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.
Popularity: 31%
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.
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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.
Popularity: 36%
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.
Popularity: 34%
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
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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.
Popularity: 51%
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.
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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.
Popularity: 37%
