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Light of the Stereo

Light of the Stereo

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Tuesday Double Feature: Concrete Blonde"Still In Hollywood" & Alabama Shakes"You Ain't Alone"

This week's Tuesday Double Feature has something old, something new, the video's are barrow, and look close enough there's got to be something blue. So for all you brides to be, you're all set. But for the rest of us, just take a few minutes to enjoy some good tunes.

Concrete Blonde - "Still In Hollywood"

An oldie but a goodie.




Alabama Shakes - "You Ain't Alone"

Soul music so good it can make you ache.



Both bands are playing Portland this week, check out the details in the latest installment of The Triple Crown.

Monday, January 16, 2012

The Triple Crown: 01/16 - 01/29

Filled to the brim with some amazing shows this Triple Crown is sure to have a concert for everyone. There's an old favorite, a local favorite, and a little bit of soul to make it all so good.



Tuesday, January 24th
Concrete BlondeMenkena
Star Theater
13 NW Sixth Ave
Doors:8PM/Show:9PM
Adv.:$25/Day Of:$30
21 & Over

Like most, the first time I heard the Concrete Blonds was in a dorm room, the pungent mix of incense and bad beer thick in the air. There was something beautifully primal about the voice of Johnette Napolitano that blew my mind, something in her music that echoed of the tarnished industrial sprawl of the real Los Angeles. Like the Novels of John Fante set to a post-punk soundtrack the Concrete Blondes have spent the last 3 decades telling musical stories wonderfully tragic and rich with details. Thankfully time has only seasoned Napolitano to perfection not only as a song writer but also as a singer making this rare opportunity to see her with the band that much more wonderful. Opening the night is Menkena whose dream like music is rich with bold instrumental strokes.
So whether you're a long time fan or are just in need of a good concert make sure you get your tickets early.



Friday, January 27th
Michael Dean Damron
The Blue Monk
3341 SE Belmont
Show:9PM
Cover:$5
21 & Over

The soul and music of Micheal Dean Damron lies somewhere in the mix of Barkersfield country outlaws, LA punk clubs and the rain drenched streets of Portland, Oregon. With heartbreaking songwriting that is both beautifully brutal and painfully honest Damron's songs walk a thin line between a survivor's story and cautionary tales. He is quite possibly the greatest of musical diamonds in the rough of Portland's amazing music scene. Live, Damron is wonderfully unpredictable. With a show that can range from the hardest howling rock show you'll ever see to a mournfully acoustic set that feels like the best whiskey soaked conversation you've ever had. This show should be extra special as it's being recorded for a live album so Damron is sure to be joined by some of his amazing musical friends. The pure anticipation of it all, makes this intimate show at the Blue Monk that much more exciting and a perfect candidate for this Triple Crown.





Saturday, January 28th
Alabama Shakes
Quiet Life
Doug Fir Lounge
830 E Burnside
Doors:8PM/Show:9PM
Adv.:$9/Day Of:$10
21 & Over

For those of us raised in ear shot of our parent's Motown vinyl there's something wonderfully comforting about the music of the Alabama Shakes. Powerfully reminiscent of 60's area Aretha Franklin, Carol King and Mister Otis Redding himself, the Shakes play that sweet smooth soul that makes you ache deep down in your bones. Brittany Howard's voice is a compellingly raw thing that over takes your scenes and when paired with the tightly constructed groove of her band takes on the strength of a force of nature. No matter your taste in music this band is one not to miss. So even if you can't make it to this show, though hope you can, keep your eyes peeled for their debut album slated for an April release.
Sharing the night is Portland's own Quiet Life whose rustic rock has a classic feel of it's own like tracks from a record by The Band or early Grateful Dead. Unique in their own way this match up should lend itself to a great night of music. So grab a friend and finish off this week of music strong.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Tuesday Double Feature: The Slants "You Make Me Alive" & Sassparilla " My First Lover"

All jokes aside about how everyone in Portland is in a band, one of the greatest things about living in here is all the music. Not only is there a endless list great bands but their music stretches all across the board from Blues, Hip Hop, Rock and country. This week's Double Feature highlights two Brand new videos form two uniquely Portland bands.
Enjoy.


The Slants - You Make Me Alive





Sassparilla - My First Lover


Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Tuesday Doudle Feature: Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds "Ride the Tiger"

From Micheal Jackson's Moonwalker movie to Ah-ha's loosely connected "Take Me On" and "The Sun Only Shines on TV" videos, I've always been fascinated by musicians that choose to tie multiple songs together in order to tell a bigger story through video. With that in mind the first Tuesday Double Feature of 2012 presents Ride the Tiger, the compiled video trilogy from Noel Gallagher's new solo project the High Flying Birds. Featuring tracks from their self-titled debut album, Ride the Tiger showcases Gallagher's post Oasis mastery.

I know I'm cheating, because it's only one video but it has three songs, either way I know you'll enjoy it.

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds - "Ride the Tiger"

Sunday, January 1, 2012

The Triple Crown: 01/01 - 01/15



Thursday, January 5th

Shut Your Animal Mouth
P.R.O.B.L.E.M.S/Hairspray Blues
Ash Street Saloon
225 SW Ash Street
Doors:8PM/Show:9:30PM
Cover:$5
21 & Over

This night of homegrown garage punk is sure be one heck of a good time with three amazing Portland bands who have perfected the art of melding together the grit and grind of garage rock with the street and sleaze of punk. Headlining the night is the band Shut Your Animal Mouth whose sounds is a sultry robust creature with a speed and swagger that could make a monk weep. With aggressive instrumentation topped with dominating female vocals, this band makes the kind of bar rock that's sure to hit the sweet spot when echoed off the walls of the Ash Street Saloon. Filling out the rest of the bill is the amazing duo of Hairspray Blues with their awesome live show and unforgettable sound and the mind blowing fury of P.R.O.B.L.E.M.S.. Combined these three bands are going to rip the studs from the wall and if you're not there to see it your going to hate your self so grab a friend and stuff enough cash for a taxi some where you won't spend it on drinks and start your weekend off with a bang.


Monday, January 9th
The Resolectrics
Mike Midlo/Sam Fowles(of Parson Red Heads)
White Eagle Saloon
836 N Russell St
Show: 8:30PM
Free!
21 & Over

The Resolectric play a bluesy roadhouse soul that spills over with an organic groove that's perfect for the bare brick and seasoned timbers of the White Eagle. A joyfully gritty beast that mixes the sound of 50's, 60's optimism with the dirty tarnish of the 70's, their music is filled with a potently retro flavor. Ripe with a confident attitude these boys play songs that don't need to be loud or aggressive, but that are more powerful in the subtleties of their full bodied performance. If this doesn't get you out on the dance floor you might want to check your pulse.
Opening the night are sets by Sam Fowles and Mike Midlo, two musicians well know in Portland circles for their work with amazing local bands but who are stepping out on their own for the night. This show is certain to be awesome, so turn off your televisions and order yourself a beer, cause nothing cures a case of the Mondays, like good music and a drink or two.





















Wednesday, January 11th

Dick Dale
Star Theater
13 NW 6th Ave
Doors:8PM/Show:9PM
Adv.:$20/Day Of:$25
21 & Over

The Godfather of Surf Guitar himself Dick Dale will be gracing our city for one amazing night a the new Star Theater. Vicious with six strings, this master of the guitar has single handily defined a genra of music that captures the white tip curls of the Pacific Ocean and the sun tanned dreams of the California coast. With out Dick Dale the 50's and 60's would have lacked much of their distinct flavor. In recordings his music is mind bending with jaw dropping licks but live his music takes on a whole new level for which there is no equal. It's near mystical what this man can do with a guitar, he truly is an a American treasure that should be experience buy all that have a chance, and this show at the Star Theater is yours so make sure you don't miss it.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

The Triple Crown: 11/01 - 11/14

The Artists of this installment of the Triple Crown all share a home on the amazing Chicago based Bloodshot Records. Having hosted artists like Alejandro Escovedo, Neko Case, the Detroit Cobras and Ryan Adam's Whiskeytown, Bloodshot has been a hotbed of talent for almost 20 years. Luckily the next two weeks we'll be treated here in Portland with shows by three of their current roster.
























Friday, November 4th

Wayne "The Train" Hancock
Hopeless Jack & the Handsome Devils
Star Theater
13 NW 6th Ave
Doors:8PM/Show:9PM
Adv.:$10/Day Of:$15
21 & Over

Calling all Rockabilly girls, pompadore kings,old men in Stetsons, and faded rodeo queens; Wayne "The Train"Hancock is rolling back to our fair city and you sure don't want to miss it. This time through he's bringing his uncomplicated honky-tonk strut to the newly open Star Theater. With his signature two-step rockabilly swing, that's as honest as the open road and as comforting as a warm summer night, Hancock speaks to the blue collar soul in us all. Like the road wise Texas man, that he is, Wayne's live show is both compelling and fun and well worth the price of admission.
Opening the night is the hot-rod blues of Portland's own Hopeless Jack and the Handsome Devils. With a voice as raw gravel Hopeless Jack delivers a soulfully raucous blues so powerful you can almost taste the crossroads mojo in the air. These two bands should make one amazing night, so dust off your dancing shoes and take this opportunity to check out this awesome new venue by the people that brought you Dante's.





Monday, November 7th
JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound
Doug Fir Lounge
830 E. Burnside
Doors:8PM/Show:9PM
Adv.:$10/Day Of:$10
21 & Over

Ripe with a groovy funk of 70's style soul, JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound are going to move the Doug Fir lounge so hard that even the most flat footed hipster will be able to find their groove. This is music that gets asses on the dance floor and makes the ladies swoon. These songs are built with the energy of James Brown and the ache of Otis Redding. Pulsing with a mad danceable beat, this is the power of soul at it's most potent. Filled with the cries of revolution and the sharp pain of desire and love the spirit of Marvin Gaye would be proud.
























Tuesday, November 8th

Lydia Loveless
The Tumblers
Mississippi Studios
3939 N. Mississippi
Doors:8:30PM/Show:9PM
Adv.:$10/Day Of:$10
21 & Over

With her bold attitude and an amazing voice Lydia Loveless is a perfect mix of Dolly Partton's Country and the rock'n'roll of Joan Jett. This red headed country girls has a moonshine smile and the saunter as smooth as the Mississippi river. Reminiscent Of Bloodshot sirens of the past like Neko Case and Kelly Hogan, Loveless is wonderfully capable of filing some big shoes. Powerful and energetic, if her live show is even half as good as her new album Indestructible Machine then we are all in store for one hell of a night at Mississippi Studio.
Joining her on stage is the highway country lounge of Portland's The Tumblers. This should be a great show so make sure you clear your Tuesday night and take the time to catch some great music.

Tuesday Double Feature: JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound "Everything Will Be Fine" & Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears "Sugarfoot"

Sometime there is nothing better than the funky feel of hard warm soul against your eardrums. It's probably what got me into this whole thing, sitting in front of my dad's stereo as his Motown Records spinned into beautiful infinity. It is the rhythm of passion, the ache of heart break and as Otis Redding once sung its sitting across from the person you love the most in this world and sharing a moment as simply profound as drinking coffee and smoking a cigarette.

So this week we solute the sweet music of soul with videos by two modern masters and their amazing groups.


JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound - Everything Will Be Fine





JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound have recently released their first album on the Chicago based Bloodshot label and will be playing our own Doug Fir on the 7th of this month.

Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears
- Sugarfoot
Link



Having released their most recent album Scandalous earlier this year, Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears are on the road tirelessly touring. Luckily for us her in the North West It means that we can catch him at the awesome Wonder Ballroom on November 16th.