Portland band Pocketknife are releasing their first EP, "Tough as Snails" (Sohitek records) tonight at Mississippi Studios with Vanimal and Pegasus Dream. Be prepared for tight pop melodies, lots and lots of synths, and frequently cheeky songs on a variety of topics, from "Cotton Candy" a (mostly) straightforward I have a crush on you song, to "Normandy", a mournful yet danceable song about a doomed mission, to "Should I Kiss the Vipers Fang" which warns that "every girl's crazy 'bout that sharp-toothed man". Take a listen and if you can, come out tonight, for music fun enough to make the cool kids dance too.
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 LewiLongmire Band and Duover. LewiLongmire 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!
It has been a crazy month for me. I have been on tour. I have had my girlfriend in town. I was working at a place with out an Internet connection. I am listing excuses, but I guess what I am saying is that I have missed blogging. In the past several years it has become part of my daily routine. I feel like I have not been brushing my teeth for like a month (. I have made a couple of false starts. Yesterday I got most of a post done but got too caught up doing my job to finish it. I hate it when that happens. Anyway here are some shows that look good to me:
Black Rose Infoshop is having a show with Ordstro (San Francisco), Matsuri (San Francisco), Duck Little Brother Duck, and Lunge. Ordstro and Matsuri are on tour together from San Francisco. I am not well versed with their music though Matsuri has all of their music available for download here and all of Ordstro's music is here. As far as I can tell both are loud-ish bands that incorporate a vocal style that is best described as screaming. Listening to Ordstro hurts my voice. Matsuri while screams just as much has also added some interesting guitar parts to the music. Duck Little Brother Duck are why I am listing this show. I love their music. It is mathy at times. It is intricate. It is pretty epic at times. Their live show packs an amazing amount of energy. The ALL AGES show is $4 and starts at 7 PM.
Rotture is having a show with Problems?, Corpus Callosum (SD, Like a Villain, and ToyboatToyboatToyboat. I have written about the quirky pop of Problems? before. But the real reason I list this show is becuase of Like a Villain. She is great. Very dramatic songs crafted from clarinet and vocal loops accented with glockenspiel. Yes, she plays in a band with me, but I would love this anyway (she also plays in The Ocean Floor). The show is $5 and starts at 9 PM.
If you see me at any of these shows please say, "Hi". It has been far too long, yes?
-Ben
Duck Little Brother Duck are set to kill it tonight at Black Rose Infoshop
Last night I got called into work and didn't get out until 11PM. That is prime show watching time. By the time I was done I could not bring myself to go to a show. Instead I went home to watch election results. Woo-hoo, I am an adult! But seriously if I had gotten out at 9PM, I would have gone out to a show. But anyway, here are some shows that look good to me tonight:
Laurelthirst is having the Parson Red Heads do the happy hour residency in November. This is the first one, but every Wednesday of this month they will be playing here. For FREE. If you are unfamiliar with the band, you really should check them out. They sound like a good country rock band. For that is what they are. The show is FREE and starts at 6 PM.
Later Laurelthirst will have another excellent show with Duover and Grey Anne. I have seen Duover a couple times and I like their boy girl simple folk. It is very nice and feels good. I have not seen Grey Anne play in a while there are rumours (started by her) that she is sometimes playing with a stand up bass player. That would double the size of her band. I am interested to see how it fits. I am also interested in hearing how it fits. The show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.
Mississippi Studios is having a show with Alemeda, Jen Moon, and Adam Thompson. Alemeda is the project wherein Sterling Myles writes songs on acoustic guitar and his friends accompany him on more classical instruments. Like Cello, viola, violin, and bass clarinet. Not to mention the gorgeous female backing vocals. I think it is wonderful sound. Jen Moon does not sound like this at all. Jen leads this keyboard/piano driven four piece that also includes two thirds of Oh Captain My Captain. When you have Set Mankoski and Jesse Bettis in the band, your songs are gonna sound pretty sweet. I am not sure what Adam Thompson is gonna play, but he is better know for playing bass in Thao and The Get Down Stay Down. The show is $5 and starts at 9 PM.
The Knife Shop is having a show with Rob Jones, Kyle Morris, Matthew Strange, and Ryan Barber. This is a night for people who are normally known to be backed by a group to go it alone. Rob Jones who is normally known to be backed by The Valiant Arms (or his record label Jealous Butcher) recently curated the Led Zeppelin comp. I will be honest, I am not familiar with Valiant Arms. Kyle Morris is of the band Holy Children. This is another band I do not know. Matthew Strange is of the band Hawkeye, a band I have heard of. The main reason I am writing about the show is because of Pony Village's Ryan Barber. Not only is this a sweet man, he fronts a sweet band. As you have probably noticed I always list when he band plays and I always say nice things about his band because...well, because I like his band. The show is $2 and starts at 8 PM.
If you see me at any of these shows please say, "Hi". It is the way I greet people.
-Ben
Grey Anne will play the Laurelthirst tonight. All you have to pay is attention (it's FREE y'all!)
Last night I stayed home. Basically what I need to do is save up enough to get a bike. I think that would help. I want to be able to afford to get to show and be able to pay to get in. I realize that some of my show absences have been financial decisions. I think a bike is way more economical. Anyway, enough of my bitching. Here are the Portland centric shows happening tonight :
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, better known as The Schnitz is having an incredible show with Belle & Sebastian and Typhoon. That is right it. The legendary, in my mind, Belle & Sebastian are in town today. I love that band so much and realized that I have been listening to them for abut ten years. That is kinda nuts. They introduced me to genre tags such as indie pop, Twee, and baroque pop. They have been consistently been putting out good records. The classics (If Your Feeling Sinister or Boy With The Arab Strap) are classic, the newer records are great too (Dear Catastrophe Waitress and The Life Pursuit are totally underrated in my opinion). There is a new album out called Write About Love. I think it is pretty darned good. I will see this show. If nothing to see my homies in Typhoon. They are sooooo good. I am happy to see them playing a show this size. They play music that is so epic pulls tight the heart strings and also at times channels pure joy. I cannot recommend them enough. The show is a hefty $45 and starts at 8 PM.
Someday Lounge is having the after party of the Belle & Sebastian show. They are going to have Y La Bamba play a set. They will also have DJ Cooky Parker spin records which the possibility of members of Belle & Sebastian cutting in so to speak to spin as well. As a member of Y La Bamba, I am so stoked about this show. As I said before, I love that band. Plus we will be debuting a new arrangement of an old song (but newer than anything on our new album). It will be a high energy set, as that is what has been requested of us. DJ Cooky Parker is actually Scott McGee of Y La Bamba, Loch Lomond, Nick Jaina, etc… He has been spinning soul 45's since April and has gotten pretty good at what he does. He has a monthly gig at The Woods and is in talks of getting a radio program on KBOO. It is quality unheard stuff mostly. He digs and finds treasures. The show is $5 and starts at 11 PM (I think it is discounted if you have a Belle & Sebastian ticket stub).
If you see me at either of these shows please say, "Hi". I am the one with the beard and shoes on.
-Ben
Image this with electric guitars on a huge stage and you get an idea of what Typhoon will sound like tonight at the Schnitz.
Okay, I need to be honest. Lately I have not been motivated to see shows. I think the change of weather has gotten to me. I need to buck up. I need to see live music. Yesterday I was going to go out to something but then ended up not. Also I heard that I did not notice that there was some sort of music that the Hawthorne Food Carts (the rumor was that World's Greatest Ghost played). Instead I did something that I have not done in a long time. I listened to records and read a book. It felt great. But seeing shows is great too. Here are some that look good to me:
Music Millennium is having an in-store with Ascetic Junkies. I have been meaning to see them for quite a long time. I remember Sam Cooper telling me to check them out way back when he was part of Jared Mees & The Grown Children. They have very blank songs. They used to have the genre bluegrass attached to them. But their myspace currently states that they are "not a folk/bluegrass band". And honestly I just listened to them again and they are right. They are more interesting than that. Their songs are really catchy and filled with cool parts. If anything they are a pop band. If you can't make it to this show, you can them tomorrow at Doug Fir Lounge with the previously mention Jared Mees and company. This ALL AGES show is FREE and starts at 6 PM.
Tonic Lounge is having a show with Kelli Schaefer, The Orchestrion, and Johanna. Basically I think that Kelli Schaefer is amazing. Her songs are great. Her voice is great. The people she records with sound great. She should be huge. The show is at 9 PM.
Doug Fir is having a show with Lovers, Third Sex, and Kusikia. Lovers are great. I have not seen them yet, but I can get down with their electro-pop stylings. This is the album release for their latest Dark Light. Their album was great and I loved it. I have not listened to this one all the way through, but I look forward to doing so. Also Kusikia is one of the best bands in Portland. If you have not seen them, you should rectify that tonight. The two piece is drums a guitar and an amazing voice. I really can't describe it but it gives me chills to see it live. You can download Kusikia's album for free here. The show is $7 and starts at 9 PM.
If you see me at any of these shows please say, "Hi". Or some sort of greeting
It has been a crazy busy and insane week for me. I did some Nike coverage for the blog which included a bunch of videos with me wearing some fresh Nike gear. I performed in Y La Bamba at the Tender Loving Empire showcase at Someday Lounge. I played in Sean Flinn & The Royal We last night at Bunk Bar. Bunk Bar is a cool space. Hopefully I go to more shows there in the future. Yesterday at work I was planning on blogging, but a huge film crew came into my work and filmed for Portlandia a new show that's going to be on IFC. I saw both Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein the two main creative people behind the show. Pretty crazy. Anyway I hope you got to see some of the MFNW shows. There were some good Portland bands playing last night, the biggest being The Decemberists. Actually that whole Pioneer Courthouse Square was a Portland line up. Laura Veirs, Blue Giant and Weinland also played. Elsewhere around town Ritchie Young, Aan, Dirty Mittens, Monarques, Lovers, and Menomena played. Good times were had I am sure. Here are my picks for today:
Bar Bar is having a show with Sue Weaver and Duover. This is a continuation of what Bar Bar had in August where every Sunday they are hosting two bands to play two sets switching off every hour on the hour from 3 PM to 7 PM. Sue Weaver aka Little Sue makes perfect Americana Pop. All of her songs have a crispness about them that just sound good. In a genre that is steeped with downer after downer, her music comes off a pretty up beat. Duover is the latest for Portland Music Scene staple Nathan Jr. He and Rebbecca Rasmussen create really easy going boy/girl folk pop. You can stream their self titled album from the link I provided, or you can do one of those pay what you want type things and own a digital copy. The show is FREE and starts at 3 PM.
Pioneer Courthouse Square is having a show with The National, The Walkmen (NYC), The Helio Sequence, and Talkdemonic. Honestly this looks like one of the best line ups in the whole MFNW schedule. I like like all of the bands. Actually I really like most of these bands. Talkdemonic make chill beat driven music that is as well versed in folk instruments (especially the viola) as it is the array of electronic elements (especially low synth bass type stuff). It is all instrumental and I find it to be the perfect soundtrack to just about anything. The Helio Sequence is the duo that is the only band that formed in Beaverton to kinda make it. They make light indie rock with a curious amount of instruments for a duo. They put out a split with Menomena in April for Record Store Day. As hard as it is to admit I think that their side was better than Menomena's. The Walkmen just can't seem to do wrong. I have enjoyed this band from the very start of their career. They had a song in some sort of commercial, but have since then consistently put out great albums. They make music with a lot of space and organ and a singer that belts out his songs in a very distinct croon. The National are a peculiar band for me. I love them. But honestly I only have one album that I listen to over and over again. That of course being Alligator. I am sure the two albums that came after it are great too, but I am not ready yet. The show starts at 4 PM.
Valentine's is having a show with Grouper, Pioneer, and Neglect. I read that it is not so much a Grouper show, so much as a collaboration of Liz Harris aka Grouper and IIyas Ahmed. I am sure that whatever it is will be absolutely gorgeous and gentle and will make you feel like you are in some sort of dream state. Pioneer is a project that I had difficulty locating any information on, but have gotten the impression from Valentine's blog that it involves audio and visual elements. Neglect is the musical outlet of Joseph Valentino who apparently moved back into town recently from Tucson. He makes music that combines ambient type music with beats. Sounds contradictory I know, but it also sounds pretty cool. The show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.
Rontoms is having Dolorean, Derby, and Norman. Come get your Folk pop on. For FREE. Dolorean who played a MFNW set early is bring some more tonight. Derby who lean a little more towards pop than Americana will also be doing a set. And of course their is the pride of the Willamette Valley Norman. They also do the genre tag Americana proud. The show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.
If you see me at any of these shows please say, "Hi".
-Ben
Talkedemonic help close out MFNW this afternoon at Pioneer Courhouse Square.
As you undoubtedly have noticed, MFNW is in full swing. There are about million shows happening. As you may or may not have heard I am covering the Nike Sports Wear music events that happened yesterday and today. Check out the videos to see how I look decked out in Nike gear. Anyway due to a lack of time and Internet I was not able to post a blog yesterday. Which is a shame because both Sallie Ford and The Thermals played MFNW representing Portland proudly. Today I also kinda have a lack of time, but I want to share some my Portland-centric MFNW picks:
Doug Fir is having Blue Giant play as part of a KEXP show. The show is FREE and Early.
So if you see me at any of these shows, and you might, please say "Hi". Sorry I didn't have time to go into detail. I will get back to a normal blogging pace very soon. I promise.
-Ben
Typhoon play the Someday Lounge tonight as part of the Tender Loving Empire showcase!
I was out of town for five days. What did I miss? Seriously. I have no idea. Well while I wait for you to respon in the comments section, I will list a ton of good shows that are happening this fine day:
Hopworks Urban Brewery is having Biketoberfest with Hillstomp, Morning Teleporatation, Boy Eats Drum Machine, Ravishers, Quiet Life, and DJ Short Change. I hate to say it, but I think the summer might be coming to an end. But there are still many summer type events going still. This is one of them. I love FREE shows that start in the afternoon and last into the night. BEDM is one of the most unique acts in Portland. The ALL AGES is FREE and is going on right now (starts at noon goes to 10 PM).
The Old Town Block Party is happening tonight. It has Deelay Ceelay, The Joggers, The Mean Jeans, Lovers, Rev. Shines, Dundiggy, Mr. Matt Nelkin and Nature. Woah, another thing very simialar to what I just posted. But this one is closer to down town. Plus I think there are more bands that I am familiar with. The Joggers for free? That's absurd. Plus I have been wanting to catch the catchy Lovers live set for some time now. The show is also FREE it is also noon to 10 PM.
Backspace is having a show with Wax Fingers, By Sunlight (Seattle), and Manouk (San Diego). I want to see Wax Fingers. I bet that their innovative, or at least very fresh, sounding pop music sounds great live. The ALL AGES show is $5 and starsta t 8 PM>
Alberta Rose Theatre is having the Blue Cranes, Rebeca Gates & The Consortium, and Jonathan Sielaff play. It is the CD release show for the new Blue Cranes album, Observatories. I love Blue Cranes Jazz based music. It is incredible to see live. If you ever get a chance to, you definitely should. I have not heard their new album, but I bet it is amazing. Also go check out Rebeca Gates. I have no idea what her new band, The Consortium is all about, but I am curious. Also I like this venue. It is a baby Aladdin Theatre. The show is $12 and starts at 9 PM.
The Doug Fir is having a show with Sean Flinn & The Royal We, MuseeMecanique, and Ezza Rose. This line up is awesome! And not only because I am playing it. Yes, I play in Sean Flinn and the Royal We (as back up singer extraordinaire), but the only reason I do is because I love the music. It is finely crafted and well arranged pop music. Plus if you are at all familiar with this blog, you know that I LOVE both MusseMecanique and Ezza Rose. I bet both will be playing newish songs as both have been recording. Speaking of recordings, Sean is finally releasing his first CD, Write Me A Novel. You should think about picking it up because it is good. The show is $5 and starts at 9 PM.
Biddy McGraw's is having a Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser with Jonah, Ravishers, Climber, Kelli Schaefer, and Violet Isle. Do you know about breast cancer? No? check out this show. You might learn you something. Or at least get money to people who might in turn be able to afford to learn you something. Plus I think Kelli Schaefer is amazing. The show is at 9 PM.
Laurelthirst is having a show with Tchotchkes, Stiffwiff, and Kelly Blair Bauman. Stiffwiff in the past has been a mostly improvised vehicle for a bunch of friends to get together and jam (in front of people). I have not seen them since they put out a record. I am not sure if they have changes things up and actually play songs now. Also I enjoy the songs of Kelly Blair Bauman, and you might too. The show is at 9:30 PM.
Fringe Vintage is having a show with Westfold and Fathers And Sons. I am a Westfold fan. And as a Westfold fan I can usually count on one thing to happen at a Westfold show. I expect to hear new songs. These guys are writing machines. For Real. They also can change up their sound or at least add more layers and depth to their sound with every show. This is FREE and starts at 8 PM.
If you see me at Doug Fir tonight please say, "Hi". It will be greatly appreciated.
As I might have mentioned before. I do not really have computer access at home. Unless I figure out a way to sneak into my roommates rooms while they sleep (totally creepy), I do not have access to computers unless I am at work. Did you guys go to any shows? Wednesday Y La Bamba played our last Laurelthirst Residency show. Black Prairie the bluegrass band that has three Decemberists (none with the initials C.M.) playing in it. They were super fun. On one of the songs the fiddle player pulled out a fiddle with what looked like a trumpet on the end of it. It made her sound like an old record. Really neat. I had a great time playing. A really good time. If you were there great. If you did not, maybe next time? Anyway PDX Pop this weekend is the only place you have to be:
So this is the big weekend. PDX Pop Now! 2010 is going down at Rotture. This is where I will be when I am not at work this weekend. Here is today's schedule:
Blue Horns are jangle pop goodness. YlanYlang is I believe a new super group of Portland musicians. Kusikia is an amazingly dynamic duo that just kill everytime they play. I just got their LP and love it. AgesAndAges play really good vocal arranged pop. I heard a bit of their upcoming album today and I was blown away. They are gonna be huge. Rollerball is an awesome art rock band that do not play their hometown enough. The Europeans love 'em though. AndAndAnd is a newish pop band that I see going places as well. I don't have their latest. But I might get it today. I don't know Witch Mountain, but I have seen the words sludge and doom associated with them. Jackie-O Motherfucker is a pretty famous experimental group of improve folk jazz pyschedelic folks who create new sounds in music. Tu Fawning is the band that features real life couple Joe Haege (31 Knots/Menomena) and Corrina Repp (Corrina Repp/Viva Voce) and two others whose names I forget. They make music that is very dramatic and very good.
If you see me please say "Hi"
-Ben
Kusikia is awesome they play PDX Pop tonight at 7:25. Sweeeeet!
I am going to play a music festival outside of Salem called Emerg N See. That means that I will be unable to see of the many good shows happening tonight. Here are some of those shows that look good tonight:
Valentine's is having a show with Love Always, Eratz, and Alina Hardin. Love Always is Kathy Foster of The Thermals and All Girls Summer Fun Band. This is her solo project. I think that she has only played one show under this moniker. I was at the first one. I thought it was pretty promising. I really think that Alina Hardin makes beautiful folk music. The show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.
The Knife Shop is having a show with AO, Lions & Eagles, and Shenandoah Davis. AO is the latest moniker of Adrian Orange who gained prominence in the indie wold as Thanksgiving. Lions & Eagles is a band that is related to the Sec Saints Art collective. I am a fan of collectives. Shenandoah Davis was at my house last night. She had made acquaintance with a friend who was staying at my house. I had no idea that she made the music she does, which is very good. Dramatic vocals mixed with string and piano arrangements. It is really cool. The show is $4 and starts at 9 PM.
Mississippi Studios is having a show with Everest, Ezza Rose, and Winterhaven. I have heard good things about Everest. I think. The name seems familiar. Ezza Rose is pretty great. I love her voice. She recently recorded an album at Type Foundry. I cannot wait for it to come out. Winterhaven is named after the town that birthed Gram Parsons. They make music that they hope would please the Grievous Angel. It should be noted the Hoyt Emerson The show is $10 and starts at 9 PM.
Umm...I took a bit of a break. Not really. I have been super busy. Specifically during the normal hours of blogging. I will be trying to get back in the swing of things but it has been difficult. What are the best shows you have seen in the last couple of weeks? I have been playing them like crazy. I played Wednesday night with Y La Bamaba, last night with AristeiA, tonight I am playing with Sean Flinn, and then a couple of Y La Bamba gigs this weekend. Good times for Ben Meyercord. Anyway here are the shows that want to mention tonight:
Doug Fir is having a show with The Mynabirds (Omaha), Celilo, Sean Flinn & The Royal We, and The Physical Hearts. Do you remember that band Georgia James? You know, that one that had the dude from Q and Not You and that woman that you were unfamiliar with. Well, I do. I thought they were pretty good. Anyway that woman who I referenced is Laura Burhenn. Like most Omaha based bands they are signed to Saddle Creek. After just a quick taste of the songs I feel that this is what Jenny Lewis' second album should have sounded like. Celilo is one of the finest Americana Rock bands our town has to offer. Sean Flinn & The Royal We is are a rotating cast of people based around the really well crafted pop songs of Jolie Holland, Nick Jaina, and Y La Bamba guitarist Sean Flinn. He has an album coming out eventually. But I am not sure when. The Physical Hearts are another kinda Americana band. The show is $8 and starts at 9 PM.
Wonder Ballroom is having Built to Spill and Quasi. Do I really need to say more? Sigh. I really really really really really really really really really wish I could go to this. Pacific NW Rock Gods will grace the stage. Oh My God. This show will be Epic. I have loved both of these bands since I was 18. That is a good decade of indie rock love. You probably should go to this show. It is $23. ALL AGES, and starts at 9 PM.
Rotture is having Superfest 2 Electric Boogaloo. This is a kinda eclectic two day festival that will feature some bands that I quite enjoy. Tonight they have Copy, Wampire, Fake Drugs, Hosannas, Strategy, Joey Casio (Olympia), and Rude Dudes (DJ Solomon and DJ Rad!). I also think it is the first official use of the downstairs area being a part of Rotture. I know we have all seen PDX Pop Now! shows there but this is will be a regular thing. Bigger shows downstairs, smaller shows upstairs. Anyway a lot of these bands are dance music. But all a little skewed. It makes it okay to like dance music which is a lot of the time predictable or boring or whatever. I have no idea what Hosannas is going to be like. But I think it will be a two piece. So weird. Somebody has to go to this show and tell me what is up with the performance. The show is $8-$12 and starts at 7 PM.
The Waypost is having a show with Your Rival, River Banks, and Fairedu Surf (Washington state). River Banks is Justin of Pigeons. He is quite good. I have played a show with him before and I was impressed. He has a really cool sounding vintage amp. Your Rival my not be your actual rival, but it is an actual band. Kinda. There is a myspace and it lists a member and has one song. I actually don't feel like I know what is going on with the song. Which is more than I can say for Fairedu Surf who have no songs up. They claim to be an Indie Surf band. That is a pretty hot genre right now. Especially with summer in full swing. The ALL AGES show is FREE and starts at 8 PM.
Paschal Coeur, Ed & The Red Reds, and Hello Constable. I know that I have written about Paschal Coeur before. But I am mostly writing about this show because of Ed & The Red Reds. This is essentially the band for Ed Thanhouser a man about town. You should check it out assuming you like a taste of the indie country folk type stuff. The ALL AGES show is $ and starts at 9 PM.
The Woods is having a show with Westfold, Tempest Fujit (SF), and Dan Connolly. Westfold is a good band. I have never seen them in a venue as nice as the Woods. Let's face facts, that despite it being an ex-funeral home it is the coziest venue in Portland. Westfold's music is not that cozy. It is generally about talking about the uncomfortable social issues that plague our society. They also do it while sounding very raw. You should check them out. The show is $5 and starts at 9 PM.
The Green House is having a show with Foot Ox, Forever, Blandina, Blood Beach, and Matthew & The Minervals. There are a bunch of bands playing this, obviously. I have heard of Foot Ox before. I just listened to it. It is the sort of music you either love or hate. Indie pop with a singer with a funny voice. It is an album release show for them. I am writing about the show because of Blood Beach though. I have still not seen them. I have heard really cool things about them. I used to see front man Shane when he played as Tex Winters. I think is a pretty cool guy. Check out his very weird psych music. The ALL AGES show is probably FREE and starts at 8 PM.
The Red and Black Cafe is having a show with Purrbot, Jordaan Mason, Shelby Sifers, and D. Purrbot makes delicate and restrained music usually on banjo or piano. You should check it out. I have not heard Shelby Sifers play in a long time. Apparently she has a new dancey kind project called Peacock Dreams. But I still like her very cute songs that she writes under her given name. Jordaan is really good. Really dramatic, but really good. The ALL AGES show is probably by donation and starts at 8 PM.
Yesterday I mostly finished moving. I packed essentially by myself from 6 PM to 12 AM. Intense. That being said I missed all the shows that happened. Though once I got home I got to hear Bohr, the new AristeiA side project, practice. It is sounding really cool. I will totally let you guys know when there are some recordings. Anyways, here are some quick thoughts (I'm too tired for in depth thoughts) of the local shows tonight:
Laurelthirst is having a show with Y La Bamba and Meyercord. Y La Bamba landed the Laurelthirst Residency for the entire month of July. I am stoked. We are are going to be playing some old favorites as well as using this opportunity to try out some new stuff as well. Tonight is especially exciting for me because I will be opening up for Y La Bamba, one of my favorite bands (that I play in). I will be honest, I gain a sense of satisfaction when I play in more than one band at one show. It feels like I am not wasting my time. I am very happy with how things have been progressing with Meyercord lately. We are sometimes a five piece now, though tonight we will play as a three piece with upright bass by Perry Pfister and Holland Andrews on clarinet and vocals. I love the way it sounds. The show is FREE and starts at 6 PM.
Ella Street Social Club is having a show with Gratitillium, Snuffaluffagus (CA), and Witt (San Diego). I wrote about the two California bands just a few days ago. Gratitillium has a new EP out and an album on the way. The show is $5 and starts at 9 PM.
Mississippi Studios is having a show with Sleepy Sun and Tu Fawning. Tu Fawning is rad. Has Joe from 31 Knots and Menomena with Corina Repp and others. You can hear a track from their upcoming album on their myspace (which I linked to earlier). The show is $10 and starts at 9 PM.
Laughing Horse Books is having a show with Purrbot, Shelby Sifers and Letmore. I have not seen Shelby play in years. But her songs are good. Her voice as I recall reminds me of old JoannaNewsome. So you will either like it or hate it. I like it. Purrbot is pretty great. Kinda moody, but great. The ALL AGES show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.
If you see me at the Laurelthirst please say, "Hi". I would be very appreciative.
-Ben
You can catch Purrbot at Laughing Horse Books on Burnside.
Last night I played at the Knife Shop in AristeiA. I was actually kinda impressed with us considering we have not practiced in about two weeks. The other bands we pretty good too. I was happy that I finally got to see On The Stairs. Nate Clark and his band played a set of all new songs and he recorded the set. Maybe for a possible release? He had a brass trio backing him, it was really cool. He had this one song that sounded like a soul song. We thought Van Morrison. He said after the show he was going for Otis Redding. We then agreed that Van Morrison was probably going for Otis Redding as well. Anyway, there are a couple shows tonight:
Ella Street Social Club is having a show with Like a Villain, The SarcasticDharma Society, and E.P. Hall (Bloomington, IN), and Problems?. I think I told you guys about Like a Villain. I tis Holland Andrews who also plays clarinet and sings in Meyercord with me. But this is a whole different thing. It is an awesome thing. She loops like a mad woman creating really impressive clarinet loops spiced with glockenspiel and vocal layers. I can't get enough of it. Sarcastic Dharma Society is one of my favorite bands in Portland. You must listen to their songs. They are obviously well crafted. Time was spent on the arrangements. EP Hall sounds like promising female fronted gothic folk. Problems? make very quirky pop music. I like it. Time was spent on the lyrics. I The show is $5 and starts at 9 PM.
Holocene is having a show with Gratitillium, Pancake Breakfast, and Tiger House. Gratitillium is the weird pop band of Nick Caceres a former folk guy. Tonight he and his crew are releasing an ep to tide us over until his second album drops later this year. Pancake Breakfast is the vehicle Mike Midlo uses to share his music with the world. He usually is backed by a choir and various musical elements. It changes from show to show. Or so I have been told. It will be a good time if you make it out. The show is $5 and starts at 8:30 PM.
If you see me at any of these shows please say, "Hi". I said Please.
-Ben
The SarcasticDharma Society will play in full form tonight at Ella Street. You should go.
How are you? Did you get a new hair cut? Or are you just looking good today? Whatevs. It has been a while but I am back. kinda. For a few days at least. I am out of town this weekend. I have been taking a break from show going. And everything in general. I just got back from a vacation. It was awesome. I didn't practice. I didn't play shows. I didn't work. I got to hang out with a girl that I am kinda crazy about. Good times. Then I got back late Sunday night. Yesterday, I went up to Seattle and played Folk Life a musical festival dedicated to all things folk. I thought the name seemed somewhat cynical, but the people their all seemed very happy. Or very high. Many seemed to fall into both of those camps. I briefly saw Grey Anne but did not recognize any other Portland Musicians at the festival. Anyway there are a couple of really good touring shows that look good tonight from The Buzzcocks, to MGMT, to Seattle's own brilliant Sera Cahoone. There are not many good local shows tonight, though. As you know I write about the Portland area bands. This is the show I could find:
The Knife shop is having a show with On The Stairs, AristeiA, and My Dads. Yes, yes. I play in AristeiA which I think is one of the better bands in Portland. But I would have listed this show anyway. It is a bit of an odd pairing. At least with On The Stairs. Nate Clark of On The Stairs makes Americana music. AristeiA and My Dads play instrumental rock music. That being said I like all bands on the bill. I even sang on a song for On The Stairs album that was released earlier this year. If you go to his myspace page and listen to his song "When the dust comes down", incidentally my favorite song on the album, you can hear me bust out a long series of "oh's". But if you do not want to hear me sing, then I suggest you check out AristeiA. I play bass in this band but do not sing a note. We let our instruments do the the singing. If you are a fan or rock music, you will probably dig on our band. If you are a fan of interesting music, than you will probably dig on this band. If you are into loudish music, then this is a band you might dig on. My Dad's also make the instrumental rock music. Though they seem to be more post-rock than rock. If you think you understand that sentence, then you probably do. If didn't understand the sentence then I would not worry about it. They are pretty cool and you should check them out.
If you see me at The Knife Shop please say "Hi". It would be a nice welcome back to Portland.
-Ben
I could not find footage of the other bands, but this is what AristeiA was like a while ago. We are kinda different now. Better.
I went to the 28 Days of May Mansion last night. Y La Bamba played. I was pretty fun. Then I left and dropped off people including my roommate. Then I got home and remembered that I do not have a key to my place because I lent it out to my other roommate. This meant driving all the way to the Tube and watching part of a band's set that I did not catch the name of. It was 'aight. But I just wanted to go home. Which I eventually did. I want to say this to you guys as well. I am going on a vacation. An actual vacation. Not a tour. Not a family thing. But rather something for me. Which is something that I realize I have not don in about eight or nine years. So I am stoked. While I am gone I always recommend Pc-PDX. But for tonight this I will list these shows. I have been super distracted today so I cannot think to write much about all of the bands, but I am 90% sure that all of these shows will be good:
The 28 Days of May is having Oh Captain My Captain is playing and being filmed this evening at 6 PM. Many people are skeptical about the intentions of this thing. I am just a fan of Oh Captain My Captain. It will be a good time.
East End is having a show with Jacuzzi boys (Miami, FL), Total Bros, NucularAminals, and Orca Team. More house show bands invading the local music venues. Awesome. Especially Orca Team and Total Bros. The show is at 8 PM.
Valentine's is having a show with Key Losers (Katy Davidson of Dear Nora, The Finches (SF/LA), and Nervous & The Kid. i am a fan of Katy Davidson. Dear Nora was one of the Portland acts or semi-Portland at the time that I really loved when I lived in Texas. I saw her play in Denton, TX Once. Last November I got to open up for Key Losers first show as part of the Y La Bamba crew. I have heard very nice things about The Finches. The show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.
The Artistery is having a show with Stephen Steinbrink aka French Quarter (Arizona), Married in Berdichev (Denver), and Davis Hooker. I am feel like I have heard about French Quarter many times. He tours a lot. Like a lot a lot. Ask any house show touring band and I bet you they know this guy. Plus I have heard from a very trusted music fan that Davis Hooker is not to be missed. The ALL AGES show is $6 and starts at 8 PM.
If you see me at any of these shows please say, "Hi". It would do my heart good.
-Ben
Davis Hooker will do something like this tonight at The Artistery
I have kinda had a rough few days. To sum it up I no longer have a laptop computer of an intact drivers side window in my van. That means that yesterday I did not make a post. I have tried to blog from my phone but it is really frustrating. I don't even now who played yesterday. I heard that maybe Alan Singley played at Valentine's? Also, my wallet was stolen, so it looks like I am limited to FREE and ALL AGES shows. Luckily Portland has many kick ass FREE shows. Here is what looks good to me tonight (they also all happen to be free):
Lola's Room is having a show with Sallie Ford & The Sound Outside and Sean Flinn. All right, we got us a good show here. I think that Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside is great. They have played a lot and are a really tight band. I think that Sallie's voice is pretty incredible. When I first saw her she seemed so awkward and then I saw her cover a Billie Holiday song and I was floored. How the hell did that voice come from that girl? Anyway, I predicted big things for her years ago and bam! She won Best New Band. Sean Flinn is a guy who not only plays in several outfits around town (like Y La Bamba and Nick Jaina) but also can write a song likenobodies business. he recently put out the Patient Heart as a digital EP an will be releasing his full length "Write Me a Novel" later this year. Oh and I sometimes play with with Sean and his band, The Royal We. He truly has a cast of rotating players. As of me writing this I am not playing the show. But who knows? The show is FREE and starts at 7 PM.
Valentine's is having a show with Paschal Coeur, On The Stairs, and Mount Saint Elias. Paschal Coer is a pop band. They may have elements of a few other genres sprinkled on top, but underneath they will a pop band. Danielle Paschal Fish, the band leader, has a voice that vaguely remind me of Dirty Mitten's lead singer Chelsea but with less freak outs. Whatever. You should check the lap steel heavy song "Assuming you don't mind reading my lyric". On the Stairs is Americana outlet for Nate Clark. Though I sang on it, I don not have an actual copy of On The Stairs album. And I swear I am not being biased, but I think my favorite song is "When The Dust Comes Down" (I am singing some long oh's on this song). His voice is pretty cool. Low, but not too low. Rough, but not too rough. He recorded at Miracle Lake as did Mt. Saint Elias. I have written about Mt. Saint Elias before when it was called Jacob White. Jacob White was led by umm...Jacob White. He has a very good voice and his songs are pretty great. I am a fan for sure. I suggest you check him out. He will be recording a full length this summer so he will not be playing a whole lot of shows. The event is FREE at 9 PM.
Ripple Beach (on Swan Island) is having a show with Sailing, Million Brazilians, and Ancestral Diet. This is the show description that grabbed my attention, "SPECIAL BEACH SHOW!!! ON SWAN ISLAND TAKE GOING STREET DOWN BEHIND THE MCDONALD'S LOOK FOR THE 'BLUE VAN' ". They had me at behind the McDonalds. This show sounds super fun and slightly mysterious. Is this an acoustic show? If not how will they power stuff? Is Swan Island really an island? Will there be Swans? I have not seen any of these bands, but boy does this look like a good time. The ALL AGES show is FREE and starts at 7:30 PM.
If you see me at any of these shows please say,"Hi". That would make my night.
-Ben
Sallie Ford & The Sound Outside will play for FREE at Lola's Room tonight.
Hello Dear Readers, Last night I played in AristeiA for our neighbors to the North, Seattle. We played with some really kick ass bands like X-ray Press, Panther Attack, and The Fruiting Bodies. We had played with X-ray Press one other time before. I was impressed with them then, it was like three years ago, and I was even more impressed with them last night. But I was kinda bummed to learn that last night was their last show ever. The Fruiting Bodies however will be playing very soon:
Ducketts is having a show with AristeiA, Palo Verde, and The Fruiting Bodies. AristeiA is the loudish instrumental band that I play in. We have just finished writing (but have not started recording) a new album. We are going to be playing songs from it tonight. It will be super fun because this is totally in our hood. Plus I have been meaning to see the improv heavy rock music that I have been hearing about from Palo Verde. Goldie has told me that it is awesome. Goldie doesn't lie. Last night we played with Seattle's The Fruiting Bodies. They are possible The show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.
Mississippi Studios is having a show with Ramona Falls, World's Greatest Ghosts, and Johanna Kunin. This is one of those KZME presented events. I still don't really know what it means when they present something. I have played a show that was KMZE presented. I don't understand. What I do understand is that Ramona Falls is awesome. Intuit was one of my favorite local records that came out last year. You should totally check out this show before these guys go on tour with The National and blow up. JohannaKunin used to live in Seattle. She recently moved to Portland and has already joined the music scene by way of Loch Lomond. A very nice addition to our music scene. World's Greatest Ghosts are one of my favorite bands to see live. Their songs are so fun and so catchy that I think I have to list them as mandatory listening for all of you guys. I have written about her before. The show is $12 and starts at 8 PM.
KPSU is presenting a show at The Parlour with Blood Beach, Kusika, and And And And. Welcome to a new wave of Portland indie rock. It is fresh and very exciting. I have not seen Blood Beach, But I have seen both Kusika and And And And. Kusick blew me away with their EXTEMELY dynamic set. I love it. They sometimes cover this Nina Samone song that is not to be missed. And And And is gonna be a Portland Staple. I can feel it. Check them out now. The ALL AGES show is $5 and starts at 7 PM.
Kelly House is having a show with Living Proof, Alan Singley, Fogatron, and Your Rival. Living Proof features a local MC, Tope, that got a lot of love recently in the Best New Band polls. I had previously not heard of him but people who have pretty good taste in music all seem to agree his is good. I am mostly writing about this show because of Alan Singley. He writes perfect pop songs like it weren't no thing, Since it is not billed as with his band , Pants Machine, it maybe a rare solo set. The ALL AGES show is at 8 PM.
Mississippi Pizza is having a show with CIMTB contributor Dr. Something and Spirit Dupicator. Join the cassette revival. Or join the songs about robots and other silly things club. At least join the fun that a Dr. Something show must assuredly be. This is what the good Dr. had to say about the show, "I want to let you know about a super special event taking place this coming Saturday at Mississippi Pizza. The dynamic Spirit Duplicator and I will be performing songs and telling a story about suburban mass transit as we both release cassette singles! Mine is entitled Beaverton TC, and all of you on this list are entitled to a FREE copy (while supplies last), as is anyone else who signs up for the email list. The recording is also available for streaming and free or "name-your-own-price" download here: http://drsomething.bandcamp.com/album/beaverton-tc-maxi-single, in case you don't have a cassette player. Spirit Duplicator, sticking with the suburban theme, will be releasing a cassette single called Tualatin Summer, which is sure to be deliciously wacky. Make sure to check it out if you can, as this will be my last show for a while. I'll be taking time off from performing for a while as I undergo treatment for some jaw complications. However, the Pipin' Hot Love Engines and I plan on returning to the stage as soon as I am able, and we have a live album and hopefully also a studio EP coming out in the near future, which I'll keep y'all posted on. ". Sounds good, no? The show is FREE and starts at 6 PM.
If you see me at Ducketts please say, "hi". It is the right thing to do. -Ben
This is the European version of Ramona Falls all stripped down like. They will be much different tonight. A whole lot more dudes.
