Jsun Atoms of The Upsidedown has a smile that charms for miles, and it’s widely visable as he strides into the room to greet me. A handshake and man-hug later, we find ourselves on a cozy couch backstage at the Roseland Lounge. Upstairs, The Rebel Drones are cranking out their trademark sound, and Sleepy Sun is rallying in the next room as they take the stage next.
Spindrift and The Upsidedown are coming to rock Seattle, Sunday March 8th, at The Comet Tavern (4pm – Early show!) . Come on out and get a rockin’ and a dancin’!
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..)
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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.
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
Hey, just wanted to trump the other lame “blogger” who did the first round of recommended December shows (I kid, I kid). Keep an eye or an onion peeled for these bands playing around in the next four weeks—I DARE you:
Partman Parthorse @ Wild Rose 12/7 with the Intelligence – We’ve kinda beaten this horse (heh, heh) to death, but who knew they were having shows at Seattle’s one-and-only lesbian bar? (what’s up with that sitch, anyway?) I didn’t, and I’m usually behind the curve. So it makes sense. Anyway, these guys rock.
Juhu Beach (w/ American School of Warsaw & the Oswald Effect) - I’m a new convert to the fandom of this band, and I’ve heard the Blue Moon isn’t quite the urine-scented dog kennel it used to be. Don’t know much about the other two bands, but hey, if you can’t get into the Yule Benefit (or refuse to get into it), this might be worth yer nickel. Actual price may vary. Saturday, 12/8 @ the Blue Moon Tavern.
Voyager One – Big lineup for the Loveless Records Holiday Party also happening Saturday Dec. 8th @ the High Dive: Other bands include local darling Carrie Akre, electroclashers The Girls (no girls in group!), the Blank Stares, & the Beltholes. I’m pushing for Voyager One on this one, who’ve made their living locally playing amazing ambient rock, while mesmerizing their audience with a dizzying array of video projections. And how.
The Purrs – Local psych-poppers the Purrs are celebrating their second record, The Chemistry That Keeps Us Together, steeped in 60’s guitar nostalgia and twangy self-deprecation. While I haven’t heard the entire disc, the tunes they’ve made available are pretty right-on, and their debut album was superb. For fans of Velvet Underground, Luna, & the Flaming Lips (Lady!). @ the High Dive, Dec. 14th with Brent Amaker & the Rodeo.
Pleasureboaters – I’ve only seen this band once, and I thought it was tremendously radical. Enough so to recommend a night with them @ the High Dive 12/20 with PWRFL POWER (!). Apparently, the High Dive is the place to be this month.
The Heavy Hearts (w/ the Whore Moans, Boss Martians & Wir) – The Comet Tavern hosts a Christmas Bash with one of my favorite local rock bands in existence: the Heavy Hearts. They bring the rawk with slicing guitar, in-yer-face-bass, and call-response dual vox. Since they’re dropping a new album in early ‘08, new songs are sure to abound. The Whore Moans will be in rock attendance as well. December 22nd @ the Comet!
Feral Children & the Trucks - Wow, the Comet hosts another bad-ass show on New Year’s Eve. Local buzz band (worth it) Feral Children play with electro-brats the Trucks, who always put on a great show. If you can’t catch FC at the Showbox on the 8th, be sure to show up for this one. Additional guest TBA.
That is all.