MusicfestNW: Free Marmoset Music Party

Just when you thought MusicfestNW couldn't get any better,  it does. Marmoset Music is hosting a free two stage day-long party at Rontoms on Sunday September 11th, featuring cheap beers and some of my favorite local and regional bands. This is godsend if you are like me and going to miss Dolorean on Thursday at Bunk Bar (I'll be at Charles Bradley). But I'm just as excited to see Light For Fire and Black Whales, both of which have great new albums out. And then there's Pancake Breakfast and Hey Marsailles. Judging from the set times, it is going to be nonstop music from to 2 to 11, so I'll probably be there as soon as the bacon washes away the hangover and kicking it until I'm ready to drop.

Set times after the jump.

NightraiN's Summer Short List

Light For Fire - Yes indeed, they have been mentioned already; however, this album is certainly good enough for more than one mention here. If I may make one suggestion: shoot a proper video.


The Shuffle (Dance) - Say what you want about LMFAO, but they know how to rock a vampire dance party with a very fun and ridiculously over-simplistic runningman-esque dance move that can turn even a trip to Ralph's into a fun outing. So easy it is brilliant. Every music group should incorporate an updated dance move into their persona.


Breezy Summer Jammy Jams - I feel like there has been a fantastic showing for the beachy / bbq tunes this year. The Vaccines, Tennis, Foster The People and Cults all released tracks that sound better with the warm sun on the back and a cold beer in hand. Granted, they all have their own sounds and styles, but I can't help but think of riding a cuiser to the beach when any one of those albums are on.


Dolorean's The Unfazed - Not to be confused with Delorean, the Portland-based band is a verifiable go-to for early mornings, quiet evenings and tender moments. The lyrics are perfect for a heartfelt singalong and the music pulls you in close with its soft sway.


The First Six Months of 2011 - In addition to the bands already mentioned, there have been many other artists that I have really been impressed with in the first six months. Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes and The Decemberists are all names many people already know and have shown us impressive stuff thus far; however, bands like U.S. Royalty, Magic & Fur, Scotch Howard, The Cave Singers and The Rural Alberta Advantage have surprised me with amazing albums as well that need to be heard.

Dolorean - The Unfazed (2011)

Dolorean's The Unfazed is so goddamn beautiful. It’s the kind of music that’s perfect for slow mornings or late nights or really anytime during these long gray winter months in Portland. Suffice to say, it’s been on heavy rotation lately. And with uncertainty looming at work, the strolling “The Unfazed” (mp3) has become my mantra. I find comfort in singer-songwriter Al James’ hush tones and numb perseverance to life's obstacles and opportunities: “Unfazed by pain, unfazed by love, unfazed by rain that won’t let up”. The album is rich with lush and gentle harmonies, like on two of my favorites: “Country Clutter” or “Thin Skinned.” But it hard choosing favorites when the songwriting is this good. It also is worth picking up the Anticipation Blues EP because two of the four songs are great and somehow not on the album.


Dolorean - The Unfazed (Live at OPB) from opbmusic.org on Vimeo.

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.

Brasilliant's Summer Short List

I have admittedly been in a bit of a music rut lately -- kind of like the summer when I used my hot pink boom box to play this rockin' Cabbage Patch Kids cassette over and over again (the tape mysteriously disappeared for a stretch of six months). Luckily, Awmercy is a bit more forgiving than my parents, and hasn't forcefully revoked my playlist privileges. So here goes. My way overplayed hits of the summer, plus a bright spot on the horizon:

1. Blind Pilot - 3 Rounds and a Sound (2008). I fell in love with this band the first time I heard their debut album. It's been a constant on my iPod and is making the way up the charts on my play count. Blind Pilot is my new The Weepies.





2. Paula Sinclair - Steady Girl (2009). I think one of the reasons that my music selection has gotten stale is that my favorite alt. country singers have not put out any killer material lately (ahem Laura Cantrell, Lucinda Williams). Paula Sinclair is a welcome addition as one of my favorite women artists.



3. Lily Allen - It's Not Me, It's You (2009). This one was a grower. It wasn't as immediately catchy as her first album, so I initially dismissed the whole thing. I'll admit that was a mistake and I have quite enjoyed it over the past few weeks. A review to follow shortly, I promise.





4. Dolorean - You Can't Win (2007). I rediscovered Dolorean when Awmercy put it on a recent "mixtape" playlist. I'm sad that I missed them recently when they played live a Laurelthirst. However, since they're Portlanders, I'm sure they'll be back!





5. iTunes Genius: It's the bright spot on my music horizon. Ancient Indian Wizard and the lovely Crane Wife introduced it to me a month ago, raving about the awesome playlist-making magic that it performs. Choose your favorite song and iTunes compiles from your library a killer playlist. Since our household music cup runneth over with approximately 67,750 songs, I have the world at my fingertips. This gizmo rocks my tired music socks off and has introduced me to artists that have gotten buried in the mix.