2009 Blind Pilot Interview

Going back over the archives I found an interview with Blind Pilot's Ryan Dobrowski that I did back in 2009 for the now defunct Popwreckoning website. I conducted shortly after their new album was taking off nationally. They had just played their first late night show, gone on a tour by bike, and were headed down to Austin for SXSW. It's kind of fun to look back on a band on the rise. I love Ryan's shoutout to STRFKR and Mississippi Studios just as it was reopening.

******

When I moved to Portland last fall, my friend kept telling me that I had to check out this great local band, Blind Pilot. After picking up their album and catching a show at the Aladdin, I was sold. It seems like other people are too. They're getting high profile recognition on iTunes, NPR, and Carson Daly. Recently, I was able to ask Blind Pilot drummer and cycler, Ryan Dobrowski, a couple questions via email about their recent succes and upcoming plans.

QuickCrit: So, how was your experience on Carson Daly?

Ryan Dorowski:  Carson Daly was great. We got there pretty early in the day and didn't record until later in the evening, but it seemed like we always had something to do. Everyone was really nice and I'd say overall it was a really pleasant experience. We didn't get to hang out with Carson Daly or T.I. who was also there, but it was still a lot of fun.

QC: What do you think about all the national attention you're getting?

RD:It's great and exciting, but honestly a little weird. It doesn't seem like it was too long ago at all that it was just me and Israel biking down the coast and busking wherever we could.

QC: Have you noticed the difference at shows?

RD: The show keep getting better all the time. It is always the best thing in the world to go to another city and have a crowd of people singing along to your songs. We have some great musicians playing with us now and we're all really enjoying playing with eachother.

QC: I heard "White Apple" at the Aladdin in Portland. Are you working on more new material?

RD: Yes. Although it will probably be a little while before we have time to go back into the studio. We have a lot of tours coming up that will keep us busy until fall at least.

QC: At the Aladdin you had a full stage of musicians. Now that you are becoming more popular do you think you'll bring more of them on tour with you?

RD: It isn't really a matter of becoming more popular, but yes, more people will be coming on this upcoming tour. Not all 10 that were at the Aladdin show, but 6 of us.

QC: I really liked what Kati Claborn added to your songs. Will you be recording new material with that group?

RD: I think we will definitely continue to use Kati as she is really great to have in the group. What we will end up doing on the next album is still being worked out, but I'm sure she'll be in there as well.

QC: What are your upcoming plans?

RD: The plan is to just keep things going at this point. There is a lot going  on and a lot to keep up with, but  I think it is all happening in a really great way. We definitely want to do more bike tours and  definitely want to do a bike tour in Europe. It might not be able to happen really soon, but it will definitely happen.

QC: Have you looked into getting a sponsorship from any of the local cargo bike makers so you can bring along more instruments?

RD: I love the cargo bikes for around town, but I think for touring the trailer works best. I'd like to work on getting a better bike tour drum set, but other than that, I think we had everything we needed. I actually really enjoyed my little drum set just fine, but it is fun to think of ways to improve.

QC: What city has been your favorite tour stop? Which was the most bike friendly?

RD: L.A, was the biggest surprise. It was a great show and actually quite easy to bike around. We were also so used to cars going by us by the time we got there that it didn't seem to really matter. Portland is still the best though as far being bike friendly. Eugene is good to, but a lot smaller. I think you see everything in a little bit better light on a bike. Even though we're going to have to do some tours by more standard means, I'd love to bring bikes along so once we get to the city we can go ride around.

QC: Do you feel like you're part of a scene here in Portland?

RD: We definitely have a lot of friends in other bands, but I don't really feel like we're part of a scene. In fact a lot of the Portland scenes I find a little intimidating. I really was surprised that we were as well received here. It has been great meeting all of these bands and musicians in town that I had really only seen from the audience perspective. I used play in Sexton Blake with Josh Hodges and Ryan Byornstad who are now playing as Starfucker. I still love to see those guys and am glad to see them doing so well.

QC: What local band or venue do I need to check out that I might have missed?

RD: Definitely go to Mississippi Studios. I'm not just saying that because we play there soon. I think everyone was a little sad when it shut down and it is going to be one of the nicest mid size venues in town for sure.

MusicfestNW 2011: An Ambitious Plan

My wife and son are evacuating to Chicago. My buddy is heading up from the Bay Area. So from Thursday through Sunday, we plan on watching as much live music as humanly possible, fueled mostly by beer, bacon, and tacos.

With so many venues packed with a mix of up and comers, fan favorites, and stellar local bands, we can't go wrong at MusicfestNW. It's like a musical choose your own adventure. While it's tempting  to sprint from venue to venue, crossing the river too many times will wear off the beer buzz and run the risk of listening to the desired set while standing outside in line (Better show up early Blind Pilot fans). So for this preview, I'm focusing on my favorite pairings.

I'm lukewarm on the headliners for the featured concerts at Courthouse Square, but some of the openrs are great. Personally, I'd much rather see Sallie Ford & The Sound Outside headline a concert with Typhoon and Morning Teleportation. Sallie Ford kills live and shouldn't be missed. Whichever you choose, make sure to show up early.

Wednesday
Weedle's Groove @ Mission Theater - This whole night be scratched, as I likely will be helping the family out the door. However, this music documentary focusing on the Seattle underground soul scene sounds amazing and is followed by a concert by some of the featured musicians. Plus, it would kick of a back to back night soul and funk celebration.

Thursday
Monarques/Dennis Coffey/Charles Bradley @ Aladdin Theater - Guitarist of the legendary Motown Funk Brothers, Coffey's pyrotechnics have been pillaged for breakbeats for decades.Charles Bradley is Daptone's newest star. The label seems to doing for soul what Fat Possum once did for Hill Country blues. Add local retro party poppers the Monarques to the mix and you have a solid evening.

Favorites I'm missing: Dolorean, Unknown Mortal Orchestra

Friday
Weinland/Sharon Van Etten/Blitzen Trapper @ Crystal Ballroom
Weinland albums are pretty mellow, but they do know how ramp it up live. Actually all three bands should mix up introspective and spirited songs. Van Etten could be a festival highlight, although it's hard to beat Blitzen Trapper in front of a hometown crowd.

Lost Lander/AgesandAges/Givers @ Doug Fir - This might be the best 1-2-3 punch of up-and-coming bands. Prepare to hear a lot about Lost Lander when they finally releases their album. AgesandAges back porch harmonies are even better live. Expect the Givers to deliver a playfully riotous closing to the night.

Favorites I'm missing: Bare Wires, Thee Oh Sees

Saturday
I thought I had Saturday all figured out until The Vaccines late cancellation threw my schedule off. And while seeing Blind Pilot is tempting, especially since their new album sounds amazing, I'm not excited about their openers.

And And And/Helio Sequence @ Doug Fir
The addition of Helio Sequence more than makes up for the loss of the Vaccines. Here's hoping this leads to a new album. Plus everyone should come just to see if And And And can live up to the hype (They usually do).

Ravishers/Priory @ Someday Lounge
Lately, I've been really digging the Ravishers laid back indie rock. This is actually Priory's second set of the day (@ Rontoms for the Burnside Distributors Free Party). Their electronic indie pop is damn catchy.

Favorites I'm missing: Ty Segall, Blind Pilot

Sunday
Free Marmoset Music Party @ Rontoms
Holy crap, Dolorean, Light for Fire, Pancake Breakfast are all playing. Seriously, this lineup can't be missed. See previous post.

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.

Blind Pilot - iTunes Sessions EP (2009)

As Portland's biggest acoustic export these days, it makes sense for Blind Pilot to release a live EP with their now expanded their lineup to tide fans over until their next studio full length. Three of the five tracks off the EP are quietly beautiful stripped-down versions of well-loved songs from 3 Rounds And A Sound. However, after having listened to the album pretty heavily for the last two years, the two new recordings are the real treat. "Look At Miss Ohio" is a loping Gillian Welch cover that they fill out and make their own, while "Get It Out" is brand new song that builds into a pleasantly catchy chorus. Overall, it's a solid EP for fans. However, after seeing them perform a fantastic version of MGMT's "Kids" at the Crystal Ballroom I wish they included a version of that too.

The video of "Kids" is cut off and doesn't really capture rich acoustic sound of the performance, but it'll give you an idea of what you missed.

Top 5 Shows at MusicfestNW

MusicfestNW was amazing. Fueled by beer, whiskey and almost no sleep, Tex and I saw 20 bands at 7 different venues (a feat of endurance I doubt I'll soon repeat) and we didn't come close to seeing everyone we wanted to see. Oddly, some of the bands we were most excited to see didn't end up being our favorites.

While there were plenty of great moments, these 5 standout above the rest:

Blind Pilot @ Doug Fir
It felt very intimate and special to see Blind Pilot at the Doug Fir recording their KEXP session with maybe a hundred other people. Too bad they'll never play a full set here. The new songs all sounded fantastic.

Talkdemonic @ Branx
We headed over to Branx on a whim between bands and were blown away. I had no idea that drums and a violin could produce such a captivating performance. Judging from their set, their next album is going to be fantastic, and perhaps louder and wilder than their previous albums.

Yacht @ Branx
DANCE PARTY! We were dripping with sweat minutes after entering the typically hot and humid Branx. Nothing was dry by the time they left the stage, easily living up to a stranger's assessment when she urged us to see them the night before: "Their shows are like a cross between gym class and pure joy."

AgesandAges @ Doug Fir
Like a backwoods revival, they quickly worked up a frenzy and never let up. The stage radiated with a joyous and communal feeling. Their harmonies are just amazing and need to be heard live.

Givers @ Doug Fir
The Givers came out swinging. Building upon and even surpassing the energy of the fantastic AgesandAges set. Singer Tiffany Lamson pounded her toms like a Taiko drummer. And just when it seemed as if they were winding down after a wild hour and a half, they introduced a rapper, Tiny, who brought the house down.

Although these are my top 5 shows, I think Tex will agree with 4 out of the 5 listed here.

Loch Lomond - Paper The Walls (2007)

Sometimes it takes seeing a band live for their album to really sink in. Or at least that was the case for me and Loch Lomon's Paper The Walls. I'd listened to this Portland band's album a couple times before seeing them open for Blind Pilot and it never really grabbed me, but afterward I started to hear some the same things I liked in concert. They make lush indie folk music that sounds a bit like Sufjan Stevens. Ritchie Young has a fragile, nasal sounding voice, somewhere between a quaver and a whisper, which may not appeal to everyone.

The songs quietly flow from somber to sleepy to mellowly upbeat, incorporating guitar, drums, strings, and harmony vocals. However, for all its beauty, the album largely lacks hooks. Not that songs need hooks, but it does mean that these songs need time to sink in. Overall, the album is quieter than their live show, but apparently they have EP coming out soon, so we may hear more of their live energy in this upcoming release. I look forward to hearing it. Start with "Northern, Knees, Trees, and Lights" and "Carl Sagan" to see if you are interested.

awmercy's Recent PopWreckoning Posts

These posts aren't quick, so I've included a one line summary.

Lenka @ Doug Fir, Portland
A pop confection enjoyed with Brasilliant.

Blind Pilot @ Aladdin Theatre, Portland
3 local bands, 1 sold out show.

Caught In Motion - On The Edge Of A Dream (2008)
Local Portland singer-writer.

A.C. Newman - Get Guilty (2009)
Great album.

Danielson - Trying Hartz (2008)
Not a bad place to start wading into the back catalog.

Blitzen Trapper @ Wonder Ballroom, Portland
Local boys tear the house down.

The Asteroids Galaxy Tour - Around The Bend EP (2008)
I think it's in an iPod commercial now.

The Builders & The Butchers @ Crystal Ballroom

I last saw the Builders and the Butchers perform at the intimate Mississippi Studios a month or so before Salvation Is A Deep Dark Well was released. While they put on a great show in front of a packed house that night, it's hard to believe that just a couple months later they played a sold out Crystal Ballroom. Granted Saturday's MFNW lineup was stacked, with Langhorne Slim before and Blind Pilot after, but there was no denying the crowd's love for these hometown heroes. And when Portland loves a band they love them hard and let them know. And the Builders and the Butchers responded by putting on an electric show. The new songs off of Salvation Is A Deep Dark Well sounded road tested and tight, filling the ballroom with thumping drums and frantic strumming. As good as ""Devil Town" and "Barcelona" sound on the album, they sound even better live, with the wringing mandolin and horn bursts accentuating the energy and drama of the dark lyrics. It's a show that shouldn't be missed.

Nesto’s Favorite Albums from 2016

1. Islands - Taste   

                          

2. Frightened Rabbit - Painting of a Panic Attack 

      

On heavy rotation.         

3. Kishi Bashi - Sonderlust          

Everybody wants a honeybody someday.        

     

4. The Dandy Warhols - Distortland     

   

Dandy's still rule, ok?     

5. Miike Snow - iii           

More i's please!

6. Lost Dawn - Fever

     

For those about to rock, we salute you. 

7. Radical Face - The Family Tree: The Leaves    

A second "d" is optional.              

8. Paul Cauthen - My Gospel     

Is most listened to in Houston, Stockholm, Manhattan, and Austin. Win.

9. The Lumineers - Cleopatra                     

10. Augustines - This is Your Life              

An appropriate finale scene.      

11. Peter, Bjorn, and John - Breakin' Point      

    

*umlaut              

12. Blind Pilot - And Then Like Lions        

               

13. Steve Mason - Meet the Humans

Blind Pilot - 3 Rounds And A Sound (2008)

My friend Brian kept telling me to check out these local Portland boys and I kept on forgetting their name, literally, for months. Then finally he mentioned them and I went right home and downloaded them off eMusic. And they were awesome. And I realized I’d wasted at least three months not knowing who these guys were. Don’t make my same mistake. They sound like a cross between Elvis Perkins and the Shins. It’s mostly two guys singing over a strummed guitar and a light snare. That sentence would probably turn me off too, but the songs are catchy. Don’t mistake this for boring ass folk, this is acoustic pop, a subtle distinction maybe, but an important one. Yes, one has a beard. My favorite tracks are “One Red Thread”, the title song, and "Oviedo". If I’d had a better memory and listened to this album earlier they might have made my year-end list.

awmercy's Top 10 Portland Albums from 2008

1. Hockey - Mind Chaos
   
2. The Builders & The Butchers - The Builders & The Butchers
3. Blind Pilot - 3 Rounds And A Sound
4. Blitzen Trapper - Furr
5. Blue Giant - Target Heart EP
6. Scotland Barr & The Slow Drags - All The Great Aviators Agree
7. The Dandy Warhols - Earth To The Dandy Warhols
8. The Shaky Hands - Lunglight
9. The Upsidedown - Human Destination
10. Horse Feathers - House With No Home

2009 Scotland Barr Interview

Just as with Blind Pilot, I interviewed Scotland Barr for the now defunct Popwreckoning in 2009. Reading this again is a bit emotional as he succumbed to pancreatic cancer later that year. While I had only spoken to him a couple times, I loved his music, and like many fans, felt a connection to him and his music. His last show was a bittersweet affair. It was clear he was ailing, but still pouring it out on stage for his loving fans. Sadly, he was not able to finish the album. However, his friends and bandmates forged ahead and fulfilled his vision releasing the double LP in 2011. All of his albums are available on Bandcamp.

Also, if you pepper your eggs with Secret Aarvark Hot Sauce, you are enjoying one of Barr's creations. 

*****

Scotland Barr and the Slow Drags released a stellar album last year, and judging from the front man's answers below, the next album is going to be even better. Unfortunately, in the midst of what should be the bands shining moment, Scotland Barr was diagnosed with cancer. Amazingly, after a relatively short period of time off, he's returning to the stage to open for Clem Snide on Friday night at the Doug Fir. I couldn't be more excited to hear him and the Slow Drags play my favorites off All The Great Aviators Agree and, with any luck, some of their new songs.

Earlier this week, he graciously took the time to answer a couple of my questions about his health, the progress on the album, and some more upcoming shows. Those familiar with his band's good-timing country and roots rock won't be surprised at the humor and positive outlook infused in his answers.

QuickCrit: Do you mind talking a little about your illness? How are you feeling? Where are you in the process?

Scotland Barr: Not at all. As of now, today, I feel great. Lately things have been going well, feeling better in general. Overall it is like having a bunch of little evil creatures running around in my gut, all with minds of their own and bad intentions. Lately they have been behaving themselves. With this type and stage of cancer the process is basically one of just staying alive and functioning as long as possible since it does not go into “remission” as with most other cancers. We keep up all the treatments that work until the end. I am, however, more cavalier then that and have declared myself cancer free. And I am very serious about that statement!

QC: How did you decide to play live?

SB: I figured it was better than waiting until I was dead!

QC: How does that affect your show (or your health)?

SB: It depends on the day/night and what Demons are at play. No matter how I feel before a show, I always feel good once we start playing. My health issues do add a certain urgency to the live shows I think. And there is no better feeling then playing a good show.

QC: I see you have a new album, We Will Be Forgotten. How is that coming?

SB: It’s moving along. Not as quick as I would like, but that is always the case. We are taking our time with this one and with over 20 songs on the project we got our work cut out.

QC: When can we expect to hear it?

SB: I think this record is larger on all scales. First of all, the primary format is going to be a double vinyl LP. It is far more epic in scope and follows a very thin thread of a “concept” in a random abstract way. You will probably pick out influences as diverse as Pink Floyd and Merle Haggard.

QC: How does it compare to your last one?

SB: Well, besides the above mentioned aspects this record is really the first “Full” band record we have done. The core group of the band was far more involved in the arrangement of the material then on past records. Also, all the songs on this album were written during the lifespan of this band so it reflects the group and its overall influences in a much more comprehensive way. This record leans a lot less towards the Alt. Country mantle then the past records.

QC: Did your illness change how you wrote or recorded your new album?

SB: Most of the songs for We Will Be Forgotten were written before my diagnosis. Oddly, however, the songs are very fitting and timely, strangely so.

QC: Did you integrate it into either the lyrics or tone of the new album? If so, did it help to write about the experience?

SB: There is definitely a shroud over the whole recording process for good or bad, probably both.

QC: Are there any songs that you are particularly proud of?

SB: This group of songs are my favorite of any CD so far. As far as favorites, I am very partial to “Love Is Pavement”.

QC: So, what's next for you and the Slow Drags? Do you have any more upcoming shows people should know about? 

SB: Lots coming up! We will be opening for Clem Snide at the Doug Fir on Friday April 10th (9:00 sharp) and then our big resurrection and comeback show (also at the Doug Fir) is Saturday May 2nd. We have an Eastern Oregon and Idaho tour just booked for August and a fall tour through California, Arizona, and New Mexico coming up. Other than that we will be working hard on the CD for a late summer release.

awmercy's Recent PopWreckoning Posts

These posts aren't quick, so I've included a one line summary.

M. Ward & Port O'Brien @ Aladdin Theater, Portland, OR
A dark and intimate show.

Fujiya & Mijagi, Pop Levi & Project Jenny Project Jan @ Doug Fir Lounge, Portland, OR
A night of sweet dance moves.

Interview with Blind Pilot's Ryan Dobrowski
A couple quick questions for a local favorite.

Fujiya & Miyagi @ 9:30 Club, Washington, DC
Chill music for a hip lounge.

Murder City Devils @ Roseland Theater, Portland, OR
A hot and sweaty return to Portland.

Top 10 Favorite 2012 Portland EPs

Last month I posted my favorite Portland albums from 2012 and not an EP made the list. In this golden age of the EP, that’s just wrong. Whether you buy vinyl, digital, or even tapes, it's never been easier to hear up and coming local bands and I played the shit out of these. So head over to bandcamp.com to be instantly gratified and then pc-pdx.com to hunt down their next show. Guaranteed good times.

1. Grandparents - Fumes EP
   With each release they seem to get better and better or at least I love 'em more, shifting between dreamy shoegaze and rhythmic psych, all with plenty of hooks..
   

2. Pictorials - Learning EP
   Some damn catchy anglophile indie rock. It's okay to throw this on an endless repeating loop. Right? 
   

3. A Happy Death - A Happy Death EP
   Terrific blast of rock n' roll. A little psych, a little surf. Leaves me desperately waiting for more.
   

4. Radiation CIty - Cool Nightmare EP
   Woozy and romantic like a late night stumble after too many Death in the Afternoon cocktails.
5. Tango Alpha Tango - Kill & Haight EP
   Gritty loud garage blues. Go on, break your neck to their hypnotic rhythms.
   
6. Tiger House - Acid Banshee // Camel Party
   Loose dancy indie rock. Whoa oh oh.
   
   
7. The Suicide Notes - The Suicide Notes EP Warning: this girl group regularly burns down Portland dive bars.
8. Pataha Hiss - Dirrty Love EP Tough girl group emerging from the garage. I want front row seats to the street corner brawl with the Suicide Notes. I’ll bring the chains. 
9. Pure Bathing Culture - Pure Bathing Culture EP So damn pretty. Blowing up Blind Pilot style. Catch their cheap shows while you still can.
10. Hollywood Tans - Stolen Stereo Seriously upbeat and fun power pop. Bounce along.
    

Mona's Summer Short List(lessness)

5) Danceable Hip Hop Songs and Summer Jammy Jams
I always inexplicably get more into hip hop in the summer and love the remixes of these already awesome tracks: Kanye West's "Love Lockdown" and Kid Cudi's "Day 'N' Nite." Unbelievably great danceable hotness that makes me car-dance with myself whenever they come on (looks more embarrassing than it sounds). But my summer anthem is Jamie Foxx's (feat. T-Pain) - "Blame It," especially that infectious chorus I know by heart. Not only does this track provide the impure thoughts, but it actually makes me wanna put them into action.. with or without the Goose ("gotcha feelin' loose"), the 'Tron ("gotcha in the zone"), or the Henny ("gotcha feelin' dizzy"). It's all good, just "blame it on the ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-alcohol."


4) Rediscovering Rogue Wave
Ever the huge fan, I've recently fallen back in love with their sonic beauty- namely, Descended Like Vultures and Asleep At Heaven's Gate. Tender, gorgeous, lush, melodic, layered, can't even begin to describe their arrangements. I've been known to fall asleep to "Missed" and actually lounged on my couch all pensive and shit last weekend listening to "Eyes" on loop (I do this quite often to their records, in general). Enjoy this favs. sampler: older (1, 2, 3, 4), newer (1, 2, 3, 4).


3) Going To Shows I Actually Care About vs. Being A Show-whore
I've been too tired for shows for shows-sake and these days only hit up "must-sees" or else I'll get in a fight with myself and brood for days type-shows. Stellar nights that have made my half-year: Phoenix, Harlem Shakes record release party, Duncan Sheik, Blind Pilot, and the GUK reunion show. All uber-worth it and kept me in a good mood for at least two weeks afterwards.


2) [Indie] Rock In Advertisements...?
TV-watching feels like less of a waste with all the goodass music in commercials of late. I don't even hit the mute button anymore just in case I may hear The Dodos hawk Miller Chill, The Moody Blues add to the wondrous nature of this Visa ad, Matt and Kim invite me out 'til "Daylight," Mazzy Star makes me rethink my cellular service (effin love this song!), The Submarines sell their souls to Apple, and/or watch Her Space Holiday soundtrack this confusing one.



1) Meeting Musical Peoples
Surreality mixed with WTF, with a dash of "I must call everyone I know/someone who'd care!?" I've discussed Dan Auerbach with Matt Pinfield as he exited his cab, jumped into another and learned my driver had just dropped off Courtney Love as I sat in her warm seat (do I have an STD now?), got snubbed by Kimya Dawson, asked Michael Stipe the meaning of "Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite," discussed alternate endings to Once with Glan Hansard, stared at Ingrid Michaelson's incredible rack while jokingly trying to hook her up with Rhett Miller (within earshot), asked Hootie himself where the Blowfish were, laughed with Guster about their pot-smoking "star-fucker moment" with Willie Nelson, and unwittingly asked Jeff Mangum of Neutral Milk Hotel if "the lasagna is vegetarian," only to realize 5 seconds later when he walked away that I'm an idiot who just asked Jeff Mangum from Neutral Milk Hotel if the lasagna was vegetarian. Yeah, that last one was very Baby "I, uhh, carried a watermelon" from Dirty Dancing.

MusicfestNW – September 16-20

The MusicfestNW lineup is so full of awesome bands it is both amazing and sad. Why sad? Because I am going to miss most of it, including what should be an kick ass night of psychedelic indie rock at Holocene featuring Local Natives, Amazing Baby, and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros on Thursday. Five of our Best New Music bands are playing! Of course, I can't really complain. I'll be trekking through really old and beautiful cities, snacking on regional sausages, and sipping wild and delicious Belgian and Bavarian beers. If I am not too jet-lagged I should be able to catch a couple good shows on Saturday and Sunday, including Portugal. The Man.

There are literally too many good bands to list, but here are a list of bands playing already covered in QuickCrit:

Will Sheff of Okkervil River, Frightened Rabbit, The Mint Chicks, Amazing Baby, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Girl Talk, Passion Pit, Michael Dean Damron and Thee Loyal Bastards, The New York Rifles, The Lonely H, Chairlift, Dolorean, Port O'Brien, The Shaky Hands, Titus Andronicus, The Builders and The Butchers, Blind Pilot, Loch Lomond, Portugal. The Man, and The Get Up Kids

And that doesn't include all bands I love, but haven't had time to review. Amazing. Sad.

Portugal. The Man - "Do You" Video

I think I just settled on my concert schedule for tonight and am going to make it a mostly local favorites night, hitting up World's Greatest Ghosts before Drug Rug at Backspace, then jogging over to Roseland Theater for Portugal. The Man. If I'm lucky I might catch some of Youth Group's set. Afterward, I'm headed to see the Builders and the Butchers and Blind Pilot at the Crystal Ballroom. Should be a good night. My sleep schedules all fucked up from traveling (I just took a four hour nap) so going the distance shouldn't be a problem as long as I can get in the door. Wish me luck. Here's one of my favorite Portugal. The Man songs.

Awmercy's Summer Short List

Amazing Baby - Rewild (2009). I love catchy psych and this is by far my favorite this year, perfectly balancing the thumps and haze.






Passion Pit & Harlem Shakes @ Wonder Ballroom. I've been to a lot of great concerts this year, but this was a home run line up. I walked in hot on the Harlem Shakes, but was won over by Passion Pit as they wound the crowd up into a sweaty dancing frenzy.




Biking to Shows. Even when I am starting to fade a bit as the evening wears on and the bourbons wear off, zipping down Burnside gets me ready for just about just any show, and pretty much all my favorite venues are just a few pedals away.




Metric - "Waves". No matter how many times I've listened to "Waves", it never fails to make feel like dancing.






Portland Bands. I've never lived in city before that is home to this many great bands: The Builders And The Butchers, Blind Pilot, M. Ward, Loch Lomond, Blitzen Trapper, Hockey, Scotland Barr & The Slow Drags, and The Thermals, to name just a few highlights. And the best part is that there are so many more I haven't even heard yet!