While Cary Clarke takes a much-deserved vacation traversing the
globe, I’ll be filling in for him here at the local music news
desk.
—Ezra Ace Caraeff
My obsession with music was initially sparked by the free CMJ CD samplers. Those bonus discs that came alongside the CMJ magazine were a fantastic introduction to so many artists—some of
which I still follow to this day (Hayden), while others I’m a bit
embarrassed to still own records by (Thomas Jefferson Slave
Apartments)—of the ’90s and beyond. Perhaps this is why I was so
excited to find out about Echolocations, a
subscription-based series of CD compilations locally run out of the
apartment of Alice Hacker.
The bimonthly series features a wide range of artists, from big-name
indie acts on established labels (Nada Surf, Black Mountain), to local
favorites (YACHT, Sandpeople), plus even a few unsigned gems as well
(Beat the Devil, Birds & Batteries). The discs are sequenced less
like those CMJ samplers of old—this is due to the fact
that unlike most magazine-related compilations, the artists on
Echolocations do not pay for placement. Instead Hacker’s personal touch
is throughout, and the discs are tastefully designed and feature the
cover art skills of local artist Keegan Wenkman.
The six-disc yearly subscription will set you back a measly $30,
money well spent on this eloquent love note to the disappearing art of
a quality mixed CD. As Hacker explains, “I have always made
mixes. I made mix tapes when I was younger for car rides with my
parents and I still make mix CDs for friends, crushes, and dance
parties.” She continues, “I know that the listener is not going to like
every track I put on a CD, but if they really like three of them and go
see that artist, or buy their CD, then I think that I have done my
job.”
In other news, Portland’s insatiable desire to keep pushing the
envelope continues with the baffling 24-Hour Concert. Held at
the Hippodrome (315 SE 3rd), this all-day, all-night, continuous
performance will be held from Saturday at 7 pm until Sunday at 7 pm,
within a 12-foot geodesic dome, and will feature Strategy (the show is the release party for Music for Lamping, plus the
Ambient Not Not Ambient compilation), a Tokyo live-feed from the
Lucky Dragons, plus an expansive Jamm Squad, with members of the
aforementioned Strategy, White Rainbow, Plants, Panther, Nice Nice, and
tons more. It’s a free, all-ages show too, so there is no excuse not to
visit the homemade geodesic dome, plus see a day’s worth of music as
well.
And in the best news of all, Cary Clarke returns from his global
travels next week. My reign of terror within this column box has
finally come to a merciful end.