Blog Archives

October 7, 2008

NEW This Week

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Spinner does a great job of keeping us cutting-edge blogger-types pretty happy with their highly amusing interviews and a new set of full album streams each week. This week they’ve got a number of notable new releases for your listening pleasure that you might want to investigate. A few recommendations:

The Little Ones – Morning Tide Of Montreal – Skeletal Lamping The Spinto Band – Moonwink Annuals – Such Fun as well as Bob Dylan’s new collection of unreleased material, titled Tell Tale Signs.

If you’re more of a song person than an album person, KEXP Blog provides a song to download from a bunch of these releases and others. This week, there’s plenty to digest.

January 20, 2008

SOTS’s 2007 MVP’s or The Velvet Space Helmet Goes To…

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The “Velvet Space Helmet” is Sound on the Sound’s version of our year end MVP’s. Sorry it’s coming in 2008, that is totally my (abbey’s) fault. Hope you enjoy it still, even in its tardiness.  

Most Valuable Live Act: Hopscotch Boys

Blowdog of Hopscotch Boys

Every Hopscotch Boys show I go to somehow manages to be the craziest concert I’ve ever seen. I keep thinking I’ve witnessed it all, that they’ve topped themselves, that it couldn’t possibly get any stranger… and then it does, infinitely so. In my first year of Hopscotch performances I’ve seen lead-singer Blowdog head-lock and straddle a rowdy fan, get whipped with his own belt, nearly poison himself with a glow-stick, alter his ahem… nether region, forever change my idea of Santa, and nearly get stabbed by a skin head – all in the midst of some kick ass rock shows. Despite the antics, Hopscotch Boys aren’t just a freak show. Their album Sad and Lonely Eyes plays harder than most bands dare dream of achieving live. The epic intensity so present at every Hopscotch show is audible every second of the record. A whiskey soaked hallucination, right there in your headphones. -abbey

Most Valuable Performer (female): The Trucks

The Trucks

What is a person supposed to think about a group of big mouthed and uninhibited women who sing about vibrators, “Perv’s in the Bushes,” and domestic violence all in one set? What’s a person to do when confronted with a front singer missing her front tooth, the most bad ass girl drummer in these parts, and a dance party on stage? The only thing to think is “this is all in good fun” and the only thing to do is dance right along, and the Trucks make that possible and welcome for anyone, young or old, no matter how uptight. With the wider re-release of their first record in the early part of the year, these ladies toured the country twice in 2007 including a four day stop at SXSW, playing somewhere in Austin each of the four days. A Trucks show is truly an interactive experience that is not to be missed. – josh

Most Valuable Performer (male): Sonic Smith

Sonic Smith

Every time Sonic Smith steps on stage, be it as lead guitar and vocals for Thee Emergency, as the courageous leader of Lavender Lunchbox and The Psychedelic Lightbulb, as a saxophone soloist at an Iceage Cobra concert, or as an impromtu back-up vocalist at any number of local shows – he steals the show. And considering Sonic only gets on stage with the best Seattle has to offer musically, that statement is ever more impressive. Sonic oozes rock’n'roll, with a strut that would make Mick Jagger jealous and some guitar moves that challenge the greats. And as the long list at the beginning implies, Sonic is a prolific musician. In 2007 he wrote and orchestrated one phenomenal song after another for the forthcoming Thee Emergency and Lavender Lunchbox releases. We’re pleased to say we’ll be hearing a lot of Sonic Smith in 2008, and we’ll be loving every second of it. – abbey

Most Valuable Opening Act/Scene Stealer of the Year: Little Ones opening for Kaiser Chiefs

Bands who have garnered enough of an audience to headline at the Showbox (at the Market) are some of the best in the business. Often they are afforded the opportunity to let lesser known acts gain exposure as openers on their tours should they feel confident enough fill the auditoriums themselves. On a cold and rainy night in August, the UK’s Kaiser Chiefs rolled through with the Little Ones and the Walkmen in tow. The Kaiser Chiefs are m-fing huge around the world so I was expecting a packed house and an energetic night. I told my buddy we should get there for the first band, and from the first song, the people around us were asking who this band was. We were asked no less than five times and overheard a number of conversations exclaiming how great this band was (who are they again?). LA’s The Little Ones stole the show that night with the exceptional exuberance of a band who was going for broke, and people noticed. That night in August, this little pop outfit outshown the international supernova that is Kaiser Chiefs, and for that, they deserve the Velvet Space Helmet. – josh

Most Valuable Venue: The Blue Moon Tavern

The Blue Moon

Of all the categories, this was the easiest to decide upon – which will likely shock some readers. Sound on the Sound whole-heartedly believes that The Blue Moon is the most valuable music venue in Seattle. And yes, we felt that way even when The Crocodile Cafe was around (god rest it’s soul). JJ consistently books the best local line-ups in Seattle and has a real knack for putting together bills that build the energy in the room to the point of implosion. The Moon got it’s liquor license in 2007 and have been pouring some stiff drinks ever since. And, on top of all that, it’s fucking FREE – no ticketmaster “convenience charge,” no fumbling for change at the door - just the best local live music in Seattle. - abbey  

The Shackeltons 

Abbey’s Personal MVPs of 2007: The Shackeltons

As dedicated as I am to my locals, no band really shared or made my 2007 like The Shackeltons did. Their song, “Your Movement” was my first favorite song of the new year, despite a full year of shows after it, no performance topped my introduction to the band in early March, and I popped up in their video for “The Breaks.” Their DIY release “Night Songs,” recorded in a church in rural Pennsylvania, is one of the most astonishing albums I’ve ever heard and one of my most listened to albums of 2007. Despite hundreds of listens, I often get butterflies in my chest listening to the album. The Shackeltons’ songs are at once frantic and filled with chaos, yet still achingly beautiful. Lead singer and song writer Mark Redding is laid bare in his lyrics and with his performance, and within that vulnerability lays incredible power. The Shackeltons debut release cd from local label, Loveless Records is out on January 29th, 2008… and I guarantee you, it’s going to be huge. ’08 is looking to be The Shackeltons year. And mark my word, there’s is a name you’ll be seeing over and over again on next years end of year lists and there’s no band in America today who deserves it more.

The WHore Moans 

Josh’s Personal MVPs of 2007: The Whore Moans Some bands just have it. That intangible aura of cool. It’s that sort of effortless attitude of fun where they somehow still end up drenched in sweat by the end of the set. They’re loud. Really loud. They scream. And they rollick around as though they live for that moment stage. They’re most assuredly one of hardest working bands in Seattle, seemingly playing every week somewhere around town, and every time I see them play they put out 100%. These gents are pure rock and roll and some of the best the local scene has to offer.

Most Valuable Music Blog: Daytrotter Daytrotter is what Pitchfork wishes it could be. High minded criticism, that somehow does not come across as total douche-baggery. This blog reveals artists to the music community in a way that no one else does, bringing in their favorite artists weekly to record intimate sessions and then offering the impeccable recordings for free downloads. Extra Bonus? Instead of using photography like everyone else, Daytrotter uses an insanely talented cadre of artists who draw portraits of every band that is recorded, interviewed, or reviewed. The site is invaluable because they don’t just offer commentary, they participate. In conclusion, Daytrotter is every music bloggers wet dream.  – abbey

April 26, 2007

Kaiser Chiefs at the Showbox

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Kaiser Chiefs, Walkmen, The Little Ones Showbox, Seattle April 25, 2007 

Is it wrong that I find myself going to shows for the opening acts these days? I’ve got to admit I’ve been to quite a few shows of this nature lately and the the opening acts have all proven themselves, often outperforming those they were opening for. Last night, the Little Ones became a part of that select group. The entire bill included The Little Ones, The Walkmen and headliners the Kaiser Chiefs, but what I will remember about the show is the tight and inspired performance by the Little Ones.

They arrived on stage just as I had procured a drink and turned the stage into an indie pop playground full of booty shaking and tippy toe bouncing. Their set was fast-paced and engaging, only slowing down for a new song once, and then returning to full speed without a hitch for the final few.  The drummer’s flourishes were a step above most other recent performances I’ve seen, and his unbridled energy seemed to be what was keeping the band in motion so smoothly. I was asked no less than three times during the performance who the band playing was, as they never mentioned their own name, and the crowd seemed really into them. I won’t be surprised to see these guys headlining their own shows soon.

The Walkmen were up next, and while they sounded practiced and cohesive, their set didn’t pack the punch that the Little Ones did. I surprisingly recognized most of the songs, but even that wasn’t enough to improve my impressions. Their lead singer was definitely into it, but nothing stands out in my mind about the set. They were good, but just good.

The Kaiser Chiefs arrived on stage at around 11 and they played for a solid hour including the encore. I was definitely at a disadvantage as I don’t know most of their songs, and the singer wasn’t entirely understandable over the PA system. I have to admit however that their performance was great. Their stage presence was phenomenal, furiously head banging and bouncing their way through a fast paced setlist. Their interaction with the crowd was continuous: after each song lead singer Ricky Wilson (who was wearing an Easy Street t-shirt) would challenge the fans to sing along and scream just a bit louder, and the crowd obliged happily. Never have I seen so many smiling concert goers while a concert was happening. Nearing the end of the set Wilson jumped and stood on the railing in front of the stage and sung right into the fans in the front row’s faces, stirring the main floor crowd into a frenzy.

In retrospect, the Chief’s performance last night was unexpectedly good, but the Little Ones brought it first and brought it best. I suspect had I been a Chiefs fan before this it would have been a show of a lifetime, but as it was, I had a great Wednesday night and have a new found respect for the Chiefs. Should they come into town again, I may have to polish up on their material, and attend again with different eyes.

March 23, 2007

SxSW – Impressions of SxSW Veteran

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[ Editors Note: I asked Sean, an Austin transplant living in Seattle, who also attended SXSW to write up his impressions. We never managed to meet up, and he attended an entirely different set of shows than I, so I was interested to see what he thought. He said it was his best SXSW yet. Also, he has agreed to be a sometimes writer for Sound on the Sound so you'll be seeing a bit more of him around here. Welcome Sean! -josh ]

This was my 4th SxSW, and was easily my least frustrating year.  If you don’t know, SxSW is usually a showcase for either unsigned bands, or labels to present hot up-and-coming acts or promote their struggling minor league bands.  It takes over pretty much every bar on the infamous 6th St. in Austin, and any place that has enough room to hold a poorly constructed stage and ad hoc sound system.  About a dozen or so venues are also outside of downtown, with ample patios and unique configurations, which if you read Josh’s reviews, are usually hard to find but are rewarding in their intimacy.

sixth street 6th Street in Austin during SxSW

As lousy of a setup as this sounds, and agreeably most years it’s a clusterfuck, each of the venues controls their own capacity with one of those hand clickers while watching who comes and goes.  Which in years past, resulted in near riotous conditions, with those who get to shows early enough treated to near tramplings as the newcomers crowded through the door and pushed to the front of the venue.  But this year each of the biggest venues: Emo’s, Mohawk, Antones, Stubbs, all had fire marshalls intermittingly patrolling the venues for violators.

For admission you have 3 options at SxSW:

-Badge ($500) For industry folks, but joe nobody can buy one of these and get preferential treatment into any of the night shows.  Plus workshops and exclusive performances and speeches during the day. -Wristband ($160) Limited # of these badboys, and get you in and out of any night show without cover charge. -Cover Charge ($10-20 per venue) While obviously not conducive to show hopping, doing the math for 4 nites still saves you a little bit of cash if you plan right.

Day shows used to be the hidden jewels of SxSW: most often inviting free beer, free food, and free admission by genuinely interesting and worthwhile organizations and sponsors. Because of the actual conference going on, which were where all the big whigs with badges were holed up, the youth of austin and the true diehards could drink a beer with their favorite bands, and most importantly watch the big bands that would be fill even the largest venues at night, in a cozy environment while getting wasted.  But the cat is out of the bag on day shows, and a couple of the better ones, even started charging a cover… I vehemently boycotted this transgression the first day I saw it, despite it’s strong lineup but succumbed my 2nd day.  I get the feeling that this is going to become the norm next year, because even at 3 bucks a pop, I got to see a bevy of fantastic bands.

Follow me below the fold.

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December 31, 2006

Reflections on 2006

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2006 was a great year for music and a great year to be a fan of music. It seemed like every month, some unheard of band released a great album, making you ask “where have you been all my life?!” And for every album I heard and thought this, I am quite certain there are three others released the same time… which could’ve made me think exactly the same thing. I’ve been checking out other bloggers best of lists and have been thoroughly impressed at the breadth of music that was released this year. Sure, there were over-hyped bands and acts that I just didn’t get… umm Artic Monkeys anyone?!? And genius artists who it seems got no press (outside of SOTS)… like my personal favorite, Elvis Perkins or up-and-coming Seattle band, The Sea Navy. But all in all, the way technology is increasing, it seems like you could be almost anywhere in the US and find a great band. Sure there’s still Top 40 Radio (which makes no sense to me) and somehow acts like Fergie and dribble like “My Humps” get massive amounts of air play, but then there’s things like KEXP, music blogs like largeheartedboy and goodweatherforairstrikes, and even the dreaded, MySpace which gives all of us without ‘payola’ or major labels a chance to be heard and beloved.

The following are abbey’s random reflections on 2006…. enjoy!

* What a great year to be a music fan in Seattle! KEXP continues to grow by leaps and bounds, and has perfected it’s incredible website… compelte with searchable live archives, streaming playlists, and a blog. With all our great local venues, you could easily catch a show a night. Even better We have great neighborhood venues for live music, all within walking distance of your house or apartment! Like Georgetown’s “Jules Maes,” Ballard’s “Sunset Tavern” and “Tractor Tavern,” Fremont’s “High Dives,” and my hood’s “Chop Suey” and “Neumo’s.” And to go with all those great venues… we’ve got GREAT FUCKING BANDS! Sure there’s the biggies, local/national acts like: “The Decemberists,” “The Shins,” “Pearl Jam,” “Death Cab for Cutie,” “Neko Case” and this year’s breakout success “Band of Horses.” But many of the best Seattle bands don’t get national press or play like: “Thee Emergency,” “The Sea Navy,” “Ice Age Cobra,” “Speaker Speaker,” “Awesome!,” “Man Plus,” “A Gun That Shoots Knives” and “The Long Winters.” For you Seattle hip-hop fans, the 206 has also been having a revival… “Blue Scholars” and “Common Market” have had the city abuzz all year long.

* 2006 just might have been the year of the EP. I’m hoping 2007 features full length releases from the following EP Stars: Voxtrot (who can do no wrong in my mind…. or at least, they haven’t yet), Tokyo Police Club, The Little Ones, Wild Sweet Orange, Joanna Newsom, Cold War Kids (whose EPs were immensely better than their full length… which was filled with… redone songs from their EPs.)

* Even though I wasn’t crazy about The Avalanche, Sufjan Stevens still completely rocks my world. I mean, the guy did the impossible: release a 5 cd set of Christmas music, that I like! Since Sufjan’s a young, talented, prolific song-writer, he get’s the Dylan Label… but I think Sufjan is our generations answer to Woody Guthrie. His work, like Guthrie before him, is a cohesive musical narrative about America and life in the United States.

* and since I’m sharing… I’d like to let you in on Abbey’s fan-geek accomplishment of the Year: travelling to middle of nowhere Illinois (champaign-urbana) to see Cursive kick off their US Tour at a great venue, The Canopy Club, with Sound On the Sound’s biggest mid-west fan, Chris Mayne. Then catching one of the tours last shows in my hometown, three months later. And still getting my mind blown. Completing the perfection: grabbing the Seattle set list from Tim Kasher. Cursive, and many of the bands I’ve loved this year, are easily worth the trip to the midwest.

Happy New Years!

December 17, 2006

Best EP’s of 2006

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Here is Sound on the Sound’s favorite EP’s of the year. 

1. Cold War Kids – Up In Rags 2. Voxtrot – Raised by Wolves 3. The Little Ones - Sing Song 4. Wild Sweet Orange – House of Regret 5. Colin Meloy -  Colin Meloy Sings Shirley Collins

And as a side note on this topic, mad props go out to “Silversun Pickups,” whose 2005 EP Pikul reinvigorated the EP. Ever more props for releasing a full length album of great tunes, without re-using a single song from the EP, even if they were all great. (cough, cough… Cold War Kids?!?!?)

December 4, 2006

Seattle Live Music Link Dump

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Seattlest went and saw a lot of shows last week. They liked the Little Ones show at Neumos that we weren’t able to attend. Amy Millan was good at the Triple Door.  Jay Farrar was at the Tractor.

SOTS also wasn’t able to attend the sold out Wolfmother and Silversun Pickups show, so we had to settle for the Silversun Pickups performance on Letterman.

Pitchfork talks about the Juno reunion shows happening this weekend for the KEXP Yule Benefit at Neumos. We’ll be going to the Sunday show.  They also talk about Ted Leo’s new album. He will be at the Death Cab show on Saturday and the Sunday Yule Benefit show on Sunday.

Some nice pictures from the Elvis Perkins and Pernice Brothers show are up at the KEXP blog.

November 27, 2006

Seattle Live Shows – 11/28-12/3

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This week promises to be one of the finest weeks of the year as far as live music goes. Long Winters, The Faint, Cat Power, Tapes n’ Tapes, and the Little Ones all visit our fair city this snowy week. Local boys and one of my favorites Dusty 45′s are at the Tractor for an Animal Rescue Benefit (which means it is obviously a great place to pick up chicks). Something to see everday except, well, today.

Tuesday Nov. 28 – Cat Power – Showbox

Wednesday Nov. 29 – Dusty 45′s – Tractor Tavern

Thursday Nov. 30 – The Long Winters, Tapes n’ Tapes, “Awesome” – HUB Ballroom

Thursday Nov. 30 – The Little Ones, Small Sins – Neumos

Thursday Nov. 30 – Manplus – The Crocodile Cafe

Friday Dec. 1 – Amy Millan, Greg Laswell – the Triple Door

Saturday Dec. 2 – The Faint, Ratatat, DJ Colby B – Showbox

Sunday Dec. 3 – Silversun Pickups, Wolfmother – Moore Theatre – sold out

Next week is also a major week with the Death Cab-Jenny Lewis show, the Deck the Hall Ball with the Shins, Joanna Newsom, and the KEXP Benefit with Cold War Kids and Ted Leo.

October 24, 2006

November Calendar additions

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The Showbox has announced a couple of new shows for November, one of which is Talib Kweli November 19. Also the Band of Horses show on November 4th is now sold out, so get your tickets for the show on the 5th while you still can.

Elvis Perkins, whom we liked so much when opening for the Cold War Kids and Dr. Dog will be at the Tractor Tavern in Ballard on November 16.

Everyone’s favorite treadmill dancers OK Go! will be at Neumos on the 5th. Also one of my new favorites, the Little Ones, will be playing at Neumos November 30.  

November is shaping up to a be a strong month with other acts like Ray Lamontagne, Cat Power and a Math and Physics Club gig for the new Vera Project at the Fusion Cafe on 4th Ave.