Oh Hell Yeah! [fist pump, fist pump, belly flop on bed]

I just bought my first concert ticket in a year - Rayon at the Fixin To. Can't wait to check out their new hybrid concert space. Paul and I are to going to have beer, listen to music, stare down at our phones in public places, and NOT BE IN MY HOUSE. All the things we used to do, just with masks.

Looks like a cool set up. See you there? 

"LONG STORY SHORT: Bands will perform safely in the venue facing out to the crowd on the patio. Patio will (SOON!) be covered from the rain. Sound will run from the venue into new burly outdoor speakers. The crowd of between 30-40 will wear masks and socially distance and have a killer time! Shows are selling out quickly, so act fast. Concerts will be announced here and on Facebook and Instagram. Can't wait to begin this adventure with ya'll!"

Looking forward to seeing Rayon on Sunday, April 11th.

Also, might have to check out No Year's album release show on Sunday, April 18th. 

Wilderness of Manitoba - "November"

I know it's the middle of summer, but that's when I'm most likely to trapse around in the woods and, if my friends were more talented, we would all sing and strum around a campfire like the Wilderness of Manitoba, whose backsides are apparently more impervious to the winter chill than mine. Unfortunately, I don't think any of my friends are capable of the beautiful and hushed harmonies on "November," so I'll just have to settle for seeing the band play at the Mission Theater on Friday, August 26th when they open for the Cloud Cult.

Guards - "Hear You Call"

Last summer, when I first heard the Guards excellent debut EP (free), I knew them as ex-singer/guitarist of Willowz's new band (You might remember the catchy squall of "Ulcer Soul"). Now a year later, his sister's band, Cults, has blown up and they are touring together. They'll be tearing up Mississippi Studios on Saturday, July 23rd.

"Hear You Call"is off their new Resolution Of One single and is just as catchy as the title track. Propelled by upbeat drums, it features cheering chorus, distant backing vocals, all wrapped in a lo-fi buzz. It sounds like summer and should be enough to convince people to show up early for their set. I have a feeling that show is going to be packed.

Reverend Deadeye @ Slabtown

If anyone's looking, I'll be here. Not sure if Reverend Deadeye is dragging his full band, the Broken Spirits, around with him or not, but you can bet it's going to be a great night of raw and ragged blues at Slabtown. Henry Kamerer from Hillstomp is opening. Add Rollie Tussing and DJ HWY 7 and you have one hell of a deal for $6.

Monarques, World's Greatest Ghosts, Jared Mees & Light For Fire

In a city rich with musical talent, where practically every night promises a couple exciting shows, it's easy to fall behind. With four great local bands playing the Doug Fir on Friday night, this is your chance to start catching up.

Light for Fire's self-titled debut celebrating failed romances and their aftermath is one of my favorite albums this year and they are great live. I'm also excited about hearing a couple great new indie folk rave-ups from Jared Mees & The Grown Children, who are releasing Only Good Thoughts Can Stay next month. World's Greatest Ghosts have been off my radar lately, but I'm looking forward to dancing to their catchy synth-fueled indie rock. The night closes with up-and-coming retro poppers, the Monarques, who should be refreshed from their SXSW trip and gearing up to launch their debut sometime later this year.

This concert should not be missed. Plus it's a steal at only $10.

Reverend Deadeye - "Fuck The Devil"

A Hillstomp post tipped me off to an upcoming Reverend Deadeye show at Dante's this Sunday. I'd never heard of him before Hillstomp's enthusiastic endorsement, but after sampling just a couple songs it's clear I almost missed out on what should be a wild performance of down and dirty gospel, blues, and rock n' roll. With songs like "Fuck The Devil" and "Drunk on Jesus" it's clear this one man band won't be embraced by modern Christian radio any time soon, as the gravel voiced reverend sounds like a better soundtrack for debauchery in the back alley than virtuousness in the sanctuary. The show starts at 8 PM and will be followed by Dante's Sinferno Caberet. Gospel punk, burlesque, and bourbon sounds like a perfect combination.

The Dandy Warhols - "This Is The Tide"

I've been a fan of The Dandy Warhols for a long time. Although I definitely loved and listened to Thirteen Tales from Urban Bohemia the most, every album has a couple songs I latch onto. Although I've seen them a couple times, I've actually never seen them in Portland. Lucky for me, they are playing the Crystal Ballroom on Sunday with Blue Giant. It should be a great show, especially since they are out on tour promoting their recently released greatest hits album, which actually does actually contain many of my favorite songs. Of course, being the Dandies you can expect them find plenty of room to jam and bliss out on hypnotic rhythms.

"This Is The Tide" is the only new song off The Capitol Years 1995-2007.

Freelance Whales - "Enzymes"

Here's the newest single from the Freelance Whales. They've partnered with Green Label Sound to give away "Enzymes". It features a group harmonies, tinny keyboard, and shimmering chorus that pulls the song out of the melancholy. Basically, it's more of the pretty indie pop that made Weathervanes so popular.

You can catch them, along with the Miniature Tigers, at the Doug Fir on Sunday, November 21st.

McDougall - "48 Reasons" Video

If you dig Hillstomp, there's a good chance you'll like McDougall's back porch tales. "48 Reasons" off Ramble should convince you to show up for an early beer when he opens for Hillstomp at Dante's on Saturday night. "18 Days of Rain" (mp3) from his upcoming album is also worth checking out. Plus, he comes highly recommended by Hillstomp's Henry Krammer:

"He is unbelievable. We actually travel with him whenever we can. He is one of the best songwriters I’ve ever met in my life. He’s a singer-songwriter but he uses a kick drum and a high hat and plays banjo and guitar and he screams his head off and he makes you a believer after about 30 seconds. I would recommend showing up early."

Lucha Va Voom

Whoa. This video kind of reminds me of my dream last night, especially the part with the midget in the chicken costume. Lucha Va Voom seems like an inspired pairing right up their with Voodoo Donuts' famous bacon maple bar and should appeal to Portland's love of camp,  strippers, and generally having a good time.

You can quench your thirst for sex and chaos on Sunday at the Roseland Theater.


Lucha VaVoom Fall Tour 2010 from Toni Scarpa on Vimeo.

Mt. Desolation - "Departure" Video

Check out this video for "Departure" and tell there it isn't reason enough to show up early to the long sold out Mumford & Sons show. Apparently, the band is made up of members from Keane, Noah And The Whale, Mumford & Sons and The Killers. It may read like a band scramble pulled from a bad music review, but judging from "Departure" it somehow works.

Film School & Depreciation Guild Videos

Check out these videos for "Sunny Day" and "My Chariot" and tell me that Film School and Depreciation Guild aren't perfectly paired for their concert at Mississippi Studios on Saturday night. It should be a great show for lush beautiful pop, somewhere on the sweet and melodic side of shoegaze.

Film School - "Sunny Day"


Depreciation Guild - "My Chariot"

Frightened Rabbit @ Wonder Ballroom

There is no better time to see a band than when they're on tour supporting the album you love, and nothing better than when they deliver. I've been heavily playing Frightened Rabbit's new album for months and after Saturday night's concert at the Wonder Ballroom, The Winter Of Mixed Drinks is quickly becoming a contender for my favorite album this year. In fact, it was such a fantastic performance I may try and slip The Midnight Organ Fight back onto this year's list.

What's your favorite song? Oh, they played it. Or at least they played every single song I love off their last two albums and they nailed each one, pouring out emotion and energy for an hour and a half. They genuinely were excited at the crowd's enthusiastic reception, and responded by playing a couple requests, including a B side the band could barely remember. You cannot afford to miss this tour if you are a fan.
 

Moneybrother - "Born Under A Bad Sign" Video

Moneybrother brings his punky brand of pub soul to Mississippi Studios tonight on his tour with Jesse Malin. It's a great pairing, as Malin sings Springsteen's gutter anthems while Moneybrother is more influence by Joe Strummer. I am a big fan of Moneybrother's album Real Control, so I can't wait to see those songs live, especially "Born Under A Bad Sign" (mp3) and "Feel Like Hurting Somebody".

Jukebox The Ghost - "Schizophrenia" Video

I just heard Jukebox The Ghost for the first time today and I am really digging their boisterous indie pop, which reminds me a bit of the Spinto Band or Apollo Sunshine. Right now I'm bouncing along to "Schizophrenia", which appears to be an adequate replacement for my afternoon coffee. Just on my first listen it seems like the rest of their new album, Everything Under The Sun, is just as good. Check out "Empire" (mp3).

They are playing at Mississippi Studios October 4th with the similarly pop loving A B & The Sea. Should be a good show.

MusicfestNW Begins!

Man, there are a lot of great bands playing in Portland in the next few days. If I wasn't a brand new dad I'd be straining my stamina standing in line and dancing in front of just about every stage, but now I have to pace myself. Although I already have my Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of MusicfestNW planned, there are plenty of other options, including lots of great local bands. Sure, sure, The National are playing on Sunday, but it's during the day and outside and I've never been a fan of either.

Here is a quick list of some of the great bands I am hoping come back on tour soon (or if they are local, just play another show soon): Mark Olson, Red Fang, Black Lips, Boy Eats Drum Machine, Shaky Hands, Magic Kids, Okkervil River, New York Rifles, The Tallest Man On Earth, The Builders & The Butchers, Blue Giant, The Upsidedown, The Mynabirds, BOAT, Titus Andronicus, Suckers, The Dodos, Monarques, Helio Sequence, and The Walkmen.

See you on the other side.

The Drums - “Down By The Water” video

I don't ever seem to tire of the Drums breezy and retro pop. Instead, I find myself humming "Let's Go Surfing". Here's another one from bother their EP and album. It's sort of a lullaby, but it has just a touch of slow burning soul to it.

I can't believe they are going to be at the Wonder Ballroom October 3rd with Surfer Blood. How perfectly paired are those bands?

MFNW Saturday Preview - Japandroids, Free Energy, & Jeff The

No venue hopping tonight. The line up at the Doug Fir on Saturday couldn't have been better if I curated it myself. In fact, I am going to pretend I did. I am now dubbing it the Totally Unofficial QuickCrit Rock n' Roll Showcase!!! Hell yeah! I'm getting drunk just thinking about it.

Saturday, September 11th

Jeff The Brotherhood @ Doug Fir (10 PM)
These two guys make hilariously lo-fi videos. The songs are simple, the lyrics indiscernible, and the guitar distorted and awesome.

Free Energy @ Doug Fir (11 PM)
A serious contender for my most loved and certainly loudest played album this year. It captures a hedonistic innocence that just feels like summer.

Japandroids @ Doug Fir (12 AM)
Last time I saw them on of their amps caught on fire! No joke. Their album made our Best of 2009 list. If you like scuzzy, hook-filled indie rock, you can't miss it.

FREE ENERGY "Bang Pop" from Free Energy on Vimeo.

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).

Outside Lands 2010 - Sunday Preview

Day two of a music festival always has its challenges: Fatigue, due to standing for six sets in tight quarters; hangover, due to one to many trips to the microbrew stand; motivation (or lack-there-of), due to the daunting spectacle of dealing with the massive crowds, clingy dirt, nauseous bathrooms and general festival madness for another 10 or so hours. Nevertheless, there are still bands to be seen and fun to be had, so here is QuickCrit's ideal Sunday schedule for this weekend's Outside Lands Festival.

Sunday (Time - Stage):

The Soft Pack (12:45 - Twin Peaks) Originally from San Diego, The Soft Pack combines the influences of surf rock, power pop, punk and garage rock to create a truly Californian blend of indie rock. I have never seen them live, but they have a fun, catchy sound with plenty of hooks, so whether you have heard them or not, they should be good for an early day starter-upper.

The Devil Makes Three (2:10 - Twin Peaks) The Devil Makes Three, out of Santa Cruz, may be good on their albums, but they are even better live. The punked-up old-timey blugrass translates well to the outdoor, up-close-and-personal atmosphere. Additionally, they’re sure to draw plenty of local DM3 loyalists, ensuring an authentically enthusiastic hoedown.

Al Green (4:00 - Lands End) He’s the supreme Al Green and his voice is still silky and smooth. Sure, Edward Sharpe may lead his minions in a new age revival, but Green is an actual preacher and a soul legend. Are you really going to pass that up for a communal sing along?

Chromeo (5:15 - Twin Peaks) Awmercy says: Decisions, decisions. I loved Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix and I’m sure they are great live, but when it comes down to it I’d rather get down, and the discerning dancers will be headed over to Chromeo’s stage. No doubt they will bring their funky electronic grind, so grab your shades and let’s get spastic.

Phoenix (5:55 - Lands End) Nightrain says: The Frenchmen have some of biggest and most recognizable hits in the rock arena today and have ascended to a level of star-dome that places them almost exclusively in large, fancy venues with ticket prices to match. This will be an opportunity to see Phoenix without what feels like ridiculous overhead costs and the show should be one to behold as the speedway will be packed for a high-energy, full hour set followed by Kings of Leon. In contrast, Chromeo, although excellent, is not at Phoenix’s level of popularity or demand, and their electro-dance party can be better enjoyed inside... like at The Independent later in the evening.

Kings of Leon (7:20 - Lands End)  This is the band that many people will come specifically to see with the bulk of the other performers simply serving as an added bonus. Coming off a recently abandoned show due to a pigeon poo assault from above, a few months spent writing and recording their new album, and serving as the headliners for major festivals around the globe, these road-hardened southern rock "veterans" should mix some new material in with their sing-a-long classics. A perfect way to bring your festival experience to a close.

Notables you will miss should you adhere to this schedule: The Whigs, Freelance Whales, Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars, The Levon Helm Band, Tokyo Police Club, Cat Power, Wild Beasts, Amos Lee, The Temper Trap, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Slightly Stoopid, Social Distortion, Empire of the Sun.