Northwest Music Blog

Indie, Rock, Hiphop & Pop in Seattle, Portland, Olympia & the NW

 

Bands Laguna, Cleemann and Poland live at the Tiger Lounge, April 8, 2010

The Seattle band Laguna will be performing with Series Two Records artists Cleemann (from Denmark) and Poland on Thursday, April 8th at the Tiger Lounge in Georgetown..

Laguna, Poland, Cleemann April 8th, 2010 poster

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see/hear Cleemann perform here in Seattle.

9pm
21+
$5

Tiger Lounge
412 S. Orcas St.
Seattle, WA 98108

 
 

Benefit show in Tacoma – Bob’s Java Jive – Keep the Jive Alive! 4/2/2010

Author et2kah   Filed under Music, Upcoming, Upcoming Shows, Venues & Record Shops   March 25, 2010  

As Your Are Entertainment presents four of Tacoma’s hottest indie music acts April 2, at 8 PM show to benefit the World Famous Bob’s Java Jive at 2102 South Tacoma Way. The club is both an icon of Tacoma’s past, serving many roles through the years, and a beacon toward the future providing a home for local acts to sharpen their musical skills.

The Fun Police with special guests Big Wheel Stunt Show (recently returned from SXSW), The Brotherhood of the Black Squirrel, and Ten Miles of Bad Road will be on hand to celebrate The World’s Famous Bob’s Java Jive’s history which began in 1927. The Java Jive, as it is affectionately known, was originally built as a roadside café on a Highway 99 during its infancy. The Java Jive is what is commonly referred to as a “Duck” or a building in the shape of an oversize object that promotes the business purpose, or in the Jive’s case, a coffee pot for weary travelers.

During the 1950s, Bob and Lylabelle Radernich purchased the business and building and began operating as a bar and lounge. Through the years, the Java Jive has enjoyed a diverse history. Mystery airline hijacker DB Cooper was rumored to have finished a beer on his way to SeaTac for his fateful flight; The Ventures are said to have played the Jive regularly in advance of their top 40 successes; and two chimps named “Java” and “Jive” were at home in the Jungle Room for years. Mention Bob’s Java Jive to Tacoma residents, and you’ll hear coming of age anecdotes, memories of go-go dancers, the TV Theme duo if they have been there, and well intentioned regrets, if they haven’t.

Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate and assist the Java Jive and hear four great bands. $3 minimum donation at the door, 21+.

 
 

@funpolicemusic playing tonight @omalleystacoma – Saint Patrick’s Day, Tacoma-style

Author et2kah   Filed under Music, Northwest Labels, Upcoming, Upcoming Shows, Venues & Record Shops   March 17, 2010  

Tacoma’s own musical Fun Police will be patrolling the St Paddy’s Day merriment at 8 PM along with special guests 10 Miles of Bad Road at O’Malley’s Irish Pub (Google Maps link). The Fun Police, bullies in blue, who are known for delivering energetic give-it-all-you’ve-got, genre-bending performance on any given night, promise an over the top show tonight including a traditional Irish set and an extended set of Fun Police favorites. Enjoy the luck of the Irish with some slow-cooked, corned beef and cabbage along with some Fun Police hijinks for St. Paddy’s Day this year.

The Fun Police have been playing the South Sound for approximately two years, released 2 EPs and a CD, and are currently in the studio. They are well known locally for their energetic stage presence and musical variety including fusion styles of blues, reggae, folk, punk and more. Their 3 song Spring Break EP is available as a free download here.

www.thefunpolicemusic.com

 
 

H2HC this Friday

Author matt   Filed under Upcoming Shows, Venues & Record Shops   April 14, 2009  

Free live music all day at Caffé Vita: 6a-6p Black Kids, Mates of State, Say Hi, The Moondoggies, The Maldives and Beads. Then KEXP DJs spin at the Cha Cha Lounge, Grey Gallery and Lounge, Havana, Linda’s, Moe Bar, The Wildrose.

Live showcases at The Comet, Everyday Music and Wildrose: performances from Portland’s the Dimes, Painted Hills, Grand Hallway, The Quiet Ones, The Curious Myster, See Me River, Tacocat and Wallpaper.

More info here: http://www.kexp.org/events/hoodtohood2009.asp

 
 

The Return of Crocodile

Author Scissorhands   Filed under Music, NW Show Critic, Venues & Record Shops   March 21, 2009  

Fifteen months after abruptly closing its doors, the Crocodile has reopened.  To kick things off the venue hosted a pair of free shows.  On Thursday night Hypatia Lake, the Kindness Kind and the Quiet Ones welcomed the Crocodile back to the Seattle music scene.  Last night Akimbo, Brothers of the Sonic Cloth, and Patrol thoroughly blew out any dust that might have remained from the remodling.

First, the Belltown neighborhood hasn’t changed much.  There is still no place to park and it’s full of weekend warriors from the burbs (as I walked to the venue I heard a woman yell, “Oh my god, my boobs are popping out.” as she tried to run across a cross walk before the light changed).  The Crocodile on the other hand is almost unrecognizable.  The entrance is now on Blanchard street (the doors at the bottom of the ramp near where the restrooms were that were never used.  The old entrance on 2nd Ave now leads to a smokers pen.)  When I walked in Patrol was already playing.  One thing that hasn’t changed is the sound.  The place still sounds fantastic.  It’s great to see Jim Anderson at the sound board doing what he does best.  The new stage runs along the south wall of the show room and seems much bigger.  The new lighting is going to make every band look like huge stars.  When you stand looking at the stage it’s easy to think you are in a much larger venue.

Brothers of the Sonic Cloth, AKA Tad Doyle’s new band, proved the sound system can easily handle the loudest, heaviest bands.  And the sight lines are great.  The huge column is now gone and there is a mezzanine (I think this mezzanine is what caused all the Neumos comparisons I overheard last night.  Rumor has it that the bar in the mezzanine serves stiffer drinks).  But the room does not have a good flow.  The main bar is now opposite from the stage along what used to be the window in what was the cafe area.  All night long people who were going to get drinks were running into people returning with drinks as they all tried to weave through the people watching the bands.

And what’s with the bathrooms?  They seem way too swanky.  Especially since at the end of the night they are still going to end up looking like the bathrooms at El Corazon.

I’ve only recently gotten into Akimbo.  I’ve always thought they were great musicians, but never fell in love with their music.  But damn are the fun to watch.  The crowd was really into their set.  Full-on moshing was going on and it made the place feel alive.  Akimbo promised a Nirvana cover if anyone took a stage dive.  And when the singer from Patrol did just that, the band kept their word played a version of “Breed” that whipped the crowd into a frenzy.  I thought it was a fitting tribute to the house that grunge built.

This is not the old Crocodile.  Some of the coziness has been lost, but overall I think the new version will be seen as superior to the original.  I look forward to seeing many shows here.

 
 

King Cobra Meets Maker

Author matt   Filed under Venues & Record Shops   February 25, 2009  

Just got this in my inbox:

Hey Everyone,
King Cobra will in fact be closing its doors for good this Friday.

I’m more then happy to answer any questions you have.

Thanks for everything,

Justin

Obviously, all shows after Friday are cancelled.

 
 

Dirty Girls Throw a Fundraiser

Author Andrew   Filed under Music, Upcoming Shows, Venues & Record Shops   August 21, 2008  

Hell hath no fury like a mess of Hot Grits!   If you want further proof of that warped adage you should take yourself down to the Seattle Magic Wheels on September 6th.   A whole bunch of female punky bands will be smudging their sounds with a whole bunch of other sounds in attempt to entertain you and raise funds for ‘Dirty Girl Productions’   All but one band are all girl outfits, and with a broad range of influences; from PJ Harvey inspired Nancy Frieko to the new Seattle band ’Information Service’ who write songs that remind listeners of Alaska (sometimes sunny, often grey and sludgy)  So we’re promised an eclectic show, headlined by the filth and the fury of Hot Grits themselves – who are inclined to burn everyone in their path – How can you resist; such an abundance of energy, enthusiasm and all in a good cause – a relative snip at the suggested donation price of just $10 on the door – no presales.   So to recap:

September 6th 2008 – Seattle Magic Wheels – Doors open at 3pm, show starts at 4pm.   Suggested donations for $10 also get you a Weiner (and you guessed it) some hot grits, along with a heady mix of well intentioned punk and other loveliness, all aimed at raising funds for pioneering work made by black women.

 
 

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club @ The Mars Bar?

Author nadamucho   Filed under Music, Music and the Internet, Upcoming Shows, Venues & Record Shops   July 10, 2008  

SpindriftFlierWould-be stalkers of L.A. fuzz-rock band Black Rebel Motorcycle Club take note: a couple band members are coming to Seattle to see their buddies in Spindrift (members of the Warlocks & Brian Jonestown Massacre) play the Mars Bar on Friday night. They are even rumored to be sitting in on a few songs.  

Stargazing aside, Spindrift are excellent. They are travelling with a band called Go Fever. Also on the bill is Kerry from Das Llamas new band, See Me River.

If that wasn’t enough, the lovely and talented Ms. Momma Casserole will DJ.

Friday, July 11  – Mars Bar 
8:30 p.m. $7. 21+

SPINDRIFT (Warlocks, BJM) (http://www.myspace.com/thewest)
Go Fever (http://www.myspace.com/gofever)
See Me River (Kerry from Das Llamas) (http://www.myspace.com/seemeriver)
DJ Momma Casserole

 
 

RATATAT show moved to Neumos tonite

Author matt   Filed under Venues & Record Shops   July 7, 2008  

If you’re going to see RATATAT tonite at Chop Suey, don’t, go to Neumos instead.070708.jpg

 
 

Pat Monahan – The Pharmacy – Speaker Speaker – Bee Simonds – Low-Fi at Silver Platters

Author C-Leb   Filed under Music, Upcoming, Venues & Record Shops   April 17, 2008  

Silver Platters Queen Anne Location celebrates National Record Store Day with an all-day line-up of:
1:00pm The Mary McPage Band
2:00pm Matt Jorgensen + 451
3:00pm Pat Monahan
4:00pm Kim Archer Band
5:00pm Bee Simonds
6:00pm Speaker Speaker
7:00pm Low-Fi
8:00pm The Pharmacy
9:00pm How and Lightning
I’ll be running sound all day and the show is free so come on down!

 
 

Graffiti Rock! – This Saturday March 1st @ the Sunset Tavern in Ballard

Author dj100proof   Filed under Venues & Record Shops   February 26, 2008  

Featuring the turntable wizardry of ‘The Elefaders’ and the funky stylings of ‘N/NW’

For those that don’t know…

The Elefaders put on an incredible set. Three djs on three sets of turntables creating live beats, dropping sick breaks and the cleanest of cuts.

N/NW always bring a high energy show and will drop a party rocking set sure to keep the Sunset jumping till the wee hours.

PLUS: DJ 100 Proof bringing the old school flavor on the tables and Big Rob dropping comic gems that fly higher over your head than a 747 at cruising altitude.

 
 

Graffiti Rock! – This Saturday March 1st @ the Sunset Tavern in Ballard

Author dj100proof   Filed under Music, Upcoming, Venues & Record Shops    

Featuring the turntable wizardry of ‘The Elefaders’ and the funky stylings of ‘N/NW’

For those that don’t know…

The Elefaders put on an incredible set. Three djs on three sets of turntables creating live beats, dropping sick breaks and the cleanest of cuts.

N/NW always bring a high energy show and will drop a party rocking set sure to keep the Sunset jumping till the wee hours.

PLUS: DJ 100 Proof bringing the old school flavor on the tables and Big Rob dropping comic gems that fly higher over your head than a 747 at cruising altitude.

 
 

King Cobra Grand Opening

Author Scissorhands   Filed under Venues & Record Shops   February 23, 2008  

King Cobra, the new venue in the space that was once the dance club Sugar, and operated by the people that ran Kincora, has announced four nights worth of grand opening events, plus part of their March calendar. From the press release…

taurus.gif4 NIGHTS OF RADNESS GRAND OPENING PARTIES

It Takes A Full Weekend To Celebrate Seattle’s Newest Rock Club!
February 19, 2008 (SEATTLE, WA): King Cobra, Seattle’s newest nightclub, live music venue and home for rock & roll, announces today the lineup for 4 Nights of Radness Grand Opening celebration, to take place February 28, 29, March 1, and March 2, 2008.

Thursday, February 28 $10
3 Inches of Blood
Book of Black Earth
Toxic Holocaust
Plaster

Doors 8pm, Show at 9pm
——————————
Friday, February 29 $7
Neutralboy
Android Hero
Rain
City Shwillers
Bucklin

Doors at 8pm, Show at 9pm
——————————
Saturday, March 1 $6
The Emeralds
Neon Nights
The Valkyries

Doors at 8pm, Show at 10pm
——————————
Sunday, March 2 $8
Visqueen
Quadrillion
Super-secret surprise guest DJs!

Doors at 8pm, Show at 9pm
——————————
More press release after the break……

 
 

Six Organs of Addmittance–Free In-Store Today!

Author Dave   Filed under Music, Venues & Record Shops   November 21, 2007  

http://www.sonicboomrecords.com/

Sonic Boom Records Capitol Hill:

514 15th Ave E.

Seattle WA 98112

To support his new record, Shelter From the Ash, Ben Chasney aka Six Organs of Admittance will be performing at Sonic Boom tonight around 7 pm. I am not sure if he’ll be solo or with accompaniment, but either way it’s definitely worth checking out and the price is right…..FREE!

 
 

Another One Bites the Dust

Author misterlevitan   Filed under Music, Venues & Record Shops   November 16, 2007  

While walking down 5th today, I passed the location of the old Nation/I SPY and was a little bummed to see a Notice of Proposed Land Use Action signs attached to front of the building. While this site was many clubs before and since, I recall many a great night there, having seen a Sub Pop Anniversary show there featuring the Glucifer and Modest Mouse and/or Murder City Devils. (It was a long night and many years ago.) One afternoon I witnessed the manic hysteria of meth-rockers Hella and recall that Jeremiah of Modest Mouse was DJing upstairs at some point. Though totally unfamiliar with the lifestyle, I had to catch the b-boy antics of Circle of Fire at I SPY at least once. I got a plus-one for the incredible DJ Krush show there around the time of Code 4109, and I’ll NEVER forget the hilarity of the freakish tour of Lovage: Music to Make Love to Your Old Lady By. (How can anyone describe the sensory mash-up of Mike Patton, DJ Kid Koala, Prince Paul, and Dan the Automator with his Giant Snifter of Maker’s Mark?)

Adios, Nation and I SPY. 

 
 

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

Author Kevin LeDoux   Filed under Music, Venues & Record Shops   November 5, 2007  

northtwin.jpg

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.

 
 

Post Harbor and Born Anchors @ Comet Fri 10/20

Author Kevin LeDoux   Filed under Music, Upcoming, Venues & Record Shops   October 19, 2007  

This ain’t no sea shanty show.

postharborbornanchors.jpgtrans-gif.gifThe Comet Tavern on Capitol hill is quickly becoming my favorite spot to catch local music. Just the other night when I was immersed in the audio ocean that is JUSTICE, I stepped outside for a breath and found myself wandering over from Neumos to the Comet just to have a listen to the band playing in there. It’s a small, seedy, cash-only venue with decades of signatures and graffiti carved into the tables and honestly the PERFECT place to see some local rock.

If you haven’t been, this Sat night Oct 20th could be a good one to bust your cherry. Local bands Post Harbor and Born Anchors play with Soft Lights and You May Die in the Desert.

Post Harbor is generally referred to as having a sound akin to Sunny Day Real Estate. There has been a lot of positive press about their album and their recent touring. From what what I’ve heard, I’d have to agree on all counts.

http://www.myspace.com/postharbor

Born Anchors formed in March this year and have already had the cohesive vision put out an EP. Their sound is heavy and tight and bound to make thewalls of the Comet ring. Check them out.

http://www.myspace.com/bornanchors

 
 

Justice is Served!

Author Kevin LeDoux   Filed under Music, Venues & Record Shops   October 15, 2007  

justice1.jpgWith 18 Marshall Stacks, 2 powermacs, a friggen PILE of electronic noisemakers and enough french cigarertte smoke to mask the fog machine,  Gaspard Augé and Xavier de Rosnay of JUSTICE served it up huge at Neumos Fiday night. Universally compared to Daft Punk, tho I thought it much heavier – Justice transformed the floor of Neumos into a seething, pulsing maching with relentless beats and the beconing icon from their new album “cross”. I’ve never seen the place so packed, nor have i seen people so glad to have it that full. The crown that usually peters out about 3/4 back at a show was solid straight to the sound board in the back

Props to the band for their energy, and props to the Seattle crowd for responding by dancin their asses.

Check out Justice on their MySpace Page HERE

Or visit http://www.myspace.com/etjusticepourtous