As I was picking out my favorite shots from this past year, it quickly became apparent that I couldn't just leave it at ten.  I've posted my top picks below (in no particular order), but you can check out the rest here.

Huge thanks to the TIG crew, especially Chris and Keenan, for giving me the opportunity to share these amazing moments with all you lovely people! And thanks to all my fellow photographers, both in Seattle and elsewhere, for giving me inspiration every day. Hope you all have a safe, prosperous, and Happy New Year! Here's to an even bigger and better 2010!

2009-09-05: Hotels @ Bumbershoot - EMP | SFM's Sky Church

more...

I've mentioned the monthly night "The Rumble" here a few times now (it's the third one this Monday night at the Crocodile) and I want to see it succeed. I do like the people involved with the event, but that should be immaterial. What is important is that there's a monthly night at a rock club that brings in good bands and is free. This one is headlined by Hotels, a neo-New Wave band that loves the synth-heavy sounds from the 1980s and has some very catchy songs of their own. Also rounding out the bill is Apes of Wrath (from San Diego), Alligators (from Los Angeles) and (full disclosure, a friend) DJ Carly (from Seattle's USE).

I asked both brilliant and talented photographers Erik Clineschmidt and Jason Tang to list their five favorite Bumbershoot photos. Jason offered these as his favorites. - ChrisB.

Head Like a Kite:

"I almost didn't go to this one because Metric was playing 15 minutes after [their set began].  I'm so glad I did, even if it was for one song!"

Carly Nicklaus of USE:

"They totally killed it!  So much energy and a lot of fun to shoot."

Janelle Monae:

"Karma, I tell you. [When security stopped] letting anyone else in to the Metric KEXP lounge show, I figured I might as well kill some time and catch Janelle at the Fisher Green Stage.  Boy, was I in for a big surprise!"

more...

{Hotels photo by Jason Tang}

The above photo from TIG's awesome photographer Jason Tang makes me wish I caught Hotels set (which is one I knew I'd regret missing throughout the weekend).

After my mid-day check-in yesterday, I saw two more acts: UH HUH HER and De La Soul.

UH HUH HER was a mostly entertaining set, but there was a lot of MOR filler thrown in. At their best, their a sexy, synth pop dance band. With two female harmonies, they can recall Ladytron (they are on the same label, Nettwerk). Still during the middle of their set, they put the electronics and hooks on the back burner. This was their first time in Seattle, which I didn't know. They said their shows kept getting canceled for a lot of "weird shit" like their bus "driver getting lost in a blizzard". I'm glad I saw them and did like when they played their singles like "Explode" and "Not a Love Song", but I was also wondering what I was missing elsewhere.

more...

Over the past few years, Hotels have emerged as one of the most enjoyable bands in Seattle. They have a synth-heavy sound recalling artists such as New Order, Joy Division and OMD; their excellent second album, Where Hearts Go Broke, would not sound out of place if it were released by Factory Records circa 1981.

I’ve known a few members of Hotels casually for a couple of years and it is a pleasure to watch their live show and recorded music improve and grow more confident while finding their own sound and take on their inspirations. They’ve played several important shows this year, including the Capitol Hill Block Party and playing at the Crocodile just a few nights after its big reopening. They’ll also be playing Bumbershoot this year on Saturday, September 5 (at 2:00pm in the EMP Sky Church).

more...

at The Crocodile

"The Crocodile is alive again," I thought, as opening act The Globes pounded out rhythms like a heartbeat: BAH-BOOM, BAH-BOOM, BAH-BOOM. As drummer Marcus Ourada led the percussion into the first song of the night, the revived rock club on the corner of Second and Blanchard came to life once more with the sounds of great local music.

more...

Aside from the trial run last week, this will be the first entirely local show to take place at The Crocodile - and it's a good one, with four solid bands filling out the bill.

more...

at Sunset Tavern

I was sorry to have to miss Andy Rourke – but on the strength of the lineup that preceded him, I’m not that sorry.

more...

Andy Rourke, the bassist for the Smiths, is performing a DJ set at the Sunset tomorrow night.

more...