Three Imaginary Girls - tig

More photos from our New Wave Karaoke party!

imaginary victoria — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 16:12:37 +0000

Man, are we lucky! Our friend Nate Watters piled on to the already-bursting set of photos from our Rockstar New Wave Karaoke Party {from the de-lovely Laura Musselman}, giving us oodles more to ogle at. Not only did he contribute to a set of shots over at the City Arts Blog, he also tossed a few pics in our flickr pool -- so go poke around and have a peek at all the awesome! More views of Sean Nelson, Jenny Jiminez, Cristina Bautista, Cody Hurd, Lesli Wood, and so many of our friends and fellow fans are just waiting for your eyeballs. Here's a taste:

Jenny Jiminez and Anna Banana slaying the stage!

Rockstar New Wave Karaoke Bash: What a way to celebrate the 10th Imagi-versary

three imaginary girls — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 15:35:36 +0000

We can't thank you enough for helping us celebrate our 10th Anniversary in Rockstar New Wave Karaoke style last Friday {June 1, 2012} at Chop Suey!!! The evening was so much fun and having you all there really made it all super special. There were so many amazing moments, some that we can't even believe actually happened! If we weren't already in love with every one of the performers that took the stage, we are certainly over the moon with them now.

There were so many amazing performances it's impossible to list all the amazing moments here... but here are just a couple off the top of our heads:

Ben Hooker re-writing Duran Duran's "Girls on Film" to "Three Imaginary Girls On-Line." We still don't know how he did it and really wish it was caught "on film." We are still blushing from the honor of having a Ben Hooker-penned song about us!

Patrick from Your Favorite Book singing "99 Luft Balloons" IN GERMAN! We're not sure if you noticed, but the words on the karaoke monitor were in English, which means Patrick actually memorized the German version. From seeing YFB shows in the past, we knew he was going to go all the way. But, blow up red balloons and fill the crowd with them as he broke out into song? While singing in German?

Jenny Jimenez capturing all that is "She Bop" by Cyndi Lauper. The face paint, the outfit, the dance moves, AND a spot on rendition of this classic Cyndi tune. It was a big undertaking and Jenny nailed it!

Sean Nelson singing "Peace, Love, and Understanding." Sean not only covered the Elvis Costello song beautifully, he got so into the moment that he left the stage with a hole ripped in the knee of his pants and a bloody knee! We admire his new wave devotion!

Jenny and Chris of Tullycraft's version of "Come On Eileen." The overalls, the dance moves pulled directly from a Dexy's Midnight Runners video and the over-the-top vocals. Thank goodness it was captured on video (posted below)!

Rockstar New Wave Karaoke Countdown: The Young Evils

imaginary victoria — Wed, 30 May 2012 17:00:00 +0000

We've loved the Young Evils something fierce since those first strains of Enchanted Chapel made their way onto our iPods and into our headphones back in 2010. Since then, the music they make has proven the perfect soundtrack for those beautiful, sunny Seattle days, the mornings covered with grey when we need a little pick-me-up, and everything in-between. We've emphatically featured the YEs on our best-of-2010 playlists, faithfully recommended show after show, leapt into the air with glee when they agreed to come on the bill for our oh-ten holiday party, shimmied stage left when they played a killer set at the 2011 Sasquatch! Music Festival... the list goes on and on.

So, you can imagine how beside ourselves with happy we were when Cody Hurd agreed to come and spend some time at our 10th Anniversary Rockstar Karaoke New Wave Bash this Friday! He'll be taking the stage at Chop Suey with the likes of Sean Nelson, Lesli Wood, Alicia Amiri, Cristina Bautista, and more all-stars than you can shake a stick at. As is the case with the rest of our performers, there's no divulging which song he's going to serenade us with -- but we can tell you that it's going to be completely spectacular and that you won't want to miss it! A duo with Cristina Bautista, perhaps? Or with bandmate and Mal de Mer member Michael Lee? The possibilities are endless!

Tickets are only ten dollars {whoa!} and are going fast, so pick up a few here before the night sells out. Don't forget, the show is 21+ and doors open at 8:30pm!

{Photo of Cody Hurd at Sasquatch! 2011 by Victoria VanBruinisse.}

Rockstar New Wave Karaoke Countdown: Shane Tutmarc

imaginary liz — Wed, 30 May 2012 16:55:00 +0000

Shane Tutmarc might have picked up and moved to Nashville a few years back, but in our hearts, he's always going to be a fixture in the Seattle music community. It's safe to say that Shane has written hundreds of songs under the monikers of Dolour, Shane Tutmarc and the Traveling Mercenaries, or simply, Shane Tutmarc. The guy can hold a spotlight and captivate an audience with a melodic chorus, a hook and a slight twang. You could say he's our very own Rhett Miller.

We can't believe our luck that Shane is going to be in town for a series of shows the week of our big 10th Anniversary Rockstar New Wave Karaoke Bash at Chop Suey{tix} this Friday, June 1st! It's total imaginary kismet if I do say so myself.

We know the new wave karaoke song he's going to do is going to amazing (it's such a great pick too!) and it surely wont be enough Shane for us all. You can also catch him on Saturday night {June 2nd} at the Columbia City Theater when he takes the stage for the Noise for the Needy benefit, with Side Saddle, The Outlaws (a Waylon Jennings tribute band) and Country Lips.

Speaking of an extra dose of Shane Tutmarc, Shane was kind enough to donate an exclusive song to the Imaginary Zine mix cd! The Imaginary Zine is a printed old school zine recounting our first 10 years in stories and recounted memories from our imaginary friends. As I eluded to, it comes with a cd chock full of rare, live, or exclusive songs by some of our favorite local artists, including The Long Winters, BOAT, Exohxo, The Femurs, Tullycraft and MORE! It's limited to a hand-numbered print run of only 333, so you should make plans to pick up your copy at the show.

Rockstar New Wave Karaoke Countdown: Exohxo

imaginary liz — Wed, 30 May 2012 15:15:27 +0000

In the venn diagram of talent, kindness, enthusiasm and sincerity, Exohxo's Jasen Samford and Danny Oleson are certainly in the middle of it all.

For years they made Seattle smile with pop-goodness as part of Speaker Speaker, and now, with their current band, Exohxo, they have taken their enchanting chamber pop one step further. They not only spread joy at the holidays, releasing three holiday Exohxmas albums (mostly) of original songs, but all year long they take the stage to fill the air with brilliant songs like "These Are The Days" and "Beacons."

In fact, they are so talented that they didn't even flinch when I asked them if they had a song for our Imaginary Zine mix cd. They jumped to the task recording a brand new song just for us and delivered it in record time.

Rockstar New Wave Karaoke Countdown: The Mangles

imaginary liz — Tue, 29 May 2012 17:39:16 +0000

The Mangles are an illusive group of guys. We were lucky enough to meet them in TIG's infancy and immediately BFF'd over all things vinyl, indie, and rad.

Even though the group only comes out of their Mangle den a few times a year, it's always to the extreme delight of all at the show. Whether they use the moniker of The Mangles or the long-retired Scottish Men of Science or as some of the fellas behind Blue Disguise Records (responsible for the early Visqueen releases, among other things), they treat every show as a covert basement show, bringing everyone into the fold of secret handshakes in the name of an authentic college-rock show, minus the attitude and fake poses.

Beyond that, they translate their genuine love and respect of everything from Linda Ronstadt to Quasi to Hüsker Dü into an unforgettable performance that reminds you of the giddiness you felt the first time you snuck into an over 21 show.

Their songs gather a most exquisite range of influences, from The Replacements to The Bangles to Gang of Four to the Clash. They are smart guys, and their writing and performance style reflects that (and I'm not just saying that because they are responsible for writing the best song ever, "Liz Riley").

They've taken the TIG stage in the past, notably at our 2008 Holiday Spectacular, 2004 Shamrock the Vote show (at which they were an all-boy Bangles tribute band) and on the karaoke mic at our Suicide Karaoke show to mark our 2nd anniversary.

We're not sure what song they are going to do this year at our 10th Anniversary Rockstar New Wave Karaoke Bash at Chop Suey {tix} on Friday, June 1st, but we know it's not to be missed!

Rockstar New Wave Karaoke Countdown: Tullycraft

three imaginary girls — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:05:09 +0000

{photo: John E. Hollingsworth}

There's no denying that every single member of Tullycraft has a firm place in our hearts. Their songs encompass all things we love. They spice up indie-pop with aggressive guitar and swoon-worthy campfire sing along harmonies. Blips and bleeps are sprinkled through out as are record store clerk culture references and nerd-core punchlines. Beyond that, the folks that make up the band more than make our heart flutter.

Our ties with Tullycraft go all the way back to 2003, when at our 2nd anniversary Rockstar Suicide Karaoke show a very brave Tullycraft-er took the stage to sing Juice Newton's "Queen of Hearts." Since then, we've been able to cajole Tullycraft into performing at many an imaginary event (YAY!). It's hard to pick a favorite moment, but we still watch video of their performance at the Magnetic Fields 69 Love Songs show over and over (video sample of the night below). And then there was our 2007 holiday show, the 2004 Shamrock the Vote showcase… well, you get the idea. We can't get enough Tullycraft in our lives.

Rockstar New Wave Karaoke Countdown: Ben Hooker from Visqueen

imaginary liz — Thu, 24 May 2012 15:35:55 +0000

{Total sweetness: Rachel and Ben after the last Visqueen show / photo: Jason Tang}

We haven't been the same since Visqueen rode into the sunset last November, when they played their last show at the Neptune. It was a glorious affair. Every song rocked like it was the first time we heard it. Genuine love and appreciation (on both the part of the band and the audience) filled the air and as the final notes of the last song we're strummed, we all broke down into tears. Sure we were sad that we'd never get to see another Visqueen show or pick up another new Visqueen album, but mostly the tears were grateful ones, that we were there and they were there and we were all together sharing this amazing moment of rad songs, rad people, and BFFs forever (video proof below).

BUT, come Friday, June 1st at our 10th Anniversary Rockstar New Wave Karaoke Bash at Chop Suey {tix}, dry those tears and wildly spray your Aussie Scrunch hairspray, because Ben Hooker (and possibly a member or two of his entourage) will take the stage to sing a favorite new wave hit.

You might remember Ben's karaoke skillz as illustrated in his spot on performance of Iron Maiden's "Aces High" (with Cory Murchy of Minus the Bear) at our 2003 Rockstar Buttrock Karaoke Party, a performance which earned him the award for "Best Falsetto." This time will be even better, because we will be celebrating a wonderful 10 years of imaginary togetherness (a love affair detailed in the 10th anniversary imaginary zine, which you can be the first to pick up AT THE SHOW!).

How can Ben possibly top "Aces High?" We will see… oh we will see!!!

Rockstar New Wave Karaoke Countdown: Ethan from Math and Physics Club

imaginary liz — Wed, 23 May 2012 21:22:21 +0000

It's hard to remember imaginary life before Math & Physics Club came along. We are forever honored to have been one of the first places they sent their demo to back in the summer of 2004. With their sweet indie-pop blend of The Smiths with The Lucksmiths, and all things Sarah Records with Matinee Records, their beautiful songs (even as demos) immediately made us both jump with glee and fill with pretty heartache.

Besides being hella nice folks who write hella nice songs, we adore them because they have been kind enough to be a part of many of our (even wackiest) show endeavors. They are brilliant when they play their own songs (as we've written about countless times), but they are also really great at covers! They did a couple magic Magnetic Field covers at our 69 Love Songs cover night and they even perfected a Stone Roses cover at one of our showcases (video of them performing it in CA below).

Ethan Jones from MaPC is going to represent the band on at 10th Anniversary Rockstar New Wave Karaoke Bash on Friday, June 1st at Chop Suey {tix}. You might also remember Ethan as a touring member of Eux Autres in addition to his MaPC responsibilities of bass guitar and harmonies. Besides rumors swirling that MaPC are possibly talking about one day maybe recording something perhaps sometime, Ethan is also currently working on an EP of his own. And, also of very important indie-pop note, Math and Physics Club donated a very rare and very exclusive song to the 10th anniversary commemorative imaginary zine, which you can be the first of your friends to pick up AT THE SHOW!

He was one of the first folks to send over their requested song, so we can only imagine that he's spent ever single moment working on his new wave poses.

Rockstar New Wave Karaoke Countdown: Alicia Amiri

imaginary liz — Tue, 22 May 2012 20:57:53 +0000

{photo by Victoria VanBuinisse}

Alicia Amiri is quite the lady-about-town, especially within the Seattle music community. During the day (and some evenings), she's the local booker and marketing assistant at the world famous Crocodile. If you haven't crossed paths with her there, perhaps you know her from her days at Neumo's.

Or perhaps you recognize her from one of the many music-making (rather than music-booking or promoting) endeavors in bands Lovesick Empire, Nightmare Fortress or as a solo artist. Her songs have a confident bravado, with vocals that seep with sharp recollections of love and regret.

With all that going on, it's a wonder she has time to help us out at our 10th Anniversary Rockstar New Wave Karaoke Bash on Friday, June 1st at Chop Suey {tix}. But, we are so grateful she will take the stage to belt her heart out in the key of new wave for the big celebration!

For more Alicia-time, be sure to catch her set at Folklife on Saturday, May 26 and Nightmare Fortress (video below) is playing Barboza with The Tempers on Thursday June 7.

Rockstar New Wave Karaoke Countdown: Lesli Wood

imaginary liz — Tue, 22 May 2012 15:44:48 +0000

(photo by Jason Tang)

If there's one lady in this city who's earned a Wonder Woman cape, it's Lesli Wood. For as long as TIG has been around (reminder: 10 years!), Lesli has been a part of Seattle's most noteworthy bands.

I remember the first time we saw her in action. It was with Saeta at the Sit and Spin in 2002. It was a completely dark room, with Saeta's sublime, flowing songs filling the space. Lesli lit up the stage with her beautiful vocals and heart-wrenching piano melodies… and her imaginary fanclub was formed.

Since then she's lead the way in Seattle's music scene with not one, but two more amazing bands: Ms. Led (r.i.p.) and The Redwood Plan (currently ruling the streets). She was even a mentor on an episode of MTV's "Made" (in which she illustrated *extreme* pose, compassion, and patience). And while doing all this, she's been a practicing attorney. The lady totally deserves a superhero cape!

If you heart Lesli as much as we do (which we *know* you do), mark your calendar for the next Redwood Plan show on Friday, June 8th at The Crocodile with Seapony, Land of Pines and Young Evils for the Noise for the Needy Benefit.

We heart Lesli for so many reasons. She's talented, kind and she's been gracious enough to take part in many an imaginary party (and rocked them all). Remember her performance of "Divorce Song" at our Exile In {Imaginary} Girlville Liz Phair cover night back in 2008 (video below)?!

I wonder what amazing new wave song she's going to sing at our 10th Anniversary Rockstar New Wave Karaoke Bash on Friday, June 1st at Chop Suey {tix}. Get your video recorder ready!

Rockstar New Wave Karaoke Countdown: Your Favorite Book

imaginary liz — Mon, 21 May 2012 15:46:21 +0000

Your Favorite Book have been writing songs that pair candid Weakerthans melodies with early Mountain Goats lo-fi acoustic guitar strums since their first release in 2002 (hooray for all the peeps celebrating their 10th anniversary this year!). It isn't just YFB's original songs that make me weak in the knees, I still grin from ear to ear remembering the time YFB covered a Bright Eyes song for my birthday at our 2007 holiday show (why isn't there a video of that?!).

If that's how YFB marks my birthday, how is Patrick, lead YFB-er, going to celebrate our 10th anniversary with a new wave song?!? All I can say is that he wanted to actually sing his chosen in a foreign language. Yes, it's going to be *that* kind of party!

As Patrick describes it, "The song I shall perform is a heartfelt plea for sanity in a world gone mad, and a not-so-subtle rebuke of power-hungry leaders who think nothing of using the little people as cannon fodder on their way to global domination. I would like to dedicate it to my fellow Germans, and to anyone else who yearns for true peace."

Besides spending the last few weeks preparing for our 10th Anniversary Rockstar New Wave Karaoke Bash {tix} on Friday, June 1st at Chop Suey, YFB has been readying their new album for release in early summer 2012. Remember the Narwhal is the seventh YFB full length and the first to feature a full-band.

YFB was even kind enough to donate a sneak peek track from the album for our imaginary zine mix cd, which also features rare and exclusive tracks from The Long Winters, BOAT, Tullycraft, Exohxo, Tennis Pro and a ton more favorite bands. Sidenote: You can pick up a copies of the 10th anniversary zine at the June 1st bash so get there early before we run out (it's limited edition)!

Rockstar New Wave Karaoke Countdown: Cristina Bautista

imaginary liz — Thu, 17 May 2012 21:43:46 +0000

If you don't already know the name Cristina Bautista, you soon will. She's been part of some of our favorite Seattle bands over the last few years (Visqueen, Paxil Rose) and currently, her most recent release--the Gold Parts EP--is in high rotation in the imaginary offices (listen to it on bandcamp or get the ltd. ed. cd version).

Brimming with boundless enthusiasm, Cristina is a shining light in Seattle's music community with the voice of a mischievous angel and the sass of a gal who's seen equal parts happiness and heartbreak. It's a surprise that there isn't a Glee character based on her (or that she hasn't been snapped up to be on the cast).

She's had so many great ideas for songs to perform at our 10th Anniversary Rockstar New Wave Karaoke Bash on Friday, June 1st at Chop Suey {tix}, I can't wait to see which one she settles on!

I mean, look at her go!

{photo: Victoria VanBruinisse}

Rockstar New Wave Karaoke Countdown: Mal de Mer

imaginary liz — Thu, 17 May 2012 17:34:03 +0000

One of my favorite songs of 2011 is Mal de Mer's "Bubble Bobble". The relentless drum, guitar, and keyboard rifts overtop a striking chorus balancing fuzzy distortion and falsetto… yes please! It's no surprise then to find that the band is an imaginary supergroup, comprised of members of some of our favorite bands past and present: Jimmy Curran (the Divorce), Lesli Wood (Redwood Plan, Ms. Led, Saeta and also taking the stage during the night), and Eric Wennberg (Slender Means).

At our 10th Anniversary Rockstar New Wave Karaoke Bash {on Friday, June 1st at Chop Suey - tix}, Mal de Mer lead singer/guitarist Michael Lee is going to take the stage with his special guy (Joe Randazzo) to sing one of the more touching new wave songs in the catalog. Perhaps it will turn into an audience sing along (if we can't help ourselves!)?

Besides working feverishly on the first Mal de Mer full length album (a follow-up to their fabulous debut single), Michael Lee is also a part of the Young Evils (Cody of the Young Evils is also taking the karaoke stage to sing his own new wave hit). The YEs finished up an EP earlier this year with producer Shane Stoneback (Vampire Weekend, Sleigh Bells, Cults) and it will hit the record store shelves in July and summer touring and festivals (and The Young Evils will be at Bumbershoot!).

Rockstar New Wave Karaoke Countdown: Black Nite Crash

imaginary liz — Wed, 16 May 2012 23:14:46 +0000

We feel like the folks in Black Nite Crash are our siblings. We pretty much grew up with them over the last 10 years and, during that time, have gathered so many fantastic memories of time spent together. One of my earliest imaginary memories is the moment I heard them covering one of my favorite songs of all time (Adorable's "Homeboy", a track that, it's fair to say, is equally brilliant and unknown) while standing in the back bar in line to get a drink at the Crocodile on a Sunday night back in 2003.

I immediately ran to the front of the stage cried with joy (having never seen Adorable play live and this being such a spot on rendition). After the show, I followed BNC to the back bar and tried to communicate how amazing the show was. It was a classic TIG move that would be repeated (though never perfected) thousands of times in front of hundreds of brilliant bands over the course of the next 10 years.

Since that show, they've kept it real; writing beautiful songs in the key of shoegazer and playing stellar local showcases, including many an imaginary event (remember how amazing their performance of the Fixx's "One Thing Leads to Another" was at our 2nd birthday bash?). And, huge hoorays, they have their second album coming out and are celebrating it up and down I-5:

- In Seattle on Friday, June 8th at the Rat and Raven with Blood Red Dancers and Sundaze
- In Portland on Saturday, June 9th at the Ella Street Social Club with Sundaze

I can't wait to see what song they choose for our 10th Anniversary Rockstar New Wave Karaoke Bash {on Friday, June 1st at Chop Suey - tix}. I'm sure it's going to make me run to the front of the stage and cry… and then follow them to the bar and buy them a drink.

Here's a video we shot of them a few years back, playing a very dark Chop Suey:

Rockstar New Wave Karaoke Countdown: Kithkin

imaginary liz — Wed, 16 May 2012 19:19:11 +0000

{Photo by Matthew Gilbertson}

I've been a huge Kithkin fan ever since they blew me away as the opening band for Los Campesinos a few months back. I wasn't the only one. Even Los Campesinos mentioned they felt a tad bit inferior following them. Kithkin songs are full of infectious clashes of sound from every angle (and nearly every type of percussion instrument). "Ampersand," my favorite song on their latest EP, is a jar full of rackous jangle that stops and bangs and claps all at the same time (in a good way). Far from chaotic, there is a mischievous method to their joyous brand of pop madness as each song explodes with charged confetti of happiness.

You can listen to their latest EP (their second release and first studio effort) on the Kithkin bandcamp page, where they offer the kind option of "name your own price" to download the album.

And for imaginaries in Vancouver, BC, you can see Kithkin at the Five Sixty on May 31st (the night before our karaoke bash!). They are also slated to play this year's Capitol Hill Block Party! Obviously, those Kithkin guys don't tire out easily. The drive to and from the border will surely provide lots of new wave karaoke practice time.

We can't wait to see how they kick it new wave style... and if they will be wearing shirts!

Rockstar New Wave Karaoke Countdown: Sean Nelson

imaginary liz — Wed, 16 May 2012 16:00:15 +0000

{photo: Victoria VanBruinisse}

Even though Sean Nelson has been a fixture at many of our imaginary events, we still jumped up and down with excited glee and surprise when he agreed to be part of our Rockstar New Wave Karaoke night on Friday, June 1 at Chop Suey.

It shouldn't be a surprise that he can fearlessly take the karaoke mic and grace us with a favorite new wave hit. He pretty much aces each theatrical and musical endeavor he takes on. You've seen him on stage and screen showing off his acting and directing skills, read his quotable works in print, and marveled at his talents in Harvey Danger and the Long Winters (just to name a few of his many musical projects). He's so rock and roll that his new band Sounds Major is playing Barboza the night before (with Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground on May 31st), and yet he still agreed to help us out and take the stage to celebrate our 10th anniversary.

We can't tell you *which* song he's going to do, but we can predict that it will knock your socks off. Because, well, it's Sean Nelson... singing a new wave hit... celebrating our 10th anniversary. And that is rad.

Here's a sample of Sean Nelson awesomeness, when he covered the Magnetic Fields at our 69 Love Songs cover night back in 2006:

Rockstar New Wave Karaoke Countdown: Tennis Pro

Imaginary Amie — Tue, 15 May 2012 22:40:10 +0000

How much do we love Tennis Pro? Let us count the ways …

1) “Imaginary Girl” is naturally, one of our favorite songs. EVER.

2) They donned dresses and makeup to sing their hearts out for us at our Exile in (Imaginary) Girlville 6^th Anniversary/Liz Phair cover night in 2008.

3) They interviewed The Cops for us in 2005! And then … got interviewed BY The Cops.

4. They continue to rock our socks off, leaving us exhausted from screaming until our throats are raw and dancing like maniacs during their sets.

5.) They joined us in 2004 for our Rockstar Suicide Karaoke Silent Auction Bash!

6.) AND! They are going to support us again by taking the stage at our upcoming Rockstar New Wave Karaoke Night on Friday, June 1 at Chop Suey.

We’re not sure exactly what will transpire, but rumors abound that Phil will be leading the vocal onslaught, with Sean & David grabbing the mic at some point to belt their Tennis Pro hearts out.

We have our own ideas about which New Wave hits they should sing for us, but Tennis Pro’s been known to buck the trends, so uh. We’ll just have to see what happens!

And hey! Did you know that there is a movie coming out starting Tennis Pro? It’s called Big in Japan, it’s directed by John Jeffcoat, and we kind of can’t wait for it to be released:

{photo of Phil Peterson at our Exile in (Imaginary) Girlville bash by Jeanine Anderson}

Rockstar New Wave Karaoke Countdown: Noddy

Imaginary Amie — Tue, 15 May 2012 18:12:12 +0000

{Noddy at Dancing on the Valentine 7! photo by: Benjamin Haley}

So I have this beat-up CD of Noddy’s called Goddamn Heart Attack that I picked up at a show loooong ago (2006, I believe) when they opened for a band I no longer remember at High Dive (I *think*).

Anyway, Noddy has evolved a bit since then, but I will never forget the moment they took the stage and I fell for their pop-synthy tunes and pretty vocals. Every time a song from that CD pops up on my iTunes, I can’t help smiling—in fact, every time I’ve seen them play, my face starts to hurt from all the crazy, happy grinning.

On February 10^th of this year, Noddy played Dancing on the Valentine 7. Arriving in striped shirts inspired by vintage Duran Duran pictures (as shown above), they totally KILLED IT on stage with covers of "Big Thing," "Red Carpet Massacre," and "Someone Else Not Me."

We think Noddy is the perfect choice to sing some New Wave karaoke with us!!! They’re still trying to narrow down exact choices, but let’s just say I’m super happy with the three song choices they’re juggling … maybe I’ll even drag out my Doc Martens for the occasion and pretend I’m at The Underground, circa 1987.

Get prepped for some hand-clapping Noddy goodness with their video for “Black Heart”:

Stranger Suggests: Three Imaginary Girls Anniversary with Allo Darlin’

imaginary liz — Wed, 02 May 2012 20:15:09 +0000

{Allo Darlin' photo by Steve Louie}

We always been in awe of David Schmader for being such an amazing talent; he's good at just about everything: writing amazing works of art, producing and performing one-man plays, and emceeing events (just to name a few). And, we've always loved him because he's a super generous and friendly guy... and now we have another reason to adore him:

He shares our love of Allo Darlin' and heartily recommends their upcoming show, next Friday (5/11) at the Vera Project!!!

David astutely wrote in The Stranger's Suggests column: London’s Allo Darlin’, led by escaped Australian Elizabeth Morris, who plays ukulele, writes songs about diagnosing relationships via Woody Allen’s cinematic archetypes and making chili, and is brilliant.

We couldn't agree more! We also couldn't be more honored by his kind words about the Allo Darlin' / Wave Pictures show, which also happens to be the first show in our 10th Anniversary celebration series.

Next time anyone crosses paths with David, tell him how brilliant he is (and buy him a beverage, at the very least).

Don't forget, there's still a couple days left to enter to win tickets to the Allo Darlin' show! Enter to win tickets before noon on May 3!