THE ROCK-A-TEENS
(Satyricon) The sound of Georgia's Rock*A*Teens isn't necessarily a light, after-meal snack, but on Thanksgiving night, what the hell else are you gonna do? The last time this dour bunch was in town they blanketed EJ's in an impressive reverb-drenched melancholy; like they were filming a club scene for a David Lynch movie (this would be the scene after the boyfriend of the dead girl screeches away on his motorcycle). This gloom-a-billy continues on Sweet Bird of Youth (Merge). Singer Chris Lopez' lyrics are more introspective, giving this Tennessee Williams homage an added depth. The only problem is, it doesn't really expand on the wall of sound that they've already established, making the CD experience somewhat redundant. KEVIN SAMPSELL
THANKSGIVING
(Your Place) Since the stupid pilgrims had to ruin live music for the rest of us 400 years after the fact (there are only about five shows tonight), here are some alternate ways to bring the rock into your life on Tofurkey Day: 1. Make live videos to your favorite songs. This involves lip synching, dancing, and props, ala variety shows. It's best if you use songs that can be interpreted literally, such as "Eye of the Tiger," "Like a Virgin," or "We Built this City." (Which, by the way, is a song about the gentrification of San Francisco, proving my theory that Starship was really ahead of its time.) 2. Perform one-act, baroque monologues about how last week's triumphant disbanding of The Make-Up actually occurred. Example: (as Ian Svenonious) "Alas! My vested gold in the trade of white belts is lost, as the courtesans hath finally seen through our wretched façade! Let us scatter, scatter to the winds! Go, Michelle of Mae! BE GONE!" [Exuent] 3. Form an experimental band using common household appliances. Hand mixers, blenders, electric toothbrushes, cheese graters, microwaves--use them to aurally channel the human condition in this oppressive, hateful, post-industrial brave new world. And remember, Tofurkey goes on sale tomorrow! JULIANNE SHEPHERD
FRIDAY 11/24
THE HIGH VIOLETS, THE PRIDS, TRICK SENSEI
(Tonic Lounge) The lovingly dark, black velvet Prids find themselves in a psychedelic sandwich this evening, as our premiere High Violets and much-anticipated, theremin-amplified psych popsters Trick Sensei pull out the atom-spheric surround sound. The Prids' simple, new wave intensity + the Violets' dreamy, airy rock = you'll have to pinch yourself when it's over. This show's for the purringly cynical. JS
THE MINDERS, BLANKET, THE BROTHER EGG
(Meow Meow) Is that a Blanket I spy? Why, no! It's Chad Crouch, and he's doing poppy bossa nova in the most impeccable manner. Perhaps he'll make us all a pina colada to warm up our winter nights? The Minders will make even the stone cold chilliest turkey tap its feet to their sixties-influenced pop rock. JS
LIQUOR LICENSE BENEFIT STARRING DAY RATE CESSNA, SO SADLY FUCKED, THE NINES, GRAVITY & HENRY
(Medicine Hat) You cannot deny the pleasure of drinking from a teeny, precious Oly Stubby, but the punch it packs (or paunch, if you drink enough) is lightweight compared to a Manhattan (whiskey, vermouth, and a cherry). That's why you have to go to this liquor license benefit. Think of the future, my friends, when you'll be lounging on the Medicine Hat's lush velour couches, playing with old Land Cameras and having a Margarita while listening to fantastic bands. Sounds nice, doesn't it? Tonight, though, drink up the beer and soak up the generous nature of the bands. So Sadly Fucked are like a cut-and-paste zine put to music: DIY, slightly punk rock, and playing music solely because it matters to them. If you listen to Gravity and Henry while you're visiting your parents, they might actually think you are clean-cut and an upstanding member of society. Disprove them by swigging another Oly and listen to Modest Mouse as interpreted by Day Rate Cessna. Don't forget to write! JS
EJ'S FINAL WEEKEND STARRING FIREBALLS OF FREEDOM, THE KENT 3, SK AND THE PUNKASS BITCHES, LOPEZ, BURNING CINDYS, MUDDY RIVER NIGHTMARE BAND
(EJ's) I'm having one of those days where I can't be overly enthusiastic about anything. Maybe it's the fact that Bush-whacker might be elected president, maybe it's the horrible chicken bento I just ate that will inevitably cause sweating and diarrhea, maybe it's that my house has been robbed four times in the last month, maybe it's the demise of EJ's due to a shit-sucking eviction, or maybe it's the fact that stupid Americans love no movie more than Titanic. These sorts of moods have only one remedy: punk fucking rock. Purge the disgust and hate from your mind, scream, sweat, swear, get stoned, get drunk, spit on people, and if someone spills your beer, even a little sip, give them a shove and tell them to "get their fucking head out of their ass." Show Etta, the club owner, that yes, it has all been worth it because we all still care enough to show up, headbang and kick ass. KATIE SHIMER
BRITISH STEEL, CRAVING THEO, THE DOMINION
(Berbati's) Get your Judas Priest fix without paying enormous ticket prices! You ask how, how can I see my fave eighties hate metal band for under ten dollars? Well the answer is... you can't! You can, however see the next best thing: British Steel! They're the greatest of great Judas Priest cover bands, and hell, if you're lucky they might even toss in some subliminal death messages and you'll go home and try and kill yourself. What's an evening without a brush with suicide? Boring, I say. Beforehand, build your Portland band knowledge and your excitement with The Dominion and Craving Theo as appetizers. Mmnn, mnnn. KATIE SHIMER
DISC JOCKEY GREGARIOUS' '80S DANCE PARTY
(Lola's at the Crystal) OK, I know you've heard enough '80s music lately to make you feel like finding Duran Duran and carving out their eyeballs, but listen to this logic: You just need more alcohol. The reason you think you're sick of the '80s is because you've been listening to them sober. Of course they all sound the same! If you listen drunk, it's like a new song every time! Gregarious understands this, and that's why he's given you the perfect opportunity to get really trashed and listen to him, cuttin' up the '80s like crazy. Try it. You'll love it. KATIA DUNN
SATURDAY 11/25
DAMIEN JURADO, SONGS:OHIA, NORFOLK & WESTERN
(Meow Meow) Damien Jurado is remarkable: after the hostile reception to his terrible first record he came back and put out one of the best local releases of last year, and his new, stranger album, Ghost of David (Sub Pop) is complex enough that it might be even better but will take some time to reveal itself fully. Jurado works wonders with the simplest acoustic chords, writing mostly sad ballads, the rare, perfect pop song and some fierce punk hoe-downs. In front of a band he is unstoppable. Songs: OHIA recorded a great single with Will Oldham's Palace Records, so they're gonna be lo-fi and weird. GRANT COGSWELL
EJ'S FINAL SHOW STARRING LAST OF THE JUANITAS, THE BUGS, BASTINADO, THE DIRTY LOW DOWNS, 3RD & FAILING, GREASE CUTTER
(EJ's) Last week, as a perfectly mediocre punk band was playing the stage at EJ's, my friend turned to me and said, "Where is this going to exist, now?" Considering the band's singer had just made the asinine, if confusing, statement, "Jesus Christ is for chicks and fags," (who was he trying to insult?), I thought, "Nowhere, hopefully." But that's a lie, and unfair. While in recent years EJ's has hosted enough pathetically CBGB, punk revival, crap bands to kill a small horse, they've also nourished so many amazing rock and roll acts that never would have gotten a chance to play anywhere else. This show exemplifies that spirit in such a profoundly honest way. But don't get me wrong, what with all the flowery language and shit; it's going to rock. The Last of the Juanitas pour all their gnawing, stirring drive into the unyielding clamor of their guitar, bass and drums. Both The Bugs and 3rd and Failing are making super special, rare appearances (with any luck, that will change soon), and there are rumors about an incredibly deadly special guest. Is there a full moon tonight? Although it could be emotional, this last night will remind you not of EJ's as a place, but EJ's as a spirit--one of undying, pure musical passion. And isn't that what it's all about anyway, regardless of where it happens? JS
THE GODDAMN GENTLEMEN, THE VILES, THE HARPYS
(Satyricon) Stories are told of one typically frenzied Goddamn Gentlemen gig--a tiny club, packed to the limits, when the owner drenched the bar top with lighter fluid and set it aflame, with patrons dancing about as the flames licked the ceiling. Or that Medicine Hat benefit, when the guitarist's strings broke and he continued to play, waving the instrument about feverishly for the remainder of the set. Or that Salem concert, when the singer was pronounced legally dead moments before they were to appear and, suddenly, explosions rocked the stage and... wait, maybe not, but you get the idea, eh? Fireballs-befriending, label-irritating, Alexaxis-threatening punk as fuck. Except, they're actually rather pleasant and articulate. One of them's a proper teacher, even--that's why they only tour in the summer. And their songwriting's measurably improved, as the band masters their sound and the vocalist grows more comfortable with his powers. And they look so sharp. Seems a shame to keep 'em in the garage. JAY HORTON
MAN OF THE YEAR, THE MELODY UNIT
(Ohm) Let's get one thing straight--the end of the fraternal feuding between the Brothers Gallagher (and subsequent boring albums and declining sales) absolutely did NOT mark the death of Britpop. Fortunately, there are plenty of bands who continue to live for (and create) stylish, guitar-driven pop tunes with massive hooks. Even more fortunately, we're blessed with one right in our own backyard. Man of the Year have delivered a fine debut, The Future is Not Now, with a single ("Silver Dollar") so good you instantly have to know who Man of the Year are. If there's any justice in this life, people won't be asking that question much longer. Catch them now, while you can. BARBARA MITCHELL
SUNDAY 11/26
I do not have a goiter.
MONDAY 11/27
CHARM BRACELET FILM EXPO WITH BEDS, STEVE KRAMP
(Disjecta) Like spontaneous comedy sketches, musical improv can be so wanky, self-important, and boring. Many improv artists make the case that it's art "because this music will never happen again." Well, you know, sometimes maybe it shouldn't ever happen again. BUT and this is a very big BUT, that's precisely why improv can also be so beautiful. If an improv band has a vision, and that vision involves tapping every obscured neuron in their brains for precise musical taxonomy, the music becomes instantaneous and irrecoverable art, and it's powerful to be in its presence. Beds, two local boys who use their instruments to both surreally and solidly capture time, fit into the latter category. They'll impress even the most structure-loving listener, and you'll finally be able to see what's so lovable about improv. See Music pg XX JS
TUESDAY 11/28
RAHZEL, UGLY DUCKLING
(Pine Street Theater) Beat boxing, when done poorly, is incredibly boring, not to mention embarassing. But have you ever seen it done well? If not, Rahzel's your man: He'll convince you that listening to all those amateurs was worth it, if only they get as good as he is someday. He's recently played with names like the Roots and Erykah Badu, but this show he's solo, not just beat boxing but also rhyming--hopefully one of the best hip hop acts to roll into town for awhile. Ugly Duckling, on the other hand, is a whole different game. They're playful, funny, and melodic--but kind of already been done (Hello! Ever heard of Sugar Hill?). KD
WEDNESDAY 11/29
ISOTOPE 217, CHICAGO UNDERGROUND DUO
(Pine Street) Chicago 2000. The windy city is and has been ground zero for some of the most innovative free-jazz and post-rock for almost a decade. Isotope 217 is probably the free-est of the free, emerging from the loose conglomeration of musicians that variously include members of Tortoise, The Sea and Cake, 5ive Style, and some of Jim O'Rourke's projects. Coronetist Rob Mazurek is the de facto leader of both Isotope and the Chicago Underground Duo, and uses his improv prowess to elicit stellar performances from his backing musicians (witness drummer Johnny "Machine" Herndon, probably the best drummer on the planet). Isotope moves smoothly between minimal, almost silent musical ideas, complex Afro-Caribbean rhythms, and soaring Coltrane-esque theatrics. This show is a must-see for anyone wondering what happens to the boundaries of music as they are toyed with, beaten up a little bit, and ultimately expanded. MARK PINKOS
UZ JSME DOMA, WADSWORTH, THE TOILET BOYS, THE WEAKLINGS
(Satyricon) Face facts: rock and roll died in the West some time ago, while the ghosts of Hendrix, Morrison, Vicious and Cobain hover over its corpse. Thank god for the turmoil of Eastern Europe, where rock music has been injected with new life by bands like Uz Jsme Doma. These avant-rockers from the Czech Republic combine frenzied punk energy with the complexity of progressive rock, throwing in everything from jazz, ska, and European folk music in the blend. Constant touring has hardened them into a formidable live act. So what if you can't understand the Czech lyrics; the intensity of the music, which veers from beautiful to frightening, speaks for itself. ROLF SEMPREBON (ed.: The Toilet Boys, just added to the bill, amend this diversity with Poison-loving, hair-metal butt rock. Yay!)
GOING TO SEATTLE?
Thurs 11/23: The Pulses, Right On, The Spits (Vogue)
Fri 11/24: Damien Jurado, Songs:Ohia, Stradhoughton Echo (Paradox); Zeke, Hog Molly, The Catheters, Milhaus (Crocodile) The Cripples, The Bad Girls (Lock & Keel); The Briefs, New Town Animals, Nitrous Foxide (Sunset Tavern); Thee Heathen, Thee Old Codgers (Rainbow); Weary, Rural Pictures, Lower 48, Straw Dogs (Tractor)
Sat 11/25: Murder City Devils, The Briefs, The Glory Holes (EMP); Girl Trouble, Aieee! (Breakroom); Donald Glaude, A Guy Called Gerald (Showbox); It's Still Like That starring Rabbit in the Moon, Phife, Green Velvet, DJ Rectangle, more (Stadium Exhibition Center)
Mon 11/27: Uz Jsme Doma, Welcome, Aveo (Graceland);
Wed 11/29: Hell's Belles, Vandemonium, Pink Chihuahua, The Stuck-ups, Tiger Zane (Crocodile)
For more info, see www.thestranger.com
