Tusday Double Feature: White Mystery "Powerglove" & Roxy Epoxy and The Rebound "Unnamed"

This Tuesday Double Feature highlights two amazing acts playing in Portland this coming week. Check out the videos and then catch them live, you won't regret it.

White Mystery - Powerglove

A redheaded love fest with an amazing garage rock soundtrack.



The sibling team up of Chicago based White Mystery play a bold powerful garage rock that's dirty in all the right way. They'll be playing at the East End, with a gang of bands on Monday the 22nd. Check out our preview of the show.

Roxy Epoxy and the Rebound - Unnamed

A low budget video but great song.



Portland's own queen of synth-punk Roxy Epoxy and her band the Rebounds will be opening for punk royalty the Avengers this Thursday night the 18th. If you want to read more about is check out this write up.

10 Questions: Mark Ortmann of The Bottle Rockets

1) Your newest album, Not So Loud was recorded at the Lucas School House in St. Louis. What in particular about this venue and show made you decide to record your acoustic album there?

MO: The Lucas School House was an intimate listening room with good acoustics and sound system, making it well-suited for the audience and performers.

2) On the new album you re-imagined and re-tooled 13 songs from your extensive catalog. What process did you take in choosing the songs you would use for the album?

MO: We chose the best performances with the best recording quality and technical aspects. However, with over four hours of music recorded over two nights, we were selective in choosing only enough for a single disc.

3) What are some of the benefits and drawbacks of an acoustic show verses an electric? Is it a misnomer that you need less equipment for an acoustic show?

MO: The quieter volume of an acoustic performance can allow songs to be heard easier. An acoustic show seems to require about as much equipment as an electric show, but the gear is much lighter to carry. I guess it's easier on our ears and our backs.

4) In converting from electric performance to an acoustic one how did the drum parts evolve?

MO: I stripped down the drum set to just a bass drum, snare drum and hi-hat, and modified the drum parts to fit within that confinement. Playing with those restrictions forced me to approach the drum parts from a different creative space.

5) Rock and Jazz are know for their drummers, from the antics of Tommy Lee to the skill of Gene Krupa. Who do you gain influence from and are their specifically any Country music drummers among the list.

MO: Some of my favorite old-school drummers are John Bonham, Joe Morello, Clyde Stubblefield, Ringo Star, and Art Blakey. I do admire the talents of many of the Nashville session drummers, but none have necessarily influenced my style.

6) In past interviews you’ve sites influences like Jim Chrochy and David Gates. What are the names of current or newer bands/musicians that have had an effect upon the music of the band? With changes in the line up over the years, did that infuse new influences?

MO: I can't think of newer acts that have influenced the band, but yes, new band members do bring different influences to the band. Not all band members share the same exact tastes in music, so each brings their unique talents when they join.

7) The Bottle Rockets have been around for almost 2 decades, in that time what has been the most significant changes to the music industry? What have you done as a band to survive these changes?

MO: The biggest change has been the decline or necessity of record labels because of the Internet. Anybody can post or share free music in the spirit of do-it-yourself. We are slow at keeping up with the newest web technologies.

8) Over the years you’ve been connected with several record labels with both positive and negative results. To date you’ve released the most albums with the Chicago based Bloodshot label. What is it about this label that’s made the difference?

MO: Bloodshot (Records) does what they say and doesn't promise what they can't.

9) Your 2002 album Song of Sahm, a tribute to Doug Sahm that demonstrated your love of his music and the respect of his craft. Name 3 other songwriters that you feel are long over due for a tribute album.

MO: I haven't thought about it, but there is such a glut of tribute albums at this point, is there anybody who hasn't had one made yet?

10) What is the name of 5 bands you love but few people have heard of?

MO: I'm embarrassed to admit I'm out of touch with that.

Kasey Anderson and The Honkies - Heart of a Dog

Kasey Anderson and The Honkies
Heart of a Dog
Red River Records

Kasey Anderson, better known for his soft spoken songwriting is getting a little loud and ruckus on his latest effort. Teamed with his band The Honkies that brings a rich full sound to Anderson's signature storyteller lyrics; Heart of a Dog is ripe with a meaty blues-guitar salvation and a rhythm section that has the swagger and precision of a shot of good bourbon.
From the Rollingstone's Blues of "Mercy" to the echos of electrified Dylon in the opening growl of "The Wrong Light" this CD presents one amazing song after another. Easily each track could stand alone but tied together they make an awesomely tight album that propels the listener on a wonderful musical journey. Comparable to Bruce Springsteen's Born to Run, their is a consistent narrative to this CD that tells a story the audience can't help but to become emotionally invested.
This album documents an evolution in the creative lifespan of Anderson's music. Taking his already powerful lyrical stories and supercharging them with the power and speed of a top notch rock outfit. In addition to Andrew McKeags boisterous guitar, the powerful drum beat of Julian MacDonough and the luscious groove of Sean Cornin's bass, this album is populated with a long list of additional musicians who lent their expertise to this recording. A perfect example is the use of David Lipkind's harp on the track "Kasey Andersons' Dream" that takes an already great song and makes it awesome. With talent like this just waiting in the wings, it's no wonder this album sounds so good; as though a group of long time friends and musical collaborators sat down in the studio one afternoon and played the hell out of these songs with the same effortlessness of smoking a cigarette.
You can tell a lot about an album by who you'd recommend it to and Heart of a Dog is a one I'd give my good friend Eric. We use to tend bar together at a little place called the Driftwood Room. He loved the Stones, the New York Time's Crossword puzzle and taught me as much about life as he did about being a great bartender. I cherish the memories of closing down the bar and talking late into early morning over St. Pauli Girl and cigarettes. He has a great taste in music and I know he would love this amazing album as much as I.

Tuesday Double Feature: Dex Ronweber Duo "Jungle Drums" &The Love Me Nots "Do What You Do"

Sometimes there's nothing better than the crunchy sweet sound of garage rock. So this weeks Double Feature serves the dirty guitar growl and and hard hitting rhythm that makes this music so additively fun.

Enjoy.

Dex Ronweber Duo - "Jungle Drums"

The Dex Ronweber Duo is currently touring in support of their new album Is that you in the Blue? on the Bloodshot Records. This coming Monday the 15th they'll be playing at the World Famous Kenton Club here in Portland. For a preview of the show, check out the latest Triple Crown.

The Love Me Nots - "Do What You Do"



2010 was a hard year for this lusciously exuberant four piece out of Arizona, but The Love Me Nots aren't a band that you can keep down. With the new year came the fresh studio album The Demon and the Devotee and a return to the stage both here in the states and in Europe. I'm looking forward to catch them next time they're in town and I hope you'll all join me.

The Triple Crown: 08/02 - 08/15

This Triple Crown highlights some of the lesser know music clubs in town and is quite easy on the wallet. Ringing in at $16 for all three show, there is surely enough left over for a few drinks, a nice tip for your server/bartender and something from the merch-booth. So grab your stuff, because there's two show right off the bat.


Friday, August 5th
Western Aerial
Cellar Door
The Whiskey Bar
31 NW 1st Ave
Show: 9PM
Cover:$5
21 & Over

Portland's premier rock band Western Aerial will be tearing at the walls of the Whiskey Bar this coming Friday. Geoff and the boys are sure to be at the top of their game, dishing out their hard hitting rock'n'roll with vicious guitar licks, ground shaking drums and a bass groove that makes all the ladies crazy. Fresh from the studio with a few new songs from their forthcoming album and a few new covers for summer this show should be a hell of a good time. If you don't know Western Aerial from their awesome live show or their addition to Blazer games than you need to put down the remote and make it out to catch one of the hardest rock 'n' roll bands this side of the Rockies.
Joining them on stage is the divers rock of Portland's own Cellar Door. Ripe with a stew of musical elements from grunge cadence, metal accents and a bass swagger that flirts with full fledged funk this band has a sound that has something for everyone. So order a round of bourbon and let the rock 'n' roll take control. Just in case, make sure you have your passport, a pair of clean underwear, and three felt tip pens, because you never know what might happen.


Saturday, August 6th
Sunbeam
On the Stairs/Pine Language
Laurel Thirst Public House
2958 NE Glisan
Show:9:30PM
Cover: $6
21 & Over

A warm night kissed by the slightest of breezes is the perfect setting to hear the sweet sound of Portland's Sunbeam. Richly beautiful, this is the soundtrack of late summer romances and painfully honest confessions. Built with wonderfully calculated instrumentation and populated with lyrics that are both tinder and raw this band has developed songs that are truly lovely things. Come this Saturday night, what few already knew will now be shared with the world as they celebrate the release of their debut album Sunbeam and the Lonely Ghost. The intimate settings of the Laural Thirst Public House is a perfect location for such an occasion; the raw timbered walls providing a wonderful conduit for the organic resonance of their folk pop.
Joining the celebration is the dreamy spoken word melodies of On the Stairs and the bold atmospheric alt-rock of Pine Language making for an awesome night of music. So take this chance to sit back, order a few pints of beer and enjoy this night of terrific music. At $6 you'd be hard press to find anything as cheap and entertaining on a Saturday evening.



Monday, August 15th
The Dex Romweber Duo
Thee Headliners
The World Famous Kenton Club
2025 N Kilpatrick St
Show: 9PM
Cover: $5
21 & Over

Like a Jack Kerovac novel, the music of the Dex Ronweber Duo uniquely mixes the swinging vibe of a cocktail lounge and the feel of headlights cutting through the night on a long stretch of Route 66. A time machine of sorts, these tunes have the feel of a now gone era. Even so, they are alive with a vibrant energy that pulses from their own originality rather than merely existing like dusted off covers of by gone classics. Dex channels the likes of Johny Cash, Hank Sr. and Charlie Pride all while translating it through the filter of his own personality and beat up guitar. Meanwhile his sister Sara bangs away on the drums and belts out lyrics like a Patsy Cline/Dusty Springfield cat-fight. Praised by the likes of indi-rock ideal Jack White, this band is a must see and what an opportunity we have. Tucked away in the intimate atmosphere of the World famous Kenton Club, with only a $5 cover at the door, it should be illegal to miss this show.
Opening the night is Portland's own Thee Headliners with their boldly brash style of garage rock madness. Blurring the lines between power and grace this three piece is true force to be respected. So stuff a Lincoln in your billfold and hope that the next day at work isn't too harsh.

Tuesday Double Feature: The Ettes: Crown of Age & No Home

To mark the release on The Ettes' 4th full-lengthed album Wicked Will, this Tuesday Double Feature highlights two video by this amazing threesome. Transplated in Nashville by way of LA this band is know for their powerfull energetic music and wall shaking live show. With the release of Wicked Will we should be treated to healthy dose of both. So enjoy and don't forget to pick up a copy of the album.

The Ettes - Crown of Age





The Ettes - No Home




The Ettes will be playing at The Doug Fir here in our fair city of Portland Oregon on August 21st. So make sure you get your tickets early.

10 Questions: Roger Clyne of Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers

1) What excites you most about your new album Unida Cantina?

RC: To continue to produce art. I'm a lucky man. I've chosen an artistic path of a very independent rock 'n' roll band. In a very competitive environment, the world as it is, there is so much entertainment, so much stuff for people to pay attention too. It's great to create art that's so well received. It's 2 things really. One: To continue to be able to have the liberty to create. Two: To have it so well received by our fan base is great.

2) This is the first album to incorporate your new lead guitarist Jim Dalton. How did this effect the dynamic of the album?

RC: It was a big change to go from our last guitarist to working with Jim. It's part of the reason that we took so long, 3 years between the studio albums of Turbo 8 and Unida Cantina. There is a certain telepathy that I think has to happen in the band; like forming a new team. You just have to play together long enough to know what each person's strength is and how those strengths can help you with your own weaknesses. We did two years of gigging out to learn with Jim and during those years we wrote a lot. I actually feel comfortable enough to co-write with Jim more than I ever have with any other guitarist. When we finally got into the studio and started working on pre-production we knew it was time. We knew that these songs, these sketches, were ready to work with because we had taken so long to make sure our chemistry was right.
I guess that's the long answer. The short answer is that it's been an absolute delight, and it invigorated me as a writer to work with Jim Dalton.

3) For Close to a decade now, we have heard your music grow in maturity, especially in your lyrics. Has this reflected your personal growth? In this journey how has time effected how you look at the world and the way you look at the music you've made?

RC: I have always thought that the reason we're able to continue to be viable and successful as artists is because we've been honest. We've never followed the cash or chased the charts. We always wanted to make art that's close to the heart. I write songs that I don't even consider sharing with an audience. They're an expression of myself first and then I do my best to have the courage to unabashedly share that.
I guess if you're looking at the progression from Fizzy, Fuzzy, Big and Buzzy, with songs like "Mexico" and "Don't Want to Know" all the way through songs like "Small World" and "Just Got High" on Unida Cantina. I look at myself as a man who is hopefully maturing. I've had to, as I've grown older and have had the privilege to experience more years. I have had more responsibilities offered to me. These opportunities raised to become a man presented to me. Not only am I a lead singer, a musician, and a working poet. I'm also a small business man, a husband and a father. I think all of those responsibilities, all the hope I'm be able to derive from those responsibility is reflected somehow in the songs. As long as I get to stay here on earth, I want to continue the chance to explore my potential through this artistic journey I've decided to take.

4) I recently spoke to an artist who said the older he gets the harder songwriting becomes. D you find this to be true for your self? Why do you think this is and how do you over come it?

RC: I think that's absolutely true. If I was a painter and was handed a pallet, anything I do in the beginning is new, original and novel. After awhile though, once you establish an identity and your own personal distinct picture; the trick is how to not become derivative of yourself. It's a challenge at that point to break new ground beyond what you're comfortable with. As a songwriter I think it's very true that it's more difficult the more I produce. I don't think necessarily that it the older I get, It's the more that I produce. I have written over a hundred songs on 13 albums in my career. I find now that it's difficult if not challenging not to call back an old habit. Like using a 1-4-5 progression with a Minor 6th to break it up. In fact I've done that many, many times so what do I do next? And also, if I want to create a love song in what context can I do it? How can I make it fresh for myself? How can I make it interesting enough so it just doesn't blend in with the rest of the stuff, not only from my own catalog but other people's as well? If I want to write a protest song or an ode to or any celebratory song, it's all the same chance. How do I make another one that's not just like one I made before? Now if I were a baker and I found the perfect cookie. I would keep baking that cookie. But I'm not I'm an artist. I'm a songwriter. And it's the nature of art to evolve and change, to be a vessel for human expression with out becoming common. It is more difficult, more challenging and as for time commitment, you put more time in, to get less.

5) You have found more success as an independent artist than your short stint on a major label. What is the secret to your success?

RC: It really depends on how you define success. I agree with the deposit in your question. Yeah I have found more success because I have been able to continue to do what I love to do with people I respect and enjoy for a long career stent. I don't think that the Peacemakers are as famous as the refreshments once were or perhaps even are now. But that's not the goal. The goal is to have a career that we're all happy with. One that has an integrity of it's own, so when the lights finally go out we can look back and say we ran a good show. The Secret, I don't really think is a secret. It's to make art from your heart. That's one. Two: Be grateful for the people who want to hear it. I know a lot of artists who are less than willing to speak to their audience than in any other way than through their music. I guess that I can sort of understand that but at the end of the day we are all humans. So if someone wants to meet you outside the bus and get an autograph on their poster or whatever, I think we should all stand and be out there. I think being as human and available as I can be as a civilian is important. The most important thing is to be honest and to share yourself. Be honest and grateful and you got a game.

6) In your arsenal of instruments do you have a favorite guitar? What brand is it? Have you given it a name and what's the story behind it?

RC: Yeah, I have my stand by which is a 1999 American made Fender Telecaster. It has an ash body and a maple neck and its supper simple. I'm very hard on my instruments. I'm a pretty physical player. They get pretty dirty and beat up really fast. I strum really hard and I play very thick strings: 13 to 56 gauge strings which is tough on wood. It's hard for my guitars to have much longevity, because they just get so stressed they fail. She doesn't have a name but she has a gender for sure. She's my stand by and when ever I reach for her she's my #1. She being first in the quiver I guess she never had a name but #1.
I have several other guitars that I've come to count on and they do have names. I recently sold one. It was my first custom shop guitar, which was also a Fender Telecaster. It was silver. Silver sparkle. Beautiful, beautiful piece that I sold because I wasn't using it and I couldn't bare to see it just gather dust. I feel they (guitars) are like horses or a boat and they need to be doing what they're made to do, so I ended up selling her. But her name was The Trout because of the silver.
I got another one right now that's La Rubia which is The Blonde. I do name them and usually the names get spray painted on the cases. It's fun to name your guitars like you name a boat or a horse.

7) Circus Mexicus, your yearly festival of all things Peacemakers in Rock Point Mexico celebrates its 20th addition this year. You've stated that this should be the biggest and best fiesta yet. What pleasant surprises did fans find that migrating south of the Border?

RC: We hoped that it would be the biggest and the best but you never know. It seems that every year about the time we announce our show the state department issues its travel advisory report. So people get a little fearful. We've had to worry about hurricanes and passport restrictions and such in the past. Really, instead of pleasant surprises, we focused on what's consistent and what's become a tradition. That being, what happens before and after our rock 'n' roll show; one great Friday night event and one great Sunday night event that bookend the Saturday concert.
We didn't throw ourselves any curve balls this time and try to bite off anything marvel. Sometimes the band will dress up as a theme. We've done an aquatic theme and full mariachi garb before. We just determined that we have about a hundred songs that we would like to share with the fans and if we're lucky we can get in about forty-five in four hours. We just stood and delivered to the finest rock 'n' roll audience on the planet and gave them the finest rock 'n' roll show we could play. At the modest ticket price of $30 bucks gave you, essentially, access to great events throughout the weekend. There was the Friday night barbecue at JJ's Cantina that benefited Esperanza Para Los Ninos Orphanage. There was a jam there all Friday night. Sunday we had Mananathon again at JJ's.
One thing different we had this year. We've had a lot of guests over the past 20 shows that we've done and we essentially invited everyone up and tried to get them all up on stage to jam. We wanted to do this as a way to say thanks and celebrate that we've all created this thing together.

8) If Circus Mexicus is too much for some of your fans, and they decide to extend their stay or make the migration permanent. Play tour guide: Where should they stay? Where should they eat? What fun things are there to see and do in the area? Feel free to to drop names if you like.

RC: I definitely think that if they're going to become ex-patriots, they should set up shop in Cholla Bay which is a little peninsula that's surrounded by the Sea of Cortez. It has great people in it and is a good mix of locals and gringos. It just has a great atmosphere. You can launch your boat from there in a very, very unique way. There's this thing which is essentially a auto skeleton on stilts which drags boats on trailers out into the sea and lets them go. It's really kind of a strange poetry to watch.
You have to have a margarita at JJ's, hopefully a Mexican Moonshine Margarita.
You must have a taco next door at my favorite authentic little taco stand called Mr. Fish Taco. It's a real family owned, small thing. I can never predict when they're going to be open, but they got great fish tacos and definitely ask them for their Chilli Chino, which is a special jalapeno preparation that they do.
Watch the sunset for sure, from Cholla Bay. When you go into Rock Point proper(your about six miles away) be sure to stop at Wreck at the Reef, which is a little Catina on the sea side of the town. In their outdoor seating find yourself some shade, have a drink and watch the tide come in and out. Then I'd go to the malicon which is the tourist heart of the area where you can get any souvenir that you wish and there's also very good dining there right now. From the little taco stand to the fine dining restaurant, pretty much any of them are great.
As for things to do: I'm a diver, a snorkeler, and there's really good diving out of Pinto Point which is between Cholla Bay and Rocky Point. There's very good fishing. I recommend catch and release because there is a lot of pressure on the local fish population. Most of the fishermen I know have shifted over from just plain catch to catch and release.
You can do all that crazy airborne stuff. I'm not a fan of that kind of altitude, but you can charter a glider or a para-sail. There's all kinds of Acapulco-esc versions of entertainment should you decide to indulge. For me, it's not about doing much it's about doing little. So I enjoy long slow meandering conversations and a few drinks during the day. Watching the sun go down. Maybe getting a siesta and eating some good Mexican food. That's my idea of heaven.

9) You and the band do a lot of work in the area of community involvement. From PH's Hotdog and a smile, being members of 1% for the planet and Sombrero Solution to name a few. What future influences would you like to have on your fans through your community work and music?*

RC: You are right we are very involved and for me it is personally gratifying to create cohesion in community. I think what is most important, is that if the music has any resonance or effect, I hope it's one that fosters kindness and compassion for our fellow man and woman. And no matter how you express it, that you do express it. It doesn't matter, if you want to help with a volunteer fire brigade or do a local or national toy drive. The specifics especially don't matter, but what I think is important, is that if our music has a community building aspects to it, that people incorporate that into their daily lives. Who knows, it might be picking up a piece of trash on your neighbors lawn. Small acts done by individuals, when you put them together in a community they make a difference and I think that's something planet earth needs very much right now.

10) What is the name of 5 Bands you love but few people have heard of?

RC:
Devotchka

The Hold Steady

Six String Drag

The Proud Flesh

Pavement


*Thanks supper fan Shelly Clark for the question.