Seattle Subsonic - Venues
Does it Offend You, Yeah? @ Chop Suey
| Wednesday, September 17, 2008 | ||
| 8:00 pm |
Does it Offend You, Yeah
with Special Guest
8:00 doors, 21+
Tickets on sale Aug 17th 10:00
I’m guessing $10-$15
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So are you offended by Daft Punk or Death From Above 1979?
How about Arcade Fire or LCD Soundsystem? Justice? B-52’s?
What if you mashed them all up in a giant musical goulash spiced it up with a little 80’s new wave and video game sound effects. Would it offend you then?
Me either. In fact I love them all with a side of toast.
Past Lives, Talbot Tagora @ the Greenhouse
| Saturday, August 9, 2008 | ||
| 8:30 pm |
Frankly, the Greenhouse would probably prefer us blogger-types (geeks?) to abstain from promoting their under-the-radar venue, but here I am typing away anyway. Whaddya gonna do. Frankly, it’s their fault for continuing to host such radical shows.
This Friday, you can head out to see Past Lives (who put on a great set at the Block Party last week and will apparently be releasing their debut EP on stellar Seattle label Suicide Squeeze) radiate the basement with Talbot Tagora (interestingly named after a rare Chrysler sedan from the early 80s). Both bands are similar in that precise art-punk guitar, choppy basslines, and cryptic lyricism are the basic tenets. I haven’t seen TT live yet, but have sampled their recordings quite a bit. I’d say they were almost a darker, moodier version of the spastic pop-rock put out by local band Intelligence. They have a cover of Elastica’s “Connection” on their myspace if that means anything to you.
*Past Lives(featuring members of Blood Brothers/Shoplifting)
*Crocodiles(San Diego, CA)
*Talbot Tagora
*Capillary Action
Doors @ 8pm. Show @ 8:30pm. $5 suggested donation for touring band.
All-ages! Bar w/ ID…possibly.
*New* Video From Jaguar Love - “Highways of Gold”
Seattle (or, actually, maybe Portland) band Jaguar Love has finished a new video for “Highways of Gold”, from their first album Take Me To The Sea on Matador. In my opinion, it’s not the best song on the record, but it IS high-fidelity, supposin’ you’re a fan of this band. I say ’supposin’ cuz A) I’m a back-country hillbilly and B) I’m pretty sure this band is creating some diverse opinions. I’ve heard people say it’s too grating (sometimes; though, what’d you expect from Johnny Whitney?), some people like Cody Votolato’s classic-rock riffage (me), others appreciate J Clark’s jazzy, cross-over drum skills (me). Only time will tell.
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I admit I wasn’t taken with the first few spins, but after hearing it on a few different levels (sober, inebriated and live), I’m more than warming up to it. There are a few hits (”Jaguar Pirates”, “Antoine & Birdskull”), a few misses (”Georgia”, “Bonetrees And A Broken Heart”), and enough weirdo moments to make you reconsider (”Humans Evolve Into Skyscrapers”, “Vagabond Ballroom”). Whitney might remind you of Alvin (yes, that Alvin) at times, but seeing him rock the stage is enough entertainment to fill a boat and take me to the sea. Sorry, couldn’t resist.
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The video is quirky and cartoonish, has a nice lovelorn feel to it, and features a few local musicians of note (Steve Snere from These Arms Are Snakes and Andrea Zollo from Pretty Girls Make Graves and Triumph of Lethargy…). The band is currently touring with the Faint on their Fasciination tour (the Seattle date was cancelled—boooooo), but they’ll stop off at Redmond’s Old Fire House tomorrow night, August 2nd. They’ll play with Talbot Tagora, who have recently entered my ‘watch list’. So I’m watching them. YOU watch out for the kiddies at the show.
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Also This Weekend…
In addition to the Cha Cha, the Comet also has their aggressively titled “Cock Block Extravanga”, with the Girls and the Valkyries on Friday, and Cheap Time and the Upside Down (PDX) on Saturday. Both venues have free admission for Block Party attendees. You can also head down to Chop Suey for Comeback, a dj-infiltrated “Cock Party”. Have I used the word ‘cock’ enough? Good.
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P.S. Check out the Concert Calendar for other shows a’happenin’ this crazy effin’ weekend.
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Let’s Sip On Some Bubbly
Check out this “rogue” house-party video of promising hip-hop duo Champagne Champagne. The quality is average, particularly the vocals, but the sound ain’t. The beats DJ Gajamagic is puttin’ down for the bump & grind anthem “Soda & Pop Rocks” are impressive: deep bass morphs into shadowy synthesizers while Pearl Dragon (and his accomplice) spit game on the importance of non-alcoholic fizzy things. Suh-weet.
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These guys are making waves in all sorts of covert venues, most notably at the McLeod Residence down in Belltown where they put on a free monthly party, appropriately titled Phizz. Haven’t yet been myself, but it looks like they whoop it up on the 4th Friday of every month, house-party style, so mosey down for the next installment July 25th. Effervescent personalities only (ha! jk).
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Here’s another, “Radio Raheem”, if it pleases.
AC/DC at The Baranof
Hang on. Give it a second.
I didn’t say live.
But last week, I had a most amazing and transcendental experience over beers and nicotine while basking…. er, drinking? in the atmosphere at the divey-est of divey sh*tholes: the Baranof. Up on Greenwood, north of 85th.
You know how you feel when you get a free pass with a Snow Day in winter and instead of going to work you head to the pub? I got such a freebie on Tuesday last week. Got up for work, pedaled in at oh-dark-thirty, and discovered I wasn’t on the schedule. At 5:45am. Sweet. What to do now?
I’ll skip to the good(er) part: at 2pm, I was swinging open the door of the infamous ‘Nof with a twenty-spot and a pack of smokes each burning a hole in my pocket. My partner in crime and I ordered a coupla PBRs and settled in/stuck to a vinyl booth. Before us was an array of characters tenuously propped up at the bar. Schnockered. At two in the afternoon. Yeah, this was just like a snow day. Except it was 80 degrees out and we were inside a dimly-lit bar packed with vice, fishermen and veterans on Greenwood on Taco Tuesday. It was like that bar in Pulp Fiction, the one where Vince Vega and Butch meet for the first time.
After a few beers and plenty of lively conversation with the locals, (Deadliest Catch? How about Deadliest Breath? Sheesh. We’re back on land here, people. Time for some Certs.) my friend and I decided to have a smoke out back. Standing on the deck in the glorious and blinding sunshine, we exchanged knowing smiles and quiet comments about our new drinking buddies. One of them, a guy who’d been getting a wet willie from a Grimace-shaped woman when we arrived, leaned towards me as I casually ashed off of the stairs and muttered this: “Dowen ash offa da shtays. Aye leev undah theh.”
Me: “Did you say you live under the stairs? Sorry man, I’ll ash in the can.”
My partner, giddy for adventure: “I wanna see! Can I see!?!!?!?”
Crazy Larry: “Yeeeeah.”
I slowly shook my head back and forth, had another pull, exhaled, and walked down the steps to survey his living quarters with her. Sure enough. There were some long pieces of crumbly grey insulation material laid out under the last flight, and a half-full carton of milk, getting rancid in the summer air. Wow.
As if smoking cigarettes hadn’t ruined my appetite enough, this closed the deal. I grabbed my date’s hand, shared a muted and awkward chuckle, thanked Larry and hustled back inside.
Someone was finally feeding the long-silent jukebox as we took our seats for a final pint.
“Have A Drink On Me“. No kidding. All was right with this weird little world at the Baranof. I pledged to bring Linds back there again soon. The place opens at 6am, so if I get called off of work again, I am getting my ass over there sooner. Join me, first round’s on my tab.
Seattle Subsonic Recommends - Seattle Concerts for July 2008
The summer has finally hit Seattle and the obvious place to be for music is outdoors. There are a plethora of festivals pouring into the area this month including the Capitol Hill Block Party-which just might be the end-all-be-all event of the summer- The Pemberton Music Festival is getting squished into Whistler’s little sister town, Pembie BC, and the Sub Pop 20th Anniversary at Marymore Park featuring bands from the entirety of the label’s history.
If you’re getting a little overwhelmed about the logistics and magnitude of these big shows, remember there are still some great concerts cookin in the local digs in Seattle. The Long Winters are playing a free show at Linda’s (don’cha just miss winter?) Wolf Parade is making a post-SP20 (hush hush) appearance at Neumos and on the local tip I gotta recommend Vashon Islands own Venus Verse throwing down a intimate show at the Comet, and Shenandoah Davis and friends playing the Colombia City Theatre
Full July recommendations after the break, and as always there are links to most all the bands’ music so you can check out the whose new to you. Be sure to check out the Concert Calendar for others as well
Read the rest of this entry »
Beck Happy Hour at Nectar
This afternoon (Monday, July 7th) at Nectar, the minions supporting Beck’s upcoming release, Modern Guilt, (due to droptomorrow Tues July 8th) are hosting a pre-release listening party.
I don’t think Beck will be showing up, but there are give-aways for Bumbershoot tix to see Beck live.
There is even a rumor of “complimentary drinks” c/o Interscope Records. Time to catch a buzz and getcher listen on!
Super Secret Special Guest is…a Wolf?
Neumo’s has pretty much given away everything about who the “Super Secret Special Guest” is for their show on Monday, July 14th when they posted this picture on their calendar:
Now, I’m no Sherlock Holmes, but I think we can all safely agree that Wolf Parade will be playing an encore to their headline show at Sub Pop’s 20th Anniversary shindig on the 12th/13th. And to this I say, “Yessssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss.” At Mount Zoomer is one of this year’s top albums (read my review here) and these Montrealites put on one helluva show. Seriously, you WILL be converted. If you’re not already, of course; I don’t wanna step on yer hot little toes, you insatiable music fan, you.
With the Listening Party (whatever the fuck that is); $17 ADV, 8pm Doors, 21+.
Equality! Diversity! BBQ! Wet T-Shirt Contest! MUSIC!
I imagine you’re all getting a bit sick and tired of the downright glut of shows/festivals/musical gatherings that are going on in our fair city this summer. No? Well that’s good, cuz hopefully there’s enough to satisfy everyone’s tastes—ya’ll know how we love musical diversity. And speaking of diversity, C-Hill’s coolest “closet” (heh heh) concert venue, the Wild Rose, is hosting their 2nd Annual Pride celebration this weekend (Jun 27-29) at 10th and Pike. All are welcome (except assholes, of course).
They’ve got A TON of stuff going on throughout the weekend (BBQ, 3 full bars, Fantasy Casino (!?), WET T-SHIRT CONTEST, DJs, outdoor stage), but I’m here to pump the band lineup on Saturday. Wow, two of my favorites are playing—the Heavy Hearts and the Intelligence. You might’ve caught my review of the Hearts’ debut, which I love, but I’ve only recently been turned on to the dizzying, 60s-inspired electro-garage-pop-weirdness of the Intelligence. Seeing them at the Funhouse a few weeks ago was an absolute epiphany (I geekily bought the CD after their set), and am licking my chops to see them again. The spazzy, backyard entertainment of the Coconut Coolouts is also featured in one of more easily accessible concert fiestas around.
Cost is $12 Adv and $15 at-the-door, and benefits go to Lifelong Aids, Team Noelle, and Rock n Roll Girls Camp. Knock, knock. Who’s there? YOU.
Full lineup with times after the jump.
Fremont Fair - Chillin Out in Juneuary - June 21-22
Once you get past the hippie-dippie tie died summer solstice bit, the naked bicyclists (one word - chafe), and all the anti-this and pro-that propaganda of the Fremont Fair and Parade, you might not think you’re going to be left with very much.
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To the contrary, Fremont Fair is - and has been for almost 4 decades - one of the best showcases for all sorts of local Seattle and Northwest music. You’re not going to find the big names bands up on stage, rattling the supports of the Fremont Bridge, but what you will find are tons of those unsigned and small label bands working their asses off for your attention.
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This year there are a couple gems that are worth pausing between sips of RedHook to check out. I’m going to recommend Saturday as the day you want to hit the festival so here are the highlights: (Click here for the full line-up and links to all artists)
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Saturday,
12:45pm - 1:30pm - Rocket Stage
17th Chapter take the stage and dish out an almost unclassifiable blend of dance-rock meets alt-country. Whichever direction a song happens to be taking, from blustery rock to blissful folk, the band is perfectly blended and will not lead you astray. Check out Don’t Try/New Friends below.
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4:30pm - 5:15pm - Rocket Stage
Kristen Ward dips a little further into the alt-country with familiar lap steel backed songs of heartbreak, hard roads and hot love. You can stream her album Hard Drive here to have a listen
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5:45pm - 6:30pm - Rocket Stage
Andy Werth has dialed in the classic pop sound to something reminiscent of Harvey Danger and Ted Leo. I’m hoping the horn section shows up today as they definitely make the sound. Check out “Tower” form Andy’s EP Seeing Stars below.
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7:30pm - 8:15pm –Redhook Stage
The Dimes might immediately remind you of to their fellow Portlanders, The Shins, and this is by no means a bad thing. Their sound is steeped in the stylistic NW pop familiar to the Decemberists and Deathe Cab, but these guys are no copy cats. The music is smooth and effortless, and you’ll be making your traditional NW cross armed head nod before you know it. Check out Catch me Jumping below.
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Feral Children offer Free EP
Seattle Subsonic faves, Feral Children’s debut full-length Second to the Last Frontier is still five weeks away from seeing the light of day, (only 4 if you go digital!) but already, we Seattleites are chomping at the bit to get a glimpse into their dark, frenetic indie rock. In response, Feral Children are now offering a free digital four-track EP via Sarathan Records featuring:
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Spy/Glasshouse,
Jaundice Giraffe (they LOVE Your yellow skin they do!)
Saint and
Zyghost
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Want to check out the free EP yourself?
Go to: sarathan.com/free/feralchildren_ep
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Also be sure keep your eyes peeled for two big shows for Feral Children:
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Jun 14 @ Neumos
Seattle, WA
Noise for the Needy Benefit
Matt & Kim, Yacht, No-Fi Soul Rebellion, Feral Children tickets
$10 - 8pm Doors - 21+
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Jul 26 @ Capital Hill Block Party
Seattle, WA
King Cobra Stage
Also playing will be (Friday) Vampire Weekend, Les Savy Fav, Zeke, Girl Talk, USE, The Dodos, Jay Reatard, (Saturday) DeVotchka, The Hold Steady, Chromeo, Kimya Dawson, Darker My Love, Feral Children. All Ages
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