The days are getting a little longer and slowly but surely we're working our way out of the winter doldrums. Sure, it's only January, but we're edging our way ever closer to the first busy new release day of 2009 (and first since the end of November) and, well, that's exciting. It's a more or less dead week ahead for new albums, but the live schedule seems to be coming back to life with performances from touring acts Glasvegas, Fountains of Wayne, Carrie Rodriguez, as well as local bills featuring Jared Mees & the Grown Children, Carcrashlander, Blind Pilot, and more.
Speaking of Glasvegas, the Scotland natives appear to be the first over-buzzed, over-hyped act of the new year-- which is much less a comment about their music than it is a comment about the new music machine's ability to build decent music up to heights it can't possibly reach (but I digress). Glasvegas' debut was just released in the U.S. after an original issue in th UK last year and their Jesus & Mary Chain/Phil Spector wall-of-sound inspired songs are beginning to gain attention stateside. The quartet plays Monday night at the Doug Fir with opener Carl Barat.
MP3: Glasvegas, from Glasvegas- "Geraldine"
Elsewhere this week, we see the return of one of the hardest working bands around in Idaho's Finn Riggins. The trio is on tour once again, not that they ever really stopped, and play the Doug Fir Thursday with their Tender Loving Empire labelmates Jared Mees & the Grown Children and World's Greatest Ghosts. In addition to the intriguing qualities of last year's A Soldier, a Saint, an Ocean Explorer, they're also an amazing live act-- 200+ shows a year will keep the machine well-oiled.
Stream: Finn Riggins' opbmusic in-studio session
More to come here throughout the week, including a preview of the Blind Pilot/ Loch Lomond/ Old Believers bill next Saturday at the Aladdin Theater that was postponed by Snowpocalypse last month. Also, the Fountains of Wayne play the Wonder Ballroom Friday night with The Posies Jon Auer opening.
The thread is open...
January 11, 2009 at 10:51pm by sellwoodstreet
obscure request!
Anything from ON - Shifting Skin, Ken Andrew's solo project.
January 11, 2009 at 11:13pm by inmemoryofjohnpeel
How about the Bees (UK) you would love them - Start with the album "Sunshine Hit Me".
Covers... I wonder, brilliant people sometimes transform songs, in other cases it's the ethereal quality of a particular song. I actually listened to American Roots today even though I don't usually (I dislike that lazy blues/folk Grateful Dead type groove (lack of)) American Roots had a special on Gershwin which was very impressive - his song "Summertime" for instance has been covered even into the late 90's for new fans in new styles and almost always pleases. Who will do the techno version?
January 11, 2009 at 11:18pm by Jeremy Petersen
I must weigh in as a lover of "Summertime" and hope (and plead) that no one does a techno version. I'd put that right down there with that egregious Johnny Cash remix album.
I love Band of Bees-- good pick!
On the (indeed) obscure Andrews request-- afraid we don't have it, but can you take a raincheck?
January 12, 2009 at 0:04am by inmemoryofjohnpeel
Is the Band of Bees the same as The Bees? Don't think so - both good.
I agree the Johnny Cash remix album was awful. Most techno/ambient remix is exploitative, not inventive, but just as you promote your new soul corner I promote the techno - albeit very selectively!
January 12, 2009 at 0:13am by Jeremy Petersen
Band of Bees is, indeed, The Bees (UK), the duo from the Isle of Wight. Not to be confused with the US band The Bees, hence them being known as Band of Bees over here.
January 12, 2009 at 1:22am by inmemoryofjohnpeel
Well there you go, bees buzzing in one's head - I missed the track live on your show - they lay out that warm intelligent easy alternative sound you and I are so fond of but spice it up with songs like A Minha Menina - no - the live it up~~! David Byrne should love this band.
Finn Riggins - Thursday - lets get all opbmusic blogerrrs there@!
January 12, 2009 at 9:40am by lukas
Love "For Tomorrow" by Emerald Park of Sweden. Would love to hear it again!
January 12, 2009 at 1:53pm by bendlistener
Really liked the Sune Rose Wagner and, from the stream right before In House, The Rural Alberta Advantage. Both new to me; bought them using your links.
Thanks.
January 15, 2009 at 6:10pm by gunky
I've been scheming about how I can fulfill imojp's suggestion to meet at Doug Fir tonight for Finn Riggins, but I think it's not going to happen for me. Packing to head out of town for the weekend and too many things on my to-do list. My regrets. Enjoy the show for the rest of us.
January 16, 2009 at 12:07pm by inmemoryofjohnpeel
Hey Gunky, sorry you missed the show,and if JP was there was he hiding under his winter beard?
I'm interviewing Finn Riggins today for an article that will go out in the early Spring - will keep you posted.
January 16, 2009 at 12:33pm by Jeremy Petersen
I was there and glad for it! I heard you left early-- I stuck around to the end.
Comments are now closed.