Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Thursday May 6th

Hello Dear Readers,

last night I went to that secret Blitzen Trapper show at The Woods it was pretty awesome. I missed out on a lot of of the friends of theirs that played before. But it seemed like everyone was having a good time. The guys played wonderfully. Then Scott McGee from many many bands debuted his DJ skills. It was pretty impressive that despite only having one turntable, he managed to lead a successful dance party. Tonight there are some good things happening too:

Holocene is having the aan CD release show with Y La Bamba and The Slaves. aan is one of my very favorite bands in Portland. I have been waiting for this CD to come out for what seems like forever. Just yesterday it they made the album available for streaming on their myspace page. I suggest you take a listen and then come out tonight so's that you can purchase the album. Bud Wilson's voice is amazing. His guitar playing is very unique and the way he incorporates effects pedals both on his guitar and voice is so sweet. Oh and Y La Bamba is playing it to. Since I play in that band I get to go for free, suckas. I should also mention that The Slaves are also playing the show. I have only seen them once, but it really made an impression on me. It is very very reverb covered almost ambient but actually engaging and beautiful music. The show is $6 and starts at 8:30 PM.

The Artistery is having a show with The Woolen Men, And And And, and Archers. All of these bands are relatively newish to me. I don't know that I had heard of any of them say like a year ago, but what I have heard of them I like. This is an indie rock bill. I will be honest, I am not familiar enough with any of these bands material to have formed set opinions, but I do tend to think that I like them. Check out the links I provided to see for yourself. The show is $6 and starts at 7:30 PM.

Doug Fir is having a show with Southerly, Super XX Man, and Soft Tags. When I think of Southerly, I think of Kirst Krueger. That is because I have only seen him play solo and acoustic. I forget that Southerly is actually a band. Judging by his latest release, he will need a band. It is mostly instrumental pieces. I departure for sure when you get known as a songwriter. Not that these are not songs, but it's different. Supper XX Man is also known as a songwriter. I like his songs quite a bit. They often seem deceptively simple and heartfelt. I too have only seen Super XX Man as a acoustic one man "band". But I know that they are a real band as well. THey play too often so this is kinda special. Soft Tags are a great band That I have yet to actually see. They are terribely prolific and are constantly getting better at what they do. As a d.i.y. band, that would be everything from writing and recording to actually screen printing their albums. If you like rock that is a little bit lo-fi but also a little bit shoegaze, this is the band for you. The show is $6 and starts at 9 PM.

Tender Loving Empire is having its grand opening today in their new store location, 412 SW 10th Ave. It is a celebration. There will be a art instilation called "Growth" that is curated by Greg from Human Eyeball. Plus there will be live music by Tender Loving Empire musical artist Boy Eats Drum Machine. So if you like pop music that incorporates crooning, samples, turntable skills, and a touch of sax, then I highly recommend that you check out BEDM. The show is FREE and lasts from 6 Pm to 10 PM.

If you see me at Holocene please say "Hi". It will be a great greeting.

-Ben


BEDM will be part of the Tender Loving Empire's grand Opening this Evening.