at Paramount Theater

Ever since I caught wind of "Tear Down the House" off of 2008's The Second Gleam, I've had a thing for the Avett Brothers. They're alt.americana without too much hippie folk, a deconstructed version of a front porch jugband full of new-old soul singers, a sort of modernized country-toned heartbreak festival without a single strum of twang. Epic, pen-to-paper lyrics fall in waves like clean white sheets, settling down on top of skilled fingerpicking and down-home harmonies. In short: these guys are gorgeous. The Avett Brothers are simple enough on some base levels to appeal to the casual listener, warm enough for the dreadlocked touring free-love set, and layered enough with lyrics to stop even the most jaded music critics right in their tracks.

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For those who have seen the Heartless Bastards live at in-stores and local clubs and love their tough woman-led, riff-bruised blues-rock, their stint opening for the Avett Brothers this Friday, August 28 will be special: Their soaring songs should echo through the Paramount Theater with astonishing results.

Returning again on tour (do they ever stop touring?) for The Mountain, an underrated, really-grows-on-you collection of anthems bolder and more honest than indie rock can usually bare, Erika Wennerstrom delivers clarity-driven songs about compromise, sorrow, and mindfulness like spitfire. After a few listens, compelling imagery enfold sin her punchily strummed and feedback-infused narratives, from the clarity-seeking lamentations of "I Could Be So Happy," to the brawling bar-rock of "Early In The Morning." Title title track as well mesmerized the audience at the last Sonic Boom live freebie show a few months ago.

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at The Gorge

Oh Monday! Dear third day of camping, hair unwashed, everything I own smelling like sunscreen. After packing everything up post-haste we hoofed it to see one of the two early shows that day, the Heartless Bastards. I'd heard scattered ruminations about them but didn't know much and I'm patting myself on the back for checking them out. The Heartless Bastards are a Cincinnati-by-way-of-Texas band fronted by Erika Wennerstrom, whose soulful Patti Smith/Chrissie Hynde voice unites with the rough and tumble southern sound of her Austin band to form a rich and raucous kind of alt-country that is anything but boring.

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More details about my first ever Sasquatch experience (and the bands I saw there) coming in the next few days!

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Stereogum just posted the line-up for Lollapalooza 2007, and while I know imaginary girl Liz hates festivals, Oasis, and port-o-potties (not necessarily in that order), I know she's gonna be tempted because her favorite happy-pop-tacular band of the moment, Los Campesinos, are on the bill!!

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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).

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Your astrological forecast for October 2006 told in CD reviews, featuring Bettie Serveert, Drydin, El Perro Del Mar, Geoff Reacher, Heartless Bastards, Lambchop, Noel Ellis, Page France, Pleasurecraft, Say Hi to Your Mom, Scanners, & the Wedding Present.