Worst Week To Leave Portland?

Apparently, I am traveling to DC for a week at the worst possible time when there isn't an actual festival going on. The Crystal Ballroom's December to Remember series of concerts includes Passion Pit, Metric, Vampire Weekend, Black Joe Lewis and Spoon! On top of that, Edward Shape is sharing a bill with Fool's Gold and the Local Natives at the Doug Fir. And the Thermals are at Berbati's Pan. On top of that – yes, I am going to pile on more – the Dandy Warhols and Upsidedown are at the Wonder Ballroom. And that really only highlights the headliners. Dolorean, Chuck Prophet, the Slants, Joe Purdy, and Nurses are also playing around town. All in 7 days.

Sometimes the music gods can be cruel.

Chuck Prophet - Dreaming Waylon's Dreams (2008)

An album version of the 33 1/3 series of books is an intriguing concept. Still, a straight-ahead cover of a classic album could go horribly wrong, but Chuck Prophet and company seem to have approached this with the right amount respect and irreverence. He adds his own laid-back, worn vocals and sliding psychedelic guitar to some already fantastic songs, updating "Waymore's Blues" for a more weary and cynical world. Co-conspirator Stephanie Finch contributes an excellent version of "Let's All Help The Cowboys (Sing The Blues)". It won't replace your copy of Dreaming My Dreams, but it may make you go back and appreciate it again.