August 23, 2010

MFNW Thursday Preview - Ra Ra Riot, Ted Leo, The Thermals

MusicfestNW kicks off in a few weeks. Of course, every night there is tons of shows to pick from, but like those old choose your own adventure books you have to make a decision and follow that path even if means you'll be killed by pirates. My goal is to go to the best shows with the least amount of venue switching. I'll probably start it off slow on Thursday with only 2 to 3 bands.

Thursday, September 9th

Ra Ra Riot @ Wonder Ballroom (7:00) FREE
Just scanning my weekend selections, you'll see that they're light on the melodic indie pop, but that's not because I don't love it. Here's one of few places I can squeeze it in.

Ted Leo/The Pharmacists @ Crystal Ballroom (9:00)
I've loved Ted Leo for ages, own all his albums, and yet have somehow never seen him live. This concert should begin to make up for all of those shows I missed. It's taken me a while to warm up to the Brutalist Bricks, but now "Born In Chelsea" is becoming one of my top jams.

The Thermals @ Crystal Ballroom (10:30)
It's also about time I saw these hometown heroes. The Thermals are on a serious roll and their new album, Personal Life, will be out on the 7th. At this point, I only expect greatness, and judging from the lead single it should be.

[UPDATED] Hurry, and pick up the new 7" of "I Don't Believe You" for free over at Amie Street! The price will probably go up shortly (albeit incrementally).

2 Comments:

Mona said...

Wow, what a line-up! It's posts like this that make me miss Portland. How was Ra Ra Riot live? I was thinking of finally catching them on this "The Orchard" tour, but any show feedback would be nice. Does their set hold-up live?

awmercy said...

This is happening today! Nothing to report yet.