I can't really explain why I think Marcel the Shell with Shoes On is so damn funny, but it just is. In this second installment, I really love the "oh god, I can smell his face" part - and the explanation of where he sleeps when in a hotel. (part 1 here)

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The best thing about the San Francisco PopFest, besides the fabulous line-up gathered in one city over five consecutive days for the massive delight of p-fest attendees, is fact that all of those PopFest bands sometimes spread their west coast wings and, in the most wonderful of cases, travel north to visit us in Seattle.

On Friday, June 3 at the Rendezvous we have just such a migration from SF as two Seattle (and imaginary favorite) bands share a bill with two indie-popolicious artists from far away to make my one-night-mini-popfest dreams come true.

Opening the night is Monnone Alone, a band consisting of the most charming Lucksmiths' bassist of all time, Mark Monnone {and, sometimes, a couple very talented friends}. There has been a hole in our heart since the Lucksmiths called it quits (or how we like to remember it, put a hiccup in our happiness by hitting the 'pause' button), and here comes Monnone Alone to the rescue.

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If the two teaser tracks posted on the internet are representative of the new Brave Irene album, I think I've found my favorite fuzzy pop album of the year... and it's not just because I'm already a huge fan of one of the band's members. The all-lady group from Vancouver, Canada features imaginary favorite Rose Melberg, the gal behind all things Tiger Trap, The Softies, Gaze, and Go Sailor.

On the group's debut self-titled album, Ms. Melberg has stepped away from the demure and subtle, filling Brave Irene's songs with boisterous glee and velvety shoegazer swells a la The Primatives and The Flatmates. The eight-song release hits the shelves (on cd, MP3 download, or limited edition creamy white 12" vinyl) on March 15, 2011, on Slumberland Records (it's a perfect companion to the latest Pains of Being Pure at Heart, donchaknow). I can't wait to hear all 18 minutes of it!

Here's the two songs I've heard so far... what do you think?:

Brave Irene - Longest Day

Brave Irene - No Fun

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The mega-cool folks at Scared To Dance have not only recently published a fantastic installment of their wonderful zine {authentically photocopied and everything} flush with interviews {with Edwin Collins, Ballboy, and more}, but they recently posted two videos recorded at a recent Allo Darlin' show in Oslo, letting us hear a couple new songs {"Darren" was played in October when they were in Seattle and is about Hefner cool dude Darren Hayman} and a jumptastic live version of "My Heart is a Drummer."

Yes, it's Monday. But what a better way to kick off the week with some ukelele and songs by one of our most favorite bands ever of all time?

I cannot wait to hear Allo Darlin's second/next album. The new songs they've taunted us with in their lives sets are brilliant and seem ready to record. Fingers are crossed it'll be released soon… or at least some teaser EPs or something will be available for purchase when they play the San Francisco PopFest in May... or dare I dream for a Seattle show before or after their SF Popfest stop?

My brain fell out of my head when I saw the poster for this show, because it combines 3 things I love to death: the Seattle School of Rock, The Smiths, and The Cure (ok, so secretly maybe I want The Cure to win).

Head over to The Crocodile tonight at 5:30pm to see a bunch of rockin' kids (ages 7-18) take the stage and duel each other with vintage Goth melodies. It's totally unfair that I didn't get to go to rock school when I was young, but at least I can live through these guys vicariously!

And I know I already recommended Another Rainy Saturday's show for tonight, but I also have to recommend this because SERIOUSLY. This show is going to be the most adorable thing ever in the history of ever. Also it starts so early you'll totally have time to go to both!

Saturday, 1/22 @The Croc
Doors @5:30pm/ Show @6pm
Cover: $12 at the door
All Ages

It's hard to believe 2010 is already over (which is probably why this list is so late), as it was one of the biggest and craziest years of my lifetime. I quit working full time to start a business with my fiance, and, as some of you know, mid-way through last year I decided it was time to bid Seattle a temporary farewell, and by the end of the year, I was packed up and across the country, living small-town style in Athens, GA. I'm a life-long Seattleite, and will continue to think of myself that way, despite the distance, for at least the time being.

These songs of 2010 were the ones that counseled me through the tough decisions of leaving and provided respite in scream-alongs to remind me that everything was going to be OK. Some of these win brownie points for unbelievably adorable videos, and some of them the songs were just too great to not post something, so bear with the fake youtube videos that just have a photo and the album version of the song. Trust me, it's worth it.

1. Nana Grizol "Cynicism"

 

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Eux Autres has been releasing records since their first seven inch came out in 2003, and you can hear a band that grew up on 90s indie mod-pop, but they sound as fresh now as if they had just put things together in the garage for the first time earlier this year.

Broken Bow is only their third full-length though, which might explain why Eux Autres hasn't exhausted themselves through the '00s. The new full-length may not snap with the production buzz that debut Hell Is Eux Autres (first issued in 2004) had from Janet Weiss and Jeff Stuart Saltzman (Sleater-Kinney/Quasi), but it has a timeless, rough and tumble pure pop feel that perfectly matches its sometimes joyful, sometimes troubled, always kind of complicated lyrics.

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Tomorrow {Tuesday, December 21} at 1p PST we can listen in as Belle & Sebastian perform live in the band's hometown of Glasgow from the legendary Barrowland. The entire performance will be webcast live (as it is happening!) and promises to include long-lost fan favorites, songs from this year’s Write About Love, and some holiday-themed funtimes.

The concert can be viewed at www.npr.org/BelleHoliday and www.theguardian.co.uk.

Let's make it a very twee Christmas!

I know I'm only about 6 months behind everybody else - but just in case you are too, I wanted to share this excellently adorable short film Marcel the Shell with Shoes On. It's written by Director Dean Fleischer-Camp and SNL's Jenny Slate (she also voices Marcel). I instantly fell in love with this little stop-motion shell and his "lint" dog, and can't wait for a second installment.

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It's no secret that 2010 is the year of Allo Darlin'.  Since the moment I, {like all my fellow indie-pop heartsters in town} heard the first sweet notes of the Allo Darlin' debut full-length self titled album, I've wished on each falling star that they'd some day they'd bring their twee-liciousness to Seattle.

Well Seattle, tonight is the night! Three Imaginary Girls is honored to present tonight's sold out show at the Rendezvous with guests Math and Physics Club and The Special Places rounding out the dreamy bill.

Please tell me you got your ticket already and you'll be joining us for this fine display of dazzling indie-pop. The doors will open at or around 10p (maybe 10.10p?) and the music starts very soon thereafter.

Tonight is also our opportunity to wish Ethan {of Math and Physics Club} happy travels as he leaves to go out on tour with imaginary favorite Eux Autres. Our superstar bass playin' guy is going to tour and and record with them for the next few months at least. His first show with Eux Autres is 11/11 in Seattle, then they head south and have a few shows scheduled with Wild Flag!

Huge thanks to Seattle Show Posters for the Smith-a-licious poster art!