Live Review: Ween

Crystal Ballroom, Portland
Wednesday, January 26th, 2011

I know enough about writing reviews to understand the intro is where you grab the reader's attention. I'm going to break that rule and say this; I'm not a true Ween fan. I only own six of their albums, and I haven't dissected any of the six to the point of memorization. I also write more about the experience of being at a live show, than what actually happened on stage. Ween-heads, proceed with caution.

With that said, my first Ween show was 1996, opening with Jawbreaker for the Foo Fighters. There were 1,000 people there, all Nirvana fans. It was just Dean and Gene with a drum machine, and a bunch of weird shit. The crowd was booing between songs, and I was one of them. My fondness for the band began that night when Gene laughingly told the crowd between songs that they've sucked in front of arenas full of people. The nonchalant attitude of, "so you don't like me, I don't give a shit," is something I relate to. So yeah, I can at least say, "I saw Ween 15 years ago," just like the four year old girl emerging on the shoulders of a patron near the beginning of the show can say when she's 19. Without getting into a PC conversation about if little kids belong at concerts, how cool is that?

However, I'd like to give a big "What the fuck," to the Crystal Ballroom for not making this a 21+ show. There were at least 1,000 people there when I walked in (1,500 capacity), and 950 of them where packed into the over 21 section. Doesn't the venue make more money when everyone is buying beer? I respect the fact that people under 21 are allowed entrance to see such an amazing show, but there are other options. First, the Manu Chao show was over 21 on the floor, and all ages in the balcony. The 23 teenagers who attended would then still be allowed. Second, those plastic tubing dividers with the black cloth hanging down are easy to move. Isn't it just as easy to set up that divider fifteen feet closer to Burnside?

Because of the overcrowded drinking side, I was able to walk up directly in front of the stage, where I spent the first hour of show jumping up and down and dancing. For those of you putting your palm on your head wondering why I am giving away the secret for getting close, settle down. You and three other people are the only ones reading this.

Ween opened with "The HIV Song," which had everyone around me dancing to the cute little ditty before throwing their hands in the air screaming, "AIDS!" Yes, I realize how ridiculous this reads if you don't know Ween. A couple songs later, Dean lit up his first cigarette of the night. Knowing the Crystal Ballroom security are programmed idiots, I was waiting for them to tell Dean he wasn't allowed to smoke, which appeared to happen. Dean made a quick vest gesture with his hands, then gave a "yeah right," look. The expression spoke clearly, "try to fucking stop me, I'M DEAN WEEN"

"With My Own Bare Hands," was the next highlight. I'm not sure I've heard more people simultaneously scream, "FUCKING ME!" People love screaming profanities at shows. I already warned you Weeners I'm not one of you, so quit rolling your eyes at this being one of my favorites.

"Take Me Away," was soon after, a song that always makes me smile. Seeing Gene play the lounge singer role with a big grin on his face is one of the more memorable parts of seeing Ween live (well, come on, seeing Deaner rip on the guitar is the highlight, but anyway). It's the, dare I say, diva-ish spoof, of his subtle dance movements that really gets me. Call me crazy, but I prefer Gene singing without the guitar. He could just as well be emulating Marilyn Monroe singing "Happy Birthday." It's so confident, friendly, and funny.

After the first hour, I ended up braving the previously mentioned overcrowded beer side of the Ballroom. The setlist didn't suffer, because this was the epic fourteen minute (or so) version of Voodoo Lady, with Deaner shredding my face and mind and thoughts. Yeah, I didn't see most of it, but I was listening to it, so who cares? I can't stand in the same spot for 2.5 hours. It was still amazing.

While in line, I had my ear talked off by a dude dropping names and showing me his VIP wristband. He was wasted and told me all about how he was partying with Dean and Gene before the show, and how wasted they were. It was drunken speculation, so I took what he said with a grain of salt. We all know Ween are the epitome of professionalism, and those who saw the show in Vancouver two nights earlier are nodding their heads. Isn't that one of the reasons we like them?

The remaining highlights of the show included the scariest version of "Spinal Meningitus," I'll ever hear, and a couple covers, David Bowie's "Let's Dance," Nirvana's "Heart Shaped Box" (which they closed the encore with), and Neil Young's "Old Man," causing me to text my Neil Young superfan friend, "Ween is playing Old Man." Yeah, I'm that guy. I guess another highlight would be when I passed a dude near the beer line who caught my eye because he looked exactly like a younger version of a friend of mine from college. He fell down 60 seconds later, and was helped to his feet by a friend and security, before full on passing out ten seconds later. He was carried out. Man, I know you want to get fucked up for Ween, but really?

In closing, Ween fans are a different type of person. You might know an acquaintance who is basically just that, an acquaintance, but when you find out they are a Ween fan, it's instant friendship. If you are interested in a mate, and they end up being a Ween fan, it overrules almost any negative personality trait you noticed up to that point. "Oh, you don't like sex, it's okay, you like Ween."

Have you ever seen a big booty bitch and thought, "start sucking." Have you ever been heading to a dinner party and thought, "I hope they have tri-colored pasta." Have you ever heard a Boyz II Men reference, and thought, "They're still keeping up the beat." Have you ever been asked, "so how did it go," and replied, "I played it off legit." Furthermore, have you ever made a flan, and squished it in your hand? Tell me it IS so.

Ween Setlist

New Shows: Fleet Foxes, Peter Murphy, Raphael Saadiq, Mike Gordon, The Devil Makes Three, Yelle

Fleet Foxes

Crystal Ballroom, Portland
Sunday, May 1st, 2011
$30 advanced, $32 day of the show
Tickets of sale Friday, February 4th, at 10:00 a.m.

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Peter Murphy

Lead singer of Bauhaus. I wished I remembered seeing Bauhaus live. Too much drank.

Dante's, Portland
Tuesday, March 8th, 2011
$30

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Raphael Saadiq

Wonder Ballroom, Portland
Monday, April 11th, 2011
$22
Tickets go on sale Saturday, February 5th, at 10:00 a.m.

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Mike Gordon

Bass player of Phish. Hippies unite.

McDonald Theater, Eugene
Saturday, March 5th, 2011
$22

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The Devil Makes Three

Wonder Ballroom, Portland
Sunday, April 24th, 2011
$15
Tickets go on sale Saturday, February 5th, at 10:00 a.m.

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Yelle

Wonder Ballroom, Portland
Sunday, May 15th, 2011
$18
Tickets go on sale Saturday, February 5th, at 10:00 a.m.

Setlist: Interpol, Portland

Roseland Theater, Portland
Saturday, January 29th, 2011

Props to Interpol for realizing their last two albums suck, and playing a setlist heavy on their old stuff. That was my hope when I bought the ticket. They played for about 91 minutes. I'll finish the setlist tomorrow when I sober up.

1. Success
2. Say Hello To The Angels
3. C'mere
4. Leif Erickson
5. Summer Well
6. Length of Love
7. Evil
8. Lights
9. The Heinrich Maneuver
10. Rest My Chemistry
11. Narc
12. Hands Away
13. Barricade (the only song I like on their new album)
14. NYC
15. Slow Hands

Encore:
16. The Lighthouse
17. The New
18. Obstacle 1
19. Not Even Jail

Live review will be posted soon.

New Shows: The Moody Blues, Dan Bern, Dengue Fever, Foster the People, Franz Nicolay

The Moody Blues

Keller Auditorium, Portland
Friday, June 3rd, 2011
$39.50 to $99.50
Tickets on sale Saturday, April 2nd, at 10:00 a.m.

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Dan Bern

A friend of mine is really into Dan Bern, and says his voice sounds a lot like Bob Dylan. I agree, it is a unique voice, and sounds similar, however his vocal style doesn't sound like Bob Dylan (thankfully). That whining "hyee hyeeee," that many singers emulate pisses me off. Dan Bern doesn't do that.

Alberta Rose Theater, Portland
Saturday, March 26th, 2011
$15
"Tickets available soon"

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Dengue Fever

Dante's, Portland
Friday, April 22nd, 2011
$13

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Foster the People

Some band I've never heard of who has like one song floating around the internet, yet is playing every major music festival in the United States.

Mississippi Studios, Portland
Friday, March 25th, 2011
$8

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Franz Nicolay

Former keyboardist for the Hold Steady. His mustache makes the hipster stash look like peach fuzz.

Mississippi Studios, Portland
Thursday, March 31st, 2011
$10

New Shows: Devo, Danielson, Yacht, Cheryl Wheeler

Devo

Crystal Ballroom, Portland
Wednesday, March 16th, 2011
$40
Tickets go on sale Saturday, February 5th at 12:00 p.m.

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Danielson

Mississippi Studios
Wednesday, April 6th, 2011
$12

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Yacht

Wonder Ballroom, Portland
Saturday, May 14th, 2011
$12
Tickets go on sale Friday, January 28th, at 10:00 a.m.

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Cheryl Wheeler

Aladdin, Portland
Thursday, April 7th, 2011
$22.50
Tickets go on sale Friday, January 28th, at 10:00 a.m.

Setlist: Ween, Portland

Crystal Ballroom, Portland
Wednesday, January 26th, 2011

This will be my first attempt at a Ween setlist. It's a work in progress. The ordering is correct, although I tend to add an extra song for an extended intro/outro when there is a break involved, or when it is (or appears to be) a different song. It will take me a while to decode my notes. They played for slightly over 2.5 hours.

1. The HIV Song
2. The Golden Eel
3. The Stallion Pt. 3 (blending into...)
4. Bananas & Blow
5. Piss Up A Rope
6. Learnin' To Love
7. With My Own Bare Hands
8. Up On the Hill (blending into...)
9. Take Me Away
10. The Grobe
11. Gabrielle
12. Stoker Ace
13. Voodoo Lady (was it ten minutes, or fifteen?)
14. Mutilated Lips
15. Buckingham Green
16. Ice Castles
17. The Final Alarm
18. Back To Basom
19. Close To You (cover) intro, (blending into...)
20. Zoloft
21. ...Extended Outro Jam
22. Push Th' Little Daisies
23. Touch My Tooter
24. Mr. Richard Smoker
25. Piano/Keyboard solo intro, into...
26. Even If You Don't
27. Freedom Of 76
28. Let's Dance (cover)
29. Your Party
30. Old Man (cover)
31. The Mollusk

Encore:
32. Polka Dot Tail
33. Spinal Meningitis (Got Me Down)
34. Heart Shaped Box (cover)

For Sale: Interpol Ticket(s) For Face + Fees ($40)

If you are new to me (which I'm sure you are), I usually have an extra ticket to sold out shows. I have lazy friends who decide they want to go to shows after they sell out. I unload unused tickets the week before the show for the price I paid. Yes, you can go through the archives here to see I was pretty much the only person on earth selling Black Keys tickets for $30, while most were charging $100+. Those who were charging a reasonable price, said stupid shit like, "I want $50, that's what I paid." No it's not, I paid $30, fuck you.

So call me the "Anti-Scalper." This also means I'm not selling my extra(s) to a scalper, who can turn around and sell it for a profit. Although I've sold face value tickets to scalpers before (you know who you are), my "legit" monitor is fairly decent. Therefore, I don't subscribe to the "first come, first serve" theory. If you are actually an Interpol fan who doesn't want to pay twice face, convince me. I paid face value ($29), plus fees (roughly $10.25), so you can have it for $40. If I had a stock of quarters, I'd give you three, because I recall Face+Fees being $39.25.

Email me at knowidyuh@gmail.com. I live downtown near the venue. The show is Saturday. I hear they have a killer light show.

New Shows: Architecture In Helsinki, Sleigh Bells/Neon Indian, The Dodos, North Mississippi All Stars, Willie & Lobo

Architecture In Helsinki

Wonder Ballroom, Portland
Saturday, June 4th, 2011
$15
Tickets go on sale Friday, January 28th, at 10:00 a.m.

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Sleigh Bells (w/Neon Indian)

Roseland, Portland
Thursday, May 26th, 2011
$18
Tickets go on sale Wednesday, February 2nd, at 9:00 a.m.

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The Dodos

Doug Fir, Portland
Tuesday, April 15th, 2011
$15

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North Mississippi All Stars

What a strange venue choice? Mississippi Studios maybe?

Wonder Ballroom, Portland
Saturday, March 5th, 2011
$17

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Willie & Lobo

Aladdin, Portland
Tuesday, April 19th, 2011
$22

New Shows: Rush, Robert Plant & The Band of Joy, Helmet/Saint Vitus, Dirty Heads, Norma Jean

Rush

Sleep Country Ampitheater, Ridgefield
Tuesday, June 28th, 2011
$22.50 / $80
Tickets go on sale Monday, January 31st, at 10:00 a.m.

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Robert Plant & The Band of Joy

Arlene Schnitzer, Portland
Tuesday, April 19th, 2011
$40 / $85
Tickets go on sale Friday, January 21st, at 10:00 a.m.

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Helmet (w/ Saint Vitus)

Helmet performing the album Meantime.

Roseland, Portland
Thursday, March 31st, 2011
$18

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Dirty Heads

Hawthorne Theatre, Portland
Tuesday, March 8th, 2011
$16

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Norma Jean

Hawthorne Theatre, Portland
Sunday, March 6th, 2011
$15

New Shows: Good Charlotte, The Kills, Foals, Warpaint, Rotting Christ, The Mother Hips

Good Charlotte

Roseland, Portland
Monday, March 21st, 2011
$25
Tickets go on sale Friday, January 21st, at 9:00 a.m.

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The Kills

Wonder Ballroom
Tuesday, May 10th, 2011
$18
Tickets go on sale Saturday, January 22nd at 10 a.m.

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Foals

Wonder Ballroom, Portland
Tuesday, April 12th, 2011
$14
Tickets go on sale Saturday, January 22nd at 10 a.m.

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Warpaint

Wonder Ballroom, Portland
Friday, March 18th, 2011
$13
Tickets go on sale Friday, January 21st, at 10:00 a.m.

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Rotting Christ

Hawthorne Theatre, Portland
Saturday, March 26th, 2011
$16

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The Mother Hips

Doug Fir, Portland
Friday, March 18th, 2011
$15

New Shows: Ice Cube, Atmosphere, Citizen Cope

Ice Cube

Roseland, Portland
Friday, March 25th, 2011
$30

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Atmosphere

Roseland, Portland
Monday, May 9th, 2011
$25

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Citizen Cope (Two Shows)

Doug Fir, Portland
Sunday May 8th, 2011 & Monday, May 9th
$22
Tickets go on sale Saturday, January 15th, at 10:00 a.m.

Top 50 Albums of 2010 (50-41)

50. Gayngs - Relayted: Ever hear of Justin Vernon, he of the "Lost in the World," auto-tone fame on Kanye's latest album? He sings on a couple songs on this album too. He makes albums worth listening to. Okay, I kid, no one knows who this band is outside of Bon Iver's Justin Vernon, me included.

What first caught my ear about Gayng's music was the 80's R&B feel to a couple of the songs, reminding me of my childhood days listening to Jodeci and New Edition. Case in point, the Godley & Creme remake "Cry" would be my favorite track, exhibiting that old school feel. Even though the original is a bit cheezy, they did a good job modernizing it (listening to the original is borderline comical).

I probably enjoyed this album too much due to my nearly non-existent R&B listening this past year. There is a lot more to this album though, tribal beats with muted trumpets and howling horns, chopped up vocal samples and electronics. The album is all over the place, so it doesn't flow well, but that should be expected with over 20 contributing musicians. Plus, one of them is Bon Iver's Justin Vernon, if you didn't know. He makes albums worth listening to.




49. Delorean - Subiza: After listening to the first couple songs off this album, my first thought was, "great, another Hot Chip." Some days I dislike Hot Chip, other days I really dislike Hot Chip, yet I respect the fact that they have some really catchy beats. Delorean is similar, although less annoying, which is why they crack my top 50. I have this empty spot in my heart for mellow electronic acts like the Knife and M83, which is why I'm always willing to give bands like Delorean and Hot Chip several listens. Interesting thing though, after listening to this album five times, it grew on me. "Endless Sunset," is a soothing song, and the beats on "Infinite Desert," keep me tapping my foot.

This album has been dropping significantly in my top 50 over the past two months, so if I was writing this a month from now, it might not crack the top 70. I guess that's not a great endorsement. Oh well.




48. Portugal. The Man - American Ghetto: I got into Portugal. The Man because of their live shows before really diving into their recorded material. Each of their previous albums offer a different style, so it's tough to point to a starting point for a beginner. This album would be as good a place to start as any. They've put out six albums in the last five years, so you have a lot to choose from. Lead singer John Gourley's voice can be a bit higher pitched than most rock front men, so if that bugs you, you might not immediately connect to them. Some people dislike Rush because of Geddy Lee's voice after all (Gourley's voice isn't THAT high).

With background harmonies, stellar guitar work, strange synth noise, plus a crazy breakdown, "All My People" stands out as one of the best songs on this album (not to be confused with "People Say," the catchiest song on the Satanic Satinist). The odd, yet interesting breakdowns would be a theme throughout the album, and the steady electronics really separate their work from a traditional rock band. The highlight of the album comes in the final track, "When The War Ends," which is one of my favorite tracks of the year. It even features a sitar!




47. Ganjasufi - A Sufi And A Killer: Bluesy punk/soul electronic doo-wop low-fi jazz sung lounge style with an occasional death metal scream. Also, add distorted vocals. Before I lose you, check out the album's centerpiece, "Kowboyz and Indians," another one of my favorite tracks of the year. If you can't dig, move on.

I've always pictured Ganjasufi writing his lyrics in a tropical hut while kicking back in a giant bean bag surrounded by bikini models hand feeding him mango and bacon, with servants sporting giant feathers standing near swamp coolers fanning cold air his way. His style is so nonchalant, spitting knowledge on songs like "Advice," and "She's Gone." On the other hand, "Holidays" is a Holiday song, yet a dreary interpretation of one. It makes me wonder what type of strange world this guy lives in.



46. Surfer Blood - Astro Coast: I love catchy songs, this will be no secret reading my top 50 (if it isn't already). This album came out early in 2010, and "Swim" still is in competition for my favorite song of the year. I literally listen to this album because of that song, which would be why it is hanging out near the bottom of this list. I'm not saying the rest of the album sucks, there are some cool tunes, including the David Lynch ode, "Twin Peaks," and the concert closing jam, "Anchorage." After all, Anchorage is where the action is.

The lead singer has great pipes (I say this having seen them live), so I'm interested in what they come up with on their sophomore release. It would have me excited as shit if they picked up the tempo a bit, and showcased the highlight of this band, his voice.




45. Janelle Monae - The ArchAndroid: I've given this album several spins, but I keep feeling it is missing too much. I really enjoy the tracks, "Cold War," and "Tightrope," and the orchestral numbers with the backing choir are grand to say the least. Hearing the screaming guitar solo in "Mushrooms & Roses" is also a nice change from this style of music. Other than these highlights, this album leaves much more to be desired. Janelle Monae is an amazing performer, and I feel privileged to have seen her live a couple months ago. She'll get my money again, but I wouldn't be surprised if this album disappears from my rotation.




44. Kid Cudi - Man On The Moon II: The Legend Of Mr. Rager: I like pop music, so I'm not above putting someone like Kid Cudi on my favorites list. Drake almost made my list as well, however his album was part brilliant rap, but mostly bubble gum Hip Hop, so it failed. The first thing that stood out about this Kid Cudi album, especially compared to his previous, is how catchy it is. I was humming along to many of the songs by the third listen, when it normally takes me five listens to reach that point. I'll use that as a segway to this; you don't want to be unknowingly singing his lyrics out loud at work. "Pretty green buds, all in my blood," doesn't go over in a professional environment. It's not like he's being discrete either, the name of the song is "Marijuana." He likes drugs.

He has a "Mojo So Dope," he'll tell you about it. He's also not afraid to "give a fuck about your lifestyle." The title track, "Mr. Rager" is also catchy as hell. The stand-out track however is "Erase Me." I had an ex-girlfriend point this song out to me, a girl I've had an extremely complicated relationship with in the past. There are parts of this song that sum up our conjunction perfectly, except the part where Kanye raps, "I hope you die Aria." I would never wish that. By the way, am I the only one who finds humor in the phrase, "die Aria?" Scatological reference maybe?




43. Joanna Newsom - Have One On Me: I'll first say I respect the hell out of Joanna Newsom. She is the modern day female equivalent of Bob Dylan, able to craft eight minutes stories. With that said, I can't think of a situation where I would want to spend three hours listening to this album. Kudos giving your fans three albums worth of outstanding music. However, I would rather pay $20 seeing you perform. I haven't figured out what mood matches "I want to listen to Joanna Newsom," but when it hits, I'll just go back to Ys. Whatever, this isn't a collaborative list, it's one man's opinion. I'll see you next time you are in town (looking forward to it).




42. Suckers - Wild Smile: First things first, what the fuck does, "This world's a colonoscopy, save your love for me," mean? I'm not even going to speculate. This opening track, "Save Your Love For Me," is the most interesting song, and has a very memorable scream. It reminds me of Prince a bit in the sense that it might make you giggle. Impressive nonetheless. I don't know much about this band, but I'm picturing colorful scarfs.

"Roman Candles," and the two closing tracks, "2 Eyes 2 C," and the sing along "Loose Change," stand out as my other favorites. A bit of irony, the song titled, "It Gets Your Body Moving," does the opposite of get my body moving. Maybe they have a sense of humor? Some of their songs do make me laugh a bit. I can honestly say this is one of the few bands I can't wait to see live. Their music is pretty fun, and I can imagine it translates well live, which is much more than I can say about their recent touring partners, the Local Natives. I'll be seeing you Suckers soon.




41. Morning Benders - Big Echo: I feel like I'm not giving this band enough credit. These guys have a lot of potential. They know how to fill their sound, combining various types of percussion (clapping, noise makers, drums, whatever), keyboard/piano, acoustic/electric guitar, it doesn't feel standard, it's always moving around. It reminds me a bit of early Radiohead, but with Beatlesesque harmonies, Beatlehead if you will. Okay, that's stupid.

The back to back of "Excuses" and "Promises" starting the album are two of the best songs, so if you have never listened to this band, start there. One of my favorite songs of the year happens to be "Stitches," located near the back of the album. It's one of the reasons I keep coming back, and one of the those songs I've spent way to many times listening to on repeat.

I shouldn't have compared the Morning Benders to the Beatles, that is a pretty shitty tag. I don't like bands that sound like the Beatles (that would be you Tame Impala). But when a band's music reminds me of Radiohead, that gets me excited. The only reason this isn't a top ten album for me is because it can be a bit boring at times, and the lyrics don't really speak to me. I absolutely love their sound though, and look forward to what they have to offer in the future.

(40-31) / (30-21)

New Shows: Bright Eyes, Korn/Disturbed

Bright Eyes

Crystal Ballroom, Portland
Saturday, April 9th, 2011
Price not available
Tickets go on sale Friday, January 14th, at 11:30 a.m.

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Korn (w/Disturbed)

Memorial Coliseum, Portland
Tuesday, March 15th, 2011
Price not available
Tickets on sale Saturday, January 15th, at 10:00 a.m.

New Shows: Randy Newman, Of Montreal, Coheed & Cambria, Gord Downie & The Country of Miracles, Viva Voce, New Mastersounds

Randy Newman

Aladdin, Portland
Friday, April 15th, 2011
$55
Tickets go on sale Wednesday, January 12th, at 11:00 a.m.

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Of Montreal

Live review of their recent Portland appearance here.

Roseland, Portland
Thursday, May 12th, 2011
$20
Tickets go on sale Saturday, January 15th, at 10:00 a.m.

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Coheed & Cambria

Roseland, Portland
Friday, May 6th, 2011
$25
Tickets go on sale Saturday, January 15th, at 10:00 a.m.

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Gord Downie & The Country of Miracles

Lead singer of the Tragically Hip.

Doug Fir, Portland
Tuesday, April 12th, 2011
$20
Tickets go on sale Saturday, January 15th, at 10:00 a.m.

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Viva Voce (w/Damien Jurado)

Doug Fir, Portland
Friday, March 4th, 2011
$12
Tickets go on sale Wednesday, January 12th, at 10:00 a.m.

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New Mastersounds

Saturday, March 5th, 2011
$15
Tickets go on sale Friday, January 14th, at 10:00 a.m.

New Shows: James Mercer, One Night of Queen, Dirty Martini, Kaki King, Guttermouth

James Mercer

Lead singer of the Shins and Broken Bells performing a benefit for Puddle Town School.

Bagdad Theater, Portland
Thursday, March 10th, 2011
$20

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One Night of Queen

Performed by Gary Mullen & the Works (Queen tribute band).

Crystal Ballroom, Portland
Sunday, March 6th, 2011
$22

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Dirty Martini

Mission Theater, Portland
Saturday, February 12th, 2011
$10

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Kaki King

Mississippi Studios, Portland
Thursday, March 10th, 2011
$15 advanced, $17 day of the show
Tickets go on sale Monday, January 10th

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Guttermouth

Ash Street Saloon, Portland
Thursday, February 10th, 2011
$13 advanced, $15 at the door

New Shows: J Mascis, Pinetop Perkins, The Pains of Being Pure At Heart, Murs, Marnie Stern, The AP Tour

J Mascis (w/ Black Heart Procession)

Lead singer and guitarist of Dinosaur Jr.

Dante's, Portland
Saturday, April 30th, 2011
$18

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Pinetop Perkins

97 year-old blues pianist.

Aladdin, Portland
Thursday, April 28th, 2011
$22.50
Tickets go on sale Saturday, January 8th, at 11:00 a.m.

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The Pains of Being Pure At Heart (w/ Twin Shadow)

Doug Fir, Portland
Thursday, April 21st, 2011
$15

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Murs

Non-offensive hip-hop.

Hawthorne Theatre, Portland
Monday, February 21st, 2011
$15
Tickets go on sale Wednesday, January 12th, at 10:00 a.m.

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Marnie Stern

Known as one of the greatest female guitar players.

Branx, Portland
Wednesday, March 16th, 2011
$10

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The AP Tour

Alternative Press Tour, featuring Black Veil Brides.

Hawthorne Theatre, Portland
Tuesday, March 29th, 2011
$16
Tickets go on sale Wednesday, January 12th, at 10:00 a.m.

Top 20 Shows of 2010 (20-11)

20. Guided By Voices - One of the biggest surprises this year. I arrived at the show knowing very little of the band's catalog, but purchased a ticket knowing I might be a huge fan years from now, never with a chance to see them live. Granted, the alcohol intake had a bit to do with how much I enjoyed the show, but nonetheless, it was still fun. Live review here.

19. Monotonix - I don't really know what else to say about Monotonix live. Although this review was from the second time I saw them this year, it was more like a dual review, and sums up my thoughts.

18. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Live review here.

17. John Mellencamp - I gotta show some love here, this guy knows how to work a crowd. I didn't want to dance, I didn't want to pump my fist, I didn't want to sing along, but he made me do all of those. The first couple songs, I literally felt like a hipster, too cool to be caught enjoying a John Mellencamp show in broad daylight. I could just as easily omit him from my top 20 shows to save face, but why? "Because it's fun," is the quote I will always think of when his name comes up. That is why he made me do it. Live review opening for Bob Dylan here.

16. Tallest Man on Earth - Comparatively speaking, Kristian Mattson (aka Tallest Man On Earth) is naked on stage. He doesn't have a drummer or bass player to shoot the shit with in between songs like his counterparts, so he uses the crowd for the banter. It is just a man and his guitar, nothing else. It's almost strange seeing a stage so empty. Listening to his songs, you might think he is the most straight faced musician out there, which is what makes his banter between songs so entertaining. He is a comedian who sings sad songs. I thought the free early show at the Doug Fir during MusicFestNW was a better performance, but it was only 45 minutes, so his full show at the Mission Theater makes my top 20. Live review here.

15. Quick & Easy Boys - I caught these guys three times in 2010, and I plan on catching them at least three times this year. What made their show at the Doug Fir crack my top 20 was the spontaneity and memorability. On this particular night, they let it all out (pun intended), and had a raging good time. Their other shows were much more subdued/professional/whatever you want to call it, so don't let my earlier review make you think negatively about their shtick. Read about the insanity here.

14. Neil Young - Some voices get better with age (Leonard Cohen), so get worse (Bob Dylan), and some stay the same. Neil Young sounds exactly like he always has, which is a credit considering he is now 65 years old. I didn't realize how much he is showing his age until I watched the After the Heart of Gold DVD a couple months after the show. I certainly wasn't close enough to the stage to notice his age. It was a real treat seeing him perform, mixing classics with his new material perfectly. He played plenty of his older hits, but I really enjoyed some of the new stuff I'd never heard. He didn't interact with the crowd at all, which was a bit of disappointment. Even telling a couple stories from the old days between songs would have made this show infinitely more memorable. Although seeing him wander around stage picking up different instruments and breaking into song was incredible, I'm hoping if I get to seem him again, it will be with a full band. For the expensive price of admission, next time I'm looking for a different experience.

13. Wilco - What makes a Wilco show so great live? That is a tough question to answer. Six years ago, I thought Wilco was boring, and had no interest in seeing them live. About four years ago, they hit that niche in my musical listenings where I really enjoyed their music while working. They became my go to non-offensive, won't put you to sleep, occasionally brilliant lyrically, listen to their live album if you are feeling tired, type of band. On more than one occasion, I've spent entire days listening to only Wilco. Maybe that is why I enjoy their live shows so much, I like their music.

It's not really fair to end there though. The first time I saw them live, I was admittedly blown away, mainly by guitarist Niles Cline. The dude freaks out during extended guitar solos, adding everything I feel I am missing listening to their studio albums. Another reason I enjoy their live shows so much is when Jeff Tweedy addresses the crowd. Frankly, he can be dick to the audience. Evidence, while nearly everyone at the Schnitz (seated venue) was on their feet, there was a small section of people in the first couple rows to the left of the stage who never stood up. He heckled this group, poking fun at their age and lack of hair.

I subscribe to the theory that you can make fun of someone while not losing their respect, or pissing them off, so this was especially delightful for me. Maybe the victims of his hazing didn't feel the same, so fuck em, why were they the only ones sitting anyway?

Oh, and that "Broken Arrow," cover leading off the finale was one of my favorite, "Holy Shit," moments of 2010.

12. Zappa Plays Zappa - I tried to write a review of this show last summer, but I didn't know what to say. I still don't know what to say. The best part was hearing Zappa songs played live (Frank is dead you know). Beyond that, it was just a really great group of amazing musicians playing Frank's music. I could spend a couple hours googling the Zappa plays Zappa lineup, and tell you who everyone was, but I'm not going to do that. Just know that as a die-hard Zappa fan, I enjoyed the hell out of the show.

By the way, Smiley Zappa, also known as Dweezil, Frank's first son, is simply an amazing guitar player, just like his father.

11. Man Man - This show would have cracked the top 10 if it wasn't for the Hawthorne Theatre being my least favorite venue in town, the overcrowding that defines MusicFestNW, and the temperature (was the air conditioning not working?) Have you ever been sitting in a ten person sauna with thirty other people, four of which are crowd surfing above you? That's what it felt like. And no, I don't hate crowd surfers.

Crap aside, Man Man puts on an a pretty rad show. I feel like each member of this group is 46% more talented than each member of 89% of bands I've seen live. They don't even need the face paint ritual and robes, which adds to the mystique of the show (there are always Man Man-heads in the crowd wearing similar war paint). They each play several instruments, and they know how to entertain. The lead singer having a soulful voice, and being a great howler is a bonus. I'll never miss a chance to see them live again.

1-10 coming soon.

New Shows: Garage A Trois, Destroyer, Delhi 2 Dublin

Garage A Trois

Drummer Stanton Moore is one of the original members of Galactic, and Mike Dillon previously toured with Les Claypool.

Doug Fir, Portland
Wednesday, April 20th, 2011
$17

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Destroyer

The self-absorbed diva of the New Pornographers. No, I'm not talking about Neko Case, I would never say such a thing about her. I'm talking about Dan Bejar, aka Destroyer, the frizzy haired dude with the weird voice who occasionally tours with the New Pornographers. When he does tour with them, he even occasionally plays, like, almost every other song. When he breaks out the guitar, he likes to play with his back to the stage (like all pretentious guitar babies do).

The last time I saw him at the Doug Fir, it appeared like he cut the show short due to a heckler. He was about to start a song, then walked off stage, and the show was over. Self-absorbed diva might be a bit rude, so I apologize. Others would prefer calling him a little bitch. But you know what, I love the guy. I own most of his albums, I attended the New Pornographers show because of him (sorry AC), and I have March 19th circled on my calender.

Doug Fir, Portland
Saturday, March 19th, 2011
$13
Tickets go on sale Saturday, January 8th, at 10:00 a.m.

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Dehhi 2 Dublin

Dante's, Portland
Saturday, March 5th, 2011
$15
Tickets go on sale Wednesday, January 12th, at 9:00 a.m.

Live Review: Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

Wonder Ballroom, Portland
Thursday, September 2nd, 2010

First key to a great live show: Memorable entrance.

The band entered the stage with the drummer slowly tapping the kick drum . The band wandered around stage, getting everything situated for the start of the show. The drum beat then sped up double time, with Edward stomping to the beat in a monstrous over-exaggerated walk with his back to the stage, which led to the percussion/clapping that is the opening notes of their album's first track, "40 Day Dream." The crowd erupted to the point there were actually women screaming. I have not heard so many screaming women since I ran through the women's shower room with a bullhorn in college. It was a triumphant intro, one of the best I've witnessed. Listening to the beginning of that song occasionally still gives me chills.

Before I get to the highlights of the show, I should mention one of my favorite parts of live shows is seeing a band mix things up, extended intros/outros, blending songs together, longer versions, different versions , cover songs, and maybe a story explaining what the song is about. All of this you don't get listening to the album, so why in the hell do bands basically simulate their album live (I'm pointing at you Local Natives)? If I want to hear the album, I'll listen at home and save $20. Long story short, most songs were slightly different, they played a cover, and Edward told a pretty cool story explaining the song, "Black Water." Short story long, continue reading.

Sorry Jade, but no review of this show would be complete without mentioning your blunder (shaking head). During their most popular song, "Home," Jade and Edward (Alexander) entered the conversational part of the song. They don't repeat the "falling out of the window" story live, they just talk about whatever. That is when Jade addressed the Portland crowd as Eugene (palm over face). Edward instinctively said, "Eugene was last night," which didn't help slide the gaff through. To his credit, he quickly went on a rant about how they spent part of the day riding bikes around Portland, and how much they liked the city. After realizing her mistake, Jade kept awkwardly laughing, yet looked like she wanted to cry. I will say the crowd barely noticed, as many were howling and dancing around before the song ended. Unfortunately, It was that type of crowd, outwardly rowdy for the catchy tunes, ready to catch up with their buddies during the other songs.

They closed out their encore with the song "Brother," and invited a handful of people from the crowd on stage. Then they asked everyone to sit down. It was the guitar player seated on a stool, Edward sitting on stage singing, and several attendees seated all around them swaying back and forth. It had a very John Denver Sesame Street feel to it, especially since most of the crowd on stage were very young (being invited on stage from the under 21 side).

I was standing on the drinking side when he asked everyone to sit down. The "group think" that occurred was along the lines of, "Wait, people with full beers have been jumping up and down running into each other, that dude is puking in the corner, the guy standing against the wall is so drunk, all he can do is stare at women with a string of drool hanging from his chin, and you want me to sit down?" No one flinched. That is when I thought, "No spilled beer on the under 21 side," and quickly shot over there to find everyone sitting down. Everyone except the security guard who was a couple feet from the stage blocking the crowd's view of the lead singer. You couldn't take a knee? I don't know what to expect from the Wonder Ballroom staff anymore. Of the ten less than desirable experiences I've had with security/staff at venues, nine occurred here. That is not random?

The sitters on the kid's side were completely attentive, while the drunken blabbering from the back of the other section echoed through the venue. "Brother" is a very quiet song, so the 20 people who weren't being quiet really stood out. I need to spend more time in the under 21 section (don't read anything into this because of my tasteless shower joke earlier).

Having sold out the Wonder Ballroom two nights in a row, it's pretty safe to say this band has blown up. After only one album, they already have three bonafide shout along crowd pleasers, the "Brother" gimmick, and the usual set closing jam, "Om Nashi Man." Just think what their live shows will be like after they release another couple albums. They will easily sell out the Crystal Ballroom or Roseland, and are establishing themselves as the next big thing. Then again, they'll probably just skip Portland the next time through, and play Eugene instead.

New Shows: Deftones, Trampled By Turtles, Toro Y Moi, The Head and the Heart

Deftones

Live review of their last Portland performance here.

Crystal Ballroom, Portland
Saturday, April 16th, 2011
$32.50
Tickets on sale Saturday, January 8th, at 11:30 a.m.

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Trampled By Turtles

Wonder Ballroom, Portland
Friday, May 13th, 2011
$15
Tickets on sale Saturday, January 8th, at 10:00 a.m.

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Toro Y Moi

Doug Fir, Portland
Friday, March 25th, 2011
$10

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The Head and the Heart

Doug Fir, Portland
Wednesday, January 19th, 2011
$11