THURSDAY 11/29

BLANKET MUSIC, NOISE FOR PRETEND

(Dante's) This is a bit of a celebration for Blanket Music and Noise for Pretend, who recently released a split EP on Hush Records. The record showcases the best of Blanket Music's merging of understated bossa nova and quirky pop, and against a backdrop of squiggly programming, Chad Crouch's vocals have never sounded better. Of course, he is the only person in town who can pull off singing slightly off-key--instead of grating on your ears, it sounds as if he's a little too laid-back to drag himself all the way up to the right notes, because it's so nice down there on the beaches of Rio, and he's still got a froofy drink to finish. Noise for Pretend is much more traditional with their sultry bossa nova, sprinkling hippy syncopation in the sweet rhythm of upright bass, guitar, and drums. Their tropical flavor is sealed by the gorgeous soprano of bassist Esperanza Spalding, whose talent betrays her youthful age (she was 16 last time we checked). You can also see Ms. Spalding in the amazing jazz-hiphop fusion band, Blak Scienz Tribe. JULIANNE SHEPHERD

RADIO BERLIN, GHOST ORCHIDS, LIGHTHEAVYWEIGHT, GUESTS

(Meow Meow) Radio Berlin combines all the goodness of Joy Division and Wire and presents it in one very blurry, artfully photographed package. With a stormy nihilism inferred by sparse guitars, drums, and a pained vocal monotone, their music is very well written and, though it is definitely influenced by certain genres and bands, it doesn't come off as particularly derivative. (Except for tracks three through five of their album, The Selection Drone, which could have been lifted from The Cure's The Head on the Door.) But they like Josef K, for god's sakes; how can you go wrong? Their labelmates, Lightheavyweight, open; they're also pretty heavily influenced by The Smiths, at least vocally, down to the Wilde-esque lyrics. But they're compositionally excellent, as well. JS

ACEYALONE, BUKU ONE, DJ DREZ, ZION I, MIKE CRENSHAW & JC3

(Berbati's) This will be one of the best underground hiphop shows of the year, with some of the West Coast's best emcees and deejays. Representing Portland is the venerable Mike Crenshaw, who's an emcee for Hungry Mob and one of our community's heroes (he teaches a free class for youth where they can learn to express their feelings through hiphop). JS See Music pg 15

WILCO, MERCURY REV

(Roseland) Mercury Rev's newest album, All Is Dream, is guitar-driven psychedelia rife with romanticism. Live, Mercury Rev's prog tendencies become more pronounced, but the band's pop heart beats brightest. This is a group that, despite its penchant for the theatrical and sweeping, still comes across as approachable, and about as close to unpretentious as possible for makers of music this splashy and showy. Band leader Jonathan Donahue seems to be having a fine time up there, sometimes brandishing his saw above his head with a great maniacal flourish, and without fail he ends each song with a beatific smile stretched across his face. KATHLEEN WILSON


FRIDAY 11/30

POH-HOP 7: THE HOLIDAY EDITION, STARRING DRU DOWN, COOL NUTZ, MANIAC LOK, RAY RAY, BOSKO, GOTM & THE 2 REAL CARTEL, MR D.O.G., BYRDIE, BROTHA LUV, STARCHILE, BOOM BAP PROJECT, MORE

(Roseland) "My rhyme tastes like a starburst in your mouth/succulent and sweet/made for the beat," raps Cool Nutz in a precise staccato on his latest album, Verbal Porn. Cool Nutz, who is the head of Jus' Family Records and drives the raddest van in the world (his face is airbrushed on the side), has a good, distinct style; his voice is half-nasal and a little wet-sounding, and his rhythm is really good. Cool Nutz has supported Portland hiphop for seven Poh-Hops now, local extravaganzas of West Coast hiphop, and Jus'Family is really into bringing up the scene, even putting on a fantastic freestyle open mic every other Monday at Seges. However, I don't agree with the PDX thug lifestyle many of Jus'Family's artists promote; it seems pretty played out. Sure, you rhyme what you know, but it's impossible to appreciate the misogyny that is so rampant on many of their records. I think that Jus'Family has enough respect in town to do something really positive for the community--the streets are what you make of them. If anybody is strong and smart enough to do it, it's Cool Nutz. JS

THE PRIDS, KILL ME TOMORROW, FOURTH PRIZE

(Blackbird) Here is a good rumor: The Prids (who, if you haven't heard them, are a fantastic, '80s-ish electronic band, who manage to reference John Hughes, have a fog machine on stage, and still be contemporary) are going to be famous. No, really. I know every band thinks they're going to be famous, but if this rumor is true, they'll really be famous. Here's how it goes. The Prids were playing at Satyricon the other day, and Courtney "Hole" Love went to the show. Who knows why. But anyway, Courtney really really loved the Prids, and went back to Her People in L.A., and told them all about the Prids. In turn, her people got all excited and want to manage the Prids. Somehow, Limp Bizkit is also involved. So, if this rumor has any truth in it, the next time you see the Prids they'll be playing the Rose Garden. If it's not true, you're still in for a really damn good show. KATIA DUNN

FLUX INFORMATION SCIENCES, SK & THE PUNKASS BITCHES, DING DANG, LOAD LEVELER

(Satyricon) If there is such a thing as an underwater industrial nightmare--FIS are in it. Their songs are written in such a way that they discard the usual organized patterns, maniacally flipping channels instead. It goes: scream--repetitive voice sample--guitar screech--industrial noisemaking--full-noise rock music--all randomly spliced together. The recreation of this dark musical hodgepodge is worth a listen, especially for those awaiting the return of industrial. KS

ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN, PSYCHEDELIC FURS

(Aladdin) There aren't many bands from the '80s whose live shows consistently do justice to their heydays. Surprisingly, both Echo & the Bunnymen and Psychedelic Furs recently played shows in Seattle that not only showcased what made them such critically acclaimed bands 20 years ago, but managed to make new fans out of the few who attended merely out of curiosity. Furs frontman Richard Butler's mood was radiant, and his gloriously ragged vocals have not mellowed over the years. Echo & the Bunnymen's Ian McCulloch is still the petulant performer, his crystal, versatile voice as evocative as ever, and Will Sergeant's eclectic guitar playing sounds wild and creative, even on the Bunnymen's newest songs. Go, and be not afraid. KATHLEEN WILSON


SATURDAY 12/1

SEXTIONAL, HELLA, CALLISTO, SHEMO

(Meow Meow) See Music pg 15

LIFESAVAS, LYRICS BORN, CHIEF XCEL, QUIVAH, DJ JEFFIZM

(Ohm) This show is packed with talent, and it's good to see that Lifesavas, Portland's most up and coming hiphop crew, are performing with national acts (and labelmates) who are just as talented as they are. On the label soleslides, Lyrics Born has worked with DJ Shadow, Blackalicious, and Lateef in their group Latyrx. Working with such a wide spectrum of talent has made Lyrics Born into a great musician; he has this really unique way of rhyming that is mellow and funny, and it almost sounds like he's mumbling in a way, but somehow it's a pleasing kind of mumble. KATIA DUNN

SAUL WILLIAMS, NORTEC COLLECTIVE, SCAPEGOAT WAX

(B Complex) The Nortec Collective, with its dozen-or-so musicians, produces the sound of Mexico colliding with Southern California. At this hyper-tense border, Mexico's optimistic ranchera guitars, banda sinaloense horns, and Norteño style of tune and melody, are met with the mechanical gloss of electronica music--a technology that warps, echoes, and gives bass to it. Although this year's release, The Tijuana Sessions Vol. I, has a few low points, the Nortec musicians are skilled and insightful enough to keep this blend--which could so easily be gimmicky and schlocky--perpetually interesting. You'll move your body all night while keeping your head tuned to Nortec's soundscapes. BRIAN GOEDDE See Music pg 15

AVENUE OF THE STRONGEST CD RELEASE, DUTCH FLAT, THE BUILDING PRESS

(Blackbird) The Dutch Flat is one of the best bands in the Northwest. They make complicated rock music with an amalgam of great harmonies, two drummers, and an exhilarating amount of energy. They used to live in Seattle, but guess what! After a short bout on a ranch in rural Oregon, The Dutch Flat will officially be Portlanders, and we can watch them play all the time, which is an exciting prospect. Until then, don't miss their incredible, jarring melodies tonight with Seattle's The Building Press (a tight mathy ensemble) and local, stern guitar heroes, Avenue of the Strongest. JS


SUNDAY 12/2

NEIL DIAMOND

(Rose Garden) I hate to be difficult, but let's lay it on the line: Neil Diamond is crap. For those who are die-hard fans, there will surely be no convincing you. Go ahead and waste your money on more Neil Diamond crap. But for those who "think it might be fun" to see his concert, listen up: Neil Diamond has been cutting records for 35 years--that's roughly 46 albums. And of those 46 albums, he made only one decent one, 1967's "Just For You" which included "Red, Red Wine," "I'm a Believer," "Solitary Man," and the brilliant "Cherry, Cherry." After that? NOTHING. Unless of course you want to include the abysmal radio hits, "Forever in Blue Jeans," "You Don't Send Me Flowers," and the worst song ever written, "Heartlight." Neil Diamond is not funny, and he's not "kitschy." He's an abomination on the music industry and I forbid you to see him!! WM. STEVEN HUMPHREY

TOMAHAWK, DJ SWAMP

(Berbati's Pan) The clusterfuck of some of rock's heaviest, most adventurous artists of the '90s, Tomahawk features loud-ass guitarist Duane Denison of the Jesus Lizard, Cows bassist Kevin Rutmanis, Helmet drummer John Stainer, and jack-of-all-trades Mike Patton of Faith No More, Mr. Bungle, and Fantomas. While this show's decidedly male-skewed audience will probably find itself preoccupied with the talent onstage, single guys might want to take note of the female fans in the room. At perhaps no show other than tonight's will you be able to see a band and find the gal of your dreams at the same time. KATHLEEN WILSON

WET CONFETTI, Z DROGI, MINMAE

(Red & Black Cafe) Wet Confetti plays brooding rock music with pretty electric piano and guitar lines, all washed in a depressive sort of emotion. The only complaint I really have is that, on their record, their boy vocalist sometimes sings off-key for the sake of dynamics, and of course I think it is a mistake for almost everyone to sing off-key, with few exceptions, because vocals are what most non-music-geek people relate to. But Wet Confetti's songwriting is very thoughtful, and cloaked in the warmth of distortion. JS


MONDAY 12/3

CALL AND RESPONSE, THE SUNSHINE FIX, URBAN LEGENDS, ROSS & THE HELLPETS

(Blackbird) Call and Response remind me of a happy '70s sitcom, where teenagers wear bell-bottoms and give makeovers that turn the high school dweeb into a knockout. They've got a funk/disco flavor to them (especially the bass), plus simple, muted guitars, and endearingly peppy keyboards. The female vocalists have lullaby voices and pronounce each word with complete clarity. They epitomize optimism, but not in a way that makes you want to punch them in the face--just listen to another episode of songs like "Blowin' Bubbles," and "Rollerskate." KS


TUESDAY 12/4

KPSU SHOWCASE STARRING KIND OF LIKE SPITTING, CASIOTONE FOR THE PAINFULLY ALONE, THE BLUSH, DJ MATT KELLEY AKA TECHNOLOGY VS. EARTH MAGIC

(Ash) The beauty of Casiotone for the Painfully Alone is in the dichotomy. It's just one person named Owen, and he writes extremely endearing pop songs about love and crushes on Casios and other thrifted/dumpstered keyboards. What keeps it from being cloying is partially because he's so remarkably earnest and shy onstage. Mostly, though, Casiotone rocks because of his utter disregard for sound quality; it seems as if he takes joy in forcing the audience to listen to the buzz of static and other piercing noises randomly presenting themselves in front of his cute melodies. It's extreme--really sweet and fucked up at once--both lo-fi and caustic. He may be a situationist genius. JS

SLAYER, CHIMAIRA, AMERICAN HEAD CHARGE

(Roseland) See Music pg 17

SMALL BROWN BIKE, TWELVE HOUR TURN, ONE LAST THING

(Paris) Small Brown Bike is from Michigan, and they play really good melodic hardcore that swims between being "Minor Threat with harmonies" and an uncommonly excellent emo band. This pleasant and subtle oscillation is owed entirely to their vocalist, Mike Reed, who has reached a nice balance between scratchy and pretty, and can invoke powerful emotion without sounding like he's faking. JS


WEDNESDAY 12/5

THE NERVES, DAN MELCHOIR'S BROKE REVUE

(Satyricon) Chicago's The Nerves are the kind of band best heard on cassette tape--their sound is already a bit muddled and tense. They play very sparse, simple-yet-dirtyass punk music that gathers itself up in your lungs like a bug and bursts out in the crude pressure of their awesome vocalist. Really, I am surprised by how much I like their take on garage music--it's sort of Agent Dale Cooper-style creepy and claustrophobic, and they don't just employ every dumb cliché in the world to make their music sound effective. Even the off-keyness of their vocalist adds an element of weirdness to their intensity. If their newest record, Word of Gold, is any indication, their live show is going to be cramped with energy and probably a little bit bizarre. JS

CONVERGE, AMERICAN NIGHTMARE, THE HOPE CONSIPIRACY, THRICE

(Paris Theatre) East Coast-borne hardcore has always been a little tougher and scarier than West Coast--if only because of the constant existence of the powerful, amazingly toughass band Converge. (Really, they're tougher than you and I. I mean, what West Coast hardcore band has a webpage that greets viewers with Flash-generated blood spatters? At the very least, they have a tougher graphic designer than you and I.) Going on their tenth year of existence, and playing what is possibly their 7,000th show, Converge must be seen to be believed. But it's good, and really tough. JS


GOING TO SEATTLE?

Thurs 11/29: Jurassic 5, Binary Star, Onry Ozzborn, Juse Boogy & Twixx, DJ B-Mello (Hub Ballroom)

Sat 12/1: Tomahawk (Graceland); DJ Icy Ice (I-Spy)

Mon 12/3: Slayer (Showbox)

Tues 12/4: Converge (Paradox)

For more info, visit www.thestranger.com

New Releases Dec. 4:De La Soul*, Method Man/Redman*, Mary Lou Lord, Outkast* *=may actually turn out okay