Karl Blau's live show is unassuming, sometimes off-putting to audience members who don't quite know what he's about, gorgeous, and altogether swoon-worthy.  It is no coincidence that Karl Blau has been a member of, and has performed with, some of my most favorite bands: Your Heart Breaks, D+, Mount Eerie, and Laura Veirs are just some that come to mind immediately. One of my first indie rock loves was the KRecs/Knw-Yr-Own Anacortes/OlyWa scene and its members/musicians, leading to my discovery of Clothes Yr I's soon after it was re-released on K Records in 2003. (The fourth track, "Thorns," is pure heart-tugging greatness.)

You can soak up some of the goodness first-hand on Friday, January 28th at the Sunset Tavern, where Karl Blau will be taking the stage at the Sunset Tavern along with the likes of the always-delightful Pica Beats and the dreamy, layered-vocal sounds of The Soft Hills. And we've got a pair of tickets to give away!

Send an email to tig {at} threeimaginarygirls.com by 3p on Thursday, January 27th to be entered to win two tickets to this great night of music. Please put "KarlBlauAteMyCat" in the subject line. In the body, tell us why you think (or know) the sky is blue. (Srsly, science is awesome!) Good luck!!

{21+ / 9p doors / $8. Photo courtesy of K Records.}

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Fresh off the presses from our inboxes comes this week's launch of GIVE -- 30 downloadable tracks from a variety of Seattle artists, who are donating their songs to benefit Arts Corps and local area foodbanks. The $7.00 (!) compilation, which was produced, curated, and funded by Caffe Vita, will be available online here. Physical compilations can be picked up at all Caffe Vita locations, Easy Street Records, Sonic Boom Records, University Book Store, The Crocodile, EMP, Neumo's, and Sorrento Hotel. The in-hand compilations will include a physical card with a redemption code for the download, and a prettied-up sleeve to make it a ready-to-give present.

Here's the full track listing -- nearly all of which are exclusive to the compilation:

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After their set on The Vera Stage Saturday the 25th, The Pica Beats talk about their upcoming plans, Block Party, their new lineup and use of a horns section.

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All parts Oregon, Point Juncture, WA is going to rock you. Slowly. In their collectively cradled arms. And when they do, you should look at the calluses on their hands and be thankful that someone out there is working hard to provide for you. They released Heart To Elk in February 2009 on Mt. Fuji Records.

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TIG staffers are a lot like you -- coming up with our list of faves for the year is a fun and gripping process. After comparing/contrasting/debating our individual favorites, we figured the sum of our imaginary parts would make for an interesting list.

While ChrisB and Keenan, among other things, brought in the power-pop elements,  Chris Estey stood by the smartie subtle elements of this year's Northwest offerings. Imaginary liz, as usual, loved the lo-fi and indie-pop songs, while imaginary dana spent much of the year obessed with Throw the the Statue and of course, the Fleet Foxes. And nearly all of us agreed that the Saturday Knights album was a force to be reckoned with. Here's our our staff votes tallied up...

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One of my end of the year rituals is to compile my favorites of the year into a single mix tape / cd / playlist. For me, this year has been ripe with songs I've listened to on repeat. So many so, I actually had to cut out some so that I didn't alienate the casual mix tape listener. After a casual polling of my friends, I found that four-cd mix isn't all that digestible.

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at The Vera Project

They came to Vera to finish off a five-week tour and the pleasant exhaustion showed on their faces.

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So, it's no secret I can't recommend the Pica Beats cd release show next Thursday, Oct 9th high enough. They will be headlining at Chop Suey with Cock and Swan and Curious Mystery opening the night.

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