THURSDAY 6/21
THE ALBUM LEAF, THE SIX PARTS SEVEN, OMA YANG, LOOPDROP, ANDI CAMP
(Medicine Hat) The Album Leaf is Tristeza's Jimmy LaValle's solo, piano-and-electronics project, in which he creates drowsy bar tunes for technology-revolution hipsters. The act is like one you'd expect in a Chicago lounge far off in the future, but dizzied with post-ironic anomie, a lozenge for those searching for their souls. The Six Parts Seven fill out The Album Leaf's lonely introspection with their own instrumental dynamics. Whether quiet or loud, they have a propensity for the intense, all-encompassing soundscape. This will be a great show, full of content and innuendo. JULIANNE SHEPHERD See CD Review pg 15
HOLLY GOLIGHTLY, THE REAL PILLS, THE WOGGLES, NEARLY DEADS
(Satyricon) "WOOOAH, DAVY CROCKETT!" The bootied, enthusiastic diva for Scottish garage band Thee Headcoatees, Holly Golightly's solo act sees her abandoning her previous band's cheerleader-style party anthems for seductive svelte-a-billy and cowgirl basement tunes. Her voice is ever the velvety, and she's cute as punch onstage, and although her tunes tend to get a little same-y, what else would you expect from a Headcoatee? She'll do an impeccable job of charming you away from the suctioned cave of boredom. JS
MOUSE ON MARS, VERT, HELIO SEQUENCE
(B Complex, 320 SE 2nd) I'm not quite sure what it is that makes Mouse on Mars OK with me. I wouldn't usually devote so much time to such straightforward electronic music. Not that Mouse on Mars would be considered particularly straightforward to active participants of the electronic music scene, but as far as I'm concerned, it's all fuckin' techno. Perhaps I was at a fragile stage in my formative music listening years when I bought their record on a whim. Or maybe I thought they were on Thrill Jockey. Usually when I buy outside of my typical music circle, I find out later that insiders consider that group to be old news or laughably pop. I don't think this is the case with Mouse on Mars. They're far too good at what they do to be either of those things. JOE FAUSTIN KELLY
FRIDAY 6/22
KATHY ZIEGLER CD RELEASE ACCIDENT
(Groundswell Café) I think 95% of all CD releases are probably accidents--horrible cosmic ones, bestowed upon my ex-Catholic ass by a vengeful Virgin Mary to illustrate how my personal eternity will be spent atoning for my numerous sins. However, though she's billing it as such, Kathy Ziegler's CD release isn't the fodder of mutilated deer on the highway. She's actually a pale-voiced and trembling singer/guitarist. Her music is light as lavender, gritty yet emotional, and though I wouldn't listen to it constantly, an eternity with a Kathy Ziegler CD would be a hell of a lot nicer than just one night in the pokey with Crazy Town or... House of Pain. JS
SMOG, QUASI, NORFOLK & WESTERN
(Berbati's) Oh, dear Lord, Smog makes me so hot. Bill Callahan is sexy in the same way this older man in my college writing class was. This gentleman wrote a poem about doing impossibly dirty things to Katherine Hepburn's onscreen personas. He left me so surprised and turned on that I almost fell out of my chair with desire. Smog is like that: he's the ex-con, trying to make good. He'll move you to the country and into a little cottage with a porch, and later hold you down on your own cold basement floor until the air has all but left your lungs. It's amazing that the Mercury even let me write this, as I'm so in love with him from afar, it's practically a conflict of interest. His songs are like secrets he's finally telling, and, his recent absurdly-titled album Dongs of Sevotion will leave you half laughing, half-disturbed, but thoroughly engaged. Engaged, or in my case, betrothed. KATE MERCIER
THE JOLENES, BLUEBALLS, LADYKILLER
(Ash Street) My initial foray into The Jolenes' music left me annoyed (it was one of their first shows, and I was wondering why these women in matching outfits were using expensive, coveted Rickenbacker guitars if they were only going to play amateur A and D chords?!), but their three-song demo makes up for it a bit. Though they rip off an Excuse 17 chorus (listen to "Sevenwhateverteen" and The Jolenes' "Kelly's Got a Stalker" consecutively), they probably don't know it, and there are worse things to mimic than early Sleater-Kinney projects. The Jolenes are kind of poppy in the way the Josie and the Pussycats movie band was--filled with sugar and spice and everything nice--and oy vey, you're overdosing on carbohydrates. But it's fun while it lasts, like the empty calories of gummy worms. JS
BENEFIT FOR MULTIBALL STARRING GODDAMN GENTLEMEN, KING LOUIE'S 1 MAN BAND
(Billy Ray's) We haven't seen a new issue of our favorite pinball publication, multiball, in awhile, so go kick down some cash so they can put out another issue, already. In addition to watching Portland's fantastic Goddamn Gentlemen sweat their faces off through their 50-horsepower guitar explosions, you will be allowed to play the glorious pinball, and challenge your neighbor to a duel of wits and flippers. JS
18 VISIONS, STRIKE ANYWHERE, BLEEDING THROUGH, MISSING 23 RD, FISTFULL
(Fallout Shelter, 400 W Evergreen, The 'Couve) Strike Anywhere is a political punk/hardcore band from Richmond, Virginia, that blends metallic pop-punk and lyrics about globalization with the best, most energetic screaming. Frankly, I'm surprised I like them--and I swear to fucking god it's not just cause they got signed by Jade Tree--like I was surprised when I realized I like similar bands such as Anti-Flag. I listened to pop-punk in high school, and it hasn't changed in the 6- or 7-year interim, right? But these bands' boyish, political charm gets me every time, and for the most part, it's not gross and cocky and condescending to women like a lot of punk and emo bands are. It's for the people! JS
BJÖRN AGAIN, MISS CYBELVIS MONROE
(Roseland) Though their voices can only approximate the honey-spun, roller-disco arias of Agnetha Faltskog and Frida, ABBA cover band Björn Again makes up for any musical shortcomings with reverent audacity (and ABBA/Police medleys). In appearance, Björn Again's members actually resemble ABBA, down to shiny pantyhose, strawberry lip gloss, and fancy, Cameron Diaz-style winged tulle shawls. Even their names--Agnetha Falstart, Frida Longstokin, Benny Anderwear and Björn Volvo--mimic ABBA's with the sharpness of a Charles Busch play. Expect all the hits. JS
DAMIEN JURADO, CARISSA'S WIERD, JEFF LONDON, SUPER XX MAN
(Meow Meow) Upon listening to Damien Jurado's latest release, Ghost of David, the part of my brain whose prime function it is to criticize lo-fi folk music perks up--but remains inactive. Standing out like a healthy thumb on Sub Pop's current cock rock-riddled roster, Damien Jurado passes the test that comes about in such a minimal album setting, and achieves great songwriting. Joining him is Carissa's Wierd, who get the Julianne Shepherd award for "The Best Band in Seattle," and rightfully so. With their unrelenting sincerity, illustrious punk parterre, and songs that could stand on their own if they themselves only contained one member, this show will be void of disappointment. JFK
SATURDAY 6/23
THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS
(Dante's) The New Pornographers' album is so "quintessential power-pop side project" that I could sing along with it after the first listen, riding shotgun in my friend's truck. How often does that happen--being able to sing the next line before you've actually heard it? It's so bouncy and lippy that it's the music equivalent of a jump-start. Neko Case was originally ordered to sing like a soulless robot, to ensure a straight delivery, but her country crooning bulges through in places. This adds dimension to what would otherwise be just a smarmy Brit-pop tribute band from Canada. Someone should mention that "Commonwealth" doesn't equal "British accent." For spot-on accents, look to Silver Sun. In lieu of that, the New Pornographers are good clean fun. KATE MERCIER
DR. FROCKROCKET'S VIVIFYING (RE-ANIMATRONIC) MEDICINE SHOW
(Meow Meow) Some of the Northwest's most active, creative ladies mix performance art, music, and subconscious journeys. See Music pg 15
THE EPOXIES, VOLUMEN, COBRA HIGH, STARANTULA
(Satyricon) Though they speak broken English, The Epoxies' new wave language is more universal than love. They belong in arenas and on the TVs. See Music pg 15
SO SADLY FUCKED, BATHTUB FULL OF SHARKS, PANGS
(Medicine Hat) So Sadly Fucked is the kind of band that you listen to because you just really enjoy the constant feeling of upbeat ignorant bliss, or because you want to forget. But instead of forgetting about your usual "major bummer dude," you forget things like turning off the curling iron, turning off the spot welder, watering the cat, or sending your dad a Father's Day card. But that's just fine. You deserve some feel-good time. JFK
SUNDAY 6/24
THE STAR DEATH, POOR RICH ONES, FREE VERSE, HEART BEATS RED
(Meow Meow) Lots of intense, lady punk rock... plus the Poor Rich Ones, who are a bunch of mellow boys from Norway. Though it's odd they're sandwiched between the women giving the shakedown, it'll be a good show. Just prepare yourself for the shock to your system when Poor Rich Ones begin to unload their prettily moody, soprano, hand-holding water music. JS
HATEBREED
(Pine Street) Want to loosen up your new girlfriend for a tender make-out session? Let me give you the secret--try some Hatebreed, it seriously does the trick. Another use: I was babysitting the other day, and the kid would not go to bed. What did I do? Yep, threw a Hatebreed tape in the kid's mini-tape recorder and quick as lightening, it was like I doped her up on 'ludes. Hatebreed: simply an amazing sleep stimulant. Anyhow, I know you'd think that Hatebreed would be like some crazy, heavy hardcore with one of those gravelly voiced singers. You might even picture an insane mosh pit with shoes and glasses flying all over the place. Maybe if you thought long, you'd even think of some long-hairs jumping around and headbanging to stutter-quick guitars. All right, fine. You'd be right. KATIE SHIMER
POSSIBLE FIRST OPEN DAY FOR BLACKBIRD
(Blackbird, NE 37th & Sandy) Our pals at Portland's newest and prettiest club, the Blackbird, say they may be ready for business today (but if they're not, try them tomorrow). Though there won't be any bands or DJs until next week, you can still saunter in tonight, before we all stamp out our cigarettes and spill our Manhattans all over the carpet, and bask in the clean aura of their gorgeous, red-stained bar. (Factual tidbit: the bar top is custom-built by the Mercury's own Joe Faustin Kelly, who not only rocks and writes, but has a generous hand in fine artistic carpentry.) Read next week's Mercury for an interview with the club's owner, master studio engineer/sound guy/rocker Pat Kenneally. JS
MONDAY 6/25
TRACKER, DOLOREAN, J-BIRD
(Crystal) Many of you probably know about Tracker and their pop greatness, but the hidden beauty of this show lies in the songs of Dolorean. Having only played a handful of shows, you'll be surprised at how confident this small band is. Alex James strums his way through heartfelt songs while Jay Clarke sprinkles keyboard parts around that would make a sober man cry. They play music as personal as Cat Power and as textured as Portastatic, and they do it with majestic grace. Their just-completed CD also displays these assets. Discover them and rejoice. KEVIN SAMPSELL
OZZFEST
(Gorge) I'm really rather pissed off at Ozzfest this year. For one, it's on a Monday, so who the hell is going to be able to go? Secondly, Papa Roach, Linkin Park and Crazy Town are bill mates with Black Fucking Sabbath. Ozzy has forced me to stop taking one of MY ALL TIME FAVORITE bands seriously, which is a MAJOR BUMMER!!!!! Thirdly and finally, I implored Mr. Osborne's promo people for tickets, backstage passes, an interview or anything--a glimpse of Ozzy in his trailer for chrissake, and what do I get? A form letter a week before the show that says I better have gotten a ticket from one of the bands if I want to get in, and a bunch of other "Dear Journalist" mumbo jumbo that was too boring to read. So anyway, I hope Black Sabbath still tears it up metal-style all day long and everything, but I think that's going to be a little hard considering that they're soul-less, money-grubbing, reunion tour SELL-OUTS. KATIE SHIMER
TUESDAY 6/26
STEVE LACY
(NW Cultural Center) A giant of the soprano saxophone, in his forty-plus-year career, Steve Lacy has been the leader on no less than five albums that could be considered masterpieces. He's worked with Monk, Cecil Taylor, Miles, Kenny Burrell, Gil Evans, Roswell Rudd, Don Cherry, and many others, all with a flair for the avant-garde and a respect for jazz's origins and traditions. Although he has played in dozens of styles, it's the music of Monk that he keeps returning to-always finding new and exciting inspirations in songs that have long been a part of bop's canon. His group-Irene Abei (vocals), George Lewis (trombone), Jean-Jacques Avenel (bass), and John Betsch (drums)-is as skilled as they come, making this what will likely be one of the best jazz concerts of the year. MURRAY CIZON
WEDNESDAY 6/27
DJ SPOOKY, MASTERS OF ILLUSION, ALTER EGO
(B Complex) See Music pg 17
BOYRACER, LUNCHBOX, HONEYBUNCH, AWESOME
(Jasmine Tree) This evening, hosted by the illustrious, down-on-his-luck, drunk Long Island comedian Buddy Pants, is an indiepop fantasy (only usurped by the fact that the same show is occurring in Seattle, but with TULLYCRAFT). Leeds, England's Boyracer, recently re-formed with Stewart and Matty joining Jen Turrell and Frank from Bright Lights, puts forth an infectiously raucous guitar to tone down their flirty-nerdy vocals. Oakland's Lunchbox is a special treat, with a fuzz sensibility, distorted keyboards, and a perfect blend of boy choruses and smooth girl oohs and ahhs. Honeybunch and Awesome pull out all the pop stops, and if you're lucky, Buddy Pants might touch you where you want to be touched. If you know what I mean. JS
GOING TO SEATTLE?
Thurs 6/21: Television (EMP)
Fri 6/22: Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, the Donnas (EMP)
Sat 6/23: Public Enemy, Source of Labor (EMP)
For more info, visit www.thestranger.com
New Releases June 26: Alpha & Omega, Azalia Snail, Bacon Brothers, Bionaut, DJ Dara, Eltro, Euphoria, Ben Folds, Full Force, Cowgirls, Mandy Moore, Marumari, Melochrome, Ozzy Osborne, Q-Burns Abstract Message, Scared of Chaka, Squarepusher, Tricky, TSOL, White Stripes
