Wicked FREE dubwise mix download

Wicked dubwise mix by local Dub Controller Alter Echo & ERS-ONE (AKA Dj Magneto) to rock your bass-bins. For those not in the know Alter Echo is a future dub pioneer of the first rate, his resume includes working with Dj Spooky that Subliminal Kid, Lee Scratch Perry, Mad Professor, Twighlight Circus Dub Soundsystem, etc. ERS-ONE is a globetrotting selector who rocks dance floors with everything from deep dubby drum and bass/jungle to the funky dance parties on the first Friday of every month at the Goodfoot.

Tracklist (lots of exclusive edits and versions here):
1. Soom T & Disrupt - “Roll that Shit”
2.Tubby ROM Module & “Frequencies” by King Midas Sound AE blend
3. Mikey Murka - “Sensi Addict” chop
4.“Herbsman Hustling” riddim vs. Pula Dub AE dub
5. “Reggae Collie”
6. Pupajim - “International Farmer”
7. riddim - (spliff 1)
8. Slow Tempo riddim - (xtra thick, dubble irie))
9. riddim - (spliff 2)
10.Pete Murder Tone - “Paper Tiger”
11. sly & the revolutionaries - "sellers dub" ERS-ONE edit
12. Ranking Dread - "jump up dub" ERS-ONE edit
13. Bungalo dub - "Los Sttepers 2009"
14. Roommate - "Lions & Tigers" ERS-ONE edit
15. Twilight Circus Dub Sound System - "fast"
16. King tubby - "Shaolin Temple Dub"
17. King Tubby - "Looking My Love Dub"
18. 6blocc - "Legalize it (East Coast Mix)" ERS-ONE mash
19. Prince Jammy - "Round 6"
20. Ranking Dread - "Bom dub" ERS-ONE edit
21. Liquid Wicked - "DUBWAR-VON D VIP"
22. Rupie Edwards - "Feeling High"
23. Cobra Krames - "Take Warning"
24. Linval Thompson - "Jamaican Colley (version)"
25. Gold Cobra - "Tiger in the Sky (7" edit)"
26. 6blocc + u-ome - "??"
27. Joe White - "ganja"
28. Eek A Mouse - "Ganja Smuggling" (RodneyRolls Remix)
29. Roots Manuva - Proper Tings Juggled
30. Zeb & Scotty - Bring The Sensi
31. Herbalist ft Topcat - ING Mix
32. Mustang - (Blanka version)
33. Disrupt - No version
34. Disrupt - Riddim Grid

http://www.pdxindub.com/?q=audio/download/308/ALTER+ECHO+%26+ERS-ONE+Matters+of+Dub.mp3

Also check out the Portland Dub blog:

http://pdxindub.com/

There's a wicked show coming up on Saturday 5/7 at Branx featuring Alter Echo & a reunion show for Systemwide, Portland's best ever live dub band.

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Wednesday, April 27th

Hello Dear Readers,

Last night I played Nevada City in Y La Bamba on tour with Dark Dark Dark and Why Are You Building Such A Big Ship?. We played in Santa Rosa yesterday and I am currently in Sacramento. We are playing Oakland tonight at the New Parish. We played there last time we where in the bay with Horse Feathers. It is a great venue. Anyways, here are the Portland shows that look good to me tonight:

Holocene is having a show with Zac Nelson, Brainstorm, and Neal Morgan. This is an album release for Zac Nelson's, Wicked Work it Out. I have not heard it, but I have heard that it is experimental pop. This makes sense to me. He used to play under the name Hexlove. That project was, as I recall, ambient leaning with a lot of drum freak outs. Certainly something that would be categorized as experimental. Rumor has it that copies of the album will be given out at the door. Brainstorm definitely takes a new take on pop music. It fills it with interesting rhythms, cool harmonies, drums, guitar, keys, hand claps, and tuba. The drummer who often plays a keyboard while drumming makes good use of his headset mic. They put out a full length and since then two shorter releases that just keep better and better. Neal Morgan is a drummer. He also likes singing. In his performances he mixes them together in a nice package. Imagine Dirty projectors without any instruments save the drums. This will get you a vague idea of the music that I have heard of his. The show is $5 and starts at 8:30 PM.

Ella Street is having a show with Horace Pickett (Seattle), Racingpaperplanes (Sweden), Bjornstigen (Sweden), and David Kyle & The Invisibles. Racingpaperplanes and Bjornstigen are a few guys from Sweden who used to be in an American Grunge influenced band, Floodhorse, who later both started more acoustic sounding projects. The real reason I am listing this show is David Kyle & The Invisibles. This is David Kyle playing solo. Some of the songs he used to play under this moniker went on to be plashed out in his band Secret Codes. He let me know recently that he has started playing out under this name again as an outlet for his classical guitar based music. I am not sure exactly what it will sound like, but the songs he has up sound pretty cool. The show is $5 and starts at 9 PM.

You won't see me at any of these shows, but you should say hi to someone with dark hair and a beard.

Ben


Brainstorm play at Holocene tonight!

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Tuesday, April 26th

Hello Dear Readers,

The last several days I have played in Y La Bamba on tour with Dark Dark Dark and Why Are You Building Such A Big Ship?. We played in Santa Rosa yesterday and I am currently in Sacramento. We are playing Nevada City tonight. I have no idea what shows are happening in Portland save what is listed on this here "Internet". Anyways, here are the Portland shows that look good to me tonight:

Ella Street is having a show with Hill House, Amos Val, and Port St. Willow. I do not know what to make of Hill House. It seems to mix a lot of elements, but as most music the thing that tends to define it are the vocals. In Hill House's case, it seems to be from emo to screaming bits. Though I would not call them Screamo by any means. Amos Val is an ambient leaning rock band. I really like it. The easy comparison would be Explosions in the Sky. Where as most bands that get this comparison really suck (even the the new EITS is not really good), I would like to thankfully say that Amos Val does not. It is well worn territory, instrumental music made with delayed guitars and marching drums, but I still think it is good. I see that they are playing some shows with Port St. Willow. Port St. Willow is the reason I am writing about this show. It is the one man project of Nick Principe. It ranges from him banging a drum to monumentally delayed and reverb soak guitars with his gentle vocals. It is very pretty and moving music. It caught me immediately. The show is FREE/donations and starts at 9 PM.

Holocene is having a show with Royal Bangs (Knoxville, TN), Superhumanoids (LA), and Team Evil. Royal Bangs is a high energy rock band that was "discovered" by Black Keys drummer Patick Carney. Since his initial findings he has released two of Royal Bangs albums including Flux Outside on his imprint Audio Eagle. They are playing with Superhumanoids a band that is indie rock with a lot of synths and drum machines or samplers. It has a very contemporary feel despite the 80's touching points. The reason I am listing the show though, is Team Evil. It is lead by Point Juncture's Skyler Norwood. It is lite and kinda jazzy in it's guitar noodling. It is also very likable. The show is $10 and starts at 8:30 PM.

Valentine's is having a show with Hornet Leg, XDS, and Formica Man. Hornet Leg has made a name for itself for it's live shows and putting out records on the Pacific NW "punk" label K Records. XDS is the progressive art rock madness of Jesse Hall, and Ben Tyler. The songs were written with Jesse's partner Shoko Hoirawa. But she recently had a baby and is not in show playing mode just yet. The music is kinda crazy but really fun and impressive. Especially when seen performed live. Formica Man is a new band that has members of Karen and Total Noise. The show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.

You won't see me at any of these shows, but you should say hi to someone.

Ben


Team Evil plays at Holocene tonight.

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Architects + Heroes brings the LAPTOP FIGHT to PDX!

Just a quick note- DIY-centric label Architects + Heroes will be here April 29th to not only showcase some of their label's talent, but also to host a laptop battle! I am so excited! SQUEEE!!! I'll be there talking to label, and exploring this topic for a future post on FUTURE MUSIC!!!! So be there!

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Saturday, April 23rd

Hello Dear Readers,

Last night I played in Y La Bamba at Mississippi Studios with Dark Dark Dark and Why Are You Building Such A Big Ship?. Thanks if you came out. I know that a lot of people did. It was super fun. We played all the new material. Dark Dark Dark were in top form they even got an encore. I was the first time I saw an encore for the second band playing. But if anyone deserved one, it was them. Then earlier today I watched both bands play an impromptu show at The Rose Star anarchist store on Mississippi. It was awesome. But it did make a dent in my afternoon for blogging. Anyways, here are the shows that look good to me tonight:

Lewis and Clark is having Sunburn Music Fest. The festival is features Woods, Sallie Ford & The Sound Outside, Andrew Jackson Jihad, Astronautalis, Wait What, Guidance Counselor, Mt. Eerie, and Ritchie Young. This is an incredible line up. If you can make it all the way out to Lewis & Clark you should do it. The locals Sallie Ford & The Outside Sound are great live. And I recently heard that Guidance Counselor is playing solo a The show is $10 and starts at 6 PM.
Agenda is having a show with Davis Hooker, Ozarks, Ta-Da, and Troop 23. I Have not seen Davis Hooker, though he has been recommended to me by a trusted friend. I recall it being kinda dark folk music. Davis Hooker and Ozarks released a split 7" last November. Ozarks is a project that I remember listening to and liking instantly. It is well executed pop music that has a front man with a voice that is very "indie" sounding. It is not the stringiest voice, but it works really well with the music. It is inspired by some of the greats. The arrangements are great. I hope to see it when I can, and I hope that is soon. The show is $3 and starts at 9 PM.

The White Eagle is having a show with Class M Planets, Run On Sentence, and The Envelope Peasant. Run On Sentence is the main feature here. I love that band. Dustin Hammond is the leader of this very organic revolving cast of players. Currently it has Dan Galuki (ex-Please Step Out of The Vehicle) on drums, Perry Pfister (Meyercord) on bass, Justin Fowler (Hello Loneliness) and John Whaley (Pancake Breakfast) on trumpet and vocals. They sound amazing. Especially live. Dustin's voice is the main instrument and it is epic and fun and I can't get enough of them. That last sentence was a run on sentence. The show is $6 and starts at 9:30 PM.

Mission Theater is having the record release of Blue Skies for Black Hearts new album, Embracing The Modern Age. The Satin Chaps and Midnight Callers will also be playing. To make things even more special, Blues Skies will be screening the movie that was made in tandem with the new album. Remember when bands made movies? Sure you do. The Beatles did it. The Monkees did it. hell, even The Flaming Lips did it. Blue Skies for Black Hearts make the best power pop music in town. The Satin Chaps play a similar genre, 60's inspired Go-Go music. Not many bands play this genre. The only other band I remember doing anything with it was Belle & Sebastian on their, Legal Man EP. Fun fact. Eric Hedford the bassist for The Satin Chaps recently recorded some Meyercord music. He also was the original drummer for The Dandy Warhols. Midnight Callers also play some of the power pop. THeya re a good fit with The Blue Skies. Their new album The show is $10 and starts at 9 PM.
You won't see me at any of these shows, but you should greet one another as fellow human beings attending the same show.

Ben


Run On Sentence play tonight at The White Eagle

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Friday, April 22nd

Hello Dear Readers,

Last night I played in Olympia as a part of Y La Bamba. It was super fun. I had some water from a well in the middle of a parking lot. I also saw a band, Spencer Angelo, play a show with cameras attached to their heads and instruments. They were also pretty awesome. Anyways, here are the shows that look good to me tonight:

Mississippi Studios is having a show with Y La Bamba, Dark Dark Dark, and Why Are We Building Such a Big Ship?. I think that Y La Bamba is a pretty good band. Yes, I am part of it, but I am really stoked on a lot of new material that we are trying out on this tour. There are at least two songs that we have not played on any other tours. This is the Portland stop for this current tour. It is the first time that I have been a part of a three band tour. So far so good. The great thing is that I really like the other bands. Dark Dark Dark is a band i had heard before but didn't really listen to until we got word that Y La Bamba was a part of the tour. I have really fallen for their music. On paper they sound kinda like Y La Bamba. Female fronted band with accordion and male backing vocals. But I assure it is way different. Their sound is way more piano based and they have all sorts of brass on stage with them. I really like what they do. I actually ended buying their LP last night. I also bought the LP of Why Are We Building Such A Big Ship?. They have even more brass and on this tour are sharing their accordion and bass player with Dark Dark Dark. Walt the accordion play fronts the New Orleans based band. His energy is nervous and jittery. But in a very great way. The show is $13 and starts at 9 PM.

Worksound is having a show with Capillary Action, Why I Must Be Careful, and Ryan Francesconi. Capillary Action sounds like sped up jazzy tropical jazz with some nicely place guitar feats and a lot of cool percussion. It also has a bit of Mr. Bungle feel as far as crazy changes and heavy guitars placed n key moments. Why I Must Be Careful is an awesome free jazz duo of drums and rhodes. They must be seen to be understood. It is crazy but works really well. Ryan Francesconi is a guitar composer. He recently put out a instrumental acoustic guitar album, Parables. You may have heard him on Joanna Newsom's Have One on Me. I admit to listening to much guitar compositions, but this is good stuff. The show is at 8 PM.

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

Ben


Y La Bamba play at Mississippi Studios tonight. See you there?

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Thursday, April 21st

Hello Dear Readers,

Last night I played in Seattle as a part of Y . It was super fun. I got to stay at my brothers place. I will talk more about the other bands tomorrow when touring line up Anyways, here are the shows that look good to me tonight:

Mission Theater is having a show with Phosphorescent (Brooklyn), Family Band, and Prince's Family Band. I don't know where they are from but, But I know that it is darker sounding music with a female singer. I also know that I like it. The openers are what caught my attention. I first discovered them as a better than average folk duo made up by Jenny Wayne (who also plays around town under her own name) and Peter Murray. Since I last checked in with them, they have added a member in John Mogielnicki. As a trio they have done a little bit of tour supporting their very pretty album, We Are Gold Mounds including some shows with another one of my faves Blind Pilot. They are on the up and up. The show is $15 an starts at 8 PM.

Alberta Rose Theater is having a show with Kelli Schaefer, and Pine Language (Corvallis). Kelli Schaefer is someone who I have seen a few times and consistently be blown away by. Her voice and songs are both in alignment to to do that to just about anyone who sees her play. She has slowly but surely releasing singles on the Amigo/Amiga records. They were finally all put together to form her rather recent release, Ghost of the Beast. The Parson Red Heads are Portland's resident canyon country rock band. They do it right and they do it pretty regularly. You should check them out if you get a chance. I haven't really heard much of Pine Language. I know that I know I have seen the name around. But I just listened to them and I really like it. It seems like easy going pop music with some slower songs thrown in for good measure. I really like what I have heard of their song, "The Sun Keeps on Shining Everyday". I think that they are related to Norman somehow. It The show is $10 and starts at 8:30 PM.
If you see me at any of these shows please say, "Hi". But you won't as will be in Olympia.

Ben


Check out this really beautiful/interesting video. I wish my high school was like this. Go see her play at Alberta Rose!

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Wednesday, April 20th

Hello Dear Readers,

Last night I did not go out. I actually official starts the Y La Bamba West Coast tour with Dark Dark Dark, Why Are We Building a Ship So Big?. That means I may not be blogging as much I usually do. I guess we will see. Anyways, here are the shows that look good to me tonight:

Laurelthirst is having a show with Norman, Old Light, and Evan Way. It is Wednesday which means that Norman is playing again. I used to think that 6 PM would be the perfect time for a show. I then realized that I have been able to make any of these shows, yet. Norman make music that is kinda country rock. In my high school years I discovered what was then called insurgent country. But basically it was folk or country music for a rock audience. Think Uncle Tupelo or early Wilco. I feel that Norman is keeping with that tradition. Their bio says that they "embodies Harvest-era Neil Young". I could see that. Old Light is an interesting band. They are clearly a rock band, but the thing is that often the main instrument is auto harp. Mind you it is fed through an array of effects pedals. The most notable thing about the band I think with be the southern rock type harmonies. Think of when Iron & Wine rock things up. Evean Way is one of the main dudes from The Parson Red Heads. When he plays under his own name it is different than his other band. Of the three songs on myspace two deal with trains and are mostly acoustic affairs. The other sounds like it could be a piece from one of the early Beta Band EPs. I would imagine he will be playing mostly solo tonight. But who knows, Charlie (also of The Parson Red Heads), plays in Old Light and might join him for a number. The show is FREE and starts at 6 PM.

Branx is having Nightshift with Chicharones (Vancouver, B.C.), Yeah Great Fine, Elle Nino (San Francisco) , Vivivi (Missouri), DJ Wizski, and DJ Zone. If I am listing the correct Chicharones, it is a collaboration of Josh Martinez and Sleep. I am pretty sure it is because Josh Martinez used to live here in Portland. The Sleep lives in Portland. Sleep is a great emcee. I have never seen him, but I remember getting a promo CD a while back and being impressed. I saw that Josh played a last minute show at Mt. Tabor last night, which is a good sign that this is indeed what I think it is. I first heard Josh Martinez way bay around 2001 when he was on tour with a bunch of the Anticon people. He was great. I guess he has since grown beyond the indie hip hop and is now also pretty good at the pop music. That is what people do (look at Why? also related to Anticon). Check out "The Put Out". It is straight surf rock with quasi singing quasi rapping. The first thing that drew me to the show though, was Yeah Great Fine. I think that they are great. Their self titled self released debut was great. It is a mix of sweet vocals atop catchy yet very "math" rhythms and array of cool keyboards. They have a very fun vibe. It was recorded by Paul Laxer. I actually was just over at Jake's house of Yeah Great Fine and he had just come back from a new session with Paul. He played me what he had and it was sounding great. I am excited for more Yeah Great Fine tunes. Elle Niño is a electro-funk band from San Francisco. The energy is high. The lyrics are super cheesy. Which is perfect for the kind of music it is. The beat is four to the floor and super danceable. You can get their ep for FREE if you want. The link I provided takes you to their bandcamp. The show is $5 and starts at 9 PM.

Holocene is having a show with Onuinu, Gulls, Breakfast Mountain, and DJ Sgt. Forker. This is a show in celebration of 4/20. Some people treat it like a holiday, y'know. This show is a "PDX showcase of eclectic electronic sounds. Sequenced knowledge and Subb - body treatments." Onuinu is hard to describe, but beats are a big part. The music is chill but hard to describe as minimal. It is cool. I could not find much on Gulls. I have seen them live before. I really like it. I even bought a CD (which I seem to have lost). I remember it being looped based and having cool beats and dub elements. Flute? It is a hazy memory. Breakfast Mountain is Zack Osterlund messing around with all of his gear. Mostly synths and stuff. I know that he usually gets the taller of Typhoon's drummers, Peter, to play with him live. Aside from that, the music can be chill to very "crunk" sounding. DJ Sgt. Forkner is most assuredly Adam Forkner aka White Rainbow.The show is $5 and starts at 9 PM.

If you see me at any of these shows please say, "Hi". But you won't as will be three hours North of you.

Ben


Gulls will bass you out tonight at Holocene.

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Tuesday, April 19th

Hello Dear Readers,

Last night I did not go out. I did get a great deal of things done. But this is not my diary (except that it kinda is). I wanted to go out but, I bought a bass guitar which meant that I was way over what I allow myself to spend in one day. Anyways, here are the shows that look good to me tonight:

Holocene is having a show with Hauschka (Duesseldorf, DE), Goodnight Billygoat, and DJ Committee Linger & Quiet and Philip Sherburne). Volker Bertelmann is Hauschka. The music he makes is piano based but highly experimental in the way he plays it. He also mixes quite a bit of techno and classical elements. There are no words, but the compositions are still very engaging. Speaking of engaging. Goodnight Billygoat (formerly Billygoat) put on a very engaging show. They too make instrumental music. But their music is specially for the animations the band has painstakingly made by hand. The animations are excellent. The music is cinematic in scope. They band switches between several instruments including keyboards, guitar, accordion, harp, drums, rain stick and probably more that I am forgetting. A must see. Plus they sell stills of the animation on the cheap. They make great artwork for the home. Linger and Quiet is a DJ team? The only thing I found of their music was a dance mix of lots of different stuff. The show is $10 and starts at 8:30 PM.

Valentine's is having a show with Orca Team, Ghost Mom, and Young Hunting (LA). Orca Team is good. Do you remember how I have written about them like a million times? I did that because I think they are great. If you appreciate pop music at all, you should give them a try. They have a bit of surf rock in the mix but I feel like are more than that. I have yet to see them but I think that you should. So should I. Ghost Mom is a band that also makes music that has a touch off surf rock. They are a bit more punk. Young Hunting is an LA on band touring from Vancouver B.C. back to their hometown of LA. It is hard to describe what they sound like. I just can't do it. It doesn't feel all that consistent to me. The show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.

Disjecta is having a show with 19, Wampire, and Miracles Club. This The show is actually an art opening for Oko Ebombo and "a selection of short movies filmed by Ebombo during his travels between Paris, Portland and Tokyo as well as his latest film, Never Dy, which was filmed in New York. In Never Dy, Ebombo presents a collection of recent videos that will be screened throughout the space.". Apparently Ebombo put together the musicians. I have yet to see Wampire as a full band. But if the clip I posted at the bottom of the page is an indicator, I see that they are still growing musically. They have always been heavy on the pop hooks. They make insanely catchy tunes. You can still get their debut on High Scores Records, though it is missing my favorite song of their "Magic Light". Miracles Club make music that is house music. I didn't realize people still made house music. They do though. It is the most danceable genre ever. The admission to the ALL AGES event is FREE though a $3 donation is suggested. The gallery opens at 6 PM. The performances starts at 7 PM.

If you see me at any of these shows please say, "Hi". Yes?

Ben


Wampire is finally a real band.

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Monday, April 18th

Hello Dear Readers,

Last night I ended up working until 11 PM. I basically stood in one place for about 8 hours (sometimes my life is not that glamorous). By the time I was finished, the idea of standing any longer was not sitting well with me. Anyways, here are the shows happening today. Scratch that. I think that there is only one show I am interested in today(sorry :

Mississippi Studios is having a show with Maserati, We're From Japan!, and Vanimal. If you have ever read about Maserati before you have most likely seen either one or both tags associated with them: Krautrock or dance rock. Honestly, there is a reason for this. They a) those two are not that far apart b) Maserati brings them even closer together. You might even say that they make the two genres overlap. Anyway I jokingly said once that they sound like the music for a community college commercial. I stand by the statement with the addendum that the reason driving arpeggiated based music is often in community college commercials, is because it gets people pumped. Maserati will get you pumped! We're From Japan! is an interesting band. They are one of those bands that has always been there. They have amazing music, they have a Japanese label (duh!) and have done several tours but have seemed to mostly disappear. I know that they have had some shows, but they seem few and very far between. Their last album the Now Breathe came out back in 2008. It is an album that I listened so much that it is burned in my brain. Basically they are a instrumental post-rock band that make pieces of music that explore dynamics and beauty. Or I used to say, "pretty to pretty loud". They have gone through several drummers, but Martin Castillo is the one that I will always associate with the band. He was a great drummer and is sorely missed. That being said Vincent Covarrubias now drums with them. It is funny because he used to play in AristeiA the defunct post-rock band I used to play in. We used to go to WFJ! shows and be the only ones dancing. Vanimal is a band that makes music that has plenty of electronic music elements (lots of keyboards) and more traditional instruments (bass and drums). I guess people generally call this dance rock. To me it sounds like if Joy Division were less depressing and a bit funkier. I know that a less depressing Joy Division already exists, hello New Order. But seriously the guys voice reminds me of Ian Curtis' a bit. You can download some of their tracks on their Soundcloud page. May I suggest "Lift Me Up (New Mix)". The song has an awesome synth breakdown/build up at the 2.02 mark. I love it. Plus the song is pretty catchy. The show is $12 and starts at 9 PM.
If you see me at any of these shows please say, "Hi". Yes?

Ben


Do you see that guy with the "11" rocking out? That's me. We're From Japan! play tonight at Mississippi Studios!

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Sunday, April 17th

Hello Dear Readers,

Last night I went to a show I didn't list. It was a house show at Luzelena's (Y La Bamba). I didn't list it because I was not entirely sure that it was going to happen. She mention it weeks ago but then nothing. I got the text at 7 PM. Well after I posted. Oh well. It was pretty cool. Except that it was billed as three bands: Murderbait, Ezza Rose, and Run On Sentence. But there ended up being five bands that played. Don't get me wrong, it was a pleasant surprise to get a solo Nevele Nevele set (two nights in a row I see this girl play) and Sean Flinn, but I meant I didn't get home until late. Which kinda messed up my day today (I'm tired). Oh and by the way Run On Sentence totally killed it last night. Anyways, here are the shows happening today:

Mississippi Studios is having a show with Shelly Short, Dan Hanlon, and White Lighter. Shelly Short is great. She put out a record called A Cave, a Canoo a few years back and I loved it. It is the perfect rainy day record. Not in a depressing way, but in a gentle ease into the day kind of music. She is going to be putting out Then Came the After soon. I am stoked. I have not heard any of it, put there is split 7" out with a song from said album. Nice. Anyway she has not played many shows in Portland lately because she has been on tour with Dan Hanlon in his native land of Austalia. He has a way of writing songs that is subtle clever. The songs are kinda cute. He has gone on tour with Magnetic Fields who is overtly clever. Darren has some ties to Portland outside of Shelly as well. Most notably with Cory Gray (Carcrashlander) who also plays with Shelly. Oh. I see. It all ties together. White Lighter is Kyle Moron of Typhoon when he plays solo. The other night I saw him and his girlfriend, Danielle Sullivan (Wild Ones) play together. They played two covers (Bruce Springsteen and John Prine) and a song of his that I had not heard. He is an amazing songwriter. It sometimes is hard to remember this when there are so many instruments backing him. The songs are just as effective stripped, sometimes even more so in this setting. The show is $5 and starts at 9 PM.

Rontoms is having a show with Sean Flinn & The Royal We and Pony Village. Like I said I just saw Sean play last night. But that was mostly a solo affair. Tonight is a Royal We affair. Sean's has the gift of song craft. It seems that he is a machine. I have seen him write. The songs just pour out of him. Because of this he usually is backed by some really good people. Hell I even used to be in his band. I loved playing with him. His new line up includes Ezza Rose on vocals (probably more), Seth Mankowsi on bass, Andy (don't know his last name) on drums, and Tucker Jackson on pedal steel. Plus there will be special guests as well. Pony Village comes from a different background. While Sean comes from a classic pop approach. I feel like Pony Village is coming from a indie rock starting point. And I love it. I think that they have the feel of early Death Cab. They have a self-titled 12" that is good listening. The show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.

Valentine's is having a show with Denver and Hookers. Hmmm…Denver likes to engage in some debaucherous behavior but this is ridiculous. Seriously though, when you try to search for either of these bands you get a lot of unhelpful information. Well, I mean unhelpful in regards to music. Luckily I have seen Denver several times now and I can tell you about them. Country band. They are constantly pulled towards folk and rock. But they wear boots and have harmonies that involve most of the members of the six piece band. You need to see this band live, if only to see Moustache Mike's mustache. HOOKERS, according to the Valentine's blog, has members of Joggers, Ghosting, and Eternal Tapestry. The show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.

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

Ben



This is my favorite Shelly Short song. She will play it tonight at Mississippi Studios

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Saturday, April 16th

Hello Dear Readers,

It is Record Store Day! That means lots of cool limited records. It also means shows during the day that I can't see because I'm at stupid work! The Mercury did a good sot of what all is happening, but I will talk about what I want to see in more detail. Anyways, here are the shows happening today:

Everyday Music (W. Burnside) in addition to the limited records they got Hosannas at 1:30 PM, Sallie Ford at 4:00 PM, Nurses DJ set at 5:00 PM, and White Hinterland at 6:00 PM. Hosannas played last Sunday. Lately they play music that verges on the "chill wave" of music but with exceptional vocal lines and harmonies. Their last two releases have been EPs available for FREE on their website. I know that they are a very hard working band, and I would imagine that they have already started to plan the recording of the songs that make up their current set. I can't wait. Sallie Ford does a great job leading her throw back pop band. Her voice is the not so secret weapon. Her first full length album is due out next month. I am sure that it will take her and The Outside Sound to new places. I have beaver seen Nurses DJ. Will it be three DJ's ala The World Famous Beat Junkies? Or just one Nurse spinning records? Who knows. I think more people are interested in when they are going to put out another record. White Hinterland's Casey Dienel fuses her voice with a continual growing list of influences. It's like she uses genres like backdrops. They will have all the cool Record Day releases in addition to more stuff that I am less interested in. It's FREE!

Jackpot Records (downtown) is having Red Fang play at 2 PM. Jackpot is not a big place. Even when they move stuff out of the way, it fills up real quick. Keep that in my while I describe to you my imagined scenario. Jackpot fills up then as the clock strikes 2 PM, Red Fang hits their first notes the huge glass windows shatter due to the intensity of music and volume. Glass is everywhere. The crowd is covered in blood. The band does not stop. Murder the Mountains, their frost record on Relapse Records came out not even days ago. You should pick it up, yeah? This thing is FREE!

The Saratoga will have a show with Ports Will Call, Secret Codes, and The North Wind. I only am familiar with Secret Codes. This is the jazzy post-rock band fronted by David Kyle. I have seen several of their shows and have been impressed overtime. David Kyle is obsessive when it comes to his music. It shows. The other bands have listed as indie progressive. The show is at 8 PM.

Manhole Holman House is having a show with Archers, Lee Corey Oswald, Crush Hour, and Teague (members of and Blandina). I only am familiar with two of the bands. I tried to look up the other two to no avail. Archers are awesome. They will knock your socks off. They have an incredible energy live. Plus some really great songs. "Door to All Marvels" may be one of my favorite "jam" from last year.

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

Ben


Red Fang play Jackpot records (downtown) at 2 PM!

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Friday, April 15th

Hello Dear Readers,

I am back in Portland. I didn't get back in time to see shows last night. I also had to be at work at 7 am this morning. I just don't think last night was going to happen. Did you guys go out at all? How were the shows? Anyways, here are the shows happening today:

Doug Fir is having a show with Monarques, World's Greatest Ghosts, Jared Mees & The Grown Children, and Light for Fire. This is a bill put together by Smoke Signals booking. Smoke Signals is run by Theo Craig. Y La Bamba used to work with him and he was great. Basically his secret to booking a good show was booking a show that he would want to see. The guys got good taste. If you look at his roster you will see what I mean. Monarques are the throw back pop lead by Josh Spacek. They have recently gone through a bit of a line up shuffle. It will be interesting to see what they bring tonight. I sure that there will plenty of energy. I remember there fist show ever when they were smaller but still packed a wallop. World's Greatest Ghosts are a guitar and synth heavy band that use indie dance rock beats and huge pop hooks that just demand that you make room in your heart for them. I love them. Jared Mees and The Grown Children are a very positive and fun loving band who always go over the top performance wise. There is a lot of instrument variation and there songs seem to get bigger and bigger as time goes on. Light for Fire is the only one I am not thoroughly familiar with. But it sounds real promising. Sounding somewhere between Spoon and The Strokes. The show is $10 and starts at 9 PM.
The Press Club is having a show with Celilo, Don of Division Street, and Nevele Nevele. This is Portland Americana. I have written about all of these artists before, but I would like again to draw special attention to Nevele Nevele. There is something real special there. I have only seen her live videos, but here voice is immediate and haunting and all good things that you could want in a voice. She has a revolving cast of helpers but I think lately Michael Kitson (Y La Bamba, Arch Cape etc..) has been helping out. I heard one recording they did and it's beautiful. The show is FREE and starts at 8:30 PM.

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

Ben


Jared Mees & The Grown Children play tonight at Doug Fir.

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The Green Tape

Portland hip-hop heads are probably well aware of local emcee Illmaculate's battle-rap championship caliber prowess as well as being a pillar of the Voltron-esque supergroup Sandpeople.

What some may not know is that Illmac has paired up with local transplant via Eugene, OR beat maestro Calvin Valentine who up until recently went by the name of G_Force, the 3rd member of TxE with Tope & Epp.

The resulting album has been years in the making, and is composed entirely of samples from Al Green's somewhat obscure 2007 release Lay It Down.

All told, it's an amazing snapshot of how high the artistry bar of PDX hip-hop has been set. Whether you're aware or not, this town is in the midst of a huge hip-hop renaissance lately. Luck-One, Hives Inquiry Squad, Rose Bent, Cloudy October, L Pro, Destro, IAME, Mic Crenshaw, Serge Severe, and too many others to mention which is a good problem to have. No amount of superlatives I could spit here would do this record justice, so cop it for free RIGHT HERE. Bump it in your headphones and thank me later.

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Thursday, April 14th

Hello Dear Readers,

I am writing to you from California, once more. I will be back sometime tonight. I am not sure if I will be up for seeing a show. But if I do, here are the shows happening today in Portland:

The Woods is having a show with Ólöf Arnalds (Iceland), The Ocean Floor, and Jordan O'Jordan (Olympia/Ohio). Ólöf Arnalds, if you could not tell from the crazy unusual letters in her name, is from Iceland. She makes folky music with a really unique and recognizable voice. If you think that you have the slightest interest in her, which you shoal because she is good, then you should come out. Folks from Iceland don't get here too often. If not for her than for the other great acts on the bill. The Ocean Floor was for a long time a two piece of Lane Barrington and Shannon Rose Steel. It was wonderful and beautiful with impressive live arrangements. But if you listen to any of their recorded work you will see that their recent growth to a five piece was inevitable and a good move. Their is no shortage of arrangements to be played. They took this new inception of the band to New Zealand and have come back assumedly tighter than ever. I would love to see them. Jordan O'Jordan is one The show is $10 and starts at 9 PM.

Holocene is having a show with El Ten Eleven (LA), Lynx, and Girlfriends. El Ten Eleven is a math rock duo. I played with them once in San Francisco. They were pretty cool. There was a lot of looping from the guitar player. There was a lot of cool parts. I was impressed. Lynx is a a band that I feel like I have heard of before. After checking out the web page I realized that I have a Lynx CD at my house. It must have gotten put in there when Y La Bamba was on tour in California last. Form what I have heard, Lynx is a woman whose music is a it is a mixture of hip hop and electronic influences with a healthy dose of acoustic instruments. Girlfriends is a the solo project of Jerry Joiner. He has two albums that seem pretty math (check the link I provided). He loops a lot and then goes nuts on the drums. It interesting to see music that changes parts mostly due to the drums. They definitely seem to be the main instrument of the live show. See the video at the bottom of the page to see what I am talking about. The show is $12 and starts at 8:30 PM.

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

Ben


Girlfriends play at Holocene tonight.

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Wednesday, April 13th

Hello Dear Readers,

I am writing to you from California, again. Remember how I said there were no shows in Sacramento. Well I stand by that. But yesterday I got a call from my drummer for Meyercord, Scott McPhearson. He said he was playing a show in Oakland that night and said he would put me on the list if I wanted. So last night I got to see Bright Eyes from side stage. I could not even believe it. I have been a huge Bright Eyes fan for over a decade. The same for my girlfriend. The band was great and they mixed in a lot of older material which was perfect. It was funny to see how different the show was from the first time I saw him. At first he played sitting in a chair on an acoustic almost falling out a lot and still flailing about, but he is a total rock star. He jumps onto of amps. He reaches out and touches people's hands. He lifts his guitar high in the air and at one point he totally smashed a really nice Gibson SG (this made me wince). But I really enjoyed the show. Seeing Scott play with all the lights and smoke and huge area theatrics was great. Anyways, here are the shows happening today in Portland:

Laurelthirst is having a show with Norman and Hungry Birds (Echo Park, CA). This is the second in the month long Norman residency of Laurelthirt's Wednesday happy hour. They are the only band I know who claim to be from The Willamette Valley. It is a large area to claim. If you are interested in modern country rock, check them out. Hungry Birds also could fill that description, but I feel they are less rock and more pop than Norman. That being said, their music is pretty lovely. The show is FREE and starts at 6 PM.

Mississippi Studios is having a show with Deep Dark Robot (LA), The Hugs, and Palo Verde. This is a strange Strange bill. Deep Dark Robot is the new vehicle for Linda Perry. For those of you who are not in the know, Linda fronted the band 4 Non Blondes in the 90's. She went on to become a very successful songwriter and producer for others including Pink. The Hugs on the other hand play youthful rock music. Palo Verde play mostly improvised instrumental sludge rock. This bill does not compute in my mind. But I do enjoy the Hugs. I think Palo Verde is just bad ass. The show is $15 and starts at 9 PM.
I am actually in Sacramento right now, so you shan't see me at any shows.

Ben


Palo Verde play at Mississippi Studios tonight.

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Tuesday, April 12th

Hello Dear Readers,

I am writing to you from Sunny California. It feels so good here. There isn't much in the way of shows here, but it is nice to go around town all dry and warm and all. Anyways, here are the shows happening today in Portland:

Music Millennium is having an in-store performance by AgesandAges. I love AgesandAges. They make pop music meant for everyone to sing. The music is based around Tim Perry's wonderful songs and essentially the choir/band that he has put together. The album that they put out recently, Alright You Restless, is great start to finish. With the exception of a few, all of the sounds sound for lack of a better word, joyful. This is a great chance to see them if you are low on funds or underage. The ALL AGES show is FREE and starts at 5:30 PM.

The Woods is having a show with AgesandAges, Lake (Olympia), and The Golden Hours. Please see the post above to see what I think about AgesandAges. Today is the first day in AgesandAges tour with Lake. You see this is the release show for Lake's wonderful new album, Giving & Receiving. Lake makes kinda easy listening keyboard based indie pop. You can read a review that was posted on this very blog right here. In my opinion they are a great band. The Golden Hours are an indie pop band that I have been meaning to see for quite some time. I have not heard much of them, but for some reason the three songs (two covers) have stuck out in my memory. Their entire discography is out of print. A testament to how good they are? Perhaps. The show is $10 and starts at 9 PM.

Valentine's is having a show with Neal Morgan and Thicket. You can listen to Neal Morgan at the link I provided, but you must first scroll down to where Tran Qual put an automatic player in the comments section. I hate those. I cannot imagine the person who leaves one to be cool. Neal Morgan is the drummer for a lot of cool bands like Joanna Newsom and Bill Callahan. Hi solo stuff is just drums and vocals. The vocals in tight harmonies and cool layers that are not unlike Dirty Projectors. It is pretty cool. Thicket seem to be skronk-tastic free jazz. From what I can tell it is a saxophone and drums duo. I do have a soft spot in my heart for this sort of thing. The show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.

Holocene is having a show with . There hasn't actually been an Ah Holly Fam'ly show in sometime and I keep seeing his solo shows pop up. Interesting. I was at one of those shows but had to leave early and missed his set. I bet that it is similar to the intricate finger picking topped by fragile vocals that Ah Holly Fam'ly is known for. I really think that he is a talent. Golden Spun is the only one on the bill that I have not heard of. But man, is it good. Golden Spun is basically Rachel Hays with a guitar and whoever. The recordings on myspace are folky numbers accented by beautiful and really well arranged backing vocals. The show is $5 and starts at 9 PM.

I am actually in Sacramento right now, so you shan't see me at any shows.

Ben


AgesandAges play Music Millennium and The Woods tonight. Two Chances to see this song.

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Two women, two great voices, two videos:

Two women, two great voices, two videos:

The first is Shenandoah Davis (Right), based out of Seattle. An incomparable voice and talent who I only found out about a few weeks ago after meeting her at a show at The Ella Street where she was playing with Portland's own Adrienne Hatkin (Left) from Autopilot is for Lovers (More on Adrienne in a moment.)

Here's a video for Shenandoah's song "We; Camera"

Also, pre orders are available for "Two Cover Songs" a seven inch available soon:

http://offtemporecords.com/shenandoah-davis-two-cover-songs-7-pre-orders/

The second is Adrienne Hatkin of Autopilot is for Lovers. I asked Adrienne why she likes to play songs in minor keys so much and she said it was because she's angsty as fuck! I can never tell if she's joking. . .

Here is a video for Autopilot is for Lovers song Whale Belly:

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Mondday, April 11th

Hello Dear Readers,

Guess what! (pause) I went to a show last night. I went the one at Rontoms. I am really glad that I did. Except that in the past I feel like the shows at Rontoms have always started late. I showed up last night at 9:45 and was only able to catch the last couple of songs by aan. I was super bummed because I really was looking forward to seeing them play. Then Gardens & Villa (Santa Barbra) killed it. They were so good. It was poppy and insanely catchy with a lot of flute hooks. I don't know many other bands with flute hooks. Hosannas slowed things down in a mostly chill but sublime set. Anyways, here are the shows happening tonight:

East End is having a show with Rollerball, Fist Fite, and DJ Nate C. Rollerball have been at the top of the art rock scene for awhile. Though they aren't as well known here in Portland. Those Europeans love them. I believe their label is based out of Italy. The music is always pretty interesting, whether based around piano, effected vocals, interesting rhythms, or whatever or whoever is around, the scope of Rollerball will never be narrow. Fist Fite is an almost dark wave sounding female lead synth heavy band. I forgot her name, but the lead singer/screamer of this band totally brings it every time. The show is at 9 PM.

Ash Street Saloon is having a show with Symmetry/Symmetry, The Hauge, and Silian Rail. Symmetry/ Symmetry are a pop rock band that have a flair for cool drum parts and some sweet guitar lines. It spices things up a bit. The Hauge is a band that until recently called themselves And I Was Like, What?. For real. They haven't even changed their myspace yet. I thought I remembered them being a hybrid of indie rock and Americana. But what they this song called "Birthday Suit" that sounds pretty math rock with violin flourishes. The main reason I write about this show is Silian Rail. The virtuosic instrumental lite post rock duo from the Bay. I love them. The last time I saw them I was super impressed with the amazing drumming and the just crazy guitar playing. But now they have added a second guitar. Not in the form of another member, but rather the drummer plays guitar and drums. Sometimes at the same time. Sick. The show $3 and starts at 9:30 PM.

I am actually in Sacramento right now, so you shan't see me at any shows.

Ben


This is a very recent video of Rollerball. They play tonight at East End

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Album Review and Relase Show - Lake: Giving And Receiving

Olympia, WA-born band Lake's forthcoming album, Giving & Receiving, to be released on K Records this coming Tuesday, is an experience in pure pop pleasure. Gorgeous male and female vocals, catchy rhythms, and an ample dose of keys, horns and synthesizers. Modern pop with a vintage cocktail/lounge sensibility, listening will transport you to a land where everything is groovy, but classy.

They're playing a release show April 12 at The Woods, with Portland bands Ages & Ages and the thoroughly adorable The Golden Hours. Definitely worth checking out. If, like me, you're outside the Portland area, they're on tour for the next month or so.

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Sunday, April 10th

Hello Dear Readers,

Yesterday was awesome. Y La Bamba played the Cherry Music Festival as part of the Tender Loving Empire showcase. Sadly I missed Brainstorm, but I got to see Jared Mees & The Grown Children, Loch Lomond, and Typhoon. They were all great. It was the first time I saw Jessie Bettis (Oh Captain, My Captain) as the Grown Children's bassist. I had not seen Loch Lomond in years. Their latest six piece configuration is pretty great. Typhoon are always jaw dropping. Sigh, I wish all shows were like that one. Anyways, here are the shows happening tonight:

Rontoms is having a show with Gardens & Villa (Santa Barbra), Hosannas, and aan. This show rules it. I met the Gardens and Villa guys a while back when Y La Bamba played a very memorable show in Santa Barbra. We were blown away by the guys. And I just listened to the new 7" on Cool Summer Records, but you can get those tracks for FREE at their bandcamp. The crazy thing about those recordings is that that they were recorded in by Richard Swift (Secretly Canadian) and master by TW Walsh (Ex-Pedro the Lion). Nice one, guys. They have a chill sound that incorporates a lot of synth. The second song on the 7", "Orange Blossom", is destined to be one of my summer jams. It is kinda funky and sounds like a slowed down jam from the 80's. I love it. Hosannas, apparently used to be from the Santa Barbara area and are good friends with Gardens & Villa folk. I love Hosannas. Lately the brothers have been playing as a duo and have been killing it. They recently came back from a SXSW tour excursion. I look forward to seeing how touring has changed or tightened their set. The thing that they do best is play with the dynamics of a song. Plus they sing really well together, as you might expect from brothers. You can get their latest, Thug Life Nicole EP, right here. The EP is made of four older songs that have been rearranged and been made brand new. It is a perfect example of how their arranging abilities. aan played just last night opening for The Rural Advantage, and Lord Hurons. I feel that this show is a much better fit. His music is dark and very much a play of shifts in emotion and rhythms. Bud Wilson's voice is one of the most distinct in Portland. You will have to hear it to know what I am talking about. I love everything that has been put out under the aan name. You may have noticed that I have used the word love a lot in this show pick. It is intentional. The show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.

Mississippi Studios is having a show with Pigeons, Sam Humans & The Light, and The Besties. Pigeons are a band that I feel are starting to get the kind of attention they deserve. They sound cool and Justin Ready's voice is just… cool.They are a great band live, and what's more: they made some recordings that get pretty close to that sound. Probably because they recorded with Mike Coykendall who is known for recording live with out overdubs. You may not get too many more opportunities to see this band for free. Sam Humans is a guy who has been around the music scene for a while now. I think he gained the most attention in his last project, Modernstate. It has always been a grab bag of genres and emotions. I think now that he is going under his own name it makes more sense. One is not expected the music to sound a certain way. Whatever comes out is just Sam following the muse. Then there is Besties. If I am correctly informed it fronted by the same guy who fronts Orca Team. It has a different spin than that band, but it has just as many pop hooks. I think they sound great. The show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.

The Alice Coltrane Memorial Coliseum is having it's first show. The Grand Opening will feature Matt Ingalls (San Francisco), Sam Coomes, Mitchell Brown, and The Tenses. If you want to now more about Alice Coltrane look here. If you want to know why this venue is called Alice Coltrane Memorial Coliseum, you got me. I am not sure why it is name this. It used to be called The Wail and before that Rererato. I have seen some good shows in this building. My favorite was seeing Church (now Hosannas, see above about them) play as a three piece for the release of the Gold Day 3" CD. Tonight looks pretty good, too. Most of these bands would fall into the "experimental music" category. Plus Quasi's Sam Coomes. Sweet. The show is $5-$15 and starts at 8 PM.
If you see me at any of these shows please say "Hi". Who knows, you might like me.

Ben

Hosannas - Be Careful from Emile Rosewater on Vimeo.

Hosannas play a kick ass show tonight at Rontoms.

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Is it snow that's falling?

or just albino raindrops?


A good friend of mine, Sue Ball (IMDB her, she's a veteran (she played Larry's sister on Perfect Strangers for fucks sake)), made this incredible video for the the 80's song that never existed: Albino Raindrops.

Watch and enjoy.



Directed by Sue Ball
Director of Photography: Gary Turnier
Edited by Wendy Peyton
Song by Patrick Munson; Performed by The Me

Song Available on iTunes and Amazon MP3

PS. on a seperate, but related note, click through the video and check out Sue's other project, The Rochelle Show. It's a riot!

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Tales from the Vault: Too much redaction.

Just a quick post to say: fuck a redaction. I want to know what really happened! Clicky for FBI vault info related to the murder of one of the GOATS in the game: Christopher "Notorious B.I.G." Wallace http://vault.fbi.gov/Christopher%20(Biggie%20Smalls)%20Wallace%20 Rest in Peace Big Poppa. You're still winning battles in my mind.

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Saturday, April 9th

Hello Dear Readers,

Yesterday was awesome. I swear that it felt summer. I filled my day completely and I totally thought I was going to make it out, but I was on a role getting the stuff I needed to get done actually done. Tonight I am going to a show. It's in Salem though. There is some sort of festival down there and Tender Loving Empire has a showcase with Typhoon, Y La Bamba, Jared Mees and The Grown Children, Brainstorm, and Monoplane. I am stoked. I almost went to The Typhoon, And And And, and Brainstorm show last night, but I knew I would see two of the bands tomorrow so…anyways, here are the shows happening tonight:

Fences and Greylag. Y La Bamba went on a baby tour with Fences a while back. I thought is was kinda weird. Not the music, but that Similarities between Chris Mansfield (Fences lead person) and Luzelena Mendoza (Y La Bamba lead person). Both are covered in tattoos and play mostly acoustic music that rides the line between folk and pop. I fond of their song "My Girl The Horse". After listen for a bit I realize who his voice reminds me of. He kinda sounds like Cory Gray (Carcrashlander). Greylag is a band I have discovered for myself over the last few months. They are pretty great. I have yet to see them live, but I have seen some live videos (see the bottom of this post). They have an album done but it is not out yet. You can stream some of the songs on their website, which I suggest you do. They have a driving folk sound and sometimes the singer jumps up into a Bon Iver-esque falsetto. The music sounds rich and filled with many subtle treats for the listener. These guys are gonna be huge (or at least they should be). The ALL AGES show is $10 and starts at 9 PM.

Doug Fir is having having a show with The Rural Alberta Advantage (Ontario), Lord Huron (LA), and aan. The Rural Advantage are a band I first heard of because they signed with Saddle Creek. Then I didn't really listen to them till they played a show sometime last year with a local band at Backspace last year ( I forget who). But I remember liking them instantly. They are have a good sound. I would say energetic indie rock fronted by a guy with a very Mac McCaughan voice with some really nice female backing vocals and a drummer that hold together the music more than most bands. Lord Huron is a band from LA who played not too long ago. They sound like if the Fleet Foxes went on a island vacation. The main reason I list the show, however, is aan. Good lord, that band is good. You have to check them out. I know is sounds cheesy, but they are special. Bud Wilson writes songs that sound uncomfortably honest and put them into the most dynamic songs imaginable. And his voice, you gotta hear his voice. ann is one of my favorite Portland bands for sure. The show is $12 and starts at 9 PM.

Mission Theater is having the NE Music Fest with Orca Team, Terraform, The Reservations, Besties, Rocky and The Proms, Magic Johnson, and Total Bros. That is a lot of bands. I have written about all of these bands before. They are all really good. But I would like to say that the must sees on the list are the pop perfect Orca Team and it's offshoot band Besties. Not to take away from Rocky & The Proms who remind me of throw back pop version of The Strokes. Kinda. For $3, this show is ridiculously awesome. Get familiar with your neighborhood bands. Or if you don't live in NE, get familiar with your neighbor's neighborhood bands. The ALL AGES show is a suggested $3 donation and starts at 8 PM.

If you see me at any of these shows, you need to get your eyes checked. I am in Salem tonight.

Ben

Greylag — Tiger from The Sights Of Sounds on Vimeo.

Greylag will be playing Peter's room at Roseland.

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