Skywalk Sensation

HOLY BLUES METAL DUDES!

2009-07-22T15:13:00.000-07:00

can't see sonic youth? who cares?!
spend your money these burly men instead on saturday.
check out that hair and beard combo! buy lots of beer!

oh man, if these songs don't make you want to go see this show then i don't know what will..

good god, i'm excited.

saturday july 25 @ the knitting factory
show: 8pm
$20 if you buy 'em now

Bikes and Raps

2009-07-17T10:20:00.000-07:00

Doomtree "Drumsticks" Music Video

Doomtree is a hip hop group from Minneapolis, Minnesota. This nine member crew's bringing six to the BLVD on Saturday night. Should be dope.

Saturday July 18 at the BLVD: Doomtree, Bad Penmanship, Som Jordan. 21+

Superdope

2009-06-24T12:37:00.000-07:00

Seattle's Mad Rad (who recently graced the cover of the Seattle Weekly) brings their electro hip hop 'float music' to Spokane on Friday. It will be a show not to be missed.

Mad Rad - Crack the Blunt

Friday July 26: Mad Rad, Pegasus Dream, Jiggywatts, Please Draw in Me, Girlfriends at the BLVD for ages 18 and up.

LOOMed

2009-06-16T13:16:00.000-07:00

Ummm, I suck at blogging (again), but Loom is playing tonight and tomorrow. I had the pleasure of seeing them a few months back and was amazed by their violin, complexities and sweet light show. I've been bumping their CD non stop. They're really good. See you there.

Loom plays tonight at Caterina and tomorrow at the Empyrean. Both shows all ages.

its been awhile..

2009-06-08T12:50:00.001-07:00

!dance parties!
2 great shows tonight!

a pack of wolves, nick & girlfriends early all ages @ catarina!
6pm $5

and later at mootsys + some other stuff!
yeah i know, just go check em out and then come to the show and give them all your kisses and money.

http://www.myspace.com/weareapackofwolves

Apparently

2009-05-29T12:03:00.000-07:00

There's some huge bash happening this weekend in Browns Addition, and apparently its FREE!

Spokane's finest mixed with some great regional acts.

Since I'm a real shit of a blogger, why don't you check out a real journalistic play by play on the action over at the Som Show.

Corn Pasta!

I wear Vans too!

2009-05-23T10:43:00.000-07:00

Bay Area Hyphy crew the Pack are coming to Spokane. This is gonna be awesome!

Tuesday May 26: the Pack, Jamal Ali, Jinx at the BLVD. 6pm. all ages.

Pretty Crazy

2009-05-22T18:15:00.000-07:00

Austin, Texas's Vast plays the BLVD on Sunday night. Pretty sure this video was made in the 90s. Check their myspace, they play some pretty rad music.

Vast, EndlessHallways, Infliux and Jupter Effect at the BLVD on Sunday May 24 for ages 18 and up.

Voices

2009-05-14T11:09:00.000-07:00

On This Side

Seattle Sub Popper Jesy Fortino aka Tiny Vipers plays Spokane Friday.

Friday May 14: Tiny Vipers, Hannah Reader, Dane Ueland, Aaron Manino and Kevin Long at the Empyrean. 7pm for all ages.

Can't Wait?

2009-05-08T11:47:00.000-07:00

Can't wait till Sunday for that hip hop? Tonight, there's even more hip hop to satisfy your cravings!

Louis Logic from Brooklyn, the Let Go of Seattle (featuring friend of the blog Type) and Tulsi (of Seattle, formerly a Spokane native) are hitting Spokane on one of the early spots on their Bar-Hunting tour. Dope!

Friday May 8: Louis Logic, the Let Go, Tulsi, Bad Penmanship and Som Jordan at the BLVD for ages 18 and up!

The Best Hip Hop Show That's Ever Hit Spokane (part 3)

2009-05-08T10:16:00.000-07:00

Up next in the dopest of the dope Spokane hip hop shows: Aceyalone. He wears many a hat, as a founding member of the legendary LA crew Freestyle Fellowship, as a solo artist (most outstandingly the highly acclaimed All Balls Don't Bounce), and as a partner in different groups (Aceyalone & RJD2, Haiku D'Etat with Myka 9 and Abstract Rude, the A-Team with Abstract Rude). The man is an underground hip hop legend.

His new record mixes hip hop and doo-wop and is hands down the best hip hop I've heard all year:

Aceyalone - the Lonely Ones

Sunday May 10: Aceyalone, Abstract Rude, Myka 9, NoCanDo, DJ Drez and Raashan Ahmad at the BLVD for ages 18 and up.

The Best Hip Hop Show That's Ever Hit Spokane (part 2)

2009-05-07T23:11:00.000-07:00

Part two of our series (of the dopest hip hop show ever to hit Spokane) brings us to Abstract Rude, a Los Angeles veteran representing Abstract Tribe Unique. He just released a new record on Rhymesayers produced soley by Vitamin D of Seattle. Hot fire.

Sunday May 10: Aceyalone, Abstract Rude, Myka 9, NoCanDo, DJ Drez and Raashan Ahmad at the BLVD for ages 18 and up.

The Best Hip Hop Show That's Ever Hit Spokane (part 1)

2009-05-04T16:11:00.000-07:00

Here's my contention: that this upcoming Sunday's hip hop show is the strongest Spokane (hip hop) show from start to finish that I can think of (please correct me if I'm wrong). This will be a multiple entry post because there is so much ground to cover. So let's start it off with the opener:

Rashaan Ahmad: We've talked about him a few times before. One of the nicest, most down to earth, dopest emcees around from Oakland, California. Here's the new single from Raashan and his crew the Crown City Rockers:

Crown City Rockers: Body Rock

Sunday May 10: Aceyalone, Abstract Rude, Myka 9, NoCanDo, DJ Drez and Raashan Ahmad at the BLVD for ages 18 and up.

Ariving from Siberia Just Moments Ago

2009-05-03T09:25:00.000-07:00

The Red Elvises are taking North America by storm. Formed in 1995 by two Russian political refugees, the Red Elvises play old fashioned rock and roll tinged by the surf of California and the ethnic taste of their motherland. Should be awesome.

Monday May 4: The Red Elvises and Geoff Johnson at the BLVD. 21+

He Really Looks Like This

2009-04-30T10:55:00.000-07:00

Representing the Chicago super duper handsome dance master production crew Prepschool, DJ Naj is coming to blaze the Spokane dancefloors tomorrow. Naj is a technically skilled scratch DJ as well as a sure-shot producer. It's gonna be bonkers!

Prepschool - Faberware

Friday May 1 at the BLVD: DJ Naj at Awesome Nice! 21+

Poppppa

2009-04-29T10:26:00.000-07:00

Archeology plays catchy indie pop. Check at the Big Dipper tonight with Ruth and Falling Up.

Couch Hound

2009-04-28T21:21:00.000-07:00

Sera Cahoon's got quite the rap sheet, having been a member of the indie rock supergroup Carissa's Wierd and also having drummed on Band of Horses first smash record Funeral. She's now out on her own, signed to a small little label called Sub Pop. Ever heard of it?

Thursday April 30: Sera Cahoone, Betsy Olson, Karli Fairbanks at the BLVD for ages 18 and up.

Listund

2009-04-21T11:22:00.000-07:00

The Listener is one part Dan Smith one part traveling knife salesman. Hailing from Siloam Springs, Arkansas - he has a show full of intimate beat-backed poetry/abstract(y) hip hop. He likes pot lucks, mustaches and touring alongside old washing machines. Bring him some dinner!

Wednesday April 22 at the Empyrean: Listener, Som Jordon, Danny Sherrard, Kurt Olson, Fienix, Danny Danburry. $8 for all ages

Eat It!

2009-04-17T23:16:00.000-07:00

Boy Eats Drum Machine is a one man band from Portland, made up by Jon Ragel. He sings, plays sax, guitar keys, percussion and mans a turntable. Check it out.

Saturday April 18 at the Empyrean: Boy Eats Drum Machine, Jiggywatts, Pegasus Dream, Please Draw In Me.

Wika-Wicked!

2009-04-17T23:13:00.001-07:00

Does this remind anybody of Karate Kid 2?

Dragonforce plays Saturday April 18 at the Knitting Factory.

Barcelona

2009-04-13T13:11:00.001-07:00

barcelona will be back to the big dipper tonight, with what was supposed to be a cd release date. the album got pushed back (signed to universal), but they will still be pushing the tunes live.
one of the few poppy indie bands i'll admit to listening to. these guys have been good to spokane since PlatformBooking started bringing them to town years ago, and for good reason! these guys are solid, catch em at the small venue while you can!

BARCELONA, with THE GLOBES & OLIVE GREEN tonight @ the big dipper 7pm $12 @ the door

OMGDUBSTYLE

2009-04-10T11:54:00.000-07:00

This just in! Velella Velella is bringing their ass-shaking treats to Spokane for a FREEEE show tonight at Whitworth. This will be one of the funnest free treats you ever get to dance along to. Feel the vibration:

Velella Velella - Alex Boom Selector

Friday April 10: United States of Electronica and Velella Velella. FREE at the Whitworth HUB. V.V. plays at 8:15.

Thirsty?

2009-04-09T15:07:00.000-07:00

Rhymesayers rep P.O.S. is coming to town tomorrow. I saw him play with Underoath last summer, and he managed to win the majority of the teenage metalcore fans over by the end of his set. He's a beast on the mic. This video's dope.

Friday April 10: Atmosphere, P.O.S., Attracted to Gods at the Knitting Factory.

Scared?

2009-04-09T13:48:00.000-07:00

Fear Before (the March of Flames) play tonight at the Dip. Cool.

Thursday April 9: Alesana, Drop Dead Gorgeous, Fear Before, I Set My Friends On Fire, Fall From Grace, 10 CC Love Affair at the Big Dipper. 5pm for all ages.

Good

2009-04-08T15:42:00.000-07:00

What a voice! Karli Fairbanks has her CD release show tonight. I first caught onto Karli when I heard Whiskey Flowers - which is quite lovely.

I got a few tastes of her new CD, and woo-whee, it sure is nice. Karli has made the transition from a blooming singer-songwriter to one of the best artists in the Spokane area.

Karli Fairbanks - Some Other Plan

Wednesday April 8: Karli Fairbanks at the Bing Crosby (the Met). 7pm

Is Today Monday?

2009-04-06T11:55:00.000-07:00

Holy swoops! In addition to the Loom show going on at Caterina, there's another kick ass show going down at the brand new BLVD. On a Monday!?!?!!!

I saw the Tanks play in Iowa City last fall, and it was a remarkable experience. They're a 3 piece bass-drum-vocal outfit, but they sounded so full I was trying to see where the guitar player was hiding. It seems their singer likes to dress up, and he was rocking a fierce fur skirt, a hairy belly not unlike my own, and 2 metal gauntlet gloves. They're super loud and super rad.

Also, my pal Coolzey is bringing his hip hop waggalicious funocity raps all the way from Fairfield, Iowa. In another life, I played a show with his old group the Sucka MCs at the Double Dribble!!! How's that for street cred!?!

Monday April 6: The Rhombus, Coolzey, the Tanks, Gliss, Takeover UK at the NEW BLVD - 230 West Riverside. 21+

LOOM (ontology)

2009-04-05T13:00:00.001-07:00

ladies and gentleman, fresh off a huge nasty tour with 'the used' and 'the bled'
i bring to you:
LOOM!
those wonderful kids in slc keep spitting great bands out for tours, and lucky us, they actually come through spokane! (weird, right?) sometimes in grease powered busses with giant octopi on the side, and a dog named daisy at the wheel.
loom won our hearts at a house show 2 years ago with nine worlds. and did not disappoint last year at the empyrean with tour mates jument. this monday, on to the winery! sporting a new album released just this week: selva molhado = new jams! LOOM still sports catchy up beat hardcore riffs, posi-type sing alongs led by an amazing light switching bearded man, and some vigorous electric violining. yes, that's a verb. not much has changed since they first rolled through, except for the fact that they just keep pushing the creative badass genre.

don't miss it! .... but if you have to, at least have someone pick of up the cd for you.
LOOM with local favorites CYRUS FELL DOWN, JEDEDIAH THE PILOT @ CATARINA WINERY (905 n. washington) 7pm $6 THIS MONDAY, APRIL 6TH

Rock of Mine Youth!

2009-04-03T09:35:00.000-07:00

Five o'clock and Running

Mourning After seems to have one foot in the grave, one foot on the stage. A few years back they called it quits, or at least stopped playing shows regularly. But once a year they dust off the old tunes to make Spokane remember the good ol' days of epic emotional rock and roll that filled up Fat Tuesdays and the Big Easy on the reg.

Ben's dreads have grown a little, but not much else has changed. Same dudes smashing the same beers smashing the same tunes smashing your faces.

Saturday April 4 at the NEW BLVD: Mourning After, Pour Soi, Geoff Johnson, Sanctified Sin. 9pm for ages 21 and up.

Mashed

2009-04-02T10:46:00.000-07:00

Paper Mache is from Spokane, sort of. They've been touring pretty hard for the past 2 or so years and are stopping through their 'hometown' on Saturday. Peep this song from their new record Easier to Lose:

Paper Mache: Limelight

Saturday April 4 at Caterina Winery: Paper Mache, Kaylee Cole, Noah Gunderson. All ages welcome.

Its the Beat

2009-04-01T10:47:00.000-07:00

The English Beat have crossed the pond for an 80s ska-pop-reggae-punk revival tour! Whooo!

Wednesday April 1: The English Beat at the Knitting Factory.

True or Faus?

2009-03-30T20:00:00.000-07:00

I don't know much about Faus, but I do know that they rule. These local experimental hardcore kids bring their throttling, jugular bursting thrashes to the 'Hop this week. Based on the two songs on their Myspace, this is not a band to miss.

Faus plays Wednesday, April 1 at 7 pm at the Cretin Hop with Jument, Bone Dance, Elitist, Kingdom & Whalelimb. Ten bones, six with a flyer. All ages.

Understanding is a Smash!

2009-03-29T10:19:00.000-07:00

Thursday's come a long way since emo-core/screamo/post hardcore burst onto the scene a few years back. They rose through the indie hardcore ranks, landed a major label deal, parted ways with said major, released a really cool split with Envy on Temporary Residence (got remixed by Anthony Molina of Mercury Rev), and just put out a new record on Epitaph.

Musically they're pretty much still up to their old tricks, but this video's pretty neat (different).

Thursday plays Sunday March 29 at the Knitting Factory with some other bands.

2009-03-28T19:20:00.000-07:00

Stoners just pick band names better. White Witch Canyon. I'm sorry, it just doesn't get much better than that (OK maybe Orange Goblin). This Bay Area-based stoner rock outfit rips into the 'Kan tomorrow night for a little face-slaying at the Cretin Hop. They've got all the stoner rock standards. Chugga-chugga bass lines? Yep. J. Mascis-length guitar solos? Check. More than one member with a neck-beard? Yes, please.

Sunday, March 28 at 7 pm at the Cretin Hop with Reason for Existence, Throne of Malediction, Aftermath, Turncoat and Shrieks of the Impaled. Seven bucks, all ages.

La La

2009-03-26T20:29:00.000-07:00

This song's nice. Apparently, the Sound of Color takes 5 colors + 5 bands + 5 directors which equals 5 different music videos. Cool! Here's the blue video/song from (Light in the Attic Seattle band) the Blakes. Sounds like the Kinks and the Faces made a sweet pop baby.

Friday March 27 at the BLVD: The Blakes, Good Kids Bad Ideas, Godbear. All ages. 5pm.

Valor Time

2009-03-25T17:10:00.000-07:00

Truckasauras is making their way from Seattle for the 2nd annual Wig Bash. These guys use the Nintendo Game Boy as the main voice of the group, and back it up with a Korg MS-20 and other assorted analog gear to create an electronic/hip hop sound unlike anything you've ever experienced. Rocking trucker hats, swigging Makers and wrapped in the America flag - these guys know how to party.

Truckasauras: Angels Sound Like Bottle Rockets

Saturday March 28: Wig Bash with Shim, Truckasauras, Cyrus Fell Down and See Me River at the BLVD for ages 18 and up!

Rockit

2009-03-25T00:04:00.001-07:00

Allright you local music lovers/haters!

The Inlander is having their annual music issue which will include their 'buzzworthy' bands series. Normally the Inlander polls Spokane's best and brightest booking agents, promoters, club owners and divas for their top 5 buzz(cut)worthy artists, sorts the numbers and calls it a day.

But this year, you, we, the average joe(s) will be able to cast (y)our vote for the peoples buzz award! Yes we can!

So click this link and nominate your choice for "the hottest, brightest, fastest-rising band or artist in the Inland Northwest."

No idea who to nominate? There are some ideas to the right.

Don't let this get turned into some silly popularity contest. Seriously, who the hell is 6 Foot Swing?

ps. voting ends friday at midnight.

B-Boy

2009-03-24T13:49:00.000-07:00

Rashaan Ahmad returns to the Casbah Friday. Frontman for the Crown City Rockers, he's a hell of an emcee. B-Boy is one of my favorite hip hop songs of all time.

Friday March 27 at the Casbah: Rashaan Ahmad and the Jiggywatts for ages 21 and up.

I read a book about a carnifex once.

2009-03-23T10:06:00.000-07:00

Victory Records signed death metal dudes Carnifex play the Empyrean tomorrow. Catch em now before they're headlining the Knit.

Tuesday March 24 at the Empyrean: Carnifex, We Are Devestation, Skies Burn Black, If We Live. It may just sell out, hit up Ryan for tickets.

Sunrifle

2009-03-18T14:19:00.000-07:00

Spokane hip hoppers Gun of the Sun play the Knitting Factory tomorrow. They're some of the best emcees in town, don't sleep

Quiz 10 is a pretty prolific dude. Besides GOTS and his solo tracks, he is a part of the groups ESP, Werd Slingers, and the newly christened Cheap Meat Suits (formerly Demons in Disguise). Here's one of their new tracks:

Cheap Meat Suits: Dead Meadow Master

Knothead, Gun of the Sun, Debutante Savant, Livid Undead, Sic Boy and the SpoKings, Mindclicc, Emperical Dynamics at the Knitting Factory Thursday March 19. All ages.

Nicely Done

2009-03-13T12:16:00.000-07:00

Boston's Arms and Sleepers plays the Empyrean tomorrow night. I like their sound, its like Cinematic Orchestra meets DJ Shadow meets Savath and Savalas. Good stuff.

Saturday March 14 at the Empyrean: The Apple War, Arms and Sleepers, Pegasus Dream, Beluga, Space Station Revival. 7pm for all ages.

Falling Up

2009-03-13T10:40:00.001-07:00

Pullman/Spokane's Cyrus Fell Down kick off their tour tonight at the Empyrean. Go down, buy a shirt and jump up and down.

Cyrus Fell Down, the Globes, The Lonely H and Meteorites Attack! at the Empyrean on Friday March 13. 7pm for all ages.

With Style and Finesse

2009-03-12T07:32:00.000-07:00

James Pants has been touring across Europe with some Spokane good ol' boys (and the Stones Throw crew).

Check out his wacky video blogs here.

Plus there's a free Carhartt/Stones Throw mixtape for your listening pleasure.

Long Hair and Beards

2009-03-12T01:31:00.000-07:00

San Diego's Dirty Sweet bring their gritty classic rock to the BLVD tomorrow. Here's to long hair and beards.

Thursday March 12: Dirty Sweet, The Lonely H and Geoff Johnson at the BLVD. Ages 21 and up.

Beats Me!

2009-03-04T22:23:00.000-08:00

Seattle/San Diago rapper Grieves has been grinding pretty hard for the last few years, touring alongside Rhymesayers representatives Atmosphere, Grayskul and Mac Lethal - who signed Grieves to his Black Clover imprint last year. He's hitting the road with one of his best pals Type, and will be playing Spokane on Sunday.

This is probably one of the funnier videos that any friends of mine have made, and employs a whos who cast of Seattle hip hop figures. Enjoy.

Grieves, Soulcrate, Type and Jiggywatts play the BLVD on Sunday March 8. Ages 18 and up.

Union Reps

2009-03-04T00:45:00.000-08:00

Hailing from Vancouver BC, Sweatshop Union's seven member crew comes to town on Friday.

Based on the tried and true formula [5+ rappers on the stage = hype], it should be a pretty live show.

Sweatshop Union, Gun of the Sun, Sik Nikolas, Som Jordan, 45 at the BLVD: Friday March 6 for ages 21 and up.

Roosters

2009-03-03T06:07:00.001-08:00

The first issue of Crunk Roost hits shelves tonight with a party at the Empyrean. Spokane's always in need of a music-centric 'zine, newspaper or novella (especially since somebody decided they didn't really care anymore).

Ahem, pick up a copy and celebrate!

Tuesday March 3 at the Empyrean: Crunk Roost release party, with Olive Green, Henry Nordstrom, Dane Ueland.

Softies

2009-03-02T22:28:00.001-08:00

Norma Jean's been coming to Spokane long before they signed to Solid State, and Luti-Kriss had two singers and a DJ. Oh, don't we all long for the days of nu-metal glory?

Anyway, here's their new video. It seems a little less intense than their normal amount of heavy spazz math mayhem. Crossover appeal anyone?

Norma Jean, Burn the Attic, The Showgun and Jedediah the Pilot at the Big Dipper on Friday March 6. All ages welcome.

Good Look

2009-03-01T21:56:00.000-08:00

Spokane/Pullman experimental math spazz rockers Cyrus Fell Down are in the running for the wild card slot in the EMP's Sound Off competition in Seattle.

Help the boys out and vote for them. Polls close Monday at 5pm, so get on it.

Repeat!

2009-02-27T08:36:00.000-08:00

Dave Bazan from Pedro the Lion is coming back on Sunday to make up for his cancellation a few weeks back. Here's another great Pedro the Lion tune:

Pedro the Lion: Big Trucks

March 1 at the Empyrean: David Bazan, Karli Fairbanks, Kaylee Cole. 7pm $10 pre $13 door all ages.

Good Spokane Videos

2009-02-23T23:26:00.001-08:00

Are hard to come by. Big ups to Spokane/Bozeman resident Ajax Starglider.

As If

2009-02-23T22:46:00.001-08:00

As if there wasn't much to do Friday night, Murder by Death plays the Dipper.

I had a roommate once who really liked this band - I think he thought they were emo.

Friday February 27 at the Big Dipper: Murder By Death, The Builders and The Butchers, Fake Problems. All ages 7:30pm $12.

Hardcore, this Wednesday

2009-02-23T17:10:00.000-08:00

This Wednesday (02/25), we've got a good mix of hardcore and punk coming to the Empyrean. F'real, something for everyone, check it out:

Seattle's Rebuilt is returning with their breed of melodic hardcore. Reserved and yet still energetic. If the tough guy garbage isn't your jam, give these guys a chance. No jocks or pit beef - just hesher groovin', fist pumpin' tracks. Look for these guys to come through in late March as well.

SoCal's Trends bring metallic hardcore jams, backed with radical, in-your-face vegan/straight edge politics. Earth Crisis only cares about money, this is the real disillusioned youth. Oh, and they're bike nerds. Go figure.

Rounding out the show for locals are Wound Up (upping the punx), Whalelimb (now featuring Alex... er, me, from Behold on vokillz), and Plaguing Me (dudes from both bands). These are the bands the 15 year-olds of tomorrow will be jocking, so check 'em out while you're ahead of the curve.

$5 (unreal!) at 6:00 PM. The Empyrean, 154 S. Madison. Come hang out, get your rock on... unless you hate fun.

Dynamic

2009-02-23T00:59:00.000-08:00

The Helio Sequence bring their unique brand of indie rock to Spokane on Friday. I saw the Sub-Poppers play the Capitol Hill Block Party a few years back, and was pleasantly surprised. For a two piece band, they have a very full sound - plus the drummer seemed to have more fun drumming than pretty much any drummer I've ever seen play.

The BLVD: Friday, February 27. The Helio Sequence, Yarn Owl, Please Draw in Me, Pegasus Dream. $8 for ages 18 and up.

A Mouthful

2009-02-18T19:02:00.000-08:00

The Appleseed Cast bring their emo turned epic indie post rock to Spokane tomorrow.

I don't really know much about these guys, 'cept they've been playing emo for quite some time, before skinny jean clad teenagers became the norm. Nowadays they're more on this instrumental post rock thing, a la Explosions in the Sky.

Here's a song from their new album Sagarmatha:

The Appleseed Cast: As The Little Things Go

Thursday February 19: The Appleseed Cast, Portrait of a Gentleman, Paper Astronomer at the Empyrean.

Will This Dave Cancel?

2009-02-14T19:06:00.000-08:00

Hope David Byrne's show is anywhere near this awesome.

David Byrne plays the Fox on Thursday February 19.

Best of Vapor

2009-02-13T10:14:00.000-08:00

If you haven't seen Belt of Vapor before, tonight you've got a chance to see the best band in Spokane for free.

I'm not sure why BoV is so damned good. Complex, loud, intricate, fantastic. Here's a song off their new record:

Belt of Vapor: Shy/Asshole Confusion

Belt of Vapor plays the Sommies tonight with Oil of Angels and Mon Cheri. FREE for ages 18 and up at the BLVD.

Indian Winter - Cancelled?

2009-02-12T15:18:00.000-08:00

According to Dave Bazan's website, the show is cancelled. Bummer dude.

Dave Bazan of Pedro the Lion (and Headphones) is coming back to town. I really wanted to hate Pedro the Lion for a long time, I thought that it was all sad bastard pappy nonsense. Maybe I wasn't really too far off. Maybe I just realized that I like sad bastard pap.

Here's probably my favorite Pedro the Lion song, from the undeniably amazing album Control:

Pedro the Lion: Indian Summer

~~Friday January 13 at the Empyrean: Pedro the Lion, Yarn Owl, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. 7pm. All Ages.~~

How The Young Have Fallen

2009-01-30T10:08:00.000-08:00

I've always really liked the Globes. I first heard them when my friend Will started sending me songs his band For Years Blue was recording. They won a few Battle of the Bands, and were in or around the 10th grade. They were suprisingly pretty damn good. Here's a taste of probably my favorite For Years Blue tune, alas I never saw them play it live:

For Years Blue: D Beam Controller

They continued to get better. Will left the band at some point. I always kind of figured that they'd break up, as most young bands do, move along or go to college in different towns. But somehow, they managed to change their name to the Globes, and move out to Seattle to make it big in rock and roll. Here's a jam off their new EP. Love it.

The Globes: Killers and Saints

Tiny Vipers, The Globes, Kaylee Cole and Grant Olson play the Empyrean on Saturday January 31. 7pm, $7, All Ages.

True Livin'

2009-01-30T09:54:00.001-08:00

Portland's Lifesavas make their way to the Casbah tonight. They've crushed Spokane several times before, you may remember Vursatyl's insane rhymes over Jumbo's fire production one a few wonderful occasions at the B-Side. Normally backed by DJ Rev Shines, tonight they'll be backed by Blackalicious' own Chief Xcel.

Here's a track from their first record Spirit in Stone. Note Vurs completely tearing the first verse apart by the letter.

Lifesavas: It's Over

Lifesavas, Jiggywatts, and Som at the Casbah on Friday January 30. 9:30 pm. 21+

Bringing Em Back!

2009-01-26T11:55:00.000-08:00

Oh man, one of the funniest videos ever.

Dirt Nasty, ahem, Simon Rex, returns to the BLVD on Friday.

I think this video speaks for itself.

Dirt Nasty, Andre Legacy and Beardo play the BLVD on Friday January 30 for ages 18 and up.

Ughh Ain't Dead!!!

2009-01-23T12:08:00.001-08:00

This weekend we get a very special visit from two unique camps of underground hip hop. Sole of Anticon and Myka Nyne of Freestyle Fellowship play the BLVD on Saturday night.

Spokane's had a few different visits from the Anticon camp - ~~Themselves~~ Subtle opened for Minus the Bear a while back and Why? played alongside Wayne Patrick last year, but we haven't had the crew/label's founder Sole visit our fair city. Sole can make some pretty weird music. Here's one of the more accessible tracks from Sole's early material:

Sole: Year of the $exxx $ymbol

Myka Nyne hails from Los Angeles California and is a member of the seminal ground Freestyle Fellowship, who formed at the very famous open mic sessions at the Good Life Cafe in the early 90s. He's got a truly unique voice, check him out on this collaboration with Prefuse 73:

Prefuse 73 with Myka Nyne: Life Death

Myka Nyne and Sole play the BLVD on Saturday January 24. Gun of the Sun opens. 9pm, 21 and up, $7.

Hardcore at the Hop this Saturday

2009-01-22T11:30:00.000-08:00

Excuse the horrible title, it's the best I can manage on 3 hours of sleep.

This Saturday (01/24), Seattle's Vanguard returns to the Cretin Hop. In tow are Providence, RI's Soul Control (on Rivalry Records, legit label - check 'em out), Ill Intent (Seattle), More Than Heroes (Portland), and Wound Up opening. More surprises are bound to happen...

If you've been living under a rock, you can find all the bands on myspace. Plenty of singalongs, fun, and limited merch is guaranteed to be had.

Doors at 6:00, $10. Show's a little spendy, but touring ain't easy or cheap.

Anybody Else Remember This?

2009-01-20T20:41:00.000-08:00

Can't wait for summer!

Music For All Ages

2009-01-18T21:51:00.001-08:00

The state of the all-ages music scene is in a little bit of limbo right now, as there are some potential city ordinance amendments that will:

1. Require concert attendees to be age 16 and up.
2. Require venues to have $1,000,000 of insurance.

While I'm not sure how much that insurance costs, I do know that all ages venues don't really make much money, and mo' money = mo' problems.

And surely there are kids under the age of 16 that would like something as safe, fun and culturally benificial as enjoying live music. Seriously, this age limit makes no sense to me.

In anticipation of a rumble, the Public Safety Committee will be holding a meeting on Tuesday January 20 at 10:30 in City Hall Room 5A.

Please attend.

Give Em Some Slack

2009-01-15T10:52:00.000-08:00

On Saturday night indie singer/songwriter Seattlite Damien Jurado plays the Empyrean's 2 Year Anniversary Bash.

To be honest, the closest I've ever come to listening to his music is when I helped a friend list one of his records on eBay. That being said, Jurado's the real deal - as he's been involved with a handful of respectable record labels like Sub Pop, Secretly Canadian, Tooth and Nail and Made in Mexico.

With a video this creepy, he's gotta be legit, right?

Damien Jurado plays Saturday January 17 with Karli Fairbanks and Kevin Long.

Sommies!

2009-01-14T13:15:00.000-08:00

Voting for the 4th annual Sommie Awards is happening right now. Take a second and go vote for your favorite local bands/rappers/singers/artists!

www.thesomshow.com

Tighten Up Them Jeans!

2009-01-13T18:05:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to the Empyrean Coffee House, who will be celebrating two years of business with a weekend of great shows.

Friday night features Love You Long Time, the Salt Lake City/LA electro rap dance spandex keytar American Apparelites. The kids have gotta love this.

Love You Long Time: the Power

Love You Long Time plays Friday January 16 with Goodnight Sunrise, Teen Hearts, Jiggywatts, James Pants, Peter Parker and Pegasus Dream.

So Much Inspiration

2009-01-13T17:55:00.000-08:00

Apologies for my lack of posts. All I've wanted to do since the snow fell was stay inside, watch Law and Order reruns and dance to David Bowie songs in my pjs.

Souls of Mischief are bringing some much needed sunny golden hip hop to Spokane on Thursday. You may know them as members of the mighty Bay Area Heiroglyphics crew, or maybe you just know them from the still classic "93 til Infinity."

Hip Hop connoisseurs, rejoice.

Souls of Mischief play at the BLVD on Thursday, January 15. Bukue One, the Serendipity Project and Jiggywatts open. Aegs 18 and up welcome.

all ages?

2009-01-02T13:01:00.000-08:00

I was handed down a copy a couple days ago of a proposed City ordinance, brought forward by Police Licensing Officer Max Hewitt and City Attorney Tim Szamblen, which could be on the Spokane City Council agenda within a couple of weeks. Bob was able to get Council President Joe Shogan to keep it off the agenda for last monday.

The proposed ordinance makes many changes to the cabaret license law, including creating a new term of "all ages clubs" - or some such term - copies went out to the Inlander and to the Empyrean to share with various peeps there. Among the obvious major changes, it would require insurance to be purchased by the cabaret license holder of $1 million naming the City as coinsured, and sets a minimum attendance age limit of 16 years old, requiring identification checks for all people entering. It would also require all license holders to sign a "Good Neighbor Agreement" - much as RAWK did this summer. As you might know, this mechanism gives the Police Licensing Officer more independent discretion, and reduces the process needed to yank a license. "You can't gather here anymore."

Luke Baumgarten intends to call Max Hewitt and Councilman Apple, to inquire about the purposes behind the ordinance. Bob said that an e-mail he received about it referred to the recent closure of (we are guessing) The Cretin Hop due to a liquor law violation (apparently allowing the public to enter a banquet permit event - but I don't know the details). How that translates into these proposed changes is inconceivable.

Bob Apple has asked for a copy of the proposed ordinance as a PDF, so it can be distributed easily, but has yet to receive that.

I have to assume that the Mayor would not support this language - her son (who attended an all ages show at the big dipper for his 11th birthday) would be unable to attend our shows for the next couple years - but time will tell. A veto could be overridden with 5 Council votes, but Bob doesn't think that any Council members asked for this proposal to be developed - it just magically appeared.

i'll keep the blog updated to any changes that come up in the next week, as well as the city council's date for when this issue should be up for discussion.
support the all ages!

goodbye hannah

2008-12-27T14:02:00.001-08:00

hannah reader played at the empyrean coffee house this last tuesday.
this is important because:
a. no one was there
b. she is amazing
c. this was her last show in spokane before moving to portland.

hannah is a young piano heartbreaker/singer; dresses to impress, has very long shiny hair and has seen dapper young men defend her honor at local dive bars.

if you missed it: check some tunes here. send her love letters. tell her you'll miss her, even though you probably never knew her.
your last chance:
12-28-2008 on KYRS 92.3FM "Crossroads" @ 1pm

shame on portland for stealing another of our peeps, but good luck to hannah in her new adventures.

Stoners & Punks tomorrow at the Cretin Hop

2008-12-16T12:17:00.000-08:00

I meant to make a post about this show earlier, but Andrew took forever with that invite...

Tomorrow night (12/17), Reno's Farley Overdose plays the Cretin Hop. Assuming that anyone will know any of the bands I talk about - they sound like High On Fire's Surrounded by Thieves being played by Septic Death. Just fast and sludgy hardcore punk with stoner metal crossover elements. The last time Farley came through, they played a 10'x10' garage in the middle of the Gonzaga area; and then promptly out-partied everyone within the vicinity.

Download their demos (that's 11 songs) here and here

Godbear, Lord Kelvin, J-Splo, and Bluebird (from Bellingham) are playing support. 1317 N. Howard (behind Value Village), 6:00 PM, $5.

Ahhhh, Metal!

2008-12-08T16:52:00.001-08:00

There's something about the Sword that makes me really happy. Maybe its the ridiculousness of metal, maybe the long hair, maybe its just the wicked riffs.

I really can't keep a straight face listening to this stuff, it makes me smile as I strum some air guitar and wish I played in a metal band.

Anyway, the Sword plays tomorrow night with Lamb of God (yikes) at the Knitting Factory.

These guys rule.

The Sword: Barael's Blade

Connect For

2008-12-08T16:25:00.000-08:00

Common Market's pretty damn dope. With hot hot rhymes from RA Scion and super duper fire beats from Sabzi (of Blue Scholars), you can't really go wrong.

Their new album Tobacco Road is chocked full of classic throwback production and RA Scion's whole hearted take on religion, the south, hip hop and good ole fashioned farmers rebelling.

Here's an oldie but goodie, that solidified my love for the group.

Common Market: Every Last One [cornerstone remix - radio edit]

Common Market plays Friday December 12 at the BLVD with Blue Scholars and Jiggywatts.

Oh Baby

2008-12-04T14:29:00.000-08:00

Not sure if many people know that the mighty funky Velella Velella is coming to town this weekend. What a show they put on, don't miss it.

Friday night at Whitworth with Point Juncture, WA.

Saturday night with James Pants at the Casbah.

Here's the first track I heard from the boys, back when they were a humble Spokane two piece, that really caught my ear.

Velella Velella: Nothin But A Bunch Of Empty Sunglasses Cases

Printing

2008-11-28T18:29:00.000-08:00

If you hung around Wednesday nights at the B-Side in its hayday, you probably saw Cursive Adonis on the mic. Laid back, pitcher in hand, Cursive had a voice resembling Del and the cadence to match. He played a bunch of shows around town and the northwest, tracked a bunch of songs, then moved to Seattle. Musically speaking, Cursive hasn't really been heard of since.

About once a year, Cursive's name shows up on a handbill - but he has a propinsety of not quite showing up.

On Saturday 11/29, Cursive is set to play Caterina at the Bad Penmanship 5th annual hip hop showcase with Terms, Synthetic, Drew Slums, Quiz, Jaeda and a bunch more. Hope he shows up!

Here's a few tracks:

Terms None featuring Cursive Adonis: Reality Doses

Sentence featuring Locke and Cursive Adonis: Above Water

The Spokesman Review: Irrelevant as Ever

2008-11-21T13:33:00.000-08:00

I was sorry to hear that the 7 (the Spokesman's attempt at a weekly) cut food critic Tom Bowers a few months back.

I was even more sorry to hear that they cut longtime music writer Isamu Jordan a few weeks back.

Now that the 7's going to stop running, I'm not really too sorry.

I know, I know. Its hard to run a newspaper these days! The internets are taking away all their readers!! There's no money in publishing!!!

But I (and many like myself) now have no reason to turn to anything the Spokesman publishes. The internets have all we need. I'm not going to pay 50 cents to find occasional articles about local music/nightlife every Friday. I'd rather look in the Inlander, Out There, the Meeting Northwest, or the myspace pages of local bands/venues.

Oh well.

Loud

2008-11-17T22:55:00.001-08:00

Shim's coming to town this weekend.

You know what you're in for?

Loud Noises.
Over the Top.
Big Hair.
Bright Lights.
Huge Riffs.
Jean Vests.
Fun.

Hell yeah.

Shim with Pretty Faces and Scissors for Lefty at the BLVD on Saturday 11/22.

A Crown City Rocker

2008-11-16T21:14:00.000-08:00

The Crown City Rockers are the nicest people in hip hop. I haven't come across a group as friendly, down to earth, funny, kindheated and super duper fresh as can be as Crown City.

Frontman Raashan Ahmad released his solo record the Push this summer. It's fantastic: choked full of b-boy swagger, sharp rhymes and soulful production.

The video for 'Peace' just dropped. I'm loving it.

Raashan Ahmad plays at the Casbah on Friday November 21.

Hockey Signs to the Majors!

2008-11-12T12:30:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Hockey, who have unsurprisingly signed to Capitol Records for the US releases and Virgin Records for UK releases.

Well done boys.

Sunny Days

2008-11-10T10:48:00.000-08:00

Jeremy Enigk. Sunny Day Real Estate. I wasn't ever blown away by the importance of Diary, the proclaimed "first emo record." But I did happen to get into their final record the Rising Tide, which I still think is a beautiful rock and roll album, with Jeremy's lovely falsetto and crunchy guitar riffs blaring in my Ford Tempo on the way out to Cheney.

His new solo record moves into a lighter direction than my experience with his projects. I first heard the song Cannons on KEXP, and instantly recognized Enik's voice. A few days later I picked up the record World Waits, again full of falsetto, lush textures and tales of love.

Here's the mp3:
Jeremy Enigk - Cannons

Jeremy Enigk plays at the BLVD on Monday November 17.

Pants continues to smoke!

2008-09-18T10:43:00.000-07:00

I was glad to hear that James Pants was putting together a live band, but I was even more glad to hear that Justin Walter (Belt of Vapor) would be drumming. He is one of the best drummers in town period. They hit Europe in a few weeks.

His new single just dropped, and includes a remix from the ultra hipster team of XXXChange and A-Trak! Holy electro madness!

Rumor has it he's been cooking up remixes for Beck, Dam Funk, and a handful of other folks I'm not savvy enough to know about.

Here's a Pants mix he did over for the folks at Brooklyn Radio.

And here's a remix of KA$H!!!!

HOLY HELL!

At Least the Video's Clever

2008-09-17T14:47:00.000-07:00

When I was a young(er) man, a rapper from Los Angeles named Joey the Jerk told me about a rap group called the Living Legends. He told me that they ruled LA underground hip hop. They would appear outside the clubs of shows they weren't playing, and would sling their records to fans waiting to get in. They ruled LA!

I never quite got into the Legends as a group, but I have always appreciated most of their solo/side endeavors, especially Murs, Scarub and Grouch & Eligh. But when the Legends get together, they put on a hell of a show.

They hit the Knitting Factory on Saturday, 9/20. The Bayliens (from the bay?), Portland's Sandpeople and the Spokane Bad Pen Crew are opening.

Automatic

2008-09-11T11:07:00.000-07:00

I really loved Less Than Jake back when I was 14 or so... Their album Losing Streak was one of my favorites. I was young, ska was huge, and that angsty punk ska really did the trick for me.

I lost touch after that album, and a few years back I heard they ditched the horns after ska fell off the long cliff of trendiness. But as I perused their myspace page, I hear they've got horns (again?).

Dopeman wasn't really my favorite song from Losing Streak, but video-wise its quite superior to the others....

Less Than Jake plays with Rancid at the Knitting Factory on September 13.

Your Name Here

2008-09-09T22:52:00.000-07:00

I had a hard time finding a picture of Velella Velella that did their live show justice. I mean, how do you capture the essence of such fun a show that even a sloth like me gets dancing? Its tricky, apparently.

But this is a given. Velella Velella will make you dance. Even you. Even me.

They've got roots in Spokane, as Andrew Means and Michael Burton strayed from the indie rock that they'd been playing and started working on a downtempoy experimentaly type of project with live instrumentation with analog gear (vibes, synths, wurly, among others) over sampled drum loops. As they moved to Seattle, a few members were added, and V.V. started incorporating vocals into their songs, which kept getting funkier, bouncier, dancier (danceyer?), hotter, funner, awesomer.

Their newer EP Flight Cub is five songs of soulful glory. Here's an MP3 of one of my favorites:

Velella Velella - Your Name Here

Velella Velella plays Thursday September 11 at the BLVD with Point Juncture, WA and La Cha Cha. Don't miss it.

Missing

2008-09-04T11:26:00.000-07:00

I've been a fan of Onry Ozzborn and his crew Oldominion since my late teens/early twenties. He's grown into a very talented emcee/producer (peep his new Gigantics project) and I would argue that his Grayskul partner JFK is hands down the best rapper in Seattle.

Their new video Missing is one of my favorite songs on their new(er) record Bloody Radio. See if you can spot Spokane alum John Schirmer.

Here's a really old Onry MP3 (circa 1998-1999), from his album Owleye: featuring JFK, Pegee 13 and Foralax.

Onry: Matera 17 (f. JFK, Foralax & Pegee 13)

Grayskul plays at the BLVD on Sunday September 7 with Grynch, Phil in the Blank, Knothead and Bela Union.

No Woman No-Fi

2008-08-28T15:39:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love No-Fi Soul Rebellion? Maybe the dudes that don't like getting coerced into the electric slide by a sweaty screaming man? Maybe the girls who don't like getting hauled onto the dance floor to strap on a guitar for a sweet solo?

I've had the pleasure of playing with and/or seeing No-Fi quite a few times over the years, and every single time I've seen them play I've left fully satisfied. Mark is outgoing and hilarious, Andrea coy and subtle. Quite the duo.

A few of my favorite No-Fi (mark) moments.

Mark gets a bunch of kids to sit on the floor of the Detour and sing rhythm section for "Just What I Needed."
Mark takes a slice of pizza from someone (at the same Detour show), wipes it on his face like a towel, and gives it back to them.
The numerous times I have seen beer dumped on Mark and/or Mark dumps beer on himself, with full enthusiasm.
Mark at the B-Side during Hoopfest weekend runs outside to a closed off empty street, screaming at the top of his lungs.
Mark's screaming bass solos. Wasn't there some Mozart in there?

No-Fi plays Friday 8/29 at the Zombie Room with the Makers and Pour Soi.

Democrats 1, Hockey 0

2008-08-28T12:10:00.000-07:00

My condolences go out to Hockey, who have had some automotive problems in Denver.

I was really looking forward to checking them out last night with James Pants, but the Mile High City had another plan.... Damn you Democratic Convention!!!

I definitely slept on Hockey, who garnered all sort of press during their stay in Spokane. It wasn't until I got the chance to see them in Portland did I realize what I'd been missing. Fun hooks, dance beats and a fantastic voice fronting the whole show.

Their EP Mind Chaos is really fucking good. They've even managed to press vinyl. Fantastic.

Here's an MP3 of one of my favorite tunes from the album:

Hockey - Work.

You can buy their record CD here. Vinyl here.