About Last Night:Thundering Asteroids! @ Kaite O Brien's 08/10

Last night I saw the Phoenix rise in the form of the Thundering Asteroids!. Having taken a hiatus to gather strength and to find a new drummer. Portland's funnest troupe of Punk rocking nerds has returned with a Wrath of Khan worthy vengeance.

With a revitalized energy and  a bonafide DC Punk Legend on the skins the Thundering Asteroids! took no quarter and tore with full force into their set at Katie O'Brien's.  Stacked with true believers elated to hear the band live once again, the small room almost vibrated with excitement. Like the rest of the crowd I found myself either chanting the lyrics or basking in the wonderful geek brilliance of songs like the Labyrinth inspired "I Have a Thing for the Goblin King." Playing as tight as I've ever seen them, it was as though they had never missed a step, blowing the crowd away with their signature fun loving energy. 

It's apparent, that the time off seems to have done the band well, their music sounded amazing as they plowed through one crowd pleasing song after another. Minn was a ball of hyper speed movement throwing herself into each song. It wasn't until after the show that she confessed to waking with a cold that morning, but you wouldn't have know it by the way she belted the lyrics and hopped about like Frogger on a speed level.
The addition of CS-DU3(Colin Sears of Dag Nasty fame) on the drum seems to be a perfect match, melding seamlessly with Scott Starkiller's bass and Dwight Solo's guitar. This amazing show straight  off the bench has got me excited about what we can expect next form the gang. Word from the band is that they're looking to catch up with their current catalog with official recordings and to then turn their attentions towards working on new materials. No matter the plan you can be certain that I'll be keeping a close watch on them with fingers crossed that their next musical tribute might be to The Monster Squad or the video game Rampage.
I unfortunately had to head home early for work the next day and didn't get to see The Anxieties play, but the the opening slot was a wonderfully emotional set by the 42 Ford Prefects(sorry guys that I miss spelled your name in the Preview). Powerfully abusive I love the drive of the band but admit that I think it would have been more powerful if I could have understood the lyrics more. This would have allowed me to become more invested in their songs. Over all though, it was a great night at Katie O'Brien's and I'm glad I was they to see the Thundering Asteroids! shake the ashes from their wings an sore once again..       

Tuesday Double Feature: Pony Boy "Not In This Town" & My Morning Jacket "Out of My System"

For the return of  the Tuesday Double Feature, I've collected some fairly odd videos for you viewing pleasure. Enjoy.

Pony Boy - "Not In This Town"



Pony Boy is the seductive Marchelle Bradanini who's music is a sensually smokey hybrid of blue hazed jazz joints and broken down honk-tonks.  The latest single,"Not In This Town" is sure to be the continued slow build to Bradanini's future success. Like a  mind blowing game of foreplay, she seems to be stoking the fires until we beg for the release of more material. Either she's a marketing genius or a sadist, either way it seems she's incomplete control. I just hope she'll tell us the safe word.   

My Morning Jacket - "Out of My System"



It's been a great summer for My Morning Jacket. Having returned from Europe to a string of great US dates, it seems that the band that's worked so hard for so many years finally gets to reap the rewards of their labor. Additionally, the band has release their Out of My System EP this last week and will be playing a a busy schedule of shows  to finish off the summer and start the Fall. Here in Portland, we'll be treated to a concert at our own wonderful Edgefield in early September. 

Living Room Performance: Ms Mr "Hurricane"

For You busy people who might not be able to make it To concerts or just need a little fix of music BLS now brings you short shot of some great performances.

Ms Mr - "Hurricane"
Electric Lady Studio
New York New York
June 8th 2012



New York based Ms Mr have spent the summer supporting Marina & The Diamonds and will be making their first trip to Europe in the Fall. Enjoy this performance of their single "Hurricane" form a recent session at New York's famous Electric Lady Studio.

A special thanks to my Daughter Cassidy for her help choosing this video and launching of a new column.

A Cure for a Case of the Mondays

Here's a little something upbeat to get you through your Monday.

Mika - Celebrate


Having recently preformed at the Olympics and his latest album The Origin of Love out in October Mika is spreading some Pop-tastic tunes for the whole world to enjoy.
So I hope it can get you through your Monday.

Quick Pick: August 10th

Friday, August 10th
Thundering Asteroids!
The Anxieties / 42 Ford Perfect
Katie O'Brien's
2809 NE Sandy Blvd.
Show: 9PM
Cover: $3
21 & Over

I haven't anticipated something this much since 1983 with the original release of Return of the Jedi. Like the Empires Strikes Back, I've been  filled with unanswered questions since the unexpected hiatus of Portland's Nerd-puck outfit the Thundering Asteroids! earlier this year. Will the band return to continue their blessed Geek-core? Will the new drummer be able to fill the shoes of his predecessor and bring something of his own to the table? Me, I feel like The Six Million Dollar Man, this band has what it takes to rebuild themselves. They have the technology. They have the will. To be better, stronger, Faster than they were before and this show at Katie O'Brien's will be the first time for them to prove it. Fan boys of the world, prepare yourselves to once again to bow at the will of Minn and her warriors of 16-bits.
Filling out the rest of the bill is fellow Portland conspirators The Annxieties with their self-professed three cord sass and the 42 Ford Perfect, who will be celebrating the release of their album on, believe it or not, glow-in-the-dark vinyl. What ever the reason or obstacles you might have to over come, make sure you make it out for this great return show. It's the perfect chance to let your geek flag fly. You know you want to.     

The Triple Crown: 06/25-07/08

A little eclectic this Triple Crown should hold something for you.

Friday, June 29th
Sara Jackson Holman
Pt. Juncture WA / What Heart
Doug Fir Lounge
830 E Burnside
Doors: 8PM /Show: 9PM
Adv.:$8 /Day Of: $10
21 & Over

The simplistically seductive sound of Sara Jackson Holman is filled with sultry nuances that intertwine with her intimate piano in tenderly beautiful ways. Heralding from Bend Oregon you could swear that her brooding styled songs would be more at home in the rain soaked streets of Portland. Having found great acceptance, both locally and nationally, Holman has astutely rode the momentum since the release of her debut album When You Dream. We are honored to have her at our own Doug Fir Lounge celebrating the release of her latest album Cardiology. Joining her is the organically popish rock of Point Juncture, WA and Portland’s acoustically minded female quartet What Heart. Make sure that you catch this show before Holman gets any bigger.

Saturday, June 30th
Bad Habitat
One Movement/mighty misc/Buck Turtle/Eastern Sunz/Sammy Mack/BooSen /Soul Ill /Diction One
Ash Street Saloon
225 SW Ash Street
Doors: 8PM /Show: 9:30PM
Door: $5
21 & Over

Filled with some of the best hi-hop Portland has to offer, this showcase at the Ash Street Saloon will be great on the ears and at $5, easy on the wallet. Adding to the night is the release of Bad Habitat newest album Scissor Tree. Their wonderfully refreshing sound has the energy of classic hip-hop without relinquishing any street cred. With powerfully tight verse delivered with point blank precision this local trio is gaining well deserved attention. In addition to a new album, Bad Habitat has opening slots for DMX and Nos this summer. Certainly the cream that is rising to the top, this show is an opportunity to catch an amazing group in an intimate setting before they get big. So whether you're a hip-hop connoisseur or just a fan of local music, this show is going to fill your needs.           

Tuesday, July 3rd
Cory Branan
Audra Mae
Doug Fir Lounge
830 E Burnside
Doors: 8PM /Show: 9PM
Adv.:$8 /Day Of: $10
21 & Over

As a Nashville troubadour Cory Branan has a certain magic with words. His witty songs are ripe with the mysticism of highway white lines and truck stop diners. Few and far between Branan’s northwest shows are like the unexpected visits of a deadbeat dad. You cherish them with all your soul, but in the end it just makes you desire the experience that much more. Pop-psychology aside, make sure you don’t miss this rare performance at the rustic Doug Fir Lounge. Touring in support of his newest album Mutt, this opportunity to catch one of the South’s great modern song writers is a must. Opening the show is the dynamic energy of Audra Mae who’s smoky voice and bold stage presence is sure to make Branan bring his A-game.
So what if it’s a Tuesday night, with a show this good you have to throw responsibility out the window and wear your weariness, the following day at work, like a badge of honor. Believe me your co-workers will envy you.

Great Music for a Wonderful Cause: Hit Machine Concert and Art Show 06/28

Thursday, June 28th

Hit Machine 

Concert and Art show Benefit

For Dinner & A Movie

Village Baptist Church

330 SW Murray Blvd.

Beaverton, OR 97005

Show: 6:30PM

Cover: FREE! though donations are greatly appreciated.

Fun for the Whole Family!

Start your weekend off a little early, with some great music for a wonderful cause. Portland’s unstoppable Hit Machine will be playing two sets of some of the best music of the last three decades. From AC/DC to Prince, this fun and energetic band will be bringing their unforgettable  performance in support of Dinner & A Movie a local non-profit that works with impoverished families and homeless youth. Known for their dynamic stage show Hit Machine is the answer to a normally boring Thursday night. There’s no cover but donations will be greatly appreciated. Their first set starts at 6:30PM which gives you just enough time to get out of your work duds and into your dancing shoes.

Also featured will be art by local artists. There will be silent auction, coffee bar and deserts with proceeds benefiting Dinner & A Movie and their work changing lives of struggling families and youth. Come have some fun and feel good about it.