I had no idea what I was getting into when I first listened to Vic Chesnutt’s “Flirted With You All My Life.” I thought I’d be listening to a tortured love song, and well, I was. A love song, not for human flesh as I expected, but of the seductress suicide. I thought I was going to get a sweet little love song, and instead I got the song I’d needed to hear my entire life.

Much like Vic Chesnutt, I’ve spent too much of my life courting death at my own hands. Unlike Vic, I didn’t have the added burden of constant physical pain and illness. I just happened to be born into a body that has shown keen interest in the self-destruct button. I’ve struggled with a life-long battle with depression and as Vic sang, I’ve “even kissed death once or twice.” When I listened to “Flirted With You All My Life” that first time and every subsequent time, it was as if Vic was singing my story and experience in a way I’d never felt had happened in song. It was as if Vic had been reading a decade’s worth of my diaries and he chose to sing exactly the words I had always needed to hear: “But I found out with time that clearly I was not ready, no no. Oh Death. Really, I’m not ready.”  These were words I could finally sing along to and mean, a hard-fought outcome and realization which found me crying tears of joy.

On night one, after listening to the song on repeat, I knew this would be my secret anthem. It would be what I would call upon for strength during the hardest times and if the deadly flirtation tempted me, because surely it could come again. If it did, I would take faith and hope, that I was not alone in my struggles, that a man like Vic Chesnutt existed and that he had the strength to sing a song that countless people needed to hear, and that he had chosen to struggle onwards himself.

And then, about a week after I discovered it, Vic Chesnutt took his own life. The long flirtation had come to sad fruition. I cried like I’d lost a friend, because I had. I cried out of fear, because it was another tragic reminder that depression is a life-long battle, that isn’t always “beat” even when you feel you’ve conquered it. I wondered if the song would lose it’s meaning or hopefulness with Vic’s suicide, but I found it did the opposite. The song is just as potent and poignant today, if not more so. It is still an anthem. It is still a perfect song to me, one that I will call upon on the darkest days. Vic is still a friend, that I will visit with for the rest of my life through his songs, and he will still be a source of infinite inspiration. In the end, maybe the song wasn’t just for Vic, maybe it was for the rest of us who needed it desperately. People just like me.

I wish I’d had the chance to thank him face-to-face, because a man should be recognized for that kind of contribution to another person’s life. While I sadly won’t be able to thank Vic personally, I can honor him tonight by attending a Tribute Show at the Tractor Tavern organized by Hannah Levin to help his family survive and thrive in his absence. In tribute to Vic, Damien Jurado, Jason Dodson of The Maldives, Eric Howk, and Ian Moore will be taking the stage to perform his songs. Ending the night with “Flirted With You All My Life” will be David Bazan. I’m bringing $20 to donate and a fistful of tissues. I recommend you do the same, because a man like Vic Chestnutt and a song like “Flirted With You All My Life” only comes around once in what is hopefully a long and happy lifetime.

Vic Chesnutt Tribute Show - Tractor Tavern - TONIGHT
Featuring David Bazan, Damien Jurado, Jason Dodson (The Maldives), Eric Howk, Ian Moore & more
Doors at 8pm / Suggested Donation $10 (but we say bring a $20 & tissues)

Watch the video of Dave Bazan performing “Flirted With You All My Life” after the cut.

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The Whore Moans at Bruar Falls during CMJ ::: All photos by Brady Sprouse

[Brady Sprouse, our man-about-Ballard and album reviewer headed out to CMJ a few weeks ago for one of his other gigs, The Maldives tour manager. He was kind enough to share his experience and report back with a review about Ballard Ave. taking over Brooklyn for Mt. Fuji Records' CMJ Showcase. - abbey]

A few weeks ago I went to New York with the Maldives for the CMJ Mt Fuji Showcase in Brooklyn. Having never been to New York before, I was, to say the least, very excited to get out of Seattle and go to the “Big City”. “The City Seattle Wishes it Was”. “Some Place Where it Wasn’t Raining”.

My alarm went of at 3:40 am on Monday morning. Three hours after I’d gone to bed. I met The Maldives at the 65th house in Ballard at 4:30 and everybody was on time (for once), more or less. As we were loading our luggage into the van, I sat smoking a cigarette thinking at least we didn’t have to load any gear this trip, but was not looking forward to herding 8 people through airport security. It’s hard enough to keep them together when we’re all in the same room. But, as I’m learning about my job as “tour manager”, the more I worry, the smoother things usually end up going. At the airport we got through security without incident and on the plane without waiting more than five minutes at the gate. Five or so hours later we landed at JFK.

After a slight delay trying to figure out our subway pass situation, which involved more than one of us (myself included) trying the patience of multiple MTA employees, we were on the subway headed into Brooklyn. The sun was shining and it was in the low 60’s. I’d brought two jackets and a sweatshirt which I couldn’t even fit into my bag. We got off the subway in Williamsburg and I was already down to the sweatshirt and carrying one jacket I didn’t really need. We ended up at a place called the Alligator Lounge waiting for some friends who were going to be putting us up for the week. The Alligator Lounge gives you a free pizza for every drink you order. Not a frozen cardboard slab, but a real wood fired cheese pizza that was much better than bad. I ate two for the $10 price of a Bud and Jameson. Not bad, even for New York prices. So we drank, ate pizza, watched some baseball and waited. Eventually our friends started trickling in. Most were Seattle transplants or reverse transplants who’d left Seattle to come back to New York. They got us settled and we we went exploring our little corner of Williamsburg.

The next day was somewhat of a blur: almost 70 degrees, MTV studios in Times Square, picking up the CMJ  badges at Washington Square Park, seeing where that kid caught a skateboard beating in Kids, The Village and “The Bitter End”. I was barely able to keep my inner, wide-eyed gaping tourist in check. We got our badges and and sat down at a pub in a few blocks away called The Red Lion who’s proprietor could’ve easily been my lrish grandfather. There we met up with the rest of the boys and made plans to meet up with the rest of the Mt. Fuji crew (label heads Mike Jaworski and Rich Green, The Whore Moans, and the Black Whales).

Back in Brooklyn I had to pick up a guitar from an old friend for the Maldives (Thanks to Sarah and Cedar). Since we were only out for one show all the gear was being loaned out by the Black Whales (Much thanks to those guys) except and acoustic guitar which is, to say the least, kind of important during a Maldives show. With guitar procured we all met at a little place underneath where I was staying. Mike and the other bands started staggering in one and two at a time and we all got some food and just kind of relaxed. It was nice to see so much Seattle so far from Seattle (this was a theme our whole week in New York. Seattle everywhere we went. It was great.)

The Mt Fuji Showcase was at Bruar Falls, about four blocks from where most of us were staying in Williamsburg so it made things pretty easy to maneuver as far as keeping track of people and knowing where we were. I had never really met the guys from the other bands so it was nice to put some faces to music and names. We all had a drink and then a few more at another place across the street from Bruar Falls called The Trash Bar which was definitely one of the cooler places we hung out that week. Seriously, cheap whiskey and beer combo specials, your bar could be a cardboard box in an alley and I will have something nice to say about it. Bruar Falls wasn’t bad either. It was tiny though (imagine a show at the Golden City or that little side room at The Canterbury). So tiny in fact I was surprised that one: nobody was brained by Whore Moans bassist Ryan Devlin on their way to the bathroom, and two: all The Maldives were able to fit up on stage (Chris Zasche and his peddle steel could not make it to New York and thus was probably the reason everybody was able to squeeze up there). The Black Whales didn’t even bother trying to fit and set up partially on the floor in front of the stage. This made for an amazingly intimate closing performance to the showcase. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

The night was getting a late start due to earlier shows so there was a lot of standing around and waiting but once The Whore Moans went on, the faces began to melt. The crowd was surprisingly subdued for the amount of energy that the Whore Moans were throwing into it. At one point Nikki O jumped down into the crowd on is knees and began wailing into everybody which seemed to get people a little more involved. Though the crowd was not spastically flailing about, everybody was into it as the boys burned through one after another, shedding clothing and sweat along the way.

After a quick transition and set up The Maldives were on stage with the Black Whales’ gear. Hilariously, every piece of borrowed equipment was like a bizarro copy of what each normally used. Kevin Barrens replacement accordion was a melodica. Each guitar was a slightly different model and/or color. It’s like everything was the same, but different. Not to mention all the sets were 30 minutes long so they really had to tighten up their set length which made a perfect fit in between the other two bands. What I like to refer to as “The Rock Set.” And it was outstanding, especially considering the missing component of the peddle steel whose absence was more than accounted for by Seth Warren’s fiddle. As they closed with Blood Relations, one of the best performances to date, I realized that for as many times as I’ve heard these songs, they do not get old. In fact, they get better.

I’d never seen the Black Whales live and had only heard a few tracks off of they’re debut EP Origins so I was excited to get the opportunity to watch and photograph the band in action. And, with one minor electrical snafu notwithstanding, they did not disappoint. They came out blazing with their heavy electric jangle and amazing melodies. They’d been out on tour for the past month or so and you could see it in their performance. Tight and loose at the same time. Breezing through there songs with a passion and confidence afforded to a band that after this many times, could do it with their eyes closed. At least most of the way. The night went off more or less without a hitch and all the bands sounded great.

The next evening after sight seeing around Manhattan, we met up with Mike Jaworski in the East Village and we had a chance to talk a little about the show the previous night. We both agreed the line up couldn’t have been better. These three bands are a perfect representation of Seattle and the music that it’s producing right now. Music that is as similar as it is different. Good music.

I didn’t want to leave New York. I’d spent thirty years never being that impressed with the city. Now I don’t know why I wasn’t. We were treated so well. All the silly tourist stuff I’d seen in movies was incredible and right in front of me. We had one of the best times on the road to date. The show was fun. Really fun. So many Seattle friends made it out. Old and new. Out to visit or now living in New York. Witnessing some of the best music going happening right now in our little city.

When I left JFK it was 73 degrees. When I landed at Sea-Tac it was 40 degrees and raining lightly. A meter maid on a Segway told me I couldn’t smoke at the arrival terminal. Outside. I wanted to get back on a plane immediately. But then my friend picked me up and took me to The Smoke Shop and I slowly began to remember where I’m from and how much I love it here. How much the music in this town means to me. How many more times I want to visit New York to see Seattle bands take over a whole neighborhood in one of the biggest cities in the world and melt the faces of the newly converted.

See More of Brady’s Photos from the Mt. Fuji Records CMJ Showcase after the jump:

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 This week’s track is by Owl City, the one man project by musician Adam Young. Yes, THE Adam Young. The song “Fireflies” comes from the Minnesota-based musicians’s latest release Ocean Eyes. It is currently the number one song on iTunes.

I’m having a hard time solidly digesting the assorted press I’ve found on the project. Let’s run through a few outside reviews so you can see what I mean. Here’s Jess Alatorre from indieshuffle.com:

“Owl City has been setting the web on fire.”

Hello, hyperbole! Good to see you so soon.

“Adam Young, sole musician of Owl City seems to have successfully appealed to the MySpace world.”

Seems? Jesus, take a stand. Did he or didn’t he? The problem with that word is that things aren’t always what they seem. Lemme give you an example. True story – a few years ago, a buddy of mine bought his mom a Christmas gift. “I found an ad for this neck massager,” he said, showing me the box that just arrived in the mail. Unfortunately, it was a vibrator. No, really. I swear to God. He found the ad in Parade magazine (that hotbed of senior citizen sexiness – they have a cartoon called Howard Huge, for Christ’s sake.) Sure, in the advertisement’s picture, the woman was using the device on the back of her neck. And she was smiling, probably in that “you know what this is really for” way. Except my pal didn’t pick up on it.

Out of mercy (and when I was finally out of laughter) I told him what he’d done. He was horrified and ended up getting her a gift certificate to Midas or some bullshit, but I always imagine what would have happened if I kept my yap shut. I can see the family gathered round the tree, clutching their mugs of egg nog, and my buddy presenting his gift by saying “Here’s something to help you relax mom.” Good thing his parents were divorced, as it’s pretty tacky to give a married woman a sex toy. Don’t matter if she’s under the mistletoe or not. Just. Plain. Wrong.

Anyhow, where was I? Oh, yeah – it may seem like Young has successfully appealed to the myspace crowd, but maybe… he’s just… you know… a… uh, vibrator. Hell, I even lost myself on that one. OK, ever forward we go.

Alatorre continues, “I’m going to be honest, I’m not the biggest fan, but it is worth offering these beats to the slightly more pop inclined.”

Such a benevolent blogger! Let’s get this guy a job at the soup kitchen. “Honestly, I’m not the biggest bologna sandwich fan, but I find they seem to appeal to the slightly more hunger inclined types that tend to frequent places like this particular Union Gospel Mission.”

“I think half of these songs offer an addictive electronic beat, with songs whose tunes echo in my head long after I take my headphones out.”

You think or it seems like you think?

“The lyrics try to be reflective, but most of the times they are just words, falling short of poetry.”

Yes, sometimes lyrics are just words. The music is sometimes just notes, too.

“This album might not be an artful masterpiece, but Adam Young has definitely positioned himself as an up and coming musician.”

Yes, it might not be an artful masterpiece. Or, it might. We’ll never know because you didn’t say. On the other hand, way to go with the use of “definitely.” Now put a bow on it and let’s go home:

“Ocean Eyes is best taken as a collection of poppy electronic songs to add a bounce to your step.”

True. If taken internally, it may cause some bleeding, hemmoraging, or cooties. Unless it’s in that sex toy iPod that’s sweeping the nation. Seriously, have you heard about these things? They’re called the OhMiBod, “the World’s First Wireless Music Vibrator.” Funny – it looks a lot like a neck massager. The OhMiBod should easily make number six on your list of “Top Ten Vibrators Not To Give Your Mom,” and number one if she’s a Rod Stewart fan. If you wanna know what it is, I’ll let the website explain it, because I sure as hell ain’t trying it out:

“OhMiBod is a sleek, sophisticated new generation of vibrator that combines elegance of design with the excitement of your favorite music. The audio enabled integrated microchip allows the OhMiBod ipod massager to vibrate to the beat and rhythm of your music while you listen. Measures 7 1/2″ long (5 1/2″ insertable) and 1″ in diameter. OhMiBod comes with an additional multi-speed endcap for use without an iPod or music player. It really is 2 products in one! Our motor provides strong yet quiet, intense rhythmic vibrations. With polished chrome detail and pearl white body this product is the ultimate iPod acsexsory!”

OhMiBod – for those times when it’s not enough to get a song stuck just in your head. Now let’s tastefully pan over yonder to see what the folks at The Album Project have to say about Owl City:

“Owl City sort of symbolizes every kid’s dream of making your own music in your room and somehow making it onto a major label. “

“Sort of.” Is the music making writers wishy washy or are they doing it on their own?

“On top of everything Owl City, or Adam Young, makes it seem a little too easy picking happy go lucky themes to lay on top of happy go lucky electronic music… “

So it would… SEEM. Look, I’m easily as guilty of a seem or two in my day, but these days “seems,” “sort/kind of” and other verbal acts of non-commitment litter the lexicon and make you wonder how we ever won a bunch of wars. Incidentally, how are we doing on our current global conflicts? Really? You don’t say!

“It’s hard to credit the lyrics for being anything other than mediocre…”

Well, seems like they fall short of poetry according to other sources.

“Basically If you’ve heard any of the songs and like them you should be buying this record, consequently, if you didn’t like any of the songs they are similar enough that there really isn’t anything for you here.”

My head hurts. Luckily, the internet is a big ol’ place full of diverse opinions, so we don’t need to rely on these clowns. Hell no! Here are some other reviews::

“I was struck by how much this band sounded like The Postal Service (a band I very much like). “ – Jeff Somogyi, The Somogyi Perspective

“[T]he blend of electronic beat and gentle vocals bears a striking resemblance to The Postal Service. “ –Kevin Chen, The Acronym

“Owl City’s sound is often compared to the Postal Service….” – Chris Ryan, rollingstone.com

“As soon as you start listening to the songs, you’ll immediately notice how much Owl City resembles Postal Service. “ – earmilk.com

“Owl City sounds a lot like The Postal Service…” – Andrew Miller, somethingawful.com

“Written and produced by Young, “Ocean Eyes” recalls the emotionally tinged electronica pioneered by the Postal Service” – Jill Menze, Billboard

“The main reason to dislike Owl City is because they are a Postal Service rip-off….” – Ben Westhoff, ocweekly.com

“So what distinguishes Owl City from The Postal Service? Truthfully, not much. “ – Kevin Chen, The Acronym (again)

“If you think Owl City sounds like a junior version of the Postal Service, you’re not alone. “ – Craig Rosen, Yahoo! Music

The diversity of opinion. We truly live in a great global age. Well, that’s enough out of me. See you next week

Why is K Records making my palms sweaty these days?  When I was in college, and unwisely immersed in the shadowy worlds of “underground hip-hop” I remember disdaining this Olympia, WA stand-by.  I cant’ recall exactly the reason, but I remember a house full of burgeoning scenesters, and being annoyed that Calvin Johnson was sleeping on their floor.

I actually met Calvin Johnson a few months back and told him about my former dislike of his living arrangements.  I believe I said something like, “Remember when you used to come to Walla Walla on sleep on floors?”  And he sort of sweatily looked back at me and shook his head.  I was there Calvin, I know.

Hah, memories.  Nonetheless, this song by LAKE is exceptionally pretty and psychedelic and adds another to the pile of amazing songs that I’ll talk about adding to an ultimate summer mix-tape. I’ve been talking for years.

LAKE - Madagascar

Black Eyes & Neckties Play The Comet July 19th ::: Photo by Abbey

Remember when I said not every week would have seven nights of recommended shows…? This is one of those weeks.

However, for most of the night’s that have recommendations, there are numerous pleasing possibilities. Looks like another week for some heated internal debates on which shows to attend.

Who - So Many Dynamos, Police Teeth, Cast Spells
Where - VERA Project
How (Much) - 8$/7$ with Club Card
Why- So Many Dynamos mathematic, energetic, angular, and infinitely danceable approach to indie rock is a perfect way to start the week with momentum.

Who - The Girls Guide To Rocking
Where - VERA Project, 7:30pm
How (Much) - Free
Why - Because in 2009, rock’n'roll is still a boys club. Books like The Girls Guide to Rocking and places like the VERA Project help encourage and teach girls to find their rightful place in rock.

Equally Awesome Alternatives:
Casiotone for the Painfully Alone at HTFC
Team Gina at Chop Suey

Who - Jack Wilson and the Wife Stealers 
Where - The Comet, 6pm  
How (Much) - ?
Why - If you like what bands like The Maldives and Widower are doing, it’s time for you to check out Jack Wilson and the Wife Stealers. Wilson is a pleasant addition to the burgeoning bearded Seattle-Twang song-writer sound.

Equally Awesome Alternatives:
GMK at Nectar Lounge
Tea Cozies, Devices at Tractor Tavern

Who - WE Prom Featuring: We Wrote The Book On Connectors, M. Bison, Tennis Pro
Where - The Crocodile
How (Much) - 10$
Why - Because this is what Sweet Dreams are made of. Or at least, that’s the theme of this prom, which is guaranteed to suck 100x less than your actual Prom. There will be photos, formal wear, a balloon arch, and  few great local bands playing from their own catchy catalogs, as well as the promise of some classic Prom songs. Slow dance, anyone?

Equally Awesome Alternatives:
The Metal Shakespeare Company at The Blue Moon
The Sea Navy at The Comet Tavern
The Decemberists, Andrew Bird, Blind Pilot at Marymoor Park

Who - Laura Veirs, Cataldo
Where - The Crocodile
How (Much) -  15$
Why - To spend a night with one of the Pacific Northwest’s most gifted lyricists and song-writers, Laura Veirs.  2007’s Saltbreakers is a quintessential Pacific Northwest album, so evocative of the surroundings that inspired the album, you can almost smell the damp salty cedar air.

Equally Awesome Alternatives:
What What Now at Cafe Racer
Death Cab for Cutie, the New Pornographers, Ra Ra Riot at Marymoor Park

Who - Helms Alee, Black Eyes & Neckties, Red Fang
Where - The Comet Tavern, 9pm
How (Much) - 8$
Why - You’d be hard pressed to find a stronger all-local hard rock bill. In spite of being on a Sunday, the sheer weight of rock and spectacle of this line up may actually leave The Comet in ruins.

Equally Awesome Alternative:
Death Cab for Cutie, the New Pornographers, Ra Ra Riot at Marymoor Park

The Moondoggies :: at The Blue Moon :: June 19th, 2009

We’ve been saying it basically as long as we’ve been writing this blog, The Blue Moon is one of Seattle’s best and certainly it’s most under-appreciated venue.  I say that fully believing that the most spot-on description you’ll likely ever see of the Blue Moon reads a little something like this:

That place is a real historic Seattle shit-kicker kind of place. You got the old timers and the hardcore drinkers. It’s one of those places where it feels they should have chicken wire onstage so people wouldn’t hit the musicians with bottles. When you walk in it just smells like old bar. … It was cool because there was nothing pretentious about that venue. You just have a lot of real people and then your friends. There would be people who would come there and just be like, ‘Ah, I can’t stand it—I have to leave!’ But it’s a very genuine good shit-kicker bar. It’s one of those places where you’ll be sitting there joking around and some crazy old drunk lady will just lie down on the floor next to you and start sleeping.

Kevin Murphy of The Moondoggies gave that description in a  recent interview with LA Record, when he was asked about the band getting their start with a “residency” at The Blue Moon. Not many other (if any) Seattle venues are being called out by name by out-of-town interviewers. Even so, in Seattle-proper The Blue Moon often seems to be ignored as a legitimate music venue by both the press and regular concert go-ers. While it may very well be the least glamorous place in Seattle, you’ll rarely see a band at it’s more genuine bare than on the Blue Moon stage.

The Blue Moon has been our ‘home court’ for the past three years and it’s not uncommon for us to be there for a show a week. We were there as The Moondoggies got their start playing regularly at The Blue Moon,  and we’ve been introduced to a number of our other favorite local acts from sets at The Moon. The Blue Moon is where local rock bands cut their teeth. And countless Seattle bands (both past and current) had their first gig at the venerable dive bar. Much like this blog, the Blue Moon is largely all about the locals. While there is an increasing number of touring bands on Blue Moon bills, we’d still say that 9 out of 10 bands you see at the Blue Moon hail from the Pacific Northwest.

We’ve spent the past few weekends being reminded just why we love The Blue Moon so much. On June 19th we saw The Moondoggies return to the Moon for a secret performance, and oh how the times have changed from those first sparsely attended late night sets. Even without being on the bill or the show being mentioned anywhere officially, the room was packed and buzzing for the Moondoggies.  In spite of being on the verge of something much bigger, having been recently picked up by Red Light Management who manages acts like Dave Matthews Band, Ben Harper, and Phish — The Moondoggies looked perfectly at home on that shit-kicker stage. And the band played one of the strongest sets I’ve ever seen them perform, playing previously unheard songs among old favorites.

The Moondoggies ::: all photos by Abbey

Read about our next two weekends at The Blue Moon after the jump…

Read the rest of this entry »

Ryann Donnelly of Schoolyard Heroes ::: photo by Abbey

As someone who goes to shows more nights than not, I know that most nights of the week there’s a great show happening in Seattle. In fact, as someone who often wishes she could split herself in two or three, there’s usually more than one show worth checking out many nights.

While we’ve hesitated doing a straight up weekly Sound on the Sound recommends post, there are just too many shows that are worthy of highlighting and attending for us to not try one out.  With that in mind, I’m starting “Night After Night” your weekly guide to going to a show a night in Seattle.

I’m sure some weeks won’t have a full seven nights of shows, because we’d rather not list a show we wouldn’t be excited to attend ourselves. But my hope for this features is to show and share with you the impressive number of awesome shows at your finger tips, on any given night of the week in Seattle.

Who - The Rural Alberta Advantage
Where - The Sunset Tavern, 9pm
How (Much) - 7$
Why- Saddle Creek’s latest band are creating haunting, charming tunes that defy  easy description. Singing songs about hometowns and heartbreak, the band mixes synth sounds and  indie folk sensibilities, with a side of Jeff Mangum vocals.

Who - The Curious Mystery, Born Anchors, Cataldo
Where - Nectar Lounge, 8pm
How (Much) - FREE, courtesy of Sound Magazine
Why - Because in this economy, we could all use a free show with three of Seattle’s most promising up and coming bands. The Curious Mystery’s Rotting Slowly is one of my favorite local releases of 2009.

Who - Mad Rad, Thee Satisfaction
Where - The Funhouse, 9pm
How (Much) - 6$
Why - It’s a chance to see two of Seattle’s most buzzed about bands at a venue that couldn’t be further from the vibe of Pike and Pine. Mad Rad is sure to bring the antics, and I dare you not to dance to Thee Satisfaction’s unique groove.

Who - A Gun That Shoots Knives, The Raggedy Anns,  Doctor Doctor
Where - Neumos, 9pm
How (Much) - 6$
Why - To hear F Bomb laiden PSA’s about staying in school and literacy and to celebrate the Raggedy Anne’s catchy fortchoming CD of swing rock and Tin Pan Alley tunes.

Who - Schoolyard Heroes, The Pharmacy, The Whore Moans
Where - VERA Project, 7:30pm
How (Much) -
Why - Because you want to be at what will doubtlessly be the craziest show of the week, no booze necessary. The popular former Seattle band The Pharmacy are returning for their first weekend back since moving to The Big Easy. The Whore Moans of capable of whipping a group of nuns into ruckus moshers and you have never seen local teenagers go more insane then when Ryann Donnelly of Schoolyard Heroes take the stage. Bring your ear plugs and elbows.

Awesome Alternative: Thee Emergency at The Sunset

Who - Robin Pecknold, Throw Me the Statue
Where - Neumos, 9pm
How (Much) -  15$
Why - See Robin Pecknold of The Fleet Foxes perform a rare solo set and a smaller venue then he’ll ever play again, all for one of Seattle’s finest musical resources: The Vera Project.

Awesome Alternative: The Hands, The Ironclads, The Beats Man at The Mars Bar

Who - Grynch (Chemsitry EP Release)
Where - The Nectar Lounge
How (Much) - $7
Why - On Tuesday you can download Grynch’s new EP for free. That way Sunday you won’t be laughing so hard from “My Volvo” that you can enjoy his other tracks.

Awesome Alternative: Azure Ray with Anomie Bell at Neumos

p.s. Please let me know if you think this a worthwhile feature for Sound on the Sound, or if it’s something you feel like you get already from the site and/or every other local newspaper and music blog.

The Moondoggies ::: Secret Set at The Blue Moon ::: photo by Abbey

We’re half way through 2009, which means it’s as good a time as any to reflect and share what were my favorite releases, songs, and shows in what’s proving to be an exciting year of music.

I’m not ready to list these in any sort of ranked order just yet, you’ll have to wait for Decemeber for that. But these are the albums, eps, songs, and shows that have helped make 2009 a memorable year of music, so far. (No Animal Collective or Dirty Projectors necessary!)

Best Albums So Far:

The Ironclads - Space Between the Maps
Elvis Perkins In Dearland- Elvis Perkins In Dearland
The Lonely Forest - We Sing The Body Electric
J. Tillman - Vacilando Territory Blues
Kaylee Cole - We’re Still Here Missing You
Neko Case - Middle Cyclone 
The Curious Mystery - Rotting Slowly
Nurses - Apple’s Acre
Dan Auerbach - Keep It Hid
Shane Tutmarc - Shouting at a Silent Sky

I had to whittle down that list to a round, solid 10, which is pretty exciting considering there are albums scheduled to come out from the following bands in the remaining months of 2009:

The Cave Singers, The Maldives,  The Dutchess and The Duke, Black Whales, Black Eyes & Neckties,  Thee Emergency,  J. Tillman, and David Bazan.

Bon Iver at Sasquatch ::: Photo by Abbey

Best EPs or 7” So Far:

Bon Iver - Blood Bank
See Me River - The Great Unwashed
The Moonodoggies - Terreberryy EP/Record Store Day EP
What What Now - Self Titled 7”

J. Tillman ::: photo by Abbey

Best Songs So Far:

“We Sing In Time” - The Lonely Forest
“Blood Bank” - Bon Iver
“Steel on Steel” - J. Tillman
“Shampoo” - Elvis Perkins
“Alamagordo” - The Ironclads
“Airplanes” - Local Natives
“The Hardest Part” - The Moondoggies
“Folding Chairs” - Regina Spektor
“Magic Mountain” - Arthur & Yu
“Gossamer Hair” - Pearly Gate Music
“Driftwood Doll” - The Traditionist 
“Car Wreck” - Kaylee Cole
“The Ballad of RAA” - The Rural Alberta Advantage
“Coast of Carolina” - Telekenesis

(I have to admit, 2009 has been a year of albums/EPs/7” much more so than singles and songs, so I feel like this is more a list of my favorite songs from my favorite albums than the best singles or songs of ‘09. I’ll work on broadening that a bit before December.)

The Whore Moans Play Our 2nd Blue Moon Birthday Bash ::: Photo By Abbey

Best Shows, So Far:

* David Bazan - House Show, Edmonds
* Sound on the Sound Celebrates the Blue Moon’s 75th Anniversary
* Ironclads CD Release Show at Holy Mountain (with What What Now, The Whore Hands)
* Built to Spill does Perfect From Now On
* Sound on the Sound’s 2nd Birthday Bash’s at The Blue Moon and Neumo’s
* Blind Pilot at The Triple Door
* Nurses at South Pole 
* Jenny Lewis at UW
* Bon Iver at Sasquatch
* The Moondoggies at The Blue Moon

I just made a list.  The list is titled “Projects That Have Something To Do With Ty Segall.”  I’ve sat here staring at said list and wondering to myself, “Does it make me creepy that I’m making a list about an artist and his many side projects?”  And then I think, “I make a lot of lists, regardless of minor obsessions, I’m just a man who loves a good list.  What can I say?”

After sitting and pondering my list dilemma, I realize that Traditional Fools, one of many projects gracing my imaginary list, is blasting in the background.  Big, crunchy, sometimes screechy garage-rock, and my list worries fade to the background.  And I sit and I stare at the garage next door.  Garage.  Rock.

Traditional Fools - Davey Crockett

The Ironclads::: photo by Abbey Simmons 

I know that it makes me a bad music blogger, but to be honest with you, I spent much of the month of May listening to two bands  basically on repeat: The Ironclads  and Nurses.

Much of my May was spent (unsuccessfully) trying to decide what my favorite song  is from The Ironclads  debut album: The Space Between the Maps. Every time I see the Ironclads (probably five or six times in the last three months) I leave with a new favorite song, which I then find myself singing and screaming along to in my head (and aloud) for the next week or so. It’s an enviable problem for a band to have,  in my opinion.

On a 12 track album, there are six songs in a heated brawl for the best.  Initially, I was certain there was no better song right now than the ridiculously catchy “Alamogordo;” but then I got stuck on hook heavy “Bullet Train;” then I moved on to the  f-word laden and slightly heart-breaking  anthemic “Fuckin’ A” (”the only heroes are the heroes that die, man”), then it was back to the first Ironclads song that hooked me, the ill-fated astronaut tale of “Cape Canaveral,” while the last Ironclads’ song to enchant me is the surprising pop sensibilities and sweetness of “Step to the Sea.”  After 40 or 50 listens each, I still can’t decide which song is my favorite, though I’ll happily listen another 40 or 50 times to try to come to a conclusion.

Mark my words, The Space Between the Maps will be featured highly and heavily on Sound on the Sound’s Best of 2009 lists. In it’s transversing of sounds, tempos, and styles, the album reminds me of the early Saddle Creek records that led me away from my hippie/folk leanings and straight into the arms of independent rock and music. Without a doubt,  The Ironclads are the  most pleasant surprise out of the Seattle scene this year. And if you haven’t caught one of their frenetic,  sing-and-scream-along live shows yet — you need to remedy that as soon as you possibly can. There’s an intoxicating buzz and energy in the room when The Ironclads take the stage, which makes you feel like you’re in the fold of something special. I cannot recommend them or their album highly enough.

When I haven’t been listening to The Ironclads, I’ve been playing PDX band Nurses a ton. Josh found a recording of one of their live shows, and it’s listened to at least once daily. Just like the Ironclads, there’s been a large debate going on at SOTS HQ about which Nurses song is the best. And like the Ironclads, we can’t decide on a single track, because they are all just so damn good, and freaking catchy to boot. Nurses specialize in dreamy experimental pop songs, a description which does little justice to the band’s unique style and sound. The lead singer of Nurses has a voice that is reminiscent of the Cave Singer’s Peter Quirks vocals, but he’s singing danceable tunes instead of dirges.  Sound on the Sound is planning a trip down to Portland to catch these guys live, because we simply can’t wait for them to travel north to Seattle.  To get a delicious taste of Nurses, I recommend taking a listen to “Lita” or “Technicolor,” which shows off the expansive experimental pop of the band to a tee. You should have “Technicolor” stuck in your head for the next few days at the very least.

Honorable Mentions: I listened to a couple other bands in May, I swear:

* Pearly Gate Music (go and listen to “Gossamer Hair” right now)
* Akron/Family
* Shane Tutmarc
* Bon Iver  (his set at Sasquatch was the highlight of the festival for me)
* The Traditionist
* “Take It In” by Wye Oak