From the Shelf : Morgan Grace - The Sound of Something Breaking (2005)

Morgan Grace
The Sound of Something Breaking
Lady Lush Records (2005)

This album is pure rock magic. Plugged in and turned up, the subtle rage boiling below the surface of Grace’s music has finally erupted,and man dose she sound pissed off. Bolstered by the aggressive growl of electric guitar and the backing of the rock solid rhythm section of Sam Henry's drums and Jeff Williams' bass, these songs force themselves upon you without diluting the ripe lyrical wit.

From the primal rock howl of “Just A Little Crush” to the jazzy sway of “The Story of Three Weeks,” The Sound of Something Breaking plays as a fully fleshed album that reveals Grace's wide stylistic range. It’s clear that she is evolving musically, growing new limbs of expression while strengthening her preexisting talents.Even her playful personality peaks its head in a Def Leopard style ode to 80's rock guitar on “Make Me Happy.” She seems to acknowledge and embraces this evolution, re-imagining “It’s Only You,” to reshape the song with a true reevaluation of its emotional worth.

Even without the attitude of a gain heavy guitar,Grace’s emotions read as raw and painfully honest as in the building ache of “Final Words,” marking Grace as an emotionally potent song writer of the first order. With this album Grace seems to have awakened to full musical consciousness. You can find it on CD Baby or iTunes so go over and pick up a copy.

The Triple Crown: 04/09 - 04/22

It's a Triple Crown, pick one or pick them all it no mater what you're going to love the music.



Saturday, April 14th
I Can Lick Any Sonofabitch in the House
Arliss Nancy / Power of Country
Ted's Berbati Pan
231 SW Ankeny
Doors: 9PM/Show: 9PM
Day Of: $6
21 & Over

Micheal Dean Damron and the boys of I Can Lick Any Sonofabitch in the House play some of the rawest and best rock n roll in the world. There's no hiding the fact that this is one of my all time favorite bands. They are the reason I write about music. Eleven years ago I walked into a local record store and bought their debut CD Creepy Little Noises.What I heard on that disc blew away and I've been hooked ever sense. Like a mix of Lynyrd Skynryd, The Clash and enough Blues harp to be looking for a devil at the cross roads this band punches with the power of a Mack Truck and yet never skimps on meaningful well crafted lyrics.From Flapjack Texas on drums, the stick thin Mole Harris on bass, the guitar genius of Handsome Jon Burbank and finally harp man extraordinaire David Lipkind this band forms one of the most powerful and tightly bonded bands to come out of Portland let alone take a stage. Live there is no equal, believe me I've seen them over 30 times and every show is more jaw dropping then the one before. If you haven't seen this band live you're doing yourself a disservices.
Joining them on stage is the gravel voiced troubadours and new label mates Arliss Nancy and the outlaw honky tonk twang of Power of Country. This hard hitting show could be one of the best thing going on in town this Saturday night and is perfect for Whiskey and a beer or two. So whether your a long time fan or just curious because of the name make sure you get there early cause the show starts at 9.



Saturday April 21st
Debra Arlyn (CD Release)
Jackson Jackson /Naomi Hooley Band
Jimmy Mak's
221 NW 10th
Show: 8PM
Cover:$14
All Ages Till 9:30

The boldly lush voice of Debra Arlyn is a lovely thing that is both tenderly soft and deliciously sensual. With a soulful pop that's playful and filled with a youthful energy. Her songs have the light breezy feel of spring. Celebrating the release of her new album Heartbeat at Portland's Jazz hang out Jimmy Mak's, Arlyn is sure to be at the top of her game. Joining her is Portland transplant by way of Alaska Namoi Hooley. An outstanding songstress herself, Hooley weaves her beautiful lyrics over a canvas of masterful piano. Like a bluesy Bonnie Raitt, Hooley sings her life in a soulful honesty that is wonderfully refreshing. Seeing these two women perform is alone, worth the price of admission, but add to it a set by Jackson Jackson and you'll come out ahead no matter what. The venue suggests that you call ahead for reservations and if you want to make it a family event, kids are welcome until 9:30. So grab the family, order a nice glass of wine and sit back and enjoy a night of lovely music.




Sunday April 22nd
Caveman
Aan/Pure Bathing Culture
Mississippi Studios
3939 N Mississippi
Doors:8PM/Show:9PM
Adv.:$10 / Day Of: $12
21 & Over

The atmospheric dream pop of New York native band the Caveman is a wildly dynamic thing that threatens to spill over into chaos, yet always seems to be able to pull back at the last moment. Rolling with an instrumental energy that's majestically beautiful. This band's music is always building and crashing only to build again. As a listener you find yourself wonderfully confused as though tossed from a boat in the midst of a stage four rapid. In contrast the haunting vocals of Matt Iwanusa are a calming presence leading you through the storm like the ghost of Obi One on the planet Hoth. Join them on the bill is Aan and Portland's own Pure Bathing Culture. This show be a great night to get out catch a show and have a few beers. See If you can earn your own Triple Crown by finishing strong with this show at Mississippi Studios. You won't regret it.

Tuesday Double Feature: Hollis Brown "Ride On The Train" & Caveman "Thankful"

From train riders to wrestlers, this weeks videos give soundtracks to lifestyles that exist on the peripheral edge of this wonderful country of ours. It's these unique individuals that typify the American Spirit.  

Hollis Brown - "Ride On The Train"

 
 Having just digitally released their Nothing & The Famous No One EP on the 3rd of April. To capture a rich and warm sound Hollis Brown worked with producer Adam Landry the Nashville summer of 2011 recording directly to analog tape. Write now they're playing close to home but we can hope that they might hit the road later this spring or summer.   
 
Caveman - "Thankful"

 
These boys from New York are still celebrating the wide release of their debut album CoCo Beware on the Fat Possum label. Lucky for us the Cavemen will be swinging through Portland on the 22nd on this month. 

Tuesday Double Feature: Tilly & the Wall "Alligator Skin"& Out Like Pluto "Bridge"l

I've been laid out with a crappy cold for the last few days, so this weeks Tuesday Double Feature includes two feel good videos from two wonderfully fun bands.

Tilly & The Wall - "Alligator Skin"

Who needs Crocodile Rock when you got Alligator Skin?



I've loved this Omaha Nebraska band since the release of 2004's Wild Like Children LP. Energetic and fun this band is filled with merriment and play. Known for having a tap dancer for percussion Tilly & The Wall certainly are a unique band worth a listen. You might even be able to catch them on Sesame Street singing the ABC's.

Out Like Pluto - "Bridge"

Aw, Let Pluto Be a Planet!



A Little Geek chic and all fun this Seattle based band and their party tune is just what the doctor ordered. Having just released their LP Take Cover earlier this year, we can only hope Out Like Pluto will make the trek to a city near you. Until then enjoy to video and check out the band's website.

Tuesday Double Featuer: Ane Brun "Worship" & Amanda Palmer & The Grand Theft Orchestra "Polly"

This week's Tuesday Double Feature includes two beautifully crafted songs whose videos are hauntingly disturbing and yet filled with gracefully poignant imagery.

Ane Brun - "Worship"

Who knew there were whales in the the tunnel of light.


Award winning Norweginan songwriter Ana Burns will be gracing our fair shores in May. Touring in support of her new album It All Starts With One which will also see a US may arrival by way of the [PIAS] label. Unfortunately the closest she'll come to the Northwest is San Francisco, but that doesn't mean that we can't enjoy her from afar.

Amanda Palmer & The Grand Theft Orchestra - "Polly"

Kurt would have been proud.


Having originally recorded this Nirvana cover for SPIN Magazine's 2011 Neverminde tribute compilation, Amanda Palmer delved into the painfully disturbing truth behind this song. Penned by Kurt Cobain after reading the newspaper account of a 1987 abduction and rape of a 14 year old girl. This song is a dark cry of pain and protest to which Palmer and her Grand Theft Orchestra amplified with eery sound effects and her breathlessly haunting vocals.

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.

Tuesday Double Feature by Badd Wolfe

Tuesday Double Feature by Badd MF Wolfe


Since it is my first Tuesday Double feature, I figured I would share the following:

First up, we have Chicago natives Just J and Wisdom Uno of the Group 1773
There's also a special appearance by Chicagoan/World Gypsy Ezekiel38

Next up, I present to you a hometown favorite.  I just discovered this group a few weeks ago. Since I am an extreme judge of  Hip Hop and the people that present it, I feel comfortable giving you..... The Sandpeople !

Pay attention Portlandia, this is your Hip Hop!