Justice
Roseland, Portland
Tuesday, April 24th, 2012
$35
Monday, November 28, 2011
Saturday, November 26, 2011
New Shows: Rammstein (Tacoma), Solas, Infected Mushroom, Umphrey's McGee, Needtobreathe, Sharon Van Etten
Rammstein (Tacoma)
Fire, dead babies, lasers, lights, smoke, explosions, treadmills, S&M, FIRE, FIRE, FIRE. I caught their show in Tacoma earlier this year. Wow. I'll write all about it when I post my top 20 shows of 2011.
Tacoma Dome, Tacoma (WA)
Monday, May 14th, 2012
$39.50 to $79.50
Tickets go on sale Saturday, December 3rd, at 10:00 a.m.
=========================================================
Solas
Aladdin, Portland
Sunday, March 4th, 2012
$25
=========================================================
Infected Mushroom
Finally an EDM act that appeals to adults.
Roseland, Portland
Saturday, January 14th, 2012
$22.50
Tickets go on sale Friday, December 2nd, at 10:00 a.m.
=========================================================
Umphrey's McGee
Another jam band.
Roseland, Portland
Friday, March 23rd, 2012
$20
=========================================================
Needtobreathe
Crystal Ballroom, Portland
Thursday, March 15th, 2012
No ticket information available
=========================================================
Sharon Van Etten
Aladdin, Portland
Friday, March 23rd, 2012
$16
Fire, dead babies, lasers, lights, smoke, explosions, treadmills, S&M, FIRE, FIRE, FIRE. I caught their show in Tacoma earlier this year. Wow. I'll write all about it when I post my top 20 shows of 2011.
Tacoma Dome, Tacoma (WA)
Monday, May 14th, 2012
$39.50 to $79.50
Tickets go on sale Saturday, December 3rd, at 10:00 a.m.
=========================================================
Solas
Aladdin, Portland
Sunday, March 4th, 2012
$25
=========================================================
Infected Mushroom
Finally an EDM act that appeals to adults.
Roseland, Portland
Saturday, January 14th, 2012
$22.50
Tickets go on sale Friday, December 2nd, at 10:00 a.m.
=========================================================
Umphrey's McGee
Another jam band.
Roseland, Portland
Friday, March 23rd, 2012
$20
=========================================================
Needtobreathe
Crystal Ballroom, Portland
Thursday, March 15th, 2012
No ticket information available
=========================================================
Sharon Van Etten
Aladdin, Portland
Friday, March 23rd, 2012
$16
New Shows: Prince (Tacoma), G. Love & Special Sauce, Pink Martini, Boz Scaggs, Overkill, The Wood Brothers
Prince (Tacoma)
It's been several years since I've had a chance to see Prince (2004 I believe). He is so great live, and a seriously underrated guitar player. This is worth a road trip, and nearly worthy of a "Holy Shit!"
Tacoma Dome, Tacoma (WA)
Monday, December 19th, 2011
$79 to $199
=========================================================
G. Love & Special Sauce
Roseland, Portland
Saturday, March 3rd, 2012
$22.50
=========================================================
Pink Martini
Live review of their performance at Sasquatch here.
Arlene Schnitzer, Portland
Tuesday, December 20th, 2011
$30 to $84
=========================================================
Boz Scaggs
Roseland, Portland
Wednesday, March 7th, 2012
$37.50 to $75
Ticket go on sale Wednesday, December 14th, at 9:00 a.m.
=========================================================
Overkill
Hawthorne Theatre, Portland
Tuesday, May 1st, 2012
$22.50 to $60
=========================================================
The Wood Brothers
Chris Wood (of Medeski, Martin and Wood) and his brother. They were on the lineup of a festival I was attending in 2009 (Austin City Limits), so I spent some time listening to their album. Good stuff, if you enjoy folk.
Aladdin, Portland
Friday, February 3rd, 2012
$16
It's been several years since I've had a chance to see Prince (2004 I believe). He is so great live, and a seriously underrated guitar player. This is worth a road trip, and nearly worthy of a "Holy Shit!"
Tacoma Dome, Tacoma (WA)
Monday, December 19th, 2011
$79 to $199
=========================================================
G. Love & Special Sauce
Roseland, Portland
Saturday, March 3rd, 2012
$22.50
=========================================================
Pink Martini
Live review of their performance at Sasquatch here.
Arlene Schnitzer, Portland
Tuesday, December 20th, 2011
$30 to $84
=========================================================
Boz Scaggs
Roseland, Portland
Wednesday, March 7th, 2012
$37.50 to $75
Ticket go on sale Wednesday, December 14th, at 9:00 a.m.
=========================================================
Overkill
Hawthorne Theatre, Portland
Tuesday, May 1st, 2012
$22.50 to $60
=========================================================
The Wood Brothers
Chris Wood (of Medeski, Martin and Wood) and his brother. They were on the lineup of a festival I was attending in 2009 (Austin City Limits), so I spent some time listening to their album. Good stuff, if you enjoy folk.
Aladdin, Portland
Friday, February 3rd, 2012
$16
Thursday, November 17, 2011
New Shows: Young The Giant (Two Shows), O.A.R., Craig Finn, August Burns Red, Fitz & The Tantrums, Andy McKee
Young The Giant (Two Shows)
They are HUGE now, and playing two shows. Amazing what one good song can do for a band. Just so you know I'm not being a hipster here, "My Body" is a catchy as hell tune. Their album isn't any good though. Read more about this band on the quadros I wrote on the Sasquatch Blog.
Roseland, Portland
Thursday, April 5th and Friday, April 6th, 2012
No ticket information available
=======================================================
O.A.R.
Roseland, Portland
Thursday, February 2nd, 2012
$27.50 to $40
=======================================================
Craig Finn
The lead singer of the Hold Steady, the short guy with awkward hand gestures. While I agree lead singers often make the band, so I understand why they might want to branch out on their own, I don't get this one.
Doug Fir, Portland
Thursday, February 23rd, 2012
$12 advanced, $14 at the door
=======================================================
August Burns Red
Hawthorne Theatre, Portland
Friday, February 10th, 2012
$18
=======================================================
Fitz & The Tantrums
Read more about this band on the quadros I wrote on the Sasquatch Blog.
Roseland, Portland
Tuesday, January 24th, 2012
$18.50 all ages, $25 balcony
=======================================================
Andy McKee
Guitar virtuoso.
Aladdin, Portland
Saturday, February 18th, 2012
$15
They are HUGE now, and playing two shows. Amazing what one good song can do for a band. Just so you know I'm not being a hipster here, "My Body" is a catchy as hell tune. Their album isn't any good though. Read more about this band on the quadros I wrote on the Sasquatch Blog.
Roseland, Portland
Thursday, April 5th and Friday, April 6th, 2012
No ticket information available
=======================================================
O.A.R.
Roseland, Portland
Thursday, February 2nd, 2012
$27.50 to $40
=======================================================
Craig Finn
The lead singer of the Hold Steady, the short guy with awkward hand gestures. While I agree lead singers often make the band, so I understand why they might want to branch out on their own, I don't get this one.
Doug Fir, Portland
Thursday, February 23rd, 2012
$12 advanced, $14 at the door
=======================================================
August Burns Red
Hawthorne Theatre, Portland
Friday, February 10th, 2012
$18
=======================================================
Fitz & The Tantrums
Read more about this band on the quadros I wrote on the Sasquatch Blog.
Roseland, Portland
Tuesday, January 24th, 2012
$18.50 all ages, $25 balcony
=======================================================
Andy McKee
Guitar virtuoso.
Aladdin, Portland
Saturday, February 18th, 2012
$15
Monday, November 14, 2011
New Shows: Black Label Society, Rebelution, Nada Surf, Talkdemonic, Y La Bamba
Black Label Society
Fronted by Zakk Wylde, who used to be the lead guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne. He is still one of my favorite guitar players, with that signature scream.
Roseland, Portland
Thursday, December 15th, 2011
$25/$38
=========================================================
Rebelution
Roseland, Portland
Friday, February 24th, 2012
$20
=========================================================
Nada Surf
Is it cool, or does it suck being the band known for the song "I'm popular."? It probably sucks since they aren't popular.
Wonder Ballroom, Portland
Friday, March 23rd, 2011
$17 advance, $19 day of the show
=========================================================
Talkdemonic
Read more about this band from my Quadros post of the Sasquatch Blog.
Mission Theater, Portland
Saturday, December 31st, 2011
$16
=========================================================
Y La Bamba
It's not that I'm in love with the lead singer, they are a very unique live band. I recommend catching them.
Holocene, Portland
Thursday, December 15th, 2011
$7
Fronted by Zakk Wylde, who used to be the lead guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne. He is still one of my favorite guitar players, with that signature scream.
Roseland, Portland
Thursday, December 15th, 2011
$25/$38
=========================================================
Rebelution
Roseland, Portland
Friday, February 24th, 2012
$20
=========================================================
Nada Surf
Is it cool, or does it suck being the band known for the song "I'm popular."? It probably sucks since they aren't popular.
Wonder Ballroom, Portland
Friday, March 23rd, 2011
$17 advance, $19 day of the show
=========================================================
Talkdemonic
Read more about this band from my Quadros post of the Sasquatch Blog.
Mission Theater, Portland
Saturday, December 31st, 2011
$16
=========================================================
Y La Bamba
It's not that I'm in love with the lead singer, they are a very unique live band. I recommend catching them.
Holocene, Portland
Thursday, December 15th, 2011
$7
2012 Shows
Just like most, I enjoy making lists. For the shows I've attended, I'll list the bands I saw. If I don't have an opening band listed, it's because I didn't see them. Do I think you care what shows I'm going to, and what shows I've seen? Not really. This is more for me, bookkeeping if you will.
All shows in Portland unless otherwise noted.
1/23 - NOFX
1/24 - Fitz & The Tantrums
2/8 - Wilco
3/9 - New Multitudes feat/Jim James
3/14 - Carina Round, Puscifer
4/6 - The Cults
4/7 - Sleigh Bells
4/8 - Heartless Bastards
4/13 - Mea, Wallpaper, Abe Vigoda, the Sheepdogs, Kendrick Lamar, Yuck, EMA, James, Jimmy Cliff & Tim Armstrong, Death Grips, Dawes, Madeon, Madness, WU LYF, Pulp, the Rapture, Atari Teenage Riot, M83, Afrojack, Refused, Amon Tobin, the Horrors, Swedish House Mafia (Coachella Music Festival, Indio, CA)
4/14 - Pure Filth Sound, Suedehead, The Vaccines, Dragonette, We Are Augustines, Black Lips, Azealia Banks, Childish Gambino, The Big Pink, fIREHOSE, Manchester Orchestra, Laura Marling, Jeff Mangum, St. Vincent, The Shins, Feist, Kasabian, Bon Iver, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, SBTRKT, Miike Snow, Radiohead (Coachella Music Festival, Indio, CA)
4/15 - Jimbo Jenkins, Gardens & Villa, Lissie, Oberhofer, Metronomy, Band of Skulls, First Aid Kit, Greg Ginn and the Royal We, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, Santigold, Real Estate, The Growlers, Beats Antique, Fitz and the Tantrums, Thundercat, Wild Flag, The Hives, The Weeknd, Gotye, Justice, Girl Talk, At The Drive-In, Florence + the Machine, Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg (& 2Pac hologram) (Coachella Music Festival, Indio, CA)
4/24 - Justice
4/25 - M83
5/4 - Girl in a Coma
5/11 - Bassnectar
5/12 - Blast Furnace
5/22 - Roger Waters
5/25 - Of Monsters and Men, Santigold, Mark Lanegan Band, Girl Talk, Pretty Lights (Sasquatch! Music Festival, George, WA)
5/26 - Alabama Shakes, Jamey Johnson, Dum Dum Girls, Childish Gambino, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Metric, Tune-Yards, The Shins, St. Vincent, Jack White, The Roots (Sasquatch! Music Festival, George, WA)
5/27 - M. Ward, Wild Flag, The Head & the Heart, The Walkmen, Beirut, Little Dragon, Bon Iver, Fee Me (Sasquatch! Music Festival, George, WA)
5/28 - The Joy Formidable, Feist, The Cave Singers, Silversun Pickups, Deer Tick (Drunk Covers), Tenacious D, Spiritualized, Beck (Sasquatch! Music Festival, George, WA)
7/22 - Youth Lagoon
7/27 - Felice Brothers
7/31 - Squarepusher
8/9 - Sigur Ros (Troutdale, OR)
8/15 - Pokey LaFarge and The South City Three, Jack White
8/25 - The Avett Brothers (Troutdale, OR)
8/31 - Warren G (Moscow, ID)
9/6 - King Khan & The Shrines
9/7 - Fucked Up
9/8 - My Morning Jacket (Troutdale, OR)
9/20 - Animal Collective
10/5 - The Maldives
10/16 - Aaron Freeman
11/2 - Dwarves, Diamond Rings, Sharon Van Etten, Napalm Death, Tomahawk, Black Lips w/Val Kilmer, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Santigold, Run D.M.C. (Fun Fun Fun Fest, Austin, TX)
11/3 - Why?, Kreayshawn, OFF!, Danny Brown, Public Image LTD, A$AP Rocky, Refused (Fun Fun Fun Fest, Austin, TX)
11/4 - Omar Rodriguez-Lopez, Lagwagon, De La Soul, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros (Fun Fun Fun Fest, Austin, TX)
11/28 - Bruce Springsteen
12/1 - Death Grips
12/6 - Sufjan Stevens Seasonal Affective Disorder Yuletide Disaster Pageant on Ice
12/20 - Portugal. The Man (Anchorage, AK)
All shows in Portland unless otherwise noted.
1/23 - NOFX
1/24 - Fitz & The Tantrums
2/8 - Wilco
3/9 - New Multitudes feat/Jim James
3/14 - Carina Round, Puscifer
4/6 - The Cults
4/7 - Sleigh Bells
4/8 - Heartless Bastards
4/13 - Mea, Wallpaper, Abe Vigoda, the Sheepdogs, Kendrick Lamar, Yuck, EMA, James, Jimmy Cliff & Tim Armstrong, Death Grips, Dawes, Madeon, Madness, WU LYF, Pulp, the Rapture, Atari Teenage Riot, M83, Afrojack, Refused, Amon Tobin, the Horrors, Swedish House Mafia (Coachella Music Festival, Indio, CA)
4/14 - Pure Filth Sound, Suedehead, The Vaccines, Dragonette, We Are Augustines, Black Lips, Azealia Banks, Childish Gambino, The Big Pink, fIREHOSE, Manchester Orchestra, Laura Marling, Jeff Mangum, St. Vincent, The Shins, Feist, Kasabian, Bon Iver, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, SBTRKT, Miike Snow, Radiohead (Coachella Music Festival, Indio, CA)
4/15 - Jimbo Jenkins, Gardens & Villa, Lissie, Oberhofer, Metronomy, Band of Skulls, First Aid Kit, Greg Ginn and the Royal We, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, Santigold, Real Estate, The Growlers, Beats Antique, Fitz and the Tantrums, Thundercat, Wild Flag, The Hives, The Weeknd, Gotye, Justice, Girl Talk, At The Drive-In, Florence + the Machine, Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg (& 2Pac hologram) (Coachella Music Festival, Indio, CA)
4/24 - Justice
4/25 - M83
5/4 - Girl in a Coma
5/11 - Bassnectar
5/12 - Blast Furnace
5/22 - Roger Waters
5/25 - Of Monsters and Men, Santigold, Mark Lanegan Band, Girl Talk, Pretty Lights (Sasquatch! Music Festival, George, WA)
5/26 - Alabama Shakes, Jamey Johnson, Dum Dum Girls, Childish Gambino, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Metric, Tune-Yards, The Shins, St. Vincent, Jack White, The Roots (Sasquatch! Music Festival, George, WA)
5/27 - M. Ward, Wild Flag, The Head & the Heart, The Walkmen, Beirut, Little Dragon, Bon Iver, Fee Me (Sasquatch! Music Festival, George, WA)
5/28 - The Joy Formidable, Feist, The Cave Singers, Silversun Pickups, Deer Tick (Drunk Covers), Tenacious D, Spiritualized, Beck (Sasquatch! Music Festival, George, WA)
7/22 - Youth Lagoon
7/27 - Felice Brothers
7/31 - Squarepusher
8/9 - Sigur Ros (Troutdale, OR)
8/15 - Pokey LaFarge and The South City Three, Jack White
8/25 - The Avett Brothers (Troutdale, OR)
8/31 - Warren G (Moscow, ID)
9/6 - King Khan & The Shrines
9/7 - Fucked Up
9/8 - My Morning Jacket (Troutdale, OR)
9/20 - Animal Collective
10/5 - The Maldives
10/16 - Aaron Freeman
11/2 - Dwarves, Diamond Rings, Sharon Van Etten, Napalm Death, Tomahawk, Black Lips w/Val Kilmer, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Santigold, Run D.M.C. (Fun Fun Fun Fest, Austin, TX)
11/3 - Why?, Kreayshawn, OFF!, Danny Brown, Public Image LTD, A$AP Rocky, Refused (Fun Fun Fun Fest, Austin, TX)
11/4 - Omar Rodriguez-Lopez, Lagwagon, De La Soul, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros (Fun Fun Fun Fest, Austin, TX)
11/28 - Bruce Springsteen
12/1 - Death Grips
12/6 - Sufjan Stevens Seasonal Affective Disorder Yuletide Disaster Pageant on Ice
12/20 - Portugal. The Man (Anchorage, AK)
New Shows: Big Head Todd and the Monsters, In Flames, Augustana, Matt Kearney, Band of Skulls
Big Head Todd and the Monsters
Crystal Ballroom, Portland
Friday, February 17th, 2012
$25
=========================================================
In Flames
Roseland, Portland
Wednesday, February 1st, 2012
$25
=========================================================
Augustana
Doug Fir, Portland
Sunday, January 22nd, 2012
$18 advance, $20 day of the show
=========================================================
Matt Kearney
Local singer/songwriter from Eugene.
Roseland, Portland
Friday, February 17th, 2011
$20
=========================================================
Band of Skulls
Dante's, Portland
Wednesday, April 11th, 2012
$16
Crystal Ballroom, Portland
Friday, February 17th, 2012
$25
=========================================================
In Flames
Roseland, Portland
Wednesday, February 1st, 2012
$25
=========================================================
Augustana
Doug Fir, Portland
Sunday, January 22nd, 2012
$18 advance, $20 day of the show
=========================================================
Matt Kearney
Local singer/songwriter from Eugene.
Roseland, Portland
Friday, February 17th, 2011
$20
=========================================================
Band of Skulls
Dante's, Portland
Wednesday, April 11th, 2012
$16
Saturday, November 5, 2011
New Shows: Kooks, ohGr, The Dandy Warhols (Two Shows), Youth Lagoon, Spineshank, Twin Sister
Kooks
My first thought about this band ironically is the name of the opening band. "Yawn."
Doug Fir, Portland
Monday, December 5th, 2011
$20
=========================================================
ohGr
Member of the weirdo industrial band, Skinny Puppy.
Hawthorne Theatre, Portland
Friday, December 2nd, 2011
$20
=========================================================
The Dandy Warhols (two shows)
Three shows if you count their Doug Fir appearance the following night.
Star Theater, Portland
Friday, December 9th, and Saturday, December 10th, 2011
$15 per night
=========================================================
Youth Lagoon
The Year of Hibernation is one of my favorite albums of the year. It's very mellow, like put you to sleep mellow, so I'm interested to see how this translates live.
Doug Fir, Portland
Saturday, January 21st, 2012
$10 advance, $12 day of the show
=========================================================
Spineshank
This must be a reunion, because I don't remember hearing anything about this band in ten years. I USED TO LOVE SPINESHANK! They do a pretty hilarious cover of, "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," that is actually kind of awesome. You should probably youtube it now.
Hawthorne Theatre, Portland
Thursday, December 8th, 2011
$15
=========================================================
Twin Sister
Doug Fir, Portland
Monday, February 6th, 2012
$10 advance, $12 day of the show
My first thought about this band ironically is the name of the opening band. "Yawn."
Doug Fir, Portland
Monday, December 5th, 2011
$20
=========================================================
ohGr
Member of the weirdo industrial band, Skinny Puppy.
Hawthorne Theatre, Portland
Friday, December 2nd, 2011
$20
=========================================================
The Dandy Warhols (two shows)
Three shows if you count their Doug Fir appearance the following night.
Star Theater, Portland
Friday, December 9th, and Saturday, December 10th, 2011
$15 per night
=========================================================
Youth Lagoon
The Year of Hibernation is one of my favorite albums of the year. It's very mellow, like put you to sleep mellow, so I'm interested to see how this translates live.
Doug Fir, Portland
Saturday, January 21st, 2012
$10 advance, $12 day of the show
=========================================================
Spineshank
This must be a reunion, because I don't remember hearing anything about this band in ten years. I USED TO LOVE SPINESHANK! They do a pretty hilarious cover of, "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," that is actually kind of awesome. You should probably youtube it now.
Hawthorne Theatre, Portland
Thursday, December 8th, 2011
$15
=========================================================
Twin Sister
Doug Fir, Portland
Monday, February 6th, 2012
$10 advance, $12 day of the show
Thursday, November 3, 2011
New Shows: Moe., Railroad Earth (Two Shows), Donavon Frankenreiter, Borgore, Nurses, The Angry Orts
Moe.
Often confused with singer/songwriter/babe, Poe. This is an evening with, which usually means two sets, and no openers. But don't all jam bands do that?
Crystal Ballroom, Portland
Saturday, January 28th, 2012
$22.50
=========================================================
Railroad Earth (Two Shows)
Did a hippie take over booking this venue?
Crystal Ballroom, Portland
Friday, March 2nd and Saturday, March 3rd, 2012
No ticket information available
=========================================================
Donavon Frankenreiter
Wonder Ballroom, Portland
Saturday, March 31st, 2012
$21 advance, $23 day of the show
Tickets on sale Saturday, November 5th, at 10:00 a.m.
=========================================================
Borgore
MOAR DUBSTEP!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait until 2013 when this fad ends. The only thing keeping talentless up and coming dubstep artists from filling venues is their obscurity. Borgore sounds kind of metalish, doesn't it? Therefore, I'm going to make a couple bass heavy mixes on my computer, and call myself, "The Dubest Stepiest Heaviest." Then I'll put up posters in local high schools. I'm going to be huge.
Roseland, Portland
Saturday, December 10th, 2011
$15
=========================================================
Nurses
Locals who make pretty outstanding music.
Mississippi Studios, Portland
Saturday, December 31st, 2011
$15 advanced, $17 day of the show
=========================================================
The Angry Orts
Locals who put on a fun show.
Doug Fir, Portland
Friday, December 16th, 2011
$8
Often confused with singer/songwriter/babe, Poe. This is an evening with, which usually means two sets, and no openers. But don't all jam bands do that?
Crystal Ballroom, Portland
Saturday, January 28th, 2012
$22.50
=========================================================
Railroad Earth (Two Shows)
Did a hippie take over booking this venue?
Crystal Ballroom, Portland
Friday, March 2nd and Saturday, March 3rd, 2012
No ticket information available
=========================================================
Donavon Frankenreiter
Wonder Ballroom, Portland
Saturday, March 31st, 2012
$21 advance, $23 day of the show
Tickets on sale Saturday, November 5th, at 10:00 a.m.
=========================================================
Borgore
MOAR DUBSTEP!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait until 2013 when this fad ends. The only thing keeping talentless up and coming dubstep artists from filling venues is their obscurity. Borgore sounds kind of metalish, doesn't it? Therefore, I'm going to make a couple bass heavy mixes on my computer, and call myself, "The Dubest Stepiest Heaviest." Then I'll put up posters in local high schools. I'm going to be huge.
Roseland, Portland
Saturday, December 10th, 2011
$15
=========================================================
Nurses
Locals who make pretty outstanding music.
Mississippi Studios, Portland
Saturday, December 31st, 2011
$15 advanced, $17 day of the show
=========================================================
The Angry Orts
Locals who put on a fun show.
Doug Fir, Portland
Friday, December 16th, 2011
$8
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Holy Shit: Roger Waters in Portland
Roger Waters performing The Wall
This is a can't miss. I've heard they build a giant wall behind the band throughout the concert, then "tear down the wall," near the end of the show. I can't wait.
Oh yeah, if you were recently born, Roger Waters is the dude from Pink Floyd.
Rose Garden Arena, Portland
Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012
$50/$75/$99/$199
Tickets on sale Monday, November 14th at 10:00 a.m.
This is a can't miss. I've heard they build a giant wall behind the band throughout the concert, then "tear down the wall," near the end of the show. I can't wait.
Oh yeah, if you were recently born, Roger Waters is the dude from Pink Floyd.
Rose Garden Arena, Portland
Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012
$50/$75/$99/$199
Tickets on sale Monday, November 14th at 10:00 a.m.
Monday, October 24, 2011
New Shows: The Jayhawks, The Head & the Heart/Mayer Hawthorne, Jerry Joseph & Jackmormons (Two Shows)
The Jayhawks
Roseland, Portland
Tuesday, February 7th, 2011
$25/$35
Tickets go on sale Friday, October 28th, 2011
=========================================================
The Head & the Heart (w/Mayer Hawthorne)
Called Jingle Bell Jam. This show is 21 and over, because kids don't like jamming to Jingle Bells.
Roseland, Portland
Friday, December 2nd, 2011
$25 GA, $40 reserved
Tickets go on sale Wednesday, October 26th, at 10:00 a.m.
=========================================================
Jerry Joseph & Jackmormons (Two Shows)
Mississippi Studios, Portland
Friday, December 30th, 2011
$15
Dante's, Portland
Saturday, December 31st, 2011
$30
Roseland, Portland
Tuesday, February 7th, 2011
$25/$35
Tickets go on sale Friday, October 28th, 2011
=========================================================
The Head & the Heart (w/Mayer Hawthorne)
Called Jingle Bell Jam. This show is 21 and over, because kids don't like jamming to Jingle Bells.
Roseland, Portland
Friday, December 2nd, 2011
$25 GA, $40 reserved
Tickets go on sale Wednesday, October 26th, at 10:00 a.m.
=========================================================
Jerry Joseph & Jackmormons (Two Shows)
Mississippi Studios, Portland
Friday, December 30th, 2011
$15
Dante's, Portland
Saturday, December 31st, 2011
$30
Thursday, October 20, 2011
New Shows: December To Remember: One Hit Wonder Edition
Young The Giant
See them perform their one hit, "My Body."
Crystal Ballroom, Portland
Monday, December 5th, 2011
$20
=========================================================
Foster The People
See them perform their one hit, "Pumped Up Kicks."
Crystal Ballroom, Portland
Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
=========================================================
AWOLNATION
See them perform their one hit, "Sail."
Crystal Ballroom, Portland
Wednesday, December 7th, 2011
$18.50
=========================================================
Death Cab For Cutie
Do they have a hit (yawn)?
Crystal Ballroom, Portland
Thursday, December 8th, 2011
=========================================================
Portugal. The Man
One of these bands is not like the others...
Crystal Ballroom, Portland
Friday, December 9th, 2011
$20
=========================================================
Joy Formidable (w/Grouplove)
See them perform their one hit, "Whirring."
Crystal Ballroom, Portland
Saturday, December 10th, 2011
$9.47
See them perform their one hit, "My Body."
Crystal Ballroom, Portland
Monday, December 5th, 2011
$20
=========================================================
Foster The People
See them perform their one hit, "Pumped Up Kicks."
Crystal Ballroom, Portland
Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
=========================================================
AWOLNATION
See them perform their one hit, "Sail."
Crystal Ballroom, Portland
Wednesday, December 7th, 2011
$18.50
=========================================================
Death Cab For Cutie
Do they have a hit (yawn)?
Crystal Ballroom, Portland
Thursday, December 8th, 2011
=========================================================
Portugal. The Man
One of these bands is not like the others...
Crystal Ballroom, Portland
Friday, December 9th, 2011
$20
=========================================================
Joy Formidable (w/Grouplove)
See them perform their one hit, "Whirring."
Crystal Ballroom, Portland
Saturday, December 10th, 2011
$9.47
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
New Shows: Mumford & Sons, NOFX, Laura Veirs, Tennis, Scott Kelly
Mumford & Sons
The band that sings that one song where they say the F word. Even though it always gets edited out on VH1 and the radio, we can still rally behind the thought, because it's the F word. Their name sounds like a company who cleans port-a-potties.
Rose Garden Arena, Portland
Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
$40, $30 for nose bleed
Tickets go on sale Friday, October 21st, at 10:00 a.m.
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NOFX
McCarger/Charles benefit.
Roseland, Portland
Monday, January 23rd, 2012
$25
Tickets go on sale Wednesday, October 19th, at 5:00 p.m.
=========================================================
Laura Veirs
Mississippi Studios, Portland
Sunday, December 4th, 2011
$15
=========================================================
Tennis
Doug Fir, Portland
Monday, December 12th, 2011
$11 advance, $13 at the door
Tickets go on sale Friday, October 21st, at 10:00 a.m.
=========================================================
Scott Kelly
From the band Neurosis.
Mississippi Studios, Portland
Wednesday, November 30th, 2011
$10 advance, $12 day of the show
The band that sings that one song where they say the F word. Even though it always gets edited out on VH1 and the radio, we can still rally behind the thought, because it's the F word. Their name sounds like a company who cleans port-a-potties.
Rose Garden Arena, Portland
Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
$40, $30 for nose bleed
Tickets go on sale Friday, October 21st, at 10:00 a.m.
=========================================================
NOFX
McCarger/Charles benefit.
Roseland, Portland
Monday, January 23rd, 2012
$25
Tickets go on sale Wednesday, October 19th, at 5:00 p.m.
=========================================================
Laura Veirs
Mississippi Studios, Portland
Sunday, December 4th, 2011
$15
=========================================================
Tennis
Doug Fir, Portland
Monday, December 12th, 2011
$11 advance, $13 at the door
Tickets go on sale Friday, October 21st, at 10:00 a.m.
=========================================================
Scott Kelly
From the band Neurosis.
Mississippi Studios, Portland
Wednesday, November 30th, 2011
$10 advance, $12 day of the show
Saturday, October 15, 2011
New Shows: Quarterflash, Crooked Fingers, Devil Wears Prada, Devil Makes Three, Black Heart Procession, Typhoon
Quarterflash
30th anniversary reunion show on New Year's Eve. You remember their hit from the 80s, "Harden My Heart."
Aladdin, Portland
Saturday, December 31st, 2011
$35
Tickets on sale Wednesday, October 19th, at 11:00 a.m.
=========================================================
Crooked Fingers
Side project of Eric Bachman, lead singer of Archers Of Loaf. He is tall, or maybe it's just that everyone else in Archers Of Loaf is miniature?
Mississippi Studios, Portland
Saturday, November 19th, 2011
$15
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Devil Wears Prada
We need more bands with "Devil" in their name.
Roseland, Portland
Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
$20
=========================================================
Devil Makes Three
Well then.
Roseland, Portland
Saturday, November 19th, 2011
$17.50
=========================================================
Black Heart Procession
Boring.
Doug Fir, Portland
Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
$15
=========================================================
Typhoon (Three Shows)
One show Friday night, two shows Saturday night (early/late).
Mississippi Studios, Portland
Friday, December 2nd, and Saturday, December 3rd, 2011
$10
30th anniversary reunion show on New Year's Eve. You remember their hit from the 80s, "Harden My Heart."
Aladdin, Portland
Saturday, December 31st, 2011
$35
Tickets on sale Wednesday, October 19th, at 11:00 a.m.
=========================================================
Crooked Fingers
Side project of Eric Bachman, lead singer of Archers Of Loaf. He is tall, or maybe it's just that everyone else in Archers Of Loaf is miniature?
Mississippi Studios, Portland
Saturday, November 19th, 2011
$15
=========================================================
Devil Wears Prada
We need more bands with "Devil" in their name.
Roseland, Portland
Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
$20
=========================================================
Devil Makes Three
Well then.
Roseland, Portland
Saturday, November 19th, 2011
$17.50
=========================================================
Black Heart Procession
Boring.
Doug Fir, Portland
Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
$15
=========================================================
Typhoon (Three Shows)
One show Friday night, two shows Saturday night (early/late).
Mississippi Studios, Portland
Friday, December 2nd, and Saturday, December 3rd, 2011
$10
Thursday, October 13, 2011
New Shows: Wilco, Lemonheads, Rich Robinson, Weinland (NYE Supergroup), My Brightest Diamond
Wilco
Number 13 on my top 20 shows of 2010, which you can read here.
Arlene Schnitzer, Portland
Wednesday, February 8th, 2012
No ticket information available
=========================================================
Lemonheads
Performing the album, "It's A Shame About Ray."
Mississippi Studios, Portland
Thursday, November 3rd, 2011
$20
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Rich Robinson
Less famous brother of Chris Robinson, the lead singer of the Black Crowes. Rich is in the band too, in fact he wrote, "She Talks To Angels."
Star Theater, Portland
Thursday, November 10th, 2011
$15 advance, $17 day of the show
=========================================================
Weinland's New Year's Eve Supergroup
Doug Fir, Portland
Saturday, December 31st, 2011
$16 advance, $18 day of the show
=========================================================
My Brightest Diamond
She pretty much stole my heart when I saw her perform with the Decemberists a couple years ago, and with Sufjan Stevens prior to that.
Mississippi Studios, Portland
Sunday, November 6th, 2011
$15
Number 13 on my top 20 shows of 2010, which you can read here.
Arlene Schnitzer, Portland
Wednesday, February 8th, 2012
No ticket information available
=========================================================
Lemonheads
Performing the album, "It's A Shame About Ray."
Mississippi Studios, Portland
Thursday, November 3rd, 2011
$20
=========================================================
Rich Robinson
Less famous brother of Chris Robinson, the lead singer of the Black Crowes. Rich is in the band too, in fact he wrote, "She Talks To Angels."
Star Theater, Portland
Thursday, November 10th, 2011
$15 advance, $17 day of the show
=========================================================
Weinland's New Year's Eve Supergroup
Doug Fir, Portland
Saturday, December 31st, 2011
$16 advance, $18 day of the show
=========================================================
My Brightest Diamond
She pretty much stole my heart when I saw her perform with the Decemberists a couple years ago, and with Sufjan Stevens prior to that.
Mississippi Studios, Portland
Sunday, November 6th, 2011
$15
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
For Sale: Skrillex Ticket(s) For Face Plus Fees ($35)
Occasionally, I buy extra tickets to shows I know will sell out, and sell them for what I paid. I do this just to fuck with the worthless walks of life, otherwise known as ticket scalpers. There are good people out there willing to unload tickets to sold out shows for face value, believe it or not.
I have a couple extras that may go to friends, but I have at least one available currently. I might have more at a later date. If you are looking for one ticket, send me an email and convince me you are not a scalper. I did this once before, and received many replies. I'm sorry I don't have a ticket for everyone who will reply, so don't send me emails telling me to fuck off if you aren't picked, like what happened last time. Try to remember who the enemy is here.
I won't be available to meet up tomorrow, so I'm going to wait a couple days to see which reply is the least scumbag. Understand that half the replies I receive will be from people looking to make $50 by re-selling the ticket, so I have to be cautious. Email me at knowidyuh@gmail.com if you are interested.
I have a couple extras that may go to friends, but I have at least one available currently. I might have more at a later date. If you are looking for one ticket, send me an email and convince me you are not a scalper. I did this once before, and received many replies. I'm sorry I don't have a ticket for everyone who will reply, so don't send me emails telling me to fuck off if you aren't picked, like what happened last time. Try to remember who the enemy is here.
I won't be available to meet up tomorrow, so I'm going to wait a couple days to see which reply is the least scumbag. Understand that half the replies I receive will be from people looking to make $50 by re-selling the ticket, so I have to be cautious. Email me at knowidyuh@gmail.com if you are interested.
New Shows: The Hold Steady/Morning Teleportation, Doctor P and FuntCase, The Dandy Warhols, Big Sean, The Knux, Mariachi El Bronx
The Hold Steady (w/Morning Teleportation)
They finally downgraded from an empty Crystal Ballroom to a venue half it's size. It was a good run guys, no one cares anymore (except me). Morning Teleportation are fun live though, this show is still worth the money! Maybe not.
Wonder Ballroom, Portland
Thursday, October 20th, 2011
$17 advance, $20 day of the show
=========================================================
Doctor P and FuntCase
Haven't had your fill of dubstep yet?
Roseland, Portland
Thursday, November 3rd, 2011
$20
=========================================================
The Dandy Warhols
Get them while they last, this show will sell out.
Doug Fir, Portland
Sunday, December 11th, 2011
$15
Tickets on sale Friday, October 14th, at 10:00 a.m.
=========================================================
Big Sean
The "I'm Finally Famous World Tour." I've never heard of him, have you?
Roseland, Portland
Friday, November 18th, 2011
$20
=========================================================
The Knux
I used to dig this band, I have no idea when though. I need a refresher. In other words, they don't suck that bad?
Doug Fir, Portland
Wednesday, December 14th, 2011
$10 advance, $12 day of
=========================================================
Mariachi El Bronx
The surprisingly fun alter ego of the punk/rock band, The Bronx. Yes, it really is a Mariachi band. Ironically, I've seen them both live, and prefer Mariachi.
Mississippi Studios, Portland
Sunday, October 23rd, 2011
$12
They finally downgraded from an empty Crystal Ballroom to a venue half it's size. It was a good run guys, no one cares anymore (except me). Morning Teleportation are fun live though, this show is still worth the money! Maybe not.
Wonder Ballroom, Portland
Thursday, October 20th, 2011
$17 advance, $20 day of the show
=========================================================
Doctor P and FuntCase
Haven't had your fill of dubstep yet?
Roseland, Portland
Thursday, November 3rd, 2011
$20
=========================================================
The Dandy Warhols
Get them while they last, this show will sell out.
Doug Fir, Portland
Sunday, December 11th, 2011
$15
Tickets on sale Friday, October 14th, at 10:00 a.m.
=========================================================
Big Sean
The "I'm Finally Famous World Tour." I've never heard of him, have you?
Roseland, Portland
Friday, November 18th, 2011
$20
=========================================================
The Knux
I used to dig this band, I have no idea when though. I need a refresher. In other words, they don't suck that bad?
Doug Fir, Portland
Wednesday, December 14th, 2011
$10 advance, $12 day of
=========================================================
Mariachi El Bronx
The surprisingly fun alter ego of the punk/rock band, The Bronx. Yes, it really is a Mariachi band. Ironically, I've seen them both live, and prefer Mariachi.
Mississippi Studios, Portland
Sunday, October 23rd, 2011
$12
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
For Sale: Cut Copy For Face Value + Fees ($30)
In my never ending quest to fuck with scalpers, I once again have a ticket to a sold out show I'm selling for face value. I sell tickets to sold out shows for face just so the average folk who wants to attend a sold out show know they don't have to bend over for the scalpers. There are always good people unloading tickets who aren't looking to fuck you over. Patience, patience, patience.
I only have one ticket this time. You must be willing to pick up the ticket downtown, and yes, it's a hard ticket. Face value is technically $23, but I paid the fees ordering online, thus the $30 price. If I get multiple replies, I'll pick the person who convinces me they actually want to attend the show, and are not looking to re-sell the ticket for a profit. I don't subscribe to the first reply wins theory. If you are interested in purchasing this ticket, email me at knowidyuh@gmail.com. I'll remove the craigslist add when the ticket is sold.
I only have one ticket this time. You must be willing to pick up the ticket downtown, and yes, it's a hard ticket. Face value is technically $23, but I paid the fees ordering online, thus the $30 price. If I get multiple replies, I'll pick the person who convinces me they actually want to attend the show, and are not looking to re-sell the ticket for a profit. I don't subscribe to the first reply wins theory. If you are interested in purchasing this ticket, email me at knowidyuh@gmail.com. I'll remove the craigslist add when the ticket is sold.
Top 50 Albums of 2010 (30-21)
(50-41) / (40-31)
30. The Walkmen - Lisbon: I swore this album would end up in my top five of 2010 the first time I heard it, but in the months I spent creating this list, it kept dropping and dropping. The reason I initially liked it so much was because I caught them live at MusicFestNW 2010 right before this album dropped, so the new songs were already embedded in my mind. I tend to overvalue albums with memorable tunes, but most of this album is pretty tame (lame). While I'll always recommend listening to an album over individual tracks, the difference between the great and average on Lisbon is more noticeable than most albums that came out in 2010. So I'll just give you the highlights.
The horns on "Stranded" are so simple, yet I found myself randomly humming them without realizing the source for weeks after my first listen. It's that catchy. "Angela Surf City" is another great tune, but the highlight of the album was one of my favorite live moments of 2010, the song "Victory." Again, it's much more powerful live, but the theme is something everyone can get behind; winning. The chorus seems too perfect for a World Series or Superbowl Champion montage. People get paid big bucks to put together shit like that, and picking the song has to be the toughest part. If only they read this blog. Just say no to Queen.
29. Lil B - Rain In England: A couple years ago, I bought a Stars of the Lid album based on nearly perfect reviews I was reading online, but had no idea what type of music it was. It turned out to be a double album of ambient sounds called, Stars of the Lid And Their Refinement Of the Decline. I paid good money for it, so I forced myself to listen to it several times, until I actually started liking it. I never gave ambient music a chance before that album, so I guess it was a good place to start. What happens when you mix such brilliant ambiance with rap? I guess you get Rain In England, a combination of two genres as unlikely as Lyle Lovett shacking up with Julia Roberts. It's a head scratcher.
What makes this album work is the lack of ambitious flow. Lil B's rapping remains mellow, matching the ambiance of the background music. If he started doing some Busta Rhymes type shit, I would have turned it off after two songs. Even if the lyrics don't speak to me (at all really), it's a perfect match. If I could actually praise the lyrics, this album would be top five for me, easily. The album is about life, literally. The first song is about birth, the last song is about death, and every other song has a theme about the events that take place in between. "Hate is Fear" is probably the most entertaining song on the album, especially when he talks about how hateful internet and youtube comments can be before stating it doesn't bother him. "You can tell me to fuck a sheep and die, and I'll just feel sorry for you rather than take offense." Um, I get the feeling he's lying.
28. The Tallest Man on Earth - The Wild Hunt: I've turned several folks on to the Tallest Man On Earth, and not one has spoken any less than praise. His music is about as simple as it gets, a man and a guitar (it must get lonely on the road). His voice is somewhat raspy (NO BOB DYLAN COMPARISONS PLEASE, I MEAN IT), but it's profoundly unique. I can't think of a singer who sounds remotely like the Tallest Man On Earth. Many of his songs are sad tunes, which doesn't match the mood of his live shows at all, because he is more of a comedian when performing.
The crowd favorite on this album is "King Of Spain," but the best introduction to get you acquainted to his style is "You're Going Back." He even says the F word, which didn't make him a mainstream superstar like it did for Mumford & Sons. He even has a song with "Lion" in the title, proving he must be attempting to emulate said band's "Little Lion Boy." The highlight of this album is one of the greatest songs of the year, a song written about his ex wife called, "Love Is All." I don't have an ex wife yet, so I can't relate, but I can still listen to that song on repeat for an hour. It's that good.
27. Clem Snide - The Meat Of Life: Clem Snide has been around for a while, but this was my introduction to the band. It literally took 15 seconds before I was hooked, with the opening line on the first track, "Punched in the heart, in the throat, in the kneecaps too, that's how it felt when you told me we were through." The name of the song is, "Walmart Parking Lot," which makes me laugh a little when I picture a break up occurring in a Walmart parking lot, and the type of people who frequent that area. Hicks are funny, no?
There are pretty stellar lyrics on this album, including another song highlight, "I Got High." "With hearts too young to youthanize, hungry pounding blood shot eyes, like censored porn, we compromise, on what to watch." I could go on and on about the fantastic lyrics on this album, but I have to finish this review in 500 words or less. For all you texting children out there, there is a song on this album called, "BFF." That's LOL, AMIRITE?
Another reason to love this band is the lead singer's name, Eef Barzelay. Cool parents.
26. Vampire Weekend - Contra: This band is a walking Abercrombie commercial, but they sure make catchy music. Wait, upon re-listening to this album, "Holiday" actually was in an Abercrombie commercial, wasn't it? Oh well, that opener wasn't very clever anyway. As cool as these cats portray themselves, who can actually take themselves seriously while belting out the high pitched yelps on the chorus of "White Sky?" The first time I heard that, I laughed. The second time I heard it, it was stuck in my head for days.
Nearly everyone who pays attention to music these days knows who this band is, so you already know they are bubble gum pop mixed with African style music. It's a preppier version of Graceland with a touch of electronics. Graceland is such an easy comparison when a band mixes earthy tones with pop, however, remember when the Police dabbled in earthy beats and reggae in their early days? That is what Vampire Weekend sounds like. In fact, they sound so much like early Police, You could throw together a serving of early Police recordings and convince 50% of Vampire Weekend's fans it is their new unreleased album.
25. Snowglobe - Little More Lived In: It doesn't take long for this album to catch the ear, with the super happy opening tune, "Space Song," followed by the catchiest song on the album, "Love." The fourth song "Kanaka Rapids" makes me wonder why it isn't being played out on the radio, and why this band is so unknown? One reason I like this album so much is how different each songs sounds and how great musically they are. As catchy as the opening songs are, the album slows down on the second half and gets a bit weird. The weirdness is great for their fans (all four of them), but it won't exactly help them gain the audience they deserve. The split personality of this album could be attributed to the band having two lead singers.
Little More Lived In ends strong with the song "Land Brains," which combines a banjo and trumpet, which isn't done very often. I know Wilco isn't a great comparison, but Wilco has those classic early albums that created a giant following, and that's what Snowglobe doesn't have. This album is as good as anything Wilco has put out since Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. Maybe one day Snowglobe will be as popular.
24. Girl Talk - All Day: I'm a huge Girl Talk fan. He does mash up music right, because he has an extensive knowledge of popular music from the last 40 years. Other mash up artists mix only what is new and relevant. Listening to Girl Talk is like playing "Name That Tune," and the more extensive your knowledge of music, the more fun it is. A decent portion of the MTV hits over the last five years I only recognize because of Girl Talk.
There are several highlights, including Wale's "Pretty Girls" mixed with the guitar from Beck's "Loser," but possibly the biggest miss of his career was Arcade Fire's "Wake Up" mixed with "Money to Burn" by Birdmand. That one was forced because of the popularity of Arcade Fire, which brings me to my next point. This is a long album, and could be made into a near masterpiece eliminating 20 minutes of filler. However, you never know what works until you try it, and I would rather have two hours of Girl Talk trying to see what works than two hours of any other mix up artist trying to make things work. People don't respect the music made before they were born anymore.
Another great moment is the very beginning with the Ludacris song, "Get Out The Way," mixed with "War Pigs," by Black Sabbath. I was at a Cake show shortly after this album came out, and went to get a couple drinks before Cake's encore. The encore started right as I was leaving the bar with a cover of "War Pigs." As I tried to make my way back through the crowd to get to my date, after each guitar riff, I kept singing the Ludacris line, "Get out the way bitch, get out the way." I will always think of Girl Talk when I hear "War Pigs." That's a pretty decent compliment for a mash up artist.
23. Matthew Dear - Black City: Technically, this is electronic music, but it feels like this could easily be pulled off with a percussionist, keyboard, bass, and singer. It's the mixture of the low pitched somber vocals with the upbeat hooks that makes this album stick out as unique. "Little People (Black City)" is one of the best songs on the album, but the final track "Gem" is intriguing in that it incorporates an interesting sample which sounds like pigeons chirping, but is actually a female laughing. Smoke a couple hits, and you'll hear it. "Soil To Seed" is also a fantastic song, and "More Surgery" is easily the creepiest song I've heard in years.
22. Deerhunter - Halcyon Digest: When I really pay attention to this album, I'm thrilled at the level of detail they have in their music. But frankly, this album is boring. Every time I listen to it, it feels like the first time, because I don't recognize anything. I don't understand why everyone loves it so much? So why do I have it ranked so high? Because it's really sharp, and one day I'm going to finally get it. Deerhunter reminds me of Animal Collective (my favorite band), so it doesn't make sense that I don't dig them. A couple years from now, I will laugh at my current self for ranking this album so low, but today is not that day.
21. These New Puritans - Hidden: There is an awesome dynamic about this album, it's Bach meets Massive Attick meets Stomp. The album starts out with a clarinet/oboe/wind instrument solo, which reappears throughout the album. The strongest songs are heavy in drums, especially the rim shots (sounds gross, that's not what I meant). The overall sound of this album is so damn great, but unfortunately, it's very incohesive and hit or miss. If I was trying to sound cool, I would say this is the greatest album of 2010, because you've never heard of it. Hipsters win. Instead I'll say, if half the songs were replaced by above average songs, it would have been my number one. Definitley give it a listen though, "Attack Music" is easily the most catchy song.
30. The Walkmen - Lisbon: I swore this album would end up in my top five of 2010 the first time I heard it, but in the months I spent creating this list, it kept dropping and dropping. The reason I initially liked it so much was because I caught them live at MusicFestNW 2010 right before this album dropped, so the new songs were already embedded in my mind. I tend to overvalue albums with memorable tunes, but most of this album is pretty tame (lame). While I'll always recommend listening to an album over individual tracks, the difference between the great and average on Lisbon is more noticeable than most albums that came out in 2010. So I'll just give you the highlights.
The horns on "Stranded" are so simple, yet I found myself randomly humming them without realizing the source for weeks after my first listen. It's that catchy. "Angela Surf City" is another great tune, but the highlight of the album was one of my favorite live moments of 2010, the song "Victory." Again, it's much more powerful live, but the theme is something everyone can get behind; winning. The chorus seems too perfect for a World Series or Superbowl Champion montage. People get paid big bucks to put together shit like that, and picking the song has to be the toughest part. If only they read this blog. Just say no to Queen.
29. Lil B - Rain In England: A couple years ago, I bought a Stars of the Lid album based on nearly perfect reviews I was reading online, but had no idea what type of music it was. It turned out to be a double album of ambient sounds called, Stars of the Lid And Their Refinement Of the Decline. I paid good money for it, so I forced myself to listen to it several times, until I actually started liking it. I never gave ambient music a chance before that album, so I guess it was a good place to start. What happens when you mix such brilliant ambiance with rap? I guess you get Rain In England, a combination of two genres as unlikely as Lyle Lovett shacking up with Julia Roberts. It's a head scratcher.
What makes this album work is the lack of ambitious flow. Lil B's rapping remains mellow, matching the ambiance of the background music. If he started doing some Busta Rhymes type shit, I would have turned it off after two songs. Even if the lyrics don't speak to me (at all really), it's a perfect match. If I could actually praise the lyrics, this album would be top five for me, easily. The album is about life, literally. The first song is about birth, the last song is about death, and every other song has a theme about the events that take place in between. "Hate is Fear" is probably the most entertaining song on the album, especially when he talks about how hateful internet and youtube comments can be before stating it doesn't bother him. "You can tell me to fuck a sheep and die, and I'll just feel sorry for you rather than take offense." Um, I get the feeling he's lying.
28. The Tallest Man on Earth - The Wild Hunt: I've turned several folks on to the Tallest Man On Earth, and not one has spoken any less than praise. His music is about as simple as it gets, a man and a guitar (it must get lonely on the road). His voice is somewhat raspy (NO BOB DYLAN COMPARISONS PLEASE, I MEAN IT), but it's profoundly unique. I can't think of a singer who sounds remotely like the Tallest Man On Earth. Many of his songs are sad tunes, which doesn't match the mood of his live shows at all, because he is more of a comedian when performing.
The crowd favorite on this album is "King Of Spain," but the best introduction to get you acquainted to his style is "You're Going Back." He even says the F word, which didn't make him a mainstream superstar like it did for Mumford & Sons. He even has a song with "Lion" in the title, proving he must be attempting to emulate said band's "Little Lion Boy." The highlight of this album is one of the greatest songs of the year, a song written about his ex wife called, "Love Is All." I don't have an ex wife yet, so I can't relate, but I can still listen to that song on repeat for an hour. It's that good.
27. Clem Snide - The Meat Of Life: Clem Snide has been around for a while, but this was my introduction to the band. It literally took 15 seconds before I was hooked, with the opening line on the first track, "Punched in the heart, in the throat, in the kneecaps too, that's how it felt when you told me we were through." The name of the song is, "Walmart Parking Lot," which makes me laugh a little when I picture a break up occurring in a Walmart parking lot, and the type of people who frequent that area. Hicks are funny, no?
There are pretty stellar lyrics on this album, including another song highlight, "I Got High." "With hearts too young to youthanize, hungry pounding blood shot eyes, like censored porn, we compromise, on what to watch." I could go on and on about the fantastic lyrics on this album, but I have to finish this review in 500 words or less. For all you texting children out there, there is a song on this album called, "BFF." That's LOL, AMIRITE?
Another reason to love this band is the lead singer's name, Eef Barzelay. Cool parents.
26. Vampire Weekend - Contra: This band is a walking Abercrombie commercial, but they sure make catchy music. Wait, upon re-listening to this album, "Holiday" actually was in an Abercrombie commercial, wasn't it? Oh well, that opener wasn't very clever anyway. As cool as these cats portray themselves, who can actually take themselves seriously while belting out the high pitched yelps on the chorus of "White Sky?" The first time I heard that, I laughed. The second time I heard it, it was stuck in my head for days.
Nearly everyone who pays attention to music these days knows who this band is, so you already know they are bubble gum pop mixed with African style music. It's a preppier version of Graceland with a touch of electronics. Graceland is such an easy comparison when a band mixes earthy tones with pop, however, remember when the Police dabbled in earthy beats and reggae in their early days? That is what Vampire Weekend sounds like. In fact, they sound so much like early Police, You could throw together a serving of early Police recordings and convince 50% of Vampire Weekend's fans it is their new unreleased album.
25. Snowglobe - Little More Lived In: It doesn't take long for this album to catch the ear, with the super happy opening tune, "Space Song," followed by the catchiest song on the album, "Love." The fourth song "Kanaka Rapids" makes me wonder why it isn't being played out on the radio, and why this band is so unknown? One reason I like this album so much is how different each songs sounds and how great musically they are. As catchy as the opening songs are, the album slows down on the second half and gets a bit weird. The weirdness is great for their fans (all four of them), but it won't exactly help them gain the audience they deserve. The split personality of this album could be attributed to the band having two lead singers.
Little More Lived In ends strong with the song "Land Brains," which combines a banjo and trumpet, which isn't done very often. I know Wilco isn't a great comparison, but Wilco has those classic early albums that created a giant following, and that's what Snowglobe doesn't have. This album is as good as anything Wilco has put out since Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. Maybe one day Snowglobe will be as popular.
24. Girl Talk - All Day: I'm a huge Girl Talk fan. He does mash up music right, because he has an extensive knowledge of popular music from the last 40 years. Other mash up artists mix only what is new and relevant. Listening to Girl Talk is like playing "Name That Tune," and the more extensive your knowledge of music, the more fun it is. A decent portion of the MTV hits over the last five years I only recognize because of Girl Talk.
There are several highlights, including Wale's "Pretty Girls" mixed with the guitar from Beck's "Loser," but possibly the biggest miss of his career was Arcade Fire's "Wake Up" mixed with "Money to Burn" by Birdmand. That one was forced because of the popularity of Arcade Fire, which brings me to my next point. This is a long album, and could be made into a near masterpiece eliminating 20 minutes of filler. However, you never know what works until you try it, and I would rather have two hours of Girl Talk trying to see what works than two hours of any other mix up artist trying to make things work. People don't respect the music made before they were born anymore.
Another great moment is the very beginning with the Ludacris song, "Get Out The Way," mixed with "War Pigs," by Black Sabbath. I was at a Cake show shortly after this album came out, and went to get a couple drinks before Cake's encore. The encore started right as I was leaving the bar with a cover of "War Pigs." As I tried to make my way back through the crowd to get to my date, after each guitar riff, I kept singing the Ludacris line, "Get out the way bitch, get out the way." I will always think of Girl Talk when I hear "War Pigs." That's a pretty decent compliment for a mash up artist.
23. Matthew Dear - Black City: Technically, this is electronic music, but it feels like this could easily be pulled off with a percussionist, keyboard, bass, and singer. It's the mixture of the low pitched somber vocals with the upbeat hooks that makes this album stick out as unique. "Little People (Black City)" is one of the best songs on the album, but the final track "Gem" is intriguing in that it incorporates an interesting sample which sounds like pigeons chirping, but is actually a female laughing. Smoke a couple hits, and you'll hear it. "Soil To Seed" is also a fantastic song, and "More Surgery" is easily the creepiest song I've heard in years.
22. Deerhunter - Halcyon Digest: When I really pay attention to this album, I'm thrilled at the level of detail they have in their music. But frankly, this album is boring. Every time I listen to it, it feels like the first time, because I don't recognize anything. I don't understand why everyone loves it so much? So why do I have it ranked so high? Because it's really sharp, and one day I'm going to finally get it. Deerhunter reminds me of Animal Collective (my favorite band), so it doesn't make sense that I don't dig them. A couple years from now, I will laugh at my current self for ranking this album so low, but today is not that day.
21. These New Puritans - Hidden: There is an awesome dynamic about this album, it's Bach meets Massive Attick meets Stomp. The album starts out with a clarinet/oboe/wind instrument solo, which reappears throughout the album. The strongest songs are heavy in drums, especially the rim shots (sounds gross, that's not what I meant). The overall sound of this album is so damn great, but unfortunately, it's very incohesive and hit or miss. If I was trying to sound cool, I would say this is the greatest album of 2010, because you've never heard of it. Hipsters win. Instead I'll say, if half the songs were replaced by above average songs, it would have been my number one. Definitley give it a listen though, "Attack Music" is easily the most catchy song.
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