Three Imaginary Girls - Sameer Shukla

Allalom — We Make Our Own Mistakes, Vol. 1

Diana Salier — Sun, 09 Jul 2006 07:00:00 +0000

yes

http://www.allalom.com/

What makes a good compilation? Unlike mixtapes, compilation albums don't generally have a central theme, and they only offer a taste of each band on the record. I figure the way to judge a compilation is by the number of great songs that are really worth listening to. In the case of We Make Our Own Mistakes: Vol. 1 from Allalom Music, the answer is about half — a really good number for any album.

"Birds Equal Magic" by The Divorce is the perfect opener for the compliation, with its Killers/stellastarr*-esque beginning guitar riff. After singer Shane Berry leaves you feeling down ("Pray if you wanna/there's no way out/you can beg for your mama/but she's not listening"), The Catch picks you back up again with some female-fronted rock in the form of "Hofmeister." Strangely enough, singer Carly Nicklaus sounds almost exactly like the actress who played Mimi in the original cast of Rent, and I had to look them up on MySpace to make sure it wasn't her. But don't be scared; there's no Broadway bravado to be found here.

"Rooster" by The Broadway Hush and "Emily" by Sameer Shukla will satisfy your hankering for the pop side of indie. "Rooster" sounds like what would happen if Mirah got a little happier and sang over a bright electric guitar. It's a feel-good song with a tinge of sadness and nostalgia that can temporarily make you stop worrying about your job, your lack of money, or what you're going to eat for dinner tonight. Sameer Shukla sounds like the long-lost cousin of Rooney or The Turtles, or really any kind of 60's pop band. So it's not surprising that he lists The Beatles and The Beach Boys as two of his musical influences. "Emily" bounces right along with its fuzzy guitars and piano behind "oohs" and "doo-bee-doo"s. Dolour's "An Easy Life" and The Cloves' "Prescriptions" round out the "great songs" half the compilation.

But the compilation is so diverse, you might hate these songs and love some of the other ones that I haven't mentioned. We Make Our Own Mistakes: Vol. 1 features a diverse listing of songs, some of which aren't indie rock at all. There are some soft rock tracks like Sacha Sacket's "Stuck In The Sunset" (try saying that five times fast), standard singer-songwriter fare (Kat Jones, Jared C), and a bonus instrumental track by Anaphylaxis that sounds completely unlike the 13 tracks that came before it. Overall the album has something for everyone and some terrific tracks that will hopefully afford the bands some deserved recognition. Go add them as your friends on Myspace. Then you can say you knew them before everyone else did.

"Rooster" sounds like what would happen if Mirah got a little happier and sang over a bright electric guitar. It's a feel-good song with a tinge of sadness and nostalgia...

69 Love Songs Pre-Valentine's Day Bash!

three imaginary girls — Fri, 20 Jan 2006 08:00:00 +0000

Three Imaginary Girls, Barsuk Records, and 90.3 KEXP present the songs of The Magnetic Fields as interpreted by members of The Long Winters, Vendetta Red, Rocky Votolato, Visqueen, Tullycraft, Harvey Danger, Kane Hodder, Transmissionary Six, Saeta, and many more. Thursday night, February 9th, at the Crocodile Cafe in Seattle, WA

Seattle, WA, January 20, 2006 — "We're Absolutely Cuckoo" for The Magnetic Fields. That's why Three Imaginary Girls has decided to celebrate Valentine's Day this year with a 69 Love Songs Pre-Valentine's Day Bash, co-sponsored by the mighty 90.3 KEXP and the amazing Barsuk Records.

The event will take place at the Crocodile Café on Thursday night, February 9th, and will feature collaborations from tons of Northwest musicians performing their favorite tracks from the 1999 Magnetic Field's 3-disc opus, 69 Love Songs.

The long list of performers includes members of The Long Winters, Vendetta Red, Rocky Votolato, Visqueen, Tullycraft, Harvey Danger, Kane Hodder, and many more. In honor of Valentine's Day, the night will feature three great performance of love — of both the romantic and fraternal nature:

Lovebirds Eric Corson (The Long Winters) and Anna Lange (Dutch Elms) will debut their lo-fi side project, Fork and Spoon.
Newlyweds Andrew Moore (Kane Hodder) and Alissabeth Newton (ex-The Catch) will perform as their aptly named band, For Better Or For Awesome.
Rock and roll brothers Rocky Votolato (formerly of Waxwing) and Sonny Votolato (Slender Means) will dazzle the crowd with their amazingly talented genes.

The full roster of performers, with monikers, includes:

Barsuk Record's Rocky Votolato and Sonny Vototalo {Slender Means}
Fork and Spoon, featuring Eric Corson {of Barsuk Record's The Long Winters} and Anna Lange {The Dutch Elms}
Rachel Flotard {Visqueen}
Zach Davidson {Sony Records' Vendetta Red) and Sameer Shukla
Magic Marker Records' Tullycraft
Math and Physics Club
Breno Dakota {featuring members of Daylight Basement}
For Better Or For Awesome featuring Andrew Moore {Kane Hodder} and Alissabeth Newton {ex-The Catch}
Sean Nelson and His Mortal Enemies {Harvey Danger}
Piglét, France's greatest porcine illusionist (aka writer Kurt B. Reighley)
Just added! The Transmissionary Six
Just added! Saeta (featuring Lesli Wood of Ms. Led)

The outrageous Adrian Lefleur of Iron Composer fame (coming soon to the Game Show Network) will emcee the event and will raffle off a variety of fabulous indie-rock themed prize packs throughout the night.

"Since Stephin Merritt rarely tours, we figured the next best thing would be to have a bunch of our favorite bands cover the songs. I am giddy with anticipation," said Liz Riley, co-founder of Three Imaginary Girls.

Three Imaginary Girls will also run a "Tell Us Your 69 Love Songs Love Story" themed-contest. Readers can submit their stories of how 69 Love Songs impacted their love lives, and the best submission will receive a pair of free tickets to the show. The imaginary girls will read the best stories between sets throughout the night.

"The crazy thing about 69 Love Songs is that no matter where you are romantically, it's fitting," Dana Bos, also a co-founder. "You can rejoice, court, break-up, kiss, wed, laugh, fight, or drink with that album."

"I can't wait to hear who sings 'Underwear,'" said imaginary girl Char. "I hope he changes the lyrics to 'A pretty imaginary girl, in her underwear.'"

If there's anything better in this world — who cares?

*******************************************************

THE JUICY DETAILS
WHAT: Three Imaginary Girls 69 Love Songs Pre-Valentine's Day Bash. Co-sponsored by 90.3 KEXP and Barsuk Records.
WHERE: The Crocodile Café, 2200 2nd Avenue. Seattle, WA
WHEN: Thursday, February 9, 2006. Doors open 8p. 21+.
COST: $7. 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.

ABOUT KEXP 90.3 FM
KEXP 90.3 FM is a public radio station in Seattle with a mission to enrich people's lives with a unique wide and deep approach to music programming. Knowledgeable hosts hand-pick music including indie rock, world music, blues, jazz, hip hop and electronic from its collection of approximately 500,000 titles. The station also broadcasts more than 250 live performances each year. KEXP programming is also heard on the web at KEXP.org. KEXP 90.3 FM is governed by Friends of KEXP, an independent non-profit organization with an agreement to operate 90.3 FM on behalf of the University of Washington which holds the FCC license.

ABOUT BARSUK RECORDS
Founded in the late '90s by friends and band mates Josh Rosenfeld and Christopher Possanza as a way to put out music by their own band (This Busy Monster) and their friends' bands (including Death Cab for Cutie, Little Champions, Abigail Grush), Barsuk Records has grown and flourished over the years. Focused not on any specific genre, but simply on supporting quality songwriting and unique creativity, Barsuk has helped introduce the world to such phenomenally talented artists as The Long Winters, Jesse Sykes & The Sweet Hereafter, Aqueduct, John Vanderslice, Rilo Kiley, and Nada Surf. Barsuk Records continues to expand its roster into 2006 (with upcoming releases from Rocky Votolato, Mates of State, Starlight Mints and Viva Voce), and promises to be a bastion of quality music for years to come.

69lovesongSMALL.jpg

Three Imaginary Girls, Barsuk Records, and 90.3 KEXP present the songs of The Magnetic Fields as interpreted by members of The Long Winters, Vendetta Red, Rocky Votolato, Visqueen, Tullycraft, Harvey Danger, Kane Hodder, Transmissionary Six, Saeta, and many more.

Best Northwest Releases of 2005: Top 100 Readers' Poll Winners

three imaginary girls — Fri, 06 Jan 2006 08:00:00 +0000

You voted, we tabulated. Here's a print-ready list of the top 100 Pacific Northwest releases of the year for your post-holiday-gift-certificate shopping pleasure...

{50-41} * {40-31} * {30-21} * {20-11} * {10-1}
{top 100} * {imaginary picks}

Death Cab for Cutie — Plans {review}
Tullycraft — Disenchanted Hearts Unite {review}
The Decemberists — Picaresque {review}
Slender Means — Neon & Ruin {review}
Stars Of Track & Field — You Came Here For Sunset Last Year {review}
Blue Scholars — The Long March {review}
Buttersprites — Buttersprites {review}
Sleater Kinney — The Woods {review}
Mon Frere — Real Vampires {review}
Harvey Danger — Little By Little {review}
The Hot Rollers — Got Your Number {review}
The Long Winters — Ultimatum {review}
Daylight Basement — Any Kind of Pretty {review}
Tea For Julie — Division {review}
The Divorce — The Gifted Program {review}
The Purrs — The Dreams Our Stuff Is Made Of {review}
New Pornographers — Twin Cinema {review}
Schoolyard Heroes — Fantastic Wounds {review}
The Pale Pacific — Urgency {review}
Math and Physics Club — Weekends Away {review}
In Praise of Folly — Means/Ends {review}
Luke Temple — Hold a Match for a Gasoline World {review}
Some By Sea — The Saddest Christmas {review}
Speaker Speaker — Again & Again & Again {review}
Mono in VCF — The Voltage Control EP {review}
The Withholders — Stay in My Corner {review}
The Pharmacy — B.F.F. {review}
The Elephants — The Elephants {review}
Minus the Bear — Menos El Oso {review}
M. Ward — Transistor Radio
Crystal Skulls — Blocked Numbers {review}
Crown Aruba — alotisalot {review}
Kelli Hanson — Lullaby for an Astronaut {review}
Tim Seely — Tim Seely's Funeral Music {review}
The Emergency — Far Out
Laura Veirs — Year of Meteors
Aqueduct — I Sold Gold {review}
Fruit Bats — Spelled in Bones {review}
Matthew Shaw — Convenience
Vendetta Red — Sisters of the Red Death
Kinski — Alpine Static {review}
The Valley — The Valley {review}
Paris Spleen — The Gentleman's Club EP {review}
The Cloves — Waiting for the World To Be
Key Note Speaker — Fiction
Tennis Pro — Cassie's Junior Varsity Make-Out Squad {review}
Boat — Life is a Shipwreck, We Must Remember to Sing in the Lifeboats {review}
Degenerate Art Ensemble — The Bastress {interview}
The Catch — Get Cool {review}
Common Market — Common Market
Pistol for a Paycheck — Cult Culture
The Village Green — The Village Green {review}
The Cops — Get Good Or Stay Bad {review}
Elite Stranger — Something To Fall Back On
Gary Reynolds & the Brides of Obscurity — Instant Happiness {review}
The Nevvers — Influencing Friends and Making People
Damien Jurado — On My Way To Absence {review}
The Hope — In the Deep {review}
Space Cretins — Rocket Role
Jimmy Flame & the SexXy Boys — It's After Sick
Crooked Fingers — Dignity & Shame
Infomatik — Technologies
A Frames — Black Forest
Voyager One — Dissolver
ManPlus — You Smell Pretty When You Stop Yelling
Romance — When Things Are Better {review}
Dear Darling — Songs of Friends and Family
Sameer Shukla — There's Only One Side Tonight {review}
Headphones — Headphones
Half Acre Day — Half Acre Day
The Melody Unit — Songs for the New American Century
Dolour — A Matter of Time
The Ruby Doe — Always With Wings {review}
The Briefs — Steal Yer Heart
Velella Velella — The Bay of Biscay {interview}
Black Mountain — Black Mountain
Daphne Loves Derby — On the Strength of All Convinced
Umber Sleeping — Psychedelic Sci-Fi New Wave Fusion Band Volume 1
Fall of Troy — Doppelganger
The Western States — Trouble in the Union
Boyd Reno Is John Center — Soul Explosions
Kate Tucker — Eros Turannos
Kuma — Fast Colliding
Holy Ghost Revival — Bleeding Light
Kane Hodder — The Pleasure To Remain So Heartless
Rosie Thomas — If Songs Could Be Held {review}
Charming Snakes — Ammunition
Derby — This Is The New You {review}
The Joggers — With a Cape and a Cane
Menomena — Under An Hour-Songs For Modern Dance
Brandi Carlile — Brandi Carlile
The Posies — Every Kind of Light
The Beautiful Mothers — Half American Serviceman
The Saturday Knights — The Saturday Knights
The Small Change — The Small Change {review}
31 Knots — Talk Like Blood {review}
Explone — Crooks
The Blow — Poor Aim: Love Songs
The Stares — Spine to Sea {review}
Awesome — Delaware {review}

You voted, we tabulated. Here's a print-ready list of the top 100 Pacific Northwest releases of the year for your post-holiday-gift-certificate shopping pleasure...

There's Only One Side Tonight

Chris Estey — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 08:00:00 +0000

http://www.sonicboomrecords.com/catalog/default.aspx?searchbox=sameer+shukla

sameershukla05nov.jpg

Seattle's 23 year-old underground AM radio symphonist Sameer Shukla compels you to sing along with psychic disaster on his manicured debut. Ten deceptively cheerful-sounding, could-be-singles frame each plagued romantic mess described, in shape-shifting jingling tracks fit for a perfect Beach Boys on barbiturates glass-strewn-in-warm-sand weekend overdose. No wonder John Richards named Shukla "your favorite new artist" a couple months back.

The record starts with a three-punch trio of quick confections: "Carry The Pennies," "Emily," and "The Sum of You." On the first few listens, it seems like he's stacked the best up front. Later on, repeated plays reveal further depth with simply less obvious hooks on jaunty lamentations like the title track and the should-be-a-single, "Cheap, Cheap Moon."

Giggling on the gallows, brittle pop-baron Sameer Shukla commiserates with listeners about a once-glamorous world where the final glitter is being washed off at dusk, and all the bars are filled with hookers, peering with wet, whiskey-yellowed demon eyes, mingling with his own afflicted, constrained adoration. Sight itself is a lyrical preoccupation for There's Only One Side Tonight, as references to eyes and eyelids occur throughout, as if to say, "All is vanity."

Through a-bit-too-manicured-sounding hard-candy pop, the bitter centers of "Cheap, Cheap Moon" and "Jack Daniels' Eyes" and "Hug Chaser" never taste ennui-stricken, but more like various impeccable flavors of unrequited ecstasy, a thousand times more painful than vague meaninglessness. "Carry the Pennies" should be just an attention-grabbing opener, but leaves lines like "Pride's just a bitch as well - hiding behind your name - You need not worry about fate, because bones will never break," behind in the subconscious to disturb. In other words, there's no place to disappear, and time catches up to all of us, inevitably putting each one in the ground.

Though lacking any could-have-used-some rough musical edges, There's Only One Side Tonight features a more original voice and better playing and production than 90 percent of the way-overproduced alternative pop-rock the majors are marketing. Catch Shukla playing locally, and invest in a first album that exhausts others for inspiration. (And of great Dolour style pop: alert! The record was produced by and with arrangement help and musical accompaniment by true star and wizard Shane Tutmarc, and mixed by United States of Electronica's Jason Holstrom. Tutmarc is all over this thing with his wonderful instrumental contributions!)

There's Only One Side Tonight features a more original voice and better playing and production than 90 percent of the way-overproduced alternative pop-rock the majors are marketing.

The Imaginary Live Show Rundown

three imaginary girls — Thu, 22 Sep 2005 07:00:00 +0000

22 Sep 2005

Featuring stellastarr, Two Gallants, NW Film Forum Anniversary, Sameer Shukla, The Pharmacy and more.* {as of September 22, 2005}

Last Saturday's {September 17, 2005} stellastarr* show was a packed one at the ole Chop Suey. This is a good sign for our band from NYC, especially considering it was the same night as the KEXP "John in the Morning" showcase as well as the NME acclaimed Antony & the Johnsons; the stellastarr* show was packed with folks.

I am not sure who my fellow showgoers were, but the place was full with what felt like Bellevue-types in tight-black-shirted mall attire and Hot Topic Goths. I must admit that it makes me proud that their appeal has grown past the inner-circle hipsters that use the lines from "My Coco" as punchlines with their significant others. stellastarr* know how to write stylish and catchy songs, and it's nice to see that the masses are starting to take notice.

Sure the performance was tight, the fashions were tight and the rockstar banter was charming and, well, tight... but the most memorable piece of the evening was the out of control smoke machine. As you can see by the photos taken by our lovely imaginary boy photographer Brian, most could only see silhouettes of the band. Rumor has it that the men's room, which is about ten feet from the stage, fell victim to the machine as well and was filled with the dense fog by the set's halfway point.

Even though I'm not a fan of encores, I was happy to hear {since seeing through the fog was difficult at times} stellastarr* come back on stage and play my two favorite songs, "My Coco" and "Somewhere Across Forever". I'm pretty sure I wasn't alone {although I could have been — again with the fog}. The crowd went crazy as soon as they heard those first familiar, catchy riffs.

It is always ambitious for a band to tour in support of an album that is just a couple days old {Harmonies for the Haunted was released three days before this show}. Who knows, maybe next time they come to town, folks will be bursting at the seams for a piece of the HftH action.

Now, looking ahead, hold on to your bonnets, because on Friday {September 23, 2005} the Two Gallants are back in town. They are part of the spectacular Portastatic / The Rosebuds / Holy Ghost Revival show at the Crocodile. The Two Gallants exude cool in each of their heartbroken bluesy folk lullabies. They have the souls of seniors and the stamina of freshmen. Their recent signing to Saddle Creek Records came as no surprise since their part Bright Eyes, part White Stripes sound has been known to incapacitate mortals.

Then, you may not know this, but I am a picky film buff... which means that when I find a film that makes me want to learn quotes from it, it is something spectacular. Next Monday, September 26th {at 9:15p} the Northwest Film Forum is showing one of my favorite films of all time as part of their 10th Anniversary celebration. Ladies and Gentlemen the Fabulous Stains is a brilliant film and a "rarely seen music industry satire following angst-ridden Corinne 'Third Degree' Burns (a 15-year-old Diane Lane) and her riot girl band's rise to fame." It is a cult classic that also stars Fee Waybill {The Tubes}, Steve Jones and Paul Cook {Sex Pistols}, and Paul Simonon {The Clash}.

This Tuesday, September 27th, local singer-songwriter Sameer Shukla will be having his CD release show There's Only One Side Tonight at the Crocodile with Chris Staples and Matthew Shaw. The album was produced by Shane Tutmarc of Dolour and clearly was influenced by Shane's Pet Sounds influenced pop, but Sameer is a talented song-writer in his own right. Sameer's breezy pop stylings are spot on, his voice is clear and earnest yet has just enough of an edge to hold your interest, and he combines wise lyrics with hooks galore.

I have picked other two favorite shows for the week, and of course they fall on the same day: September 28. So I can tell you about both shows, but you will likely have to select one {like an indie-rock Sophie's Choice}.

First off, I'm sure you've all h eard about ::W:I:R:E:: by now, a Wednesday night extravaganza at the Baltic Room that features great DJ and dancing, paired with one up-and-coming (and generally Brit-pop flavoured) band of the moment.

This Wednesday you can catch The Pharmacy, brazen pop-infused punk with just enough attitude to keep the hipsters happy. They pretty much blew our stripey knee socks right off. And check it out — their CD will be released on my new favorite local record label {um, based on name alone at this point}: Don't Stop Believin' Records.

Damnit, I wish I had thought of that name myself...

That Pharmacy album, B.F.F., has been in high rotation in my cd player for weeks. Their songs are full of energy with A.D.D. punk sensibilities fueled by Kane Hodder adrenalin. I doubt they'll be contained by the wee Baltic Room stage.

And then, for those of you up for an ambitious night on the town, you might want to scoot down Pine and down 2nd (oh wait, you can't go down 2nd... go down 3rd, swing around Crack Park looking for parking, and then go...) to the Crocodile for a sweet ass local lineup featuring The Joggers, The Planet The, and The Preons.

If you are looking for a way to help a fellow Seattle music fanatic, on Thursday, September 29th, travel a couple minutes south to Jules Maes Saloon in Georgetown for a benefit to help John Nelson with his medical bills. John is a radio DJ at KMTT (The Mountain), Metro Traffic Reporter, all around local music lover and has been in the hospital since late July. Your $15 suggested donation gets you a front row seat to an auction, free food and performances by The Dusty 45s, M-Set, Two Buck Chuck, The Waterbabies, Jerry & The Phillbillys, Twink the Wonder Kid, and Shane Cobane as Elvis.

I won't forget you, Coco.

stellastarrHS05sept.jpg

I am not sure who my fellow showgoers were, but the place was full with what felt like Bellevue-types in tight-black-shirted mall attire and Hot Topic Goths...

The Imaginary Live Show Rundown

three imaginary girls — Thu, 08 Sep 2005 07:00:00 +0000

8 Sep 2005

Featuring Dwight Pelz, Daylight Basement, Bumbershoot, The Decemberists, Aqueduct, Okkervil River, The Brazilian Girls, Tegan and Sara, The Divorce, Tom Brosseau, and more. {as of September 8, 2005}

Did everyone have a great Labor Day weekend? I'd say that my Labor Day fun officially started last Wednesday.

First up, karaoke to support city commissioner candidate Dwight Pelz, who was, in a word, rad. He wanted to sing "Baby Got Back" {hey, that's bonafide local music!} but the KJ (who was Bryan from local band Laszlo, another rad dude to know in town) didn't have it. So instead he sang a rounding rendition of "Kyle's Mom's a Bitch."

As the wise Kurt B. Reighley said, "I am inherently suspicious of politicians who do not like music." I think the willingness to sing South Park karaoke is about the best barometer for a political candidate, so I now proudly boast a Dwight Pelz campaign sign in my front yard.

If that's not a good enough to motivate you to check his box, he lists the following as his top priorities {with a far more detailed breakdown of his ideas available here.}

Dwight is a major regional leader on transit and transportation issues.

Dwight is a tireless advocate for the environment, and growth management.

Dwight has consistently fought for funding for human services throughout King County.

Dwight has led efforts to maintain a high quality of life in our neighborhoods.

Mark your calendars, Seattle-folks: the primary elections are September 20. Don't forget to mark and send in your absentee ballots as soon as possible!

After my rousing renditions of "Maggie May" and "Shadows of the Night," I headed up to Chop Suey to watch a real singer wrangle the microphone at the Daylight Basement debut show.

Daylight Basement were seriously incredible. Our imaginary writer Chris Estey called it his "favorite live show of the year" in his review {hint: go read. Chris rocks!}.

What he doesn't mention, though, is that among the hipsters and fans were these folks {see picture}. Look how awesome they are! Now I know who I want to be when I grow up. Check them out, having a blast, right in front of the speakers — and sans earplugs too. Totally rock and roll.

Speaking of Chop Suey, did any of you get caught up in that whole announce@chopsuey email snafu that went on this weekend? I must have had over 200 emails in my inbox. Folks mindlessly hitting "reply-all" to ask why they were getting all these "reply-all" emails.

It soon degenerated into folks emailing complaints about how hot it can get in Chop Suey, swearing mindlessly, and sending out their grocery lists. Then, folks just started "replying-all" just to let every one know that they shouldn't reply-all. It didn't matter how many times people explained the difference between "distribution lists" and "hitting reply-all" to the list, folks kept the freakout responses flying all weekend. Since when is it easier to hit "reply-all" and type out exclamations than to just hit delete? Completely amusing.

What I found most surprising is that not one of those sassy folks mouthed off about those dangerous random levels at the Chop.They are a safety hazard if I've ever seen one. I shudder before I attend every show for fear of tripping {a fear that is personally well-founded}.

I know! I have fallen knees-to-the-floor whilst carrying a full cocktail. But, being a professional, I have yet to spill it. And let's not even talk about the times I've tripped while completely, utterly sober.

If I could get a word in edgewise here, I'd like to talk about a little music festival I attended this weekend called Bumbershoot! I mean, hello!

It was so worth getting there early to see the ever-enchanting Decemberists. Colin Meloy ended the astroturf-carpeted show with "The Mariner's Revenge Song" and begged for audience participation. And not your commonplace, mundane, hand clapping audience participation... no siree. When prompted, he had the audience cry out "as if being swallowed by a whale." I'm not sure what noise I would actually make in that situation, but now I feel properly prepared in case I were to be consumed by a whale. Thanks Colin!

Aqueduct ended their set by doing a cover of Geto Boys' "Damn It Feels Good 2 Be A Gangsta" which had me walking through the crowds the remainder of the festival singing "Ridin' around town in a drop-top benz; Hittin' switches in my black six-fo'" Um, yeah.

For a gentle band, Okkervil River sure are loud. Frontman Will Sheff was unimpressed by his minimal string breakage (he only broke two) so he ripped the rest of them off after the last song. Hey, if you have to change two, you might as well change them all.

I didn't get to catch much of the Brazilian Girls set because it competed with Okkervil River {too. much. good. music.} but embracey (our film god extraordinaire) reported back "The Brazilian Girls were utterly amazing and gave me moments of sheer bliss."

And for my own person sheer bliss: Tegan and Sara. Oh how I love me some Tegan and Sara. The stage banter... the harmonies... the Canadian accents. I think this is my 6th or 7th T/S show and I was still jumping up and down when they played my favorite songs. That's a lot of jumping up and down.

As for up-coming shows this week, for me it's all about the Divorce, the Divorce, the Divorce.

How ready am I for the release of The Gifted Program? I feel like I've been waiting years for their second album... and finally, I can talk about it freely with the world.

And not only that, we {me and the world} get to see them perform them live this Friday {September 9, 2005} at the very official album-release party at the Crocodile! Also on the bill for the night: Danko Jones, Tourist, and DJ Curtis.

For those of you imaginaries in the Portland area, you should go see Pleasure Club at Musicfest Northwest at Mississippi Studios on Friday nite (Sept 9), not only because they're an incredible live band, but also because they're from New Orleans. James Hall, former lead singer of Pleasure Club, got out of his hometown with his wife and his son, a grocery bag of belongings, and two guitars. They've lost everything else during Hurricane Katrina.

The Seattle show was September 8 so we didn't get to warn you in advance dear readers {sorry!}, but both of the shows will directly benefit James and his family. So hit up that Portland show if you're in the area! Also on the bill are Robert Roth, Pat Macdonald, and Gruesome Galore.

Back in Seattle, another not-to-be-missed-show-for-a-great-cause is the John in the Morning at Night KEXP benefit on Saturday Sept 10, featuring Bobby Bare Jr., 50 Ft Wave, Tom Brosseau, the Pale Pacific, and Ian Knapp at the Crocodile.

I caught Tom Brosseau at The Triple Door earlier this year, and found him enchanting in this bizarrely honest, old-fashioned sort of way. You know when you meet a guy and he seems too good to be true? Like, no one could possibly be as nice/thoughtful/chivalrous as said dude...? You delight in the first few dates, all the while dreading the fatal flaw/bad breath/split-psycho personality that's bound to emerge. But then one day, after yet another incredibly thoughtful act of goodness, you realize the guy is in earnest. And you realize there really are people out who simply mean it, with no ironic intent.

Tom Brosseau is the musical equivalent of said realization. Tom is a North Dakotan native (I mean seriously, are there really people from North Dakota?) who writes, sings, and strums delicate, twangy melodies that defy contemporary alt-country and harken to simpler times, like a Guthrie reborn. He sings of heartbreak, hard times, and hope with such sincerity that you can't help fall for him. Hell, Loveless Records did, and they're not usually ones for the quiet releases (as anyone who hearts the Ruby Doe and Vendetta Red can confirm).

Mark your calendars for Monday, September 12, 2005! This Monday you can spend the workday looking forward to a couple hours, cozied up to the Hattie's Hat bar with us. OK, that isn't so different from most evenings in Seattle. But this time, we'll be BEHIND the bar, serving drinks and yelling out numbers for fabulous raffle prizes {mix cds, imaginary t-shirts}.

We'll be there "guest-bartending" from 8p - 10p and, besides all the other reasons to head out to Ballard on a school night, there will be an imaginary drink special {The TIG: Absolut Madrin, soda water, lime for only $4} and a burger/fries special!

And before you go thinking that Tuesday night is for laundry... STOP! There's a killer show at the Crocodile this Tuesday, September 13th. We've been counting down to the night that we can see this Banner Barbados band that the imaginaries have been talking about around the water cooler. Also on the bill is Boat {who you might have read a thing or two about on TIG recently} and Augustus Sweetheart. Keep your eye on Augustus Sweetheart; they'll be on tour with one of my newest loves, Cars Can Be Blue in November.

And if you can put off doing laundry one more day {which I recommend — clean laundry is highly overrated}... Wednesday you should go to either The Nevvers, Sameer Shukla and The Parttime Lovers, and The Epochs at the High Dive or see The Elephants at the Baltic Room.

Also — for you north-end folks in Seattle, we have great news! Our favorite coffee/doughnut shop in the world, Top Pot Doughnuts, is coming to your 'hood! The newest store is in the Wedgwood neighborhood, and will open to the public on Friday, September 16. Prepare for your next addiction.

OK, now we'll stop being so bossy. Have fun at the shows!

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Shows you should catch, shows we caught and want to tell you all about...

TIG on KEXP for February 2005

three imaginary girls — Thu, 10 Feb 2005 08:00:00 +0000

On Saturday night, February 5th, we had the honor of appearing on KEXP's great local show Audioasis with the fabulous Lisa Wood. We had a blast watching the live in-studio performances by Reed and Kultur Shock, and then got play a few of our favorite local imaginary tracks of the moment.

Here's our setlist, with some info and links for each band. If you want to hear the songs (and hear us prattle on with Lisa), click here to visit the KEXP Streaming Archive, and select February 5, 2005 at 7p to hear our set.

So without further ado, our setlist:

7:03 Slender Means "Telepathic Lovesick Heart"
Slender Means is in the studio right now with Martin Feveyear, so while you can't get your hands on this track yet, expect it in the first half of 2005. Hear more Slender Means at their website, and catch them at the Crocodile Cafe when they open for Bettie Serveert on February 22nd.

7:05 The Jeunes "Time is on My Side"
Like this song? You can download it! Want more? The Jeunes have a bunch of other album and live tracks available for download on their website. The Jeunes are performing with the Catch, Infomatik, and Ms. Led at the Paradox on 2/12, and at the Imaginary Wedding on 2/20 at the Crocodile.

7:08 Tullycraft "Stowaway"
From the forthcoming Magic Marker Records release, Disenchanted Hearts Unite, Tullycraft pulls out all the stops on this song with Wedding Present-ish guitar, delicious backing vocals and a climactic drum solo. Join us in counting down to the early May release date of this album.

7:17 The Long Ranger "Burnin' (Notis Edit)"
Like the Faint? Yer gonna love the Long Ranger. This track made KEXP intern Sharlese Metcalf come bouncing into the studio and ask, "Who's the sexy band?" and made Lisa Wood crack porn jokes. Good times. The band is a brother-sister duo, and shares a member from local band the Stereo Future - hence the website address. Get ready to shake your stuff.

7:20 The Upskirts "Tube Top"
Fans of alliteration, infectious punk-pop, and tunes about articles of clothing are gonna love Tube Top Tease, the debut EP from the Upskirts.

7:23 Boat "Allergic to Us"
Boat has emailed each of the imaginary girls approximately 27 times. They once requested that we, "be the first to see our giant cardboard sailboat set sail......in the ocean of homemade rock and roll." After listening to their self-released EP Songs You Might Not Like, we were hooked on their excavation early Shins (aka Flake Music) with an art school education. We expect more email soon.

7:30 Sameer Shukla "Cheap Cheap Moon" While Sameer Shukla has yet to release, There's Only One Side Tonight yet, I bet if you email and ask him really nice, he can get you a copy. Or wait a short while — I'm sure some smart local label will scope up this pop gem soon. Fans of local band Dolour will be happy to hear Shane Tutmarc's influence on the arrangement as well as some backup vocals, if our ears don't deceive us. Catch Sameer at the Crocodile on February 8th with Graham Travis and Matthew Shaw — a stellar singer-songwriter lineup!

7:33 Key Note Speaker "In The Air"
Key Note Speaker features members from Seattle bands American School of Warsaw, and on this track they get vocal help from the amazing Jen Wood (Black Heart Procession, the Postal Service). While their album Fiction isn't quite released yet, you can listen to a track on their website, and hear them perform live on Audioasis on March 26th at 6p PST.

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On Saturday night, February 5th, we had the honor of appearing on KEXP's great local show Audioasis with the fabulous Lisa Wood, featuring great songs from BOAT, The Upskirts, Slender Means, and more.

Three Imaginary Girls - Sameer Shukla

Allalom — We Make Our Own Mistakes, Vol. 1

69 Love Songs Pre-Valentine's Day Bash!

Best Northwest Releases of 2005: Top 100 Readers' Poll Winners

There's Only One Side Tonight

The Imaginary Live Show Rundown

Featuring stellastarr*, Two Gallants, NW Film Forum Anniversary, Sameer Shukla, The Pharmacy and more. {as of September 22, 2005}

The Imaginary Live Show Rundown

Featuring Dwight Pelz, Daylight Basement, Bumbershoot, The Decemberists, Aqueduct, Okkervil River, The Brazilian Girls, Tegan and Sara, The Divorce, Tom Brosseau, and more. {as of September 8, 2005}

TIG on KEXP for February 2005

Featuring stellastarr, Two Gallants, NW Film Forum Anniversary, Sameer Shukla, The Pharmacy and more.* {as of September 22, 2005}