Thursday, February 11, 2010

WHAT'S UP / CRUISER Alberta Street






It was the last Thursday of June, and the pavement of Alberta street was blanketed by the feet of countless people, all together for this once a month gathering that takes place each last Thursday during the warm season on Alberta. The street was lined with street musicians and artists selling their works. Suddenly, in the middle of the street an electric band had set up. Two electric bands. What's up? and Cruiser. Soon a very diverse crowd had assembled around the bands as they played a very brief set, expecting at any time to be asked to stop by local police. Robby, Teddy, and Brian (What's Up?) started the set, and alternated with Dave and Andy (Cruiser), mostly two songs for two songs. This was devised as sort of a safety net in case the show were to get cut short since there was a new rule of no amplified music outdoors, and ensured both bands would get to play. I had the mics too hot at first, so the recording begins blown out, but cleans up shortly after. This is one of my favorite recordings.




Wednesday, February 10, 2010

HERE COMES A BIG BLACK CLOUD Camel House


If you want tons of people at your show, share a bill with this band. They roll deep. You might even call them "Here Comes a Big-Ass Crowd". Travis, Nick, Soo, Dain, and Sauce on this recording, I believe. It was the heat of late summer and everyone was sweating in this tiny, unventilated chasm of a basement. .Being situated a mere block or so from Javier's Tacqueria was the reward, and everyone cashed in. After the show, Javier's was as packed as the show was. They should have given the band free tacos.




band site

Monday, February 8, 2010

TINY KNIVES The Salad House


This band. All female. It's like a trip to outer space propelled by a rocket that has been shoved up your ass. Jai from our last post (POP ) is the Singer/guitarist. She is also turning out to be the new great matriarch of rock in Portland. On bass, probably the cutest girl ever, Ursula. Seriously, i can only talk to her for about 30 seconds before i have to run away for fear of fainting and thus embarassing myself. The drummer, I have only met a couple times, she is tougher than goat shit, but as nice as a meadow in may. Her name is Jamey (Vonneguts). This band fills the void left in me ever since Team Dresch stopped performing. That is a very high compliment. Recorded at 'gator sausage' Kevin's birthday party. What a wild party it was.


P.O.P. (Popitilopitilus)



Chelsea, Dane, Joel, Jai, & Shirt. This was in August of '09, Chelsea's farewell performance before she left town. I can describe this band for you in one word. Authentic. if i were to use two words, they would be "ass kickin'". the first time i saw this band, everyone was in costume, there was a bullhorn, a big flag, all kinds of weirdness. At this show and others around this time period, there was no bullhorn, Chelsea had a mic, and costuming was minimal, but every detail was loud and clear. it was a pure stomping of my ass, and ears. so hear you go, download this next time you need your ass whooped by real, authentic punk rock.