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!