cold hard reality

I woke feeling like Napoleon from Bill and Ted's.



My eyes open and I am angry and confused. A giant bowl of ice cream appears. I eat it. I eat it up. My brain hurts but I am no longer angry or confused.

Thank you walking with me on this excellent musical adventure...

- Ste. Goldie

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Whoa-what?!: IDM good lord

Did you know about this? I just found out:



I got my mind blown for Christmas!!!! WHOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! I love it... It's beautiful.... -- Ste. Goldie

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Of Montreal: Tell me something good

I don't get Of Montreal. I tried to get it because I am on the quest for dance par-tay music. New Years is next week and I am not going to play my tired ass playlist that I've had for 2 years. I promise I tried. I thought their Outback Steak House song was weird and mildly interesting, however I like the actual Outback song way better. Everyone else loves them! Indie musicians please do not make "dance music" unless you at least drop a sexy disco beat and look hot doing it. I'm not sure how one is suppose to dance to Of Montreal. I can't take the white man's overbite much longer and or the Molly Ringwald (people it's 2008). I can only flail around so long before I feel embarrassed and sad... IT IS CALLED SOUL PEOPLE! GET SOME! or something. Good lord.


Chaka Khan



I hate my life. I need to get down. Help me find some modern soul/dance music... please. I promise not to judge you. Simon Matt Carrillo reminded me it's what's inside that counts, not your taste in music.

-- Ste. Goldie

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Explode Into Colors - Live Footage of "Wooden Ghost"

Here is footage of Explode Into Colors playing at Holocene from November 29th's showcasing of Cartune Xprez, "a travelling roadshow of animated videos and multimedia performances."

Explode Into Colors are probably my favorite band in PDX right now. Its pretty easy to see why in this video, check it out yourself.

If you want to catch Explode Into Colors live, there are two very excellent opportunities coming up soon(ish).

Dec 31st - New Year's Eve Show w/ White Fang and Nightclubbing vs. Hot Mess @ The Holocene

Feb 14 - w/ Starfucker, Strength, and Dirty Mittens @ The Wonder Ballroom

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Ben Meyercord Live Music Picks December 19th to 21st

Hello Dear Readers,

What do you think of our little "Winter Wonder Land"? It is kinda cool. I mean I would be lying if I said that it was not negatively affecting my show attendance. But I am still in amazement that it can snow where I live. But what's that? You don't care and would rather me get on with the music picks? Fine.

Friday, December 19th

There are a few things going on today. They are shows. They are good.

• Rotture is having a s Christmas show with Copy, Explosivo (Manny of Atole and E*Rock. It will be really cool. I really like Copy a lot. It is so fun to see him play. It will make you "get your groove on ". The show is a mere $3 and starts at 9 PM.

• Hush will be having Jared Mees & The Grown Children, Patterns and The Rainy States play a show. All of these bands are pretty good. I have wanted to check out Hush for a while now. I have not seen Patterns , but I do like what I have heard. I also want to see Jared Mees and his crew again. This ALL AGES show is $5 and starts at 9 PM.

• Aladdin Theater is having Live Wire! with musical guests Blue Giant, Blind Pilot and Ralph Huntley & The Mutton Chops. Also there will sketch comedy and other things. It will be ALL AGES and $15 at 8 PM. If you don't want to pay and don't mind not seeing the "action" you can listen via OPB radio.

Saturday, December 20th

Saturday I could only find one show, but it looks to be a good one.

• Hush is having another show. This one is the One Year Anniversary show with Guidance Counselor, Atole, MEGA*CHURCH and White Fang. This show looks amazing. I saw three of the these four bands play this years PDX Pop Now. And had a good their respective sets. I remember thinking that White Fang was one of the highlights of the festival. I have sen Guidance Counselor a few times since and really think they are good (and fun to watch). The ALL AGES event is $5 and starts at 9 PM.

Sunday, December 21st

There are several things going on Sunday.

• For instance, in the afternoon, Nick Jaina will be playing the Emerson Street House (the big white wooden building at the corner of NE 30th and emerson, a few blocks North of 30th and Alberta). I am not sure why, but it seems kinda of a rare thing for Nick to be playing an ALL AGES show, so all you kids should check it out while you can. It will be $6-10 and start at 1PM.

• Doug Fir is having a "pre-Holiday" show with local popsters Alan Singly and Pants Machine, Team Evil, and Modernstate. It shall be a good time for all. The show is $7 and starts at 9 PM.

• Tender Loving Empire is also having a holiday show. Theirs is at Dunes and will feature Jared Mees & The Grown Children, The Winebirds, and DJ Travis Wiggins. I am unsure if any Christmas tunes have been cooked up, but I do know it will be a good time. I also know that you can find many gifts at Tender Loving Empire including the Willamette Week Another Grey Christmas 2 that is full of local talent doing x-mas tunes (A Weather, Boy Eats Drum Machine, Dolorean, Easter Egg, Flash Hawk Parlor Ensemble (Chris Funk of the Decemberists), Future Historians, Laura Gibson, Gingerbread Patriots, Ohioan and Native Kin, Old Believers (with Eskimo & Sons' Danielle Sullivan), Podington Bear, Run On Sentence (with Pancake Breakfast's Mike Midlo), Super XX Man (with Mike Johnson) and Ralf Youtz (of Ape Shape and Built to Spill). So, check out the show or the store. The show is $5 and starts at 9 PM.

• If you don't think you can handle the prices of either of those shows, you might consider heading over to Rontoms. Doubledutch, Tango Alpha Tango, and Quiet Countries. The last time I saw DoubleDutch they weren't terribly great (though there were a couple songs that were really good). Their recordings sound great though, NS I know they have playing shows since then. SO, I want to give them another shot. It will also be interesting to see how Leb Borgerson aka Quiet Countries handles his night playing this show and also being a member of Pants Machine playing at Doug Fir (I guess it is only a couple of blocks away). This show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.

• There is a show happening at Matchbox Lounge This show will have jesse bettis, the lead singer of Oh Captain, My Captain , doing a stripped down set, as well as Y La Bamba and Make Nice doing sets. It should be noted that Michael Kitson will be performing in all of the sets (he's crazy like that). The show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.

So those are the shows I pick for this weekend. If I omitted something that you think I should not have please leave a comment. If you see me at any of these shows, then by all means say, "Hi".

-Ben


Quiet Countries doing double duty on Sunday Night (are those helicopter blades on his back? Sweet!)

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Go Fish or Die Trying

Wait! This isn't music!

But its awesome nonetheless.

Local stupidass short-film creators, Los Moustachios, have posted a video up on Funny or Die (the Will Farrell site).

You should check it out and vote "Funny" or you can be a dick and vote "Die". So, become popular and vote Funny! Los Moustachios also have a few other shorts up on there, so don't be shy.

Go Fish or Die Trying - watch more funny videos

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this song makes me horny for Santa

Two sexy things:

1. we are taking nominations for The Sexiest Indie Musician Guy in Portland

AND

2. Ben Meyercord shared with me a Christmas song that rocks...

Adam Steinfink Vs Robert Plant:





xoxo - Ste. Goldie

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THE SEXIEST INDIE MUSICIAN GUY IN PORTLAND 2008

Calling all CIMTB bloggers and readers, it's the end of the year. The Merc has their Top 5 Albums of 2008 -- as elected by YOU so be sure to check and add YOUR BAND -- and your favorites that are not you! (did they take note from our tit-for-tat /group hug). Let us ring in the new year proper:

Let's make a Portland's Sexiest Indie Musician Guy list!

Guys and Girls! Please feel free to nominate your favorite super sexually attractive, slutty ho-bag, nasty daddy yum yum, skanky dirty gutter grease stained hump-m-bumb machine, filthy awesome, grrrr naughty naughty, hottie guy in Portland, OR.

SEX SEX SEX SEX yeah you love it I know you love it give it to me nasty yeah!

MY GOALS:

1. Boost ratings.
2. Objectify men.
   
3. Get some Real Talk up in here.
4. Find out who we LOVE in a naughty way.
5. Get it out of my system so I can focus on the music. You may find this process therapeutic as well...
   

Not sexy:


Sexy:


Anonymous nominations WILL BE COUNTED! So sex it up bitches!
HEY STRAIGHT GUYS YOU KNOW YOU HAVE A MAN CRUSH LET YOURS KNOW HOW MUCH YOU "ADMIRE" THEM!

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for December 15th to 18th

Hello Dear Readers,

It is cold. We had to cancel our AristeiA show in Seattle yesterday for obvious reasons. For a breif second I thought I might go to a show in town instead. But as it turned out it was too cold and I am to much of a wuss to drive on icy roads. Oh well. It turns out that at least three of the five shows I posted were canceled (maybe more?). But there will be more shows this week. So rest easy knowing that you might be able to witness some of the musical magic happening in the Portland area.

Monday, December 15th

Lets start with these.

Mississippi Pizza is having a show with Shake Speake, Gregory Miles Harris and Holy Smokes. So what I know is that I like what I have heard of Shake Speake, that Gregory Miles Harris opened up for Daniel Johnstson last time Daniel was in town, and that Holy Smokes has some new songs coming to their myspace page. Oh, and they are all from Portland. The show is and starts at 9 PM.

Valentine's is having a show with Dramady, rickshaw, and Go Balloons. Though I have only heard of Dramedy. This looks like a fun show. Go Balloons has a picture of a tank made of balloons. That's fun , right. So, I hope they bring the tank. It probably doesn't take that much to fill it up, what with gas prices being what they are and all. The show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.

Tuesday, December 16th

Here is another couple of shows for you to attend.

Mississippi Pizza is having a show with At Dusk and Michael Rockstar. At Dusk is an acoustic band that sings about vieo games (it also features local music champion Cary Clarke). Michael Rockstar is a musical comedian. A comedian that employs music? Writes funny songs. Whatevs. It is ALL AGES and FREE and starts at 6 PM.


Valentine's is having a show with Justin Power, Ashia and Forest Fire (Brooklyn). Justin is on my short list of bands that I really like but have not seen. Perhaps I will change that. Ashia looks like one of those people that can sing and play cello at the same time. Neat. This show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.

Wednesday, December 17th

There are two cannot miss shows hapenning on Wednesday night. I really don't know how you are going to work this situation out, but you won't want to miss either of these shows.

Aladdin Theater is having a show with Blind Pilot, Loch Lomond and The Old Believers. All of these bands are sooooo good. This is an ALL AGES ordeal that will cost a person $12 to see and will start at 8 PM (doors at 7 PM).

Holocene is having the other can't miss show. This one is the last show of the criminally underappreciated Strangers Die Every Day. They play instrumental post-rock music that is primarily based around string arrangemnets. Tonight they will be playing with frequent bill sharing group Blue Cranes Autopilot Is for Lovers, who seem to be everywhere lately, are playing a set as well. You would be a fool not to see this show. It is $6 and starts at 9 PM.

Thursday, December 18th

Here are some more good shows. Will you be good to the "scene" and see them?

Disjecta is having a show with Chrome Wings and Deelay Ceelay. They are billing this as a "Holiday Treat". They also refer to Deelay as a "groove master". Chromes Wings is scheduled to "rock the house". The show is $5 and starts at 8 PM.

Doug Fir is having a rare performance of Joggers side-thing Cajun Gems. In fact, I beleive it was oringinally Joggers who were set to play. They had to cancel. Inside voices, amd All smiles round out this all local bill. Inside Voices sound really good. Remember that group Genchen & Reidel I mentioned last week? Inside Voices is their main group. All Smiles is the songs of ex-Grandaddy member Jim Fairchild. I love me some old Grandaddy. Does that sound weird? The show is $8 and starts at 9 PM.

Kellys Olympian: the black black black, DoublePlusGood, El Come, Phantom

So there are the shows for the week. If you see me please say, "Hi".

-Ben


It's kinda like that Janet Jackson photo. The Old Beleivers play Aladdin on Wednesday.

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for December 12th to 14th

Hello Dear Readers,

I feel good. I have been able to go to shows. I saw Nurses and AAN at Valentine's on Monday. It was awesome. I was frustrated because I missed the first act, Genchen & Reidel which I was bummed about because their myspace tunes sounded really good. Plus I played two last minute shows that I did not get to promote. One as Meyercord at Jade Lounge with St. Frankie Lee, and one as Y La Bamba at Holocene as part of the Bladen County Records Showcase because Ritche Young was a bit under the weather. Both were really fun.

So here is what we have for the weekend:

Friday, December 12th

So many shows. So good.

Hush is having a show with Flaspar, French Miami (San Francisco), and Very International Love. Flaspar is a band that has been on my radar for quite a while but I have not seen yet. It will be a very danceable time. This ALL AGES show is $6 and starts at 9 PM.

Doug Fir Lounge is having an all local show with Weinland, Matt Sheehy & The Believers, John Vecchiarelli. I have seen both Weinland and Matt Sheehy and been satisfied. Tell you what. If you go to this show, when Weinland comes on, yell at the top of your lungs, "Piles of Clothes! Piles of Clothes!...Gold! Play Gold!" If they do indeed play these songs, then you will be satisfied as well. I have yet to see Matt Sheehy play with a full band, but I hear it is pretty cool. Plus I have nothing but very good things about John Vecchiarelli. This show is $12 and starts at 9 PM.

The Camellia Lounge is having a show with the very talented Down South Sallie, and Diane Uy I have been constantly blown away by the vocals of Down South Sallie since I first saw her play a little over a year ago. I have not previously hear of Dian Uy, but she weem s to be a promising act (I like her song "As Far As"). This ALL AGES show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.

Someday Lounge is having a show with Heroes and Villains, Blue Horns, and Mint Chicks. This should be a diverse pop show. Heroes and Villains play that kind of five part harmony waltzy accordion pop. Blue Horns play that sort of post-punk jangle-core type pop. Mint Chicks (y'know that band that moved here from New Zealand) play very poppy new wave style jams. Should be fun. The show is $7 and starts at 9 PM.

The Waypost is having a show with Pony Ghost, Black Heart Moon, and Anodyne Gearhall. This is one of those shows where all the bands are connected. A true testament of the incestuous nature of Portland Bands. The Bassist of Pony Ghost is also the Bassist of Black Heart Moon (stand up and acoustic bass, but not "regular"). The girlfriend of the singer of Pony Ghost is in Anondyne Gearhall. These people are in other bands as well, but lets not get in to that just now. The point is that this will be a fun show and it is ALL AGES and FREE. It starts at 8 PM.

Muddy Waters is having a silent auction to benefit the fact that it was just bought witht the intentions of becoming a non-profit. That's cool. The other reason I list this is because both Grey Anne and Andy Combs and the Moth will be playing it. If you have not seen Grey Anne, shame on you. Granted this is a town with tons of shows going on all the time (hence my regular posts), She is one of my favorite performers (and song writers). Andy Combs is really good too. So check it out. The show will probably be a donation type situation and will start at 8 PM.

Rotture will be having a show with The Oregon Painting Society, Arrington de Dionyso (dude from Old Time Relijun), and The Golden Hours. I read somewhere that Scout Niblett and Adrian Orange might some how be involved with this show too (are they honorary members of The Oregon Painting Society?). The Golden Hours only have one song on their myspace, but it is really good (it is that kind of lo-fi reverby girl garage rock that is really hot right now). The show is $7 and starts at 9 PM.


Saturday, December 13th

Another day, another butt load of shows.

Slabtown is host of the first annual Rock'n'Shop. "What is Rock'nShop?", you may ask. Well this what Slabtown said, "On December 13 local record labels will gather in Slabtown to sell their wares from bar open to bar close. Live music starts in the early evening. Participating labels: PDX Pop Now!, Hovercraft, King of Hearts, Green Noise, The Union, Sohitek, Jealous Butcher, Crash Assailant, Boy Gorilla, In Music We Trust, Beginning Era, Dirtnap, Kill Rock Stars, Felony Fidelity, Extra Ball, Tender Loving Empire, States Rights, Reverb, Magic Marker, Marriage, Bladen County, Discouraged, Regional Hits, People In A Position To Know, and Hush." The live music in order of appearance: Drats!!!, Southerly, The Mean Jeans, White Fang, Gratitillium, Plankton Beat (Seattle), Hey Lover, DoublePlusGood, New York Rifles, and Wow and Flutter. Good god thats a lot of links. The show is FREE and starts at 3 PM.

Branx is having something called Super Nature. Flaspar, DJ Copy, E*Rock, and DJ BJ will all be doing sets. What it boils down to is some of the best electronic music Portland has to offer under one roof. The show is $5 and starts at 9 PM.

Above that roof, Rotture is having a show with a pretty large bill (many acts all good). This one features Drew Grow, Katrina Skalland with the Pastor's Wives, Michael Vermillion, Kelli Schaefer. There will also be book readings by Paul G. Maziar. Y La Bamba (I play bass in Y La Bamba. You know that, right?) played one of these shows (the kind where Paul reads from his book), before with Drew Grow. I was super impressed. Also I was blow away when I saw Kelli Schaefer. She is soooo good. Apparently Katrina Skalland is using this show to release her split WP with the Pator's Wives. After looking closer, it would appear that the Pator's Wives is Drew's backing band. Nice. The show is $7 and starts at 9 PM.

Speaking of Y La Bamba, we will be opening up for The Cave Singers (Seattle) at Doug Fir Lounge on Saturday. I am excited because I think Doug Fir is a great place to see music. Also The Cave singers are on Matador Records who I have been a fan of forever. Yo La Tengo is on Matador. I met Luzelena at Yo La Tengo show. Full Circle? Kinda. Past Lives (Seattle) will also play. They sound pretty cool. This show will be $10-12 and will start at 9 PM.

The Green Dragon Bistro will be having a really good show with Jared Mees & The Grown Children, Sam Cooper and The Providence Plantations, and Saint Jerome. This will most likely be a energetic and fun filled show. Did I mention that this mother is FREE? Well, it is. It starts at 8 PM.

The Waypost is having a show with a new fave of mine Jacob White and Support Force. Jacob is really a good songwriter and has assembled two really good players to support him. They play as a three piece vocals/guitars, viola/vocals, and percussion. This show is ALL AGES, FREE, and starts at 8 PM.

Kelly's Olympian is having a show with Rollerball, Mr. Frederick Kill Hollywood, and Whiskey Ship Choir. You may recall the name Rollerball from when Goldie freaked out about them last spring. I have seen Mr. Fredrick's name around and seen a very interesting pictures. He looks to be a "character". This show is $5 and starts at 10 PM.

The Hungry Tiger is having a show with Ghosts & Mysteries (of Philosophy Dads), Snuffaluffagus, and Saw Whet. I just want to say that I really like what I have heard of Saw Whet aka Becky Dawson. Plus she is in other good bands like Ah Holly Fam'ly and Au. I respect people that are in three bands. Any way this show will probably be the last Ghosts & Mysteries show (I believe a member is moving). The show is probably donation based as far as a cover. The show starts at 8 PM.


Sunday, December 14th

Things are slowing down a bit. I count only five amazing shows for Sunday. Luckily/unluckily I will be out of town so I don't need to make ant hard decisions.

Doug Fir is having a show celebrating the U.S. release of We're From Japan!'s new album, "Now Breathe". It was release in Japan (duh) and subsequently the internet a few months back. To make it special, they are including a bonus disc with the U.S. version of the album. Which is a pleasant change from all of the exclusive Japanesse bonus tracks that I see on a lot of albums. Another pleasant surprise is the rest of the line up, Bright Red Paper, and Autopilot is for Lovers. Bright Red Paper has not played a full show since guitarist Dan Enberg moved to Eugene. Though I did see Dan play some Bright Red Paper songs with Portland Cello Project (which is led by BRP cellist Doug Jenkins) in Eugene over the summer. It was awesome. We're From Japan! is Awesome. This show is Awesome. It also is $8 and starts at 9 PM.

Dunes will be hosting Bellingham's Ship to Ship with ex-Bellingham's David Kyle and the Invisibles and our own Hide and GO Hustle. I have Hide and Go Hustle and David Kyle perfore which is why I am listing this show. I find it to my liking. This ain't no indie-pop. But its not haeavy metal either. Its just good music. The show is $5 and will start at 9 PM.

The Mantle (4004 Se Grant Court, Portland, OR) is having a show with the sometime charming other times heart breaking tunes of Shelby Sifers, and the beautifully dramatic songs Purrbot, and Squirellhead. I cannot vouch for Squirellhead, but Shelby has. So if you like songs and you like the house show esthetic, I would suggest that this is the show for you. The cover for this ALL AGES event is by donation. The thing starts at 8 PM.

Valentine's is having a show with Sabertooth, Shicky Gnarowitz, and friends. The two listed are kinda folky. I like what I remember of Sabertooth. And judging by the top friends of these bands the TBA "friends" will probably be pretty good. The show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.

Rotture is having a show with Hawnay Troof, and Explode into Colors. I have heard nothing but good things about Panther (though I know that I personally prefer his second alum to the first and more solo one) and Explode into Colors (the only slightly bad thing that I have heard is that Kickball is better). I know nothing of Hawnay Troof except that the name sounds like something from a made up language. This show is $7 and starts at 9 PM.


So that concludes this post. If you see me at any of these shows, please say "Hi".

-Ben


Andy Combs got a gold guitar. What you got? See him play tonight at Muddy Waters.

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for December 8th-11th

Hello Dear Readers,

It was a great weekend for shows last weekend. I had a super fun time at both the shows I played. There was a faux-Barmitzva down the hall from the Lewis and Clark show I played with New Century School Books and Blue Skies for Black Hearts. Just ask Amber Dawn (of both NCSB and CIMTB). We danced to "YMCA" and had free pizza and everything. We also had a discussion of m&m's vs skittles as a cupcake topping (m&m's won, duh). Here is what is going this week.

Monday, December 8th

I could only find two shows, but they booth look so good.

• The Coop is having a show with The Morals (where have your posts been, Ben?), All Creatures of Good Heart (Bellingham), and Hello Morning. I read a description of the Morals on PC-PDX as "campfire rockers". I think this is perfect. I usually describes them as a slightly skinnier and less funny funny Tenacious D. Or I describe them as good. I am really bad at describing music, which is why I just list shows instead of writing about them. Oh, and I just listened to All Creatures of Good Heart and loved it. Seriously, its only $2. The ALL AGES show starts at 8 PM.

• Valentine's is having a kick ass show with Nurses, AAN, and Genchen & Reidel. I love Nurses so much. I really like AAN as well. And I'll be darned, I just listened to Grenchen & Reidel (members of Inside Voices)and it is superb as well. It is FREE and starts at 9 PM.

Tuesday, December 9th

Only could find one show that I am "feeling".

• Valentine's is having a cool show with a special solo performance by Evolutionary Jass Band's own Jef Brown. Plus Vanessa Veselka and Whip , who are both very good in their own rights, will be playing too! This is a FREE show and starts at 9 PM.

Wednesday, December 10th

Finally there is some shows to choose from.

• KBOO (90.7 FM) is having We're From Japan! on the radio this Wednesday as part of the Drinking From Puddles show! I love this band so much. Their new album is about to drop in America. it has been available in Japan (and the internet) for a couple months. Get ready for a CD release party later this week. The show is 8PM - 11PM.

• The Mission Theater is doing something with local musicians that is not necessarily music. It is called Back Fence PDX. This what the website described the show as: "Back Fence PDX is an evening of writers and musicians telling their true, not-previously-performed eight-minute stories based on this month's theme, "Rock the Bells." Performers include Danny Seim from Menomena, Nick Jaina, Gideon Freudmann from Portland Cello Project, Adam Shearer from Weinland, Alex James from Dolorean, Lisa Marsicek, aka "Miss Kitty", from Flat Mountain Girls, and Joan Hiller Depper, owner of Riot Act Media. Intermission entertainment by Katie Jean Arnold." They have some really good bands represented and it looks pretty fun. The show is $10 and starts at 8 PM (doors at 7:30 PM).

• Dunes is having another Tight Hug show. This time with Root Beer and French Fry, Ferocious Eagle, and Late Night Curly. All bands are worth seeing, but Root Beer and French Fry are on my ever growing list of Portland Bands that I have not seen but really like a lot. This show is $5 and starts at 10 PM.

• Doug Fir is having Thao with The Get Down Stay Down (D.C./San Fran) who I have heard nothing but good things. I list this because Laura Gibson will be one of the openers. I like the new stuff I have been hearing out of Laura ( I like the old stuff too). Amber Rubarth (Brooklyn) will be the other opener. The show is $10 and starts at 9 PM.

Thursday, December

Here is a group of shows that will make any local music fan more than satisfied. If you are not a local music fan (why are you reading this?), then you could go see Bone Thugs at Roseland.

• The big show for Thursday is the Bladen County Records showcase at Holocene. It will feature Oh Captain, My Captain, Autopilot is for Lovers, The Love Language, Ritchie Young (Loch Lomond), Kurt Hagardorn, and The Skinnyz. And if that isn't enough, I believe they will have a FREE Bladen County Records zine and Compilation CD of Bladen County Record artists' demos. All of this for $5. The show starts at 8:30 PM.

• The Funky Church (2456 SE Tamarack Ave, Portland, Oregon 97214) will be having a Jazz show with Blue Cranes and The Tiptons (Seattle). This is some upbeat stuff. I would imagine an audience member might want to "get down" while listening to this music. The show is $6 and starts at 8 PM.

• Doug Fir is having an all local line up comprised of Wow & Flutter, Carcrashlander, and Swim Swam Swum. It also serves as a record release show for both Wow & Flutter and Carcrashlander. I can't vouch for W&F's, but I know that Carcrashlander's if great. Plus Swim Swam Swum are really good old fashioned indie rock. The show is $6 and starts at 9 PM.

So if you see me at any of these shows, please say "Hi".

-Ben


Jef Brown blows! (ha ha). But seriously, he's really good and playing tonight at Valentine's

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I got my socks rocked off by Nine Inch Nails

Please Note: This is not a blog about Crappy Indie Music or a local Portland/Vancouver band, but it is about a show that took place in Portland, OR on Sunday, December, 7 2008.

This is a story about my experience at my 4th Nine Inch Nails concert! I didn't really think about it until after the show, but Trent has been creating music as NIN for over two decades! Granted there are musicians out there who have been making music longer, but the man is a genius! His vision is mind blowing, and while I haven't loved every album right from the start, I have been able to appreciate them for what they are. I have my favorites, but I listen to them all! Now on to the important stuff, the show:


Back on September 16th at 5 pm pst - presale tickets opened for the Decemeber 7th show for Nine Inch Nails Lights in the Sky: Over North America - I waited for the clock to strike 5 so I could purchase my ticket and secure my spot at the show. Well the clock did strike 5 and the ticket was bought and $60.50 later, Alia had her ticket, or at least the ticket would be waiting for her at the show. I opted for general admission because all the times I have seen NIN, Trent has been a little spec on the stage and being spoiled here in Portland with the many small and intimate venues I figured it was time to get closer! I was worried that I would wimp out and not be able to handle the moshing or the surges for the front, but alas I DID survive and will never buy a seat ticket for an arena show again!!!

So, Sunday finally rolled around and I was psyched all day long, and as I rode the MAX to the Rose Garden Arena I had butterflies in my stomach. The anticipation grew as I tried to find where the will call was... then it was time to find the line for the general admission. Holy shit, it was really long. There is a back entrance and the line went from the door for the Arena to the Memorial Coliseum and then wrapped back around towards the door. Enter the info guy: this old man was wondering along the crowd looking for "certain tickets" (aka. the ones bought through nin.com).


I had mine ready for him and he says, "come with me". He proceeds to tell me that he is phishing out "fans" who have bought their tickets through the website. I say something like, "well I am glad that $60 bucks is getting me somewhere", and he is like, "that is what you paid - I paid $128 per ticket once". I asked for who... can you guess? No not Celine Dion... it was for the Rolling Stones!! It made me think if I would pay that kind of money to see Trent when he is way way older and still shaking his money maker... I guess I will see.

Anyway - the guy leads me to a practically non-existent line and within seconds I am on my way to find the floor!! The opening act, The Bug with Warrior Queen on vocals, had just started. I don't think that Trent ever tries to find an opening act that is "like" NIN... but I must say that The Bug was an interesting way to go. They are a little electronic and a little reggae. I think I would have enjoyed it a little more if it was a smaller dance club setting...

Well, the minutes ticked closer to 9!!! Once The Bug finished up, the roadies and tech guys spread around on stage to set up for the moment that we were all waiting for!!! It must have been a little before 9 and the opening for 999,999 started!! Holy shit, the crowd and myself started going nuts! (Oops, I forgot to mention that I was about 3 heads back and right in line with Robin Finck!!!) I won't be able to tell you the exact set list, but I know they started with 999,999 which went into 1,000,000.

Here is a highlight that turned into a lame-light: Robin takes a drink from a water bottle, starts looking into the crowd and I just started to jump up and down, waving my arms all over the place and he throws the water bottle right in my directions. It was like the water bottle was meant for my hand. I caught it!!!, and then this bitch in front of me sticks her grubby little hand up in the air and starts ripping it out of my hand!!! I am yelling at her to lay off it is mine and she and her stinky ass (really ripe B.O.) rip it out of my hands!!! I was so pissed. She was barely rocking out the whole show... she will get hers...

Okay, back to the show: The lights were off the hook! There were 3 different screens that would come down for different songs; one was behind the drums/key boards, one was behind Trent and guitars/bass, and one came down in front of them all. The light show was probably much more enjoyable from the seats because I am sure they could see the whole effect, but I wouldn't trade my spot for that. I will watch it when he releases it on DVD.

Songs in no particular order: Closer, The Frail (recently remixed by my dear friend Adam Steinfink), The Wretched, Lights in the Sky, Hurt, Discipline, Head Down, Echoplex, Piggy, March of the Pigs, Terrible Lie, Head Like a Hole, Pinion, Happiness in Slavery, Wish, The Hand That Feeds, Survivalism, In This Twilight, God Given, Only, The Big Come Down, The Warning... He also played 3 or 4 of the Ghosts, but I really do not know them enough to tell you which ones they were. (There were many other songs because they played for 2+ hours, but my brain is not remembering them right now.)



That brings me to another highlight: When they played the Ghosts, they transformed the stage! It was awesome. Trent was playing a xylophone the size of my orange couch (for those of you who know)! Which makes me think they were playing 6 Ghosts I. (My favorite is 14 Ghosts II - for the record) But during the the Ghosts set - Robin busted out the banjo and Justin Meldal-Johnsen played the cello among other instruments.

The show was amazing! I sceamed my brains out, I sang along to all the songs, I jumped and threw my arms around. I got punched in the back by some freaking hippie kid (why are they always the moshers?), who I then shoved because he continued to fuck with me. My ears rang, my chest felt like it would explode from the vibration of the music, my throat went raw! I could see the sweat dripping off Trent, I could see the whites of Robin Fincks eyes! I cannot imagine not enjoying myself last night. The man knows how to put on a show! They played for a little over 2 hours!!!! Holy Fuck!!!

Moral of the Story: Next time (if there is a next time) spend the money and have your mind blown by Trent and Co.



All videos are from thereisnotruth - they seemed to get some good footage. Oh, that reminds me... I thought about bringing my camera so I could take video and pictures, but thought against it because I did not want to have it taken away even though Trent mentioned that they would be allowed. I noticed some of the people around me were only taking videos the whole time. I am glad I did not bring my camera because when I have taken videos/pictures at shows I realize I don't get to really enjoy and experience the music. It is like you are detached from what is happening because you are watching it through a filter.



Nine Inch Nails will forever be my all time favorite band! I hope you enjoyed a little piece of my experience.

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AHHHHH!!!! TRENT I LOVE YOU! NINE INCH NAILS WOOOO HOOOOOOO!

In honor of super good friend of CIMTB and contributor Alia Grace:


Trent Reznor

Adam Steinfink from AristeiA (the band Ben Meyercord plays bass in) posted a cover of The Frail by NIN... I love it. Please for your listening pleasure:



...gay would be the color if I had a fart:



PS - I am so very jealous of Alia right now. I know she is crying, sweating, singing and her heart is bursting... I look forward to the minute by minute recap tomorrow!

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I just got this email from my friend Levi Fuller of Ball of Wax and thought you guys might be interested.
just wanted to let you know about this cool thing I'll be participating in tomorrow. I hope you can come!

Hollow Earth Radio, the Pacific Northwest's nonprofit free form onlineradio, is sponsoring its 1st Annual Holiday Local Label Record Sale at Healthy Times Fun Club TOMORROW, December 6th, 2008. It all starts at 3pm, and is free! Over25 local labels will be selling albums, and craft vendors and zine-makers will be selling their wares as well. Live bands throughout the day: Blanket Truth, Thad Wenatchee, Curious Mystery. Little Party& The Bad Business. Evening show is $5 donation. The Terrordactyls, Smile Brigade, Polka Dot Dot Dot, and Snowman Plan. Proceeds from the evening show help support Hollow Earth Radio''s mission to provide a forum for under represented music, sounds, and perspectives. For more info: www.hollowearthradio.com or www.myspace.com/healthytimesfunclub

If you don't know where Healthy Times Fun Club is, you can drop them aline at their myspace page - or drop me a line and I'll tell you.

I will be there from the beginning into the evening manning a Ball of Wax table with copies ofevery volume of Ball of Wax that's still in print. There will beprobably be some special holiday deals going down, too, so if you'vemissed any volumes or want to get some for friends (makes a greatstocking stuffer!), then this is the perfect opportunity.

See you tomorrow! Or some other time!

-Levi

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a truely helpful iPhone feature you don't have, yet:

A smoke detector that calls 911 based on screams and heat levels and oxygen levels... you know what I'm talking about right?

"iPhone! Where are you!?!?!??!"

iPhone responds,"I'm here and I've called 911"

"I don't think I will make it!" her desperate cries fade into the flames.

"I will read you your last rights."

"I can never stay mad at you iPhone. Life is one be magical shuffle and I was lucky enough to have you show up on my playlist...goodbye"

This Idea is MY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.
I came up with this idea while I was with my best muse Maria just a minute ago.

next idea:

"I am ro-bong." the robot said. My beliefs about artificial intelligent evaporated. The hole in my heart was the shape of a ro-bong... and I never even knew.

"Ro-bong, I could never stay mad at you."

THE END

Good ideas? Or is it crap? You be the judge and tell me what you think.

Thanks a million,

Ste. Goldie

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for December 5th to 7th

Hello Dear Readers,

Its Friday. Meaning that the weekend is upon us. Meaning that there are a bunch of shows that you have the option of seeing.

Friday, December 5th

Quite a few choices tonight.

• Okay, I know this is a conflict of interest, but I want to say that there will be a great show at Lewis and Clark college ( templeton student center: 0615 SW Palatine Hill Road, Porltand, 97219-7879) put on by KLC Radio with (Me)ercord, New Century School Book (featuring CIMTB contributer Amber Dawn), and Black Hearts for Blue Skies and others. I will be making a rare appearance with a backing band (with members of Westfold, and David Kyle and the Invisibles). New Century School Book and Black Hearts for Blue Skies are both very good pop bands. The ALL AGES show is $3 (FREE is you are a Lewis and Clark student) and starts at 7 PM.

• The big show for tonight is happening at the Aladdin Theater and is a Holiday Sweater show with Portland Cello Project. Like all PCP shows there are crap load of very talented guests. This show will have Mirah, Jenny Conlee (of the Decemberists), and Ritchie Young (of Loch Lomond). This will certainly be a great show. Wear your holiday sweater and bring your $13-15 (the cover). The ALL AGES will start at 8 PM (doors at 7 PM).

• The Coop will be host to the excellent Blue Horns, Wallpaper (Auburn, WA), Frisky, and Valkyrie Rodeo (Oly). Wallpaper will be performing on air on KPSU at 6 PM too. Blue Horns are really a fun treat to see perform. I don't know about the other bands, but at $2 it might be worth checking out. The ALL AGES show starts at 8 PM.

• The Artistery is having a White Fang show with Mad Rad (Seattle), and Deelay Ceelay. I don't know about the bands that are not White Fang, but White Fang is good. Plus there is a rumor that they will perform an entirely nude set. So if you want to see some naked young men play some rock music, check it out. The ALL AGES show is $5 and starts at 7:30 PM.

• The Waypost is having Ah Holly Fam'ly play a show with Galveston. Vivla Americana! If you have read these posts of mine, then you know that I really like Ah Holly Fam'ly's music thoughI have yet to be able to make it to a show. There will be other stuff happening at the Waypost too, so check out the website. This is the latest show of theirs I will miss. It is ALL AGE, FREE and starts at 8 PM.

• Chris Robley and The Fear of Heights will play its second show of the week (this time full band) at the Someday Lounge. Local acts Tango Alpha Tango, and James Low will also be playing. I hear it is a CD release party for Chris's new album "Movie Theatre Haiku". The show is $8 and starts at 9 PM.

• The Doug Fir will have its first night (of two) of the The Thermals come back shows. They finally will premiering the new drummer. I bet they will be premiering new material as well. Only one way to find out. They will be playing with Panther, and Champagne Champagne (Seattle), will DJ Maggie Vail spinning records too. The show is $12 and starts at 9 PM.

• Kelly's Olympian is having a metal-ish show. I don't listen to a whole lot of this kind of music but out of this line up: Roanoke, Paranaut, Sod Hauler (Seattle), and Nandi Devi, I really like Nandi Devi. So if you want something heavy, this is your show. It is $5 and starts at 9 PM.

Saturday, December 6th

Damn. There are are a lot of shows on Saturday too.

• The Artistery is having a show with Pwrfl Power, Grey Anne, and Luzelena Mendoza (of Y La Bamba). This will be a really good show as all acts are ever so talented. Again to be fair, I will be performing with Luzelena. But I was a fan way before I started performing with her. Grey Anne who recently released her album "Facts N Figurines" is also excellent. She uses her looping pedal to create very wonderful songs. And though I have not seen him, I hear that Pwrfl Power is very good. The ALL AGES show is $6 and starts at 8 PM.

• There is also a very good show happening at Chaos Cafe. It is comprised of Westfold, New Century School Book, and Dio McLeod. This is your second opportunity to see New Century School Book in as many days. Also CIMTB favorite Westfold will be debuting some new material. And I feel like every one should know about Dio McLeod, cause he is super good (if you like that Red House Painters kind of thing). The ALL AGES show is FREE and starts at 8 PM.

• Speaking of second chances to see shows the Doug Fir will have its second night (of two) of the The Thermals come back shows. They finally will premiering the new drummer. I bet they will be premiering new material as well. Only one way to find out. They will be playing withChampagne Champagne (Seattle), will DJ Maggie Vail spinning records too. The difference is that this is an ALL AGES show. It is $12 and starts at 5 PM.

• And one more show that features a band that has played earlier in the week is happening at Trillium Charter School. Where Double Dutch, who played at Holocene on Wednesday, will be playing a bill with Alan Singley and Pants Machine. This is most surely a benefit for the Trillium Charter school "a public school that nurtures each child's inherent curiosity, creativity and connection to community." Plus there is rumor of belly dancers? There is a suggested $3-5 cover charge the show is at 4 PM.

• Hawthorne Theater is having yet another show with an artist who has played earlier this week. This time is Boy Eats Drum Machine, which is cool because when he played on Wednesday it was free. This time there is a cover, but there also Jetpack: missing, and Greenlander playing (both who I don't know of). The cover that I mentioned is $8. The ALL AGES show starts at 8 PM.

• The Know is having a special show which is, as far as I know, the first show The Prids have played since their automobile accident earlier this year. The Estranged and Spider Test will also be playing. This is a FREE show that starts at 8 PM.

• The Green Dragon (928 SE 9th Ave Portland, OR 97214) is having a very good show with Team Evil (members of Point Juncture) and The Subcons. I really like what I have heard of the Subcons. Check it out. It is FREE and starts at 8 PM.
  

Sunday, December 7th

Since you probably can't afford a ticket to NIN. This is your alternative.

• Alberta Street Pub will have a show with Andy Combs and the Moth, and Ashia. Andy and his band are pretty fun. I don't know Ashia, but I know I can't afford that NIN ticket and that this is FREE. The show starts at 8 PM.

So go see some shows. If you see me, say "Hi".

-Ben


New Century School Book plays twice this week. Including tonight at Lewis and Clark. With me!

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Want To Be In A Music Video?

PDX Peeps....



I'm filming part of a new music video for my boy T* Wiggz tonight @ Ground Kontrol downtown. Although I think it starts earlier than the posted time of 10pm this month. WWeek says 7pm?


If you want to be in it, all you need to do is show up & let me film you listening to track 22 on headphones on my ipod off this joint

I already filmed part 1 in Vegas last weekend and I'm finalizing filming pt. 3 in
MN over Xmas.

PS it's free to get in, so I'll get you on the guest list fo sheezy.

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for December 3rd and 4th

Hello Dear Readers,

Is it Wednesday already? Have you guys made it to shows? If not, here are some more for you.

Wednesday, December 3rd

Its the beginning of the month, so you might be short a little cash. So I decided to list the FREE shows first.

• The Old Church is having "An annual celebration of the creative spirit featuring visual art, music, and spoken word. This year’s theme is “change.” ". It will feature Chris Robley (of Chris Robley & the Fear of Heights), Boy Eats Drum Machine, and Rachel Talyor Brown Band. you may recognize Chris Robley from PDX Pop or you might recognize his from Rachel Talyor Brown Band. Or you may recognize Rachel Taylor Brown from Chris Robley & the Fear of Heights. What I am getting at is its one of those incestuous groups of band members here. Plus it is really fun to get down with BEDM. This show is ALL AGES and FREE! It starts at 7 PM.

• There is also a freebie at Dunes as part of their Tight Hug series. This one is a little more "experimental" but should be really cool. It will feature Bird Costumes, Tunnels, and Captain's Daughter. The Bird Costumes guy, Daniel Osborne, also plays guitar in Arachnoid Space and despite his moniker has been known to perform with a bear head mask. So if that sounds appealing, you should head down to Dunes. The show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.

• There is also the Mumbles & the Dust in interactive poetry/music event that Goldie blogged about here. It will feature a set by Dr. Something and the Poppin' Fresh Love Engines. That is FREE too.

• If you do have some cash you might want to check out Doug Fir tonight where Al James The Unfazed (of Dolorean), Willy Vlautin (of (Richmond Fontaine), and Tracker. I like Dolorean and Richmond Fonatine fine enough, but I most interested in Tracker. I mean John Askew seems to never plays out as Tracker. Tonight he has gathered a great group of musicians (including members of Point Juncture, and Carcrashlander) to be Tracker. Tracker is the band who made the musical soundtrack companion for Blankets (remember that really good graphic novel that everyone, myself included, loves). This show also is the official release for Willy Vlauntin's "A Jockey Christmas" a spoken word story backed by music made by Willy and some of the members of Richmond Fontaine. You can hear a track of the album on Richmond Fontaine's myspace. This show is $10 and starts at 9 PM.

• Holocene is also having a show with all local acts. They will have Root Beer and French Fry, Double Dutch, and Chrome Wings. I saw this exact same line up a little while ago if you switched out Asobi Seksu in for Root Beer and French Fry. I missed Chrome Wings set thought and was pretty bummed. Anyway, it is nice to see a band that I first wrote about because they had a funny name start to go places. Did I mention that Root Beer and French Fry is good? Because they are. This show is a mere $3 and starts at 9 PM.

Thursday, December 4th

Thursday night!

• The Wonder Ballroom will be having a big local show (mostly local anyway) with the likes of Blitzen Trapper, Starfucker, and The Parson Redheads (LA). This is two of the hippest bands in Portland playing under on roof. Plus everyone I know is always raving about The Parson Redheads. This ALL AGES show is $10-12 and starts at 8 PM.

• The East End is having a C.O.T.R. presents show which will have sets by Explode into Colors, Fist Fite and DJ Spencer D. The show is an art opening for Sohale Darouian. The show will be $6 and music starts at 8 PM.

So if you see me say, "Hi".

-Ben


Root Beer and French Fry to play Holocene tonight. I think they do this before and after every show.

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for December 1st and 2nd

Hello Dear Readers,

Friday was hands down one of the most fun shows I have been a part of in awhile. The Sea and Cake was awesome. I thought AristeiA was awesome. Goldie thought it was so

awesome that she made a post about it.

Anyways, there aren't that many shows at the start of this week, but here they are:

Monday, December 1st.

It's the first of the month. Best get that rent in.

Now that you've sent all you rent and are getting kinda poor, you should celebrate by having a good time. Holocene has just the good time for you. They are hosting the release party show thing for the Portland Fun Book Volume 3. The Portland Fun book is . The bands playing are Flaspar, Cafeteria Dance Fever, and DJ Ghost Dad. If I know any thing

about these bands, and honestly I don't know much, this will be a fun time dance party. Plus all if the sales are going directly to charity. Nice. The show is $9 starts at 9 PM.

Ghost Realm is having the second annual Gnome Party. This, of course, will be hosted by World's Greatest Ghosts but will also feature Here Comes a Big Black Cloud!!, and Doom Hawk (Seattle). There will be costumes. That is all I can say. It will be super fun and leave you less broke because the cover is based on donation (you should try to donate something: like some moneys). The ALL AGES event will start at 8 PM.

Tuesday, December 2nd

Seriously, you need to get that rent in. There's only one show I am interested in.

Satyricon is having a show that bunches The Taxpayers with Absent Minds, Fuck Paris, Chin Up Rocky, and Stick Figure Army (the Couve). i don't know anything about these other bands, but I know that The Taxpayers are pretty rad. This ALL AGES show is $7 and starts at 7 PM.

So there. If you see me at any of these shows, do not hesitate to say , "Hi".

-Ben


World's Greatest Ghosts to play 2nd annual Gnome Party 2night!

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four poets, two emcees, two singers, a guitar and YOU this wednesday 12/03/08

Hey kids! Extra Extra read all about it! ...They had me at BLACK COCK* -- ste. goldie:

Mumbles and the Dust explore art as community,
challenging every audience member to join the cast.

"It's tangible and human, moving and brave." - Brandon Gilbert

"Citizens of Sleep [project of Baraka Noel] seem to resurrect the golden era of hip-hop." - scholarman of hiphoplinguistics.com

On Wednesday, December 3rd, four poets, two emcees, two singers, and a guitar known collectively as Mumbles and the Dust will be presenting a complex, community oriented and, at turns, shocking interactive performance piece at Appendix Art Space in Portland, Oregon as part of their "SoulFeast Wintour." The group blends poetry, music, story-telling and drama to create a unique form of participatory theater that electrifies and engages audience members. Mumbles and the Dust have also recently released an album entitled "Black Cock and Other Fairy Tales*," an amalgamation of spoken word, eclectic beats and rapping that deftly weaves together fantastic, absurdist and political themes. The performance will take place at Appendix Art Project Space between 26th and 27th Avenues on NE Alberta Street, starting at 9:30 PM and will be preceded by a brief show by local Portland musicians Dr. Something & the Poppin' Fresh Love Engines.


Baraka Noel - from myspace page

What: Mumbles and the Dust Performance
When: Wednesday, December 3rd, 9:00 PM
Where: Appendix Art Project Space Located in the alley between 26th and 27th Avenues on NE Alberta Street Portland, Oregon 97211

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Photo's from AristeiA/The Sea and Cake 11/29/08 @ Doug Fir

11/29/08 The White Stage sign was in fit form boasting "MAD IN OREGON"


AristeiA rocked and blew the ear drums of a sold out crowd


Did you know drummer John McEntire was born in PDX?


Archer Prewitt takes an encore recommend from Ben Meyercord


Ben Meyercord giving an excellent recommend (what was it again?)


Eric Claridge and I talked turkey and shit about The Aladdin Theater


Much to the excitement of Adam, Ben and I -- Andy, "The Boy", from Lift to Experience is working at Doug Fir! Rumor has it he is working on a project with Josh T. Pearson called "Rocker Texas Ranger":



All Photo's by Ste. Goldie taken with her phone

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for November 28th to 30th

Hello Dear Readers,

It's Black Friday. What did you buy? Do you have any money left? I f you do, you might consider going to some local shows. What shows? These shows.

Friday, November 28th

There is some really good stuff happening tonight. Really good stuff.

• I can't lie. I am very excited about the show at Doug Fir Lounge tonight. AristeiA (with me on bass!) is opening up for The Sea and Cake (they have a new album out and you can stream it from their myspace)! Actually, so is Sad Horse, the local yell-y garage-y duo. Congrats to them as well. So basically you got garage, instrumental post-rock, and post-rock-pop. Pretty crazy line up, but it should be really cool. The show is $15 and starts at 9 PM.

• The Waypost is having a show with Alan Singley and Pants Machine along with a set by The Moon in Light. I have enjoyed Alan's music ever since I moved here and have enjoyed his progression to the lush arrangements he has been cooking up recently. Plus, I am interested in The Moon in Light. They just came onto my radar last week but they got on my radar by being good. The show will be ALL AGES and FREE and starts at 8 PM.

• Valentine's will be having a night of dancing with DJ Copy and DJ Hostile Takeover. DJ Copy is Copy spinning really good records. DJ Hostile Tapeover is Joe Von Appen playing really good cassette tapes ie "typically pretty up-tempo, high-energy Miami jams". This thing is also FREE. It starts at 9:30 PM and ends at 2:30 AM (that's so much dancing).

Saturday, November 29th

Here is a list of alternatives to the Wu Tang show that is happening on Saturday.

• The big show that is happening is at the Crystal Ballroom, where The Decemberists are kicking off their tour with other Portland act Loch Lomond. This show will be really cool. If you have seen either of these bands you know that this is not to be missed. I am excited for Loch Lomond to get the national exposure that is sure to come with this tour. The show is a somewhat steep $27.50 -$30 (actually it might be more as I just found out it is a sold out show). It is ALL AGES and starts at 8 PM.

• The Pink House (4805 N. Albina) is having a benefit show for Stump Club. The bands playing it are Westfold, Tabitha and the Bittersweet, Blake Mackey, Pegasus, and Inside Voices. All of these bands are pretty rad, a) musically and b) because they are donating their time and energy for this cause. Check out the Stump Club CDs while you are there. I bet you will want to buy them. I know that I do. The ALL AGES show starts at 7 PM.

• There is also a pretty cool show over at Holocene. The show is in celebration of the Cartune Xprez DVD. The DVD will obviously be available for sale, but I am listing this because Hooliganship, MEGA*CHURCH, and Explode Into Colors are playing. The DVD has show has several animations by some crazy cartoonists (many of them from Portland). The event is presented by PICA. It is not to be missed if you are a fan of animation or of cool sorta electro-rock. The show is $6 and starts at 9 PM.

• Twilight Cafe Bar and Grill is having an awesome show of some great Portland bands. Namely the Blue Horns, St. Frankie Lee, and AAN. I have seen those first two bands and enjoyed the energy that they bring to their live performances. As for AAN, I have been meaning to catch for like, forever. The show is only $4 and starts at 9 PM.

• The Artistery is having a show for its own Metal. It is a release show for the new album "Fearful". The show is FREE with some refreshments provided. I think it might be a ploy for to make you want to buy the LP + CD package that will be available for the small price of $12. When you think that you can get a refreshment, a live show, a record, a cd, and an overall good time, then $12 doesn't seem to bad. The FREE ALL AGES show starts at 8 PM.

• The Waypost is having a show with some people I have heard of and one that I think is really good. I have heard of Ryan Dolliver (aka DBL DRGNZ). I have also heard that this will be a special solo piano performance. To add to the list of things I have heard of, I want to throw out the name Bryan Free. I have a split ep he put out with Day of Lions. a long time ago. Kelli Schaefer is just plain perfect in what she does. Listen to her recordings. Then go see her live and see how good she is. This is a FREE ALL AGES show that starts at 8 PM.

Sunday, November 30th

Last day of the month. Go out in style by attending one of these shows.

• The show I absolutely have to recommend is happening at Valentine's. It is a show of all very talented ladies. Not that kind of show, but y'know the kind that has Sarah Dougher, Laura Gibson, and Saw Whet. I have seen both Laura Gibson and Saw Whet on a number of occasions and and always leave very satisfied. In fact, last week when I saw her play there were new songs. Maybe this week she pull out some more new numbers. Sarah Dougher hasn't played a show in what seems a lifetime so this is kinda a big deal. Plus the show is FREE. The show will start at 9 PM but come early as this show will be packed.

• There will be a show at Kelly's Olympian with The Friendly Skies (it should be noted that they are also Friendly Guys), Chinese (Seattle), Rollie Fingers, and The Ax. I list this show mostly because I enjoy the instrumental post-rock jams that The Friendly Skies kick out,. I have also seen and rocked out to The Ax as well (they are a rawk tow piece from the area). The show is $4 and starts at 9 PM.

• Speaking of skies, Black Hearts for Blue Skies are playing the FREE Rontoms show that happens every Sunday Night. The first time I saw them I was like, "whatever", but then I was listening to the radio the other day and heard this song called "Siouxsie Please Come Home" and I was like,"Hey, what is this? I like this". It sounded like an oldies song but better recorded. It turns out it was Black Hearts for Blue Skies. So I am willing to give them another chance. They have the FREE show listed as 5 PM (which does not sound right to me, but whatevs).

• Andy Combs and the Moth will be playing Sunday night at Back Space. I saw him play solo and was impressed with ho well he pulls it off solo (with the aid of a looping pedal). But I have seen him play with the full band and it is super fun. The Ugly Suit (Oklahoma City) and Quail Lungs ate also set to play. I know nothing of them. The ALL AGES show is $7 and starts at 9 PM.

So if you see me at any of these shows, please say, "Hi".

-Ben


AristeiA will "Bring It" to the Doug Fir tonight! It should be noted that The Sea and Cake will be there too.
photo by Patrick

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