Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for

Hello Dear Readers,

Last Night I didn't do jack. It felt pretty good. After working for 14 hours I thought better than to try and go out. Then this morning I worked with out the Internet available to me. I did start the blog post last night though. Here are the shows that look good to me tonight:

Eagles Lodge is having a a show titled FXFU with an ass load of bands. Here is the line up: Stiffwiff, Pigeons, Mike Coykendall & The Golden Shag, Old Light, What Hearts, On the Stairs, Yes Father, DJ Black Sandwich, and DJ Nicholab. "FXFU is a ramshackle affair celebrating music here in Portland, a kinda anti-SXSW but too lazy to be too overtly political, though that is the dominant ethos. That and a love for community. There’s also a bar, DJ’s, food and a colossal eagle soaring over Mt. Hood". Well put. My suggestion. See Pigeons and Mike Coykendall ane What Hearts, and On the Stairs. I really like all of those bands. Plus there are bands that I don't know so well. And really, at $5 you don't stand to loose much. You can just leave if you don't like the scene. But I suggest you you stay. I mean these are most of the good bands that didn't go to SXSW. The show is $5 and started at 5 PM (it's happening right now!).

Bunk Bar is having a show with Handsome Furs and Breakfast Mountain. Dan Boeckner has a very distinct voice. You probably recognize it as one of the guys from Wolf Parade. This band is with his wife who plays keyboard. They have already put out two great albums on SubPop and from what I understand are working on a third. I don't think they use a drummer, but rather rely on pre-programed drum beats. It still sounds rock and roll to me though. Breakfast Mountain on the other hand, does use a live drummer despite his otherwise programmed beats. He uses Peter of the tall Typhoon drummer to liven up his live show. It is pretty crazy post-Girl Talk mix-everything-together electronic based music. I like it. The show is $10 and starts at 10 PM.

Tony Starlight's Supperclub & Lounge is having a show with Blue Cranes. This is sponsored by PDX Jazz and Oregon Music News. I hadn't really heard of either. I guess PDX Jazz puts on the Jazz Festival. Oregon Music News covers a lot of stuff that isn't crappy indie music at all. But the important thing is that I love Blue Cranes. The are just great live. It often makes me feel funny to watch them play. I still want to pick up their new covers EP. You should go support them before they head out on their Tour by Train tour next month. The show is $15 and starts at 8 PM.

If you see me at any of these shows please say, "hi". *

Ben


Blue Cranes play Tony's Starlight tonight.

* You are not going to see me tonight.