Showing posts with label portand indie music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label portand indie music. Show all posts

Monday, October 24, 2011

Ben Meyercord's Live Picks for Monday October 24th

Hello Dear Readers,

What's up? I have not been to any shows in a while. I also haven't blogged in awhile. My life is way different than it was than when I started blogging. It also seems like my life has been pretty scattered in the last year or so. But I am going to try to make time to write about the shows that look good to me. Here are the shows that look good to me today:

Valentine's is having a show with John Heart Jackie and Duover. This is a special show for two reasons. 1) This is the last show of the John Heart Jackie fall tour. 2) It is Jennie Wayne's birthday. Heart Jackie are a lovely band. Peter Murray and Jennie Wayne have been playing music together for a while. I have seen them playing shows with others lately. I believe the tour they just returned from included some of these people. I believe. If you listen to their full length you will find yourself reminded of why male female duos are so great. Or if you want another example you can check out the other band on the bill, Duover. They are great. The show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.

The White Eagle is having a show with Norman and Owner/Operator. Norman is a band from around the Willamette Valley that make music in the vein of classic Americana. If you have not seen them, there have been plenty of opportunities to see them this month. They have been having a residency at the White Eagle. Owner/Operator is a band that I read about from Lewi Longmire's website. He plays pedal steel guitar of this band. It also features Mike Midlo (Pancake breakfast) and Jeff Munger, Tyler Tornfelt and Ford Tennis (guitar, bass, and drums- Sallie Ford and The Sound Outside). The band apparently plays song about trucks and trucking. Exclusively. There is also a chance that Kelly Blair Bauman will play. The show is FREE and starts at 8:30 PM.

If you see me at any of these shows please say, "hi". That would be really sweet.

Ben

John Heart Jackie - Deep As Whales from Ben Moon on Vimeo.


John Heart Jackie plays tonight at Valentine's
Read More >>

Monday, September 5, 2011

Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Monday September 5th

Hello Dear Readers,

What's up? I have not been to any shows in a while. I should probably change that. Maybe I will. Here are the shows that look good to me today:

Valentine's is having a show with Hello Mtn, Like a Villain, and St. Frankie Lee. Hello Mtn is the group led by Catherine Odell and Matthew Morgan. Catherine Odell used to front the group Black Heart Moon. It was her first foray into guitar song writing. She was and is the cello player for Horse Feathers. In the new group she makes use of a second guitar player, some pre-programed beats and even suitcase percussion. Like a Villain is the moniker of the very talented Holland Andrews. Her set is based around her looping pedal and the wonderful arrangements she can create when it is used with her voice clarinet, and glockenspiel. St. Frankie Lee is a band that I have not seen in a long time. They are fronted by Derrick and Chelsea who write the songs together. They have a great chemistry. The show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.

Al's Den is having a show with Mike Coykendall, Marty Marquis, and Rebecca Rasmussen. Mike Coykendall has been doing a good job doing balancing his recording music with his playing music. If you have not seen him you are missing out. He has also spent time playing in M. Ward's band and his other band She & Him. He is good. Marty Marqui also plays in another band that you may have heard of, Bitzen Trapper. But I have seen him on his own and he holds his own. Rebbecca Rasmussen also performs as half of the group Douver. I have not seen her by herself but I know that she has a great voice and can play guitar. The show is FREE and starts at 7 PM.

Edgefield is having a show with Nate Lacy. Nate Lacy is better known as the frontman of Mimicking Birds. Mimicking Birds album was produced by Issac Brock of Modest Mouse. It is even put out on his label Glacial Pace. Most of the album is Nate Lacy's circular guitar parts and gentle voice. It is really nice to have all the cool atmospheric touches, but it is definitely the Nate Lacy show. This thing is FREE and starts at 7 PM.

If you see me at any of these shows please say, "hi". That would be really sweet.

Ben


Mike Coykendall plays this evening at Al's Den
Read More >>

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Sunday, August 28th

Hello Dear Readers,

It has been awhile since I have seen a show. It has been crazy having to get up early in the morning. That being said, I have had plenty of time to blog about shows. Here are the ones happening today:

Doug Fir is having it's Sunday patio series with Denver and Kyle Morton. Denver is the country rock band with about five singers all in harmony. There is mandolin and guitar solos. Kyle Morton used to play under the name White Lighter. Oh, and he front Typhoon. I would imagine he might play some Typhoon songs, but the more exciting thing is that he might play new songs. I saw him play a few months ago almost solo (he had Danielle Sullivan singing harmonies). He is a great songwriter and it truly shows in these stripped down sets. The show is FREE and starts at 3 PM.

Bar Bar is having a show with Death Songs and Rememomry. Nicholas Delffs made a name for himself in The Shaky Hands. Not much has been done in that band since they played New Years. On the other hand Death Songs seems to playing out a lot more. It is good stuff. And one of the members of the band, Justin Power, is Remomory. I think. I mean when I clicked on the link from Mississippi Studios it went to Justin's myspace page. Sadly, his music is no longer on there. You can hear some of his songs backed by The Portland Cello Project on the Thao & Justin Power sessions.The show is FREE and starts at 4 PM.

Mississippi Studios is having a show with Oh Captain My Captain, Monoplane (Salem), and Gay Ghost. Oh Captain My Captain is one of Portland's most under appreciated bands in Portland. It is lead by Jesse Bettis. I used to think that hose voice sounded a lot like David Bazan, I often described the band as sounding like David Bazan fronting Dr Dog. I still think that will get you close to what they sound like. Monoplane is aindie rock band that seems to have been raised on the indie rock classics ie circa 1998 bands. Gay Ghost is a pop band formed by Joe Mormann who used to front The Glib. The show is $5 and starts at 9 PM.

Rontoms is having a show with Monarques and Real Diamond. Monarques is a great throw back pop band. I haven't seen the current line up, but I think it no longer includes female backup singers. But I bet it still really fun. You don't get much more fun that early 60's pastiche. I am not sure but Real Diamond might be a Neil Diamond cover band. I can't confirm this but when I searched for Real Diamond this came up. The show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.

If you see me at any of these shows please say, "hi". That would be the cool thing to do.

Ben


Kyle Morton will be playing this afternoon at Doug Fir
Read More >>

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Saturday, August 27th

Hello Dear Readers,

I played over seven hours of Monopoly while babysitting. Kids these days are crazy. I missed all shows that happened last night. Though I heard from a very credible source that the Blue Cranes show was really good. Anyways here are the shows happening tonight (not including Huey Lewis & The News at the Zoo). Check it out:

Hotcakes And Powell is having a show with Jordan O' Jordan (Olympia), Firs Of Prey, The Ocean Floor, Osito (Seattle), and DJ Selector Edmund. At first I did not see thread that connect these bands together. Then I saw that on the Electricity & Lust that Jordan o'Jordan, Girs of Prey , and The Ocean Floor all have records on that label. I heard of Jordan O'Jordan a long time ago. I have never seen him solo , but I have seen him perform as part of the excellent Polka Dot Dot Dot (also has records in Electricity and Lust). I met him too, he seemed a nice fellow. His is a nice mix of banjo and gentle crooning. Firs of Prey makes sweet songs that would do any of the Elephant Six proud. Plus I have seen footage of him doing some awfully sweet harmonizing with himself by way of looping pedal. I just wrote about The Ocean Floor the other day, but I will say it again. They are amazing. The ALL AGES show is by donation and starts around 8 PM.

Doug Fir is having a show with DoublePlusGood, XDS, and Wild Ones. This is part of Jack Daniels' "Black & Blue" series. It is also the CD release for DoublePlusgood's CD, Here They Come, The Birds of My Youth. If you have not heard it, you should click on that link. They are so poppy. In such good way. Much more than most bands who get pegged as electro-pop. XDS is a highly impressive art rock duo. If you have never seen a guitar with six outputs to six different amps while a drummer holds down a beat and a cassio at the same time, this is your chance. And I love Wild Ones. They are a great band who have been doing a great job of soundtracking my summer. The show is $5 and starts at 9 PM.

The White Eagle is having a show with Jared Mees & the Grown Children. Jared Mees is a busy man. He helps run a store, a record label, and fronts a band. It is incredible that he gets anything done. But he does get stuff done. Including playing some of the most fun shows ever. The songs are al anthems and the energy is always high. The words are smart and the music makes you smile. The show is $6 and starts at 9:30 PM.

If you see me at any of these shows please say, "hi". That would be the nice thing to do.

Ben


DoublePlusGood will be releasing their new CD tonight at Doug Fir.
Read More >>

Friday, August 19, 2011

Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Thursday, August 19th

Hello Dear Readers,

I have had a few busy days. Mostly I have been having to work at seven in the morning at a place with out blogging capabilities. Stupid I know. Anyway there are some shows going on tonight. Check it out:

Refuge is having the Conflux Beer Release Party. I have not ever heard of a beer release party, but I think this is a good idea. I mean I probably never heard of Conflux beer where it not for my love of Portland music. The show will feature Monarques, Sean Flinn & The Royal We, Good Night Billygoat, and The Commodorks. I have not seen Monarques with the current line up. In fact I don't really know what the current line up is, but I know that they make pop music that would make the early 60's proud. Sean Flinn is another group that I know have made some line up changes. I used to sing back up vocals in this group because…well, because I think the songs are really great. It is pop song-craft at it's finest. Good Night Billygoat is the multimedia attack of some dudes animation and the band they formed to back it up with a live and intricate and fitting cinematic live soundtrack. It should not be missed. The show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.

Mississippi Studios is having a show with The Parson Red Heads, Dolorean, and Jeremy Benson (NY). I know that I am a sucker for most things that fall in the roots music or folk music cannon. This is a good line up of some bands that play music that touches on those genres. I wrote about The Parson Red Heads on Tueday when their new album, Yearling, was released. This is your chance to see them play songs from it before hitting the road with Portland favorites Viva Voce. Dolorean makes music that is less sunny and harmony centric. Theirs is a music more somber an often is focused on Al James vocals and guitar. But the band makes a very tasteful sound to encase this singer-songwriter. The show is $5-$7 and starts at 9 PM.

The Press Club is having a show with Ezza Rose. I played a show with Ezza last Sunday and was way impressed with the way her music sounded in the former church. The Press Club is hardly a church. The acoustics are not as majestic, but to be honest you don't need much when your band is as good as hers is. They are mostly acoustic and probably wont need to mic much in a space the size as Press Club. I also want to mention that the women that she has on violin and cello have voices that blend with Ezza's in a way that is sweeter than anything that I have heard in a long time. The show is FREE and starts at 8:30 PM.

Backspace is having is show with Beware of Safety (LA), You May Die in The Desert (Seattle), We're From Japan!, and Amos Val. This is a show for those of you who love instrumental post-rock music. All of these bands are fine examples of the genre. Also it is nice to see them all next to each other to exemplify how different bands can sound and still fall under the post-rock tag. Fans of epic music with major dynamic shifts take note, you should see this show. The ALL AGES show is $8 and starts at 9 PM.

If you see me at any of these shows please say, "hi". That would be sweet.

Ben


This is exactly what Amos Val sounds like live. I mean it is a live recording. Come see them at Backspace tonight.
Read More >>

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Tuesday August 9th

Hello Dear Readers,

I found some shows that look good today. I saw that the Builders & The Butchers played Noon Tunes today at Pioneer Court House Square, but I was not able to blog before noon due to a recording obligation. I am sure it was fun and at the very least free. Anyway there are plenty of good shows that haven't happened yet today. Check it out:

The Woods is having a show with Laura Gibson, Bright Archer, and Rauelsson. This is a Birthday BBQ for Ms. Gibson. She will be one year older and we get to help her celebrate…BBQ style. There will also be a cake walk hosted by Brian Perez. You know that dude from Musee Mecanique. Or maybe you know him as that dude that hosts Bingo Monday nights at The Woods? The important thing is that there is a chance to win a cake! That being said, the real reason I write about the show is because I really like Laura's music. It has always been a calming force for me, but I have noticed that she has been leaning towards more upbeat tunes. I have have not heard the recording that will comprise her fort coming album. I have talked to others who have and have been assured that it is amazing. I am sure that she will play some of that material tonight. I have not seen Bright Archer, but I remember hearing a really liking Johanna Kunin's music when she lived in Seattle. She moved to Portland A while back and did some time in Loch Lomond. Now she is focusing on her time on new moniker and AgesAndAges. Rauelsson is also quite good. He splits his time between Portland and somewhere in Spain. Making some beautiful and tastefully arranged folk sung in Spanish. The show is $10 and starts at 9 PM.

Backspace is having a show with Like a Villain, Moniker, and Lynnae Gryffin. Like A Villain is Holland Andrews's vocal/carinet/glockenspiel looping project. Her songs are beautiful and very dramatic. Often on the verge of being uncomfortable. In a good way. She has an amazingly strong voice with an impressive range. It often gives me chills. Lynnae Gryfinn is a woman who has applies very unique song structures to make herself stand out in the ever crowding portland "folk" scene. I find that it takes a few listens to fully appreciate her music, but very rewarding in the end. Moniker is the um…moniker for Monica Metzier. She is a mullet instrumentalists whose incorporates her guitar, drums, strings, keys, singing and looping abilities to create a live show that I have yet to see. The show is $5 and starts at 9 PM.

Mississippi Studios is having a show with The Fatty Acids (Milwaukee), Yeah Great Fine, and Your Canvas. I have never heard of The Fatty Acids before. I just previewed their latest, Leftover Monsterface. It seems like they bring a heavy psyh-pop punch to listeners ears. The kind that doesn't hurt and is actually pretty fun. Yeah Great Fine is tons of fun too. And more than that, they are impressive. I mean they are doing some crazy time signatures and complicated music while maintaining a very strong pop sweetness. A hard thing to accomplish, but they seem to do it with out breaking a sweat. I know that they have been working on new material for a while. I bet they will play some of it tonight. Your Canvas is a band that I played a show with several months ago and was seemed really promising. I made a mental note to keep my eyes on them and here they are again n my radar. It is lead by the bouncy keyboard and soulful voice of Jessica Bourdeaux and the tasteful guitar and backing vocals of Marc Swart. The show is $5 and starts at 9 PM.

Bunk Bar is having a show with Run On Sentence, Wooden Indian Burial Ground. Run On Sentence is a band that is best appreciated in a live setting. I do not want to dissuade from their recorded material. But to see Dustin Hammond's voice fill a room is have his band take control of an audience is a magical thing. Speaking of his band the guitar player of the band, Justin Fowler, has his band Wooden Indian Burial ground releasing a new CD tonight. He used to play under this name a few years back. Then he started the band Hello Loneliness. Now he he is back to Wooden Indian Burial Ground with some help of the Run On Sentence/Loch Lomond rhythm section of Perry Pfister and Dan Galucki and some other friends. I could not be more pleased. It is rock and roll with some very Justin Fowler aesthetics. It sounds jammy and old and it is just really good. The show is FREE and starts at 10 PM.

If you see me at any of these shows please say, "hi". That would be very pleasant.

Ben


Wooden Indian Burial Ground promise to be as bad ass this clip which actually has a few scenes from Holy Mountain the movie (NSFW but only for a little bit)
Read More >>

Monday, August 8, 2011

Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Monday August 8th

Hello Dear Readers,

Last night I went a show! I went to Rontoms. It was the first show I had attended in quite some time. I sadly missed the first band, What Hearts. I did not know they were playing otherwise I would have made it out earlier to see the beautiful harmonies of those women. I did get there just in time to see YOURS. Those guys are great. Matthen has probably the best rock voice in town. And the band he has assembled is awesome. It has a nice blend of classic rock and more contemporary influences. Then Matt Sheehy's new band, Lost Lander, took the stage featuring Sarah Fennell, doing double duties last night as drummer of What Hearts and Keyboardist for Lostlander, and special guest Dana of Akron Family. It was a good time. Anyway, today I have the day off and decided to blog. I saw that there are some shows happening tonight. Check it out:

Al's Den is having a show with Eric Nordby and Evan Way. Eric Nordby is more commonly seen fronting the band Norman. Evan Way is more commonly seen fronting the band The Parson Red Heads. Both of their other bands touch on the the Americana genre. Some of you may not know this, but that genre is an outlet of choice for many closet singer-songwriters. I guess Evan Way is not so closeted seeing as to he has a myspace page in his name. Whatever. The important thing is that the two are both accomplished song writers and are good. Plus the show is FREE. Al's Den is the latest McMenamin's pub in Portland. So far they have had some good people play there. Hopefully they continue that trend. The show is FREE and starts at 7 PM.

The Someday Lounge is having a show with Mojave Bird, Forest Park, The Early, and Desert of Hiatus. The is a showcase of experimental music. I have written about Mojave Bird back in February when she first released something. In may she released another batch of reverb drenched tunes. It somewhat reminds me of Grouper but with some piano. Forest Park is a nice combination of post-rock touches applied to this female fronted rock band. As an added bonus they have they amazing drumming of Cyrus Lampton. Desert of Hiatus is near ambient and pretty music. Perfect for tuning out the rest of the world. The show is $5 and starts at 9 PM.

Valentine's is having a show with The Golden Hours, Filardo, and St. Ranger (AZ). The Golden Hours is a band that make kinda sloppy but very fun and infectious pop music. I have never seen them, but I have heard a lot of good things about them and have been impressed by the songs on their myspace. Sometimes there is a female lead vocal, sometimes a male vocal leads the song,but there are always strong pop sensibilities. Filardo is Tom Filardo's considerably less messy but just as poppy project. He has a tape out now called Enter The Edit Suite (check out the link I provided to download it). He has has been on tour with Arizona's St. Ranger. They have sweet harmonies which are often arranged cin choral parts.. They have sweet guitar parts. They have good songs. You should check them out. The show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.

If you see me at any of these shows please say, "hi". That would be very pleasant.

Ben


Evan Way plays for FREE tonight at Al's Den
Read More >>

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Tuesday August 2nd

Hello Dear Readers,

I missed blogging a bit. It seems that lately I just have not had the opportunity. But I often look at the shows. There have been a lot good ones in the last couple weeks. There are even some good ones tonight. Check it out:

Valentine's is having a show with Fred Thomas, Cafeteria Dance Fever, Orca Team, and DJ Chris Gunn. Fred Thomas is best known as the man behind the amazing pop that was Saturday Looks Good to Me. He has always had several bands including City Center and yes, solo stuff. You can check out Fred's blog here. A few years ago, for like a second, he lived here in Portland. I remember seeing him work at the downtown Jackpot Records. Anyways he is back tonight playing in some capacity. Cafeteria Dance Team play kinda crazy/noisy yet very catchy pop music. Orca Team play slightly surfy pop gems that I find quite appealing in these summer days. They are about to tour the entire GD country. I think that is awesome. I wish them well. The show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.

Ash Street Saloon shaving a show with Adrian Orange, Hornet Leg, Babyguns (Seattle), and Memory Boys. Adrian Orange is one to follow his whims. From his Microphones-esque past to the reggae influenced days to whatever he is doing now, it is hard to predict what your are going to see. But for the most part I would say that it will be worth seeing. Hornet plays groovy punk influenced rock. Memory Boys is a band comprised of two of the main folks from LAKE, Eli and Ashley. They make tunes that are distantly not very lake sounding. It is good. Given that Eli and Ashley have a musical history with Adrain (they used to be in his backing band), I would not be surprised to see them collaborate with him tonight. The show is $5 and starts at 9:30 PM.

If you see me at any of these shows please say, "hi". That would be very nice.

Ben


Orca Team play Valentine's tonight. The rest of the country tomorrow.
Read More >>

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Album Review: Seven Stars by John Amadon


An old friend of mine, John Amadon, got at me about a month and a half ago with a new album of pop oriented rock (Power Pop I suppose) that's been in pretty constant rotation at my house ever since. John spent the last couple years crafting these songs and plays the bulk of the instruments here while finding just the right side-men to fill out the sound, which comes out being very lush and well crafted. People always want to compare the sound to Elliott Smith, and while I do see where they're coming from with that, I think that John's achieved a sound that's much more his own here, tinged with Neil Young-ish overtones and laced with a sort of reverence for George Harrison and the sound of middle-era-Beatles. It's evident from the first listen that he approaches songwriting not just from the lyrics and guitar, but builds melodies and complete songs creating some pretty catchy business in the end.
John told me that he's already in the studio working on the next album and that it's going to carry a much more stripped down, less polished tone, which I'm also looking forward to hearing.

Check it out at http://johnamadon.bandcamp.com/ and iTunes and such.
Read More >>

Picket Line

Hello Crappy Indie Musicland!

I’ve been absent for a while. It’s true. It’s not that I don’t love you any more, I’ve just been cheating on music. I’ve been seeing comics lately and I have to say, I think we’re made for each other. I’m going to put a ring on it. That’s right. I’m marrying cartoons.

That’s not to say that music and I are done, I think we’ve got a lot more than drunk one night stands left. If you want to see what I’ve been up to you can come find me all over the Internets. This isn’t really about me though. It’s about the fusion of my favorite things, comics and music.

So if you didn’t know, Easel Ain’t Easy by Breena Wiederhoeft is the greatest thing in the world. It’s true. I’ve got facts and figures to back that up. FACT. (Don’t you dare dispute me). Autobio comics come in many shapes and sizes but this one nails me right in the heart. It’s honest, funny and strange just like a life should be. So she’s been up to a larger project too! Just when you thought there wasn’t anything greater in life.

Picket Line is an upcoming Xeric Award Winning graphic novel that tracks life, ecology, being strange, community, feeling out of place and being very human by following Beatrice and Rex as they navigate threats to the local redwood forests. I think the way of this is to not try. If you write a story and it falls that way that’s great. It’s forcing the themes into a story that make everything fall apart. These themes seem to have evolved very naturally out of the characters. I’m reaching here, I don’t have a Secret Advance Copy or anything. The first chapter is up to look through and I can see a lot of what’s in store in her process post.

I was already stoked about this book.



Today I learned that there’s a soundtrack to the book. It’s good. Not just “Oh that’s nice” good. I mean so intimately tied into the atmosphere that they cannot be separated. The essence of film score is to not only underpin the scene, but to entwine the music so deeply with the story that every time a listener hears a song they are immediately transported back into the film. This soundtrack has my head locked into the aesthetic of the book so completely that I can’t imagine the music without a pair of tiny arms. Even better, this has given me a great list of artists to follow up on. Especially The Recreation Station, because this song is so delightful it has made me dance around my job like it’s a parade every time I hear it. This is what I want to listen to every time the sun shines in Portland. Beardy biking music, you’re my favoritist.

The whole tone of the record starts here and continues on through the rest of the tracks. Every single track is bursting with sunlight filtered through the evergreens. It is a swirling dance through the inspiration that imagination brings. It’s a great feedback loop, comics sending love to music, inspiring more comics and more music and we’re all in the middle as the luckiest people. Listen to this. Read this book while you’re listening to it. GO CREATE SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL.

Love,
Eriq
Read More >>

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Wednesday, May 4th

Hello Dear Readers,

Last night I didn't go to any shows. I am sick, yo. Anyways, here are the shows that look good to me tonight:

Laurelthirst is having a show with Michael Hurley. Michael has been around for a while. He has made a name for himself around the folk music scene. Like many of his current Portland contemporaries he is not afraid to mix a little rock and roll or pop music with folk traditions. He has been doing it for quite a while. This is the first of his month long residency every Wednesday at Laurelthirst. The show is FREE and starts at 6 PM.

Doug Fir is having a show with Battles (NYC) and 1939 Ensemble. Battles are an extremely technical band. Their music is straight up mathy. That being said it is also poppy and fun. Their latest single is called "Ice Cream" from the about to be releasedGloss Drop. The band truly fits as much as they can within the confines of a pop song stretching boundaries. They no longer have Tyondai Braxton on Vocals, but then again it never was about the vocals. 1939 Ensemble is a new group that I have yet to see, but really want to. I think it may be a duo. Regardless it is all about the vibes and drums. They make instrumental music, so that mixed with the vibes will obviously lead to Tortoise comparisons. Not a bad thing. The music is cool. It is engaging and the beats are just great. I am not sure if they have officially released any music, but I want what they have. The show is $15 and starts at 9 PM.

Crystal Ballroom is having the third in several days of celebrating the grand opening of The Crystal Hotel. There will be several days of M. Ward. Tonight he will be joined by David Bazan, and The Lord's Own Choir. I love M Ward's music. I listened to a lot of it while writing yesterday's post. It is just so good. Instantly classic. Eternally timeless. David Bazan is also one of my favorites. He is about to put out a new record called Strange Negotiations on Barsuk. You can hear/download the track "Wolves At The Door!" here. I am not sure if he will be playing with a band or not, but I hope so. "Wolves At The Door!" would not be as bad ass with out a full band. It could be me, but it seems that Mr. Bazan has stopped writing about God and started addressing America. Though he started doing this way back in 2001 with his song "Backwards Nation". Speaking of which, have you been paying attention to the news? Anyways, the show is $25 and starts at 9 PM.

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

Ben


1939 Ensemble plays Doug Fir Tonight!
Read More >>

Friday, April 29, 2011

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:


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.
Read More >>

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

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.
Read More >>

Friday, April 22, 2011

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?
Read More >>

Thursday, April 21, 2011

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!
Read More >>

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

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.
Read More >>

Sunday, April 17, 2011

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
Read More >>

Saturday, April 16, 2011

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!
Read More >>

Thursday, April 14, 2011

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.
Read More >>

Saturday, April 9, 2011

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.
Read More >>