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Light of the Stereo

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

By the Light of the Stereo is now on Facebook

Hey there all,
Just wanted to let you know that you can now find By the Light of the Stereo on Facebook.
Some special treats await you on our Facebook page including Photo albums filled with concert shots that I couldn't fit on the blog. So come on over and say hi.

Sincerely,

Mark A. Lawrence IV

Writer, Editor, Photographer, basically all things By the Light of the Stereo

By The Light of the Stereo's Facebook Page

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Tuesday Double Feature: Kleveland-"You're Not Sorry" & The Builders & the Butchers "Lullaby"

This marks the first installment of a new weekly feature here on By the Light of The Stereo. Every Tuesday I'll be posting two videos that have caught my eye and thought I'd pass on to everyone else.

This week I have two videos by Portland bands that feature great Music and a supernatural twist.

First up:

Kleveland's "You're not Sorry"
With awesome rock'n'roll, muscle cars and hot vampires how can you go wrong.



The Builders & the Butchers "Lullaby"
Murder and zombie revenge, do I need to say any more?

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

10 Questions: Eddie Spaghetti


1) What is the Favorite part of your new album Sundowner?

ES: Just Getting back into the studio with the songs that get played in my home.

2) What is the benefits and draw backs of creating music as a solo artist versus being part of a band?

ES: The benefits are things get simplified, the draw back is the juggling. The Band is like my wife and the solo is my girlfriend.

3) How do you know when writing a song, whether you will use it for the Supersuckers or your solo material?

ES: I Don't. I am never writing "for" anyone, just writing. The Older I get the harder it comes, so if it's good, wife gets first pick.

4) Blond Or brunette? Whiskey or beer? What's your preference and what's the deadliest combination?

ES: I prefer pink hair. Beer for sure. Deadliest combo? No such thing.

5) As part of the Supersuckers you've played some large venues. Do you enjoy playing the smaller spaces as a solo artist and what about it do you like?

ES: I like to play anywhere. I like it when there are fans, big or small - Someone's having a good night and that's the goal.

6) Everyone has heard of rock-star moments. Is there such a thing as a country-star moment and if so, can you describe one of your most memorable?

ES: I think country guys are too busy growing their tomatos and smokin' their weed to throw a proper fit.

7)What is the best bar in Seattle or the state of Washington to inspire a country song?

ES: Hazelwood

8) The cover art for Sundowner was done by Tim Gabor, an artist amongst many that you've worked with before. How important do you feel it is to cultivate a visual persona to a band through cover art, gig posters and other visual media?

ES: Well it use to be real important, I think and now not so much. I like the look of my solo stuff, so much so, I can't imagine using anyone else. When you see the covers together, they tell a story.

9) Do you have a favorite guitar and dose it have a name? Is there a story behind it?

ES: My Gibson acoustic is my favorite. Sometimes I call it the "Dude" but usually I refer to it as my "Little Breadwinner." No big story behind it really. I needed an acoustic guitar to record Must've Been High with and I went with the producer of that record to a guitar shop and this one caught my eye(and my ear!). It's an awesome tool!

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













Tuesday, April 19, 2011

The Triple Crown : 05/03 - 05/16

This Triple Crown has a little bit of everything, from rootsy-pop, fun punk frenzy and old soul song writing. There's sure to be something for everyone. So get out of the house and reclaim the night, because once it gets warmer it's going to get crowded.

Friday, May 6th
The Dimes
Derby/Violet Isle
Doug Fir Lounge
830 E Burnside
Doors:8PM /Show: 9PM
Adv.:$8/Day Of:$10
21 & Over

This night of homegrown indie rock is filled with an A-list of some of Portland's movers and shakers. Top of the list is the rootsy pop of The Dimes. With a perfect balance of earthy acoustics and pop sensibility these boys are in the same class as The Shins and The Decemberists. Having spent the last few years perfecting their stage presence this show in the intimate setting of the Doug Fir should be fantastic.
Opening the show are two bands with their own clout in the local indie circles. Derby's living room pop is energetic and comfortably familiar. Dynamically fun, their sound is a perfect compliment to The Dimes. Meanwhile, the Violet Isle has a music that is wonderfully multi-faceted. Bold and detailed all at the same time their acoustic pop gives each song a distinct flavor.
No matter how you look at it, this is a great way to get your weekend started off right.


Thursday, May 12th
Hairspray Blues
Thundering Asteroids!/Mega Dynasty 5/Pitchfork Motorway
Ash Street Saloon
225 SW Ash St
Show:9:30PM
Cover:$5
21 & Over

The walls of the Ash Street Saloon will be pulsing with a punk-frenzied-sweetness so powerfully luscious they're going to feel it all the way in Lake O. With a line up that includes 3 of Portland's best little secrets this show should be one for the record books.
Headlining the night is the primitive beats and ferocious six-string attack of Hairspray Blues. Their dark bastard blues is made of the bassets of emotions and claws at the scenes with the sames addictive thrill as a good 70's horror flick . Stripped of any pretentiousness and blessed with just the slightest of garage-retro-voodoo this band is wickedly delectable.
Joining them on stage is a who's who of Portland's funnest acts and a visitor from the Cajun country. Top of the list is the geek chic pageantry of Thundering Asteroids!. Their nostalgia rock is lighthearted and youthfully energetic, elements only magnified by the stage presence of the band and their lead singer, a bonafide fanboy-siren. In addition the high octane garage punk of Pitchfork Motorway is sure to get the crowd worked into a lather with their face melting, rubber burning fury. Completing the lineup is Mega Dynasty 5 visiting from New Orleans, a complete mystery, but sometimes that can be the tastiest of treats.
This line up has no equal and with only a $5 cover, they're almost paying you for this awesome show.


Saturday, May 14th
Joe Pug
Celilo(CD Release)/Strand Of Oaks
Doug Fir Lounge
830 E Burnside
Doors:8PM/Show: 9PM
Adv.:$10/Day Of:$12
21 & Over

Like the sudden discovery of an unexpected treasure, I'm anticipating this show at the Doug Fir with bated breath. Somewhere between Ray LaMontagne, Chris Smither, and Classic Bob Dylan, the music of Joe Pug is boldly haunting. Filled with some of the most insightful and thought provoking lyrics I have heard in years, his richly organic songs are a folk, as powerful as wisdom itself. His live presence is certain to be an awe inspiring thing that will send tingles strait up the spine leaving your head swimming in a euphoric bliss.
Opening the show is Portland's own Celilo whose mid-west soul is ripe with broad strokes of instrumental texture with liberal leanings toward early Neil Young. This hometown band will be celebrating the release of their latest album. So support local music by picking up a copy. Finally, filling out the rest of the bill is the breathy ethereal dream-scape folk of Philadelphia based Strands of Oaks.
A night of amazing music, this is defiantly a show not to miss and the perfect way to earn your triple crown.

The Triple Crown: 04/19 - 05/02

In my life, I've drank too much Whiskey and spent too many nights chasing the White lines of endless highways not to admit that some part of me finds the twang of Country music familiar and comforting. So this Triple Crown highlights some country music everyone can enjoy. Don't worry though, this ain't the hick-pop of CMT, so order a long neck, grab your favorite girl and kick your legs up and enjoy the music .


Friday, April 22nd

Eddie Spaghetti
The Devil's Point
5305 SE Foster Rd.
Show: 9PM
Cover: $10
18+ with ID

If the music of Eddie Spaghetti was a house party, there would be empty beer cans in the front yard, panties on the doorknob and a rodeo clown passed out on the couch. Not surprising coming from a man who's day job is as the lead singer of the rock outfit The Supersuckers. Raised on outlaw country AM radio, even a punk rock icon like Spaghetti can't deny the sound in his heart. Unabashed fun these songs are perfect for drinking with your friends and sweeping the cutest girl out onto the dance floor. Admittedly there's not much room to dance at the Devil's Point but if your lucky you might find a good looking lady whose willing to share a little piece of floor with you. So leave your week behind, order yourself a drink and let the night take you where it will.



Sunday, April 24th
The Devil Makes Three
Brown Bird
Wonder Ballroom
128 NE Russell St
Door: 7:30PM/ Show: 8PM
Adv.:$15/Day of:$17(SOLD OUT!)
All Ages

Like a spontaneous back porch ho-down with enough moonshine to make everyone happy, the music of The Devil Makes Three is a wildly fun thing to experience. Their potent Dixey Bluegrass is a rich mix of Whiskey-gold water from the Mississippi delta, a powdering of Blue Ridge coal dust and enough New Orleans swing to make the body dance with a voodoo vigor.
With a youthful punk spirit that brings a fresh modern infusion into this timeless music, this trio has tapped something that's powerful whose roots reach nearly as far back as this country's origin. If you were lucky enough to get yourself a ticket, make sure you wear a pair of comfortable shoe because whether you plan on dancing or not, this music won't give you much of a choice.









Sunday, May 1st

Christian Kane
Dante's
350 West Burnside
Show: 8PM
Adv.:$13/ Day of:$15
TicketsWest
21 & Over


Of these three shows, this is the closest to Commercial-radio friendly Country music, but unlike most of the Hollywood polished crap you might find on your local country station. Christian Kane has a heart and power to his music that only comes from appreciating the lovely burn of Whiskey and the tight ache of a hungry heart. Ranging from raucously energetic party favorites to soft crooning love songs, Kane is making music strait from his soul. A soul that knows the comforting sting of road gravel on bare feet and the exhilaration of howling at the moon fueled on Kentucky bourbon and the desire of an untamable country girl. Honest and fun, this is what country music should sound like.
So whether you're a closet twangster or a pickup driving country fan, this Triple crown is for you so raise your glass and drink it down because there's too much great music out there so be sitting at home.

Friday, February 25, 2011

The Triple Crown: 03/01 - 03/14

With a little bit of blues, a little bit of country and too much rock'n'roll to fit into one week, this triple crown is not for the weak of heart. So if you think you're up for it, get yourself ready and don't forget your passport because you never know where nights like these might lead.

Saturday, Marc
h 5th
North
Mississippi Allstars
Wonder Ballroom
128 NE Russell St
Doors:8PM/ Show:9PM
Adv.:$17 / Day Of:$18
21 & Over

The Blues have been around since rivers have flowed to the sea, the only difference is the individuals who play it. Fueled by whiskey and moonshine the raw emotions of grief, anger, desire and joy have spilled from the lips and across the 6 stings of men and women since cotton was king. From the juke joints of Mississippi of the dive bars of Chicago, it's survived electrification and retained it's purity while other genera have grown diluted by mass marketing and popular appeal. All the while the master's of the craft have been passing on the fever to each new generation. The North Mississippi Allstars, no doubt, light the way to the future with one of the brightest torches. Inspired as much by the broken guitar madness of R.L.Burnside as the delta picking of Robert Johnson himself, their heartfelt translation of the blues is pure and fertile as the dark mud of the Mississippi River. Both holding true to the past and paithing the way to the future the music of the Allstars will speak to your soul and get your ass a-shaking. So get over to the Russell street early for some pulled pork at Russell Street BBQ and down a little whiskey, but none of that Canadian crap, because nothing goes better with the Blues than BBQ and Whiskey.

Sunday, March 6th
Big John Bates' Grindshow
Dante's
350 West Burnside
Show:9PM
Cover:$8
21 & Over



Hellbound hotrods and Voodoo Blues the music of Big John Bates' Grindshow is all shimmy and sin. Like the love child of Russ Meyer and a Hammer Horror film, Bates' style of rock'n'roll burns with the heat of high octane gasoline and has the grooving rhythm of dancing succubi. You got to wonder if the crossroads daemon he sold his soul to must have had a great pair of cans and legs that stretched all the way to paradise. Agressively dark and infectiously hynotic with the beat of forbidden drums Bates' music will grab a hold of you and pull you like a puppet into some dark dancing ritual.
If the music wasn't enough the Grindshow is so much more. Reminiscent of traveling medicine show this set at Dante's will amaze and astound you with theatrics and burlesque dancers. All reasons why Big John Bates' Grindshow must only be experienced live.


Thursday, March 10th
Drive-By Truckers
Heartless Bastards
Wonder Ballroom
128 NE Russell St
Doors:8PM/ Show:9PM
Adv.:$22 / Day Of:$24
21 & Over



If you've ever had the chance to see the Drive-by Truckers live, you know what a treat it is. Somewhere between outlaw country and dirty southern rock their music is the anthem of the common man's rebellious heart . Hard working and unashamed this band has been road hardened into one of the best touring bands to ever step foot onto a bus. Once known for their bar brawling rock'n'roll, this band has evolved into something so much more. After all the miles and late nights they can still rock with the best of them but has matured into a group more willing to take chances with their sound. The new country soul of their latest album makes a perfect home for the keen songwriting of Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley.
Joining them is the soulful rock of the Heartless Bastards, reminiscent of Chrissie Hynde and her Pertanders. Dynamically atmospheric, their music is bold and powerful. A perfect match to share the stage for this great night at the Wonder Ballroom. This is a must see show. So you faithfuls out their, make sure you get your tickets early and as for those of you that haven't had the pleasure, don't miss your chance.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

About Last Night: The Builders and the Butchers @ Wonder Ballroom














Last Night we welcomed home one of our own as the Builders and the Butchers played to a packed house at the Wonder Ballroom. Torn between pride in our native sons and jealousy in their absence we came out on a Tuesday night pressing towards the stage like a sea of flesh. Portland and her inhabitant's have never been much for abstinence and when deprived of one of our favorite bands you can be certain we will gather for our fix like junkies at the methadone clinic.

Opening the night was an energetic set from Damion Suomi and the pub folk of his Minor Prophets. Wonderfully fun and strong with a stage presence that speaks of the band's skill and their time on the road their set transformed me from a mildly impressed observer to a true believer. Starting off the night right they were effective in their purpose having the crowd warmed up and ready. Headlining the show were the formidable Murder by Death but you wouldn't have been able to tell it by the enthusiasm of the audience as the Builders and the Butchers took to the stage. As excited as we were, it was just as apparent that the band was glad to be playing for a room full of home town believers.

Comfortable and energetic the band launched right into some of the fan favorites. At the top of their game the band showcased their wonderfully diverse and vibrant musical style in it's most potent form. As we stood their we boarded a roller coaster that surprisingly starts off with a breath taking drop and only gets better from their. Unfortunately the band was plagued by sound issues throughout most of their set, including a pair of mating whales, but like the tried and tested musicians they are the band pushed through. In turn the audience was forgiving, taking up the slack at times, singing right along with the band smoothing over any technical issues.

As the set progressed we were given a sneak peak of some of the tracks from the new album Dead Reckoning. The new songs were wonderful little treats richly dark and perfectly executed, proving that this band has just started on their rise. New or old the band was having fun up their on stage and it translated into the crowd adding to the lively energy of the night. This was a great show and all of us knew it.