Northwest Music Blog

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

 

Album Review: The Fun Police’s ‘Clown Control’ has Great Tales to Tell

Author et2kah   Filed under Album Review, Music, Northwest Labels   March 7, 2012  

Oh yes, The Fun Police are back with another disc, ‘Clown Control’, weaving their way through a collection of 13 tracks that wander through genres like a journeyman traveller through customs. From punk folk to Asian flavored folk, straight rock to reggae, The Fun Police are blazing trails through music country, with a delicious taste of their flavorful offerings for everyone. Never heavy handed, these gents and one lady (the bad cop?) seem to churn out tune after tune of quality music that never really sounds like the track before it. Add it all up, and that is a delicious recipe for music lovers.

 
 

FREE Compilation Sampler for PNW College & University students – AND you!

Author et2kah   Filed under Album Art, Music, Northwest Labels, music news   February 5, 2011  

Shock Treatment Management has put together this compilation CD/digital download package, using sonicbids.com &their own website and contacts in the South Sound area to fuel artist submissions for this project. They also took art submissions from local college students for the cover and interior pictures of the 12 page CD booklet.

Drop by their site today, and download this genre diverse compilation for your collection:
Click this link to download the compilation!

Track Listing:
1. Junkyard Empire (MN) – Alternative Energy (Remix)
2. SweetKiss Momma (WA) – Mercy Love
3. Allison Gray (CA) – Change
4. The Nico Blues (NJ) – Unprofessional
5. 1776 (WA/OR) – When You Find Us
6. Shep & DJ Stilz (BC) – VW
7. The Selmanaires (GA) – Resonance Alright
8. Twilight Broadcast (TX) – 54321
9. Big Wheel Stunt Show (WA) – Another Shove
10. GoChii (NY) – The College Life
11. Mountain Road (PA) – Friday Night
12. The Fun Police (WA) – Dumpster Diving
13. Adrian West (CA) – Dr. Ellis (Instrumental)
14. Eastern Sunz (OR) – Up in Flames
15. Angie and the Car Wrecks (WA) – Psychobilly Boys
16. Roche Limit (BC) – I AM
17. Wordsmith (MD) – As the Art Fades Away

 
 

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

 
 

The Fun Police Debut Music Video

Author et2kah   Filed under Listen Now!, Music, Northwest Labels, music news   February 16, 2010  

Follow up to last weeks post. The Fun Police released their first music video at Doyle’s Pub Saturday night in front of a full house. The song is ‘Temporary Lapse of Sanity’ from their debut album, ‘You Better Run’, which was recorded at Egg Studios in Seattle, and produced by Conrad Uno. The video is now available on YouTube, and it would be here, but apparently the only blog that I cannot figure out how to embed YouTube video on is this one. You will have to click the link.

The Fun Police – Temporary Lapse of Sanity Music Video

 
 

The Fun Police Debut Music Video Release Party – Doyle’s Pub, Tacoma, Saturday 2/13

Author et2kah   Filed under Listen Now!, Music Press Release Roundup, Upcoming Shows   February 12, 2010  

The Fun Police are kicking the year off in high gear with plans for a new disc, their first tour, and their premier video release from their 2009 release You Better Run. A surreal adventure that invites existential questions, A Temporary Lapse of Sanity is an appealing, madcap, indie production that is rich in creativity. But hey! Decide for yourself at the video release party at Doyle’s Public House, 9 PM Saturday February 13th. 208 St Helen’s Avenue, Tacoma, WA, or here is a link to a map.

Ever the pranksters, The Fun Police promise good hearted St Valentine’s mischief and if you don’t know The Fun Police, you should know the zaniness is all a part of the fun. Be ready for anything, and keep an eye on their website for future developments on further videos and recording updates.

The Fun Police ‘You Better Run’ Album Review

The Fun Police Website

The Fun Police – Gringo Meringue

[audio:http://www.nwmusicblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/01-Gringo-Meringue.mp3]

 
 

Catch loads of live acts on NYE @FirstNightTTown in Tacoma

Author et2kah   Filed under Music   December 30, 2009  

The First Night Celebration in Tacoma is nearly upon us! Check out the information below to schedule your visit before heading out for late evening entertainment.

City of Tacoma Main Stage (outdoors on Broadway)
(outdoors on Broadway in front of Children’s Museum)
Hosted by KING 5 TV meteorologist Rich Marriott
Stage producer: Justin Mayfield

7pm Hey Marseilles
8:15pm VamoLa!
9:30pm The Fun Police
10:45pm Tacoma New Year’s Eve Band

Broadway Center 915
(2nd floor between TOTS & Pantages)

The Tacoma Round

The Round is a collaborative arts experience with three songwriters sharing the stage with slam poets and live visual artists. The Round highlights the community aspect of art, connecting the performers to each other and the audience. This will be the eighth Round hosted in Tacoma. Read more about the Round on the Sound on the Sound Blog.

8pm Jason Dodson (of the Maldives)
9pm Noah & Abby Gundersen
10:30pm Goldfinch

Click to see more!

 
 

SEA/PDX/TAC/OLY Turkey Week Notable Shows

Author et2kah   Filed under Music   November 22, 2009  

Olympia: Tuesday, 11.24.2009
The Drug Purse w/ The Strange Boys + Jetty Cats

8:30 PM @ The Northern – 321 4th Avenue, Olympia, Washington 98501
All Ages

Seattle: Wednesday, 11.25.09
Cunnilynguists, Grieves, Looptroop Rockers, Tunji

Wednesday, 8PM @ Neumo’s
All Ages
$13.50 Tickets Here

Tacoma: Friday, 11.27.09
The Fun Police, Ghostwriter, Brotherhood of the Black Squirrel

(TRYPTOPHAN RECOVERY DAY) Black Friday 9PM @ The New Frontier
21+

Portland: Sunday, 11.29.09
1776, Go Fever, The Whole Wide World

8:00 PM @ Rontoms
600 E Burnside, Portland, Oregon 97212
21+

 
 

The Fun Police disc release @ Stonegate Pizza & Rock and Roll Bar in Tacoma

Author et2kah   Filed under Album Review, Music, Northwest Labels, Upcoming Shows   November 10, 2009  

Kooky eyes, eh?

Kooky eyes, eh?

The Fun Police celebrate the release of their debut album this Friday the 13th, at Tacoma’s fledgeling (and rockin’ awesome bar) Stonegate Pizza at 54th and South Tacoma Way. Cover is $6, which gets you a copy of the CD (reviewed by Grandma Cat & sample, below).

Quickly cementing themselves as the working mans band in Tacoma, their great blend of folk and rock seeks to make you dance or perhaps just rock back and forth while sampling some beers and enjoying the tunes. Rootsy folk, bluegrass, a slight bit of funk, rock, and some smart comedy and life-experience-thought make this more than an average band – I have caught their great show a few times now (@ Bob’s Java Jive), and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a night out.

Grandma Cat, a local Tacoma rocker, Rock & Roll Historian, and indie music supporter provides a review of the new disc here, or you can click on the “more” link below.