Nick of Elvis Perkins in Dearland ::: photo by Abbey Simmons
I have to say, with such a vibrant year of local music, I spent the vast majority of my 2009 exploring things made in the Pacific Northwest; rather than venturing out in to the vastness of the internets and the rest of America. So most of these are pretty well known tracks, albums, and artists or from Noah’s Daily Choices — though I do hope you discover a new favorite you hadn’t heard before too. These are the records and tracks recorded outside of the 206 that I most enjoyed and listened to on repeat in 2009. (The top 10 may be in some sort of hierachal order, but after that the order is not nearly as thought out or meaningful.)
Day One is done. We managed to avoid the rain completely and instead were drenched in good music and performances… a trend we hope that continues tomorrow. We’ll have full coverage later this week including posts and photos from new contributors, but to tide you over here are a couple pictures from today’s Bumbershoot. Speaking of tomorrow, we have some recommendations check them out here.
Hey Marseilles at KEXP’s Music Lounge ::: photo by Abbey Simmons
Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head ::: photo by Abbey Simmons
Mayer Hawthorne ::: photo by Abbey Simmons
Nick of Elvis Perkins in Dearland ::: photo by Abbey Simmons
The Whore Moans Present! Black Atom ::: photo by Abbey Simmons
Elvis Perkins in Dearland’s latest video offering is for their song “Chains, Chains, Chains” off of this year’s self titled album. It comes to us courtesy of the imaginative mind of Sean Pecknold, local maker of the ever-fascinating Fleet Foxes videos.
With an already solid line-up announced, Bumbershoot is just icing a sweet cake with new additons to the line up.
ELVIS PERKINS IN DEARLAND, BLACK JOE LEWIS & THE HONEYBEARS, JASON MRAZ, KASABIAN, AUDRYE SESSIONS, THE KNUX, AKRON/FAMILY, VIVIAN GIRLS, THE DEVIL MAKES THREE, MAXIMO PARK, WALE W/ UCB, OTEP, MIRAH, 3 INCHES OF BLOOD, U.S.E AND MANY MORE!
Most exciting on this list of new confirmed acts is most certainly Elvis Perkins in Dearland, though I am also really excited to catch Black Joe Lewis & The Honey Bears.
Looks like they’ve added a few metal bands to balance out the emerging twee pop focus that is further cemented with the addition of Jason Mraz.
Bumbershoot is shaping up to be the festival of the summer!
Before their set at the Tractor on Monday, all four gentlemen of Elvis Perkins in Dearland ventured snow flurries in March to come down to Easy Street Records and play a short set and release their record to a few lucky fans a day early. Little did we know that later that evening Perkins would go electric for all but one song, so this was a special case resembling the stripped down Dearland of old. For the last few songs of the set he opened the floor up for requests, and obliged the crowd (who echoed my unsaid preference) for Perkins all alone doing “It’s Only Me.” And even though they started a half hour late and had to get to the Tractor, the band went out right away to sign autographs and shake hands. What is not to love about these guys?
Elvis Perkins in Dearland ::: Photo by Josh
“Shampoo” Live at Easy Street ::: Video by Abbey
For those of you who went to the Tractor and were longing for a few more old songs, find the video of that requested version of “It’s Only Me” below the fold.
Elvis Perkins at the Tractor Tavern ::: Photo by Josh
For Elvis Perkins in Dearland’s new self-titled album out March 10 on XL Records, the music, if not entirely the words reflect the warm and whimsical repoire that the band has developed after touring for two years on the Perkins’ debut record Ash Wednesday. After laying low for a while, they’ve now emerged ready to support this new record on a tour that swings through SXSW, but starts here in Seattle on Monday. And since we’re the start, on the nigh of the new album’s release, the band has got a few extras for us in addition to their headlining set at the Tractor Tavern. Noontime the band will be in the KEXP studio for a live session, while for the all-ages crowd at 7:30pm they’ll be taking the stage at Easy Street Records. That’s certainly a busy first day for a tour.
“Shampoo” is a prime example of the wonderful contradiction that is Elvis Perkins in Dearland. The lyrics recount a damned and almost hopeless soul while the backing vocals, harmonica and goofy intro elevate the dirge to something entirely different. The only way I can describe it overall is to say that as I’ve seen the band progress, the instrumentation of the each song has grown to match the imaginative lyrics of Perkins himself. Dearland has become more than a band, it’s a temporary paradise where we can find it easy to “say our fond regards to lonelyville,” if only for a short time.
The Blind Pilot show that was canceled due to flooded highways has been rescheduled for January 26 at the Triple Door. I’m so glad that I’m going to be able to make this. Don’t let the video above fool you, they are nine people strong now. |find tickets online from the triple door|
Also canceled by inclement weather, this year’s Massline three day “Program” is now rescheduled for March 14th-16th at Neumos. One of those days, the 14th I believe, Common Market will be playing with a live band. If that little nugget pique’s your interest, Common Market will also be playing with that live band on the 20th of this month at the High Dive for an Inauguration Day show. |full info at lineout|
Blog fav Elvis Perkins in Dearland just announced a string of west coast shows to happen during the week of their new album’s release, and are stopping by the Tractor on March 9. Also today XL made it ok to download the first single from the forthcoming record, titled “Shampoo.” |buy tickets at sonic boom records when they go on sale|
The Cave Singers were added to the Department of Eagles bill at Neumos for January 28. The Cave Singers opened for Grizzly Bear last time they swung through town. |get tickets at ticketswest|
For a February 20 date, Dead Confederate will play Steven’s Pass. Yes you read that right. Steven’s Pass. I guess snow bunnies need to rock too.
Elvis Perkins in Dearland at SXSW 2007 ::: Photo by Josh
In celebration of the holidays and leading up to a New York New Years Eve show Elvis Perkins and his posse have offered up a few finished tracks from their now completed self-titled record to be released “come Spring.” Two of the tracks, “Shampoo” and “Doomsday” have been kicking around in the live shows for some time, while the third track “Send My Fond Regards to Lonelyville” is all new to us. A new record soon is good news to us, and all around we approve of the results.
The new year is nearly upon us, and with it a new set of goals to shoot for. Already we’re getting started getting hyped about SXSW in Austin this year. A great Austin-based blog has asked us to co-host a day party and we have happily agreed to do whatever we can to make it a success down there. Stay tuned… more details to come on this later.
This picture, taken at my first SXSW last year, I thought fit the moment and does a great job of summing up how we’re feeling around these parts about the upcoming year and what might come: we’re ready to pull out the shades, hang out in the tent and sing along to our favorite songs (and maybe some new ones too) to some of our favorite bands. SXSW here we come!
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