By David Bolt
Is it just me, or is Portland Oregon killing it in 2008 as far as the live show is concerned? I look at my calendar and it is just chalked full of what I'm hoping will be some of the most epic live shows that I get a chance to lay eyes on. I suppose it just depends on your musical tastes. I consider myself to be a pretty eclectic guy as far as music goes...I love it all. From indie rock, to hip hop, to experimental-ambient-electronic based music featuring a guy playing the spoons ...There is sure to be an artist in there that stimulates my electronic pulses of amusement.
Sooooooo...
I figured it was blog-worthy to mention some of the most notable shows playing in ol' Puddletown. And hey if your not in or near Portland no big deal...Most of these artists are just coming through on tour, so you may be able to find them in a city near you.
Radiohead
Ok, so this show isn't even in Portland, or even in Oregon. It's in Auburn, WA which is about 150 miles away. But, it's RADIOHEAD!!! I'd say that whatever city I'm in, there's about a 400 mile radius that I'm ok to travel within to see these boys from Oxsfordshire. I'm sure they will be playing lots of new material from their latest album In Rainbows as well as a slew of other hits from their previous endeavors. My fellow guru Jason was up at 6:00 A.M to nab tickets for this show and rightfully so...They sell out with the quickness, so check out where they'll be.
Sigur Ros
Whew! Finally get to check them off of my list of bands to see before I kick the bucket. I have been wanting to see these Icelandic wonders for many a year now, and with the release of their latest album Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust, or in English With a Buzz in Our Ears We Play Endlessly, they have no better reason to come on out to the Pacific Northwest. As if their signature lush arrangements, melodies and vocals weren't enough on their own, their epic "glacier music" will only be accented by the fact that they are playing at the The Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, which from what I understand is an excellent concert hall with amazing acoustics. Yep, this tour should be one for the books right here.
M83
Gotta admit...M83's newest record Saturday = Youth was a bit of a creeper album for me. Upon the first few listens I wasn't the hugest fan. But leave it to a few lengthy headphone sessions to really pick up on the massive amounts of layering and sonic hugeness which is staple of M83's music to bring me full circle. Certain songs on the album sounds like they could just as easily have been released in the late 80's as opposed to 2008, but I gotta tell you I'm a fan. Plus I'm sure there will be loads of other hits from previous albums all of which I love. I'm also looking forward to seeing Anthony Gonzalez of M83 playing with a full band which is what you get with this 2nd tour of 2008 plus it will be at the uber hip Doug Fir Lounge which is a pretty cool spot, albeit usually packed to the teeth. Check out all of M83's tour dates.
My Morning Jacket
Aperion's own Jason Hicks hipped me to these funk-country infused indie rockers from Kentucky. I mean, I had heard the name of the band for years, but for some reason they sat as one of those bands that I heard a lot about, but never picked up an album to listen to. No longer...From what I have heard so far, I am indeed a fan and am looking forward to checking out their September 27th show at McMenamins Edgefield Amphitheater. They will be playing material from their latest greatest, Evil Urges which from what I hear is a large departure from previous material. But I care not! The title track from their new album is awesome. It's been stuck in my head for days on end. Check out all their tour dates.
A Tribe Called Quest - Rock the Bells Tour
Hooooooooooooooly hip hop Batman. This has got to be one of the most ridiculous lineups ever for a hip hop event to date. A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Sage Francis, Mos Def, Nas, and MF Doom are just a few of the heavy hitters that will grace the stage this year. I myself have never got a chance to see A Tribe Called Quest do to the fact that they played with exceptional sparsity over the last 10 years, so this should be an event not to be missed. Plus, sadly, I have yet to see a show at The Gorge Amphitheater which I hear is an amazing venue so that sounds just double awesome. See the entire Rock the Bells tour schedule.
So as you can see, my live show calendar is filling up quite nicely. Add these to already seeing Sole, Why?, and Stars of the Lid earlier this year amongst others and one could easily understand why live shows are feeling rather awesome for me this year. If I had made it to Coachella to see Portishead, and by some wonder was able to catch My Bloody Valentine whilst they were touring then this year then I would be able to just die now a happy man. Oh well...
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