Summer wouldn't be summer without a sweet lineup at the Mural at Seattle Center during the month of August, and this year is no exception: our friends over at KEXP have put together another killer series of shows for 2011. As usual, it's all ages to rock, 21+ to hit the beer garden, and f-r-e-e FREE. (Although donations are gladly accepted at the KEXP tent, we're sure!) "Doors" are at 5, bands start at 6, and each Friday is hosted by a different DJ. It just doesn't get much better than that. Check out these bands and hosts!

Friday 8/5
Host: DJ El Toro
The Maldives / 
Hey Marseilles
 / Black Whales

Friday 8/12
Host: Troy Nelson
Seapony / 
Gold Leaves / 
Math and Physics Club

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Oh how I love a rockstar in Vans (TM)!

Thanks to Dan Muller of Trickshot Photography for today's inspiring photo from the recent Black Mountain show at Neumo's.

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Is it just me or does this Friday's bill at Neumo's seem like an indie rocker mixed bag?

On the one hand is headliner Black Mountain who, both scare and captivate me with their psychedelic rock. On the other is opening band The Sadies, who fill hearts with alt-country rock.

Either way, it makes for a great date (or find a date) night.

Enter to win tickets to see both bands at Neumo's this Friday, March 27 by emailing us here with the subject line "SadieMountain". Send us your name (as it should appear on the guest list) by 8a PST Friday.

(Photo by Michael Clements)

New releases from Easy Street Records, featuring Cat Power, Drive By Truckers, Depeche Mode reissues and much more.

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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...

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