Three Imaginary Girls - The Trucks

Liz's DJ set from Monday's Crocodile Happy Hour

imaginary liz — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 04:11:24 +0000

{photo by the lovely Victoria VanBruinisse}

Thanks again to everyone who stopped by the Crocodile on Monday!

It was *so so awesome* seeing you and boy oh boy did the double helpings of pizza make my tummy happy. I still have a couple of those wooden tokens for rum drink specials left over; I suppose I've kept them to remind me of the rum vanilla-y goodness for weeks to come.

Word from our interoffice email threads since the event confirms that every member of the DJ crew had an amazing time! Chris Estey, Amie Simon, and Victoria VanBruinisse really outdid themselves putting together their sets.

Some folks who couldn't stay the whole time (or perhaps redeemed one too many of those wooden rum drink tokens) asked for a recap of the set... so here's mine:

The Atlas

Imaginary Nicky — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 16:40:01 +0000

8.2

http://www.amazon.com/Atlas-Kristin-Allen-Zito/dp/B0048IW0Y4/?tag=wwwthreeimagi-20

CP015 cover-600x600.jpg

I first heard Kristin Allen-Zito, Bellingham’s indie queen about five years ago. A profound serendipity, I stumbled into an acoustic set at the now-defunct Bay Street Coffee House, and was immediately besotted. I am not usually one for femme folksingers, but there was something vulnerable at work that arrested my attention. Having cemented my allegiance by securing a copy of her solo debut Helium, I hoped for a second helping that seemed more unlikely with each passing year. A foray into punk-rock, her group The Trucks rocked and then disbanded, with Allen-Zito seeking refuge in New York and leaving a void in the Northwest music scene.

Two years later, and Allen-Zito has returned with a new album, The Atlas, on hand for her coronation as homecoming queen. It’s been a busy couple of weeks – Allen-Zito has played a flurry of shows to promote the release of her new album in Seattle, Bellingham, and most recently an impromptu reunion show with her riot grrrl electro-clash group The Trucks in Olympia.

Having sampled the bright lights of the Big Apple, Allen-Zito gives a nod to the City of Subdued Excitement by releasing The Atlas on her hometown label, Clickpop records. The gap-toothed, shit-spittin’ dance machine has ditched the toilet paper wings for a more accessible sound, which is not a departure from her former works so much as a return to her modus operandi that has the TIG staff squeeing in delight.

The Atlas opens with it’s eponymous first track, which is an engaging song with an undercurrent of well-measured snares and electronic tinkling that binds the different layers together perfectly – you’ll be singing along by the second verse. If you feel an earworm twisting about halfway through, fret not – "Utah" was formerly setlist stock but has been allowed to percolate and come to fruition – the reworked version is well worth the wait. A much fuller sound than previous acoustic releases Jen and Kristin or Helium, Allen-Zito employs a warm harmony of strings to serve as the backdrop to her sweet vocals and front-porch strumming.

Themes explored within the album are much what you would come to expect from a veteran of coffee-house ballads – love, stormy coastline imagery, and the quintessential Pacific Northwest experience of riding your bike through the rain. If I were to suggest an alternate title for this release, it would probably be Water – the element is mentioned in over half of the songs on the album, be it through churning waves, gathering puddles or slowly forming ice crystals.

There is plenty of country in "Pedaling My Bike", which is a little too ripe with bluegrass notes for my taste, but straightforward and charming nonetheless. Allen-Zito serves up the sass on "Pushups", which is the closest the album comes to rock and employs a swaggering choir and punchy percussion to boot. The twee factor has been reigned in just enough to let this album flow freely, until the tongue-in-cheek "Underside of Heaven" ends, signalling it's time to hit repeat once again.

Perfect for rainy bus trips, the clinking of warm teacups and musing over crushes, Allen-Zito ushers in the winter season with this new release – pick up a copy and squee over it today, and then catch her live at one of these intimate shows:

December 3 2010, 8pm - WWU Underground Coffee House, w/ Cumulus – free all-ages show (Bellingham)
December 7 2010, 8pm - KUGS 89.3fm live show and interview (Bellingham)
December 7 2010, 9pm – The Wild Buffalo, support for Fences (Bellingham)

The gap-toothed, shit-spittin’ dance machine has ditched the toilet paper wings for a more accessible sound, which is not a departure from her former works so much as a return to her modus operandi that has the TIG staff squeeing in delight. Perfect for rainy bus trips, the clinking of warm teacups and musing over crushes, Allen-Zito ushers in the winter season with this new release – pick up a copy and squee over it today, and then catch her live at one of these intimate shows:

A Portland Excursion: Farewell to The Trucks (again), plus Head Like a Kite and Subtle

Amelia Gydé — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 19:17:02 +0000

7 Nov 2008

trucks08nov1.jpg

I was dealt a double-blow last month when I learned The Trucks and Pleasureboaters, two of my favorite local(ish) bands were both breaking up. At least in The Trucks’ case, I was allowed a chance at closure, as they had three final shows scheduled - one each in Seattle, Portland, and home in Bellingham. Pleasureboaters did not give their fans the same opportunity.

The Trucks’ last Seattle show on October 11th was among my favorites this year. “Awesome” and A Gun That Shoots Knives joined them at Chop Suey and were so amazing that I wish I could turn this into a rambling trip back through that night as well, but must stay focused.

I thought I’d made peace with the fact I’d never see The Trucks again until they took the stage, and by the time I’d made my way out of the venue I’d decided to travel to Portland for one more show.

I planned to kill several birds with one stone by staying in a hotel that is close to the very cool Wonder Ballroom (where The Trucks were to play), just a few blocks from my favorite Portland restaurant (Old Wives Tales’), and adjacent to the Doug Fir Lounge, a venue I’d wanted to check out but had never been to.

By wonderful coincidence, local favorites Head Like a Kite were playing the heavily-timbered and perfectly-sized Doug Fir that same night about 150 feet from my hotel room. Convenient.

I began my night in an unfamiliar venue with a band I’ve seen several times. I love Head Like a Kite, and my inability to capture any essence of their music in photos is frustrating, especially since their huge sound is difficult to describe. I think they sound like musical time travelers, spinning through decades and bringing back and squishing together the best of all they experience.

Head Like a Kite draws you in, and at the Doug Fir I saw that literally was true as people drifted down the stairs and gathered at the stage, filling that weird empty-space stage bubble that sometimes occurs early at shows. Even though Seattle HLAK shows often feature lively guest appearances and the occasional group of brightly-colored dancing creatures, favorite songs like “Listen Young Stunners” and “No Ordinary Caveman” were at least as captivating coming from just Dave and Trent.

If you close your eyes at a HLAK show, you’ll be tricked into believing a hundred people have joined them onstage and they are all pitching in to create a wave of intoxicating, tightly controlled sound. Open them, though and you’ll find something like this:

Head Like a Kite is a great live band and were hitting hard and true. I nearly forgot about The Trucks, until…

Near the end of HLAK’s set I felt a sudden sense of urgency, and knew my careful planning was about to be undone. I somehow felt The Trucks’ posted set time was a horrible lie and they were going to start early, so I tore myself away and dashed upstairs to grab a cab. The Wonder Ballroom was just a few miles away, and I was quickly there, walking in the door as The Trucks were being introduced, indeed early. Their first song began as I reached the stage, where there miraculously was an open spot right near Marissa.

The Wonder Ballroom held a larger audience than I’d seen at any other Trucks show, and the Siren Nation celebrants cheered the lovely ladies of The Trucks, dancing and singing along through the entire knockout set.

I saw The Trucks five times total, which was not nearly enough. They pack a surprising punch live and are sweet and vicious and funny and they rock. Favorites “Titties”, “Zombie” and “Shattered” left me satisfied and much less sad than the Seattle show, able (hopefully) to make peace with the loss of this irreplaceable band.

Thank you, The Trucks, from all of us who love your music. And thank you for going out in style and with respect to your fans, giving us a few last shows to cherish.

As I wandered out to the sidewalk, I realized it was early enough for me to potentially catch Subtle if I quickly returned to the Doug Fir, so…

Back to the Doug Fir Lounge and past the kind door guy that believed my earlier wrist-stamp had been over-stamped at the Wonder Ballroom. As I descended, Subtle started their lively set, sounding to my then-tired ears like cracked-out Red Hot Chili Peppers meets Xiu Xiu, so of course I loved them.

Adam 'Doseone' Drucker is a fascinating frontman, with a super-fast tongue and a prowling way of exploring the stage as he checks audience members’ jugular pulses, inspects the inner workings of plastic statues, and borrows cute purses.

Had The Trucks started as scheduled, I would have missed Subtle’s Portland show and I needed it as a prelude to their set at Nectar I was seeing the following night. They’re a lot to digest and are incredibly fun so I was more than up for seeing them twice. Their Portland show is a bit of a blur at this point, so I’ll take that chance the second show gave. More later on Subtle.

One night. Three bands. Three venues (though two of them were the same). Head Like a Kite, The Trucks and Subtle make for a memorable trip to Portland.

Band breakups, Fall edition: The Trucks, Pleasureboaters

ChrisB — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 03:26:14 +0000

It's always at least a little disappointing when bands breakup and in the past weeks two popular Northwest bands have decided to call it quits.

First, Bellingham's The Trucks are splitting. Sound Magazine got the scoop:

The Trucks have run out of gas. Seemingly out of nowhere, Bellingham’s trashed-out queens of glammy gender-tweaking dance pop have suddenly called it quits.The band, consisting of Kristin Allen-Zito, Marissa Moore, Faith Reichel and super badass drummer Lindy McIntyre, had recently been playing a number of higher-profile dates outside of Western Washington (including a six-date stint on the road with Brooklyn’s ladies of hip-hop, Northern State) where they were testing out new material that was reportedly being written for the follow-up to the band’s critically-enjoyed self-titled debut. It seems that those songs will, sadly, be placed in the dump … truck.

The Trucks have one more Seattle show, on October 11, playing A Gun That Shoots Knives' CD release.

Northern State, The Trucks, and Team Gina at Chop Suey

ChrisB — Mon, 12 May 2008 03:03:24 +0000

5 May 2008

northernstate.jpg

As long as I’ve been going to shows and being a music fan, I’ve been a Northern State fan. When their debut EP Dying In Stereo was released, I listened to it repeatedly and incessantly. I was starting to write for a feminist rock magazine and at that point I liked (and still do) their love of hip hop and how it didn’t include any of the braggadocio or misogyny that is often too common.

Where their Dying In Stereo album was a quite an unexpected gem, their major label debut All City was a disappointment overall and they had fallen off my radar until last year at SXSW when I was able to catch Hesta Prynn, Spero and Sprout for a short, 20 minute set during one of the day parties. Since then I’ve been anxious to catch a full-length set and finally had that opportunity Monday night at Chop Suey.

First on the bill was Team Gina, Northern State’s most obvious intellectual descendents. Like NS, Ginas Genius and Bling are intelligent, liberal white girls who love hip hop but are comfortable carving out their own niche. Rather than worrying about keeping up with Nas or Lil Wayne, the Ginas laugh off the critics who point out their delivery isn’t the greatest (on “A Tribe Called Rocco” they say they aren’t trying to be anything they’re not “except rappers.”) Outspoken, overtly lesbian and always very funny, Team Gina is one of the most fun bands to see live. They wear identical outfits and their rhymes drop both high and lowbrow pop cultural references like famous photographer Herb Ritts or Jem and the Holograms. Lately I’ve been hooked on their first album Gina Gina Revolution but am really anxious to hear their reportedly forthcoming LP.

They played for about 25 minutes are their set was the highlight of the evening. Maybe because it was so short it felt focused or because it was the least awkward. Either way, it was great to hear some of my favorites like “A Tribe Called Rocco” and “Deez Nuts” as well as “Wife Swapping”, which I’m dying to hear on my iPod over and over again but it sounded hilarious on stage.

The Trucks followed and started off well. They were fun and funny, playing the simple, fun poppy songs from their self-titled album. One guy in the crowd kept shouting “Let’s get naked” over and over again and The Trucks’ Kristin Allen-Zito brushed him off by saying “this guy wants to get naked and if anyone wants you join him, you can find him at the Cuff after the show.” It was a great moment for Allen-Zito and the band because when your songs are hyper-sexual (as the Trucks’ most certainly are), you’ll have to accept that that’s going to be the typical crowd reaction a lot of the time. Most of the crowd was into the show and seemed to be having a fun time. Until, after about 25 minutes into the set they asked the sound guy how they were doing on time and he said they had 30 minutes left.

That was the turning point of the night. I don’t expect that the Trucks expected to be playing for just under an hour and they weren’t prepared for it. Maybe it was because Team Gina used up only 25 of their allotted 45 minutes on stage and they started 10 minutes early but they gave it their best effort. They played all of their crowd favorites like “Zombie”, “Shattered” and “Titties” and the crowd (probably about 2/3s of Chop Suey was filled for their set on a Monday night) sang along and danced. Dragging out the set, which is what they appeared to be doing, was awkward. When they finally ended by playing “Big Afros” they looked exhausted and relieved to have survived the set. When I saw the Trucks at Bumbershoot they killed; here they killed time.

Northern State came out, finally after half an hour, to finish the night off and their set was pretty enjoyable. They were also unprepared because they didn’t prepare a setlist (and they started about 15 minutes later than the time posted so it wasn’t as though there wasn’t time) so there were lots of awkward pauses between songs but the delivery was still smooth and seamless. Late on a Monday night, they still had Chop Suey about half full and those who stayed had to have enjoyed their set. Northern State delivered a solid set of politically-aware hip hop. They are white girls who rap, so the obvious (and hardly unfair) comparison is to the Beastie Boys (and was solidified when the King Adrock produced two songs on Northern State’s 2007 album Can I Keep This Pen?: “Sucka Mofo” and “Oooh Girl”).

They played for an hour and their set spanned songs from Dying In Stereo to their current LP – but almost exclusively from Can I Keep This Pen?. The ladies of NS said repeatedly that they love playing in Seattle because we’re some of “the craziest motherfuckers” they’ve ever seen. They closed the set (before the encore) with “Sucka Mofo”, my favorite recent NS song – and ditched the unfortunate bridge of the recorded version, so the song sounded better than I’ve heard it before. Overall, the show was fun, if a little disorganized but I still couldn’t think of any other way I’d rather spend a Monday night.

Northern State’s set list:

1. Mic Tester
2. Oooh Girl
3. Good Distance
4. Better Already
5. Trinity
6. Girl for All Seasons
7. Away Away
8. Time to Rhyme
9. Cold War
10. Iluvitwhenya
11. Mother May I?
12. Sucka Mofo
1. At the Party

Overall, the show was fun, if a little disorganized all around but I still couldn’t think of any other way I’d rather spend a Monday night.

Mashed Trucks

Deborah Barnard — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 23:11:32 +0000

A delectable mashup to distract you from last night's fading hangover.

Bumbershoot 2007: The Trucks Interview

elle — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 03:43:22 +0000

Pressed for time, I ended up interviewing the Trucks at their Bumbershoot merch table signing. I felt a bit awkward because there was a whole bunch of people around watching us conduct this interview...

Don't forget to read the live show review from Bumbershoot too.

{Imaginary correspondent elle was an interviewing machine at Bumbershoot 2007, and Three Imaginary Girls is proud to present loads of her video interviews with some of your favorite bands from the Pacific Northwest, including Viva Voce, Aqueduct, the Trucks, and more! See all our Bumbershoot 2007 coverage!}

Pressed for time, I ended up interviewing the Trucks at their merch table signing. I felt a bit awkward because there was a whole bunch of people around watching us conduct this interview...

Bumbershoot 2007: The Trucks

ChrisB — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 11:50:47 +0000

2 Sep 2007

bumbershootTrucks07sep.jpg

The Trucks truly are a sight to behold. If Peaches, Team Gina, and Princess Superstar combined forces and started a supergroup with Gravy Train!!!! you might come close to approaching the genius of these four ladies from Bellingham.

By employing simple beats with clever songwriting, the Trucks have some of the catchiest pop songs in the Northwest – even if they are just a tad risqué. Bumbershoot has always billed itself as a “family friendly” event, so I was initially curious as to why the Trucks, whose most well-known song is called “Titties,” would be playing early on a Sunday afternoon. What would the families think of hearing that song, and another rhyme by Truck-er Marissa Moore about “pervs in the bushes,” around lunch time? The realization came that most people who write letters about that sort of thing would probably be leaving church around that time and probably missed it.

There's an interesting juxtaposition with the Trucks starting off the same Bumbershoot day that Fergie, a star who seems to owe most of her success to being the subservient sex kitten of modern pop music, headlines. The Trucks, on the other hand, are in complete control of their pleasure and sexuality.

The Trucks got the crowd dancing early in the afternoon through their entire set and singing along to such crowd favorites as “3AM” and “Zombie.” A good time was had by all – except for maybe a few of the parents in the back who might be a little nervous that their kid may start singing along to the chorus for “Titties” and begin asking questions.

But pop is not always supposed to make sense – it's supposed to be fun, and even better if it makes you dance. That’s exactly what the Trucks do – and did.

From the trenches at Bumbershoot, Day 2

imaginary dana — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 22:16:22 +0000

So far, so good! I started my day off with Natalie Portman's Shaved Head (SO LOVEY I WANT TO BITE THEIR HEADS!!) and Mono in VCF, while ChrisB caught the Trucks and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.

Capitol Hill Block Party 2007: The Trucks

elle — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 19:07:59 +0000

27 Jul 2007

thetrucks07jul.jpg

Cleisiophobia: The fear of being locked-in or trapped. It's claustrophobia's bratty stepsister, and unfortunately due to some childhood experiences, I have it.

The air inside of Neumo's was like a thick soup of sweat humidity. My mind was reeling as we're trapped amongst a sea of people in the narrow hall entry trying to squeeze into the Crystal Ball show room; what did that security guard at the North entrance say? The fire marshal was shutting down the admittance of more people into the 21+ show? Visions of me trapped within while a fire breaks out or something else ridiculous starts to put me in a panic. When the guard outside denied us in, we knew we had to be smarter. C'mon, I have a job to do, I'm supposed to be covering this show for TIG! Luckily the East entrance, through the beer garden, hadn't heard about the blockade and were freely letting people in.

But the guard wasn't kidding, they were far too over capacity for the mid-size venue. Facing another challenge, we made use the fact that Neumo's is like a labyrinth, breaking through the masses and finding room near the back wall. [And conveniently near the exits for me and my phobia.] I'm short though, so what to do about... a chair! I stood on my find by the KEXP booth just in time to see the Bellingham girls of the Trucks prepping their instruments-two keyboards, a drum kit, and a bass. Good thing I found elevation, otherwise I would have missed their signature wacky outfits. One was wearing a flashy sequined pink unitard with pink and black stockings, another was wearing a strappy teal cocktail dress. Later on, a third bandmate would exclaim how silly it was that she personally had a doily around her neck.

The sardine-esque crowd was trying their best to dance to the deep bass and catchy electro-synth the girls play. The musicians themselves busted out some aerobicize style moves. A few songs sounded as if Depeche Mode had been reincarnated as four teen girls. Besides the crazy get-ups, the Trucks have another schtick: they have actual songs about, well, trucks, including some pretty funny corresponding dance moves. They announced that the closer was about another local darling, Kimya Dawson. The crowd erupted, forgetting how smashed together they were, during the song "Shattered."

Local and worldwide listeners to KEXP's Nitelife with Michelle Myers were able to hear the show. Unfortunately for them, the hyper-energy couldn't be broadcast through microphones and speakers. If I thought A in H were going to tear the place down, the Trucks and their dancing mob of fans were seriously about to obliterate it. They by far exceeded my expectations [using MySpace for research can be quite deceiving], and they were perfect openers for Girltalk.

>> Read all Capitol Hill Block Party 2007 reviews on TIG

The hyper-energy couldn't be broadcast through microphones and speakers. If I thought A in H were going to tear the place down, the Trucks and their dancing mob of fans were seriously about to obliterate it.

Fests are upon us: Part 4: Bumbershoot update

imaginary dana — Wed, 02 May 2007 19:33:56 +0000

In other Bumbershoot news, the bands of local bands on the roster has grown...

Fests are upon us: Part 1: Georgetown Music Festival

imaginary dana — Wed, 02 May 2007 18:40:06 +0000

While Bumbershoot and the Capitol Hill Block Party have grown to astronomical (read as: huge touring bands) proportions, The Georgetown Music Festival is keeping it local as can be, with a preliminary lineup of loads of Seattle- (and a few Portland) based bands prepared to rock South Seattle this June 2-3.

Northwest bands playing Bumbershoot: the updated list

imaginary dana — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 04:03:24 +0000

Last week I posted to the imagi-blog and asked which local bands have heard back that they're been selected to play at Bumbershoot. Between blog comments and MySpace comments and some gossip at Friday night's show, here is the newly updated list.

Where have all the dive bars gone?

imaginary char — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 18:26:01 +0000

The Lobo Saloon is soon to join the list of Seattle dive bars that are no more. Where’s an {imaginary} girl suppose to go to get a cheap, stiff drink? I mean, besides her refrigerator. Check out the full article which features a sassy picture of the Trucks!

D'oh! And tonight's recommended show, in Spokane

imaginary dana — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 19:32:12 +0000

I completely spaced recommending a really cool show for last night (3/30) -- the Wig Fits All Heads anniversary show at the High Dive, with Iceage Cobra, Shim, The Trucks, and Seaweed Jack. D'oh!

Three Imaginary Girls Podcast February 2007

three imaginary girls — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 08:00:00 +0000

This podcasts highlights bands who will be playing at SXSW 2007 -- specifically, bands who will be playing at the TIG-sponsored Indiepop Hootenanny on March 15th at Lovejoys, and local Seattle bands who will be making the trek to Austin. Playlist includes

35:52 minutes (8 MB)

This Is How You Drive a Truck

three imaginary girls — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 20:04:42 +0000

2 Feb 2007

trucks07feb.jpg

We in Seattle are fortunate enough to have multiple local CD stores that host free, all-ages live shows (Sonic Boom Records, Easy Street Records, Silver Platters, etc). I saw my first Easy Street in-store nearly four years ago, the Visqueen King Me CD release show. It rocked, and I fell in love there! Crazy. Yet somehow I've never gone to their Queen Anne location to check out the free show goodness. I've always been a bit LQA-adverse (No parking? Too close to the Space Needle? I don't rightly know why, but I tend to avoid the LQA whenever possible.)

But happily, tonight I ventured with igLiz and a few intrepid imaginary pals to Easy Street's Queen Anne location for the joy of catching the Trucks.

It's been many months since we first saw the Trucks at their CD release show and now that I've memorized and been randomly shouting Trucks lyrics at passersby for months, like daily affirmations, I was ripe to hear my favorite ones performed live. And before dinnertime, no less!

I always welcome the opportunity to sing along to lines like the timeless, "How come you think we can fuck just because you put your tongue in my mouth and you twisted my titties, baby" and "I think it’s funny that now you want me back / Well it’s probably just an act / You must be smoking crack!" Is there a reason NOT to worship the Trucks?

Since releasing their debut self-titled record last September (note to imaginary self: um, why haven't we reviewed that record yet??), the Trucks have made quite the splash: they placed in the Top 10 Northwest Releases of 2006 in our readers' poll, ranked on our personal faves of the year, and finally liberated Liz to proclaim "Titties!" in public whenever given the opportunity (much as mclusky opened her up to C-bombs a few years back).

That's true!

Titties!!! Cunt!!!! Er, uh... (Hi Mom!)

Even outside of Seattle, the Trucks have been making quite the stir, in sources as diverse as Daily Candy, Spin magazine, and my personal favorite, zwire, in which the reviewer proclaimed, "These girls are a bit intimidating! So much in fact that I almost want to hit on them just to see which one could crush my spirits faster."

Silly reviewer boy. The Trucks may be self-proclaimed, "hot girls with stinky pits," but they don't crush spirits. They aim to elevate them. So we arrived to Easy Street ready to electro-rock out and enjoy the show, and the Trucks did not disappoint.

I love how empowering the Trucks are. They make ladies of all shapes and, ahem, experience levels feel as feisty and in control as Lindsay Lohan in rehab. They use their to sassiness to have it all. Introducing the Pretty Parlor-brand feminists!

Right, like instead of burning our bras, we're all flashing an extra pair of fishnets?

Have Fishnet will Rally!

Totally! Fishnet power!

Viva le Power of the Fishnet!

Here here!

We came with a couple of our guy friend in tow who are Serious Music Fans, and when the show got its silliest and squeakiest, I got a bit concerned that they might not see what we see and love about the Trucks. But my worries were for naught. Both gushed about how much they enjoyed the set. Then they went and bought CDs and had the band members sign 'em (perhaps just an excuse to talk to the lovely ladies of the Trucks? Perhaps!). And I've already gotten an email, gushing about how great the record is.

So there ya have it: The language of Trucks can be somewhat universal.

Totally... and they had a hard audience to get dancing. It's hard to be perky and party when it's still light outside and you're in a record store just after you (and everyone else) has just gotten off a full work-week. But the Trucks gave it their all, chanting and clapping and dancing their be-tighted (I just made that word up) little legs off to a pretty large and enthusiastic crowd in the record store.

My favorite part of the show was when Kristen talked about her shirt, which slightly resembled an adolescent pajama top, covered in hearts. She said she was wearing hearts to celebrate the month of love, because single or not, she believed in love. Isn't that sweet?

Indeed. Thems fighting words from a woman who has publicly proclaimed, "Why the fuck won't you go down on me!?!?!"

Kristen started off the show a bit subdued, which she explained early in the set was because of a hand injury she had acquired earlier that day at her dayjob, washing dishes (to which Marissa wisely proclaimed, "Day jobs suck!"). The Trucks even had to forego their couple of guitar solos as a result (admittedly, this didn't change the set much. The Trucks are nothing if not electro-xylo-focused).

But a few gauze bandages couldn't quell Kristen's enthusiasm; by halfway through the set she was clapping and dancing, whirling like a dervish and getting all riled up (and issuing a few killer screams in a manner not unlike Prince at the Superbowl). It was exciting. You just can't keep a good Truck down.

Indeed, indeed. Speaking of which, my favorite part of the night was after the show, when the Trucks gathered to sign CDs. Once the CDs were all sold, they started signing copies of their not-so-nice write-up in the Stranger, drawing hearts and stars and other doodles around the article that called them "tired" and "retarded." I heart mine, and so does Dana. And the naysayers can suck it — I heart tights, I heart titties, and I heart the Trucks.

And if you need more photos, imaginary photographer and new Trucks superfan Ben Haley has loads more on his Flickr profile. Go post comments!.

The naysayers can suck it — I heart tights, I heart titties, and I heart the Trucks.

Best Northwest Releases of 2006

three imaginary girls — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 08:00:00 +0000

Zow — it's been another great year for music everywhere, and a particularly amazing one for music straight outta the Northwest (we hate to brag, but the hometown pride has us beaming!). Thanks to all of you who voted in our fourth annual Best Northwest Releases of 2006 Readers' Poll. As always, we are pleased as punch by all your votes — and humbled to live in a region with such incredible talent.

Without further ado, our winners!

#50 Mon Frere Blood, Sweat & Swords (Cake Records)
{review} * {website} * {buy}

#49 Conrad Ford Don't You Miss Yourself (Tarnished Records)
{website} * {buy}

#48 M. Ward Post-War (Merge)
{website} * {buy}

#47 Head Like A Kite Random Portraits of the Home Movie (Pattern 25)
{review} * website} * {buy}

#46 The Hands So Sweet (Basement Empire)
{website} * {buy}

#45 The Village Green Feeling The Fall (Spin Art)
{review} * {website} * {buy}

#44 Skullbot Skullbot (Self-released)
{website} * {buy}

#43 Andrea Wittgens Alibi (Self-released)
{website} * {buy}

#42 Common Market Common Market (Mass Line)
{review} * {website} * {buy}

#41 Smoosh Free to Stay (Barsuk)
{review} * {website} * {buy}

#40 The Exploding Hearts Shattered (Dirtnap)
{review} * {website} * {buy}

#39 Iceage Cobra Brilliant Ideas From Amazing People (Self-released)
{website} * {buy}

#38 Transmissionary Six Radar (Glitterhouse)
{review} * {website} * {buy}

#37 These Arms Are Snakes (Jade Tree)
{website} * {buy}

#36 Coho Things Change (Lujo)
{website} * {buy}

#35 Sneaky Thieves Accidents (Self-released)
{website} * {buy}

#34 Harvey Danger Little By Little (Kill Rock Stars)
{review} * {website} * {buy}

#33 The Blood Brothers Young Machetes (V2)
{review} * {website} * {buy}

#32 The Sea Navy Oh These Troubled Times (Lucky Horse)
{review} * {website} * {buy}

#31 Argo Attack of the Firebots (Fish the Cat)
{review} * {website} * {buy}

#30 The Blakes The Blakes (Self-released)
{website} * {buy}

#29 Pearl Jam Pearl Jam (Sony)
{review} * {website} * {buy}

#28 The Blow Paper Television (K Records)
{review} * {website} * {buy}

#27 Central Services Central Services (This...Bodek Music)
{review} * {website} * {buy}

#26 Fleet Foxes Fleet Foxes (Self-released)
{review} * {website} * {buy}

#25 Carrie Clark and the Lonesome Lovers Seems So Civilized (Self-released)
{review} * {website} * {buy}

#24 The Purrs The Purrs (Sarathan)
{website} * {buy}

#23 Pleasurecraft This Is A Blackout (Pleasurecraft Music)
{review} * {website} * {buy}

#22 Thee Emergency Can You Dig It? (Blue Disguise)
{review} * {website} * {buy}

#21 Sera Cahoone Sera Cahoone (Self-released)
{review} * {website} * {buy}

#20 The Lights Diamonds and Dirt (Wantage USA)
{website} * {buy}

#19 Patience Please Parallel Plots (Jigsaw)
{podcast} * {website} * {buy}

#18 The Heavy Hearts The Heavy Hearts (Swingline)
{website} * {buy}

#17 Man Plus We Had No Sex (Self-released)
{podcast} * {website} * {buy}

#16 The Snakebites Love, Hate, Rage, and Sorrow (Self-released)
{podcast} * {website} * {buy}

#15 Jeremy Enigk World Waits (Reincarnate Music)
{website} * {buy}

#14 Neko Case Fox Confessor Brings the Flood (Anti)
{website} * {buy}

#13 Racetrack Go Ahead and Say It (Self-released)
{podcast} * {website} * {buy}

#12 Rocky Votolato Makers (Barsuk)
{review} * {website} * {buy}

#11 Panda and Angel Panda and Angel (Jade Tree)
{review} * {website} * {buy}

#10 The Gossip Standing In the Way of Control (Kill Rock Stars)
{review} * {website} * {buy}

#9 Viva Voce Get Yr Blood Sucked Out (Barsuk)
{review} * {website} * {buy}

#8 Math & Physics Club Math and Physics Club (Matinee)
{review} * {website} * {buy}

#7 The Trucks The Trucks (Click-Pop)
{review} * {podcast} * {website} * {buy}

#6 Built to Spill You In Reverse (Warner)
{review} * {website} * {buy}

#5 The Thermals The Body, The Blood, The Machine (Sub Pop)
{review} * {website} * {buy}

#4 Band Of Horses Everything All the Time (Sub Pop)
{review} * {website} * {buy}

#3 The Long Winters Putting the Days to Bed (Barsuk)
{review} * {website} * {buy}

#2 The Decemberists The Crane Wife (Capitol)
{review} * {website} * {buy}

#1 BOAT Songs That You Might Not Like (Magic Marker)
{review} * {podcast} * {website} * {buy}

Thanks to all of you who voted, went out to live shows, came to our imaginary events, read our website, and helped make 2006 another amazing year to be imaginary.

The winners in the TIG Best Northwest Releases of 2006 Readers' Poll, including BOAT, the Decemberists, the Long Winters, Band of Horses, the Thermals, and um, 45 more.

Our Imaginary Editor Picks: Best of 2006

three imaginary girls — Sun, 07 Jan 2007 08:00:00 +0000

I'm so proud of the Pacific Northwest music scene, as she has given us some of the best records released anywhere (although Suburban Kids, Art Brut, Manhattan Love Suicides, and Graham Coxon — I love you like a sister). If I may have a moment, may I publicly declare love for my favorite releases of the year?

I'd like to see anyone even try to stop an imaginary girl mid-gush....

(clears throat) Math and Physics Club, how I adore your heart-melting lyrics and wispy guitar noodles. BOAT, you took lo-fi up a notch with smart songs about parts of speech and addictive melodies (you really deserve your #1 crown). Thermals, dear Thermals. At first I questioned your whole "World being taken over by Christian Fascist" theme, but being the committed Hutch-ite that I am, I listened over and over and became hooked on TBTBTM. Or was it the fact that one of the lines orders folks to strip down to their underwear? Either way, now I LOVE the anti-Christian Fascist Thermals. The Trucks, you gave us all a theme song and a reason to dress up. Eux Autres, although I still have trouble pronouncing your name, I thank you for your nonchalant elegance and understated coolness. Your brother-sister-duo-ness gives me hope that the White Stripes aren't the end of the line. Although I do love me some Jack and Meg, your rhythm section is stronger and your fashion-sense equally scalable to the masses. I thank you for that. I look horrible in white and red. Patience Please, although you are the only EP on the list, you have earned your placement with your spastic indie-pop licks and slight naiveté. I hear you have a full-length planned in 2007? Oh, 2007... you have a lot to live up to!

Um, Liz, I thought you were just going to give us your list...?

Oh yeah, my list! Phew. Here's my list...

Math and Physics Club, Math and Physics Club (Matinee)

BOAT, Songs That you Might Not Like (Magic Marker)

Suburban Kids With Biblical Names, #3 (Minty Fresh)

The Thermals, The Body, The Blood, The Machine (Sub Pop)

Art Brut, Bang Bang Rock And Roll (Downtown)

The Trucks, The Trucks (Click-Pop)

The Manhattan Love Suicides, The Manhattan Love Suicides (Magic Marker)

Graham Coxon, Love Travels At Illegal Speeds (Parlophone)

Eux Autres, Hell Is Eux Autres (Grenadine)

Patience Please, Parallel Plots (Jigsaw)

Goddamnit, how did I forget Art Brut in my list?? Ack! Ahh well, I'm still in love with Emily Kane, and here's my list...

Figurines, Skeletons (The Control Group)

The Knife, Deep Cuts (Rabid Records)

Heartless Bastards, All This Time (Fat Possum)

The Long Winters, Putting the Days to Bed (Barsuk)

Math and Physics Club, Math and Physics Club (Matinee)

The Trucks, The Trucks (Click-Pop)

The Rakes, Capture/Release (V2)

Band of Horses, Everything All of the Time (Sub Pop)

Heather Duby, Heather Duby (Sonic Boom Recordings)

The Doll Test, Gasoline and Banks (Unsmashable)

My list is in no particular order. If you're one of those people who longs for order, well... email me and I'll whip something up. Otherwise, behold my faves of 2006:

The Grates, Gravity Won't Get you High (Cherry Tree)

Joseph Arthur, Nuclear Daydream (Megaforce)

The Decemberists, The Crane Wife (Capitol)

Gnarls Barkley, St. Elsewhere (Downtown)

The Gossip, Standing In the Way of Control (Kill Rock Stars)

Regina Spektor, Begin To Hope (Sire)

Lily Allen, Alright, Still (Capitol)

Justin Timberlake, FutureSex / LoveSounds (Jive)

Psapp, The Only Thing I Ever Wanted (Domino)

Silversun Pickups, Carnavas (Dangerbird)

But don't just take our word for it. See what our readers had to say by reading the results of the Best Northwest Releases of 2006 Readers' Poll {they're way smarter than we are anyways}.

I'm so proud of the Pacific Northwest music scene, as she has given us some of the best records released anywhere (although Suburban Kids, Art Brut, Manhattan Love Suicides, and Graham Coxon — I love you like a sister).

A Very Merry Imaginary Karaoke Bash!

three imaginary girls — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 08:00:00 +0000

Three Imaginary Girls, Barsuk Records, and Sub Pop Records present a Very Merry Imaginary Karaoke Bash featuring members of Math & Physics Club, Iceage Cobra, Head Like a Kite, Schoolyard Heroes, Speaker Speaker, Kane Hodder, Optimus Rhyme, the Pale Pacific, the Elephants, We Wrote the Book on Connectors, The Trucks, A Gun That Shoots Knives, Central Services, The Pharmacy, Tullycraft, Night Canopy, Dita Vox, Shorthand for Epic, and many more. Pre-party starts at 8p with acoustic sets from members of Tiny Vipers, Fruit Bats, and a special performance by Jim Noir. Friday night, December 8th, at the Crocodile Cafe in Seattle, WA Seattle, WA, November 14, 2006 – Ho ho ho! 'Tis about that time to kick off the holiday season imaginarily!

Three Imaginary Girls, "Seattle's sparkly indie- pop press," will host a Holiday Karaoke Bash on Friday, December 8, 2006 at The Crocodile, to welcome in the holiday season with their favorite local rockstars singing karaoke. The night will kick-off with a Sub Pop and Barsuk Records-supported pre-party with acoustic sets from members of Sub Pop artists Fruit Bats and Tiny Vipers, and a very special performance from Barsuk Records' Jim Noir.

The night will feature rockstar performances by local musicians and celebrities. Members of Math & Physics Club, Iceage Cobra, Head Like a Kite, Schoolyard Heroes, Speaker Speaker, Kane Hodder, Optimus Rhyme, the Pale Pacific, the Elephants, We Wrote the Book on Connectors, The Trucks, A Gun That Shoots Knives, Central Services, The Pharmacy, Tullycraft, Night Canopy, Dita Vox, Shorthand for Epic, several KEXP DJs, and many more special guests are prepared to take the stage to croon for our mutual holiday enjoyment.

Of course -- in imaginary style -- you won't need mistletoe to get lucky. The event will feature the amazing John Roderick of the Long Winters as Indie Rock Santa Claus, to ensure you get your holiday wish-list heard by Mr. North Pole himself.

"How often does one get the chance to have her picture taken while sitting on John Roderick's lap?" asked imaginary girl Liz. "That's reason enough to attend!"

"This is the best holiday gift ever – a pre-party with Sub Pop and Barsuk, followed by an off-the-hook karaoke bash!" said imaginary girl Dana. "It's a Christmas miracle!"

"I guess we've been very, very good imaginary girls this year," said imaginary girl Char.

Steve the Karaoke King (of Twilight Exit, Molly McGuires, and the Comet Tavern) will serve as KJ for the big event, which means the song selection and the sound system will both be incredible. Need further incentive? Imaginary karaoke parties always tend to attract surprise guests (including Vendetta Red's Zach Davidson and the Posies' Jon Auer at past events), and the girls will have girls will have raffle prizes galore from favorite folks like Merge Records, K Records, and Pattern 25 Records to bulk up your end-of-year CD collection. Event supporters Sub Pop, Barsuk, and Seattle Sound magazine will also be providing extra- exciting gift packs for lucky audience members to win.

Three Imaginary Girls are no strangers to the Seattle rock scene. During the past four years, the girls have reviewed hundreds of live shows and CDs in Seattle and beyond. They also book local music showcases, and have hosted various rockstar karaoke events, such as their Labor Day Buttrock Karaoke Party, their Silly Love Songs Friday the 13th Pre-Valentine's Day Bash, and a "69 Love Songs" Pre- Valentine's Day Tribute night.

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THE JUICY DETAILS
WHAT: Three Imaginary Girls Presents: A Very Merry Imaginary Karaoke Bash
WHERE: The Crocodile Café, 2200 2nd Avenue. Seattle, WA
WHEN: Friday, December 8, 2006. Doors open 8p for the Tiny Vipers and Fruit Bats acoustic sets. Jim Noir performance begins at 9p. Open Karaoke immediately thereafter at 9:30p.
COST: $10 Advance tickets available through Ticketweb.

ABOUT THREE IMAGINARY GIRLS
ThreeImaginaryGirls.com is a Seattle-based website that showcases the great music of the Northwest to music lovers worldwide. During the past three+ years, the site has featured reviews of albums, live music, film, theater, interviews, political commentary, and even love advice, in Seattle and beyond. The girls also book music showcases, contribute to other music publications (including The Stranger, Tablet Magazine, and Music for America), and make guest radio appearances on 90.3 KEXP. The girls were voted "MVP of Seattle Music 2004" by readers of the Seattle Weekly, and were listed in Seattle Magazine's Most Influential People issue. Intrigued? For more information, contact: tig@threeimaginarygirls.com.

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Ho ho ho! 'Tis about that time to kick off the holiday season imaginarily!