Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Meet the Baters! (Incubator Recap)

January 28th, 2008 was another beautiful, wonderful night of magical sounds (thanks to Ryan the sounds guy aka Synchronicity Frequency). Tonight was all music.

Here are the people I met for the first time tonight:

Myrrh Larsen graced us with his final performance of Tori Amos' "Pretty Good Year"!

More later! -- Ste. Goldie

P.S. I talked to Rudements' George Johnson at length about things he would rather not be associated with in public! But I want to tell you about this show next Thrusday (which will be First Thursday) at Rotture...


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Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Update about tonight plus another list.

So I sometimes find things that have been lost in the cracks. It seems that sometimes places don't have websites and I suppose go by word of mouth. Take Valentine's for instance. There is a place that has pretty cool shows pretty often. Yet they have no website or myspace or anything. Crazy I know. Any way tonight Kele Goodwin is playing there with Ah Holly Familyand Mikah Sykes. Valentine's is located at 232 SW Ankeny. The music is FREE and starts at 9:30 PM.



Just for fun I have created a list of local bands to check out following Goldie's example.


A Weather

Alan Singley & Pants Machine
Cars and Trains
Eux Autres
Exploration Team
Fall of Snow
Gejius
Laura Gibson
Loch Lommond
Musee Mecanique
Nick Jaina
Norfolk and Western
Reporter
Saw Whet
The Morals
The Online Romance
Weinland
Yacht

Have fun.

Love,

Ben Meyercord
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Four Eyed Monsters screening at the Someday Lounge 2/12!

Sometimes in life, really, when one asks for a sign, a gift, a reminder, when looking for purpose and direction in these chaotic times of instability and war... magically, or because fate deemed it so... those messages percolate down through the ether of the clouds and atmosphere... when stories come and inspiring individuals step forward for everyone to find on the planet...

Earlier this year, I went on the road, and the road found me well, and a million meetings later, I am happy to say that very remarkable people, very determined individuals crested with the waves and found their way into that strange stratophere of my very nomadic life...

So, the Someday Lounge has confirmed a screening on Tuesday, 2/12/08 at 9:30 PM of the film Four Eyed Monsters directed by Arin Crumley and Susan Buice.


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My Heart On for Incubator @ Someday Lounge

Reasons to go to Incubator at the Someday Lounge tonight:

1. black leather couches upstairs
2. The acoustics
3. Feel supported, encouraged to participate.
4. Interesting people show up and share their art
5. Vive l'arte I LOVE THE SOMEDAY LOUNGE!
6. FREE FREE FREE FREE
7. Gabriel Darling

Tonight if you are broke, brokenhearted, brimming with enthusiasm, or bored with your surroundings please stop by. Say Hi! Stay a while and INCUBATE!



Incubator at the Someday Lounge
TUESDAY NIGHT
Please join us starting at 8PMish and going till midnightish!
125 NW 5th, PDX, OR!
21+ / Free
www.somedaylounge.com
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Monday, January 28, 2008

Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Jan. 28th to Feb. 3rd

Hello Portland Music Scene. How are you? I know it has been some time since I have seen you. I don't know how to say this so I guess I will just say it. I have been have been having a love affair with my bedroom (I did not want to leave it last week and was doing pretty good job, though I occasionally made it as far as my living room) . I suppose what I mean Portland Music Scene, is that you need to do better to sway my interests. Oh. I see that you actually have some shows that I will not miss this week. Good.

The rest of you who live in Portland and surrounding areas can come these shows as well. Here they are:

Monday, Jan. 28th

  • Not a whole lot going on this night. To be honest, if I was going to go to a show, it would be to to be super awesome yet non-Portland bands Liars (free ep for download at their website) and No Age (have heard of them) at the Wonder Ballroom. Wait, I just found out there is a local band opening. Yay! an excuse to list this show. Nordic (who don't know much about, but apparently they are the Mercury's "band of the week") is the local band I referred to as "opening". I would imagine that they are pretty good if they are playing this show. As always with the Wonder Ballroom, this is an ALL AGES show. It costs $12 (plus service charge). Music starts at 8 PM.
  • Hey did you know that there is a Portland Music Awards. Crazy. I guess it is some sort of awards show for Portland music. NW Noise wrote this about it. Seems pretty weird. Portland Music Awards will feature: Art Alexakis; Leigh Marble; The Dimes; Drew Shoals Collective; Ohmega Watts; Debra Arlyn; Josh Hodges; Carlyle; Papa Salty; Soundspell; Gunnar Roads; Uprite Dub Orchestra; Ashleigh Flynn; Caleb Klauder; Sammy Lind; Key of Dreams ; Craig Marquardo; Rose City Chamber Orchestra (I apologize, but I am not going to link to all of these bands). There are a couple of good people playing it, ie Josh Hodges (of Sexton Blake and Starfucker) and Ohmega Watts, but Art Alexakis is playing the event so it is hard to take seriously. Plus it costs $20 to get in. Plus it is at the Roseland. Plus it starts at 7PM.
Tuesday, Jan. 29th

I'd like to say that I am glad that there usually isn't any shows going in on Tuesdays. This is mainly because over the last couple of months I have become addicted to open mics (only the good ones though).
  • The Someday Lounge has a good one hosting by CIMTB contributer Gabriel Darling. It is called The Incubator. Sign up is at at 8:30. The free event starts at 8-ish and lasts until Midnight.
  • Zilla Sake has the other good one every Tuesday. This one is hosted by Y La Bamba (one of my favorite musicians). The sign up for the (also free) event is at 7:30 and it starts at 8PM.
Wednesday, Jan. 30th

Usually Wednesday there are too many shows. Fortunately this week I can only find two that I can recommend. Actually, they are timed in a way that is possible to see part of both shows (the good parts anyway).
  • I think David Evan is awesome. I predict others will soon catch on, so this Wednesday might be one of your chances to "see him when". He is playing at a restaurant called Calypso. It is a free show at 7 PM.
  • The other show is at The Doug Fir. Basically this is a benefit to help raise money for Brent, a faithful employee of the Doug Fir. You see his folks place basically burned down in an unfortunate turn of events just two days before Christmas. They live in Texas (the state from which I came from), so I figured I would help out by playing some music (it is all I can really do) . You can help out by paying to see said music. Actually, there are 17 bands total playing the event, they call it Brentfest. For a sliding scale of $5 to $15 it is a good deal. But there is more. Prizes will be raffled off during the night. Prizesfrom: doug fir
    patagonia
    jupiter hotel
    color bomb tattoos
    wack hair studios
    ace hotel
    bridgeport brewing
    holden
    photos by kyle oddson
    dakine
    hair cuts by bethany and holly!

    and many more to be confirmed soon!
    Sound exciting. Yes, yes it does. So you might even benefit yourself by attending this benefit. Did I mention the schedule? No I did not. But here it is: opener
    kacie sims 8pm

    james low 8:20

    hanz araki 8:40

    ocelli 9pm

    alan singley and the pants machine 9:20

    bombs into you 9:40

    the state of oregon 10:00

    solovox 10:20pm

    new york rifles 10:40

    raffle!!!! 11pm

    london and the look 11:30

    the orange collection 11:50

    chris tsefalas band 12:10

    meyercord 12:30

    adrian and the wounds
    12:50

    negative zen 1:10

    titans of oblivion 1:30 Petty cool huh? Though I am not familiar with a lot of these bands. I am excited to see them. It will be a lot of fun regardless of whether they are good or not. Show starts at 8PM.
Thursday, Jan. 31st

There are several shows happening tonight. For example:
  • The Know is having a free show featuring At Dusk, Church, and Ghosties. I have listened to all of the bands and it sounds like a good show. Plus At Dusk features Carey Clark who is all around good guy (he is heavily involved with PDX Pop Now! and fighting issues with the OLLC). Ghosties is part of the Boy Gorilla crew who features a lot of talented young folk in this town. Again the show is free. Music starts at 8 PM.
  • The Ash Street Saloon is having Eux Autres, Shane Watt, Krista Muir, and Ley Lines play a show. It is not a completely local show (half the bands are Canadian the other half are Portlanders), but I have heard nothing but good things about local brother sister duo Eux Autres. The show costs you only $5. Music starts at 9 PM.
  • The Holocene will also host some Canadians as We Are Wolves take the stage. More importantly, former Wet Confetti peeps, Reporter, are playing. DJ Nightschool and DJ Partyallthetime will be spinning records through out the night as well. The show costs $6. Doors at 9 PM.
  • A while back Gabriel Darling recommended that we all go see The Slants. Here is a chance to do so at Berbati's Pan. The New Wave Electro Asians are set to play all over the place in the coming months. Thursday they will be joined by local punks Lickity and the live laptop pop that is Gejius. But seriously, I saw Gejius play at PDX Pop Now! 2007 and it was good times. The show costs $5. The show starts at 9 PM.
Friday, Feb, 1st

I am going to list two shows. I am only going to one.
  • My favorite musician right now (those who know me know that I am always talking about her) is Y La Bamba. I just think she is top notch. I am stoked to get to see her play more than the two songs alloted at the Zilla open mic. She is playing at Nine Muses. Ocelli also will play. I don't know much about them but I will see them on Wednesday at the Doug Fir thing. The cost is $5. Music starts at 9 PM.
  • If you want to see something free you can head over to the Mississippi Studios and catch Modernstate play with Moodring, and Mr. Fredrick. It is free. Show starts at 10 PM.
Saturday, Feb. 2nd

There are many shows on Saturday that will be good. But just like Friday I have already decided which show I will attend.

  • We're From Japan! is playing at Kelly's Olympian (426 SW Washington Portland, OR 97204). In order to get his lady friend, Andi Camp, to see his band play, John from WFJ! arranged for her band, My Brightest Comet to play as well. Did I mention that John plays in that band too? Well, he does. Both band are awesome. Anyway, I am all over this show. Castle will be opening the show. The cost is not listed but I would be willing to throw down some cash on this show, so should you. Show is at 9 PM.
  • Dante's occasionally will have a good show. Saturday night is one of those nights. John Doe (ex-X) will be in town playing with locals Richmond Fontaine, Mike D and the Thee Loyal Bastards, and Miss Derringer. I can vouch for all but Miss Derringer and even that is three out of four bands guaranteed to rock. It is $8 in advance and $10 at the door. It starts at 9 PM.
  • The Roturre has a show going on Saturday that I wouldn't mind seeing. The Maybe Happening who I all whatev's about have Nick Jaina, who I think is great, and Dat'r, who are really fun to see, opening for them. It is a cd realease party so there is a chance that they have some new material that is as great as the openers. Only one way to find out. The show costs $6. Doors are at 9 PM.
  • One more thing on Saturday. Kimya Dawson (formerly of the Moldy Peaches) is doing a free instore performance at Music Millennium playing songs from the Juno Soundtrack. I know she isn't local but it is happening at a local record shop so I figured it counts. Free. Music starts at 3 PM.
Sunday, Feb. 3rd

Today is my day of rest. Mostly because there are no shows that interest me. Though I might just be unaware of them.

So those are the show I would have you see. If you happen to see me at one of these shows please say hi. If you don't see me at one of these shows. You should comment on the blog and be all "Hey Ben, WTF?" I will then proceed to apologize.

-Ben

p.s. you should comment on the blog anyway




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Mattress Monday Tonight 1/28/08: MONSTROUS



MATTRESS MONDAY
EAST END (21+)
203 SE Grand
Portland, OR
Hosted by Sean Gothman
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Sunday, January 27, 2008

List of Portland Music

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Northwest Noise: My Champion!

Oh I feel in love with Northwest Noise. If you love to read about NW music and multimedia I think you will fall in love as well.

Subscribe to the Northwest Noise RSS Feed go here: http://www.northwestnoise.com/rss/

Check out this article about Vision + Hearing.

Northwest Noise was also gracious enough to link to our blog!

When you visit Northwest Noise please be sure to check out the column on the right hand side. Scroll to the bottom of the page and check out the link list called "Huge Enemas". It is sure to be a family favorite.

-- Ste. Goldie
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Tuesday, January 22, 2008

15th Street Pub -- A Music Venue For You To Book A Show At!

Portland bands are always looking at new ways of reaching a broader audience. One way to do that is to head north on I-5, cross the Columbia river and head into adorable downtown Vancouver, Washington (Say WA?).

Downtown Vancouver has one place where I would want to see a show and that is the 15th Street Pub.



To book shows you can drop off a demo and press kit and/or contact them via Myspace. One of the bartenders told me they were booked out to April... Don't be put off by their seemingly unhelpful approach to talking to the public. My feeling is since it really is the only place for bands to play shows in a normal club setting (not the lounge at the Red Lion at the Quay) they are inundated with bands and musicians looking to play there.

15th Street Pub
109 W 15th St
Vancouver, WA 98660
(360) 693-8528
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MLK Jr. Day @ OTP 4 BBD


Gary Schroeder from Gas House Recording and Ben Meyercord @ Old Town Pizza


Ben Meyercord and Gabriel Darling


Clifford Libby aka Tony Reyes bassist for Westfold, Emily Wilde, Ste. Goldie, Maria Jett, and Adam Steinfink from AristeiA

Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2008 was celebrated at Old Town Pizza. It was also Ben's birthday observed. Some friends of CIMTB gathered ate pizza and cake and played Apples to Apples.
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Monday, January 21, 2008

Not On The Guest List

Not On The Guest List is "An indie and electro loving blog from someone who sometimes finds themself on the guestlist, sometimes not, yet finds a way in anyways". NOTGL linked to Amber Dawns post about the Children of The Revolution Festival.

Show the love! Visit them. Visit them often!
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Sunday, January 20, 2008

Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks Jan. 21st - Jan. 27th

Oh man, I am tired. I tried to got to more shows last week and yet I think I managed to go to even less than normal. I am ready for warmth outside. Or some free time or sleep or a combination of the the two. But what is that you say? This is not a dairy and you want actual music picks. Well hold your horse is, cause here they are:

Monday, Jan. 21st

Usually there are some decent shows on Monday. This Monday, however, has two really good shows. Both are free. Both are at venues that are too cool to have websites.
  • The Tube (18 NW 3rd Ave) are having a show with Reporter, Swallows, DJ Nate C. You may recognize Reporter because they used to play under the name Wet Confetti. I is awesome angular rock. I must admit I am not familiar with Swallows, but it looks to be awesome as well. And why not go see them. The show starts at 9:30 and is Free.
  • Speaking of awesome and free. You might want to check out Valentine's (232 SW Ankeny) because they are having Sarah Winchester, Sonny Fields, and Jack Bouba. Sarah sings as the "girl" part of the boy/girl vocals and plays the drums in A Weather (one of my favorite Portland bands). I saw her play at the Holocene a month ago just her and a guitar and it sounded great. I am excited about the possibility of hearing her play again. I just listened to Sonny and he sounds good. Geez. I just checked out Jack and he sounds good too (plus he wants his music to be called Fuck Folk. Bonus!). This show looks like it might be where I end up. Free. 9PM.
  • Or if you want to go to a free show in NOPO then you get check out the hillbilly sounds of Podunk at The World Famous Kenton Club. This is the place that has the huge lumber jack outside of it. Free. 6PM.
Tuesday, Jan. 22nd

So I know that usually I only list open mics on Tuesdays. But that is because usually that is all that is going on on the second day of the week. But check it, I'm going to list at least two non-open mic shows.
  • If you happen to have an extra $25-$28 laying around, you might consider going over to The Crystal Ballroom to see The Decemberists play a show with The Dead Trees (after looking at their page I see that they are plying the Know the previous day. How do you play the Know one night and The Crystal Ballroom the next night? Crazy.). I know that they are huge and on a major label and all but hey, I still thank they're great. So what? It costs $25-$28. Show is at 9PM.
  • If you don't have that kind of cash but still feel like seeing some local quirky indiepop you can head to Holocene to catch the Alex Arrow Smith (get it?), Lonesome Radio Heart, and New Agency show. I don't know much about these bands but Holocene usually has good taste in music plus it is only $6. Show is at 9PM.
  • Don't even have $6? Do not worry. There is always open mic at Zilla Sake every Tuesday. I know that open mics are usually very cringe worthy but this is quite the opposite. First of all it is hosted by the incredible Y La Bamba. Second of all Meyercord usually plays it. Third of all I hear they have good sake and I know they have good tea. Sign up is at 7:30PM. The show is free. Music Starts at 8:00PM.
Wednesday, Jan. 23rd

As always, you have quite a variety of shows to pick from on Wednesday.
  • If you missed The Decemberists play on Tuesday or if you happened upon $30, you'll want to check out the (in my humble opinion) better of the two shows at The Crystal Ballroom as Psuedosix will be opening. Again it will be $25-$28. 9PM.
  • Speaking of The Cyrstal Ballroom, a while back I was attending the last night of MusicFest NW at that very same Venue. I was there see Wolf Parade. But I was pleasantly surprised to find that both opening acts were quite good as well. Holy Fuck seems to really be taking off. It will be interesting to see if the local band, Swim Swam Swum will see some of the same success. You can catch them at Berbati's Pan with Seattle's Patient Patient and World's Greatest Ghosts on Wednesday. The show is a modest $5. 10PM.
  • The Doug Fir is having Musee Mecanique, Michael Hurley, and MBilly play a show. I first noticed Musee Mecanique quite a few months ago when I noticed that several of my favorite local bands had this band in their "top friends". Then when it was announced that they were Laura Gibson's touring backing band I finally checked them out. They sound pretty darn good. Michael Hurley is apparently a folk singer legend. I heard him play with Alela Diane at Holocene once. He was pretty good. I have seen that MBilly has opened for many a good musician. I assume that he is then good in his own right. For $8 you can go find out for yourself. Show starts at 9PM.
  • Speaking of the Holocene, Per Se is playing there with Dirty Mittens, Hurah Hurah, and Sea Caves on Wednesday. If you have ever met Anne from Per Se you know she is pretty cool. What you might not know if you met Anne is that she writes and performs good music. So if you like those other bands she is playing with you might want to consider this show. It will set you back $6. Show at 9PM.
Thursday, Jan. 24th

I most likely will not go out tonight. I will not lie to you and say oh yeah sure. I will be at the show. Lets face facts folks. Working at 6:30AM on Friday does not lend itself to seeing a show on Thursday nights. That being said:
Friday, Jan. 25th

So usually there are a few things going down on Fridays. Here is what I see.
  • One time Cello player of AristeiA, George Turner, plays in the group Sketchy Ted. If you like good old fashioned guitar pop, you might dig them. They play along side Rowdy James Band, Blare, and The Misery Science at The Ash Street Saloon. The show is $5. 9:30 PM.
  • The Someday Lounge is having a very cool event on Friday. It is part of the Triple Dare Series which usually involves an author, a film maker, and a musician. This one is called, "Is that all there is?". There is a lot to this event and I don't really feel like writing it all so let me just let you know that Shelly Short will be playing and you will get more entertainment value than a "normal show". The event will set you back $8 and totally be worth it.
Saturday, Jan. 26th

Show night in Portland. You want some options? I got your options right here:
Sunday, Jan. 27th

I usually don't go to show on Sundays but...
  • Valentines is having Paint and Copter, EET, and Smoke & ; Mirrors play this Sunday. Valentine's is good for bringing together interesting bills. This is no exception. The show is FREE. Show starts at 9PM.


Whew. As always I hope to see you at some of these shows. Support your local bands (you can also support your local blogs by commenting on and linking to this blog). Have a great week.

-Ben Meyercord


Come see Brandon's Favorite Band this Saturday at Kelly's Olympian
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Monday, January 14, 2008

The Mercury has a new Music Blog

It is called End Hits a reference to Fugazi.



I don't really know why they called it that. Anyway it seems pretty cool. It is definitely not just local though. Crappy Indie Music -- The Blog! and local cut have an edge!

Anyway I just thought you should know and all.

-Ben

ps Adam if you read this, check it out.
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Sunday, January 13, 2008

Ben Meyercord Live Music Picks for Jan. 14th to Jan. 20th

I am proud of myself. I actually made it out to some shows last week. A whopping 4 out of the 12 shows I had listed. Do the math, (thats a third of the shows I listed, just in case you didn't want to do the math). I plan to do even better this week. And believe you me there some good shows to catch this week.

Check it out:

Monday, Jan. 14th
  • The Someday Lounge will be having a show which features Seattle's Pwrfl Power and two of Portland's up and comers Mattress and Ah Holly Fam'ly. I believe that this show got a write up in the Mercury so I won't get into too much detail, but I will say this. I have been meaning to catch Ah Holly Family for what seems to be forever. Hopefully I will on Monday. It costs $5. Show at 9PM
Tuesday, Jan. 15th
  • The only thing I can full heartedly recommend is the Zilla Sake Open Mic. Again this happens every single Tuesday and is hosted by the amazing Y La Bamba. I try to play this as Meyercord every week. Other cool people play this every week. The quality of this thing is actually quite surprising. Sign up at 7:30. This free music extravaganza starts at 8PM.
Wednesday, Jan. 16th

Apparently the nights that are most likely to have shows that I want to see always fall on the days that I am least likely to see them (ie band practice days: Wednesday and Saturday). This may be a good thing though since there always seems to be some difficult decisions to be made.
Thursday, Jan. 17th
  • The Holocene's music label, Holocene Music, has put out some pretty good local records in the past year or so. This night they are planning the premiere of a couple of good local music videos for their label's own The Shaky Hands and Swan Island in the form of a screening. Both bands will also perform live sets as well as DJ sets. And the best part is free. Show starts at 9PM.
Friday, Jan. 18th

I know that Dan Decon is playing an awesome show at the Holocene tonight but if you want to keep it local or at least among friends of Portland, than look at this:
Saturday, Jan. 19th

You know how earlier I made mention of all the shows being on Wednesdays and Saturdays,; well check this out. There are no less than six shows that I will list for this Saturday. Crazy.
  • The first show I want to list because it sounds like alot of fun. I am unsure as to how "good" it will be, but it will most likely be a good time. I am talking about Fist of Dishonor's show at Dante's. Fist of Dishonor, of course being the local Ninja band sensation, will be performing with Cocktail Cabaret and Hello Lobster. This will cost you $5. Show starts at 9PM.
  • Kelly's Olympian will be having a show featuring The Harvey Girls, Cars and Trains (who I have mentioned in this blog before but have yet to see), and Autotopia. All of these acts sound look like they would be interesting to see. There is no listed cost of this show. Show starts at 9PM.
  • The Doug Fir Lounge is having the always awesome live, ochestrated folk-pop of Loch Lomond. Matt Sheehy and Johanna Kunin. Show costs $8. Music starts at 9PM.
  • The Artistery is having a good show this night as well. Mirah is playing. This is exciting because it seems like she has only played a handful of shows in the last several years. Bryce Panic, Arrington de Dionyso, and Rebecca Pearcy,who are all interconnected in ways too complicated to list here, will open the show. The show is $12. ALL AGES so show will start at 8PM.
  • Mississippi Pizza is having two shows tonight. Both are worth checking out. Alan Singley will be having an ALL AGES early show. He has a new record coming out pretty soon so he will probably be busting out some new tunes. Don't know if there is a cover. Music at 6PM.
  • The second show at Mississippi Pizza will feature Loch Berlin, TheFriendly Skies, and Wooden Indian Burial Ground. An interesting line up for sure. I saw The Friendly Skies play las Monday and it was awesome. I am unsure if there is a cover. Music starts at 9PM.
Sunday, Jan. 20th

Sunday is my Birthday! There are also no recommended shows by me!

So go out to shows this week. Come say hi to me if you do. I will be the guy near the front who looks like this:


Meyercord will be playing Zilla Sake on Friday.
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Saturday, January 12, 2008

The Best Bands You Didn't See at COTR

Last Saturday, the 5th, was the first day of the Children of the Revolution festival at Audiocinema. Although I find warehouse-type spaces to be aesthetically unappealing, one big plus is that there was plenty of room for all kinds of things to be going on. Unfortunately, when I arrived just before 5:30, almost nobody was there.
Yes Portland, I know, we think nothing's happening before 10:30 at least. And yeah, it did cost a whole twelve dollars. But that's twelve dollars for a whole lot of awesome. And sometimes, shows save the best for first. Reviews tend to focus on the big-name bands or those that closed out the night - but here's what I liked best.
There was art everywhere. Some of it I liked, some of it I didn't. And that's about as much as I know about art, and this is a music blog anyway. There was a bar and cafe, but I only partook in one drink, because that gin and ginger cost me a whopping five dollars and was (fortunately or unfortunately?) way too stiff.
The festival opened promptly at 5:30 with a set by Chrome Wings. If you haven't heard the sounds of these three handsome young Portland fellows, you're missing out. Jon Jurow and Matt Spencer play guitar and keyboards, respectively, and several gadgets and pedals. Their music is primarily instrumental, and manages to be both catchy and experimental, moving between melodic and atmospheric, but always held together with a beat provided by Jason Nickle. There's plenty of loud and feedbacky, without sacrificing musicality. (photo to your left)
Second, on the small stage, was Death Songs, about whom, unfortunately, I can find no information. (If you know about it, please let me know.) Lots of drums, guitaring, folksy singing.
Thirdly, and most delightful, was Starfucker. I'll be completely honest and admit that I went a long time hearing their name and not listening to them because I thought "Starfucker? What a silly name, they're probably not good." Boy, was I making a mistake. These guys are one of the best bands to come out of Portland, and honestly, I can't understand why they're not completely famous all over everywhere. Catchy songs, musically sound, lots of wonderful keyboard noises, good vocal arrangements, and every song is danceable. Plus, they're nice to look at, too. --> (proof)
Support local music, kids, and have a great weekend!
<3 Amber Dawn
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Thursday, January 10, 2008

Blog renaming constest?!?!?!?

You heard correct.

The prize has yet to be determined.

I have a feeling naming this blog will be a prize in it's self.

Leave a comment. Let's through some idea's together? Maybe yes?
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Sunday, January 6, 2008

Ben Meyercords live music picks for Jan. 7th to Jan. 12th

Jeez. It is seems so cold lately. It makes me so tired. I didn't see any shows last week except for the one I played. These are tough times for seeing shows. Because lets face it, your couch has a blanket and you can fall asleep on it. A show on the other hand requires leaving the home and briefly facing the cold. On the other hand a show can totally revitalize you. So that is what I will try to do this week (be revitalized). you should give a try as well.

Here are your opportunities:

Monday the 7th

  • So AristeiA was all set to play the Someday Lounge tonight with The Friendly Skies and The Ax, but things happen and band line ups change. Any way, AristeiA had to sit this one out so Bonanza City has stepped up to fill the bill. The line up appears to be of the experimental/rock/post-rock variety. This is where I will bee Tonight. $5 at the door. Show starts at 9PM.
Tuesday the 8th

I could not find much in the way of actual shows. However this should not discourage you from attend one of Portland's finest open mics.
  • Zilla Sake has an open mic every single Tuesday. It is hosted by the amazing Y La Bamba with sound by E (who just bought some new toys for running sound). It is two songs per artist. Each performance will later be podcast via E's open mic scout website.
Wednesday the 9th

Finally we have some competition for my interests.
  • Berbati's Pan is having Cars & Trains, Logan Lynn, and The Skinnyz play. Cars & Trains look really interesting to me. It is described as being kind of folky but at the same time kind of hiphop (one of the guys from anticon , Sole, guests on his ep). Logan Lynn, according to his myspace page, plays "Emotronic" music. The Skinnyz play good old rock and roll. But mostly I am interested in Cars & Trains. I am unsure of the price, but the show starts at 9PM.
  • If you are a fan of country rock (not like country pop or whatever that sissy stuff they play on the radio is called) then you should head over to the Doug Fir to catch Scotland Barr and The Slow Drags, Mike D and The Loyal Bastards , and Rachel Taylor Brown. This is part of the In Music We Trust Series which means that it is free. Music starts at 9PM.
  • But the show I am most excited to see this week is going down at The Artistrey. Casiotone For The Painfully Alone (used to live in Portland) will be playing a show with Parenthetical Girls (does live in Portland). I am so excited about this. I love both Owen Ashworth's and Zac Pennington's music. Alot. Owen's little brother (also lives in Portland) who plays as Concern opens. It will cost $6 at the door. The show starts at 8PM.
Thursday the 10th

Another night of hard choices.
  • The Ash Street Saloon will have Leigh Marble, Jared Mees & The Grown Up Children, and Stuart Valentine playing. Leigh Marble is the Mercury's current "Band of the Week", so I figured it might be worth checking out. Plus the WWeek is always talking about how good Jared Mees is. I figured this might be a chance to find out (ps check out Leigh Marble's Remix of a Pay the Coyote song at the local cut section of the WWeek).
  • But Dante's is having The Section Quartet play. They are a string quartet who interpret rock music for the strings. They are supposed to be very good. They have played on albums for Kanye West, Devendra Barnhart, Ryan Adams, to Christina Aguilera. Opening up are locals faves Pseudosix (featuring members of The Joggers). The show is only $5. Show starts at 9PM.
  • Mt Tabor legacy also has a kick ass show though. We're From Japan! is playing. These guys are one of if not my favorite bands to see live. Love Meter and Marits open. This too only costs $5. Show starts at 9PM.
Friday the 11th

Here are some things to see and hear.
  • The Modern Age, an all ages space run by PSU's radio station KPSU has shows every other Friday. This Friday they will have Alan Singley, Ohioan & Native Kin, Church, and Suplex. I am only familiar with Alan Singley. He ca write a hell of a pop song. Plus he is a real nice guy. The show will cost $3-$5. Show starts at 8PM.
  • The Tube (18 NW 3rd) has DJ Copy and DJ Multiply. I don't genrally get into to DJ's, but I Love Copy. So if you need to dance your ass off. This the place to do just that. Free. DJ's start at 10PM.
Saturday the 12th

Okay so there are two good shows going down. One seems to be for a good cause and has a good line up. But the other also has a good line up and is closer to my house and starts later so that I can still do AristieA practice. I will list them both though.

So I will definitely be at some of these shows. If you see me come say hello (I'm the guy with the mustache). I hope you all have a great week.

-Ben


Parenthetical Girls play The Artistery on Wednesday

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