Three Imaginary Girls - Band of Horses

Weekend recap - Sasquatch! Festival 2010

Diana Salier — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 08:23:56 +0000

30 May 2010

Every Memorial Day Weekend, scruffy hipsters and hippies alike who lack the cash to drop on a desert jaunt -- complete with $5 bottles of water and scorching heat -- descend upon the Gorge Amphitheater in George, WA (yes, that's really the name) for the 3-day Sasquatch! Music Festival. There are considerably less stages and less big names, but the views are gorge-ous (har har), and you can easily find all of the previous year's blogworthy acts and at least a couple legendary ones before the weekend is through. And since this is Washington, the festival organizers provide a free water bottle refill station to save plastic. And did I mention it's beautiful out there?

This year my Concert Companion (hereafter known as the CC) and I packed the car full of hoagies, Coronas, yogurt, fiber bars and a nice sturdy tent, and set out Friday night on the 2 1/2-hour trip from Seattle to George. In the morning we woke up to sunny skies and a slew of young, unwashed, bleary-eyed yet still really attractive festivalgoers. Everyone was friendly and out to have a good time. Some entrepreunerial folks set up a grill with hot dogs, tacos and breakfast burritos in preparation for the drunk munchies. Once you've all shared the same lineup of Portapotties, had a few beers, and brushed your teeth together in a makeshift sink, the camaraderie pretty much starts a-flowin'.

And now, here's a breakdown of noteworthy events, day-by-day...

SATURDAY, May 29
Laura Marling - I was really curious about the woman who had served as Charlie Fink's breakup muse on the latest Noah And The Whale album. She turned out to be a charming 20-year-old (contrary to the brochure which listed her as 17, for some reason) UK singer/songwriter who played mostly acoustic folk tunes, and the audience seemed to enjoy it from their various positions lying on the grass basking in the sun, or clumped up by the stage.

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Living in LA I've probably overlooked a handful of chances to see these guys, with no good reason. We stood on the guard rails in front of the soundbooth and watched Alex Ebert (former member of Ima Robot, though you wouldn't know just by listening to Ed Sharpe) dressed in white and lookin' as Jesus as ever, traipse around the stage with fellow singer Jade Castrino and 8 other musicians. First festival high point: the entire crowd bursting out into "Home is wherever I'm with you!"

Mumford & Sons -- Lots of people recommended we check out this band, including some of our neighbors with the U-Haul rig next door. The CC liked the set a lot more than I did, but if you like your folk music with a healthy dose of banjo, here's a good place to look. Some of the bluegrass-tinged songs were dancier than others, and lots of people got down with their flip-flopped feet.

The National - Say what you will about Matt Berninger's lack of vocal range, but "Bloodbuzz Ohio" is one of the best songs of the year so far. These New Yorkers' performance on the main stage was awesome, even though Berninger looked troubled and pained, closing his eyes and gripping the mic stand through every song. Halfway through the set we realized that the guitarist and bassist were twins! ("Hey, how'd he change his clothes so fast?")   This was our introduction to the second tier of the pit area, and we were glad to be so close during the terrific performance of "Bloodbuzz" -- though it would've been cool to have been in the real pit when Berninger walked through the crowd.

Vampire Weekend - No alarms and no surprises here, people! Not like anyone expected anything different, but the Columbia prepsters delivered a mega-energetic set of new and old material to a pit full of folks frantically dancing and fist pumping. Unfortunately Ezra Koenig busted out the autotune on "California English," but the band all but made up for that with singalongs "A-Punk," "Cousins" and "Walcott."   I'm not a big fan of their records but this was the most downright balls-to-the-wall fun set (of the ones we made it to) of all 3 days.

SUNDAY, May 30
Local Natives -- After waiting in the entry line for half an hour, we sprinted to the Honda Bigfoot Solar Stage to see one of my favorite LA acts. I've been following them since spring 2009 and watching them grow has been amazing. Apparently everyone else outside of LA has caught on as well, because the huge crowd seemed to know all the words to songs like "Sun Hands," "Camera Talk," and "Wide Eyes." The 3 and 4-part harmonies were spot-on as always, and I may've teared up during "World News" and "Who Knows Who Cares" (dedicated to guitarist Taylor Rice's girlfriend on her birthday). 3-way tie with The National and Vampire Weekend as my favorite set.

Avi Buffalo -- Recent SubPop signees and another LA act -- the city really represented this year! They played on the smaller Yetti Stage and the crowd wasn't as big as it could've been, but they just seemed really happy to be there -- ever since breaking out of the Long Beach/LA scene, Avi, Rebecca, Sheridan and Arin have gone around with this endearing bewilderment at their rising success, and totally enjoyed the hell out of the ride. The girl standing next to me had never been to an Avi show and belted out the words to every song, to her friend's either dismay or enjoyment, I couldn't really tell. There were some awkward tuning pauses in between, but nothing that couldn't be saved.   The outro to "Remember Last Time" killed, and I'm continually impressed by Avi's mad guitar skillz.

The Tallest Man On Earth -- Another point of discrepancy for me and the CC. I'm usually all for the one-guy-with-a-guitar thing if he can command a stage (see: Bon Iver, AA Bondy, Jose Gonzalez, Conor Oberst, and the list goes on), but everything started to sound the same after awhile -- that is, up until closer "King Of Spain." Kristian Matsson does have one of the most unique voices in folk these days, though.

Pavement -- It was his birthday and all, but I'm not sure if Stephen Malkmus was really drunk, or if this was just Pavement being Pavement. We camped out on the lawn high above the mainstage and kept exchanging "what the hell's going on??" glances as the band started and stopped, ostensibly out of tune and just not really keeping the set in line. Massive Attack was up next so we moved down to the pit, and towards the final 3 or 4 songs they seemed to hit their stride, but it didn't really salvage the performance.

Massive Attack -- A few months ago one of my co-workers mentioned Massive Attack, totally taken aback that I wasn't familiar. And now I can see why. They played an hour and a half of trance-inducing music with the best light show of the weekend, and if you were sitting anywhere too far away you wouldn't be able to see the LED messages scrolling across the board behind the band -- everything from celebrity newsbits to political commentary and words of wisdom. Everyone we talked to that night agreed it was mindblowing.

Booka Shade (DJ set) -- The first 2 nights closed out with "late-night" DJ sets on the Honda Bigfoot Stage following the headlining act; after Massive Attack we joined the huge dance party on the grass for more light show, pumping synths, beach balls like your college graduation and a mass of happy youth getting it all out. It was like being at a warehouse party, but out in the open air...after having your mind blown by Massive Attack. Awesome end to the day.

As the weekend progressed the energy grew and the cleanliness quotient dwindled just as quickly -- notably, the line for beer at the general store was consistently longer every morning than the line for showers. The food was pretty much what you'd expect for a weekend festival, except one of the happiest small moments for the CC and I was stumbling upon a pizza stand Monday morning and walking to the grounds with a slice and a coffee. Perfecto.

MONDAY, June 1
We stayed pretty close to the main stage on Monday, mostly because we were tired and always agreed that if in doubt, just sprawl out on the lawn and take a nap. This was also the day of the long-awaited 1-2-3-4 punch of Passion Pit, She & Him, Band of Horses and MGMT slated for the 4-8 pm slots.

Mayer Hawthorne and The County -- I told the CC he might like this Michigan-bred white dude playing soul music. The band looked sharp in their white suits, and it kind of reminded me of Marvin Berry & The Starlighters (even though they wore blue). They played a few bars of Biz Markie's "Just A Friend" before seguing into single "Just Ain't Gonna Work Out" (both songs use the same beat). Overall it sounded as good as the record - no more, no less.

The Temper Trap -- You might know them as that band with that song on the 500 Days Of Summer soundtrack -- the part where Tom and Summer meet on the Amtrak to San Diego, wedding montage, and so on. We came into this set only knowing "Sweet Disposition," but came out of it with a newfound interest in these Aussies.

Passion Pit -- When we finally moseyed into the pit, the party vibe was in full force -- Michael Angelakos sang the synthpop dance hits that made these guys a buzz band, while the audience turned into a dancing mob of neon shorts, face paint, beer bottles and fratty Abercrombie-looking dudes pumping their fists and singing along to "The Reeling," "Make Light" and "Little Secrets." Someone brought a huge blow-up whale. It looked like MTV Spring Break. Apparently bros love Passion Pit!

She & Him -- No one expected this to be epic, but it was upbeat and entertaining and the backing guitarist/bassist/drummer were all solid musicians. The Chapin Sisters came out on the 2nd or 3rd song and stood awkwardly at stage right, singing backup and hitting a triangle that no one could really hear. All the predicted comments apply here -- Zooey Deschanel was beautiful, though not with the most engaging voice in indie music, and M. Ward is still the effin' man. He rocks those shades like no one's business, too. Every time he played a solo, or the few times he contributed vocals, the crowd went nuts. Apparently bros love She & Him!

Band Of Horses -- Everyone expected this to be epic. "Factory" (from the new album) and "No One's Gonna Love You" were definite set highlights, and then we were all anxiously awaiting "The Funeral." Lead singer Ben Bridwell had to pause to grab his pick between verses and choruses, putting a bit of a splinter in the song, but still a strong set.

Stomachs full of hot dogs and fries, we hightailed it out of the festival grounds 2 songs into MGMT's set -- the CC was bent on avoiding the crush of cars we'd encountered Friday night, and we both agreed that we weren't going to be missing much after 2 songs. When we got back to the site it was eerily still and quiet like a zombie flick -- except instead of the undead there were huge piles of trash bags, a lonely line of Portapotties under the fading sunset, deserted tents in the foreground, the opening line of "Kids" somewhere among the mountains in the distance.

While there were definitely some artists we didn't catch due to time constraints -- Phantogram, Camera Obscura, New Pornographers, Miike Snow and The Middle East among them -- we drove back to Seattle listening to a mix of the best Sasquatch artists, and reveled in another Memorial Day Weekend made good!

Laura Marling (Courtesy: Adam Forslund)

Pavement (Courtesy: Victoria Vanbruinisse for City Arts Magazine)

Tallest Man on Earth (Courtesy: Adam Forslund)

New Pornographers (Courtesy: Adam Forslund)

The Middle East (Courtesy: Victoria Vanbruinisse for City Arts Magazine)

Miike Snow (Courtesy: Adam Forslund)

Fruit Bats (Courtesy: Adam Forslund)

(Courtesy: Victoria Vanbruinisse for City Arts Magazine)

Pavement (Courtesy: Victoria Vanbruinisse for City Arts Magazine)

Lumberjack Rock

heather b — Thu, 14 May 2009 16:55:24 +0000

Chris B's Schmindie News Roundup and it's ensuing comments lit a fire under me to write this little blurb I've been meaning to get out for a while. While some, Chris B included, may feel this way:

I'm regularly asked to define schmindie, so, to me, schmindie is boring indie rock that gets the benefit of the doubt because it's "indie". Generally, if it has guys with beards and/or acoustic guitars, you're probably going to need to wake me when it's over.

I tend to disagree. I totally love me some good ol' acoustic indie-folk rock and I feel like there is so much quality stuff coming out of Seattle right now. For the past year or so, I've often found myself in discussions with other local music lovers regarding the post-grunge Seattle sound and I've heard it called several things: "Campfire Rock", "Trucker Rock", "Beard Rock" and now this "Schmindie" label.

New Band of Horses video: "No One's Gonna Love You"

imaginary dana — Thu, 22 May 2008 22:20:06 +0000

Our pals at Sub Pop have given us something to smile about in this endless work week before the holiday weekend: a brand new video from Band of Horses.

Bumbershoot 2008: Paramore, Sons and Daughters, Band of Horses, IN. Ludacris, OUT.

imaginary dana — Thu, 15 May 2008 18:45:27 +0000

Bumbershoot just sent out some additional booking information, and as you can see in the headline, they've got a few more bands on the bill plus one cancellation.

Giving in to Buzz Bands

Jon Harthun — Mon, 05 May 2008 14:38:50 +0000

In High Fidelity John Cusack admits, his "guts have shit for brains." Well, I'm starting to feel the same way.

Vote in the NME USA music awards. Or not.

imaginary dana — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 21:56:43 +0000

"I think they're doing this to demonstrate that Americans have poor taste."

Free Music Friday Lite

imaginary ash — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 18:57:57 +0000

Pop pop pop Sub Pop!

Another Best of '07 list: Chop Suey booker Pete Greenberg's favorite albums

ChrisB — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 16:46:06 +0000

I'm a huge nerd when it comes to pouring over annual, best of lists (I'm still biting my nails in anticipation of the Idolator critic's poll that should be out soon), and I'm always intrigued by what the favorites of people who work in the business of music but aren't (necessarily) critics or reviewers. So, I asked Chop Suey's brand new booker Pete Greenberg to submit his list of favorite albums with the promise of posting them here - to which he happily complied.

Here's what made his list:

1. Spoon – Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga (Merge)

2. Future of The Left – Curses (Too Pure)

3. Handsome Furs – Plague Park (Sub Pop)

4. Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings – 100 Days, 100 Nights (Daptone Records)

5. The Arcade Fire – Neon Bible (Merge)

6. Big Business – Here Come The Waterworks (Hydra Head Records)

7. Beach House – Beach House (Carpark Records)

8. Blonde Redhead – 23 (4AD)

9. Band of Horses – Cease to Begin (Sub Pop)

10. Siberian – With Me (Sonic Boom Recordings)

11. Matthew Dear – Asa Breed (Ghostly International)

12. Lavender Diamond – Imagine Our Love (Matador Records)

13. Peter Bjorn & John – Writer’s Block (Almost Gold)

Cease to Begin

Erik Gonzalez — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 07:05:27 +0000

7.3

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000UVPKEU/wwwthreeimagi-20/

Horses.jpg

Cease to Begin has left me feeling very torn. Normally if I am feeling indecision about what score to bestow upon on album, it is a question of a few fractions of a point – whether it deserves an 8.2 or 8.4 – these sorts of studies in small variances. However, Band of Horses has left me with a much larger dilemma. Part of me really does like Cease to Begin, it is catchy, frothy and rockin’. However, there is another part of me that is, for lack of a better word, horrified. The album is so palatable that it almost comes across as pandering to the need to expand their fanbase to the point that Band of Horses has recorded the Classic Rock Album™. So, how to bring unity to the West Bank of my mind?

Band of Horses seem to be the version of Built to Spill that you wouldn’t be afraid to bring home to Mom. Doug Martsch is kind of crazed and scary – I’m sure the folks would wonder why this homeless vagrant was lingering about their daughter – but Band of Horses, although also well-bearded, seem to be much more agreeable. This isn’t really a surprise to anyone, as Everything All the Time was a gem, so universally loveable that even Wal-Mart latched onto the Band of Horses wagon. Then, you lose a band member (Mat Brooke, to Grand Archives), move from the Northwest to the Southeast and start recording a follow-up to one of the stealth hits of the previous year, and you’re not sure which way to face anymore. Ben Bridwell, the man in charge of Band of Horses now, seems to have decided to record a rock and roll record that is both triumphant, over-blown and, well, boring, simultaneously.

Cease to Begin opens with “Is There a Ghost,” about as by-the-numbers of a Band of Horses song you might ever hear. The song is drifting and ethereal, but packed with so much guitar that once it gets going, you wonder if you stumbled into the Catherine Wheel Ferment sessions. The song is pleasant enough but lacks the inspiration that made songs like “Funeral” so captivating. “Ode to LRC” really gets back to a Built to Spill/Neil Young core of the band and that is about as interesting as the song gets. You have to enjoy the southern rock feel of “The General Specific,” a foot-stomping (literally) number that keeps your attention. However, if you’re looking for the real “hit” on the album, look no further than “Island on the Coast.” It opens with a glorious, rolling guitar line that washes up next to Ben’s vocals, mixing into the lathered chorus that is impossible to get out of your head. Melodically, it might be one of the most complex and satisfying tracks on Cease to Begin. Another high point is “Cigarettes, Wedding Band,” a dark rocker that has plaintive guitars crashing down until Ben’s semi-non-sensical chorus kicks in.

Songs like “No One’s Gonna Love You” are just pop-rock fodder, bordering on sappy ballad territory. The same can go for “Detlef Schrempf” and although I might imagine Ben might be trying to rally support to keep the Sonics in Seattle, the song itself is a sleepy ballad that really doesn’t use the Band of Horses bag of tricks to its fullest. “Marry Song” carries on this dirge mantra to no one’s satisfaction – this is like a Neil Young tribute band.

I think the biggest failing point of Cease to Begin is the overarching feeling that it was recorded with such a fevered pace that the band never sat back and wondering what they were doing in the first place. At times, you can really hear the promise of Everything All the Time in some of the well-developed tracks like “Islands on the Coast;” however, a lot of the album is filled with fairly uninspired and characterless songs that fulfill our need to rock but that is about it. Hopefully, the boys can take a break in their new southern home and dream it up all over again for the next time out.

Ben Bridwell seems to have decided to record a rock and roll record that is both triumphant, over-blown and well, boring, simultaneously.

Band of Horses

Kyle Johnson — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 17:22:01 +0000

20 Nov 2007

boh07nov.jpg

Ben Bridwell and his Band of Horses have been no strangers to their old home in recent months. They have offered Seattle fans a secret all-ages show at the Vera Project, an Easy Street Records in-store performance, and back to back nights this past week at the Showbox. Tuesday nights all ages show was the second packed night at the Showbox and fans were in great spirits to see BOH.

Unfortunately, I showed up a little later than I had planned and missed Tyler Ramsey's set. However I was pleasantly surprised later in the night to see him playing guitar for the Band of Horses.

When I arrived inside, the Drones were bringing their Australian rock in full force to the Showbox crowd. I wasn't previously familiar with the second act yet they captured the crowds full attention. The heavy songs had very dark, drunken lyrics that fit the actions of singer Gareth Liddiard.

After what felt like a fairly long setup Ben entered the stage playing slide guitar for several songs. Joined by Tyler Ramsey, they opened up with a great version of "Monsters." The all ages fans got a kick out of seeing one of their own up on stage playing tambourine with the Horses. Ben invited birthday boy, six-year old Neko, to play with them during one tune.

Their new album Cease to Begin has gotten a lot of praise as well as criticism. Regardless of the hype, I have grown to really enjoy it and loved hearing several of its best songs Tuesday night. "Island on the Coast" and "Cigarettes, Wedding Bands" were my personal favorites.

The fans both younger and older seemed to really enjoy the set. I was surrounded by many people who had seen the band before and were just as excited. Regardless of where they go in the future and whether you agree with their Walmart endeavors, we cannot forget where they came from and that Seattle and its fans helped make BOH what they are today.

Ben Bridwell and his Band of Horses have been no strangers to their old home in recent months.

Band of Horses video from CD release show at Easy Street Records

imaginary dana — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 01:28:05 +0000

Our pal Jason Grimes posted this great video of the band's sound check. If sound check was this good, the performance must have been INCREDIBLE.

Band of Horses "secret" Vera show

imaginary chona — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 03:57:06 +0000

6 Oct 2007

bandofhorses07oct.jpg

The line for the “super secret” MySpace show at Seattle’s premier all-ages venue, Vera, was as intimidating as some of the hobos I had just seen dancing in front of Siberian’s set at the REVERB festival just minutes prior. Hey -- beggars can’t be choosers. A free show is a free show and whoa... a free show is an even better free show when the band playing said free show is one of your favorite bands ever: BAND OF HORSES!

Tyler Ramsey is a young fellow with mean guitar skill and an incredibly impressive amassed amount of facial hair. His music was soft, yet brilliantly defined, the tumbling arpeggios combining smoothly with his ethereal, husky vocals. Like Kool-aid and water, I think that’s the metaphor I’m looking for: Tyler Ramsay’s music was like a long, cool swig of paradise punch in the heat of summer, a sweet drink that everyone in the Vera thirstily sipped and passed around.

Though Band of Horses has relocated South Carolina since the release of their first album, Everything All the Time {review}, the Seattle spirit in their music prevails yet. Ben Bridwell is one of my absolute favorite vocalists of all time. His voice is an amalgamation of Wayne Coyne meets standing-on-the-Fremont-Bridge-in-winter-at-2AM meets Fender-Twin-Reverb-Amp meets the number 11. Honestly, I think if Ben were to yell into a brown paper bag, it would echo. The sound of his voice alone to me is the prize of the technically (former... but whatever!) Seattle band. It’s foggy, crystal clear, and immeasurably powerful all at the same time.

The band ripped through a marathon of songs off their first and second albums, even tossing in a couple of covers. By the end of the night, their songs reverberated in my head like a long loud echo off Mount Si.

“Yeah dude!” Ben Bridwell coaxed the audience, “Get some!” By the end of the night, we had all gotten earfuls of something. Being a frequenter of live music, I’ve had countless sound waves enter my tympanic membranes. That something is different for everyone, but I can tell you: tonight, that “something” was beautiful.

Tyler Ramsay’s music was like a long, cool swig of paradise punch in the heat of summer, a sweet drink that everyone in the Vera thirstily sipped and passed around.

Free Band of Horses show at Vera this Saturday (but then, we knew that already, right?)

imaginary dana — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 22:22:58 +0000

TIG imagi-blog readers knew this already, but now it's official: Band of Horses will play a FREE all-ages show at the Vera Project this Saturday, October 6th.

Band of Horses in-store at Easy Street

imaginary dana — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 02:18:14 +0000

We are doing a Band of Horses in-store next Monday @ 11pm, with the new record on sale right after at midnight.

Band of Horses in Walmart commercial? Say it ain't so!

imaginary dana — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 23:24:08 +0000

What's next? Are we gonna find out they're avid Republicans?

Band of Horses Bring It All Back Home

Tim Hanken — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 07:16:19 +0000

2 Jul 2007

bandofhorses07jul.jpg

The homecoming show of former Seattle band Band of Horses at the Showbox came on the heels of their announcement that they had just wrapped up recording of their sophomore album. This provided added anticipation and excitement for this date as they would undoubtedly play a mix of tunes from Everything All the Time as well as the yet to be titled follow up record.

But first there were the opening acts highlighted by Band of Horses new neighbors from Charleston, SC: A Decent Animal. They were a good fit for a Band of Horses opening act, featuring well-crafted, catchy songs by a well-practiced band. All of there songs were tight and they put on a great show that was much more than I had expected. I bought both of the CD’s they had for a grand total of $10, a solid investment.

Band of Horses took the stage amid a huge cloud of fog and smiles all around, as if to say, “this fog machine is ridiculous, how rock star are we?” and opened with what Ben Birdwell announced was the first track off the new record. We’ll call it “Ghost in My House,” as that was the chorus of this new track. It was more up-tempo than anything from EAtH and was kind of weird coming from BOH, but as the song progressed it grew on me and I’ll be anxious to see how it comes through on the album. After this new track Band of Horses went to the bread and butter from their debut, playing “The Great Salt Lake” and “Weed Party” in succession. At this point I remembered why Band of Horses are such a big deal. It’s not because they're local; it’s not because they’ve spawned a burger joint, a bar, and a separate band altogether; it’s because they’re really, really good.

More fog filled the air as the show went on and the band played eight of the ten songs off Everything All the Time and mixed in four new songs (possibly five, but I think the final encore may have been a cover?). The new songs were all a little different from the material on EAtT and it’ll be interesting to see how they mesh together when the album is released. One track I swore I’d heard before -- it may have been performed at their last Seattle show -- sounded a little like a Tom Petty song. Another new track had just a bit of a Built to Spill vibe to it and I noticed producer extraordinaire Phil Ek nodding along more exuberantly this track than most of the others. The final two new tracks (or one and a cover) were almost rockabilly, quick tempo’d raucous country roadhouse numbers that closed out the night with a vigor.

I came into this show with low expectations and left with a renewed appreciation for Band of Horses. They were clearly having fun at their homecoming show, with Ben asking about the score of the days Mariners game (they lost) and lamenting about the recent departure of manager Mike Hargrove while sporting a cheesy tourist style hat with “Seattle” written across the brim. The show was full of energy and smiles all around, and there was a sense of real appreciation from the band.

Despite what you may have heard, Band of Horses proved last Monday that sometimes, you really can go home again.

Shortlist Award for Achievement in the Field of Excellence

Erik Gonzalez — Thu, 03 May 2007 00:16:12 +0000

Although I don't fully understand the "Shortlist" awards, they have announced their, ahem, shortlist for the 2006 award. The Shortlist award is "a peer-selected award that recognizes the most creative and adventurous albums of the year" (um okay) and made their 10 album nomination list. The winner will be announced "in May". I get the impression it is an attempt to be an American version of the "Mercury Prize" in the UK but maybe I'm just not a big fan of extraneous awards anyway.

The nominees are Band of Horses, Beirut, Bonnie "Prince" Billy, Cat Power, Girl Talk, Hot Chip, Joanna Newsom, Regina Spektor, Spank Rock, & Tom Waits.

Indeed, a motley crew.

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).

Live at KEXP: Volume 2

Chris Estey — Tue, 10 Oct 2006 07:00:00 +0000

yes

8.8

https://www.kexp.org/cart/mall/productpage.asp

liveatkexp06oct.jpg

There are two things a great compilation album can accomplish: it can either round up the best songs from important bands, either established or emerging (or both), or it can be a statement in itself. That statement could represent a different place (maybe where the music comes from, or maybe the utopia it wants to create). For example, when San Francisco label Alternative Tentacles released Let ‘Em Eat Jellybeans in '81, I realized I wasn't the only punk rock kid convinced we could make our own art, and didn't need New York or LA to do it for us, and so that record was as genuine to me as anything by the Clash or the Last Poets. A well-chosen anthology can be one of the most important albums in your collection.

Live At KEXP: Volume Two is a great compilation. Its sweet green CD design houses 20 vivacious in-studio live performances of some of the greatest tunes available in the independent music world right now, from Sleater-Kinney's agit-prop "Jumpers" to The Decemberists' twisted and sad "We Both Go Down Together" to Lyrics Born's goosepimple-raising "Callin' Out" to Common Market's terrific local call-to-arms "Connect For." Every variation of underground pop is on display here, so many of them must-own, transcendent versions. MIA's sexy, electric recreation of her own "Galang" is worthy of purchase alone. When you combine a track listing of these kinds of artists and songs, a collection like Live At KEXP is utterly irresistible.

But there's always ambivalence towards anthologies, having to do with the album-as-art mythos created by the singer-songwriter cult of the 60s performers. How could a disc full of different voices, especially one that is made up of bands from all over the country, be unified in vision and feel? There is unity here, represented at the close of the set by the gentle visionary politics of Patti Smith and Lenny Kaye's "People Have the Power."

The generosity of spirit in Live At KEXP: Volume Two represents the mature, loving, intelligent tastes of its compilers. Sure, there isn't a whole lot of hard rock (a gnarly updated Gang of Four and a ferocious Skullbot represents here though), and the compilation doesn't contain a lot of edgier, out-of-control performances. That is probably because out-of-control is created out of distrust and conflict, and KEXP have made an elegant listener-supported radio and Internet radio empire out of the best of the eclectic and accessible. The artists aren't looking to trash the station's equipment — they're using it all for a higher calling.

Every variation of underground pop is on display here, so many of them must-own, transcendent versions.