Tuesday Double Feature: Katie Herzig "Hey Na Na" & Ingrid Michaelson "Parachute"

I've always had a soft spot of female songwriters. So this week's Double Feature showcases two amazingly talented women who are making great music and earning a name for themselves.

Kate Herzig - "Hey Na Na"

Beautifully fun and off the wall, it describes the video as well as her music.



A wonderful singer songwriter Katie Herzig has toured with Brandi Carlile and her music has been tagged for used in several TV Shows and movies. Her latest album The Waking Sleep is scheduled to be out September and is on my list(as well as my wife and 10 year old daughter's)of most anticipated CD's of summer.

Ingrid Michaelson - "Parachute"

The original video for the single Parachute, except no other.



In 2006 Ingrid Michaelson's song "Breakable" was used in an episode of Grey's Anatomy and ever since her career has sky rocketed and there's no looking back. Working on the final touches to her latest album. I, like so many others,am hoping that it will be ready to release sometime this fall and if "Parachute" is any indication, than we have great things in store.

Tuesday Double Feature: The Hangmen "Wild Beast" & Dragbeat "Pure Dirt"

This week's Double Feature spotlights the great work of Acetate Records out of LA. This label has some of the hardest working rock bands in it's roster, including the The Hangmen, Throw Rag, Dirty Sweet, Jackson United, and tons of others who are making some of the best rock'n'roll around. So sit back and enjoy these flixs. When your done, get off you butts and visit their online store to pickup some awesome music and support this wonderful label.


The Hangmen-"Wild Beast"


Just Pure Rock 'N' Roll!



The Hangmen are the the band that all the rockers love. Their latest CD: Lost Rock -Best Of The Hangmen, holds 18 amazing tracks including three originally unreleased as well as testimonials from Mike Ness(Social Distortion), Eddie Spaghetti(Supersuckers) and many more.
"Lost Rock" made my short list of most anticipated releases of the summer and having just come out yesterday makes it easy for you to be the first to have this musical gem before everyone else.

Dragbeat -"Pure Dirt"

A sexy number from this femme-fronted powerhouse of the past.



Unfortunately Dragbeat is no more but they left behind a great album in Pure Dirt. It was the first CD I bought from Acetate Records and would suggest it to everyone. You can pick it up yourself for just $8 at in their online store, so what are you waiting for.

The Triple Crown: 07/12 - 07/25

This triple crown switches it up with a little cinema mixed in with some great music, cause variety is the key to life and a triple crown would be boring without it.


Thursday, July 14th
Alabama Black Snake
Heaven Generation/Red Ships of Spain/Monster Sized Monsters/The Cover Girls
Ash Street Saloon
225 SW Ash St
Doors:8P/Show:9:15PM
Cover:$5
21 & Over

The gritty rock of Alabama Black Snake headlines this awesome showcase of local Portland bands. Darkly meaty with metal guitars and abusive rhythm that punches with the force of a prize fighter, Greg T and his fellow outlaws play the sleazy back ally rock'n'roll indicative of dive bars and false neon promises. Just the tip of the of the iceberg, this night is filled with so much music there's no way you can keep yourself away. Filling out the rest of the line up is the atmospheric blues rock of Heaven Generation, the raw bare bones punk of Red Ships Of Spain and Monster Sized Monsters and the unique audio stylings of The Cover Girls. At a dollar a band this is the best deal for live music to come around in some time. So make sure you garb a friend or two and make it down for a night of great Portland talent.


Friday, July 15th
"The Wanteds" Movie
West Coast, Portland Premier/ After Party
Whitsell Auditorium-Portland Art Museum/Tiger Bar
1219 SW Park Ave/ 317 NW Broadway
Movie:7PM/Music:10:30PM
Movie:$10/After party:$4
Mature Audiences/21 & Over

Friday night marks the west coast premier of the award winning documentary The Wanteds. Directed by local rock goddess Stephanie Smith of Kleveland, this film set out to capture the trials and triumphs of Tommy Harrington as he transversed the country side on his one man tour. What emerged was an emotionally compelling and tragically honest profile of what it takes to go after a dream and the lasting effect of abuse on those who survive it. This is an amazing movie and a must see for any one that loves rock 'n' roll and films.
Directly following the screening will be an after party at the Tiger Bar with a special performance by Tommy Harrington. Harrington will be playing songs form the era of the film. Both events are musts and at $14 dollars total this is an outstanding night of entertainment that will be easy on the wallet.

Sunday, July 24th
Redwood Son
Glassbones/Chris Marshall/
Gabby Holt
Lola's Room
1332 W. Burnside
Doors:8PM/Show:9PM
Adv.:$8/Day Of:$8
21 & Over

Jack Johnson might have his Hawaiian surfer folk but Redwood Son has his Northwest Americana. A lyrically rich folk pop that captures the plush green and earthy smell of the rain kissed Northwest. Beautifully honest and playfully direct this is music that makes you feel good like the smell of a quick rain evaporating off sun warmed pavement. Joining him on stage for this show at Lola's Room is the earthy rock of Glassbones and the songwriting talent of Chris Marshall and Gabby Holt that has just a touch of country.
This show will make you feel like summer even if the waether won't. So throw caution to the wind and fight the Sunday-Nighters with some great music and a beer or two.

Tuesday Double Feature: Red Fang "Wires" & The Foo Fighters "White Limo"

I think it's fitting that the day after the Fourth of July we have a duo of videos that are a bit destructive in nature. Just remember, these individuals are professionals rock-stars and what you see should not be attempted at home.

Red Fang -"Wires"

Be honest, we'd all love to blow a huge wad of cash this way.



Red Fang is a metal band that heralds from our fair city of Portland Oregon. They're heading out for a summer of touring the US, so catch them when they come to your town.


The Foo Fighters-"White Limo"

(The Foo Fighters + Lemmy of Motorhead) + 80's Camcorder = Pure Genius!



If you don't know Lemmy and the Foo Fighters you have bigger issues than we can fix on this website.

Tuesday Double Feature:The Grates "Turn Me On" & Florence and the Machine "Not Fade Away"

I've always been a fan of Black and White photography and film, so this week's Double Feature includes two videos shot in the stark duel shaded medium.

The Grates - "Turn Me On"

An conceptually abstract video from one of the most awesome art-rock bands from Australia.



The Grates are an amazing act from Australia who have just released their third full-length album Secret Rituals on which you can find "Turn Me On".


Florence and the Machine - "Not Fade Away"

A haunting rendition of Buddy Holly classic, that evokes the magic of New Orleans.



High art and beautiful music Florence and the Machine are a new find for myself and I hope you can enjoy them too.

The Triple Crown: 06/28 - 07/11

As June gives way to July this Triple Crown has a bit of everything to make this summer a little more enjoyable. So head out and have some fun cause summer might not be the same since the day you started working but it doesn't mean we can't put up a fight to enjoy ourselves.


Friday, July 1st
Truckstop Darlin'
The Tumblers/McDougall
Doug Fir Lounge
830 East Brunside
Doors:8PM / Show:9PM
Adv.:$8 / Day Of:$8
21 & Over

Take cheap cigarettes, bad coffee, and the open road and mix in enough Old #7 to raise Jack Daniels himself from the grave and you'll have the sweet gravel sound of Truckstop Dralin'. Balancing the powerful growl of rock'n'roll with the country wail of Telecasters and the petal Steel makes this band, in my opinion, one of the premier country-rock acts of the Northwest.
Storyteller songwriting that drips of blue collar honesty, this is the music of the rough handed underdogs and the blessed losers we all love to rout for.
Having caught the band several times as the opening act, I'm excited about seeing what the guys will do with a headlining slot. Joining them is the strutting groove of the The Tumblers' dust bowl country swing. Their swaying twang feels like listening to old Hank Sr. 45s on a Wurlitzer jukebox. Finishing out the line up is the train yard folk of McDougall. All dust and gravel his songs have the chugging power of a steam locomotive and sometimes strike you like a steel spike through the heart. I can't think of a better way to start this Triple Crown so grab a friend and make your way to the Doug Fir for a great night of music.


Saturday July 2nd
Thundering Asteroids!
Abolitionist / No More Train Ghosts
Ash Street Saloon
225 SW Ash St
Show: 9:30PM
Cover:$5
21 & Over

Between all the political posturing and teen angst, sometimes we forget that punk music can be about having fun. Thankfully the Thundering Asteroids! haven't forgotten.With songs about classic video games and Rowdy Roddy Piper movies, this is music you don't have to anguish over or heavily ponder to enjoy. Energetic and wildly fun this band is a true joy to see live. Led by the bouncing hyper-power of Minn and backed by three of the tightest punk rockers to grace the dim neon of some of Portland seedier bars.I doubt you can find a better formula for a good time. I'm certain that three chords into the second song you'll find yourself bouncing off the walls of the Ash Street and is the reason that this band has quickly climbed to the top of my list of favorite live bands in Portland.
Also on the bill is the primal echo of No More Train Ghosts who's thunderous punk rock is powerfully aggressive and forcefully accurate. While the molodic punk of Corvallis' Abolitionist is catchy enough to be enjoyable and political enough to be relevant. No matter how you stack it this should be a great night at the Ash Street and with their normally low cover it makes it easy on the pocket book. So shake off the week and claim this second jewel of your Triple Crown.

Friday, July 8th
Neko Case
Edgefield
2126 SW Halsey St.
Doors:5PM /Show:6:30PM
Adv.:$35/Day Of:$38
General Admission
All Ages

Neko Case, no matter where she calls home, will always be a Northwest darling. Raised in Tacoma Washington, the high mournful pitch of her voice is the wind off the Puget Sound whispering through a stand of Fir trees. Through it she channels the spirits of some of the best musical matriarchs to ever walk this earth. Eerily beautiful, the music of Neko Case has been skirting the line between classic and timeless since her first album hit the shelves. Wonderful in recording, she is even more amazing live, and this concert at McMenamins historic Edgefield is a wonderful chance to see her in the purest form. This in fact might be one of the first not-miss concerts of the summer. We can only hope that the weather will cooperate but you might want to pack a poncho, cause this girl is use to the rain and I doubt it will deter her one bit if we are blessed with a little bit of the Northwest sunshine. If you have kids this might be a great opportunity to introduce them to some great music, and with the hotel right there you could make a little vacation out of it. Or leave the kids at home and make it a romantic get away for the two of you. Either way, make sure you don't miss this great opportunity to give Case a warm welcome home and to finish off your Triple Crown with a bang.

10 Questions: Brian Venable of Lucero

1) Lucero's been around almost 13 years now, what would you say is the key element to your survival as a band?

B.V.:Not Breaking up. Not Quitting. I don't know if it's every band or just us but pretty much,we don't have anything else to do. We love playing music but it's not like I put my law degree aside to play music . I'm going to wash dishes or I'm going to play rock'n'roll and I love playing Rock'n'roll and I hate doing dishes. This is what we do. I think we've done it so long, we don't know how to do anything else.

2) Lucero is known as one of the hardest touring bands on the road today, is there a secret to spending all that time on the road with out killing each other.

B.V.:You have your out bursts. It's like a family, there's always going to be "that person is driving me nuts right now." But underneath it all you love each other or you wouldn't spend so long with that group of people. You are 4, 6, 12 people crammed in to a box 9 to 10 weeks at a time. Basically, you can't get rid of your family and you can't get rid of your band. It's that kind of attitude where "we're going to do this forever and to think that your going to be together forever and not fight . . . you know what I mean. Understanding and a lot of ignoring.

3) How was it opening for Social Distortion?

B.V.:It's a Blast! We did 6 weeks with them before Christmas. So this is like a family reunion. Like schools back in. Sometimes it's tough just doing 40 minutes a night, but getting to hang out with Mike(Ness) and the boys is like a touring summer camp, with Chuck Ragan especially.
Also, as a punk rock kid growing up listening to social distortion, I'm still pinching myself. If you would have told me when I was 16 and skateboarding, that 20,30 years later I'd be playing with them I would have said you were crazy.

4) Of all the bands that you've played with, what has been the band that you like the most opening for and which band did you like opening for you?

B.V.:Each experience is different, you can't really rate them. We kind of made a pact that we wouldn't open up for, or take anyone to open up with us that we didn't like. We've never had any real surprises, never opened up for anybody that were complete dicks about it. We Looked into it. Opening bands are all different and fun. We've taken out all kinds of Memphis bands, like the (North Mississippi) Allstars did for us, so you're hanging out with your friends. We've gone out with Drag the River and bands like that, pretty much family. That's a blast too, but it's all different experiences. We've turned down, not substantial but bigger bands because we've heard they're crazy and because we rather take out this other band. It's a determent career/business wise but if you're going to spend 6 weeks with someone we'd rather take out our friends than the flavor of the week. So sometimes we'll take the hit.

5) I read an interview in which you mentioned that the two albums whose songs most excited you were Tennessee and the latest 1372 Overton Park. Both of these albums have uniquely different flavors so what is it that excites you so much about their songs?

B.V.: At each of those places it was a leap of some sort. If you look back now, Tennessee doesn't sound that crazy because it's 10 years old. We were moving from twangy alt-country to a new sound. Tennessee was our indi-rock album. You get so excited about something that's so different. When Tennessee came out nobody liked it. Now out of the whole catalog Tennessee is everybody's favorite. Ben was going through some crazy girlfriend drama and it was showing. The songs were about that. It was like catching fish and eating them fresh. You were getting the fucking heartbreak right there. "Sweet Little Thing" has 20 guitar tracks on it. We were trying stuff just to see.
The same is with 1372. We had made so many records just to make records, but with the addition of the horns and a new producer that was actually pushing us. Once again it was something different. We were trying things that weren't traditional. With the horns you're pushing it and you don't know how the kids are going to take it because some people don't know soul music. It came out so amazing though, that you get so excited you don't care. You think obviously people are going to love this record because I love it so much. Which isn't always true, but it gets you to a point of saying "I don't care, we love this record."
Those were both situations(Tennessee & 1372) where we were trying something new and it worked successfully. Sometimes your excited about something it translates to tape and that would be those situations. Not that every record we don't love, but some of them you have these song so you make a record versus those where you're taking a step into something you don't know, a leap of faith. Hopefully they're (the fans)going to like it and we're going to like it too.

6) Speaking of the latest album, there was a decisive move toward Memphis Soul with the addition of horns. Was there anything that you did to your guitar parts to adapt to the new sound?

B.V.:Not really. With that many people I actually work less. So I have to make my parts count more. That's something that Ted Hudson who produced us, worked on. He just ground me. He told me "you have to do this" and I'd fight him. It was definitely drinking in anger. In the end though, with the petal steel taking up this register, the piano here, and the horns, it slowly shrinks my workspace down. Some songs I might just pluck a note or two, but it fits. Other songs I do a blazing-ass solo and you pad my way around it. When they take away stuff, what you play means more. That was a good lesson to learn. I really didn't change my guitar parts, not that I don't pay attention to it, but you have to pay more attention to things because you got a lot of shit going on. Everyone has got to stay out of everybody's way and they got to make it count.

7) I read that your father was a Beale Street musician. Do you find there is a legacy of musicianship that runs through your family and do you ever use him as a resource?

B.V.: Oh yeah. He's a great guitar player. My dad still plays on Beale Street. We're shoe repairmen. He's a shoe repairman and owns a shop; I grew up fixing them here and there. I was raised to be a shoe repairman to some degree. He loves the fact that I'm playing music. He's been trying to push me since I was a child. Then it was something I didn't want to do. Then when I decided to do it he got real excited. The Attic Tapes were recorded in his attic. For years I'd wouldn't know how to do something or go to him when my guitar would break. He'd always be my dad about it. Loaning me stuff and not really expecting it back.
He's the guy I can go and talk to about anything when there's no one else. I can talk to him about business or personal stuff and he'll tell me the truth because he's living vicariously. My son's two and a half now and he's bought him a full sized guitar he can't even play yet. He doesn't care if he's a doctor or a lawyer, but he knows he's going to play music. For me not wanting to do it for so long and him wanting me to do it. He gets excited.
He's definitely a resource. I'll go over and we'll pick a little bit together, but we've never actually played out together. We'll just hang out and go to the music room and he'll show me something or I'll do something. I'm actually learning enough now that I can swap with him. He'll ask me where I learned something or how I did it while when I was young I didn't know anything

8) In your arsenal of instruments do you have any special Guitars?

B.V.: I have a Flying V that I played for a while but that I need to work on. I have a friend Travis Perkins that builds guitars. I got hammered drunk one night and and don't remember the conversation we had about this perfect guitar. He went home and started building it. A year later he shows up and it's a Flying V, Burstbuckers, my name on it, and a leather pickgaurd. He built everything from scratch. I play that a lot. I don't like to take it out because it's one of a kind, but then he gets mad. He says I need to tear it up and play it. But if it breaks or is stolen it's not like I can go to Guitar Center. It's gone.

9) Your home base is Memphis so take a second and play tour guide. Where is the best place to:

Get a Tattoo?
B.V.: Underground Art -It's won all the awards and we know Angela who owns it. It's like BBQ sometimes. If you say you like just one, you get in trouble. But I know Angela so I always vote for Underground Art.

Play a show?
B.V.: The Hi-tone Cafe

Buy a record?
B.V.: Goner Records - Is the best used record store with new stuff in it. It mostly caters to us(Vinyl lovers).

10)Name 5 bands you love but who few people have heard of?

B.V.:
The Dexateens

Black Tusk

Hearts of Palm

Glossary

William Elliot Whitmore