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Light of the Stereo

Light of the Stereo

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

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.

Monday, March 12, 2012

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, February 28, 2012

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!






Thursday, February 23, 2012

A New Voice to Join By the Light of the Stereo

I'm proud to announce that BLS will soon be graced by a new voice. Sean %$&*, better known as Bad Wolfe, will be bringing his extensive knowledge of hip hop to bare but most of all his love of music and real life experience as an performing artist.
We're excited to have him join the BLS team. Look for his articles coming soon. Bad Wolfe will also be taking over the Tuesday Double Feature for February 28th. Please join me in welcoming him. The following is a quick little introduction so you can get to know the man.

Here's the 411:

Sean %$&* AKA: Beast MC or Bad Wolfe

Reside in Portland, Oregon but formerly Chicago, Illinois

Introduction: A one man Wu-Tang Clan that respects ALL genres of music. An MC and fan of Hip Hop that understands that it is a way of life. While I appreciate the music, I take it one step further to gain the lessons interwoven between beats.

Interests: Revenge, Comic Books, Video Games, Rhyming, Psychological Malfunctions, Archery,and TOYS!

Favorite Music: The Black Keys, KRS-1, De La Soul, Peanut Butter Wolf, Waffle Gang, Middleground, Nujabes, Older Metal..............and an abundance of others.

MC tame One has a line that sums up how I like my rhymes: " Tighter than braids, in the 8th grade on picture day!"

Personal Tag line: I'm hotter than Camel Spit.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Tuesday Double Feature: Toby Keith "Red Solo Cup"& Liam Lynch "United State of Whatever"

Sometimes in life you just want something lite-hearted and fun; something that you don't have to think about. So this week's Tuesday Double Feature is all about the mindless enjoyment of silly things. So sit back and enjoy these two videos and leave all your troubles behind.

Toby Keith - "Red Solo Cup"

Some call it the keg cup, I just know it as "friend."


Though not the biggest fan of mainstream country, I am a long time supporter of the keg cup.


Liam Lynch - "United State of Whatever"

Whatever!!


A master of fun Liam Lynch has made his career out of the silly and the absurd and this video is proof. If you're looking for more of his wildness check out the 2003 album Fakes Songs. You won't be disappointed.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Tuesday Double Feature: Adele "Someone Like You" & Christina Perri "Jar Of Hearts"

Love makes you do crazy things. For me it's listening to Top 40 Radio and acknowledging February 14th is anything other than just another day on the calendar.
But almost four years ago that all changed. Before my wife and daughter were in my life, I hated Valentines Day so much I rallied to create a new holiday to counterbalance it and you'd be hard press to catch me listening to any radio station who's playlist consisted of popular artists, let alone any with a household name. Now a days I find myself lingering on the top 40 station even when my daughter isn't in the car.

So this Tuesday Double Feature I dedicate to my wonderful wife and daughter, for without their love I might not have found this wonderful music.

And for those of you that are dreading the hoopla of this crimson stained holiday, take comfort in the fact these are both great break-up songs.

Adele - "Someone Like You"




Having just won 6 awards at this years Grammy's you'd be hard pressed to find anyone in this world that hasn't heard this woman's amazing voice.

Christina Perri
- "Jar Of Heart"



Have gained recognition through the television show So You Think You Can Dance, Christina Perri got a well deserved boost to her career.

Monday, February 13, 2012

The Triple Crown: 02/13 -02/26

At first glance you might not think there's a common thread connecting the shows of this Triple Crown, but unlike the Grammy's the common thread is Good Music. So whether you need a fix of metal, glam rock or folk there's a show waiting for you.



Friday, February 17th
Witch Mountain (CD Release)
Sons of Huns /Bison Bison
Mississippi Studios
3939 N Mississippi
Doors:8:30PM/Show:9PM
Adv.:$8/Day Of:$8
21 & Over

If you're in need of your monthly metal fix, look no further. This show at Mississippi Studios is sure to hit the spot. Headlining the night is the bluesy sludge metal of Witch Mountain. Celebrating the release of their highly acclaimed South of Salem album to CD, this weighty doom rock is a righteously thick mix of instrumentation topped by the Joplin like vocals of Uta Plotkin. Profoundly dense and atmospheric, this music is sure to find favor even in those who aren't struck with metal cravings. In addition to the CD release this show also marks the swan-song for long-time bassist Dave Hoopaugh, so make sure you don't miss this chance to see the band in their original line-up. Opening the show are the Sons of Huns and Bison Bison, two amazing bands of their own making for a memorable evening.


Thursday, February 23rd
The Darkness
Foxy Shazam/Crown Jewel Defense
Roseland Theater
8 NW 6th Ave
Doors:7PM/Show:8PM
Tickets West:$23
All Ages

The beautiful bastard child of Queen and Slade, The Darkness is a band that believes from their very core that rock'n'roll should be irreverent, sexy, and above all fun. Though don't be mistaken, these boys from Britain might have a tongue-in-cheek attitude, but they're certainly no joke. Grand and loud this band knows how to throw down, with a full frontal guitar assault that is feared by most dictators and a musical pedigree of the most influential British rock and metal bands pulsing through their veins one must wonder the sheer will power The Darkness must employ to not conquer the world.
Lending additional power and flash are Foxy Shazam and Crown Jewel Defense who are certain to work the crowd into a frenzy. So, whether you buy a ticket for this show or not you're sure to feel it as they rock the hell out of the Roseland Theater, but if you're one of the lucky ones to see the rise of this phenix it's something that you can tell your grandchildren.



Friday, February 24th
Water Tower (CD Release)
Sassparilla / C.W.Beck
McMenamins Kennedy School
5736 NE 33rd Ave
Show:7PM
Free!
All Ages

Playing a richly organic Dust Bowl-Americana folk the boys of Water Tower, formally the Water Tower Bucket Boys, tap a vein of blue grass wonderment that can move even the most hardened of urban-nites. With songs that range from mournful down and out ballads to energetic hoedown numbers, this band has a bit to offer everyone. Celebrating the release of their Where the Crows Don't Fly EP, it should be a good night. A few pints in, you're sure to find yourself dancing in the converted hallways of McMenamins' Kennedy School. Joining them on stage is fellow Portland musician C.W. Beck and the band Sassparilla who will bring their signature speak easy blues and their famously wild live show that is nothing short of jaw dropping.With all that said, how can you pass up free music? With the economy the way it is, you got to take the breaks when they come and with music this good you'd be a fool to miss out. Not to mention, you can take the whole family, what a deal.