Blowdog and Sneezy ::: photo by Abbey Simmons

Going hard on Thursday and Friday before the marathon that is Bumbershoot is probably a terrible idea, but there’s not a chance we’re going to miss a special night at the Blue Moon: The Terrible Twos.

This recipe for trouble includes sets by two-somes best known for their roles in other bands and some of our most memorable nights at The Blue Moon: The Seattle Supersonics (better known as Matt & Adm from Thee Emergency), Kurly Something (a duo featuring Kurly of A Gun That Shoots Knives), Shitty Dudes (better known as Stubby and Jeff from A Gun That Shoots Knives) and the final show ever from Blowdog and Sneezy (better known as Blowdog and Sneezy from Hopscotch Boys). The cover for the evening is, of course, two dollars. Beer is two dollars. And well-drinks are two-for-one. The most expensive part of the night will be the cab ride home.

Apologies to our livers in advance.

If the cornucopia of choices Bumbershoot gives you doesn’t satiate your taste for live music or if you just want to keep the party going longer, there are a couple recommended kick-off and after parties happening around Seattle.

Fellow local blogger and friend Travis Hay is hosting two official Bumbershoot parties. First up is a kick off show Friday night with a bevy of local talent, where with a five dollar raffle ticket you can enter to win a pair of tickets for each day of Bumbershoot, a Sub Pop Records prize pack, a EMP/SFM prize package and a pair of tickets to Bumbershoot for Sept. 5 that give the winner side stage access to the main stage to watch Rise Against, Hole and Weezer. Hell, I’m going to buy a ticket to see if I can watch Courtney Love from the side stage.

On Sunday Travis plays host again to two big name touring bands: Surfer Blood and Dead Confederate. (Plus another Athens’ SOTS favorite: Futurebirds.)

Drop your full name in the comments below and you’ll be eligible to win a guest list spot to Sunday’s after party courtesy of Hard Rock Cafe, Travis Hay and Sound on the Sound. We’ll choose a winner on Thursday at 12pm.

Saturday night the after party is at The Crocodile with a Bumbershoot artist taking the stage for the second time that day. In the name of community courtesy, we’re not going to come out and say who it is, but we did do the research for you.

Here are the specifics on all three nights of Bumbershoot parties:

Friday September 3rd

The High Dive - The FunOfficial Bumbershoot Kick Off Party with Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground, Thee Emergency, Curtains for You, and Sol - $10

Saturday September 4th

The Crocodile - A Warp Records Recording Artist and Fresh Espresso - $17

We did the internet research for you … there is only one Warp Records artist playing Bumbershoot.

Sunday September 5th

Hard Rock Cafe - Official Bumbershoot After Party with Dead Confederate, Surfer Blood and Future Birds - 10 adv/15$ night of show

From moment one I knew Dita Vox was a rock star. The poster from $5 Cover Seattle makes me think movie star as well.

For me, an image of few people could be more iconic of my experience with the Seattle music scene than that of Dita Vox. (The first album I reviewed on Sound on the Sound was Can You Dig It?,  after all.)

$5 Cover Seattle premieres next Monday (March 1st) at SIFF Cinema. Ms. Vox will be there and so will we. I’m looking forward to reporting back to you after seeing lots of our favorite stars from Seattle stages on the big screen. Dita may be the poster child, but she’ll be joined on screen by The Maldives, The Moondoggies, THEESatisfaction, The Lights and more. I can guarantee it’s going to be surreal to see, but I’m can also guarantee there’s going to be a great soundtrack.

$5 Cover: Seattle Trailer from MTV New Media on Vimeo.

We’ve been tweeting and talking about the trailer for $5 Cover Seattle  all week, but it hasn’t managed to make it on to the site yet. I definitely deserve the late pass for that, but on the other hand, it is now embeddable and you can watch it right here in the comfort of Sound on the Sound. Other than being extras, this is the first peek we’ve gotten of the Lynn Shelton directed project for MTV, which was shot during the blazing summer of 2009 and features a number of local bands Sound on the Sound readers should be very familiar with.

As the trailer reveals, the bands and the music are real (there’s  a thumping sample of “Magnetic Blackness,” a particularly sweet sounding “Don’t Be A Stranger” from the  Moondoggies in the trailer, and the original SOTS soundtrack Thee Emergency), but the story-lines are not. It looks like  it’s going to be all kinds of  soapy goodness and guilty pleasures, backed by a Seattle music blog’s perfect soundtrack: The Maldives, The Moondoggies, Thee Emergency, Champagne Champange, THEEsatisfaction & more! I can’t wait to see what comes next from this project…and to call Kevin Murphy a lone wolf at the Tractor this weekend.

The Ironclads CD Release Show ::: Photo by Josh Lovseth

As a person who goes to grippa shows, it’s a hopeless task to put properly put into any meaningful order the favorite shows they’ve been two beyond saying a few were the very best or stand out as special moments and deserve recognition as such for the annals. So I’ve chosen a list of twenty shows and sets from this year that I’ll never forget, presented in chronological order.

Blind Pilot @ The Triple Door (January 2009) - read the full review

The Murder City Devils first show back at the Showbox at the Market (February 2009) - read the full review

Dan Auerbach at the Showbox at the Market (March 2009) - read the full review

The Ironclads CD Release w/ Hands, Whore Moans, What What Now (April 2009) - read the full review

Blue Moon 75th Anniversary Show w/ High Class Wreckage, Thee Emergency, Hopscotch Boys, and The Whore Moans (April 2009) - read the full review

The Lonely Forest CD Release at the Vera Project (April 2009) - read the full review

Bon Iver at Sasquatch (May 2009) - read the full review

Nurses at the South Pole (DIY venue) (June 2009) - read the full review

David Bazan in a Living Room in Edmonds (June 2009) - read the full review

Robin and Josh ::: Photo on Film by Josh Lovseth

Robin Pecknold at Neumos (July 2009) - read the full review

Rural Alberta Advantage at the Sunset Tavern (July 2009) - read the full review

Widower, Pearly Gate Music, Final Spins at Sunset Tavern (July 2009) - read the full review

Doe Bay Fest (August 2009) - read the full review

The Maldives CD Release at the Tractor Tavern w/ The Moondoggies and Zoe Muth & The Lost High Rollers (August 2009) - read the full review

Macklemore at Bumbershoot (September 2009) - read the full review

Dirty Three at the Crocodile (September 2009) - read the full review

Fanfarlo at Chop Suey (September 2009) - read the full review

Grizzly Bear at the Moore (October 2009) - read the full review

Black Eyes & Neckties Last Show (October 31, 2009) - eulogy never written

Regina Spektor at the Paramount (November 2009) - read the full review

Taking in the Bay at Doe Bay Music Fest ::: Photo by Abbey Simmons

Thanksgiving is all about coming to the homeland and taking time with family, and this year many of our town’s recent favorites and up-and-comers are doing just that by joining forces to keep a usually quiet weekend very entertaining.

Black Friday at the Showbox at the Market is a doosie of an all-ages triple bill, with Anacortes based Lonely Forest headlining the venue for their first time, but certainly not their last. From the side of the stage at Bumbershoot, a fellow long-time respected music writer told us that the local adoration for and momentum behind the Lonely Forest reminded him of the buzz behind an early Nirvana. Joining the Lonely Forest will be Telekinesis, the Merge Records-supported band led by Seattle’s Michael Lerner, and fellow Burning Buildings Records signee’s the Globes. This group of bands is in a way a summation of this years list of the best young pop bands from our area, so you can’t go wrong hitting this one up.

Saturday at the Showbox at the Market might be an equivalent bill to excite another set of taste buds, tapping the list of Seattle’s strongest Modern American players. I think people are starting to get that the currently-recording Moondoggies are more than a bunch of slightly dorky, talented, flannel lovers. With their late-night blues jamming and repetitive lyrical themes they’ve struck a chord that now brings people out of the woodwork to dance and hoot and shout in enthusiasm at their shows, always. Local institution Jesse Sykes & The Sweet Hereafter along with Star Anna & the Laughing Dogs have the pleasure of warm-up duty, so treat a lady right, show some respect and show up early.

Friday November 27th at the Showbox at the Market
The Lonely Forest
Telekinesis
The Globes
All Ages, 8pm, $10 + fees at Ticketmaster

Saturday November 28th at the Showbox at the Market
The Moondoggies
Jesse Sykes & The Sweet Here After
Star Anna & the Laughing Dogs
All Ages, 8pm, $14 + fees at Ticketmaster

Looking for a place to lose the in-law blues? The Crocodile’s Saturday show is an all Seattle band bill that’s an event in its own right due to the one night reunion of pop powerhouse the Lashes. Though they’ve been away you can be assured that Ben Lashes will have a gag or two up his sleeve and that you’ll leave with at least one Lashes melody stuck in your head even if you didn’t know it before. Because really that’s what this band is all about: infectious, person-to-person, fun. Thee Emergency, who knows a thing or two about how to entertain a crowd, and Curtains for You will both be opening, and considering our long time endorsement of the former and our recent endorsement of the latter, you know we’ve got an opinion about showing up late.

Saturday November 28th at the Crocodile
The LASHES for one night only!
Thee Emergency
Curtains for You
21+, 8pm, $10 via the the Croc

In recent years Seattle has called itself home to a number of stellar producer/wordsmith duos participating engaging collaborations: Blue Scholars and Common Market who’ve been holding it down for ages, last year’s White Van Music via Jake One, and this year’s breakout act Fresh Espresso all quickly come to mind. For this year’s list it looks like we’ll need to add the latest collab between Seattle’s Macklemore and producer/filmmaker Ryan Lewis, called Vs. The first single “Otherside” weaves a RHCP bassline into a horn section backing a Macklemore rhyme that takes me back to the early days of Slug & Abilities. Looking at the lineup for tonight’s two show EP Release party at the Nectar, you can count on this being the hip-hop center of gravity this weekend.

Friday November 27th At the Nectar Lounge

The VS. EP Release Party! featuring:
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Early All Ages Show w/
Hella Dope
The Next Door Neighbors
Kung Foo Grip
DJ Sabzi
Hosted By Grynch
All-Ages, Doors at 5.30pm, $8 adv. at TicketWeb

Late 21+ show w/:
The Physics
Symmetry
Xperience
The Next Door Neighbors
DJ Terry Radjaw
Hosted by El Mizell
21+, Doors at 10pm, $8 adv. at TicketWeb

In short, this really complicates my usual post turkey day sleep schedule.

Fresh Espresso ::: Photo by Abbey Simmons

We spent last Saturday in Ballard being spoiled by the vastness of the Seattle music scene. We saw a number of  new bands and rappers, checked in with some old favorites, and sadly learned news that we hoped were just rumors.

We’re going to do this Spin Magazine online festival coverage style… basically some random “Best Ofs.”

Best Jolt of Much Needed Energy to Start the Day: Fresh Espresso

Fresh Espresso, the always in motion trio of MC Rik Rude, P Smoov, and DJ Terry Radjaw was our first objective for the day. They were the first set on the all-ages hip-hop stage at the New York Fashion Academy and one of the first sets of the Festival, yet Fresh Espresso attracted a good sized and responsive crowd. 8 year olds and their parents danced along to Lazer Beams, as P Smoov, Rik Rude, and Terry Radjaw played to the crowd like pros.  By the end of the set the MCs had the crowd frothy like a well-made capuccino and just as buzzed.

P Smoov in the crowd ::: Photo by Abbey Simmons

Rik Rude of Fresh Espresso ::: Photo by Abbey Simmons

MC Radjaw flashes his Lazerbeams ::: Photo by Abbey Simmons

Best Local Band We’d Never Seen: Hallways

Other than listing them as part of a larger line-up we’d never given Hallways the proper attention, and that is officially our bad. The duo of Grant Burton and Stephanie Parrish front this outfit, offering a sometimes mournful take on that opposite sex dynamic. Even as Parrish’s voice and energy elevates her in the mix, Burton’s lyrics and delivered words distinguish him. Everything-man Kimo Muraki who plays numerous instruments in a bevy of other local rock and alt-country bands, provides Hallways a background of lap steel with an air of emotional authority that often thirds the harmony to spectacularly accentuate a moment. After seeing them live, we are absolutely believers and we’re paying attention now. Sorry it took us so long.

Hallways ::: Photo by Josh Lovseth

Hallways ::: Photo by Josh Lovseth

Best Old Favorite with Exciting New songs: Thee Emergency

Thee Emergency has been toying with a group of country songs for some time now, but those songs were left aside for mostly other new songs and a couple of their usual show stoppers at the all-ages Eagles Auditorium for their 8pm set. Tom T Drummer was as on as we’ve probably seen, fully recovered from his nagging foot injury, and the rest of the band seemed just as practiced. Lead singer Dita Vox continuously draws the eye and clouds the mind, as much for her dynamic rock n’ roll showmanship as her overpowering voice and her unrestrained sexual energy. We’ve been slowly getting a new song here and there over the last year or so, but hearing them all together in context, with a notable determination, was exactly the type of action this festival needed.

::: Photo by Josh Lovseth

::: Photo by Josh Lovseth

::: Photo by Josh Lovseth

Best Worst Moment: Widower

So most any band would kill for the 10pm spot at the Tractor during maybe the biggest all local music fest around. For Widower that lucky opportunity was realized, but life had other plans. And as the day approached rumor had it this was to be one of the last shows, if not their last one (it’s the only one listed right now). After a half an hour wait to get into the Tractor with my brother, we arrive just in time to see a fiery five songs that showed how much they deserved that spot. But after that fifth song, to the surprise of the rest of the band, bassist Heather Cowan unplugged and was done. After a moment of processing, lead singer Kevin Large turned to the crowd and motioned with upturned spread hands as is if to say “What is going on?!” When it was clear she was headed off stage, he hung his head, unplugged himself, apologized and that was that. Widowed by Widower.

Widower ::: Photo by Abbey

Widower ::: Photo by Josh Lovseth

Flickr: ReverbFest 2009 in Ballard on October 3rd, 2009

A Wink from Dita Vox ::: photo by Abbey Simmons

This photo of Dita Vox of Thee Emergency may be my favorite picture I took from all of Reverb Festival. For me, concert photography is as much showing a mood as it is capturing a split second moment.  Since you get a lot more chances at taking shots that portray a mood, that’s more my strong suit. So I’m especially pleased to have caught this, a perfect split second moment.

The Maldives (inspire Air Banjo) ::: photo by Abbey Simmons

This should just be subtitled: The Maldives edition. This week, Seattle’s favorite Wrangler headbangers are going to be everywhere. The band is celebrating the release of their new album Listen to The Thunder with three nights at The Tractor Tavern. We wouldn’t blame you if you caught all three shows. Not just because the band is that good live (they are), but they’ve created three nights of stellar local line-ups. Each  night should have a completely unique feel and show a facet of the many different sides of The Maldives. Plus, few folks know how to put on a party than The Maldives, so if whiskey and dancing is your thing…we recommend you catch at least one of the multiple Maldives events this week.

Monday - August 24th:

Who: The Maldives - “Listen to the Thunder” Listening Party
Where: Hattie’s Hat
How (Much): Free. But buy a drink for the band and tip your bartender.
Why: Get a listen to Listen to the Thunder so you can sing along on whichever (or all) of the three consecutive nights of Maldives shows you see at The Tractor Tavern later this week. After you get a listen to soon-to-be Seattle Twang classics like “Goodbye”, “Time is Right Now,” “Cold November” and “Tequila Sunday,” the men from The Maldives will be spinning their favorite tunes. Expect an evening of stiff drinks,  a plethora of beards, and eclectic but enjoyable tunes.

Equally Awesome Alternative:
Eyede & Abilities - Nectar

You have Tuesday off…

Wednesday - August 26th:

Who: Jay Reatard
Where: Easy Street Records (Queen Anne)  - 7pm
How (Much): Free
Why: To see if all the blog buzz is worth it without spending a dime.

Thursday - August 27th:

Who: Final Spins, Battle Hymns
Where: The Comet Tavern
How (Much): At least 5$, but Less than 10$ (no price listed anywhere!)
Why: To celebrate the Finals Spins debut EP and to hear a few songs from the forthcoming Battle Hymns release. Because you’re tired of all of your favorite local rock bands have broken up and you need to discover a couple of great new bands.

Equally Awesome Alternative:
The Pretenders, Cat Power - Marymoor Park
The Maldives, North Twin, 17th Chapter - Tractor Tavern
Jay Reatard, Sonic Boom Records (Ballard) - 7pm
The Spits, The Cute Lepers, The Ononos - Chop Suey

Friday - August 28th:

Who: The Maldives, The Moondoggies, Zoe Muth
Where: The Tractor Tavern
How (much): 11$ (and going to sell out)
Why: Because there is no more perfect musical pairing in this city right now than The Moondoggies and the Maldives. Add the sweet country stylings of Zoe Muth to the bill and you have one of the best local line ups of the year.

Equally Awesome Alternative:
Carousel Festival - Various DIY Venues
The Avett Brothers - The Paramount
Mad Rad, Chk Minus, Darwin - The Comet Tavern
Harvey Danger (Last All Ages Show Ever) - Vera Project

Saturday - August 29th:

Who: The Ironclads, We Wrote The Book On Connectors, Doctor Doctor
Where: The High Dive
How (Much): 7$
Why: It’s The Ironclads last show before a very long hiatus and there are few places in Seattle more electric, dynamic, or exciting than the front row of an Ironclads show right now…especially if you know the choruses to a few of their songs. And the downer of the last Ironclads show will be handily balanced out by sets from two of Seattle’s most enjoyable and over-the-top performances, We Wrote the Book on Connectors and Doctor Doctor. If you want to dance, laugh, or sing along to your favorite new band you may never see again…this is the show for you.

Equally Awesome Alternatives:
The Maldives, Thee Emergency, Shim, Pickwick - Tractor Tavern
Carousel Festival - Various DIY Venues
The Purrs, Black Nite Crash, Blood Red Dancers - Sunset
Harvey Danger (Last Show Ever) - The Crocodile
Star Anna, Gin Betty - Triple Door

Sunday - August 30th:

Who: Carousel Festival
Where: a few of Seattle’s Finest DIY Venues
How (Much): 5$ for one show/8$ for one day (proceeds benefit Hollow Earth Radio and the Urban Rest Stop)
Why: To celebrate an integral part of the Seattle scene and some great local bands in a more intimate setting than you’ve ever seen them before…and all for a couple of great causes. (Beyond DIY music)

Equally Awesome Alternative:
The Lost Episode, Ambulance - Skylark

The Relationships in the Seattle Edition Courtesy of Matson on Music

In case you haven’t been following the low hum on the local music blogs lately (and I don’t blame you if you haven’t), MTV has been filming a series of hybrid webisode and TV episodes in Seattle that are based on the actual bands and nightlife places in our town. Called $5 Cover and filmed by Humpday’s Lynne Sheldon, they’re involving local fans as extras and members of the bands as actors, playing out real conflicts that may really exist. The Maldives did the Tractor, THEE Satisfaction were at the Hidmo this week, and they’re even filming an episode with the Moondoggies in Montana.

This Monday find’s Sheldon’s crew filming at Capitol Hill’s Chop Suey. The featured band for this scene is none other than Thee Emergency, and once again they’re looking for local extra’s to inhabit an exciting rock show space and maybe even get some MTV face time (when the camera passes by you in a dark club that is). They’re looking for fully 150 extra’s to be available for that evening, so it if you’re looking for a reason to look good, hang out and have fun on a Monday, this is your best bet.

Should you be interested and over the age of 21 you can RSVP to 5dollarcoverseattle@gmail.com. They wanna pack the place so get your friends in on it too. I know Capitol Hill wants to represent.

Thee Emergency ::: Photo by Abbey Simmons