Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Tuesday, December 8th

Hello Dear Readers,

No show for me last night. I instead shared a meal with AristeiA, the idea I guess was to get me to eat out of something other than a pot with a wooden spoon (an everyday occurance with me). It was fun. I got to DJ on Devon's ipod. Then I went and watched a movie at another friends house, Holland a Meyercord band member was there. I guess what I am saying is that last night I had a social night with people I play music with. This is something I don't do all the time. It was 'aight. But if I missed a good show, please let me know leaving a comment. Here is what looks good to me tonight:

Tuesday, December 8th

Valentine's is having something called Portland Stories which will feature Kele Goodwin, Sarah Winchester, Michael Elias, Nicholas Archibald Marshall, MayMay, Rauelsson, Town Rill, Galveston, and Heather Woods Broderick. These are some of the best indie-folk performers in town. Granted there are some that I don't know, I feel that the quality of those that I do, make this a very very good show. Plus many of these artists don't play out too often (Heather included). This show accompanies an album that Heather Broderick curated with these folks called Portland Stories. The show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.

Doug Fir is having a show with Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band (Seattle), World's Greatest Ghost, and The Growlers (Costa Mesa). I honestly have seen the name Mt. St. Helens Vietnam band a lot, but have never listened to them. They are not why I am writing about this show. I am writing about the show because World's Greatest Ghost is so good. They play music that combines fun nerdy-ness and guitarmonies interlocking with keyboard melodies (so many melodies) and a rewardingly perfect way. I missed their Gnome Party over the week end that encouraged people to dress up as mythical creatures. Though it is not really encouraged at this performance, I sure that if you broke out the 'ol Minotaur costume you would not be turned away. The show is $10 and starts at 9 PM.

Holocene is having a show with Stiffwiff, Jozef van Wissem (Netherlands), Saudade, and Pete Swanson. Horray for improvised instrumental music. Stiffwiff is a revolving cast of some really good musicians from around Portland. I know that members of Graves, Carcrashlander, Point Juncture and more all play in the group. Someone described their music as "drum-heavy, jazz-rock fusion". I could get behind that. Jozef van Wissem is a composer who plays the Lute. That is so old school. But I guess he also adds some sound manipulation as well to get up with the rest of the world. Regardless, I think it will be rally interesting. This is an album release show for Saudade, an ambient duo who make layers of upon layers of sound to create beautiful soundscapes. I love that sort of thing. Pete Swanson used to be half of Yellow Swans. Who instead of ambient sounds, used noise and very effected guitar to create a soundscape. The show is $6 and starts at 8 PM.

If you see me at any of these shows please say, "Hi". You never know, I could be your new best friend.

-Ben


Heather Woods Broderick will play tonight at Valentines. Probably a narrative tune.