Whalebones ::: Photo by Josh Lovseth

It’s probably an understatement to say I’m “happy” Whalebones is back in action. Their potential appeared hobbled following a disastrous Sasquatch appearance and an unfortunate tendency for it’s members to move away from Seattle. After seemingly going dark in 2008, some new tracks appeared on myspace in 2009, but no live shows ever cropped up. I held out hope though. New tracks meant activity was still happening. Then, in the last few weeks a few new dates appeared on the docket.

The first one was this last Wednesday at the Comet Tavern, in which we were introduced to Justin Deary’s new drummer (Faustine Hudson of The Curious Mystery) and new bassist. Deary has himself adopted a more mysterious bearded and long-haired visage, one hundred and eighty degrees from his previous top-hatted clean-shaven look. With just three members now and no keyboards the band has morphed into a straight roadhouse blues rock band, leaving the psych elements behind for a more “cookin’” version of themselves. I cant’ recall ever seeing the Comet dance like they were toward that end of the Whalebones set. The Comet! And on a Wednesday night! Needless to say, I wasn’t the only one happy to see Deary back in the saddle.

The next Whalebones date is June 11th at the Underground Events Center for Noise for the Needy. Also on that night’s bill are The Maldives, Virgin Islands, Hypatia Lake, Hallways, The Magic Mirrors, Soul Senate, and DJ El Toro. This is going to be a evening.

Whalebones ::: Photo by Josh Lovseth

The Low Hums ::: Photo by Josh Lovseth

The Parson Red Heads ::: Photo by Josh Lovseth

The California sound is renowned worldwide. Slap on a few bright riffs and sunny harmonies and you can practically feel the hot sand beneath your feet. Last night at the Comet Tavern L.A.’s Parson Red Heads opened the Seattle leg of their Northwest residency happening throughout the month of February. I say the Seattle “leg” because, the band also has residency’s lined up through the month in Eugene at Sam Bond’s Garage, and in Portland at the White Eagle, where they return each week with a different set of openers. An innovative approach that I think has a lot of potential to pay off for a 60’s styled pop-band who has potential to appeal to a lot of different audiences.

((Low Hums)) opened the night, and in the environment the Comet Tavern and it’s new sound system, lead-singer Jonas Haskins’ Neil-Young-on-mushrooms vibe felt eerie and just right. In contrast to the opening set I saw at the Crocodile back in December where the sound was mush and the haze indistinct. The Comet now sound’s a whole lot better than I ever expected it would. If only we could get a few decent lights in there…

Zach Tillman’s Pearly Gate Music was back into full band mode, and full-on rock band mode at that. He never seems to play his songs in exactly the same way and this night was no disappointment in that regard. Hacking away at his nylon string guitar he delivered songs he’s been playing as a restrained singer-songwriter for the majority of the last year in frenetic bursts full of emotion. “Daddy Wrote You Letters” had the mad edge you’d expect, instead of the almost ironic delivery showcased on his myspace page. “Gossamer Hair” becomes a more perfect song each time I hear it, and this was the one moment where Tillman seemed to slow down and realize there was a room full of people quietly there for him. Yes, for him. His Barsuk debut remains my “most anticipated release of 2010.”

The Parson Red Heads will continue their residency at the Comet Tavern on February 11th with The Final Spins, Marty Marquis (of Blitzen Trapper), and Yarn Owl. It’ll be $7 at the door.

Pearly Gate Music ::: Photo by Josh Lovseth

Seattle’s Ravenna Woods just released their first full length Demons & Lakes and have a video to go along with the lead single “Ghosts.” I dig the song and find this video to another nice use of Creative Commons footage to make a video, albiet about a heavy topic: the Atomic bomb testing and the effects of fallout on the Bikini Atoll area. This should be right up the alley of people who are into recent SOTS faves Local Natives and Rural Alberta Advantage.

Ravenna Woods will be at the Comet Tavern this Wednesday January 27th, with The Pastiies, Koko & The Sweetmeats, and Corespondents.

Benny Hills ::: photo courtesy of The Comet Tavern

2009 has been a terrible year for tragically loosing talented, vital members of our community, and kind souls. The death of Benny Hills, drummer of The Shy Ones and The Knast, Comet Tavern door guy, and perpetual sweetheart is one such an immeasurable loss. Being a door guy, at the Comet no less (located at the corner of drunk and drunker), is not what you’d usually think of as a smiley job; but Benny never had anything but for us. The weight of his loss and the tragedy that’s befallen the Hills and Comet Tavern family is still beyond comprehension.  Our thoughts, sympathy, and love is with them all on these most difficult of days.

In honor of Ben’s joyous memory and in support of his family and his roommate, Comet bartender Raymond (who survived the fire that killed Benny but left him homeless and near penniless), there are two memorial concerts/events this weekend. Here are some words about Benny and this weekend’s events from one of his dearest friends and Mamma of the Comet family, Mamma Casserole.

Many of you have probably heard that Benny Hills, one of my dearest friends and comet door person lost his life tragically in a house fire early wed morning. His death has been a shock to many of us in the Seattle music community, he was such a joyous soul. He also played drums in the power pop bands The Knast & The Shy Ones. Everyone who came into contact with benny was touched by his kindness. He was such a loving and beautiful man, and he made everyone coming to shows @ the comet  feel special and welcome.  His smile illuminated the planet! I can still hear him saying “maammmma” to me. In addition to this horrible passing, Benny’s roommate, Raymond- our beloved comet bartender is now homeless and virtually penniless. He also needs our support and help after having to endure this first hand.

We are holding a celebration of Benny’s life @ the comet this Sunday 11/22 starting at 2pm -so many bands are volunteering to play and I am a bit overwhelmed-but I am trying to cancel the night show so we can do music from 2pm -1am.

To see full details on the musical celebrations of Benny’s life, please read more.

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Last Saturday night at The Comet was spent celebrating the birthday of Comet booker, Mamma Casserole with not one, not two, but five great local bands. The following are a few of my favorite photos from the night…. (of the two bands I actually caught)

The Pleasure Boaters

The Hands

all photos by abbey and josh of Sound on the Sound