THURSDAY 1/25

MISSING LINK PRESENTS THE SCARAB & DJ REALA, DJS IZM, VENOM 3, MARQUEZ, WICKED
(Ohm) How many chances do you get in Portland to see shows like this? The Scarab is a low-pro musician by choice; he and his crew, Living Legends, have turned down numerous label deals in favor of their financial and musical freedom. And shit can you tell, when you listen to the sincerity and passion with which they play. Scarab raps a mellow, melodic beat, that's both steady and fast while DJ Reala backs him up, cutting the glassy sounds of flute and chimes with sharp precision. See national hip hop in Portland in a venue that's not packed with SONY posters and 400 other people, and costs much less than $30. KATIA DUNN

SUPERDRAG, THE PUT OUTS, TIBANNA
(Pine Street) Although sometimes passed over by indie snobs because they once had an actual radio hit (the superb "All Sucked Out"), Superdrag produced two of the best albums of the '90s and sound just as exciting on their newest, In The Valley of Dying Stars. Songwriter/guitarist John Davis sings with soul, whether it's the British Invasion-style romps of their early days or new tunes like the sad piano-powered "Unprepared." The last time they were in Portland they played an excellent set for a scrawny crowd of 40. With a lackluster promotion job from their newest label, Arena Rock, I wouldn't be surprised to see another small crowd at this gig. But if you're a fan of timeless rock-n-roll, you'd be a dumb sack of shit to miss them this time. KEVIN SAMPSELL

FRANCIS FARMER GALS, MUMBLE AND PEG, THE NEARLY DEADS
(Meow Meow) Raspy voices face off between Mumble and Peg's frontman Erik Carter and lead Frances Farmer Gal JeriAnn. It promises to be a brutal match, M & P pulling out the alter-rock crescendos, plucked guitar and Tom Waits-esque scrappy yodels. The FFGs however, have been practicing their camel clutches, sand swallowing, and pop melodies, and should be amply prepared to put the smack down, especially in light of their recent hiatus. Unfortunately for my weak wrestling analogy these two bands are buddy, bud, bud--and will probably hug and kiss each other in between songs. KATIE SHIMER

FRIDAY 1/26

SIENTIFIC AMERICAN, FCS NORTH, MOME RATHS
(Medicine Hat) Remember trip-hop? Ah, the tried and true hip-hop breakbeat (boom-boom-crack!) with some samples layered on top like sprinkles on a cupcake. This will be Sientific American's (Seattle's Andy Rohrman) chance to take you back to '95, bringing his lo-fi, basement production aesthetic to the Hat. Also from the Emerald City, FCS North (prnncd "focus north" and for whom this show will commemorate their new record on Pacifico) blend traditional instruments (bass & drums) with an array of synths and samplers. While this arrangement is nothing groundbreaking, what they do with it sets them apart from the glut of bands with a newly-acquired sampler. Instead, deep washes of sound counter frenetic drumming with perhaps another synth lilting around in the open spaces.ELLIOTT ADAMS

MOMUS, STARS, ALCHEMY JONES
(Pine Street Theater) 40-year-old Scottish iconoclast Nick Currie years ago chose as his nom-de-tune the Greek god of blame and mockery, Momus. Like Serge Gainsbourg meets the Pet Shop Boys, Currie's literate baroque pop stylings are too smart and strange for the pop charts. Aside from his longtime association with Creation Records, only two events ever floated the Momus name on the mainstream: first, a commercially fruitful collaboration with whispery woman-child Kahimi Karie, who sent several Currie-penned tunes straight to the Japanese top five; and second, a rather more unfortunate run-in with musical pioneer and all-around wacky trannie Wendy Carlos. Her subsequent libel lawsuit against the artist led to 1999's Stars Forever EP, a cleverly executed novelty project which aimed to cover court costs by immortalizing--for a price, of course--rabid Momus fans with 30 personalized "song portraits." Tonight's show should introduce some of his latest work, Folktronic. LEAH GREENBLATT

RICHMOND FONTAINE
(Snake & Weasel) Richmond Fontaine exercises its country sorrows with an explosion of power chords and fast, heavy beats. The songs are like tragic vignettes, where characters are constantly moving across borders and deeper into themselves. The whiskey-soaked wisdom most of Willy Vlautin's characters find comes a moment too late, but that's fine for the listener. The pleasure is observing his sordid character's pursuit for something better, even without the apprehension. RORY CARROLL

KISSING BOOK, URBAN LEGENDS, KATY DAVIDSON
(Red & Black Café) Oh, softness. Kissing Book will make you want to paint your house light blue and drink Moxie from milk bottles--they do an understated, slightly depressed pop thing, although it's not the kind of '60s resurrection pop that makes you want to barf. It's just that minimal aesthetic that carries over, and Andrew Kaffer's vocals are breathy and light. Urban Legends, contrarily, can be happy as all get out, with Hutch Harris' slightly nasally yet ever-so-endearing voice made cuter by a harmonica. And Dear Nora's Katy Davidson has grown into quite an accomplished songwriter, writing sweet and seamless ballads that are just scrappy enough to keep from being cloying. JULIANNE SHEPHERD

SATURDAY 1/27

"AGAINST PATRIARCHY" STARRING NOVEMBER GROUP, THE INTIMA, WE SHOULD DIE, HARUM SCARUM
(U of O, Grayson Hall, Eugene) No, I haven't gone insane; just go to Eugene right now. If you are already in Eugene, I implore you to attend this (both girl- and boy-inclusive) festival. Not only can you attend awesome informational workshops like "Domestic Abuse Intervention" and "Sexism Within Punk," you can see The Intima, who I am proud as hell to say are from Portland and are in my Top Five Favorite Bands of all time. OK, I have a million favorite bands, but it is The Intima that makes the very flesh of my core quiver with such delight and expectant passion. Their weeping violin, their polar-conflicting guitars, their punk rock vocals, their pieced and piercing drumming... if any band is going to move you to make a dent in the patriarchal, capitalist monstrosity, it is The Intima. Even if you were not political before, their intensity will inspire you to make t-shirts that say "Fucking Organize" or "Mobilize While You Fucking Can" or write poems for Emma Goldman. I know, because I did. Plus radical hardcore from Portland (Harum Scarum, We Should Die) and Seattle (November Group)! JS

MATES OF STATE, ELECTRO GROUP, ALL-GIRL SUMMER FUN BAND
(Meow Meow) The All-Girl Summer Fun Band is just what the name implies--perfect for a January night in Portland. They're definitely up for a spot in girl-group heaven with the Shirelles and the Waitresses. Kim Baxter and Jen Sbragia contribute beautiful harmonies and the cutest lyrics you've ever heard to a sweet mix of '60s beach-pop, while Arirak Douangpanya and Kathy Foster keep things moving right along with a tight rhythm section. Electro Group, three boys from Sacramento, recalls the excellent orchestral pop of Swervedriver; also keep an eye out for their lovely album, A New Pacifica. See Music pg 13 SUSAN BEAL

BARFLY'S SECOND ANNUAL TRASHFEST STARRING JUNIOR'S GRADES, THE NO NO'S, BLUE BALLS
(Eagle's Lodge) In college, you loved Spring Break (all that beer and "bitchin' titties"). You smoked hash in your basement with Sabbath cranked at obscene decibals. You drove a Trans Am with an airbrushed eagle on the hood (or wanted to, anyway). And now, you want to relive the butt rock years, with Barfly, Van Halen cover band Junior's Grades, The No No's, and Blue Balls (who'll surely be dressed for the occasion). You'll get totally wasted, hoot shamelessly at the Wet T-Shirt contest, carve some Spam, and get a free Mullet haircut. And in the end, you won't feel like a total asshole, because all proceeds go to the Children's Cancer Association! If that ain't enough, this event is hosted by the trashiest stoner/weekend alcoholic in town, Mercury's own Wm™ Steven Humphrey! JS

SUNDAY 1/28

THE OPERACYCLE, GARMONBOZIA, THE HOLIDAYS
(Meow Meow) Two great Portland bands (The Holidays and The Operacycle) sandwich Garmonbozia (see: "Pain and Sorrow" line, The Arm, Fire Walk with Me) See Music pg 13 JS

CHEZ WHAT DEEP FREEZE BENEFIT STARRING MADE FOR TV MOVIE, MACHINE THAT FLASHES, THE NEARLY DEADS, TREASON, BLACK ANGUS, LIVING UNDER LIES, UNKINDNESS OF RAVENS
(1538 NE Alberta) Chez What Café on 22nd and NE Alberta has given so much to its neighbors, its friends, to out-of-towners and to all the kids moving here from Southeast. All they ask in return is that we come to their freezer benefit party. For just six dollars, less than it costs to see a really bad movie, guests will be treated to another crazy Chez What blowout with music, prizes, carnival games, a kissing booth. The raffle prizes include a meal for two once a week for a YEAR, a full-day recording session at Ground Score, CDs, tattoos, t-shirts, hair and pet care, and, if you're the big winner, FREE PABST MERCHANDISE! The "All Chez Band Review" will provide a showcase of the immense musical talent of past and present Chez What staff. CHANTELLE HYLTON

ANTI-SUPERBOWL VI STARRING PORTLAND OPERA
(Borders Downtown) If you live a life of extremes (and I'm not talking roller-lacrosse), probably the most anti-football thing you can do today is watch esteemed members of the Portland Opera have a sing-off while the rest of America enjoys 30-minute commercials and a bunch of dudes earn their 80 gazillion dollar keep by butting heads like barbarians. Unless, of course, you think football's homoeroticism is campier than these cats doing numbers from West Side Story, in which case I say more power to you, and may Lady Bast put a pretty spell on your heart. JS

MONDAY 1/29

COLIN MELOY, JOE HAEGE, JEFF LONDON, NICHOLAS DYLAN
(Lola's at the Crystal) So you're one of those melancholy music lovers who's spent more hours weeping over sad music than, like, breathing? I bet you know where all the slow tracks are on all your favorite CDs and you put those on repeat for an hour before you listen to the rest of the CD. Well, not to worry, you're not alone. In fact, they're putting on a whole show for you over at the Crystal! It's four boy wonders who will bring you to your knees with their sweet voices and earnest songs. And not to worry, no one is the kind that gets too sweety-sweet. It's more like, they're all broken-hearted and telling you all about it. And they're all different--each one will drive that stake into a little bit of a different place of your heart. And I know how you love that. KD

THE NEW DEAL, RAVI
(Ohm) Toronto's The New Deal is a perfect electronic group for both electro-heads and people who just like to feel like they're floating through space listening to some distorted '70s music while also tripping on acid. It's cool because it's a combination of all things contemporary about electronic music: breakbeats, trip-hop, acid jazz, and some live improvising. The sound is a distinct reference to mellow, pimpin' music from several decades ago, but as I said before, in a new good way that you've never heard before. It's mel-low, drink-sipping music that will rock you into a red plush satisfaction. KD

TUESDAY 1/30

SLOW, THE DIMES
(Medicine Hat) We last left our heroes, Slow, doing acoustic punk rock with showtune-sounding vocals and a badass drummer who raps sometimes, too. They were, as I recall, original and endearing (except for the Eminem cover), and I'll bet they've been practicing. The Dimes have, too, adding The Disappearer's Steve Gevurtz and tightening their demurely madcap, girls-in-the-garage melodrama. If you're into over-the-top, quirky, fashion-coordinated pop music, you should attend this show. And hey, even if you're not, it's always cool to see bands who aren't necessarily playing by the rules of stupid Mick Jagger-worshipping cock rock n' roll. JS

WEDNESDAY 1/31

THE GOSSIP CD RELEASE PARTY, THE SERUM GREYS, GLASS CANDY AND THE SHATTERED THEATRE
(Meow Meow) The Gossip, another one of those Olympia rock bands, are good, really good in fact, but let's put it this way: If you've seen them once, you never need to see them again. This is their CD release, but their new CD, That's Not What I Heard, pretty much sounds exactly like their last album, except with different words. But if you've never heard it or you don't believe me, go, certainly, and see a good rock band with an amazing stage presence do they same thing they always do. KD

A PERFECT CIRCLE
(Keller Auditorium) I could never get down with Tool. All the songs seemed to be about Jesus, and to give a guy named Maynard the mantle of cool was just too much to ask. But I saw A Perfect Circle open for Nine Inch Nails a few months back, and they were jaw-droppingly good. And though Maynard stood front and center and soaked up the adoration, it's clear that this is really Billy Howerdel's gig. The guitarist brings an operatic sense of melody to his guitar, unspooling, sweeping rock songs with the beautiful finesse of a gorgeous girl brushing her hair. There's something so fine, so enrapturing about this music, it can turn even the staunchest anti-headbanger around to face the buttrock. Forget the boors downtown who are going to ring the year out by getting loud and stupid--go with loud and lovely. JAMIE S. RICH

THE FASCINATION, THE VESPERTINES, THE FRINGE
(Medicine Hat) You might think that with a name like "The Fascination," this band would be pumping out Human League new wave, but you would be wrong. Aside from the fact that there's a lady keyboardist and I think she was wearing all white at their last show, they're about as new wave as Bon Jovi. Instead, they play boy-girl vocal pop music that needs to get a little tighter, but has a moderate amount of potential. The Vespertines includes members of Holy Sons; expect Malkmus-influenced indie rock (no, really!) with a scholarly attitude. JS

GOING TO SEATTLE?

Thurs 1/25: The Causey Way, Pleaseeasaur (Crocodile)

Fri 1/26: Melvins, Tight Bros, Homo-Eradicus (EMP)

Sat 1/27: Momus (Crocodile); Bloodhag (Breakroom); Anti-Pop Consortium (I-Spy)

For more info, visit www.thestranger.com