course) of 2007. I’m always torn on what to share here b/c I am more, how shall I put it, “mainstream” than my counterparts on NWmusicblog and probably its readers too. And I say “mainstream” in the sense that I mostly rely on KEXP for the music I listen to. However KEXP isn’t very mainstream in the larger scheme of radio. So I don’t really know where I’m going with that… Ok, here goes…

Oh, and I’m not going to do a top 10 or anything, god forbid I rank anything b/c all below are #1s in my book.

Let’s start with the easiest…