THURSDAY 1/30

DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS, I CAN LICK ANY SONOFABITCH IN THE HOUSE
(Lola's, 1334 W Burnside)
The snickering, balls-to-the-walls roots rockers that are Drive By Truckers have been poking fun at all things Southern since 1996, hats tipped in homage all the while. Punk in nature but rodeo in spirit, the Truckers' earlier releases (1998's Gangstabilly and '99's Pizza Deliverance, both on Ghostmeat) were more camp than concept, but all that changed in 2001 with the release of The Southern Rock Opera on SDR. Half Leonard Skynyrd biography, half tall tale about a boy moving North and grappling with his upbringing in the South, TSRO blasts the band's past efforts out of the swamp water with its unapologetic onslaught of triple-guitar riffage. This is sure to be a raucously good time, especially if the Truckers bust out the kind of intensity showcased on Alabama Ass Whuppin', '99's live release. JOAN HILLER

GREEN CIRCLES, VANISHING KIDS, HUMAN GENOME PROJECT
(Satyricon, 125 NW 6th)
Simply put: Vanishing Kids rock it. They're tight recorded, they're tight live, and they house my new favorite guitar idol ever, Nikki Drohomyreky, who plays odd, dark note progressions, with skill and ease. The quartet is surprising, because they play a familiar sound--murky, thick, and deceptively elaborate, goth-ISH rock with spikes--yet their actual melodies are unpredictable. And, you know, they have this onstage presence--aloof; not pretentious, but worldly. JULIANNE SHEPHERD

ZEN GUERILLA, FIREBALLS OF FREEDOM, HEAVY JOHNSON TRIO, JET CITY FIX
(Blackbird, 3728 NE Sandy)
Zen Guerrilla are a rock 'n' roll religion of their own making. The band's been around longer than God, and frontman Marcus Durant is a rock 'n' soul preacher whose Good Book is filled with psychedelic musings. The San Francisco band's blues/gospel/Bowie-cover sermons are delivered with more sweat than an evangelist on the stand for tax evasion, and their theatrical energy only adds fuel to the musical grease fires that spread throughout their live shows. JENNIFER MAERZ

FRIDAY 1/31

CALI AGENTS: PLANET ASIA & RASCO, MORE
(Fez, 316 SW 11th)
See MWBW pg 13

THE GAYS, TOUGH LOVE, DANCE PARTY
(Fast Forward, 6616 NE MLK)
An evening of punk rock (The Gays) and rock punk (Tough Love) plus a DJ Dance party with DJs Johnee, Maxamillion and Chuck. Donations will go to replacing sound equipment that has been battered beyond usability by bands like The Gays and Tough Love. KS

THE DOLOMITES, CAPTAIN BOGG & SALTY, PIRATE JENNY
(Dante's, 1 SW 3rd)
It's the Dolomites' last show, before ringleader Stevhen Iancu migrates to New York to join Reverend Glasseye and presumably indulge in those frigging awesome roasted nuts they sell from carts. Check out their bathtub fonk and madcap funeral jigs one... last... time. JS

IMBOLC, BLOOD BOX, NOTHING, SLEEPING WITH THE EARTH
(Center Space, 420 SE 6th)
If you're not into performances that are "intense," you're going to want to be wary of this one. IMBOLC, as far as I can tell, is one woman, a Goddess worshipper/occult enthusiast who does performance art backed by sampled and manipulated sounds and voice processing. There will most likely be film pieces of some sort. In short, IMBOLC is "a breakthrough towards a whole Universal Vision centered on the concept of Matriarchy" and not for people who like to play checkers or watch Joe Millionaire or drink a lot. (If you like it, you can see it at the Jasmine Tree on Sat 2/1, and the Blackbird on 2/2). KS

THE PUNK GROUP, SPOOKY DANCE BAND
(Blackbird)
See Music pg 15

DIVISION OF LAURA LEE, BURNING BRIDGES, THE CATHETERS, THE OUT CROWD
(Satyricon)
Division of Laura Lee's second LP, Black City, is full of party tunes for the rock revivalist, and it's stirred up enough of a buzz to earn the band packed houses from the Brooklyn Bridge to the Golden Gate. Whether or not they have staying power is yet to be determined, but if they're a flash in the pan, at least it's a bright one. The Seattle-based Catheters deserve mention, too--they're championing balls-out demolition r'n'r like few attemptees are these days. A little bit of Dead Boys, a little bit of Slash's Snakepit, and a lot of gusto give a new meaning to the phrase "rock the light electric." JH

G.B.H., TOXIC NARCOTIC, THE FORGOTTEN, THE AMAZOMBIES
(Berbati's, 231 SW Ankeny)
G.B.H. versus G.H.B, a lesson in compare and contrast. G.B.H. pros: Smart enough to change their name from the awful "Charged G.B.H." Good to their fans. Occasional flashbulb moments of white-hot thrash. G.H.B. pros: Aids alcohol's noble mission. G.B.H. cons: Terrible album covers ("evil" leprechauns with liberty spikes--jigga wha?!) Stale musical aesthetic. Fanbase still clinging to 1980 (leather! spikes! Hot Topic!) G.H.B. cons: Falling down at inappropriate times. Drooling. Loss of bladder control. Spacey grins (and we ain't talkin' Kevin.) Scary panel van stigma. One word: glowsticks. ADAM GNADE

TIM LEE
(Mississippi, 3552 N Mississippi)
Gritty twanger Tim Lee has been influencing the alt-country scene since his days with the Windbreakers in the '80s. Big boys like Wilco owe a lot to him, especially in terms of vocal stylings. Lee's voice is rough and earthy, yet gentle; slightly off-pitch, yet warm and welcoming. JUSTIN WESTCOAT SANDERS

SATURDAY 2/1

BARKFEST STARRING JOHN LENNY RANCHER, SPOOKY DANCE BAND, TUMBLEWEEDS
(Disjecta, 116 NE Russell)
Sure, this show is $12, which may be more money than you made this month; but did you know that these $12 are tax deductible because they go to the nonprofit group Bark? Just to keep you abreast, Bark monitors and disputes timber sales in the Mt. Hood National Forest so that you don't have to. Besides your donation, you can further support Bark by buying something at the silent auction, where at they'll be selling bike gear, backpacks, artwork, a cabin retreat, and other things that seem hippie but are actually quite useful. KS See Music pg 15

WOW & FLUTTER, ROLLERBALL, TRANSATLANTIC ICEFLOE
(The New Space, 1632 SE 10th)
From Seattle, Transatlanic Icefloe's sweeping orchestral rock creates a sound that could not only fill the Rose Garden, but that would also leak out and grab your attention while your stuffing your face at the hot dog cart. If this were to happen, their tight booming sound would pick you up like a magic carpet and escort you back to your seat, at which point you would realize... YOU DROPPED YOUR HOT DOG. No, just kidding, you'd sit happily, lulled into the physical relaxation/mental stimulation only soothing guitars can create. And then you'd be happy to know that the languorous orchestration of Wow and Flutter was next. KATIE SHIMER

NEOTROPIC, OLLO, DJ BROKEN WINDOW
(Tiger Bar, 317 NW Broadway)
Riz Maslen makes films that follow in the footsteps of Koyaanisqatssi, striking visuals paired only with equally haunting soundtracks. Being a member of the Ninja Tune extended family, as Neotropic, she has a DJ style that mixes the requisite blend of post-hiphop experimental fragments under a scattered, jazzy framework. And, as a composer, her work is electronics-based with folk elements, which may sound borderline ridiculous but is, in actuality, amazing (and not surprisingly, very "cinematic"). All of these get rolled-up into a multimedia amalgam at a Neotropic performance. So instead of just having a DJ playing to a room full of hipsters eating the reasonably-priced Orchid Curry, the Tiger Bar will be lit-up by Neotropic's one-woman show of sight and sound (instead of the typically random selection of deservedly forgotten late-'80s movies). ELLIOTT ADAMS

MADE FOR TV MOVIE, DES MODA, TEN GRAND, WHO'S THE PRESIDENT
(Ash Street, 225 SW Ash)
Ten Grand's story goes something like this: formerly known as Iowan rockers Vida Blue, they were approached by some dude from Phish who also wanted to name his project Vida Blue. They had the name first, though, so the only option for the Phish hippie was to give them cold hard dough-re-mi. So, how much is a name like "Vida Blue" worth to you? Ten Grand! Their heavy rock is very Midwestern, i.e. Shellac, Haymarket Riot, et al. It's tight and extremely muscular, boy-sweat cornfield punk. It will not alter your view of the world. Who's the President plays real fast, real loud punk for the masses who, in case you haven't noticed, are real pissed. JS

SUMERLAND, RIOT COP, CONSOLIDATED, ONEIRIC
(Berbati's)
Some informed, politically active, bands join together to raise money for the Police Accountability Campaign, a nonprofit group working to bring crazy cops under control. It's a great cause, though the musical collage these bands form might not be so great. Consolidated has a high metal contingent, laced with strains of experimental jazz and various samples taken from real interviews and commercials. Sumerland is equally thrash-riffic, but with more brooding, goth-style vocals and instrumentation. So those bands go together, but then Riot Cop enters the mix; they play surf punk rock; and Oneiric (not sure I approve of that name) is a self-described hybrid of the Smiths and the Pixies. Hmm. Well, no one said that getting the cops in line was going to be easy. JWCS

3 LEG TORSO, GYPSY CARAVAN, JUDY PIAZZA
(Fez)
One of the most sophisticated bands around, 3 Leg Torso likes to borrow traditional songs and styles from around the world, reinterpreting the arrangements in a method that's sort of like updating by way of cultural mishmash. Their most recent record, for instance, includes an arrangement of the song traditionally used to close dancing bear shows in Russia. The effect is somewhere between an arched, classical chamber music performance and a dusty, after-dinner stomp and jam in the underbelly of an Eastern European gypsy compound. MS

THE WHIP, YOB, WITCH MOUNTAIN, PARTY TIME(Satyricon) Party Time: better than Rye Coalition any day. The Portland quintet knocks the pants off both the rock and the roll with the flick of a hefty bass riff, some brain-bustin' drums, or the gentle scream of a vocal cord. Plus, they have a secret weapon: Maurice Bryan Giles on guitar, whose solos pack more muscle than Chynna did when she was still in the ring. JS

SLEATER-KINNEY, QUASI, THE BLACK KEYS
(Crystal Ballroom)
Confession: I stole a Sleater-Kinney CD from McMenamins St. John's Pub. Couple years ago, I bartended there for a few seconds during a writing slump. I wasn't there long, but it was my first non-writing job in years, which depressed the HELL out of me. (I guess I'm pleading insanity.) See, one day, while fetching pint glasses from the stockroom, I saw a S-K promo atop some boxes, so I pocketed the thing, planning to bring it back the next day. Then, unfortunately, I fell in love with its no-bullshit steez, and thus, Call the Doctor became mine. Don't get me wrong--I still feel like dirt. But I guess the jig is up. Sorry Karl. If you want me to send it back, email me. Just leave the cops out of this, okay? Black Keys--whiteboy Hendrix without all the hair and stupid clothes--opens this show. AG

SUNDAY 2/2

PANTHER, ANNA OXYGEN, BADGER KING, VERSION, BOBBY BIRDMAN
(Meow Meow)
See Music pg 15

IRIS DEMENT
(Aladdin Theatre) I was sitting on my friend's couch peeling the label off of an unnamed macrobrew when the angel of Iris Dement descended to me. Her 1992 debut, Infamous Angel, was painting dusty images of Americana in my head long before I even knew who The Carter Family was. Dement's voice, simple yet strong, works into your heart with raw sincerity and emotion that makes you wonder if there may be more to life than writing in your journal and listening to all your Smiths albums in chronological order. Her honest country writing will make her songs instantly familiar like the smell of Sunday cooking in your mama's kitchen. Do yourself a favor: leave The Smiths at home tonight. CHAZZ MADRIGAL

MONDAY 2/3

NUCLEAR ASSAULT, ORIGIN, ALL THAT REMAINS, ANGER MANAGEMENT
(Ash Street)
East Coast metallurgists Nuclear Assault are back together for a reunion tour. But the real story is, will they be changing their name? I mean, like, in light of all the "nuclear tension" around the world? Come on, they GOTTA be facing SOME of the heat Anthrax and I Am The World Trade Center got after 9/11. I interviewed their bassist recently, and posed the same question. Homeboy totally laughed me off. Said, nooo fuuucking waaaay. (His actual words--VERY metal.) But, seriously, I think a name change is in order. I, for one, am damn offended by the whole debacle. I mean, "nuclear," how DARE you? Okay, how about something nice 'n' patriotic, like "America W.K." or "Giving 110% Vin Diesel Snowboard Death Assault"? You just wait. I'll come up with something. I swear. AG

TUESDAY 2/4

INSANE CLOWN POSSE, 2 LIVE CREW
(Roseland)
Since Luther Campbell bailed out on 2 Live Crew to focus on his true artistic calling (low-quality booty videos), the group has been left to the cruel fate of playing "We Want Some Pussy" to a bunch of frat boys on a nightly basis. The only original member still lingering around is MC Fresh Kid Ice (one of the few Asian rappers who have stuck it out, for better or worse) whose arm has been in a sling for what seems like years now. Is there is no hiphop HMO to get that shit fixed? Meanwhile, headliners Insane Clown Posse are trying to keep it real by informing their masses of Juggalos (it's like a Parrothead, but their loyalty lies with Faygo instead of margaritas), that the "6th and Final Joker's Card has dropped" which means the world is doomed and the only thing that can save us is a couple fat dudes in clown makeup who rap, poorly. CARMELO MARTINEZ

LOCH LOMOND, RAL PARTHA VOGELBACHER, PSEUDO SIX
(Blackbird)
Last week, I was thinking I would perform a self-sacrificial bloodletting if I ever had to hear a melody-less, overwrought, painfully boy-centric math rock band again, but this Ral Partha Vogelbacher record got sent to my front door and now I think I can deal. Kite vs. Obelisk runs the gamut from the standard "solo boy playing guitar with pretty lyrics" to loping pop to full-on prog-LIKE jams, but without all the useless self-involvement and "I can play a progression of arpeggios, isn't my cock big?" transparent bullcrap. Vaguely similar to the Fire Show in its cut-up and parceled electronic aspects, sometimes approximating Mountain Goats in its narrative structure and earnest delivery; I have no idea what to expect from a live performance, but I doubt it will make anyone barf. JS

DANTE'S ANNIVERSARY W/FIREBALLS OF FREEDOM, MORE
(Dante's)
See My What a Busy Week pg 13

COCAINE UNICORN
(Cal-Sport, free)
Winter's puffy eyes and chapped lips got you down? Pamper yourself at Cocaine Unicorn's free Cal-Sport show. Portland's monsters of power pop won't let you down; their hot riffs and dead-on harmonies are just the thing to shake off those February chills. Even better, make an evening of it: après rock, head over to your artist friend's Pearl loft for Kiehl's facials and pitchers of green tea daiquiris. Come on, aren't you worth it? ANNA BOND

GROWING, STRATEGY, OFFICE PRODUCTS, VALET + OVID
(Satyricon)
Valet is a moniker for Nudge's Honey Owens solo project, and Office Products pairs guitar wiz Doug Theriault with busiest-man-in-town Paul Chandler (aka DJ Broken Window) on electronic percussion. JS

WEDNESDAY 2/5

THE HUNCHES, THE FORMLESS, THE FIRST TIME
(Berbati's)
I'd like to make a public inquiry: why does Portland have so many shows constructed around the theme of the two-person band? It's like a joke someone tells and no one laughs at, so they just keep repeating it. Well, it's not like we didn't hear it. It's cute, precious even. But increasingly less so. That said, The Formless has two, 2, II members. The songs are tough, spunky, and practically doused in motor oil. There's nothing very shocking in it, but it's solid and satisfying, quite like a baked potato. MS

BOB LOG III, COACHWHIPS, HYDRO GURU
(Blackbird)
It seems like Bob Log III comes streaking in like a comet, with his slippery outfits and the ubiquitous helmet/microphone that distorts the vocals past the point of discernment. His shows are a little exhausting; people sweat a whole bunch and the average blood pressure level in the room experiences a significant lift. The music is a one man blues of kick-drum and slide guitar, but at a speed like there's a firecracker tied to its tail. And a lot of dirty talk, both sexy and potty. Although there's catharsis and exhilaration happening, there's a certain lack of variety that makes it a little more okay when it ends, like the satisfaction of having binged your way out of a craving. Openers Coachwhips (featuring "Pink" of the now-defunct Pink & Brown) are becoming increasingly spoken of for their vigor as well, so maybe a sweatband ain't such a stupid idea. MS

PANTHER, ANNA OXYGEN, DAS YELLOW SWANS, SUPERSPRITE
(Satyricon)
See Music pg 15