Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Monday, January 31st

Hello Dear Readers,
Yesterday, on an impulse I went to California to see someone very special to me. It meant that I was awry from the computer all day. I missed shows. Honestly, I don't even know what was happening show wise last night. But here I am in the Sacramento State Campus Library with a bit of time on my hands so I thought I would see what is happening in Anyways, here are some shows that look good to me tonight:

Mississippi Studios is having a show with Ocean Age (Portland/Seattle), Lord Huron, and Sea Bell (Eugene). I hate to lump bands together, but sometimes it just makes sense to have certain bands play together. Such is the case with this show. Ocean Age and Lord Huron both are indie groups that make use of less rock percussion and more don't know…world rhythms. They also both use really nice harmonies. Ocean Age is more of a band and I think that Lord Huron is more of a one man project of Ben Schneider. Though I have heard that live Lord Huron is an actual band. I still consider Ocean Age a Portland band despite two members relocating to Seattle last year. The most recent thing they did was do one of my favorite remixes on the Hosannas People I Know remix thing. The show is $10 and starts at 9 PM.

Valentine's is having a show with The Woolen Men, Pigeons, and The Messy Jacksons. The Woolen Men to me remind me of college rock from the 90's. It is good and poppy and has guitars and doesn't sound too slick but comfortable. It is upbeat and fun watch. All of the band members contribute to the songwriting which leads to a lot of rotation. Pigeons released an album of tracks last year that I regrettable have not gotten yet. I think you would like them. They seem to go for the epic indie rock sound. The Messy Jacksons are a bit more modest in their sound and while don't entirely sound messy, they do give a bit of a slacker vibe. The show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.

If you see me at any of these shows please say, "Hi". But you won't cause I am in Sacramento. Sorry.
-Ben

Not really sure why this video was made, but you can see The Woolen Men tonight at Valentine's.

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Saturday, January 29th

Hello Dear Readers,

Last night I went to the Woods. I was pleased to find DJ Kooky Parker spinning soul. It was nice. Then I saw what I came for: Laura Gibson. It was the duo version that includes her boy friend and Musee Mecanique guy Sean Ogilive. Laura was great. She played a lot of old greats and a few new greats two. Sean manned a drum set but also added keyboard, shaker, backing vocals, and melodica. The impressive thing is that he played more than one of these interments and sang at the same time. Kudos. I cannot wait to hear her new album. Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger was pretty good. Sean Lennon was awkwardly charming. He and his girl friend Charlotte Kemp Muhl had some genuinely adorable stage banter. They had to start their last song four times because they kept cracking each other up. They also briefly went into a rendition of "Benny and the Jets" before finally getting through the song. The trumpet player C.J. Calamari was just outstanding. He was he very good playing wise, but he also got really creative with putting the trumpet through effects pedals to get really cool sounds. Many times I was looking around for another brass instrument. Plus he sometimes played the gorgeous french horn. Kudos. Anyways, here are some shows that look good to me tonight:

Backspace is having a show with Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground (Seattle), Oh Captain My Captain, and Archeology. I am not familiar with Kay Kay and his Weathered Underground. They seem to be a large pop band that is so popular these days. I am mostly am writing about this show because of my love for Oh Captain My Captain. Jesse Bettes can write the crap out of a song. Also, he has a knack of surrounding himself with equally awesome musicians. It has the same feel of Dr. Dog or some other amazing pop band. Archeology is another pop band, but they seem to have a more indie rock feel. While Oh Captain My Captain has a more classic pop feel. The ALL AGES show is $15 and starts at 9 PM.

Banana Stand is having a show with A Million Years Ago (Seattle) and Orca Team. A Million Years Ago is a band that I have not heard before but it sounds pretty cool. No bass, two guitars, keyboard, and drums. Plus they also some great harmonies going on. Power pop at its finest. Orca Team is a great band. I haven't seen them, but I really love their music. A lot. You should check them out. Go to the show pick up a tape. Also you should check out the Banastand website. They record all of their love shows and them put it on their site. The ALL AGES show is FREE and starts at 8 PM.

Star E Rose is having a show with Lee Corey Oswald, Bear Feet, and Grey Anne. This show is a benefit for a worker that was fired from Starbucks for trying to organize workers. You know how Starbucks has a bad rep. It's because of stuff like this. Lee Corey Oswald are playing an acoustic set. They have apparently strayed from this set up for a while. Bear Feet is a folk, jazz, gypsy, blues band. They have washboards and everything. Grey Anne is an amazing songwriter. She is also an amazing performer. I would list this show no matter what it was based on her alone. It just so happens to be be for a good cause. The show is a suggested $5-$10 (though no one will be turned away for a lack of funds) and starts at 7 PM.

The Secret Society is having a last minute show with Black Mercies and Secret Codes. That is the perfect place for Secret Codes to play. Both venue and band have the word "secret" in them. You see? Anyway I have yet to make it out to The Secret Society. It is the smaller place connected to the Wonder Ballroom. I have made it out to see Secret Codes before. I like them a lot. Think Tortoise meets Efterklang with some other stuff thorn in. It's kinda jazzy kinda post rock. You will like it. The show is at 9 PM.


If you see me at any of these shows please say, "Hi". Geetings not beatings!

-Ben


Orca Team will be play the Banastand tonight!

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Y La Bamba is making a new record. We need your help!

Hello Dear Readers,

I wanted to let all of you guys know that Y La Bamba (the band that I play bass and sing in) is going to be recording a new full length album in the coming weeks. I totally feel like I am using this blog for my own gain doing this(because I am), but I wanted to let you know that to help fund the album, we jumped on the Kickstarter bandwagon. As with the other kickstarter campaigns, it's not like you are donating you money to get nothing but graditude in return. We gots all sorts of incentives that you get in return for your money donations. Check our Kickstarter page to see them all. Also check out the video our friend Ben Fee (of the Bar Bar Sessions fame) made for us.

-Ben

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Friday, January 28th

Hello Dear Readers,

Last night I ended up working until 9 pm. That meant a 13 hour work day. I am used to 8 and that wears me out. I wasn't een close to seeing a show afterwards. I hope you guys did though. That Holocene show looked really promising. Anyways, here are some shows that look good to me tonight:

The Woods is having a show with The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger and Laura Gibson. GOASTT is a new band from Sean Lennon and his model girlfriend Charlotte Kemp Muhl. I know how that sounds. Son of a very famous musician? Model/musician? No way this can be good. Well, I have only seen one video and it was pretty good What's more is that the video is live. This is the easiset way to expose a musician's weaknesses. But nothing jumped out at me. I am just as surprised as you. They have some really sweet harmonies and both are usually singing and playing a couple things at once. Impressive. Plus they got Laura Gibson to open. I have not seen Laura Play in a long time. She will be releasing a record sometime this year, so hopefully she will play some new songs. I think this is a partially seated show. So come early if you want a good seat. The show is $15 and starts at 9 PM.

Someday Lounge is having something called Whiskey Songwriters Night. As you might suspect there will be a lot of songwriters and a lot of whiskey. Nate Clark (On the Stairs), Megan Spear (Jared Mees & The Grown Children), Ed Thanhouser (Ed & The Red Reds), Dustin Ruth, James McFarland (of Southpaw),Shawn Lawson Freeman. I am not a drinker, but the whiskey at this event is apparently is "good" and $3 a shot. So you have heard of drinking songs. Perhaps you have heard of drowning your sorrow. This will be a night of these sentiments. If you are already having a bad year, misery loves company. Come on out and take part in the country/singer-songwriting tradition of getting hammered. Radio Cab's number is 503-227-1212. You probably shouldn't be driving or biking after this show. The cover is $5 and it all starts at 8 PM.

Branx is having a show with The Thermals, Guidance Counselor, and Wampire. This quite a line up. I think White Fang used to be on the bill too. I am not sure what happened there. But regardless, this show will be fun and full of energy. The Thermals are poppy. They are kinda punk. They are are super fun. I think that The Blood The Body The Machine is one of the best albums ever. I have not heard their latest, but I bet it is good. It is also nice to see some of the younger Portland bands on the bill. Guidance Counselor are a great band. I haven't seen them in a long time. I think they have at least one more member since I saw them last. It is really dancey. Wampire has also added a member. While it is kinda dancey. It is more about a chill pop vibe that you can dance to. They also like to strip. Just letting you know. They have songs that will get stuck in your head. Much like the headliners. The show is $15 and starts at 8 PM.

The Know is having a show with Why I Must Be Careful, Raider, and Swahili. I haven't seen Why I Must Be Careful in a long time. I remember them being really crazy spaz jazz. I bet they have a completely new set that I haven't heard before. I think they made an LP sleeve from real honey comb. I just saying, they are pretty creative. Raider have a couple of demos on their myspace page. It sounds like psychedelic post-grunge rock. Swahili sound like the part of the movie where the protagonist has a spirit walk in the desert. It is psychedelic and dreamlike for sure. you can get their album for free at the link I provided. The show is at 8 PM.


If you see me at any of these shows please say, "Hi". I would thank you kindly, to do so.

-Ben


The Thermals are playing Branx tonight!

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Thursday, January 27th

Hello Dear Readers,

Last night I had Y La Bamba practice for the first time in over a month. It felt good to play music with them. But it also made me feel very tired. When I got home at 10, I decided that I was not going to leave the house again. Besides, at that point I had already missed the one act I really wanted to see that night, Padriac Finbar Hagerty-Hammond. Anyways, here are some shows that look good to me tonight:

Holocene is having the Into the Woods Anniversary show with Tu Fawning, Skeletron, And And And, Guantanamo Baywatch, and DJ Snakks. Into the Woods is only a year old? That is crazy to me. It feels like they have been around forever. That is probably because they have put out enought videos to feel like they have been around forever. They work at a dizzying pace. And incase you didn't know they have started a Kickstarter page where you can actually get a ticket for this show. What about the bands? Well... Tu Fawning is the closest thing that you can get to a 31 Knots show these days. I sorely miss that band but understand his wanting to pursue this project. Skeletron one of the offshoots of Starfucker (the other being Fake Drugs). It, to me, sounds like Starfucker. Which is to say really dancey and poppy. And And And are high energy and super fun and umm...indie rock. Guantanamo Baywatch is surf punk. That honestly leans a little more punk. DJ Snakks is Zach from Breakfast Mountain. The show is $5 and starts at 8:30 PM.

The Alberta Rose Theater is having a show with Celilo, John Heart Jackie, and Duover. Hello Americana/Folk-pop/Indie-folk people. This is a show for you. Celilo can rock the folk out with the best of them. John Heart Jackie are a bit more gentle and make great use of female male harmonies and acoustic instruments. Duover to do the same but have a poppier vibe to them. Overall, if you like any or all of those genres I mentioned, you will love this show. If the thought of some damn folky hippies with their damn acoustic guitars makes you want to hurt someone, please do not go to this show. Not that they are damn hippies, but seriously if you want to hurt someone you shouldn't be going out at all. The show is $8 and starts at 9 PM.

Plan B is having a show with X-Ray Press, Microtia, and The Jezebel Spirit. You can get the Jezebel Spirit album and some EPs for FREE at their bandcamp. Okay, here is the deal: I was pretty sure that at least two of these bands had broken up. The last time AristeiA (which I am pretty sure is broken up) played in Seattle, we played with X-Ray Press who said that it was their last show. Also I swear last week someone told me that Jezebel Spririt broke up. what gives? Both of these bands are pretty awesome and kinda mathy or proggy or whatever. AristeiA also played a show with both of these bands a long long time ago. It was super fun. I haven't heard anything from Microtia in a long time. I remember them being loud the entire time. If you are into that sort of thing check it out. The show is at 8 PM.

Ella Street Social Club is having a show with Blind Bartimaeus, Autopilot is for Lovers, and Honeybear (Calgery, Canada). I don't know these bands save Autopilot is for Lovers. Who are great. Also I don't know what kind of line up they are currently working with. But it always centers around the accordion, piano, or guitar of Adrienne Hatkin and her very distinct voice. You will love it or hate it. Blind Bartimaeus sounds to me folky. I could be wrong. They list blues and gospel as their sound. I could maybe see that. It sounds sad and acoustic. Honeybear makes kinda moody folk pop. The show is $5 and starts at 9:30 PM.

Mississippi Studios is having a show with Led to Sea (Seattle), Solvents (Port Townsend,WA), and Nick Caceres. You might recognize Alex Guy from Led to Sea as also being in Laura Veirs band. That is because, yeah, she is in both bands. As a well accomplished violist/violinist she is capable of some beautiful sounds. Especially when she involves a lopping pedal. So I listened to a bit of the solvents and were going to say that they are a acoustic pop band, when I heard the last song on their myspace player I was proven wrong. That one has a lot of eclectic guitar. So I guess they are an indie pop band instead. Nick Caceres is the main dude in the Tender Loving Empire band Gatitillium. He doesn't seem to play under his own name so much anymore. He is folk pop. That is to say his songs are wordy and mostly played on an acoustic guitar. The show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.

If you see me at any of these shows please say, "Hi". I would thank you kindly, to do so.

-Ben


Into the Woods shot this video. This band is playing their anniversary show tonight at Holocene!

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Wednesday, January 26th

Hello Dear Readers,

"What's up? You see that thing with the other thing the other day? I know. That was crazy." This is how I would talk to you if I saw you in person. Alas we are stuck here with our screens. Not interacting. The only thing I do is go to shows sometimes. When I don't wimp out. My excuses usually range from "it's too cold outside" to "I'm tired"** . Anyways, here shows happening in Portland tonight. Ween is playing. They are kinda incredible. But at $35 a ticket, I will be missing that show. Here are some shows that are a bit more Portland-centric and a bit more affordable:

Backspace is having a show with Pocketknife, Towering Trees, and Padriac Finbar Hagerty-Hammond. Pocketknife are a upbeat synth heavy danceable pop band. I have not seen them but rumour has it that they are good live too. Towering Trees used to play as William Carpenter's Towering Trees. The band is ion fact led by one Will Carpenter. I remember writing about them way back. Then I have not heard from them in a long time. I remember them being kinda folky. But I guess they changed their name and started to sound pretty poppy. In fact they now sound down right jangly. You can get their FREE Proto EP right here. The thing that caught my eye the most about this show is Padriac Finbar Hagerty-Hammond. He is one of my favorite song writers. Just go and listen to his songs. They will make you laugh and cry. The ALL AGES show is $5 and starts at 8 PM.

The Secret Society is having a show with Inside Voices. Inside Voices has been laying kinda low. I thought that the bass player moved away to go to law school or something. But I have seen that they sometimes play at the Secret Society. If you have not heard them, you should they are crazy good. The drummer is amazing. He is probably my favorite drummer to watch in Portland. The songs are great. Umm... just check it out. The show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.

Rotture is having a show with The Greys, Ghost to Falco, EMA, Tara and Brian (Tara Jane O'Neil and Brian Mumford). The Greys are a noisey band. They sound like they would just fill any venue to the brim with their layers of distorted and verbed out everything. Ghost to Falco is the vision of a guy named Eric. I have seen it as a band. I have seen it as a dude with a guitar and a looping pedal. I have seen several broken television sets on stage. I have seen something interesting when he plays. EMA is the music outlet of Erika M. Anderson. There is a lot of stuff on her website. I can't really tell you much about the music. The thing that grabbed my attention for this show was the thought of Tara Jane O'Neil and Brian Mumford collaborating. I like them both a lot separately. I imagine a collaboration would be pretty cool. And probably pretty far out there knowing that both had interests in pushing boundaries. The show is $5 and starts at 9 PM.

Mississippi Pizza is having a show with Cody Votolato (Seattle) and The We Shared Milk. Cody is that dude that was in Jaguar Love and Blood Brothers. This is being billed a special acoustic set. It is hard to imagine him quiet as his other bands have been crazy and high energy. But then again his actual brother has made a name for himself doing acoustic stuff. The We Shared Milk is a band that I have yet to see. Obviously they are on my radar as I have written about them a couple of times. The show is

If you see me at any of these shows please say, "Hi". That would be most charitable of you.

-Ben


Padriac Finbar Hagerty-Hammond will be playing at Backspace tonight. It will look and sound like this

* Most shows are indoors.

** I can sleep when I'm dead.

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Tuesday, January 25th

Hello Dear Readers,

I know that you probably think that I took the day off yesterday. But check it out. There really just weren't any shows that I thought were good enough to mention. I am not in the habit of writing about shows that I don't have any interest in. The only bad part of not writing yesterday was that I didn't get a chance to talk about the show I saw on Sunday. Hosannas are so good. Any ways, here are the shows that look good to me:

The Woods is having a show with Eliza Rickman (LA), Shenandoah Davis, Grey Anne, and Sam Cooper. I have written about Eliza Rickman before. I don't know when, but it must mean that she played with a local that I liked. I do not remember who it was. I do remember her music though. If anything because of all the songs played on the toy piano (she can also play a real piano well) and the really nice string arrangements. I imagine that she is really good live. I have also written about Shenandoah. She is great. She has a great voice and has a mastery of the piano. She also usually has pretty strings as well. Grey Anne is the musical outlet for Anne Adams. She has a knack for writing good songs with good arrangement. She also has the ability to perform them in an engaging fashion often with just a guitar and looping pedal (she is really good at the looping pedal). Plus her shows are entertaining. She makes sure of that. She has sets, props, and well…puts on a show. Sam Cooper is a great songwriter who's performances are nuanced by his awkward stage presence and tendency to have stories about his songs. You probably have seen him in that band, Horse Feathers where he plays like five instruments. I think he is only playing a few tonight. The show is $5 and starts at 9 PM.

Bunk Bar is having a show with Lewi Longmire Band and Duover. Lewi Longmire is around. He is around town, he is playing music, he is doing his thing. As a person who is constantly checking music listings, I can assure you he is. I probably see his name more than anyone else in town. He plays country. Kinda. Country rock s probably more accurate. The main reason I am writing about this show is because of Duover. They are a acoustic duo that are way better than most acoustic duos will ever be. Just give them a listen. You have probably heard Nathan Jr. playing around town. He is good. And his voice blends so well with Rebecca Rasmussen. They have an understanding of acoustic pop like you wouldn't believe. The show is FREE and starts at 10 PM.

Valentine's is a show with Soft Metals, Jeffrey Jerusalem, and Suzanne Kraft. You will be dancing if you go to this show. Soft Metals do electro pop music that is really heavy on the electro. I like it. Jeffrey Jerusalem is the one man disco party. And not in the way a DJ is. He makes all the music that incorporates live looping and laptops and fun. HE has a remix CD of a bunch of locals out on Laser Cave. You should check it out. Suzanne Kraft is a dude that makes chilled out electronic music. He has a limited CD-R out on Discotheque Records. Also on the website you can find a monthly mix that Suzanne puts out. Just check the Mixes tab. You can also find something called The Suzanne Kraft Magic Hour mixes over at Dublab.com. The show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.
If you see me at any of these shows please say, "Hi". You know you want to.

-Ben


Look at this film about Grey Anne I found. She is playing tonight at The Woods!

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Sunday, January 23rd

Hello Dear Readers,

The last few days I took off fro blogging. I had a birthday and some company in town and left my laptop at home today. But I am back to my regular schedule. I may even make it out to a show tonight (I have not seen a show in a week). Any ways, here are the shows that look good to me:

Rontoms is having a show with Hosannas and Winnie Byrd (Oakland). Hosannas has had some changes in the past several months. They are now a two piece of Brandon and Richard Law. I have seen them twice in this configuration and have enjoyed it though it is different. They had to write an entirely new set to play. I think that they have enough to record again, but don't know their plans. Regardless, I think they are great and a testament of what two talented people can accomplish. Winnie Byrd is a band that has a trove of happy sounding pop tunes. It makes me feel good just listening to them. The show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.

Valentine's is having a show with Dash!, Pregnant, Cruiser, Zac Nelson (Hexlove), and Rob Walmart. Everytime I have seen Dash! I have been impressed. He plays violin and loops and layers it through a series of guitar pedals. It sounds huge and beautiful and impressive. I suggest you check him out if you can. Cruiser sounds insane and spazzy yet controlled. Think early Hella. Zac Nelson has put out ambient leaning pieces under the name Hexlove. I find them to best experienced as something to wash over you in a soothing way. Rob Walmart on the other hand will probably make you bob your head. They do live electronics in the truest since of the word. They also sometimes do spoken word on top. Story telling and rambling. You never really know what you are going to get with them. The show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.

If you see me at any of these shows please say, "Hi". That'd be pretty cool.

-Ben


Hosannas will be playing at Rontoms tonight!

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Tuesday, January 18th

Hello Dear Readers,

Last night I went into the studio to record some Meyercord tacks. It went well, but I was done with music for the day when it was done. Here are the shows that look good to me:

Bar Bar is having a show with Pancake Breakfast and Porches. Bunk Bar has been having some good shows lately. I have not been to any of them because most of them start at 10 which is a little late for my preferences. Pancake Breakfast is to my preferences. There are a lot of them and they are a lot of fun to see. They get down. They will make you get down. I think you have to understand. Porches play gorgeous experimental folk. There are a lot of strings and a lot of group vocals mixed with leader Alan Smith's breathy vocals. I really like it. The show is FREE and starts at 10 PM.

Ella Street is having a show with The We Spilled Milk and Spillway (Seattle). The We Spilled Milk is a band that I want to see. Their music is of the rock variety but what I notice and like immediately is the vocals. They are dramatic in a way that you either love or hate. Since I am writing about it, you know which camp I am in. Spill way is a band that I ma not familiar with, but it seems to be indie rock with interesting dynamic shifts and a yelping front man somewhere between les savvy fav and modest mouse. This show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.

Laughing Horse Books is having a show with Zoo Girl, Your Rival, Grandfather (Chico), and Hail the Sun. Zoo Girl play music that I have a very soft spot for. I am not going to say emo. But I know that it reminds me of being in college and listening to early cursive or something like that. Just saying. Your Rival seems like a pop band. Grandfather is a post-hardcore progressive band and therefore have a lot of cool musical parts. It gets kinda nutty. Hail the Sun call themselves a "post-progrock group" in their bio. I can see that. They also have a lot of cool stuff happening. It gets weird. The ALL AGES show is $5 and starts at 8 PM.

If you see me at either of these shows please say, "Hi".

-Ben

Zoo Girl @ Potlatch Presents 1 Year Anniversary from oknowitsfuntime on Vimeo.

Zoo Girl plays at Laughing Horse Books tonight.

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Monday, January 17th

Hello Dear Readers,

Last Night I realized a few things. I went to see The Ocean Floor at Romtoms. I realized that I really love that band. I also realized (again) that Rontoms is a terrible place for quiet bands. It is just too big with not enough of a sound system. Anyways, The Ocean Floor: Amazing. Rontoms sound for quiet bands: not so amazing. But the bands that play Sunday nights are usually good. And it is FREE, so I will not complain too much. Anyway, here are the shows that look good to me:

Beauty Bar is having as show with Lvndr Mrrr, Bodybldng, and DJ Acidwash (Dan from Pelican Ossman). Lvndr Mrrr is a side project of Lovers. Lovers is a very song driven band, which is probably why an outlet for the non song based music is needed. While this band is electronic in nature, it is something very different. Lvndr Mrrr is less concerned with structure, the music just naturally unfolds by adding layers of synths and changing beats. Bodybldng is a side project of Sex Life. While Sex Life is all about the 80's electro pop, Bodybldng is all about the disco. The show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.

Valentine's is having a show with Future Historians, Andy Combs And The Moth, and Larry Yes. Future Historians play acoustic pop. I haven't seen them. I would like to though. They are the King of Hearts label which is home to other good pop acts (Blue Skies for Black Hearts etc…). Andy Combs is all over the place. In his music and literally. I first heard of him because he used to live in Portland. Then he went to New York. Then he went to Ashland, OR. Then outside of Ashland. Now he is back. What I recall is that there is a lot of energy to an Andy Moth show. Plus he can totally shred if he wants to. I have seen him do it. Larry Yes is a name that I feel that I have seen around forever. He has a bunch of CDs for sale at Mississippi Records and occasionally plays shows. The show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.

If you see me at either of these shows please say, "Hi".

-Ben


Larry Yes will be play at Valentine's tonight

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Sundaday, January 16th

Hello Dear Readers,

Last night I went out to the food carts at 50th and Division (or just south of it anyway) and saw Like a Villain and Padriac Finbar Hagerty-Hammond. They were both amazing. Holland (Like a Villain) has refined her act. It is even better than it was. She has added a few pedals and it has made a world of difference. Fin played his set solo which I have not seen in a long time. He usually is backed by Mat Vuksinich aka The Sarcastic Dharma Society. He had two new songs that I had not heard. They were both really great. Anyways, here are the shows that look good to me tonight:

Rontoms is having a show with The Ocean Floor and Ohioan. I really love the music of The Ocean Floor. Lane Barrington is the head of these project. He has gathered a very talented group of musicians. Even when I first saw them as a duo which was Lane and Shannon Steele (Typhoon, etc.) I was blown away. They are not long for this county. They are heading to New Zealand for over a month. They are taking Holland (Like a Villain) with them. Ohioan is a band that has also grown in number since I first saw them. I first saw them a while back at a house show as a duo as well. I think they are now a seven piece? I heard that Shannon is also playing in that band too. Experimental country, perhaps? The show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.

Rotture is having a show with XDS, Broken Water (Olympia), and Happy Prescriptions. XDS used to be Experimental Dental School. Along with the name change there is a new member in drummer Ben Tyler along with founding member Jesse Hall. Their music is tight and crazy and just really good. Jesse makes his guitar sound like a lot more than just a guitar due to all the pedals and amps he uses. Broken Water is made up of two other Olympia bands Sisters and Congratulations (not to be confused with the Portland band Congratulations!). They sound good. It is a mixture of many many influences. I have never seen them, but man I just listened to them and I really liked it. The show is $6 and starts at 9 PM.

Mississippi Studios is having part of The Reel Music Film Festival where they will be screening music videos from Portland artists like Red Fang, Y La Bamba, Nurses, Blitzen Trapper, and many more. I have not seen anything screened at Mississippi Studios. Though I know that screenings have happened there before. There will be an early screening at 6:30 PM and one at 10:00 PM.

If you see me at one of the shows please say, "Hi". Okay?

-Ben


XDS is playing at Rotture tonight.

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Saturday, January 15th

Hello Dear Readers,

Last night I did not make out to a show. I believe that I was too tired from playing a show the previous night and having to go to work early in the morning just killed the drive to go out last night. But Tonight, who knows? Maybe I will be crazy and see all the shows. I mean, I won't . But maybe I will see at least one. Here is what looks good to me, show wise:

The food carts at 50th and SE Division is having a show with Padraic Finbar Hagerty-Hammond and Like a Villain. I love both of these acts. Padriac Finbar Hagery-Hammond writes some of the best songs in town. Anytime he writes a new one, I am excited to hear it. He writes songs filled with heart, worry, and self deprecation. What's not to love? Like a Villain is Holland Andrews solo project. You may know her from playing with me in Meyercord, or perhaps you have seen her in the amazing new line up of The Ocean Floor. But Like a Villain is where she truly shines. Her looped vocals, looped clarinet, looped glockenspiel, and looped percussion are all perfectly arranged to make a bed of music for her dramatic vocal outbursts. It is not music that you can ignore. It pulls you in. For real. The ALL AGES show is FREE and starts at 6:30 PM.
The Press Club is having a show with Kelly Blair Bauman and Duover. Press Club shows are great. They are small and intimate. A perfect place to see music like the great acoustic duo of Duover. They make beautiful harmonies and pour out songs as if they weren't even trying. Kelly Blair Bauman is someone that I have yet to see, despite really liking his music. He is definitely of the Americana pop variety of songwriter. His record is usually all fleshed out with wonderful arrangements. I bet it is scaled back a bit tonight. That is always fun to see. The show is FREE and starts at 8:30 PM.

The Woods is having a show with Themes, James Apollo (Libertyville, AK), and Sexo Tropico. Themes is a guy and a guitar and a girl and piano. But instead of being boring coffee shop music, it is good and dark indie rock. Jasey voice is low and often plays the baritone guitar. Kelsey voice is very sweet. When they sing together, which they often do, it is something special. James Apollo is the fist musician I have ever heard of from Libertyville. I didn't know what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised to hear the out of tune piano and shaker driven brush beat on the catchy "Happiness" (the first song on his myspace player). It sounds like promising folk pop. Sexo Tropico sounds really happy. They are almost bouncy in their indie pop tunes. I have never seen them. The jury is still out on them. The show is $8 and starts at 9 PM.

The Knife Shop is having a show with (((In Mono))), What Hearts, and Pluvial. This show does not really make any sense. I am kinda drawn to it for that reason. (((In Mono))) is Paul Lynch. I have heard of his other moniker DJ Tan't. Anyway this project is big beats sometimes distorted with electric guitars also sometimes distorted. I believe it to be a one man band kind of situation and I would be surprised if a laptop was not involved. So of course pair this up with the beautiful all female three part harmonies that What Heart produces. I have wanted to see them since I first heard them. It just sounds so good. So why not round the evening out with the post rock drums and bass duo. Everything David "Papi" Fimbres touches is golden. This band is a great example. It is minimal instrumentation for maximum instrumental post rock that isn't boring (let's be honest a lot of instrumental post rock is really really boring). You can get Pluvial's album for FREE here The show is $5 and starts at 9 PM.

If you see me at one of the shows please say, "Hi". I will instantly like you.

-Ben


Padriac Finbar Hagerty-Hammond plays with Like a Villain at 50th and Division Street Carts. Awesome!

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Friday, January 14th

Hello Dear Readers,

Last night I played a show at the Doug Fir. I want to give a shout out to Garth of Old Light for letting me borrow his sweet guitar. I also want to give a shout out to Matt of Don of Division Street for being so dang nice. I was want to mention a friend of mine who showed up during Old Light and went up to Holland (member of Meyercord) and was like, "I can't wait to see Monarques". She explained to him that they were playing at Holocene. Then he was like, "Damn I went to the wrong show. Why are you here?" To which she explained that we had opened the show. He was like "oh. Well I'm going to walk over to Holocene." We totally got his money. Anyway, here are the shows that look good to me:

Backspace is having a show with Pigeons, Scrimshander, and Wax Fingers. I have been writing about Pigeons for a while. The band, not the bird. They are, from what I understand (I have managed to miss them every time they play), really good. I have seen the sister band Petosky which shares Pigeons lead man Justin Ready and Pigeons violinist Angie Kuzuma. Pigeons not too long ago put out their debut album The Talking Wire. I believe it is available at shows only. So I have not heard it in it's entirety. Pigeons sound big on record. I don't want to say it, but when I listened to it just now, Arcade Fire jumped into my head. They are not knock offs or anything, I just think it is a good touching point. I have never heard of Scrimshander. They are a rock band that sometimes some very country sounding harmonies. Wax Fingers I have not seen but want to see very badly. They are awesome. I listen to my music mostly on a shuffled mix. Anytime any song from their self titled album, I have check to see who it is because it sounds really cool. They music that is both mathy and catchy, a hard feat to accomplish. You should totally check them out. The ALL AGES show is $5 and starts at 8 PM.

The Press Club is having a show with Justin Power, Sean Flinn, and Dave Camp. I really like Justin Power's songs. To the best of my knowlege he has only put out some songs on the Portland Cello Project thing that also had Thao Nguyen's songs on it. I think the most recent thing he has been a part of musically was contributing vocals and banjo to Horse Feather's cover of Drain You (y'know that Nirvana song). He really is good. Sean Flinn is also really good. He is a song craftsman. His songs are usually little stories about characters or situations that may or may not exist. Plus he has assembled a great band in The Royal We (which I actually spent time in as a backup singer). He always puts on a good show. Dave Camp might be from the band Stereovision. But then again, maybe he isn't. The show is FREE and starts at 8:30 PM.

The Artistery is having a show with Algernon Cadwaller (Philadelphia), Lee Corey Oswald, Big Kids, and Duck Little Brother Duck. It looks like Algernon Cadwaller and Big Kids are on a West Coast tour together. That is cool. I have learned that going on tour with other bands is awesome. Algernon Cadwaller sound awesome. If you are familiar with the name Kinsella, then you probably would like this band. I think that they are really good fit for my boys in the amazgingly good Duck Little Brother Duck. I have often said they have the energy of Cap n' Jazz (the first Kinsella band). Lee Corey Oswald is the duo that recently parted ways with Monarques presumably to focus on Lee Corey Oswald. I think that's cool to focus on what you want to do. What they do is make better than average punk folk. The Yogi Bear of the genre. Big Kids are from Oakland and make punk rock. Oakland is steeped in punk rock history. They do their best not to tarnish it. The ALL AGES show is $6 and starts at 8 PM.

If you see me at any of these shows please say, "Hi". Then maybe we can talk.

-Ben


Justin Power plays tonight at Press Club for FREE, y'all.

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music for Thursday, January 13th

Hello Dear Readers,

Last night again I did not make it out to any shows. I knew that I had a big day for myself today. I would have loved to have seen wild Flag at Bunk Bar. Also I want to send well wishes to Drew Grow who was scheduled to play that show but couldn't due to a car crash he was involved in on Tuesday. He got banged up pretty bad (a heard mention of broken bones). Ramona Falls stepped up to play the show. I believe it was the first Ramona Falls show since Brent Knoff officially left Menomena. Anyways, here are the shows that look good to me tonight:

Doug Fir is having a show with Don of Division Street, Old Light, and Meyercord. Yeah, I listed the show I am playing first. What are you gonna do about it? That's what I thought. Where was I? Ah yes. Don of Division Street is the moniker of one Matt Cadenelli. You may recognize him as the drummer for Celilo, Fernando, and many other bands. But guess what. He can play guitar and write songs too. Crazy, I know. Some people are just too talented. One of my favorite bands growing up, Centro-matic, was started by a drummer turned front man. It turned out really well for that band. Let's see how Don of Division Street fairs. What I heard reminded me a bit of Fruitbats. Old Light is a band that I saw when Meyercord opened for their CD release show. They killed it then and will probably kill it tonight. They have an auto harp running through a butt load of effects. They also have a good amount of sweet harmonies. There is nothing not to like. Meyercord is my band. I could not think of a band name that didn't suck so I just used my last name. Currently we have clarinet, glockenspiel, harmonies, acoustic guitar, upright bass, and a really good drummer. I think it is a near perfect mix (I am currently missing a few vocals and trombone). Of course I would love you to see this. The show is $7 and starts at 9 PM.

Holocene is having a show with Monarques, Arch Cape, and Yours. This might be the best show tonight. I know that I should just talk up my own show, but dang. Have you seen this lineup? Monarques have always been a blast to see. Their music led by Josh Spacek (ex-Oh Captain My Captain) is fun. It begs for you to sing along the very familiar sound of their throw back pop. Plus tonight is the debut of the current (although temporary) line up that includes Scott Magee (Loch Lomond, Y La Bamba, etc...) and Dave Depper (Loch Lomond, Musee Mecanique, etc...) on drums and piano respectively. Arch Cape is the new vehicle for Rachel Blumberg (Norfolk & Western, Sean Flinn & The Royal We) to do her thing. She is joined by the very talented Seth Mankowsi (Sean Flinn & The Royal We, and Oh Captain My Captain) and multi instrumentalist Michael Kitson (Y La Bamba, Oh Captain My Captain). They sound amazing. It is percussive driven dream pop that sometimes reminds me of Stereolab. Yours on the other hand is led by Matthan Minster(ex-Oh Captain My Captain) and Adam Trachsel. It is pop music at it's finest. Matthan probably has the best male vocal in Portland. Also this show is a shining example of how incestuous this town's music scene is. I love it. The show is $7 and starts at 8:30 PM.

Mississippi Studios is having a show with Malaikat Dan Singa (Olymopia), Ohioan, Brainstorm, and Ah Holly Fam'ly. Jeez. This is a really good line up too. Malaikat Dan Singa is what Arrington De Dionyso (both names seem crazy to me) has been doing lately. It is experimental. I thought he was living here in Portland but I guess I was wrong. Ohioan is an everchanging band that pushes the boundaries of indie folk. Brainstorm is a playful band that makes quirky pop music that is also really cool (they make tuba cool). Ah Holly Fam'ly used to make orchestral soft pop. Last I saw them it sounded a lot more country. I don't really know what they will sound like now, but I promise you it will be great. I would like to note that both Ohiaon and Ah Holly Fam'ly are part of the Infinate Front collective which includes some other really awesome bands like aan and Ghost to Falco. The show is FREE and starts at 8:30 PM.

Edgefield is having a show with Celilo. This is a little deceiving. Edgefield is mostly known for it's lawn concerts, where big league bands like Bob Dylan and Pavement play. Celilo is playing in the winery. Which is probably cooler because it is more intimate. To make it even more intimate, Celilo is stripping down to a duo. I am not exactly sure which two members will be playing, but I bet it will be cool. Their songs, which I will say have a folky feel, were probably written on a single guitar. It will be interesting to hear it in a near naked form. The show is FREE and starts at 7 PM.

If you see me at Doug Fir please say, "Hi". I will be the one leading the first band.

-Ben



Yours will play Holocene tonight!

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Wednesday, January 12th

Hello Dear Readers,

Last night I practiced again. I wanted to see No Kind of Rider but I got too tired by the time it started. My friend went to the show and text me that I would have liked it. I know I would have liked it! Jerk. He then suggested that if I took naps I wouldn't have the problem of being too tired to go to shows. I will take it under consideration. Anyways, here are the shows that look good to me:

Roadside Attraction is having a show with WH Walker, Pure Country Gold, Guantanamo Baywatch, and White Fang. It is easy for me to forget that Roadside usually has shows on Wednesday nights for FREE. I generally practice until I am done with music for the day. Also Roadside doesn't usually advertise their shows. It is mostly a word of mouth sort of thing. Well, word got out about this show. I am writing about it because I like what I have heard of Guantanamo Baywatch and White Fang. Both have put out tapes on Gnar Tapes (Eric Gage of White Fang runs the label). Both play music that would be appropriate at parties. Normally I don't advocate shows with more than three bands on the bill, but this is FREE y'all. The show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.

Mississippi Studios is having a show with Al James, Liz Janes, Greylag, and Bridges. Let's consider the facts: Al James aka Al James the Unfazed is best known for leading the Americana group Doloreon. Dolorean has a new album about to come out entitled The Unfazed. I don't know what's going on with this guy but whatever it is, it is not fazing him. I think of Portland having two very solid Americana bands that are like the kings or whatever. Richmond Fontaine and Doloreon. Not that there are other great Americana bands in Portland (Celilo, I didn't forget you). Liz Janes is part of the Asthmatic Kitty Family. Asthmatic Kitty has something to do with Sujan Stevens, who is great. Not everyone on the label is great. That being said Liz is pretty good. Greylag is a band that I have not seen but is definitely on my radar. I say that they have a similar feel to Blind Pilot or something like that. I immediately liked what I heard of their music. The show is $8 and starts at 8 PM.

Bunk Bar is having a show with Wild Flag and Drew Grow & The Pastors Wives. Wild Flag is a band with some very familair names. Carrie Brownstein and Janet Weiss? Whoah you almost have Sleater Kinney. Mary Timony? She was in Helium and also put out some stuff under her own name on Matador Records. Plus there is Rebecca Cole who was in The Minders. I guess what I am trying to say is...SUPERGROUP! The band is pretty new, but are off to a good start from what I hear anyway. I could not find any recordings, but there are youtube videos. High Energy rock and roll. Two guitars, keyboards and drums. Who needs bass? Drew Grow & The Pastor's Wives sounds totally different. They are kinda all over the place actually. But they are really good. You should check out their label Amigo/Amiga which puts out the equally as good if not better Kelli Schafer recordings. The show is $10 and starts at 9 PM.

If you see me at any of these shows please say, "Hi". I would get a kick out of it.

-Ben


Wild Flag plays Bunk Bar Tonight!

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Tuesday, January 11th

Hello Dear Readers,

Last night I did not make out to a show. I had a band practice instead. Followed by a much needed grocery run. Exciting as seeing a show? Nope. But I gotta eat. Anyway, in a bizarre set of circumstances, I only saw one show that looks good to me:

Bunk Bar is having a show with No Kind of Rider and Black Whales (Seattle). I have known about No Kind of Rider for a while. All of the dudes are super nice. Their music is good. Why have I not seen them? I don't know. They are difficult to right about. They are indie rock. They have a dark sleek sensibility. I feel like their t-shirts would be black. This is not a yellow t-shirt kind of band. They have cool rhythmic sensibilities that lead to several moments that make you go, "That was cool. That thing that they just did there." If you have listen one song I would check out synth lead heavy "Away Colors". I love that song. Oh and I found this pretty funny little documentary type thing that Jen Moon of Jen Moon made. Check it out. Black Whales are a psychedelic pop band band from Seattle that manage not to be all that psychedelic. But that doesn't mean bad. I guess that means they are a rock band. The show is FREE and starts at 10 PM.

If you see me at one of the shows please say, "Hi". Cause I am not going to recognize you.

-Ben

No Kind Of Rider from ::MAGNETIC ARCHIVES:: on Vimeo.

No Kind of Rider play Bun Bar tonight!

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Monday, January 10th

Hello Dear Readers,

Last night I actually went to a show. I went to Rontoms and saw Archers and Soft Tags. I had a pretty good time. I really want to see both of these bands in a place with a good sound system.. I love the feel of Rontoms, but those high ceilings are not designed to have live music. Anyway, I picked up Archers 7" and it is great. I can't wait for a full length. It was the first time I saw both bands. It made me want to be in a rock band again. Really badly. Anyway, here are the shows that look good to me:

Doug Fir is having a show with Little Dragon (Gothenburg, Sweden) and Billygoat. Little Dragon is band from Sweden that I have never heard of. They seem to make electro music fronted by a lead woman. I know that this is well worn territory. Little Dragon manages to make is sound pretty fresh. Or maybe I just like that kind of music. They are doing a tour here in the states and are taking Portland's Billygoat with them. I really like the whole Billygoat experience. It is a mixture of detailed animation that matches their live playing. The music has always been cinematic in scope, but I have not seen them with the addition of a drummer. I bet it takes things to the next level. The show is $15 and starts at 9 PM.

Valentine's is having a show with Team Evil, Paper Upper Cuts, and Port St. Willow. Team Evil is a band that I have not seen despite me knowing about them. It features Skyler Norwood, you know that guy from Point Junture. Lot's of jazzy noodle guitars for post Promising Ring sound. Papper Upper Cuts is David 'Papi' Fimbres. He makes music by using drums keyboards and various live electronics. It is awesome. Port St. Willow is Nick Principe. I have not heard of him before. I but I like it. It has elements of acoustic folk with a beautiful falsetto voice mixed with elements of atmospheric sounds and sometimes epic drums. You can get his name at a name your price sort of deal at his bandcamp. I suggest you check out his tune "Even". I instantly loved it. The show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.

World Famous Kenton Club is having a show with Lana Rebel & The Love Lasers. So I heard that Lana Rebel is not long for Portland. She will be moving to Arizona with her sweet heart. You gotta love that. But at the same time, I have not seen her play, but love her music. Classic sounding country music. I love it. The show is FREE and starts at 8 PM.

If you see me at one of the shows please say, "Hi".

-Ben


Billygoat will be doing their thing at Doug Fir tonight.

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Sunday, January 9th

Hello Dear Readers,

So today I had to work super early in the morning. I had to be there at 7. So I did all of this last night. I did not see any shows either. I went to an art opening at Together Gallery. I t was cool a lot of piece for a show called the Family Quilt. There did end up being a drone piece by that dude from White Hinterland and one of the artists It was cool, but I cut out early to write this thing. Here are the shows that look good to me:

Lounge is having a show with Soap Collectors, Alameda, and Plum Sutra Trio. What is the link that ties all of these bands together? Besides the obvious that they are all Portland bands. They all have members that work at The Original a newish restaurant here in Portland. I am not familiar with most of these bands except for Alameda. They I have seen before and I liked their first release, The Floating Hospital. Recently Sterling (leader of Alameda) sent me their recently finished album, Seasons/Spectres. It sounds great. This might because it was recorded by Skyler Norwood at Miracle Lake. He is the guy who also recorded that other band that has a string section with acoustic guitars (Horse Feathers). I am unsure if the album will be available tonight or not. You should check out the show just in case. The show is $5 and starts at 9 PM.

Rontoms is having a show with Soft Tags and Archers. I have been a supporter of The Soft Tags for a long time. They are great and have consistently self released great records. I seem to always forget how good they are. It is a perfect blend of lo-fi aesthetics brit-pop and shoegaze. I love it. I still have not seen Archers, but I think I really want to. There has been a lot of talk about their 4 song 7" (which I desperately need to get). I am in love with their song "Door to All Marvels". They sound like 90's band or something. Don't listen to me. I don't know what I'm saying. Listen to Archers. The show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.

East End is having a Kitty Kat benefit show with Billions and Billions, Swim Swam Swum, Drag Queen, Gorilla Monsoon, and The Messy Jacksons. Billions & Billions canceled their slot at Someday Lounge to play this benefit. Kudos for them. They love cats more than ummm...that other show. They paly prog-psych rock. I really like Swim Swam Swum and their classic indie rock sound. The Messy Jacksons sound messy. They remind me of sloppy punk folk band or maybe just a sloppy folk band. Not really that sloppy on second listen. The show is a $6 sliding scale and the show starts at 9 PM (this is the first time I have ever had details on the price or time of a show at East End).

If you see me at any of these shows please say, "Hi". I would be much obliged.

-Ben


Archers are probably going to kill it tonight at Rontoms

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