
I've probably said this here before, but no album has more excited for 2010 than Laura Gibson's collaboration with sound sculptor Ethan Rose. Though we still don't have too much concrete information on the release, we do know this: the record is called Bridge Carols , and it's out on February 9 via Holocene Music. A few months ago I spoke to Gibson about Bridge Carols (at the time she couldn't reveal the title), and she mentioned that the basis of the project was to make each other uncomfortable. Rose's music, until this point, [...]

die dünnen, strohblonden haare lässig über die schulter geworfen, über die ohren große kopfhörer gestülpt, hockt laura gibson an der bar und schaut lächelnd in den vor ihr aufgebauten laptop. ein freundliches, flinkes wesen grüßt dort drüben also via oregon zu uns herüber. ein schüchternes treiben ansonsten in den kellerartigen gewölben der roten sonne. so bleibt mir zeit, die junge dame so genau wie möglich zu studieren, da ich in der ecke hockend mit einer flasche bier die zeit vertreiben muss. für manche ist es früher abend, für andere wie mich hat die nacht längst begonnen. 22:00 uhr [...]

The cheery lady selling tickets at Mississippi Studios refused to check my ID for the guest list under the assumption that "friends of Laura Gibson aren't liars." It gave me a warm feeling to be trusted by a perfect stranger, a feeling that aligned well with the resulting mood of a night brought to life by fragile sounds from honest people. With violins and whispery vocals, Rauelsson lulled the shivers of a crowd freshly chilled from the rain outside. Tranquil fans smartly dressed in scarves and pea coats scattered themselves [...]

This year's most-asked questions, according to Google search terms: 1. Why no AC/DC on iTunes? 2. Whatever happened to Samantha Mumba? 3. Who owns guitar hero? 4. What happened to Rick Waller? 5. Who is Beth Ditto? 6. What genre are Kasabian? 7. Who's gay in hip-hop? 8. Where does Chad Kroeger live? 9. Why the Fugees split? 10. When are the Brit Awards 2010? This were new, and might be worth having a looks at: The Clientelle - Bonfires On The Heath [...]
update november ***** 1. scott matthew – there is an ocean that divides… ****1/2 2. yo la tengo – popular songs 3. evangelista – prince of truth 4. the felice brothers – yonder is the clock 5. bill callahan - sometimes i wish we were an eagle **** - ****1/2 6. alasdair roberts – spoils 7. laura gibson – beasts of seasons 8. alela diane – to be still **** 9. magnolia electric co. [...]
Each year as we move closer to the holiday season, the local concern calendar usually begins to diminish. Like many of us, bands tend this time of year to take a break from touring and playing shows. Lucky for us in Portland, this Saturday is full of awesome local shows despite the upcoming holidays. Starting on november 5th and going until the 8th is the annual Siren Nation Festival which showcases and creates performance and exhibition opportunities for women. Along with arts and crafts exhibits, Siren Nation will be hosting a week of music kicking [...]

[Hey, it's Sam Sparro's birthday on Saturday; shouldn't there be a dance party somewhere? Here's how the weekend shapes up ...] Today: Strokes frontman Julian Casablancas starts his monthlong Friday night residency at downtown's Palace Theatre to showcase the music from his solo debut "Phrazes for the Young." The synth-heavy material, with its big pop choruses, is a departure from the Strokes' garage-rock, but it sounded good at his warm-up show Monday night . Rainbow Arabia opens. ... It's the final night [...]

The Happy Hollows Monday Residency at Spaceland Starts This Week Sorry for the lack of posts, thanks for sticking with me. I caught Kris Kristofferson at the Walt Disney Concert Hall last night. You've got to be a fan of his poetry, because he's not a dynamic performer. That said, he's a legend and I was happy to see him for a second time. I've missed all the recent "secret" shows, but there are a few more this week... Monday 11/2/09 [...]
PICK OF THE WEEK Pixies Doolittle Tour Wed 11/4 w/ No Age Thurs 11/5 w/ Black Gold Fri 11/6 w/ Rain Machine Hollywood Palladium THIS WEEK'S TICKET GIVEAWAYS Bostich + Fussible Nortec Collective Presents Thurs 11/5 Echoplex Info [ ENTER TO WIN ] [...]

"Maar wanneer komt Gibson nou eens deze kant op voor wat optredens?" schreef ik ooit . Nu is het dan eindelijk zo ver. Laura Gibson is komende woensdag 23 september te zien in Paradiso, op 15 november staat ze in Roepaen en, alsof dat niet genoeg is, komt ze in december terug voor optredens in Utrecht en Groningen. Ik had het geluk dat ik Laura dit jaar en vorig jaar een aantal malen live aan het werk heb kunnen zien in Austin, Texas. Ze is allesbehalve een podiumbeest, is wat tuttig gekleed (sorry Laura) [...]

So why not send our former intern, Jenny Booth, to a festival in the UK, right? Heck, if it helps her with a press pass, we feel pretty damn good about it. -Ed. Having studied my degree in Cardiff—and always longed for a music festival on my doorstep—it was downright mean of Swn Fest's organizers to start it up the year I left school. Three years on, though, and I'm finally in the right place at the right time—if a little apprehensive as to how one of the world's smallest capital cities will rival last months [...]

Kurt Vile Plays Spaceland on Friday Night Here's an abridged version of my live music options post. Pretty great weekend for shows. Friday 10/23/09 [Pick of the Night] Kurt Vile & the Violators / White Arrows / Under the Asbury @ Spaceland ($10) - Talented guy from Philly with a new album out on Matador. Jay Farrar & Ben Gibbard /John Roderick @ El Rey (Sold Out) - Performing the songs [...]

I recently got the recommendation to listen to Laura Gibson from my blogmate, Christopher , and I've been absolutely loving everything I've heard so far. She's fantastically minimalistic, and though the songs are certainly not too simple, they certainly let you focus on the beauty of the composition. As I become enamored with the music of yet another Pacific Northwesterner, I must wonder what it is about that particular geographic region that entices me so. If I had to guess, I'd say the general irreverence of the area is a major factor. Laura released her third album with [...]

This is, sadly, the final tour diary from our buds Church. Thanks again for contributing guys, and next time you head out on tour we'll be waiting. -Ed. Friday, October 9th: Santa Cruz Food! We watched some barking food underneath the dock. That's Little Hot Dog in the blue sweater. So little and hot-dog like. [...]
PICK OF THE WEEK The Decemberists Here Come The Waves: The Hazards Of Love Visualized UCLA Royce Hall Monday, October 19 Info THIS WEEK'S TICKET GIVEAWAYS Why? w/ Au & Serengetti & Polyphonic Tuesday, October 20 Echoplex Info [ ENTER TO WIN ] Jay Reatard Shattered [...]

A Portland folk-pop juggernaut comes together like Voltron and makes some very pretty music in the process. [STRING THEORY] Jeremy Faulkner is fascinated by guitars. That might not come as much of a surprise—guitars are what guitar-playing frontmen are usually obsessed with—until you hear Ah Holly Fam'ly's layered, intricate arrangements. The group makes a point of emphasizing everything but the guitar. "Until I was in my early 20s, guitar was the only instrument I cared about," 28-year-old Faulkner says. "I listened to music and if there was a string [...]

I had a nice little trip out to NY, saw family & friends, caught an improv show in the city (Magnet Theater....it was hilarious) and saw Paranormal Activity (It did what it was supposed to...scare the fuck out of me). Now it's back to business... No Kuestionnaire today, I just back yesterday and barely had time to piece one together, but I'll make that up for you this weekend as we will be getting exclusive access to the Treasure Island Festival ! So expect some surprises and awesome 'treasures' [...]

Blk Jks Play Spaceland On Thursday Nights like Thursday are just a cruel joke to live music fans. It's another insane week of shows - old legends, new legends, 90's heroes and current Pitchfork darlings. I caught Polvo last Saturday. The problems I had with their set list a few months back at the Echoplex were corrected. Great set. They played everything I wanted to hear. Monday 10/12/09 [Pick of the Night] Light FM [...]