Three Imaginary Girls - Rocky Votolato

Matt Pond: winter tour dates with Rocky Votolato

imaginary victoria — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 18:22:47 +0000

I've been in crush with Matt Pond (usually of Matt Pond PA) since the mid 2000's, when a track called "Kc" came out on their album Emblems around '04 or so. Really, any angsty musician singing "There's no way to the heart / better than awkwardly" in the opening lines of a haunted-chord laden ditty would have won me over, but Matt's earnest tones coupled with that verbage -- plus a cello accompaniment -- mixed up the run-of-the-mill sad alt.indie sound of the time very much to my liking, and it stuck. It's a mixtape staple if there ever was one from that timeframe to be had.

Cut to now, and we've got said heartstring-yanker taking to the road on the heels of his latest release, The Dark Leaves, with none other than our local love-slash-Barsuk member Rocky Votolato. They're taking to the road for a winter tour, with Matt accompanied by Chris Hansen and cellist Shawn Alpay. Sadly, there's no Seattle date on the tour, but if you can push your friends and loved ones out there to pop into a show that hits their city (Connecticut, I am looking at you!), please do. Given the intimate nature of these venues, it's a lineup well worth your time and money.

February 25 - Anaheim, CA - Chain Reaction
February 26 - Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour
February 27 - Phoenix, AZ - Rhythm Room
March 01 - Austin, TX - Stubb's BBQ [indoors]
March 02 - Oklahoma City, OK - Conservatory
March 03 - Springfield, MO - Outland Ballroom
March 04 - Memphis, TN - Hi Tone Café
March 05 - Nashville, TN - Exit/In
March 07 - Atlanta, GA - Drunken Unicorn
March 08 - Gainesville, FL - Common Grounds
March 09 - Ybor City, FL - New World Brewery
March 10 - Orlando, FL - Back Booth
March 11 - West Columbia, SC - New Brookland Tavern
March 12 - Carrboro, NC - Cat's Cradle
March 13 - Charlottesville, VA - The Southern
March 15 - Washington, DC - Black Cat
March 16 - Philadelphia, PA - First Unitarian Church
March 17 - Hamden, CT - The Space
March 18 - Poughkeepsie, NY - The Loft
March 19 - New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom
March 20 - Boston, MA - Middle East [downstairs]
March 22 - Montreal, QC - La Sala Rossa
March 23 - Toronto, ON - Drake Hotel
March 24 - Lansing, MI - Mac's Bar
March 25 - Chicago, IL - Subterranean

{Photo courtesy of Matt Pond.}

MFNW recap: the pre-weekend edition, part I -- David Bazan, Rocky Votolato, and more!

imaginary victoria — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 21:29:48 +0000

Musicfest, Musicfest Northwest, M-F-N-Dubs, Baby SouthBy -- whatever you want to call it, this past weekend's slew of shows down in Portland were nothing short of an absolute blast. We ran rampant through the quadrants for four days straight, shooting every show we could get our hands on, swooning exponentially more as each night passed. Here's just a fraction of what went on for the first half of the fest, during Thursday's and Friday's sets.

The big knock-it-out-of-the-park set on Thursday was David Bazan / Rocky Votolato set over at the Doug Fir. After the stage was properly warmed up all day with KEXP in-studios from the likes of the Cave Singers and Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Rocky took the spotlight (after what was likely a gorgous set by Joshua Morrison, that we hit town a little too late to catch) and the room over for a good forty minutes, with a set that pleased both rabid forever-fans and fringe-fans alike. There was something almost infectious about his performance, as he surpassed the standard singer/songwriter storyteller vibe and instead delivered each song with a repectful, earnest, homage-y vibe that struck the major chords of our very own indie-lovin' heartstrings.

Monday morning check-in: Votolato, Veirs, Mike Watt or...

imaginary liz — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:03:11 +0000

As with most weekends around SXSW time, the clubs were packed with music this weekend. What shows did you see?

Each night had a bunch of choices from Rocky Votolato, Laura Veirs, Mike Watt, The Big Pink, a Wooden Birds instore at Sonic Boom, and some Hollow Earth Radio fest action with Sir Richard Bishop... just to name a handful of the many options.

On Friday night, I found myself at Goldie's where some friends did a killer karaoke version of "Empire State of Mind" (totally YouTube-worthy) and on Saturday at the grand opening fun at Jigsaw Records (photos and recap coming soon) with performances by Math and Physics Club and D. Crane from BOAT.

And you? Add your photos to the TIG Flickr Photo Pool and tell us all about it!

(Rocky Votolato photo courtesy of Kirk Stauffer Photography)

MusicFestNW - Mid-September Music Madness in Portland - Photo Essay

Imaginary Muller — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:08:08 +0000

17 Sep 2009

Imaginary Chona and I tag-teamed MusicFestNW with her resident reviewer, RJ, recently. I covered the first few days and she hit the last few days due to some circumstances of her being "cursed" until Saturday. Somehow, she broke the curse and I believe has photos posted on the site.

I made it down to Portland just in time to see Hey Marseilles a few songs into their set at the Ash Street Saloon. Apparently there were some sound problems early, but they were cleared by the time I arrived. The boys told me that they felt that the performance was a bit lackluster at first, but they made an unspoken group decision to just "rock the fuck out" for the rest of the set...and it turned out to be fantastic. The crowd really took to the Seattle Seven and promptly complied when lead-singer, Matt Bishop, asked them to get closer to the stage.

The Black Whales followed and kept the crowd from thinning out too much with their well crafted poppy sound. I've seen these guys a few times now and am excited to check them out again. I am eagerly awaiting their upcoming release.

The rest of the night consisted of Derby and the Dimes, who were good, but the crowd had abated by the time they started and I'd hit my limit of working, driving, shooting all day.

On Friday, I went down to the Doug Fir to catch some of the KEXP live broadcasts. Unfortunately, the Arctic Monkeys set was closed, and Sunny Day Real Estate had to cancel due to illness. I still had a chance to catch the Builders & the Butchers and Chairlift. After those sessions was an early evening show at the Wonder Ballroom with the Arctic Monkeys, with opening act, the Like. Sadly, even my super-duper press pass and photo pass was not good enough to allow me in with my camera to this show, so you're stuck with the really cruddy cell phone pics that I was able to take. The Like are an all female band from Los Angeles who had some pretty fun songs, but might be hard to take for 40 minutes straight. I'd throw their stuff into a mix and shuffle, once their album is released.

The Arctic Monkeys on the other hand, kicked ass. They are one of my favourite bands and they played for over an hour. Alex Turner and co. had the crowd wrapped around their fingers as they played decidely loud renditions of their songs. One curiosity I noticed was that they had nearly a dozen guitars with them, and would often switch them out between songs. They ended their pre-encore set with my favourite of their songs, "Do Me a Favour" that ends with the line, "perhaps fuck off might be too kind". I had to jet at that point to get across town to my next show... The Long Winters, Viva Voce, Rocky Votolato and Say Hi at Berbati's Pan. Say Hi played a solid set, and seemed to win over some new fans.

Rocky played a fairly stripped down set, solely on acoustic guitar and harmonica.

Local to Portland, Viva Voce seemed to light up the crowd the most. Kevin Robinson taking to smashing his guitar on the stage near the end of the set.

Sadly, I was so exhausted by this point, I reluctantly retreated for the door to head back to the hotel. However, right outside I ran into John Roderick and Eric Corson of the Long Winters. After apoligizing that I'd be missing their show, they posed for some candids along with Justin of Menemona for me. And with that, I headed back with my travel companion leaving the rest of the weekend to the no-longer-cursed Chona.

Local to Portland, Viva Voce seemed to light up the crowd the most. Kevin Robinson taking to smashing his guitar on the stage near the end of the set.

Rocky Votolato to play Triple Door benefit on August 15

imaginary victoria — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:52:53 +0000

When it comes to Rocky Votolato, Spin Magazine puts it best: "Votolato possesses the kind of voice that never-been-kissed teenage girls imagine their crushes might have in a perfect universe." With a review like that, you could practically be a serial killer and still sell out your next five gigs.

Just kidding. Lucky for us, Votolato is not only felony-free, he's bringing some goodwill (and those sweet vocal chords) to the Triple Door next Saturday night for a show to benefit The International Fund for Animal Welfare, with the Terrordactyls. All proceeds will go straight to benefit the cause.

Win tickets to see My Suicide at SIFF

ChrisB — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 22:52:01 +0000

My Suicide features music from Rocky Votolato on its soundtrack (and I hear that he will be at the screening, along with the film's director, David Lee Miller). The film screens on Wednesday, June 10 at 9:30pm at Pacific Place. If you want to see My Suicide at SIFF, just e-mail tig@threeimaginarygirls.com before 9am on Wednesday, June 10 with "My Suicide" in the subject line and we'll notify you shortly thereafter if you've won tickets to the screening that night.

John Spalding Benefit Concert with Minus the Bear, Rocky Votolato, Cave Singers and more...

Steve Louie — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 22:28:22 +0000

9 Jan 2009

minusthebear2_john_spalding_benefit.jpg

On Friday night the Showbox hosted one of the many series of benefit shows for local Seattle legend John Spalding who passed away from cancer last November. All proceeds from the show including merch benefit the John D. Spalding Medical Fund. This was an all-ages show featuring Minus the Bear, Rocky Votolato, Cave Singers, Past Lives (members of Blood Brothers) and Triumph of Lethargy Skinned Alive To Death.

All the bands turned in great performances and spoke their appreciation for John in front of a supportive all ages crowd.

As local writer Chris Estey writes, “John Spalding… a truly astonishing underground Seattle musician and incredibly incandescent creative spirit… Former guitar player for late 90's punk band Ninety Pound Wuss and performance art/hard rock picadors Raft Of Dead Monkeys, John passed away from the cancer he was diagnosed with four years ago, shortly after marrying a lovely young woman named Jody… John was only thirty-three years old and leaves behind his wife, a deeply loving and proud mother, father, brother and sister, and loyal pooch Scooter. But he also leaves behind a legacy, both relational and musical, in the deep heart of Seattle.”

An all-ages show to support and remember the legendary Seattle musician John Spalding.

New releases from Easy Street Records

Jflores — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 22:19:03 +0000

There are some great re-issues coming out from Rocky Votolato, Metallica, and the Moody Blues, as well as a few new titles that might tickle your fancy:

The Brag and Cuss

Phil Duncan — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 05:45:29 +0000

8.6

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000PSJCXS/wwwthreeimagi-20

rockyvotolato07jun.jpg

Rocky Vololato, the gentleman whose last release Makers made the general populace swoon, has returned with The Brag and Cuss, a very distinct change of pace from the stripped down, whispering ballads of his previous album. Votolato is one of those rare few – a singer/songwriter who refuses to get pigeonholed into a genre.

With The Brag and Cuss, Votolato delves into alt-country. While echoes of Makers still make themselves apparent on the disc, such as on the slow-dancing acoustic ballads "Whiskey Straight" and "The Old Holland," Votolato shows that he is just as strong when he’s forced to compete with a very talented backing band.

On "Postcard from Kentucky," Votolato drenches his trademark croon in Bluegrass whiskey and mandolins, and in turn, creates a very authentic sound. It’s become easy for many musicians today to release an "alt-country" album. Most think that all you have to do is throw a slide guitar or a banjo into the pot of electricity, and zap, you have an Americana stew. However, when the genre is approached in this manner, the true feeling is lost. Americana music isn’t something that you can coldly manufacture; it’s something that you have to believe in. The Brag and Cuss is very strong proof that Votolato, a Texas native, believes in the music he is creating. "Lilly White" and "Red Dragon" are true songs that speak to all of us rural expatriates living in the city, trying to cope with the dichotomy of where we’ve been and where we are now. Votolato has the ability to sum up all of these emotions into short, catchy songs that already sound timeless.

Votolato drenches his trademark croon in Bluegrass whiskey and mandolins, and in turn, creates a very authentic sound.

Slender Means EP release show, with Rocky Votolato

Sarah Joann Murphy — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 05:09:19 +0000

20 Apr 2007

slendermeansNeumos07apr.jpg

The talents of the Votolato family are well known to most Seattle music fans. Friday night's sold out show with Slender Means (featuring Sonny Votolato on guitar) and Rocky Votolato further proved that fact. The crowd from Neumo's box office stretched out to Pike Street, as fans waited, hoping people at will call would no-show so they could squeeze their way in. As soon as I walked in the door and headed upstairs, I got caught in a dual set of bar lines fifteen people deep.

Even Slender Means' sound check was filled with anticipation. The floor was filled to the brim with kids literally jumping and hollering, as the drinkers upstairs stood more solemnly but nonetheless crowding the balcony past a point where one could budge. This show was about "family" in more ways than just the fact that Sonny and Rocky are brothers; Slender Means members Sonny, bassist Paul Pugliese, and drummer Eric Wennberg were also Rocky's backing band as they toured together down to South by Southwest. Votolato mom Tina stood in the front row, with the same contagious laughter as her talented offspring.

The band opened up with "Fade Out," the first track off their new EP, Rock & Roll Machine. Wennberg told Neumo's resident sound guru, Scotty, as they were setting up that they wanted it turned up loud -- and from the very first note, we got it loud. Slender Means didn't feel like the same gentle pop band with just hints of darkness and malcontent in their lyrics; they played with rich, loud, soulful emphasis.

As they played, they never let on how sweltering hot the room became. They sounded like a band home from tour, reflective, and well-worn -- and most certainly incredibly practiced. Josh Dawson's resonant voice has a quality that sticks with you, leaving you pondering his words well after you've left a venue or turned off your stereo.

The last time I had the chance to see Rocky Votolato was three months ago, playing solo, sounding gorgeously alone and haunted. He's transformed with a backing band; the contrast in the sound shows what a dynamic performer he is. "White Daisy Passing" goes from a solemn remembrance to a powerfully pop-sounding song. Rocky played multiple new songs off his upcoming June 19th Barsuk release, and whet the crowd's appetite with mention of a CD release show June 25th at the Triple Door.

The new songs have the same feeling of whiskey-infused goodness that sound a thousand miles away from a chilly Seattle night. But the crowd was most in love with the chance to sing along with the back catalog, almost louder at times than Rocky himself when the rest of the band stepped offstage. By the end of the night, the entire event felt less like a show and more like a welcome home party for the road-weary travelers.

Of course, the evening itself was in celebration of Slender Means' newest release. While it might not be quite the fix you were looking for post-Neon & Ruin, the Rock & Roll Machine EP has that special b-side quality; it can help tide fans over until their next big endeavor. My fingers are crossed that it won't be too long.

There will be a second EP celebration at Easy Street's new "After Hours" venue in their West Seattle store on May 4th; rumor has it, their unannounced special guests are not to be missed as well.

Slender Means didn't feel like the same gentle pop band with just hints of darkness and malcontent in their lyrics; they played with rich, loud, soulful emphasis.

Tonight's Recommend Show: Rocky Votolato, Slender Means, Drag The River, Street To Nowhere at Neumo's

imaginary dana — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 06:51:54 +0000

Members of Slender Means have also been supporting Rocky Votolato's recent tour (including Slender Means guitarist Sonny Votolato, Rocky's brother), and we're hoping they'll be doing it again tonight for the hometown crowd.

Slender Means: new EP and ticket giveaway!

imaginary dana — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 15:52:40 +0000

Want to go to the show? Want the EP? Three Imaginary Girls has a guest-list spot and a copy of the EP for two lucky winners!

The Imaginary SXSW 2007 Report: Day 2

three imaginary girls — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 08:00:00 +0000

15 Mar 2007

tullycraft07marhome.jpg

With Dark Meat, The Zebras, the Manhattan Love Suicides, Okkervil River, BOAT, Tullycraft, The Faintest Ideas, The Pipettes, Palomar, Cut Off Your Hands, Get Cape Wear Cape Fly, The Cassettes, Kate Havnevik, Rocky Votolato, Mika, Northern State, The Fratellis, Straylight Run, Fair to Midland, and Amy Winehouse

Thursday, March 15th, started with big-time excitement: today was the day of our first-ever Three Imaginary Girls SXSW showcase!! On the morning of the big day, we made our way to Lovejoys early to help set up and put our ducks in the row. It was so astonishingly tranquil and refreshing to walk the streets of Austin before the crowds hit… and getting an early start allowed us to get our South By Squatting on. South By Squat before 11a? That doesn’t sound so rock n’ roll… but actually it proved one of the smartest things we did the whole weekend (on par with our Yaris liaison).

The Team Clermont/Under the Radar showcase was right around the corner from our party at the Flamingo Cantina and they had free Sauconys. And I know it's lame to take schwag and run, but dude — I'm only human! I love me the Sauconys! Smart footwear is key. And if it has a snazzy color palette, I'm defenseless.

And their line-up was so good; any other day and I would have camped myself there for a lineup like this: The Pipettes, Architecture in Helsinki, Loney Dear, Headlights, Gruff Rhys, and Dark Meat. That was one swoon-worthy bill.

Instead, we dashed in and got some sneaks. Tragically, there were none left in Liz's size, all the more tragic because the whole thing was her idea. But after we grabbed our shoes and were ready to run back over for the start of our showcase, we found that they'd blocked the exit! Apparently, we weren't getting out until we'd had ourselves a taste of Dark Meat.

Imagine this: We found ourselves locked down with this craaaazy-evil wacked cacophony of a marching band, with like, a bazillion people in it, like the Polyphonic Spree meets USE meets an intensely musical hippy commune sorta thing. Literally, there were between 15 and 18 people on stage (with every count we got a different number, folks were coming out of the woodwork!). It was a crazy sort of Breakfast Club sitch where the band geeks, the cheerleaders, the stoner rocker dude, the jocks, and the freaks all got together onstage and rocked out. I'm glad we caught the start of the set, but was mildly alarmed at being locked into a venue. Excuse me sir, but what if there's a fire? I think violating fire codes and endangering the lives of children would be unwise at this juncture in your career.

And the Dark Meat piece de resistance?

When the sax player leaned into the microphone and requested more monitor. There were 15 - 18 people and their instruments on a stage the size of the Crocodile ladies bathroom, with audience members swarming behind the stage to grab a box of free sneakers and he is having trouble hearing himself in the monitor?

We actually caught Dark Meat again on Day 3, so you'll be hearing a more in-depth rundown shortly. Since we were now late to our own party, our imaginary pal Lucas Jensen from Team Clermont helped us out escape through the back door (thanks, Lucas! Yer a Georgia peach!) over to Lovejoys for the first-ever TIG SXSW party: an Indie-pop Hootenanny!!!

The Zebras kicked off our showcase! I'd heard a couple of their songs I found crawling the internet and knew that I was going to love their Australian accent, Lucksmiths-esque wispy guitar, and sunny disposition in person. I was all set to get my Lucksmiths fix via them... and then low and behold, a real live Lucksmith showed up to the party! Mark from the Lucksmiths was there! Seems that he's touring with Architecture From Helsinki and the Zebras are on his record label (Lost & Lonesome). It was quite a prezzy.

It was about this time, and correct me if I'm wrong, that I approached imaginary Liz as she was lifting a juice glass of Jager. It seems that our new KOOP friend supplied her with a big double shot (it was a heavy pour) of Jager. I suppose that cemented that it was going to be a ripper of a show.

True. SXSW and hootenannys are like that. It was a little past noon and I had already South By Squatted for imaginary sneakers, been locked in a room with a 15 - 18 piece band, hugged Mark Lucksmith, and done a double Jager shot (did I mention it was a heavy pour?). And, the Zebras hadn't even started their set yet!

The Zebras were the perfect kickoff to what turned out to be an amazing showcase. With their delightfully and fresh pop stylings and the clouds on the mural behind them, we could pretend we had booked an outdoor showcase and bask in the rays of their effervescent harmonies (note: last year Magic Marker did book an outdoor showcase and it got rained out. This year we booked indoors and it was 84 degrees and brilliantly sunny. Ahh, weather).

Those Zebras certainly didn't disappoint. It was no surprise that after we launched the imaginary podcast we had several folks email ask about them and were looking to buy the record! I guess everyone who has seen them on their very short U.S. tour has felt the same way. They had sold out of their CD by the time they made it to Austin so they gave away burned copies to folks who bought t-shirts. They don't have U.S. distribution yet... but I'm sure labelhead Mark Lucksmith is working on that.

Because it was a beautiful sunny day and we imaginary girls are pale Seattle things, we went outside between sets to catch some rays and realized that — lo and behold! — right across the street at the Found Magazine party at Bourbon Rocks, Austin band and longtime imaginary favorite Okkervil River was about to play!! And there were free drink tickets!! Powerless to resist, I raced over, grabbed drink tickets, and ran in ― leaving igLiz to man (girl) the fort at our showcase.

But before the show started, the editor of Found Magazine did a talk about the magazine. Basically, they find letters and notes in random locations and publish them, to much hilarity. He proceeded to read us a few samples and it was damn funny... but the funniest part was the last, when he read a couple of found receipts, leaving us to wonder what kind of evening the purchasers must have had:

RECEIPT #1:
Chicken Ramen Noodles
Chicken Ramen Noodles
Chicken Ramen Noodles
Chicken Ramen Noodles
Chicken Ramen Noodles
Chicken Ramen Noodles
Chicken Ramen Noodles
12 lubed condoms

RECEIPT #2:
Gun ammo
Gun ammo
Ski mask
Nerds

You know he was funny if I didn't mind him standing in times way between me and my imaginary boy friend Will Sheff and the other awesome fellas of O-River.

I've liked Okkervil River since igLiz dragged me to see them at the Crocodile back in 2002, where they dazzled the 20 or so of us who were smart enough to attend the show. igLiz is always way smarter than I am about this sort of thing. By the time I caught them at SXSW 2006, I knew I was hooked, lined, and smitten on Will Sheff's offbeat story-telling songs, brought to musical life by this jangly, crescendo-filled band. But it was on their latest live EP, Overdrawn and Down, they put me over the superfan edge: they covered the Big Star classic "O Dana."

I've spent my life surrounded by loads of Amy's and Michelle's and Jennifer's, but have known almost no one else named Dana. So when I hear someone say they name, I'm pretty certain it's being said to ME. And when it's being moaned by one of my favorite singers and followed by "c'mon!".... well, let's just say I'm inclined to follow! The cover has filled me with a special aching bond with the band and I'm at least 92.87 percent certain that, at some subliminal level, they covered it for me.

Well, it has been said that "you'd rather shoot a woman than a man. And you're always wondering whether this is your last life."

And Will, I was listening. And I know you can't help it!

Tragically for me (though perhaps fortunately for the band), they didn't play "O Dana"; lordy knows what I might have done, all dosed up on the drink-ticketed rum and cokes (thanks, Found!). They did play "The President's Dead," perhaps the greatest non-anti-Bush song that sounds like a political jam but is in fact more of a stream of consciousness tale of how a non-personal news story can throw a wrench into ones otherwise contented existence. They also announced that they've finished recording their next record (!!) and played us a few new jams, which were amazing. I'm already reserving a spot in my top 10 for 2007 for them.

Meanwhile back at Lovejoys, the Manhattan Love Suicides dark-rocked my butt off. This was the MLS first visit to the U.S. and I'd make a bet that it was also the first time anyone in the room saw them. After the carefree Zebras, the MLS took the vibe circa C86... specifically at an early Jesus & Mary Chain show. In true JAMC fashion, they were confident and unaffected by the audience reaction. Their fuzzy set floated from one song to the next as the band minimally interrupted the set with banter.

I was especially sad that imaginary Dana missed the bass player as he was a near replica of every guy she had a crush on in college. Between that and the echoey, enveloping songs, I found myself near hypnotized by the end of their set.

High on Okkervil happiness, I hopped back to Lovejoys for the double-whammy Seattle portion of our TIG showcase set with Tullycraft and BOAT. What a crazy cool thing, to walk in and see all those out-of-town folks digging on the BOAT! Newbie, out-of-tower BOAT fans were shaking signature BOAT handmade percussion instruments, bobbing their heads back and forth, and smiling away. Even the bartender at Lovejoys told me that he wanted their CD. Those BOATers can charm even the Southerns!

It was like I was on an indie-pop cruise! There were all these people I had never met before joyfully singing along with BOAT songs. It was awesome, comforting, and reminded me of the binding force of good music.

BOAT was sporting a couple new (familiar face) additions to their line-up. For the two Austin BOAT shows, Zach (original BOAT member who moved to Chicago a couple years ago) flew in to man the guitar and miscellaneous instruments. Jeff Fell from Tullycraft was handling the drum duties. The newbies certainly kept up with full-time BOATers Dave (lead stuff) and Mark (bass/vocals).

They wow'd the crowd with a majority of songs from their debut Magic Marker Records release, Songs That You Might Not Like, some new songs from their next album (recording's done... just need to release it one of these days), a Guided By Voices cover, and even an interlude of a Tullycraft song.

While the room was festively full during BOAT's set, it got positively packed for Tullycraft. Look at me, moved to alliteration by the mere memory of the event (there I go again!).

Not only was the band in finest form (I'm doomed here), but suddenly the space was full of all kinds of friends! Folks from Seattle, people we know online from other parts of the country, and even some friendly new strangers totally made it to our showcase, and mostly all during this set. We thank you all for showing up and rocking with us.

Tullycraft put on an incredibly cute and engaging show, despite some technical difficulties that I didn't even notice.

Besides playing some of their standards ("Stowaway," "Wild Bikini"), Tullycraft debuted a some songs from their next album (release date still unknown). All the while, there was a gaggle of underagers watching from the open front door. When frontman Sean Tollefson noticed that they were straining to see around the crowd blocking the view from the door, he asked the crowd to make a visual line-of-sight so they could enjoy the set as well. And they did, these >21ers were energetically dancing with ecstatic enthusiasm, putting us <21ers to shame. They were so CUTE! It was too bad the show had to be 21+, but I think they had a fabulous time. I had a wonderful time just living vicariously through them.

With the adorable dancers outside and the inside packed out with Seattle love, it truly brought the party up to hoot-hootenanny status.

Next up we had the Faintest Ideas. Like the Manhattan Love Suicides, this was the first time most of us (if not all of us) saw them perform, as they were also European (from Sweden). Their frantic Wedding Present-eque power guitars and fervent heartstring vocals sounded great live.

Halfway through their set we were the worst hostesses once again, racing back to the Under the Radar party to queue to see the Pipettes. I totally thought we were going to be dissed again, but we made it in for the last four or so songs and wow — even from the back of the packed room, they were something spectacular to see and hear. The three ladies had on coordinated navy and white sweet yet sexxxy ensembles and had this total Supremes-meets-Bananarama pop sensibility that was completely disarming. Damn if the British ladies have we American girls soooooo outclassed.

In my dreams, this is what TIG is like every time we go out to show: matching classy polka dot sexy-yet-cute coordinating outfits, perfect pitch pop voices, sex appeal, and confidence. I knew I would need to see a full set before the festival was over. And buy the record. And get all three action figures.

{imaginary note: I hate spoilers just as much as the next girl but... we saw a full set on Day 4. But you probably figured that already, right? Stay tuned for more Pipettes specifics and photos, imaginary friends...}

Then back to Lovejoys for the final band in our imaginary lineup, Palomar, a band with one dude (drummer) and three more ladies who are also hot (like the Pipettes) but so much more low-keyed. No matching outfits, no makeup even. They literally pulled up in their van from NY minutes before show time (how rock and roll is that)?

I was so excited when Magic Marker Curt arranged for Palomar to be on the bill. These three girls and a guy from Brooklyn wrote one of my favorite songs of 2004 ("Albacore") and I don't think they've been to Seattle since its release. They rolled in and provided a luster-filled set of playful new songs from their freshly released album, All Things Forest.

It turned out to be one humdinger of a hootenanny. It was a lot of coordinating, and it wouldn't have happened if not for Curt & Mark at Magic Marker Records (who supplied all the bands, equipment, wise advice, planning, and know-how), KOOP 91.7 FM (for the surprise food spread and locale), Seattle Show Posters (who designed and screenprinted a killer poster), and Music Nation (who furnished free beer!). Thanks you guys — you all ROCK!!

After our showcase, I staggered back up 6th, exhausted but so so so happy and minding my own business when ZOMG THERE WAS AMY WINEHOUSE STANDING ON THE STREET!!!!!!!! I stopped, stunned, and must have been obviously staring cause she looked over and WINKED AT ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AMY WINEHOUSE WINKED AT ME!!!!!

We even took a photos together!!!!!!!!

I don't get star-struck much but the good luck of meeting the very person I was most excited to see at SXSW (and indeed, the performer I've been most excited to see in years) on the first full day of the festival felt like a benediction. The indie-rock Universe hearts me.

I resolved to South by Stalk her for all the shows I could. Hey look at that: I just coined a new South by Vocabulary word!

And after calling Kaley and shrieking ZOMG!!!! at least 35 times, we set out for the evening. First stop was to see Get Cape Wear Cape Fly at Stubbs. *Yawn.* If you give yourself a wacked out name like that, shouldn't you sound a bit quirky and eclectic? GCWCF were nothing special, but at least the fried okra at Stubbs was delish. Bailing after a couple of songs, we joined some Seattle pals at a show they recommended, Washington D.C.'s The Cassettes, and had the sort of experience we were hoping to find at Get Cape Wear Cape Fly: something odd and unexpected and utterly delightful. With a name like the Cassettes, I was expecting a lo-fi cutsie indie-pop band. But the band reminded me of a post-punk gorked-out They Might Be Giants (I'm sure I was biased in that direction by the accordian), dark and strange, and they had the best thermamin player I've ever witnessed live; he played it like a percussion instrument and the strange-yet-beautiful sounds effortlessly extended from his fingers. I completely don't understand that instrument, but I sure did dig the hell outta watching him play, and fervently wished we'd been there to see the full set.

As for me, after the afternoon inside the lovely Lovejoys, my posse and I decided to explore a bit. Again, we passed by the packed places oozing with hipster cred, and headed towards the Co-op Bar. We walked in and found a band named Cut Off Your Hands who hail from Auckland, New Zealand.

It was like a General Foods International Coffee (TM) moment to just 'happen' upon a band of kiwis and basically have the whole place to ourselves. Sure there were some other people there making a happy discovery with us, but the small venue and intimate crowd was a great change of atmosphere. The band had the same influence-schooling as the Futureheads with a touch of fellow NZers Split Enz. And the interesting tie in to the Pacific NW is that seems they originally named themselves Shaky Hands, but were "threatened with legal action" by the Portland, Oregon band Shaky Hands (who we recently reviewed, and who's self-titled album I adore!). It's a small SXSW world!

Resolute that we would see Amy Winehouse that night at the Universal Republic at a small nightclub called Eternal, we arrived bright and early at 9:30pm and learned that she had been moved from the midnight slot to 1am. Curses! Undaunted, we entered and caught Kate Havnevik. She's from Norway and sounded like a perfect amalgamation of Bjork and Norah Jones — a bit too perfect and tidy for my tastes — all Mountain Fresh, very wide mouthed and wide-eyed and full of earnestness. If igLiz were there, I think she'd be having unhappy seizures.

Not that she was bad –- her voice was quite good and had nice accompaniment in a trumpet, bass, and lots of samples. It was all very nice, and very grown-up, too elegant. I think my Mom would like it. In fact, Kate seemed super nice and I bet she and my Mom would get along swimmingly! Me, I was just waiting for Amy. I will say that, unlike most of the other performers for the night, Kate was a good choice for an Amy Winehouse bill. I just prefer my chanteuses a bit more on the dark and gritty side.

With Amy's show bumped till 1am and we were pretty much bored stupid by 10pm watching Kate "I can't believe it's not Bjork" Havnevik, we decided to risk South by Skating over to the Barsuk Records showcase at Buffalo Billards to catch Seattle-based singer-songwriter Rocky Votolato.

After all, Rocky's brother Sony Votolato, who plays in TIG local fave Slender Means, stopped by our Imaginary Indie-pop Hootenanny earlier in the day and told me that he and other folks from Slender Means would be Rocky's backing band. So I stopped South by Stressing about the Winehouse show for long enough to catch most of the set, and I'm glad did. Rocky is always a dream to see live, and his earnest vocals and dreamy composition felt particularly spot-on tonight — perhaps because it was so nice to see (and hug) so many familiar faces throughout the set. Why is so much more exciting to see people from Seattle when they're in Austin?

I'm not sure, but you're totally right. For SXSW 2008, we'd better add another terms to the imaginary SXSW vocab for that. South by Socializing?

Ahh, that just might work! And speaking of our vocab, my South by Stress had kicked into high gear, so Kaley and I headed back to Eternal and prepared to South by Squat for hours.

We walked in during a set from U.K. pop sensation Mika. I know as a Serious Musical Critic I'm not supposed to like Mika. But then, as a straight female, I'm also not supposed to think that he's hot, with his namby pamby flailing dance moves and suspenders and all-things-effeminate style. Mika is like this crazy amalgamation of Freddy Mercury + Rufus Wainright + George Michael.... extra heavy on the Mercury. Perhaps I'm not supposed to admit this, but screw it. I have one more thing in common with Dan Savage: I *heart* Mika.

I would have expected a more flamboyant show from Mister Grace Kelly, but I suspect he was a bit encumbered by the small-ish stage and the less-than-optimal general acoustics in the room. And maybe those doofy suspenders held him back from some truly spectacular moves. I'd definitely welcome the chance to see Mika again headlining in a more fitting venue, like the Crocodile or the Showbox here in Seattle. He can stay in my house. That's how much I heart Mika.

After Cut Off Your Hands, the posse and I made our way to Northern State. It was a bit of a hike across town, but as a big fan of theirs since their 2003 release, Dying in Stereo, I was determined to see them, especially since I hadn't seen a Seattle date on their tour schedule. Rumor had it that they were working on their next album with (King) Ad Rock, so the thought of hearing new (Beastie Boys-infused) NS songs was enough inspiration to hoof it. Unfortunately a little bit of getting lost resulted in us missing openers the Trucks, but we arrived in time to watch Northern State set up, and to procure a seat in the swank balcony.

The set was flawless with songs from the old and the new.... with the new songs sounding spectacular! I've always secretly kicked myself that I didn't come up with the idea to form a female Beastie Boys. It is such a good idea. But after hearing these new songs, I'm convinced it's better that Hesta, Spero, and DJ Sprout are doing it (in addition to the fact that my sense of rhythm is sometimes suspect and I don't have the NYC vernacular down).

After Mika, the remaining blur of the next two pre-Amy bands passed in the worst South by Sucking session of the entire festival in the endless wait for Winehouse. We were so crammed in the venue holding our spots on the side of the stage, completely captive audiences. So I'd like to take an imaginary moment say FUCK UNIVERSAL REPUBLIC for that terrible bill we had to endure (minus Mika, of course).

After Mika came the latest UR signee from Long Island who were called The Most Boring and Uninspired Band I've Ever Seen. Wait, that wasn't it. They were called Straylight Run. They sound-checked for 30 minutes and played well over their allotted time, which bumped Amy to starting half an hour late (at 1:30). Other bloggers blamed Amy's late start on her being a drunk, but it wasn't for that reason. It was because The Most Boring and Uninspired Band in the World had to soundcheck. What is wrong with these labels — haven't they ever heard of a BACKLINE for opening bands? Sheesh.

I'm not even going to dignify the band with a write-up because I was so annoyed I had to endure their set. And did I mention their long sound-check?

As awesome as Northern State were, we had to leave 30 minutes into their set for the show that I'd been waiting the whole evening for: The Fratellis. Yes folks, it was time for me to South By Squat. At this point in SXSW, I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to fit in more than one Fratellis show; they had about 72 on the schedule and, upon study I think that some of their scheduled appearances were even overlapping each other.

Even before we made it to the door it was destined to be a show at the top of the of my SXSW Favorites list. As we were waiting in line, who was behind us but David Fricke, Senior Editor at Rolling Stone! Waiting in the same line as us! Well, not for long... I think the door folks saw some special superhero wristband and eventually grabbed him and took him through the door ahead of us... which is fine, he's David Fricke!

We waited and waited and waited for them to allow people in... the whole time I'm thankful that we decided to start squatting early. Sure enough, there was space for our anxious-for-Fratellis-selves and we are able to find a spacious spot near the front of the state (those SXSW-ers wait in line and still gravitate towards spaces near the bar).

I'll try not to overwhelm you with too much gushing (spoiler alert: I become a *bit* of a South By Superfan), but the Fratellis did not disappoint. Their mix of Jack White vocals over their Clash-inspired authoritative guitars was stunning live. They didn't banter much, but they didn't need too (and given their think Scottish accent, it was probably better that way). The uninterrupted set was just under and hour long, but felt like only minutes had passed. It was pure Fratellis bliss.

That sounds awesome, especially because over in Waiting for Amyland, the most Uninspired band was followed by the band with the most spewing body fluids, Fair to Midland. The spitting. The snotting. The faux seizure dance moves. The screaming. Maybe for someone else this band was incredible, but myself I was displeased when at the end of the set we were left wondering if the lead singer actually had collapsed during an epileptic fit (or drug-induced one). But then he got up and was just fine, the big faker, and some roadie dude had the distinct pleasure of wiping up all his body fluids before Amy Winehouse and the Dap Kings could take the stage.

They only nice thing I can say about the show is that at least the band is from Texas, so I feel like I got a bit of local flavor. Rancid, suburban Dallas shopping mall flavor, perhaps, but local nonetheless.

The thing is, there might have been loads of people at SXSW show would have dug the shit out of Fair to Midland, people who are super into getting actual body fluid samples from their favorite rockstars. But this was a room full of peeps anxiously awaiting Amy Winehouse. Needless to say, not a great match. I'm sure many a Fair to Midland fan couldn't get in to see them because of the epic lineup for Amy. While I question their tastes, I empathize with their sitch, cause it blows. All around, what a sucky lineup. A pox on thee, Universal Republic!

Then came the glorious Amy Winehouse. And after all those hours of waiting, you know what? She was INCREDIBLE. Her band was incredible. Her backup singers were incredible.

The show was worth every moment of South by Sucking that came before it. It was worth all those hours of not drinking fluids for fear of losing my spot on the stage. It was worth it, despite the inferior song quality we had off on stage left, as the speakers all faced out the front of the stage.

At the time, I thought it was for sure going to be my favorite show at SXSW. But at the time, I didn't know what I know now, recapping the entire SXSW festival...

Now I know her show the next night would be even better.

A lot better.

So you're going to have to wait until tomorrow's recap to hear all about the Amy Winehouse experience. To tide you over, here are a few more photos from her Eternal showcase...

** Next up in the Imaginary SXSW 2007 Report, Day 3:
Matt & Kim, Dark Meat, the Twilight Sad, Paolo Nutini, and more Fratellis and more Amy Winehouse. We're writing as fast as we can!

The Imaginary SXSW mayhem continues, with our first imaginary showcase (featuring the Zebras, the Manhattan Love Suicides, BOAT, Tullycraft, the Faintest Ideas, and Palomar), plus Okkervil River, the Fratellis (!!), Amy Winehouse (!!), meeting Amy Winehouse (!!!!!), and more.

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.

SXSW 2006 Preview

three imaginary girls — Wed, 01 Mar 2006 08:00:00 +0000

16 Mar 2006

sxsw06mar1.jpg

The Three Imaginary Girls posse is heading south and partaking all that is South by Southwest. For years, we've heard recounts of the good times and once in a lifetime showcases. Folks, we are beyond excited to experience it for ourselves.

My head has been reeling with each 10 page highlighted print out igLiz hands me. There is so much amazingly fun stuff to do and see and I don't want to miss a minute of anything. Obviously my overachiever self will need to take a Texas-sized (veggie) chill pill in order to focus on the matter at hand: musica, musica, musica!!!

Yeah, I had a hard time figuring out what would make the list and what to prioritize. I created an indie-rock logarithm that, among other factors, weighed out the probability that a band would come to Seattle + the historical nature of their performance + the likelihood that I'll be able to get into the venue before it reaches maximum capacity (nothing like being denied and long bathroom lines to marsh the mellow). Given these factors, I found those Nordic bands rose top!

And for you non-Seattle-ites, we are proud to have a slew of our highly recommendable local bands representing there. If you aren't coming to SXSW from the Pacific Northwest, make sure to check out those fine Seattle / Portland folks! And if you really want to go where the cool kids are, make sure to stop by any one of the KEXP events taking place at the festival.

Break out the SXSW venue map, the show schedule and the cowboy hats 'cause here's our list of must sees:

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15
Bourbon Rocks
8:00 p.m. The Carrots {Austin TX}

Buffalo Billiards
12:00 a.m. Derby {Portland OR}

Dirty Dog Bar
1:00 a.m. The Ark {Malmo SWEDEN}

Emo's Jr.
11:00 p.m. Aloha {Cleveland OH}

Emo's Main Room
9:00 p.m. Voxtrot {Austin TX}
11:00 p.m. Serena Maneesh {Oslo NORWAY}

Eternal
9:30 p.m. Jose Gonzalez {Gothenburg SWEDEN}

Flamingo Cantina
12:00 a.m. The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster {Brighton UK}

Lava Lounge Patio
12:45 a.m. Maritime {Milwaukee WI}

The Parish
8:00 p.m. Envelopes {Stockholm SWEDEN}
12:00 a.m. The Ponys {Chicago IL}
1:00 a.m. Art Brut {London UK}

THURSDAY, MARCH 16

Austin Music Hall
8:00 p.m. the Zutons {Liverpool UK}
9:45 p.m. Morrissey {Manchester UK}

The Drink
Nordic Night
8:00 p.m. Astrid Swan {Helsinki FINLAND}
9:00 p.m. Loney Dear {Stockholm SWEDEN}
10:00 p.m. The Latebirds {Helsinki FINLAND}
11:00 p.m. The Royal Highness {Copenhagen DENMARK}
12:00 a.m. Disco Ensemble {Helsinki FINLAND}
1:00 a.m. Sign {Hafnarfjord ICELAND}

Emo's Jr.
10:00 p.m. Headphones {Seattle WA}

Karma Lounge
1:00 a.m. Figurines {Copenhagen DENMARK}

Molotov Lounge
12:00 a.m. The Hidden Cameras {Toronto ON}

The Parish
8:00 p.m. smoosh {Seattle WA}
Barsuk/Saddle Creek
9:00 p.m. John Vanderslice {San Francisco CA}
10:00 p.m. The Starlight Mints {Norman OK}
11:00 p.m. Two Gallants {San Francisco CA}
12:00 a.m. Mates of State {East Haven CT}
1:00 a.m. Nada Surf {New York NY}

The Parish II
Barsuk/Saddle Creek
8:30 p.m. Detachment Kit {Brooklyn NY}
9:30 p.m. Rocky Votolato {Seattle WA}
10:30 p.m. The Long Winters {Seattle WA}
11:30 p.m. Criteria {Omaha NE}
12:30 a.m. Aqueduct {Seattle WA}

Redrum
Sidecho/Made In Mexico Showcase
8:00 p.m. The Catch {Seattle WA}
9:00 p.m. Some By Sea {Seattle WA}
10:00 p.m. The Divorce {Seattle WA}
12:00 a.m. Stars of Track and Field {Portland OR}
1:00 a.m. Damien Jurado {Seattle WA}

The Velvet Spade
8:00 p.m. Velella Velella {Seattle WA}

FRIDAY, MARCH 17

Antone's
1:00 a.m. Neko Case {Tacoma WA}

Blender Balcony at the Ritz
11:30 p.m. volcano! {Chicago IL}

Blender Bar at the Ritz
8:00 p.m. Brakes {Brighton UK}

Cedar Street Courtyard
9:30 p.m. Billy Bragg {London UK}

Dirty Dog Bar
9:00 p.m. Isobel Campbell {Glasgow UK}
10:00 p.m. The Lashes {Seattle WA}
11:00 p.m. OK GO {Chicago IL}

The Drink
Nordic Night
8:00 p.m. Ane Brun {Stockholm SWEDEN}
9:00 p.m. Real Ones {Bergen NORWAY}
10:00 p.m. Sarah Hepburn {Copenhagen DENMARK}
11:00 p.m. Animal Alpha {Oslo NORWAY}
12:00 a.m. Veto {DENMARK}
1:00 a.m. Quit Your Dayjob {Malmo SWEDEN}

Latitude 30
9:00 p.m. Tilly and the Wall {Omaha NE}
10:00 p.m. Sukpatch {Minneapolis MN}
1:00 a.m. Tapes 'N Tapes {Minneapolis MN}

La Zona Rosa
12:00 a.m. Arctic Monkeys {Sheffield UK}

Molotov Lounge
11:00 p.m. The High Violets {Portland OR}

Red Eyed Fly
8:00 p.m. The Brunettes {Auckland NEW ZEALAND}
11:00 p.m. Band of Horses {Seattle WA}

Stubb's
10:00 p.m. The Subways {Welwyn Garden City UK}

SATURDAY, MARCH 18

Antone's
11:00 p.m. Superchunk {Chapel Hill NC}
1:00 a.m Robert Pollard . {Dayton OH}

The Drink
1:00 a.m. The Village Green {Portland OR}

Emo's Annex
Secretly Canadian/Jagjaguwar
9:15 p.m. Richard Swift {Los Angeles CA}
10:15 p.m.Pink Mountaintops {Vancouver BC}
11:15 p.m. I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness {Austin TX}
12:15 a.m. Okkervil River {Austin TX}
1:15 a.m. Magnolia Electric Company {Chicago IL}

Emo's Jr.
11:45 p.m. Ester Drang {Seattle WA}
12:45 a.m. David Bazan {Seattle WA}

Habana Calle 6 Patio
7:30 p.m. Dressy Bessy Denver CO
8:30 p.m. Bedroom Walls {Highland Park CA}
Magic Marker Records
9:30 p.m. The Galactic Heroes {Portland OR}
10:30 p.m. The Owls {Minneapolis MN}
11:30 p.m. Tullycraft {Seattle WA}
12:45 a.m. The Bats {Christchurch NEW ZEALAND}

The Hideout
10:00 p.m. Instruments {Athens GA}
11:00 p.m. Gerbils {Athens GA}

The Jackalope
1:00 a.m. The Spits {Seattle WA}

Maggie Mae's
10:00 p.m. The Joggers {Portland OR}
1:00 a.m. Plan B {London UK}

Our recommendations for SXSW 2006 can't-miss shows.

Rocky Votolato

Joseph Riippi — Tue, 21 Feb 2006 08:00:00 +0000

17 Feb 2006

rockyvotolato06feb.jpg

For those of you who don't know about Rocky Votolato, or those who haven't heard his new record, Makers, take your hand out of your pants, wipe your brow, and get with the eff-ing program. His first release with Barsuk "We don't need no stinkin' Death Cab" Records (in cooperation with his long-time label, Second Nature Recordings), it's a fantastic exploration into the bowels of the songwriting craft.

His family is a fixture in the Seattle music community (brother Cody is a founding member of the Blood Brothers, other brother Sonny can be heard under the moniker Blue Checkered Record Player and playing guitar with Slender Means). Rocky Votolato is the 28-year-old father of two Texans keeping fireside drinking music alive and well. His past two records — Burning my Travels Clean and Suicide Medicine — were excellent examples of how much raw, rock and roll emotion can be brought across with just a harmonica and acoustic guitar; often, his songs sound as though they're the acoustic versions of full-blown Pearl Jam compositions.

Last week I had the pleasure of attending one of the single most invigorating solo performances I've ever had the privilege of attending (and I ain't no Show Virgin). Taking a long subway ride out to Park Slope, Brooklyn, I expected a modest crowd of relocated Seattle-ites like myself; the same crowds that attended the U.S.E. show at the Knitting Factory or the Dolour/The Catch show at Pianos. What I got was something else entirely.

The Southpaw was crowded upon entering. A modestly-sized club not unlike Seattle's Chop Suey, there are tables at which to sit, chat and enjoy the performers. The scene was as set as such upon my entering mid-awesome-Luke-Temple-set. Another fantastic Seattle phenom, Luke Temple's record Hold a Match for a Gasoline World was a fixture in 2005's Best of the Northwest Listalbeit mor — e my own personal favorite than a collective choice (even the Imaginary World has occasional disagreements, although mostly over favorite candies and Magnetic Fields songs).

Sitting on the floor with my back against a photo booth, I looked very much the hipster I pretend not to be, sketching the stage furiously in a notebook, sucking periodically from a bottle of Red Stripe.

Then something curious happened-Rocky came out and the crowd went absolutely bananas. Like monkeys cheering a banana manufacturer. They ran to the front of the stage, a Surging Flesh unable to control itself. My reaction:

What???

Rocky Votolato, apparently, is hot shit in Brooklyn, NY.

After his entrance and initial cordialisms, there then ensued a solo electric guitar and harmonica performance as subtly powerful in its instrumentation as acoustic Pearl Jam or moments of Nirvana Unplugged. Indeed, the screams at the end of the title track to his last record, "Suicide Medicine," affected in my body an uncannily similar nerve previously reserved for moments such as Kurt's last screams on "Where Did You Sleep Last Night?"

Rocky took the crowd through a set of mostly new material, Makers having been released not long ago, but long enough it seems for some people to sing along and shout out the names of songs for his set list consideration. He began with "Portland is Leaving," noted in my notebook as containing the best lyric of the new record: "I'm a punchline who is punch-drunk with my fist in a broken mirror." From there he regaled us with "White Daisy Passing," a song from which the first chord drew crashing cheers and flashing cameras. Both album tracks, incidentally, are available for free courtesy of Barsuk's website. The recorded version of the latter, I think most will find, firmly identifies Rocky as Seattle's grungier and more testicled Iron and Wine.

The intimacy of the performance was a tribute to Rocky's voice and interaction with the crowd. He himself seemed slightly stunned, nay, flattered, by the amount of people in the club. And not that they were just there, but they were there listening intent as a college lecture class before a final. No one wanted to miss a beat, a strum, a lyric, a whisper.

Sadly, the set seemed to end as quickly as it had begun — Rocky not anticipating playing for as long as it seemed the club would allow.

"Umm, I really only prepared one more song...is there anything you guys really want to hear?" he asks.

About a dozen people reply at once, followed by another dozen. Through the din I distinguish one man yelling consistently for "Montana," a song Rocky says he wishes he could remember.

"A Waxwing cover!" someone screams, citing the punk group Rocky and brother Cody played in for some time. "Waxwing cover? Oh, you guys are killing me..." he said, smiling huge. Then: "Okay, I think I heard someone say 'Suicide Medicine,'" and, appealing for the crowd to help with the high notes, somehow manages to make his single voice and single guitar reach sonic levels unparalleled so far that night.

For the last song of the night (we thought) he played "Makers," the title track of the new record, and dedicated it to the present friend who helped inspire it.

"Filling and refilling up the glass with makers / we both agreed / The Final Moment! the sweetest remedy to ever be delivered!" he sings, thanks the throbbing and flashing crowd, and exits to the rear.

Then something I hadn't seen in a long, long time happened: A Real, Honest-to-God, Unplanned Encore. The crowd just kept cheering, and Rocky eventually came back out, looking flustered and laughing. Wasn't he out of songs? The crowd of Rocky Lovers went wild, and he apologized for having to play tracks off the new record: "I just don't know the old ones anymore," he said to sighs of wishes for classics like "Montana."

Really out of songs, he says "I wrote this song for my son," and begins the chords to "Streetlights."

"When I woke up this morning / seems like I've got so much more to lose now than I ever had before," he sings.

"Awwww," cries the loving crowd, sincerely, loving every minute of what was, for me, the best Rocky concert I've ever seen, playing the best Rocky album yet.

The intimacy of the performance was a tribute to Rocky's voice and interaction with the crowd.

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.

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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.

Makers

Travis Hay — Thu, 19 Jan 2006 08:00:00 +0000

7.8

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000CQQHVI/wwwthreeimagi-20

rockyvotolato06jan.jpg

Makers, the latest album from Rocky Votolato, is his strongest to date and shows that the softest-spoken member of the Votolato musical family deserves a spot alongside Ben Gibbard, Dave Bazan, and Elliott Smith in the annals of great Northwest singer-songwriters.

Votolato has a voice that makes you hinge on every word, and he picks up where Elliott Smith left off as the poet laureate of the Northwest music scene. The tender vocals and introspective lyrics make him one of the finest storytellers with a six string. Considering his musical pedigree — with one brother screaming his way through the all-ages scene as a part of The Blood Brothers, and the other doing great work gigging as Blue Checkered Record Player — it's no wonder his presence resonates so majestically throughout the local music scene.

The music on Makers is comprised of acoustic guitar, harmonica, and drums — the typical Votolato fare. It's chock full of wonderful ditties about life, death, love, happiness, and all the frustrations and joys that come with them. Each song is beautifully crafted with sparse instrumentation and gorgeous phrasing, including such verbal gems as, "I'm a punch line who's punch drunk with my fist in the mirror" from "Portland Is Leaving." When he sings about, "The trailer park in the old mining town where the irony is laying thick on the ground" on "Goldfield," you want to be there in the dead end town that is the song's namesake.

Makers ends on a somber note with its title track. You can nearly feel the sorrow and pain in Votolato’s voice as he opens with the deceptively simple lines: "Death keep calling me. She's going to set me free." The song embodies everything that makes this his best album. It's a beautiful story created by Votolato's fine song crafting set in the backdrop of his simplified soundscapes, which pretty much sums up all of Makers' 12 tracks in a nutshell.

Votolato... picks up where Elliott Smith left off as the poet laureate of the Northwest music scene

AstroPOP! for December 2005

Chris Estey — Thu, 01 Dec 2005 08:00:00 +0000

Your monthly imaginary horoscope told in album reviews!

December 2005 AstroPOP! is brought to you with musical reviews by Chris Estey.

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)
"The boss man says there is no work this winter, so go on home now and check back in the spring," Rocky Votolato observes within the bleak "The Night's Disguise," one of many lines he utter-plausibly sings on the twelve songs that make up his way-long-awaited release, Makers. Through masculine, subterranean, absolutely convincing street-level vignettes like the mini-opera "Where We Left Off," the updated Simon and Carbuncle "Uppers Aren't Necessary," and the romantic debris arranged and rearranged for "Portland is Leaving," this album is one a young Bruce Springsteen or Tom Waits would have taken a few years off to let ferment, too. The album combines bitter experiences in the real world elongating into haunted expressions of metaphysical proportion. The acoustic-based rock is pleasantly full and mellow, while paradoxically nail-tough vocals and sagacious lyrics consistently grab you by the black pea-coat lapels with juxtaposed images of aching hope, and hope achingly deferred. Yet this robust Barsuk release reminds the Sagittarius in all of us that challenge can make one great. This is a preliminary plug for an album so important that we had to warn TIG readers (Sadj and otherwise) to be ready to add it to their Top Ten lists as the new year commences (release date is late January 2006).

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)
Once you have made up your mind, Capricorn, you cannot stop making things your own way. Like Mark Lanegan of Screaming Trees and Queens of the Stone Age, who has never been tempted to make anything less than the most soulful music he can. When Lanegan met Belle & Sebastian's Isobel Campbell in Glasgow, dropped a hint that he'd love to make a record with the divine-sounding chanteuse. Now V2 has released the resulting Mark Lanegan and Isobel Campbell collaboration, the paradoxically gritty yet pretty Ramblin' Man EP, which is a little taste of Ballad of the Broken Seas, the upcoming full-length they've recorded and plan to release next year. The Hank Williams title track is the sort of dark night of the soul you go through this time of year, Capricorn, despite your upcoming birthday. "Come Walk With Me" is a balm to the bitter soul, their voices interlocking magically. The two B-sides also included feature Campbell, and are necessary jewels for any B&S fans' obscure gem collections (she was born to record "St. James' Infirmary").

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)
"Even a vampire wouldn't drink my blood," Ron Lewis sadly admits on the opening track to his four-song taster (ha!) for his band Ghost Stories. But Aquarius thirsts, and once this Fruit Bats drumming, Rogue Wave-supporting artist behind Ghost Stories (helped along live by members of Blessed Light and Blue Sky Mile, among others) pours his intelligence and wit into a pop song, you can't help but take a big gulp. "Even a Vampire" starts with squeaking keyboards and chunking drums, and Lewis hauntingly tells a story of romantic desperation that borders on pathological, while "Isn't It Appropriate That Way" chugs with musical joy even if Lewis trembles with fear in its anxious lyrics. While Ghost Stories sound absolutely nothing like XTC, the elements of perfectly creative pop are here in similar ways, willing to be psychedelically abstract but driving at the same time. In other words, Aquarius, keep your head above water — the end is in sight.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)
Judas was a patriot and a humanitarian, as well as being a Pisces. He hated the corruption of Rome, a nation that exploited the countries surrounding it. For those willing to take an uncomfortable stand in history, say, by moving from Seattle and leaving behind his band Mines and taking up residence in a Brooklyn studio-home, Chad Nelson's songs for Field Notes sound like something that could make pop culture history themselves. Shining most on the intricate and intimate mesmerizing parlor room pop of "Full Circle" and the 80's style post-punk dance rock of "Sister Says," Color of Sunshine is proper solo journeying, inflected with pastels at dusk. Don't know what they make of this sort of thing in Brooklyn, but in backyards here it's a perfect sound track for Pisces to watch leaves fall in the plastic pool.

Aries (March 21 - April 19)
Aries are aggressive. But because they don't show bruises, they look pretty no matter how hard they're playing. For Purple Blaze, Christopher Paul Richards, AKA Ris Paul Ric may not be still making music as angular and avuncular as his original band, Q AND NOT U. In fact, he's crafting early Shins-style acid-afternoon raindrop-pop (the splendid, gently-ranting title track) with light psychedelic-Michael Jackson bedroom folk-funk ("Run Up Wild On Me"). Touring with Dan Caldas of Black Eyes, many have been able to come out and feel his soft Armageddon vibe this fall; and now they can play his sensual miniatures at home, pretending that Syd Barrett is Prince of the Air.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
Hot-headed, the builder, the producer: Taurus needs music this month to inspire her through the seasonal paralysis. Theo Prince's punchy, occasionally trashy-sounding gutter-pop band The Weapons has an EP called Formula For A Fight, which, while not blazingly original, is sturdy Saturday afternoon getting drunk punk ("40 oz.," "Jawbreaker"). Reminding me of seeing Love As Laughter at the Velvet Elvis in the late 90s, this Northwest-crawling neo-pub band has already hit the High Dive, The Crocodile, and venues elsewhere. This five-song debut is a good way to see if you care to spend some time out with them some night, Taurus — as we know you're not going to want to stay home no matter how dark it gets...

Gemini (May 21 - June 21)
For Gemini, whose colors of green and red are perfect for the holidays, we present two perfect yuletide season albums, to match your dualistic moods. First, there's Los Straitjackets doing sparkling, driving, Surf and Tex-Mex-inspired Christmas instrumentals for Yep Roc, including a Tarantino-flick sounding "A Marshmallow World," with its big drum opening, and a "Feliz Navidad" in a car crash with "La Bamba." The Mexican wrestler-masked Los Straightjackets unwrap similar surprises throughout, which they'll be showing on the road (and in Seattle on 12/10) with the amazing-dancing' World Famous Pontani Sisters! Meanwhile, for those Geminis who choose spoken word over instrumental rock, V2 has released the soundtrack and DVD for "The Aristocrats," possibly the most offensively-hilarious movie ever made, in which a single vaudeville joke is repeated ad nauseam (for some, literally, particularly when things get scatological to the extremes). "92 Comedians, 1 Joke!" the cover says, and some of the former include George Carlin, Paul Reiser, Richard Jeni, Bob Saget (!), Andy Dick, Rita Rudner, Judy Gold, and many others doing outstanding versions of the same filthy classic set-up over and over. If you have the stomach for it, it will bust it right open. Was it all a hoax by Penn & Teller? Who knows, but Rita Rudner's variation ("The Cocksucking Motherfuckers") is worth admission alone. If you missed the movie in the theater, buy this in both film and album versions (one for the house, one for the car!).

Cancer (June 22 - July 22)
Being a natural leader and organizer, Cancer, it's strange that you're attracted to full-on aggressive past-times, but Boot To Head Records from Portland, OR puts that kind of stuff out for you, so there are at least two Christmas presents you're going to want this year. The first is The Clergy's transcendental gutter-punk, perfectly captured on their All Who Fly album, a strange mixture of remarkable emotional vulnerability and overt spirituality (the latter which may put many off). Christie Simonatti's voice is better than ever, with as much passion as she had on their early 90's indie tapes, but the band is more capable of subtle interludes now, and Kevin Collins' classically shrieking guitar mingles perfectly with Jim Swanson's sonorous bass-lines. The other Boot to Head release, The Stivs' Sweet Heartache and the Satisfaction is fairly pedestrian garage punk, although a near bombastic Stooges feel on a few songs sometimes takes the rudimentary rock into more transgressive territory. While Jack Endino does a fine job producing, they could just get a little scarier, and leave the Squad 5-0 cum Black Halo cliches behind. Mix tape keeper: "The Satisfaction."

Leo (July 23 - August 22)
Leo is an effortless charmer, destined for long relationships, and a happy family life. Hush Records' new shining star is Toothfairy, a sweet and tender collection of hooligan midi journal entries, with character-rich vocals talk-singing slices of life full of delightful humor ("I Was Kicked Out of The Band," which quotes "I Melt With You" and "Stephanie, My First Crush") through layers of exquisite keyboard melodies, blips, and hand-claps. The on-the-one bedroom funk of "Buzz Cut" will be hitting indie play lists from coast to coast, if that isn't happening already. Toothfairy's Chad Crouch (who actually is Toothfairy) used to be in Blanket Music, which was praised by Magnet and Pitchfork, and while admitting a Postal Service influence, I find his observations and experiments less chilly and more inviting — just like you, dear Leo.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
You're a practical person, Virgo, and not given to utopian schemes. Thus we recommend thejohnbenders new four song EP, The Single Sided Conversation in which good old emo-core fuses with modern crunch rock, delivered by four men who obviously want to help and change the world (playing Tsunami Benefits, etc.). The worshipful vocals ("sweet forsaken one") and spiraling, spindly guitar-lines of opener "Overpass" make the inevitably ferocious shouted chorus seem appropriate, as if drama is occurring, not just drama queens being shrill from one moment to another. The band recorded this debut with Kane Hodder producer Tony Dallas Reed in Port Orchard's Temple Sound, and the almost rock opera vastness of the results are impressive. Funny, just as this sort of thing seems played out, some bands use it to evolve rock itself.

Libra (September 23 - October 23)
You are sexually attractive, personally magnetic, entertaining, and affluent, Libra, so what if you have to occasionally knock off someone or you get a little depressed in the lonely wee hours? Just like Frank Sinatra, who recorded his rawest, most artful work after his big band years and before his 60's cinematic aspirations, with such elegantly despairing songs as "Angel Eyes" and "It Was Just One Of Those Things." Those two classics are just one of many great black-and-white early television performances captured on Frank Sinatra Show with Bing Crosby and Dean Martin, one of the best DVD reissues from MVD. Dark, grainy, filled with forced humor and strangely avant-garde choreography, the world of Sinatra never seemed more stark or inviting.

Scorpio (October 24 - November 21)
You're a twisted freak, Scorpio, but at least your sociopathic nature makes for fun and games. Life with you is never dull, but try to keep it light and frothy this dark month. Listen to Scissors For Lefty's Bruno, a scraggly collection of homemade disco and singer-songwriter spoken word with tinkles and beats, delivered with truly fantastic and diverse vocals, showing why this band has been able to share stages with everyone from Grandaddy to Black Heart Procession. "Ghetto Ways" is delightful dance floor illegal rave, "Softly The Sea Swallows the Sun" has a great slattern feeling with juicy shuffles, and "More Than The Summer" is for perfect winter heavy rotation with its breathy rap and Donovan style chorus. Put the knife away, Scorpio, and chill with some slacker progressive mini-mall trip-hump.

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See what's in the stars -- and the record stores -- for you for December 2005, including reviews for Toothfairy, Rocky Votolato, Scissors for Lefty, Field Notes, and Ghost Stories.

AstroPOP! for January 2004

chilly c — Thu, 01 Jan 2004 08:00:00 +0000

Imaginary rock and roll astrology CD reviews by Chilly C for January 2004

Capricorn {December 22-January 19}
Your ill will towards the romantically smitten has reached alarming proportions. Your Imaginary New Year's Resolution for 2004: negate the hate, and learn to love the love. It's ok to be suspicious at first: on their double-cd fantasia Speakerboxx/The Love Below (LaFace), OutKast may be playing to the whole crowd, but their watchful eyes are on every lady in the house. And what with vampire weddings, potty girls in the clubs, and women asking Cupid to drop his arrows and pick up guns, it's no wonder Andre 3000 and Big Boi are afraid of the L-word. But Big Boi knows he can trust his family, and Andre admits that "don't nobody want to grow old alone." So even if you're tentative for now, Cap, let your heart feel love this year. Otherwise, you'll go crazy wondering "why are we here? Huh? Huh? Huh?"

Aquarius {January 20-February 18}
You call it "speaking your mind." Your friends call it "taking over by talking louder." Now, I'm not telling you to keep quiet — but your Imaginary New Year's Resolution is to try keeping quieter. Sometimes, Aquarius, the softest voice commands the most attention. Rocky Votolato's 2003 release Suicide Medicine (Second Nature) starts with a subtle arrangement of guitars, bass, vintage keys, and drums, and as the album progresses, the songs gets quieter and quieter. And quieter. By the time we reach the album's closer "Mix Tapes/Cellmates," it's just Votolato and his guitar. With a voice that sighs like Paul Westerberg at his most plaintive, Votolato whispers secret truths that grab your attention in a way that shouting never will. And when he does raise his voice-slightly-it sounds like the most desperate wail in the world. Keep quieter, Aquarius — people will listen.

Pisces {February 19-March 20}
Your Imaginary New Year's Resolution for 2004: learn a language. Once you get bilingual on our asses, Pisces, your already articulate nature will be even more unstoppable. Check out Franz Ferdinand's angular new ep, Darts of Pleasure (Domino). This UK four-piece throw down five catchy songs that effortlessly manage to keep up with both your 'rock is back' and 'new wave is back' joneses. Best of all, the band transforms their Strokes-meet-Iggy Pop title track from one of last year's best out-of-nowhere singles into one of last year's best out-of-nowhere singles with a final chorus sung in German! Repeat after me, Pisces: "super phantastisch."

Aries {March 21-April 19}
Aries. Look. You and I need to talk about the way you rush around so fast paced always late never having any time at all to breathe or slow down or take any kind of rest whatsoever until at the very end of the day you collapse into a restless sleep without any dreams at all and then you wake up and start the whole thing over and over and over and. Your Imaginary New Year's Resolution: relax, Aries. Put on Different Stars by the LA four-piece Trespassers William asap-it'll be the last thing I want you to do immediately. After that, sit back and listen. The slow tempos, the fretless slides, and Anna-Lynne Williams soothing, measured voice will quiet your fried nervous system and start you on the path towards a more serene lifestyle. Williams sings "Oh I know what I need" on standout track "Lie In The Sound," and Aries, now you do too.

Taurus {April 20-May 20}
Did you know that the most popular New Year's Resolution is to lose weight? Not for you, though, Taurus. Your sallow complexion and gaunt frame requires the opposite approach: your Imaginary New Year's Resolution is to put on the pounds. But before you reach for the Krispy Kremes, listen to Catch-22 (Parasol) by Seattle pop vets Toothpaste 2000. Their sunny harmonies and 60's-influenced confections are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth for pure pop. And with instantly memorable songs like "Count Choc-o-lat" and "Candy Pants," TP2K guarantees a great-tasting listen. If you like the Muffs, the New Pornographers, and the Shangri-La's, you can't go wrong with Toothpaste 2000. Just don't overdo it, Taurus, or else next year... well, we know what resolution you'll be making then.

Gemini {May 21-June 21}
Seriously, I'm afraid to tell you that you're too self-critical, because knowing you, that'd be just one more thing you'd criticize yourself about. Your lack of confidence prevents you from seeing yourself in the positive way others see you. You really need to listen to JPG's cd "Ten Songz" (no label). JPG — a melancholy rapper with a talent for odd-metered rhythms — has a similar self-image problem. He creates lo-fi beats in his bedroom, then rocks the greater Eureka/Arcata, CA area with nothing but a boom box and his dexterity on the mic, but he asserts that he's a down-and-out type with "no social skills" who needs to train a dog to help him break the ice with girls. But there are plenty of girls who adore JPG-he just needs to look out in the crowd while performing. Your Imaginary New Year's Resolution: build a little self-esteem. Look out at your crowd, Gemini. We're all supporting you!

Cancer {June 22-July 22}
How many times has this happened, Cancer? You meet someone, you think of something funny or clever to say... but by the time you put it into words, they've already walked away shaking their head. Make an Imaginary New Year's Resolution to transform your tongue from awkward to acrobatic. Seattle four-piece Laymans Terms will help you learn how to address to impress. From their fetching pictures on the cover of their latest cd {Everything You Love And Hate} (Laymans Terms) to the arresting first line of the record "I found God in blue jeans/Flipping through magazines," it's clear this band knows how to grab you from the get-go. But they're more than just a dazzling first impression. The songs are strong throughout the cd: big, passionate anthems for young-at-hearts who believe that there is value in everything if you know where to look. And if you know just what to say when you find it, Cancer. Pleased to meet you!

Leo {July 23-August 22}
Your fear of heights has caused you difficulty for a long time now, Leo. 2004 will be the year you conquer it! Your Imaginary New Year's Resolution will have you up on rollercoasters, on ski lifts, and in the Space Needle in no time. Listen to the Dear John Letters' stabilizing Stories Of Our Lives (Foodchain). Robb Benson's soaring voice is like a rollercoaster itself: climbing higher and higher to an energetic plea, then plummeting to a quiet sigh—often in the same song. From bruised hearts to fresh scars, the songs will send your emotions on a wild ride as well, but Johnny Sangster's circular, Kinks-inspired guitar riffs will never make you dizzy. As Benson puts it in "Bipolar," "Only for an hour of ups and downs/Ups and downs." Vertigo never sounded so good.

Virgo {August 23-September 22}
You're always there for everyone else, you never miss a party, your cell phone plan is the biggest on the market. All fine, but I worry that you're short-changing your need for "alone time." Your Imaginary New Year's Resolution is to give yourself a break from your social commitments. LA's Summer At Shatter Creek likes alone time. Lots of alone time. The band is in fact the singular vision of sole member Craig Gurwich, who plays every instrument and sings every note on SASC's self-titled cd (Absolutely Kosher). It's a testament to the achievement of solitude: the songs drip with carefully layered instrumentation, and Gurwich's ethereal tenor evokes a calmer Jeff Buckley or a more urbane Nick Drake. Lyrically, the plaintive descriptions of missed connections and lonely holidays suggest that while solitude has its price, it also provides a great opportunity to think about one's place in the world. In your case Virgo, that's in a crowded taxi, on your phone, in between parties.

Libra {September 23-October 22}
Embrace art! Libra, your right-brain dedication to moving forward in your career is commendable, but you need to give your left-brain a workout as well. It's your call: painting? Photography? Toothpick sculpture? Visit your local art supply store; they always have cool stuff to buy. Biography of Ferns definitely embraces art, Libra-you should take your cues from them. Their new 5-song ep Memory's Servant (Tellous) is arty in the way that only a sonic splatter painting of the Gang of Four, the Clash, Pavement, and the Kent 3 (another great Seattle trio) can be. Each song is like a piece on a gallery wall: colorful, expansive, and adventurous in narrative. But before you get the wrong idea, Libra-Biography of Ferns definitely rock it out too. They put the action into action painting. Now grab your brush, your camera, your toothpicks, and make some art yourself.

Scorpio {October 23 - November 21}
You're loaded with baggage, Scorpio, and I'm not talking about the emotional kind. I'm talking about stuff: under the bed, bursting out of closets, and I won't even mention that basement storage space. Your Imaginary New Year's Resolution: strip down to the essentials, and keep only what you use. Take your cue from the Fiery Furnaces. This New York-via-Chicago brother-sister duo is the missing link between the Raincoats and the White Stripes; they're the Velvet Underground if Mo Tucker had fought her way to the front after John Cale was kicked out. On their amazing debut Gallowsbird's Bark, (Rough Trade), the Furnaces take two chords, ancient rock'n'roll imagery (travel, love, isolation), and a sparse piano-fuzz guitar-drums sound and use them to reinvent the universe. You don't have to think that big, Scorpio. Cleaning out your basement storage space is a good enough start.

Sagittarius {November 22-December 21}
It's well known, Sag, that your choices in romantic partners usually lead to relationships whose outcomes fall under the "no chance in hell" category. Now, you might think I'm going to tell you to approach love rationally this year, but this astrologer has never believed in applying logic to matters of the heart. For example, who would discourage, say, a record album cover painter from falling in love just because the woman of his dreams is a Greek God's immortal daughter who just jumped out of an alley wall mural? Not me. In fact, I'm going to encourage these kinds of relationships by asking you to listen to the Xanadu soundtrack (MCA) over and over. Your Imaginary New Year's Resolution: follow your heart, Sag, wherever it may lead you. One day, destiny will arrive to bring all your dreams alive. For you.

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Your rock and roll astrological forecast for January 2004, featuring reviews of Outkast, Rocky Votolato, Franz Ferdinand, Trespassers William, and more!