Cure for the Mondays: Caravan Palace - " Dramophone"

Caravan Palace - "Dramophone"

Here is a quirky little dance video to get your week started right.



The techno swing styling of Caravan Palace will be spinning into town this Wednesday evening at our own Star Theater. This French group has created a sweetly fun hybrid sound that translates the danceable jive of big band swing through a digitally malleable voice. Touring in support of their latest release Panic, this band should be a joy to see live so get your dancing shoes on an make your way on down to the Star Theater.

Living Room Performance: Caravan Palace - "Clash"

Caravan Palace - "Clash"

Le Trianon, Paris

2012



The French music collective Caravan Palace makes some highly addictive elector swing that will possess you with an overwhelming urge to dance. My advice, just give in. Touring in support of their sophomore album Panic the band will be in Portland this Wednesday, July 24th at The Star Theater. Check out the latest Triple Crown for more details.

The Triple Crown: 07/15 - 07/28

This installment of The Triple Crown has a wide range of bands to check out, form one of Portland's leading Hip Hop bands to the French pioneers of electro-swing. So whether you are fans of one of these bands or just looking for something  new, you'll find what your looking for.

Friday, July 19th
Bad Habitat (Duel Album Release)
Monster's Ink / Load B / Eminent
The Blue Monk
3341 SE Belmont St
Show: 10PM
Cover: $7
21 & Over

The three prong attack of Portland's Underground hip hop act Bad Habitat is unrelenting and awe inspiring. This band alone has not only excited in me an interest in Portland's vibrant underground hip hop scene, but has also revitalized my faith in the genera as a whole. Celebrating the release of their latest album Paper People, the guys will be sharing the festivities with Monster's Ink who are also releasing their own new album. This show should be amazing tucked into the intimate setting of the Blue Monk. With music this powerful, the venue is sure to be bursting at the seams and exuding an wildly addictive energy that is certain to be  felt blocks away. You can't miss this show, and as an added incentive the first 50 people to pay admission will get a free physical copy of Paper People.

Sunday, July 21st
Deadstring Brothers
Root Jack 
Dante's
350 West Burnside
Door: 8PM / Show: 9PM
Cover: $8
21 & Over

The ghost highway country of Detroit based Deadstring Brothers has just enough blues rock to rattle the crossroads bones a bit. At times stoically mournful without tipping into full on depression, this band has the songwriters sensibility of wandering blue-collar spirits; While still possessing the ability to conjure a danceable strut of a Chicago blues man. On the road in support of their latest Bloodshot Release Cannery Row the Deadstring Brothers will be playing an early short set before Dante's Sinferno Cabaret.  Sharing the stage will be Portland's own three piece country-rock band Root Jack.  So eek out the last little life out of your weekend and check out this show.   

Wednesday, July 24th
Caravan Palace
GlobalRuckus
Star Theater
13 NW Sixth Ave
Doors: 8PM / Show: 9PM
Cover: $18
21 & Over

Ripe with a playfully Parisian attitude, the electro-swing of Frances' Caravan Palace has all the wonderful energy of a vertigo inspiring cabaret extravaganza. The music of this digital big band is wonderfully addictive, laced with a fun danceable energy that's hard to deny. Touring in support of their latest album Panic, which saw US release late last month this band is conquering hearts one city at a time. Warming up the crowd will be the boundless DJ styling of Portland's GlobalRuckus.  Certainly something unique, this show is great for anyone looking for something new to add to their musical arsenal. So celebrate the hump and come on out and get your dance on, because what's the point of a well rested Thursday if your life sucks.       

Tuesday Double Feature: Bleached "Next Stop"& Kim Baxter "Devil On My Side"

This week's Tuesday Double Feature focuses on two female garage pop acts coming to Portland this week. So take a listen, dust off your mod wear and get yourself to a show.

Bleached - "Next Stop"


Made up of Jennifer and Jessie Calavin, the LA sister act Bleached are cruising high with their sun baked garage pop. Having just released their debut album Ride Your Heart on the Dead Oceans label, the ladies are on the road in support. They'll be playing the Star Theater this Friday, May 3rd.
Details:
Doors:8:30PM / Show:9PM
Adv.: $5/ Day Of: $5
21 & Over


Kim Baxter - "Devil On My Side"


No stranger to the Portland music scene, Kim Baxter spent ten years in the All Girl Summer Fun Band. Now on her own, Baxter released her first solo album last spring The Tale of Me and You with the recent vinyl re-release on the German label Expect Candy. She'll be playing Sunday, May 5th at Mississippi Studio with Hurry Up and the Summer Cannibals.
Details:
Doors: 8PM/ Show:9PM
Adv.: $5/ Day Of: $5
21 & Over

Quick Pick: Saturday June 9th

 

Saturday, June 9th
Truck Stop Darlin' (CD Release Show!)
River Giant
Star Theater
13 NW Sixth Ave
Doors: 8PM/ Show: 9PM
Adv.:$5
21 & Over

Filled with heartbreak, bourbon, and the open road, the sound of the Truckstop Darlin's is an earthy country-rock too sweet to deny. Perpetuated upon the high-desert gravel voice of John Phelan, their music is the embodiment of the Northwest. It's rural honesty is a potent thing that finds fans in anyone that likes callused hands, hard work and good salt of the earth people. This is the music of mill hands working the green chain, of Eastern Oregon cattle ranchers and those of us city dwellers who seem to breath a little easier once the glare of the urban lights have faded in the rear view mirror.
Celebrating the success of their Kickstarter campaign and the release of their sophomore album Hope and the Heart it Breaks, this show at the Star Theater should be big enough to mark this awesome event.  Shearing the stage is the Neil Youngian styled organic rock of Seattle's River Giant. An awesome band of their own with a blue collar sound that will wonderfully compliment the Darlin's  There's no doubt this is where you need to be Saturday night. So whether you're already down town for the Rose Festival  or need a good fix of awesome music this it the show for you.        

The Triple Crown: 03/12 - 03/25

Southern boys and Steampunk makes this Triple Crown a little bit different, but isn't that the point. Three shots of something strong enough to make you feel alive. So get your tickets and raise your glass cause this triple crown is sure to make this crap weather we're having a distant memory.


Wednesday, March 21st
Drive-By Truckers
Robert Ellis
Crystal Ballroom
1332 W Burnside
Doors:8PM/Show:9PM
Adv.:$22/Day Of:$24
All Ages

The chugging guitars and ground moving drum beat isn't the south rising again but when it's the Drive-By Truckers it's damn near the same thing. Once again the southern boys of blue collar rock will be gracing our fair city for another awesome show at the phenomenal Crystal Ballroom. Lead by the song writing double threat of Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley the Drive-By Truckers is the band of the everyman. Amongst the tasty growl of guitars and soulful bass-lines this band tells some of the darkest tales in rock'n'roll, showing the human side of even the most heartless of bastards. But above everything this is some of the best rock'n'roll that money can by and it's even better cause it's got a southern accent.
Joining the Truckers on stage is the sedate musical musing of Robert Ellis who's minimalistic guitar tunes lie somewhere between Cat Stevenson and Gram Parsons. His wonderful song writing is sure to find new fans among the diverse mix of the DBT crowd and yet preparing the audience to feel the full effect of the shock and awe of their rock'n'roll. So all you faithful make sure you get your tickets early and as for those of you that don't know about this band by now make sure you catch this show and you can forgive yourself later.



Friday, March 23rd
Abney Park
Star Theater
13 NW Sixth Ave
Doors:8PM/Show:9PM
Adv.:$15
21 & Over

The music of Abney Park is the soundtrack of a time that never was. Imagine a world whose defining technological advancement remained the steam engine. A world of Victorian clockwork robots and where airship pirates rule the skies. This is the world Abney Park inhabits.
With a sound that mixes elements of techno, gypsy melodies and the precise execution of bold orchestration, their songs weave Jules Verne dream-scapes both dynamically energetic and hauntingly tender. While their live show incorporates costumes, dance and other theatrics, making for a truly unique experience. Wildly imaginative an yet professionally sound this band is the whole package.
More like a stage play than a mere concert, this is a must see show. Enhancing the experience is an enthusiastic fan base that join into the fantasy with their own interpretation of the Steampunk mystic. So whether your or a long time fan, a closet steam-punker, or just looking for a good show make sure you get down to the Star Theater.



Saturday, March 24th
Lucero
The Drowning Men
Wonder Ballroom
128 NE Russell St
Doors:8PM/Show:9PM
Adv.:$17/Day Of:$20
All Ages

These Memphis rebels have been playing some of the best rock'n'roll of the last decade and the years and miles have only made them even better. Like the blue collar music they play the work ethic and tradition if this band is stained with the sweat and scars of hard labor and love. Known for a potent whiskey soaked rock that's wonderfully drenched in beautiful guitar growls and precise drumming, the sound of Lucero has grown to include the call of soulful horns and the sway of playful keys. Never afraid to evolve, this band echos the soul of the common man. They might be broken, they might be weary, but they'll be damned if they'll just lay down and die.
On tour in support of their newest album Women & Work and fresh from SXSW, this band is sure to raise the roof of the Wonder Ballroom. Know for their crowd pleasing shows, this should be no different filled with old favorites and a proud showing of the new songs. Joining them on stage is The Drowning Men whose bold atmospheric music is sure to compliment elements of the Memphis soul in Lucero's newest sound. So get your tickets now and make sure you leave enough time the night of the show to grab some BBQ at Russel street just across the way.

The Triple Crown: 01/16 - 01/29

Filled to the brim with some amazing shows this Triple Crown is sure to have a concert for everyone. There's an old favorite, a local favorite, and a little bit of soul to make it all so good.



Tuesday, January 24th
Concrete BlondeMenkena
Star Theater
13 NW Sixth Ave
Doors:8PM/Show:9PM
Adv.:$25/Day Of:$30
21 & Over

Like most, the first time I heard the Concrete Blonds was in a dorm room, the pungent mix of incense and bad beer thick in the air. There was something beautifully primal about the voice of Johnette Napolitano that blew my mind, something in her music that echoed of the tarnished industrial sprawl of the real Los Angeles. Like the Novels of John Fante set to a post-punk soundtrack the Concrete Blondes have spent the last 3 decades telling musical stories wonderfully tragic and rich with details. Thankfully time has only seasoned Napolitano to perfection not only as a song writer but also as a singer making this rare opportunity to see her with the band that much more wonderful. Opening the night is Menkena whose dream like music is rich with bold instrumental strokes.
So whether you're a long time fan or are just in need of a good concert make sure you get your tickets early.



Friday, January 27th
Michael Dean Damron
The Blue Monk
3341 SE Belmont
Show:9PM
Cover:$5
21 & Over

The soul and music of Micheal Dean Damron lies somewhere in the mix of Barkersfield country outlaws, LA punk clubs and the rain drenched streets of Portland, Oregon. With heartbreaking songwriting that is both beautifully brutal and painfully honest Damron's songs walk a thin line between a survivor's story and cautionary tales. He is quite possibly the greatest of musical diamonds in the rough of Portland's amazing music scene. Live, Damron is wonderfully unpredictable. With a show that can range from the hardest howling rock show you'll ever see to a mournfully acoustic set that feels like the best whiskey soaked conversation you've ever had. This show should be extra special as it's being recorded for a live album so Damron is sure to be joined by some of his amazing musical friends. The pure anticipation of it all, makes this intimate show at the Blue Monk that much more exciting and a perfect candidate for this Triple Crown.





Saturday, January 28th
Alabama Shakes
Quiet Life
Doug Fir Lounge
830 E Burnside
Doors:8PM/Show:9PM
Adv.:$9/Day Of:$10
21 & Over

For those of us raised in ear shot of our parent's Motown vinyl there's something wonderfully comforting about the music of the Alabama Shakes. Powerfully reminiscent of 60's area Aretha Franklin, Carol King and Mister Otis Redding himself, the Shakes play that sweet smooth soul that makes you ache deep down in your bones. Brittany Howard's voice is a compellingly raw thing that over takes your scenes and when paired with the tightly constructed groove of her band takes on the strength of a force of nature. No matter your taste in music this band is one not to miss. So even if you can't make it to this show, though hope you can, keep your eyes peeled for their debut album slated for an April release.
Sharing the night is Portland's own Quiet Life whose rustic rock has a classic feel of it's own like tracks from a record by The Band or early Grateful Dead. Unique in their own way this match up should lend itself to a great night of music. So grab a friend and finish off this week of music strong.

The Triple Crown: 01/01 - 01/15

Thursday, January 5th
Shut Your Animal Mouth
P.R.O.B.L.E.M.S/Hairspray Blues
Ash Street Saloon
225 SW Ash Street
Doors:8PM/Show:9:30PM
Cover:$5
21 & Over

This night of homegrown garage punk is sure be one heck of a good time with three amazing Portland bands who have perfected the art of melding together the grit and grind of garage rock with the street and sleaze of punk. Headlining the night is the band Shut Your Animal Mouth whose sounds is a sultry robust creature with a speed and swagger that could make a monk weep. With aggressive instrumentation topped with dominating female vocals, this band makes the kind of bar rock that's sure to hit the sweet spot when echoed off the walls of the Ash Street Saloon. Filling out the rest of the bill is the amazing duo of Hairspray Blues with their awesome live show and unforgettable sound and the mind blowing fury of P.R.O.B.L.E.M.S.. Combined these three bands are going to rip the studs from the wall and if you're not there to see it your going to hate your self so grab a friend and stuff enough cash for a taxi some where you won't spend it on drinks and start your weekend off with a bang.


Monday, January 9th
The Resolectrics
Mike Midlo/Sam Fowles(of Parson Red Heads)
White Eagle Saloon
836 N Russell St
Show: 8:30PM
Free!
21 & Over

The Resolectric play a bluesy roadhouse soul that spills over with an organic groove that's perfect for the bare brick and seasoned timbers of the White Eagle. A joyfully gritty beast that mixes the sound of 50's, 60's optimism with the dirty tarnish of the 70's, their music is filled with a potently retro flavor. Ripe with a confident attitude these boys play songs that don't need to be loud or aggressive, but that are more powerful in the subtleties of their full bodied performance. If this doesn't get you out on the dance floor you might want to check your pulse.
Opening the night are sets by Sam Fowles and Mike Midlo, two musicians well know in Portland circles for their work with amazing local bands but who are stepping out on their own for the night. This show is certain to be awesome, so turn off your televisions and order yourself a beer, cause nothing cures a case of the Mondays, like good music and a drink or two.





















Wednesday, January 11th
Dick Dale
Star Theater
13 NW 6th Ave
Doors:8PM/Show:9PM
Adv.:$20/Day Of:$25
21 & Over

The Godfather of Surf Guitar himself Dick Dale will be gracing our city for one amazing night a the new Star Theater. Vicious with six strings, this master of the guitar has single handily defined a genra of music that captures the white tip curls of the Pacific Ocean and the sun tanned dreams of the California coast. With out Dick Dale the 50's and 60's would have lacked much of their distinct flavor. In recordings his music is mind bending with jaw dropping licks but live his music takes on a whole new level for which there is no equal. It's near mystical what this man can do with a guitar, he truly is an a American treasure that should be experience buy all that have a chance, and this show at the Star Theater is yours so make sure you don't miss it.