Seattle Subsonic - June, 2010
CocoRosie @ Showbox Market Friday
I actually first heard CocoRosie off of a KEXP Music that Matters podcast. It happened to be that song “Lemonade” and it just struck me immediately. There was this Bjork quality to the voice and its mix of happiness and melancholy was just perfect. For real, I got right into that song for a minute. So I checked out CocoRosie and was even more amazed. These sisters have quite a back-story that goes something like this: They were born in the states and bounced around alot, I think they both dropped out of high school but it was obvious they were more art minded than anything. So one moved to Paris and the other eventually followed and while in Paris they formed CocoRosie (which is their childhood nicknames combined). The sisters are Bianca and Sierra, and they create some amazing music together. (photo © Jim Newberry)
.
These ladies are totally innovative and new. They create sounds using children’s toys, like imagine those toys that make noise just to make noise, and they use them instrumentally. It totally works. Sierra sings, she studied to be an opera singer while in Paris, and plays a multitude of instruments (including the harp) and Bianca, who also sings, plays the experimental instruments, such as the children’s toys (plus a plethora of other instruments). I have seen a few videos of these ladies live, and the show looks amazing, incorporating so many different genres. Really, CocoRosie does hip-hop, folk, pop, basically anything. And they do in their own way so not to be mistaken for anyone else, and so not to be easily generalized.
.
So, CocoRosie are coming through on Friday and I would highly suggest checking these ladies out. I have been looking forward to this show since I saw it pop up on the Showbox website man. A must see. Also a little side note that totally caught me by surprise; SubPop picked up CocoRosie this year and put out their latest (and 4th full length) album, Grey Oceans, in May. That blew my mind.
.
Who: CocoRosie
Where: Shobox Market
When: Friday, June 25 @ 8pm (doors open)
How: $20 adv. $22 dos.
Why: All Ages
What: Just do it.
Dum Dum Girls, Crocodiles, & Past Lives at the High Dive
I wasn’t exactly smitten with Dum Dum Girls the first time I heard them, passing them off as just another harmony-heavy, Spector-esque, Go-Go girl band with a love for fuzz pedals and filthy fun. I thought the market had been tapped with the similar-sounding Vivian Girls, whose self-titled debut turned out to be pretty kick-ass if you gave it a fighting chance. Plus, I already loved the Raveonettes, whose salty lyrics and sugary, reverb-soaked guitars bear some contemporary resemblance to this band. The market is never tapped, however, and even though comparing the dark-eyed, red-lipped L.A. garage pop band to the Vivian Girls and the Raveonettes is pretty unoriginal, it makes sense for a music culture that often welcomes, and feeds off, like-minded acts. On the quartet’s first album from Sub Pop, I Will Be, the immediacy of the songs comes from the hazy, almost haunting hooks baked into near every track and propelled by pulsing snare hits, the latter courtesy of ex-Vivian Girl Frankie Rose. (The former comes mostly from lead Dum Dum Dee Dee on guitar and vocals.) These are well-worn elements of successful pop rock songs and the Dum Dum Girls do it exceptionally well.
.
I have to say, though, that I really began to take notice and enjoy I Will Be when it reminded me quite fondly of another smarmy Sub Pop band: the Vaselines. You’ll recall a quaint geek-out session I had with their celebrated reunion last spring. The two bands don’t share a ton in common when it comes to lyrics (who can possibly match the Vaselines’ vulgar wit?), but the sweet, blissful harmonies and tight, sloppy guitars the two utilize are certainly sonic kin. Bonus note: the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s Nick Zinner plays on the malt-shop anthem “Yours Alone”. SCORE. So if shrewdly-executed bubblegum guitar pop delivered by four good-lookin’ gals is your thing, then give ‘em a whirl. You can get a few .mp3’s over at the band’s Sub Pop page.
.
Also playing with the Dum Dum Girls are the Jesus & Mary Chain-loving psychedelic spazzoids in Crocodiles. They’re from San Diego and put on a pretty righteous show. Past Lives, whom are easily one of my favorite local acts, are also on the bill.
.
21+ / $12 dos
Dum Dum Girls Defy Expectations
I wasn’t exactly smitten with Dum Dum Girls the first time I heard them, passing them off as just another harmony-heavy, Spector-esque, Go-Go girl band with a love for fuzz pedals and filthy fun. I thought the market had been tapped with the similar-sounding Vivian Girls, whose self-titled debut turned out to be pretty kick-ass if you gave it a fighting chance. Plus, I already loved the Raveonettes, whose salty lyrics and sugary, reverb-soaked guitars bear some contemporary resemblance to this band. The market is never tapped, however, and even though comparing the dark-eyed, red-lipped L.A. garage pop band to the Vivian Girls and the Raveonettes is pretty unoriginal, it makes sense for a music culture that often welcomes, and feeds off, like-minded acts. On the quartet’s first album from Sub Pop, I Will Be, the immediacy of the songs comes from the hazy, almost haunting hooks baked into near every track and propelled by pulsing snare hits, the latter courtesy of ex-Vivian Girl Frankie Rose. (The former comes mostly from lead Dum Dum Dee Dee on guitar and vocals.) These are well-worn elements of successful pop rock songs and the Dum Dum Girls do it exceptionally well.
.
I have to say, though, that I really began to take notice and enjoy I Will Be when it reminded me quite fondly of another smarmy Sub Pop band: the Vaselines. You’ll recall a quaint geek-out session I had with their celebrated reunion last spring. The two bands don’t share a ton in common when it comes to lyrics (who can possibly match the Vaselines’ vulgar wit?), but the sweet, blissful harmonies and tight, sloppy guitars the two utilize are certainly sonic kin. Bonus note: the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s Nick Zinner plays on the malt-shop anthem “Yours Alone”. SCORE. So if shrewdly-executed bubblegum guitar pop delivered by four good-lookin’ gals is your thing, then give ‘em a whirl. Below is the recent video for “Bhang Bhang, I’m A Burnout”. You can get a few .mp3′s over at the band’s Sub Pop page.
.
.
The Dum Dum Girls will be playing the High Dive with the Jesus & Mary Chain-loving psychedelic spazzoids in Crocodiles Saturday, June 26th.
Fox and the Law, First Impressions, Quesadilla
.
I went to the Hard Rock Cafe in Seattle for the first time on Sunday June 13th to see a fairly new Seattle band called Fox and the Law. I’d met their manager once prior to the show to talk about my own band and she of course, being the good manager she appears to be, convinced me to see Fox and the Law. So I got to the Hard Rock and went upstairs where the first band on a four band bill for Noise for the Needy was just finishing up. I noticed right away the bass was way to bassy and hoped that did not continue throughout the day. I found a seat at the bar where I had to shout my order for a Shock Top beer three times before the bartender could understand me and for the first time in my life, being the bass player that I am, I had the thought, “The damn bass is too loud.”
.
My Shock Top came as the the first band finished and the switch over began. perfect timing. I flagged down the bartender and asked for a menu. “Appetizers only up here,” he said. So I looked over the appetizers while he waited and replied, “I’ll have a quesadilla, please.” He gave a little laugh, “Sorry no quesadillas up on the second floor. I don’t know why.” That gave me pause. Huh? They’ll bring nachos and wings and spring rolls and whatever else up to the second floor but not quesadillas? WTF? I wanted something approaching a meal and chicken strips wouldn’t do it. I wanted a quesadilla dammit! Denied thus I went with the wings, Buffalo style. I expected them greasy but figured they’d be filling, and I’d be satisfied.
.
By the time Fox and the Law was ready I was on my second Shock Top and the wings had just arrived. The music started big with heavy chords and a kind a manic energy. The vocals were passionate if not so strong. Still, the effect was engaging. As I munched the wings and sipped the beer I tapped my foot, bobbed my head. They had energy. That was undeniable. It’s surprising but there are a lot of bands that can play loud and fast and still manage somehow to lack any spirit or energy. The first number was driving. “I hope that I don’t drown … I hope that I don’t drown … Na na na na na naaaaaa…” Sometimes a new young band will shoot their whole load in the rocking opening number so I was curious for the next one when I heard a voice, “How are the wings?” I turned to see a female bartender, a very attractive female bartender, thin, a little cleavage, nose piercing, and there I was with wing sauce on my hands and face, some had dripped on my notebook. So much for first impressions with beauty. “Fine,” I replied, “I’ll have another beer.”
.
“This next one’s called Honey You’re Heartless,” the singer said before launching big into a song that started with the chorus … “You took the soul right out of soulful…” It was another energetic number. Looking around heads were bobbing. Some people were grooving. I was eating wings. My beer came. “Here you are,” said the beautiful black haired bartender while I still looked a mess. Oh well. There was a jam happening on stage. There were pauses with guitar riffs, other pauses with drum fills. That went on and I though about the bass. I wanted a bass riff to fill that pause like John entwistle in My Generation or Steve Harris in Iron Maiden’s version of Cross Eyed Mary. It wasn’t to be though. Pause, Guitar Fill. Pause. Drum Fill. Pause, Guitar Fill. Pause. Drum Fill. What about the bass? The guy seemed a decent enough player. Let him shine a bit. Pause, Guitar Fill. Pause. Drum Fill.
.
I finished the wings but they didn’t settle well. They started to come back out and fill the air as the band kept on. They were good when they simply jammed, when they cranked it up to eleven and rocked. The guitar player was new to lead vocal duties though so that’s expected. I thought if they stayed together they could be very good. They’ll tighten up and the vocals will get stronger. At the moment, they’re good for a high energy rock show and worth keeping an eye on to see which way they go.
.
Their last number, I Can’t Be Your Man, started with a big catchy riff that I can still remember a week later. The wings kept making their uneasy appearance felt though, and I hoped to make it through the song before rushing to the bathroom. I liked the big riff and after the second chorus it opened up, the bass kept on it, the drums rolled, the guitar chugged in at times, faded in at others, and then came in big before going out again. It was cool. The guitar rose, the drums crashed, the bass was steady, and the wings did circles in my stomach and made themsleves known to all within a five foot radius of me, possibly more.
.
A nice looking blond came over to the bar then to order a drink. She stood next to me as she waited for one of the bartenders to come over. She narrowed her eyes, wrinkled her nose. A look of disgust came over her face. She looked over at me with a horrified expression. “Honey, you’re heartless,” I thought. She still looked at me, wrinkled her nose again, looked as if she was about to puke as she moved off down the bar. My eyes followed her. Again, so much for first impressions.
.
“Don’t blame me,” I thought, “I wanted a quesadilla.” I wanted more bass too. Maybe at their next show.
.
Dave
.
Fremont's Full Of Music This Weekend
If naked bicyclists and bizarre floats aren’t enough to fulfill your overcast Solstice weekend, then get behind an awesome free music lineup. Check out: http://www.fremontfair.org/music/
.
My recommendations:
Saturday – Loosen up to some funk and jammy ska rock; proceed to mellow out with some folk and indie rock groups (who are on the rise) for FREE!!:
.
2:30pm- Eldridge Gravy & The Court Supreme
3:45pm- Panda Conspiracy
4:15pm – Ravenna Woods
7:00pm – To the Sea
.
Then, drink some beers, pretend it was sunny all day, and head to the Big High CD release @ the High Dive. I’ve been interested to see what this pool of Seattle rock vets (and some gnarly beards) have put together, including drummer Barrett Martin (from Screaming Trees and Mad Season), bassist Sandy (he’s in a dozen bands), Mesa and Ari (who have their own duo act). That should be good times, post-watching the sunset over at Golden Gardens.
.
Sunday – Find a bloody mary [several] and an omelet (Mae’s or Pete’s Egg nest?); get back in the game. Wander around the fair and let me know, which Sunday acts were worth checking out. I’m unfamiliar.
.
4:00pm – Thaddillac – I was listening to his stuff and its good (and hard to spell 2 ‘d’s and 2 ‘l’s. ok. got it). Thaddeus Turner is Seattle’s guitarist extraordinaire, as lead guitarist for Maktub and touring guitarist for too many great bands to mention (look it up). He’s made a long overdue solo debut and I think it’ll be worth checking out.
.
Recover.
.
You’ve got a busy summer of music ahead.
Lou Barlow @ Tractor Tavern
Sarah Jaffe is opening up for Lou Barlow over at the Tractor Tavern on Monday, June 21. It’s going to be a night of new-ness for me. I have never seen a show at the Tractor- I am stoked to check out this venue. I have not seen either Jaffe or Barlow live before so I am also excited for that. I suggest that you roll over to Sarah Jaffe’s website, where you can hear three songs off of her new album, Suburban Nature, and oh my are they gems. It seriously took one listen for her soulful lyrics, buttery voice, and overall feel to win me over. I am really digging this 24 year old singer/songwriter from Denton, Texas right about now. You know how I like exploitation for art, and she is just a confessional of deep folk tunes.
.
After perusing Jaffe’s site I then suggest hitting up Lou Barlow’s crazy site and checking him out. Same deal, he has this Nick Drake quality but with a little more pop in his step, if you know what I mean. It’s looking like a folky occasion, pretty low key, not to crazy. I am thinking a killer situation for a Monday night. Come out, relax, listen to some killer tunes.
.
Who: Sarah Jaffe and Lou Barlow
Where: Tractor Tavern
How: 12$ advance 14$ dos.
Why: 21+
Jaffe & Barlow @Tractor Monday Night
Sarah Jaffe is opening up for Lou Barlow over at the Tractor Tavern on Monday, June 21. It’s going to be a night of new-ness for me. I have never seen a show at the Tractor- I am stoked to check out this venue. I have not seen either Jaffe or Barlow live before so I am also excited for that. I suggest that you roll over to Sarah Jaffe’s website, where you can hear three songs off of her new album, Suburban Nature, and oh my are they gems. It seriously took one listen for her soulful lyrics, buttery voice, and overall feel to win me over. I am really digging this 24 year old singer/songwriter from Denton, Texas right about now. You know how I like exploitation for art, and she is just a confessional of deep folk tunes.
.
After perusing Jaffe’s site I then suggest hitting up Lou Barlow’s crazy site and checking him out. Same deal, he has this Nick Drake quality but with a little more pop in his step, if you know what I mean. It’s looking like a folky occasion, pretty low key, not to crazy. I am thinking a killer situation for a Monday night. Come out, relax, listen to some killer tunes.
.
Who: Sarah Jaffe and Lou Barlow
Where: Tractor Tavern
How: 12$ advance 14$ dos.
Why: 21+
Haiti On The Hill Makes Me A Reggae Fan
So I rolled into Neumos just in time to catch Adrian Xavier.It was my first time even hearing about this Seattle based reggae musician and man o’ man it was legit reggae, just how I like it. What I mean is that it makes you want to do three things at the same time: flow with the music, be super chill, and love everyone. It was a great performance by Xavier and his backing band. I had a friend point out to me the bass player, a 50(ish) year old man that was gyrating sensually. She mentioned that all bass players look like they are having sex when they play, and watching the 50ish bass player jam was like watching him in the bedroom, he was into it and that struck me as a true testament as to just how good these guys were. I mean this guy was into it, and when you looked out over the sparse crowd you could see that they were all into it. Xavier and his band were just showering the crowd with good vibes all around. A really great show.
.
This killer set got the crowd in the right mood for Clinton Fearon. Clinton took the stage in no time flat because the setup was just unzipping his steel guitar, setting out two chairs and then he and his partner Mark did some double guitar magic. Fearon was… well he was just adorable; his set was so simplistic, so easy, so good. I really didn’t know what to expect but the dueling guitars were creating like perfect harmony working together, and man it was just a great sound. The crowd was sparse for real, I am new to Seattle’s music scene so I wanted to see the showing for reggae, and it was meager at best. It was a bummer, not because I didn’t see a huge reggae fan base, but because Clinton Fearon put on a damn good show and not many people got to see it. In between songs Clinton would chatter incomprehensibly into the microphone, but always with a laugh and a smile, and during songs when he and Mark would hit a particularly complex part where the two different guitars really worked well together they would smile goofily at each other, kind of like an intended high five.
.
I think from now on not only will I pay a little more attention to reggae, but I am a huge fan of Fearon. Also, another big ups to Neumos, I just think the venue is so pro at shows that the flawlessness is expected. Sound was great, and there wasn’t even the slightest glitch between the seamless transition from Xavier to DJ Million spinning some reggae beats to Fearon.
Hip Harpist Comes to Seattle
A hip harpist? you might be thinking, and with good reason, what the hell is that? Well, she’s here: http://www.hipharp.com/ and she will be here: http://www.thetripledoor.net/Calendar/Events/June-2010/Debora-Henson-Conant.aspx?date=2010-06-20 on Sunday night.
I see this as the kind of thing that can be either spectacular or woefully misplaced. Either way it will be time well spent so I recommend it.
See you there.
Dave
.
New Video From Memory Tapes – "Bicycle"
I’ve listened to Seek Magic by Memory Tapes quite a bit this year of twenty-ten. More than I care to discuss (and you know my pretentious grandiloquent ways!). Memory Tapes is the alias of New Jersey producer Dayve Hawk and the video for the lush and somber dance track “Bicycle” is below. Somebody already made the joke about it being similar to watching PBS’s Nova (I’d add “on speed”), but it is filled with insects, frogs and the like whizzing by at a murky-looking breakneck pace. “Bicycle” is arguably the best track on an album full of poignant and pretty moments—that New Orderish guitar that comes in at around the 3-minute mark just crushes my heart every freaking time. Unfortunately, Hawk and the director truncated the song by almost two minutes for this video, but you get the idea.
.
Memory Tapes – “Bicycle” from Jamie Harley on Vimeo.
