Blog Archives

June 2, 2011

Sasquatch Day Four in Photos

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Macklemore ::: photo by Abbey Simmons

Slowly but surely we’re getting reviews up from the 10th annual Sasquatch Fest, but here’s one last photographic peek at Day Four’s festivities.

You can see all of our photos from Day Four on our Flickr.

Jaill ::: photo by Josh Lovseth

The Young Evils ::: photo by Abbey Simmons

The Young Evils ::: photo by Abbey Simmons

Twin Shadow::: photo by Josh Lovseth

Twin Shadow::: photo by Josh Lovseth

Noah and the Whale ::: photo by Abbey Simmons

Head Like A Kite ::: photo by Josh Lovseth

Black Mountain ::: photo by Josh Lovseth

Black Mountain Dancers ::: photo by Abbey Simmons

Stornoway ::: photo by Josh Lovseth

Stornoway ::: photo by Josh Lovseth

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings ::: photo by Josh Lovseth

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis::: photo by Josh Lovseth

Macklemore Crowd ::: photo by Abbey Simmons

!!! ::: photo by Josh Lovseth

!!! Crowd ::: photo by Abbey Simmons

Deerhunter ::: photo by Josh Lovseth

The Decemberists ::: photo by Abbey Simmons

August 30, 2010

Bumbershoot 2010: Day One Preview

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Neko Case ::: photo by Abbey Simmons

Oh, the cruel games we play.

Do you enjoy mind-stimulating activities such as Soduku, New York Times Crossword Puzzles and/or Apples to Apples? If so, then you deserve a pat on the back and possibly an invitation to tutor me in a few of those areas. Especially in regard to crossword puzzles, I’m so terrible I don’t ever see myself leaving the “word find” circuit.  Luckily for people like me, there is alternative mind-stimulating game that accurately judges the content of someone’s character in three simple words. Marry. Fuck. Kill. If you want to call into question a friend’s lack of taste in other human beings, flawed thought process or how well they react under pressure, you play this game.

If you’re not familiar, let me clue you in.  You are given three options and you select “marry, fuck, kill” depending on what fictional scenario you may or may not want to happen in reality. However, I’m going to change some of the terminology. America is founded on Puritan belief (and the decimation of native populations) and I feel like we all need to get back to our Puritan roots. In keeping with the Puritan tradition, I’m changing “fuck” to “copulate with genuine feelings of desire” and I’m changing “kill” to “feverishly ignore.” Puritans had no problems with the idea of marriage, so I’m going to leave that be. I know I should have created more of an accurate “Marry.Fuck.Kill.” scenario using spreadsheets with color coded cells to signify scheduling conflicts, but those plans didn’t fit in my budget. Below the musical acts are broken down into the following categories. Some acts will just be listed while others will have brief descriptions. Enjoy.

Bands you want to “Marry” – These are bands you’ve already loved (or should have loved) for a long time,  now you’re ready to make that everlasting commitment.  You have long ignored all the flaws and blemishes related to these acts due to your blinding love for them.  They might have disappointed you with a few bad songs, a bad album or a lackluster live performance, but you stand by them because you’re suffering from the most fortunate chemical imbalance there is, love.

Bands you want to “Copulate with Genuine Feelings of Desire” – These are the bands that you’re just killing time with. Maybe you’re waiting for a more desirable band to start their set or maybe you’ve had one too many PBR’s and suddenly that bassist with the nose ring is looking hot! Easy tiger, keep your cool. You don’t want to wake up in the morning with schwag from a band that you’re not sure you like.  I’m not saying these bands aren’t worth your undivided attention, I’m just not sure you’ll have a long-term relationship with them.  Make no mistake if you find love here, I’ll be happy for you.

Bands you want to “Feverishly Ignore” – I’m not saying these bands suck, but now might be the perfect time to pretend to be having a meaningful text message conversation far away from the stage.

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July 21, 2009

The Decemberists visit Redmond

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Colin Meloy of the Decemberists ::: Photo by Alex Crick

When Marymoor says 6pm on the ticket, they really mean, 6pm. We rolled up last Friday after navigating rush hour traffic at a reasonable 6.30 and Blind Pilot was into their last song. Damn.

Truth to tell we were there as much for Andrew Bird as for anyone else since we’ve only had the pleasure of seeing him once. We came a little late to the party, a while after The Mysterious Production of Eggs, yet I would contend that Bird hasn’t faltered since and continues to spark the imagination anew with each reinvention. Traveling with three other band mates now that allow him to keep the pace moving, Bird still makes impressive use of his looping pedals, a flurry of motion at the beginning of each song as he swaps between violin, guitar, glockenspiel and countless other sounds. Aside from a lack of the much hoped for rendition “Heretics,” his set was compact and literally pitch perfect, drawing from new and old songs equally for his 45 minutes.

Not unlike Bird, Colin Meloy and his Decemberists have a habit of expanding the definitions of popular music, and their latest rock opus The Hazards of Love may have tilted into the slightly self indulgent side, if I do say so myself. I was hoping a bit more for a Tommy type stage show epic instead of nothing at all. That being said, it’s clear this material is where the band’s enthusiasm lies right now and after working it on the road now for a while, with guests Shara Worden and Becky Stark touring on the roles they assisted on in the recording, the hour plus straight of rock was a polished, powerful and decisive in it’s presentation. Shara Worden who was once a member of Sufjan’s band (and I suppose may still be), has defined herself as a star in her own right as My Brightest Diamond, and in this role she frankly steals the show.

After the conclusion of The Hazards of Love and a short break, the band came back to in Meloy’s words play a “bunch more songs” and “push it” with regard to the curfew. Falling back into the familiar interactive role that their fans love, the band played an assortment of appropriate summer favorites while telling jokes and keeping the mood light. At one point Meloy errantly ended on a jazz chord, and then tried to fix it so he didn’t sound wrong. Scrambling to recover his mistake into a joke, he gets the whole band to play random jazz chords together then howls “You just got jazz piped into your face. Change one vowel and you have a very unfortunate sentence.” Ever Colin Meloy’s foil, Chris Funk replies quickly “I’m having a ball, thanks for inviting us to Microsoft Jazz Fest.”

The funniest moment of the night for me though had to be when Meloy thanked Andrew Bird on stage as Andrew Rich, and then realized his mistake fumbling, revealing he might have been deep into one of boutique winemaker’s Pinot Noir’s prior to playing. Then making me glad I stayed the duration, Shara Worden and Becky Stark came back out and fronted a cover of Heart’s “Crazy on You,” with Worden clearly a natural heir to the Wilson sisters’ massive impression.

After the hitting the Newport Folk Festival, with the Fleet Foxes, Elvis Perkins in Dearland and many more, the Decemberists will be touring for two weeks in August.

Check below the fold for a video of that Heart cover they did. (more…)

July 13, 2009

Night After Night: July 13th to the 19th

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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.

Monday 7/13:

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.

 

Tuesday 7/14:

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

 

Wednesday 7/15:

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

 

Friday 7/17:

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

 

Saturday 7/18:

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

 

Sunday 7/19:

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

we-prom

June 15, 2009

Win A Pair of Tickets to The Decemberists and Andrew Bird and Blind Pilot at Marymoor

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Blind Pilot at Sasquatch 2009 ::: Photo by Josh

Aside from the festivals, there aren’t too many big bills this summer that I would cast as memorable. On the other hand the Decemberists stop by Marymoor Park on July 17, with Andrew Bird and Blind Pilot in support is in our opinion not only memorable, but probably the single bill I’m most excited about this summer. All three of these bands are worthy of your time as headliners by themselves, but all together this group three bands can safely be termed a can’t miss bill.

Courtesy of STG Presents we’ve got a pair of tickets to this show to give away to one lucky reader. Drop your name and real email address in the comments by Wednesday June 17 at 5pm after which we’ll randomly pick a winner. It really is that simple. If you’re comment get’s held for moderation, don’t worry, we’ll make sure it get’s approved in a timely manner. First time commenters are especially encouraged to participate. I’ll note it here and contact the winner when they are chosen.

Should you not win, as of right now tickets for the show can still be had at Ticketmaster for $35, not counting fees.

May 22, 2009

Sasquatch <3 Portland

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the builders and the butchers

The Builders and the Butchers ::: Photo by Josh

Last year Sasquatch showed Seattle’s up and comer’s a whole lot of love, and this year Portland is the local city with the honor of the most performers. In fact it’s a veritable who’s who of notables coming out of PDX: Hockey, Blind Pilot, Loch Lomond, M Ward, The Decemberists, Viva Voce, Pt. Juncture, WA, The Builders and the Butchers, Blitzen Trapper, Horse Feathers. We can honestly say there’s not a bad one in the bunch and something for everyone, with a small gripe that maybe a little more female representation from the Rose city might’ve been nice (Laura Viers, Mirah, Explode into Colors… the list is lengthy).

To help you decide about which of these distinguished Oregonian bands you should see, I’ve assembled a nice list of free tracks from each of these bands (except one band who keeps a tight grip on their tracks online) for you to evaluate on the long drive to the Gorge. Enjoy and make sure to pick up these band’s albums should you like what you hear. A number of these bands including the Decemberists and Blind Pilot will be signing their albums at the Easy Street Booth throughout the festival, so take a look at that schedule too.

MP3: “Go On Say It” by Blind Pilot courtesy of SXSW 2009

MP3: “Blue Lead Fences” by Loch Lomond courtesy of SXSW 2009

MP3: “Never Had No One Like You” by M Ward courtesy of Merge Records

MP3: “Here I Dreamt I Was an Architect” by The Decemberists courtesy of Kill Rock Stars

MP3: “Devotion” by Viva Voce courtesy of Barsuk Records

MP3: “Sick on Sugar” by Pt. Juncture, WA courtesy of Pt. Juncture, WA

MP3: “Devil Town” by The Builders and the Butchers

MP3: “Gold For Bread” by Blitzen Trapper courtesy of Sub Pop Records

MP3: “Curs in the Weeds” by Horse Feathers courtesy of Kill Rock Stars

Video: “Too Fake” by Hockey

March 23, 2009

Blind Pilot to Accompany Decemberists On Spring Dates

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blind pilot

Blind Pilot at the Triple Door ::: Photo by Josh

Blind Pilot is already having a banner 2009 and things are just getting started. Last week while they were in SXSW they had a set broadcast on NPR. A few months ago they were asked to play Carson Daly. Now as just as they roll into east coast, they’ve got the wind at their backs on news that they’ll be supporting the Decemberists for the first leg of the The Hazards of Love tour (including an already announced date at Sasquatch). We put their album from last year 3 Rounds and A Sound at #11 on our top Northwest Albums of 2008, so you can probably guess that we thought this course of events was destiny being fulfilled.

Youtube: “Go On, Say It” by Blind Pilot from 3 Rounds, And A Sound

All the new tour dates with the Decemberists are listed below the fold. For their currently in progress tour, they are playing the Mercury Lounge in New York, Tuesday March 31, before heading back to the west coast for a few dates in April.

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March 19, 2009

The Decemberists Debut New “Folk Opera” Live at SXSW

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hazards

Did you miss the live broadcast of the Decemberists performing The Hazards of Love last night on KEXP? Whether you did or you just want to listen to it again, you can stream it at NPR.org and I highly suggest you do. It’s clearly a hot stream today considering I wasn’t even able to pull up NPR’s page earlier today. Featuring the full cast of characters in Lavender Diamond’ Becky Stark and My Brightest Diamond’s Shara Worden, I think it manages to be as epic as the band had hoped. Also take a moment to swoon over the openers Avett Brothers set.

The Hazards of Love will be released in stores, next Tuesday March 24, but you can find it on the iTunes Store as I write.

February 9, 2009

Decemberists Announce Spring Tour, may be dropping by the Gorge?

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The Decemberists, who’ve got a new album called The Hazards of Love coming out in March 24 are finally letting the cat out of the bag with regard to their Spring tour. The tour dates announced are as follows, and as noted by Eric at the Stranger, a curious gap of time in the northwest happens at right about Sasquatch time with nary a Seattle date in sight:

May 19 Hollywood Palladium Los Angeles, CA May 20 Fox Theatre Oakland, CA May 21 McDonald Theater Eugene, OR May 24 Wilma Theatre Missoula, MT May 26 Fillmore Auditorium Denver, CO May 27 Uptown Theater Kansas City, MO May 29 Riverside Theater Milwaukee, WI May 31 The Pageant St. Louis, MO June 1 Lifestyle Communities Pavilion Columbus, OH June 3 Tabernacle Atlanta, GA June 4 Memorial Auditorium Raleigh, NC June 5 The National Richmond, VA June 6 Tower Theatre Upper Darby, PA June 9 Bank of America Pavillion Boston, MA June 10 Radio City Music Hall New York, NY June 11-14 Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival Manchester, TN

For an interview with Meloy from last month where he talks about the upcoming record as a “folk opera” head on over to NPR’s World Cafe.

In other Sasquatch pseudo-confirmation news we can now add new Grammy winners Kings of Leon to the lineup as well as Monotonix and Grizzly Bear. Things are starting to shape up for the northwest’s flagship spring festival.