The Maldives ::: Photo by Abbey Simmons

Each year the Maldives gather some of their favorite local acts that they’ve played with or met over the past year and invite them to play a big Christmas show. Last year’s edition with the Moondoggies was subject to Snowmaggedon 2008, so we were stuck on the hill, and only lucky Ballard dwellers were able to enjoy the one show in all of Seattle that wasn’t canceled that weekend. This year’s sold out show at Neumos suffered no such impediments and went off without a hitch. We’ve never seen a stronger Goldfinch set, Sir Thomas Gray was backed by Hey Marseilles for a Christmas rap (where Matt Bishop sang harmonies rhyming Thomas Gray with sleigh), THEESatisfaction got the entire dancing when they joined Champagne Champagne to do “Magnetic Blackness,” and a horde of Christmas elves celebrated the season on stage during Hey Marseilles’ 10 minute Christmas medley. The Maldives played at least three new songs, maybe four, since I don’t think I’d heard the second song before either. The trio of Chris Zasche, Jess Bonn, and Tim Dubois on “Blood Relations” (and “Walk Away” which they didn’t play this night) produce some of my favorite live lead guitar-work going these days.

For now the Maldives are taking a few months away from shows to develop their new songs and plan for a massive 2010. I very much look forward to what’s in store.

Goldfinch ::: Photo by Abbey Simmons

Goldfinch ::: Photo by Josh Lovseth

Champagne Champagne ::: Photo by Abbey Simmons

Hey Marseilles ::: Photo by Abbey Simmons

Hey Marseilles ::: Photo by Josh Lovseth

Hey Marseilles ::: Photo by Abbey Simmons

Thomas Christmas Rapping with Hey Marseilles ::: Photo by Josh Lovseth

The Maldives ::: Photo by Abbey Simmons

The Maldives ::: Photo by Abbey Simmons

The Maldives ::: Photo by Josh Lovseth

Flickr: The 2009 Maldives Christmas Show at Neumos with Goldfinch, Champagne Champagne, and Hey Marseilles