MATCHBOX TWENTY, TRAIN
(Gorge) I'm sure you can guess that I don't care about Matchbox Twenty. But what I do care about is that the people who are attending this show, and future shows at the Gorge, will now be unable to bring in containers or backpacks, due to "heightened security measures at all public assembly facilities across America." THIS IS NOT OKAY. You start giving up your containers and backpacks now (and being forced to pay a million dollars for bottled water), and pretty soon you're giving up your right to go out after dark, or your right to speak about against blind fear such as this. Or you're giving King George II a fucking blank check to steal money from social programs, and murder more innocent civilians. Everyone's saying, "We can't show the terrorists we're scared," yet we're all so scared shitless that we're willing to stand in line at the airport for four hours, or let the FCC make records of our emails. Look, if the "terrorists," whoever they may be, are going to strike again, they're not going to hit the stupid Gorge. You can stop these revoking of rights by withholding your money from organizations that promote them--don't buy tickets to shows where the venues treat you like you should be afraid of yourself. JULIANNE SHEPHERD
LATYRX, FIVE FINGERS OF FUNK, COOL NUTZ, LIFESAVAS, BOOM BAP PROJECT, PROZ & CONZ, STARCHILE, MR. D.O.G., MORSE CODE, DJ WICKED
(Roseland) Basically, everybody who's recognized as Up and Coming in the Northwest hiphop scene is going to be at this showcase, so if you like hiphop, and you're interested in what's local, you should come. Especially noteworthy, however, will be Latyrx. They're one of those artists who only come out occasionally and then, I imagine, go back to mixing brilliant music, which no one will hear for a really long time. The name Latyrx comes from a combo of the names of the two members: Lateef the Truth Speaker and Lyrics Born, and their latest album, Solesides Greatest Bumps, features vocals so tight and snappy, you'll wonder if it's really a human recording. Hopefully they'll be just as impressive live. KATIA DUNN
THE TOILET BOYS, THE WEAKLINGS, DIAMOND TUCK & THE MAN PARLOUR, THE GIRLS
(Satyricon) This isn't anything like Wendy O. Williams, make no mistake. And who cares if it's anything like Hedwig and the Angry Inch? (Aren't you sick and tired of all that noise by now?) It's silly, anthemic glam metal from a gaggle of New York City gays (and some straights), fronted by a drag queen who looks like Amanda Lepore, minus collagen injections. And the best part is, the Boys are actually really good at what they do. Whether 1987 L.A. revisited (and gender-bent) sounds like your cup of tea or not, this show should be one of the silliest and most enjoyable evenings out this week. JEFF DeROCHE
HIPHOP JAM SESSION/FREESTYLE FORUM
(Ethos) The last Freestyle Forum, held about three months ago, was pretty sparse--the audience consisted of five MCs switching off, one DJ, three high school kids, and me--but it was enough of a treat to make sure to attend this time. It was the place for freestylers to show off their rhymes. The lyrics were eclectic, funny, slightly pervy (one guy talked about how the only gun he had was in his pants--but not in a lewd way, more like a joke). It's cool and has a really neighborhood-y feel--or maybe that's just because it's in my neighborhood, whatever. JS
THE DECEMBERISTS, ELYSE WEINBERG, THE PLACES
(Blackbird) It's time to pony up and soak in some of Portland's prettiest voices. We are all familiar with the warm storytelling of Colin Meloy (Decemberists) and breathy emotion of Amy Annelle (Places). But Elyse Weinberg, who released a psychedelic folk album in the '60s that collectors buy on eBay for like a million dollars, is a gem that we rarely get to experience. This show is your Thursday nite warm blanket. JS
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 21
THE HAGGARD CD RELEASE PARTY, LAVENDER MENACE, POLKA-DOT CHOKE-A-LOT
(Red & Black) The more I think about it, the more I feel I don't appreciate The Haggard enough. They are a sparse-sounding duo of guitar and drums, and they fill out their punk with alternating growls and screams--voices that exhibit a burning dissatisfaction with status quo, and an unquenchable desire to change it. And right now, the thought of being around such strength means more than it ever did, especially when that strength is generated from two young ladies who play like they know their music has far more balls than the shriveled old testes that hang sorrowfully from America's war corporation. We all may be blown to worthless bits in the coming months, but for now, we've got the voices to scream about it. The Haggard does not fuck around; for that, I pledge my undying love. JS
ROLLERBALL, OVO, MOME RATHS
(Blackbird) Italian outsider Ovo treads along the edges of modern composition, combining outsider techniques with the calculated deconstruct of contemporary composers. Music boxes, devilish piano, violins, shards of guitar, and drums characterize the group, but it is their creepy vocalist that lends humanity to an otherwise primarily artful venture. She audibly hems and haws or whines as if she is writhing in pain, over samples of the radio or men speaking Italian. Rollerball's performances are always riveting, with partially improvised keyboards, harmonies, and saxophones pounding in possessed tandem. The group's vocalist Shane De Leon, however, acts as a focal point--his eyes roll back into his head, he sometimes licks the microphones, and his lanky body dances like a heretic Gumby as he sings, screams, and plays trumpet or rings bells. Limits will be pushed in the pure name of art. JS
THE BELLRAYS, GODDAMN GENTLEMEN, REAL PILLS, KING LOUIE, GET DOWN SYNDROME
(Satyricon) L.A.'s BellRays combine punk and R&B with so much sweat, you'll have to towel off once they leave the stage. The "maximum rock and soul" act uses frontwoman Lisa Kekaula to channel Tina Turner, James Brown, and Janis Joplin through a stormy mix of high-energy MC5 commotion. Kekaula's got a hearty, heavy set of pipes, and she's definitely the sultry command post of this foursome. She's backed by a good-time mess of thick-ribbed riffs, bluesy squeals, and punishing drumming that brings the boogie back to punk rock. JENNIFER MAERZ
COPTER, THE STANDARD, DUTCH FLAT, SARAH DOUGHER, SAUVIE ISLAND MOON ROCKET FACTORY, RELENT FOR NO ONE
(Meow Meow) Seattle's Dutch Flat has guitars that burn red with real intensity and persistence, as if they've been holding their breath just to let the pressure build. Their pulsing melodies are orchestrated around screams and great drum fills, or deflated vocals and a burning slide guitar. They have tons of neat, arty-punk ideas, but they don't go so far into their heads that they'll lose the audience. Conversely, they don't just play played-out indie rock, and their live show is probably going to blow you out of the fucking water. JS
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 22
THE INTIMA, THE DISAPPEARER, STEVE KRAMP
(Stumptown on Division, 8 pm) Due to unforeseen circumstances, The Intima had to reschedule last week's show for tonight. You should go see them, because they are fucking powerful, incendiary, artful punk rock with guitar, bass, drums, violin, and lyrics bleated out with force and fire. JS
PLEA FOR PEACE STARRING HOT WATER MUSIC, MATT SKIBA, ALKALINE TRIO, THRICE, MIKE PARK, LONGSHOT
(PSU, Shattuck Hall) Hot Water Music has funny beards and wear shorts onstage. They are like the American hardcore version of that punk band Leatherface--they're extremely political, and they'll follow through by being really nice to you after the show. JS
DISCO FOR CHOICE
(O'Connor's) How many times have you found yourself in a jam only Planned Parenthood could solve? If you're like me... A BUNCH. It's time to pay back those wonderful folks, and have an ass-shakin' time while doing it, at Disco for Choice: a benefit '70s dance for Planned Parenthood. And, ooooh! Disc Jockey Gregarious will be there (a known expert on all things bootylicious). And, whoopee! It's all ages, and costumes are encouraged. Get that junk outta your trunk and get ready to bump! WSH
VINTAGE CLOTHING & HANDMADE SALE STARRING A VARIETY OF SOLO ARTISTS
(Portland Robot Steakhouse, 4-7 pm, 288-6857 for info) It's Saturday afternoon, and you're trying to kick that nasty coffee addiction. It's turning you into an unrecognizable monster and you need moral support. Do not fret; there is a place where you can turn. At the Steakhouse's vintage clothing/handmade sale, they'll be serving tea, which can sometimes be more caffeinated than coffee. Plus you can buy vintage and handmade clothing for all shapes and sizes. Solo musicians (possibly including Urban Legends' Kathy, the Disappearer's Steve, and Culotte's Iris) soothe you. Coffee is good, but you must take back your life. JS
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 23
THE DAMNED, SWINGIN UTTERS, PLEASURE FOREVER
(Roseland) I know The Damned are considered punk rock pioneers, but they've always come off as complete careerists to me. At various times, they've sounded like The Sex Pistols, The Jam, Echo and The Bunnymen, Bauhaus, and Love and Rockets. Even when they wrote some good songs, like "Is It A Dream" or "Stranger In This Town" or "New Rose," the cheeseball delivery of Dave Vanian managed to coat the music in a Vaudeville sheen, and leave the slimy trail of the poseur. Still, if you are fascinated with the psychology of crowds, consider going to this show. Because fans of The Damned's hokey black mass are more committed that most, true believers who will no doubt swoon and sway in a display of collective rapture--which is always a beautiful thing to behold. MICHAEL SHILLING
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 24
KARL BLAU, LITTLE WINGS
(Stumptown on Division, 8 pm) Dreamy boy vocals and a folky lean-to are what Karl Blau is about--he's got the acoustic-punk aesthetic down, in that he breaks the rules of folk and sings elegantly against scrappy guitar playing. Little Wings is equally dreamy, but a little less scrappy, with a smooth tenor that will make you faint, and an affinity for love-Americana of days gone by. JS
DJ SPINOFF 2001
(Copper Penny) Hey you, aspiring DJ in the corner. Yeah you. I know you're reading this, and I bet you didn't know that I know that you have a secret dream of becoming a DJ. Well, I do, and now's your chance to win a complete DJ Booth, so you can quit hacking around and get down to some real biz. Here's how it works. On Monday, there's a "spin off" at the Copper Penny, an adorable little bar way the hell out on 92nd and Foster. The winner gets 200 bones and then progresses onto the semi-finals, and then the final finals, where he/she will be awarded a full DJ Booth. Rad, isn't it? KD
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 25
SLIPKNOT, SYSTEM OF A DOWN, RAMMSTEIN, MUDVAYNE
(Rose Garden) Sure, you can fault these guys for silly stage names, laughable costumes, and incomprehensible lyrics, but the one thing you cannot fault them for is their savage, gargantuan guitar riffs, gut-wrenching drums, and preternatural screaming that sounds like an apocalyptic call to arms. Of course, I could be describing any one of the bands on the bill, but I am referring specifically to Mudvayne, the ill-adjusted quartet from America's wasteland, Peoria, Illinois. I've visited Peoria, and I'm pretty sure the town itself played a part in transforming these guys into the country's favorite metal mutants. If you can withstand Mudvayne's full frontal assault, and the band's evil kindred spirits Slipknot and SOAD, don't turn your cerebellum to sludge; enjoy the spectacle of Rammstein's Till Lindemann singing a post-industrial serenade in German while engulfed in flames. DAVID SLATTON
STEVE WYNN, GIRLS SAY YES
(Blackbird) Almost 20 years after the Dream Syndicate unleashed Days of Wine & Roses on unsuspecting indie rock fans, Steve Wynn is riding high. Days..., long out of print, has been reissued by Rhino, and Wynn recently released Here Comes the Miracles, an awe-inspiring two-CD set that's widely considered to be the best album of his solo career. The record is nothing short of an exploration of American music, filtered through equal parts Velvet Underground and Crazy Horse. Paul Westerberg wishes he made this album (both he and Wynn worship at the Church of Chilton, after all), but Wynn deserves it. It's rare when an artist of this caliber sticks to his guns and gets the payoff in the end. All is not lost in the music industry. MURRAY CIZON
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 26
MONEY MARK FEATURING KID KOALA, LAKE TROUT W/ SUGAR FROM BUFFALO DAUGHTER
(Aladdin) Why oh why can't Kid Koala and Sugar ditch these time-wasters and play solo showcases? Sure, Kid Koala will no doubt enliven Money Mark's pedestrian material, but why bother? It's bad enough that Koala regularly forces audiences to endure his never-quite-right band Bullfrog. Yes, Mr. Mark peddles a "funky" keyboard sound, but that don't mean he got the Funk. Sugar is a goddess who can play beautiful strummy pop, 303 vocoder bomp-a-thons and, with her Buffalo Daughter bandmate Yukiko Ohmo, compelling funk (the real stuff) workouts. Hopefully, the "w/ Sugar" credit does not mean she will actually be sharing the stage with the uninspiring flute and simplified drum 'n' bass improv band that calls itself Lake Trout. STEPHEN STRAUSBAUGH
LUKE JANELA
(Red & Black) Luke Janela, a talented singer/ guitarist recently relocated from Ukiah, California, writes amazing music. Recorded, his voice is rich and honest, glimmering with harmonies, and buoyed by drum machines and the shivering pull of the bow against the strings. He also plays cello and sings, which is my absolute favorite, because I have a big boner for string instruments. But it's not wanton love--his intonation is awesome; he can make the cello sound as warm and full as his voice. Luke's songs are dark and soulful, but lit by stars. JS
HEART BEATS RED, MINMAE, MENOMENA
(Blackbird) Menomena, from the Cut & Paste Collective, makes delightful recordings of quirky, lo-fi music, complete with wavering vocals and plinking on the piano. Minmae is also said to be congealing from their previous lo-fi barrage of drums and guitar. I don't really know what's going to happen here, but based on previous research, there is a 98 percent chance it will be neat. JS
GOING TO SEATTLE?
Fri 9/20: Toilet Boys (Breakroom)
Tues 9/25: Money Mark w/Kid Koala (Crocodile)
For more info, visit www.thestranger.com
New Releases Sept 25: Ryan Adams, Allure, Barenaked Ladies, Carpet Musics, C-Bo, Deicide, DMX*, Eyeliners, Jay Farrar, Tim Finn, Four Tet, Grace Period, Herbie Hancock*, Hefner, James William Hindle, I.G.T., Innocence Mission, King's X, Landing, Lil' Troy, Los Straitjackets, Marshall Crenshaw*, Metamatics, Microphones*, Modest Mouse*, Mudhoney, Pattern, Prima Donnas, Reindeer Section, Rewake, Rroland*, Sense Field, Strokes, Suicide Machines, Tenacious D*, Suzanne Vega,
* may actually turn out okay
