Fresh Blog
08.27.2008 Download: "Come Down" By The Valley
This throwback grunge song reminds me of the times when people could wear flannel without a second thought, which would come in handy in this uncharacteristically cold summer. It’s a big fuzzed-out rocker that will definitely get your feet moving and your head banging.
RIYL: Nirvana, Alice In Chains
08.27.2008 Evan's Top 10 Tips For Bumbershoot
We’re down to the final stretch here, readers. Bumbershoot is this weekend, so I thought it would be appropriate to put together the definitive top 10 list of Bumbershoot tips (just for you, lucky people). These helpful hints are designed to let you maximize your awesome times at the ‘Shoot, courtesy of your very own Bumbershoot Insider. So pay attention, take notes if you need, because I’m about to drop some knowledge on all y’all.
08.26.2008 Download: "Good Morning" by Grynch
This sounds like something that would play during a montage where someone works really hard and gets good at something, probably boxing (or math). When you combine the sincere vocals with the skilled delivery, you have one good rap song on your hands.
RIYL: Kanye West, TI
08.25.2008 Download: "Dancers at the End of Time" by Howlin Rain
Classic rock, or as a co-worker of mine put it, “rawk.” Seriously, somebody go find these guys and get their time machine. Science needs that thing when Howlin Rain is done with it, to go back in time and find more awesome bands like Howlin Rain, incidentally.
RIYL: Jimi Hendrix, Cream
08.22.2008 Download: "Big Electric Light" By The Tripwires
This song is a nice balance of sweet airy vocal harmonies of ‘60s pop with bouncy guitar work of modern indie rock. Now all I have to do is figure out what the “Big Electric Light” is supposed to be.
RIYL: Beulah, The Beach Boys
08.21.2008 Bumbershoot's Production Department: Seriously Hardcore
Here at Bumbershoot, we’re in high gear preparing for the Festival. It’s a bustling hive of activity as we cross our t’s to put on one of the biggest music and arts festivals around. And one of the busiest teams around is made of Bumbershoot’s industrious production department. I was recently able to sit in on one of their meetings, and dear holiness they are some busy folks. Their meeting agenda alone was longer than one of Battles’ guitar solos. These people are no joke.
Continue reading Bumbershoot's Production Department: Seriously Hardcore
08.21.2008 Download: "Back For More" by Hadley Caliman
I can’t listen to this without thinking of those uber-hip spy movies from the ‘60s. This jazzy number is perfect to listen to while you play blackjack in a foreign country. Or if you want to hear a fantastic saxophone solo. Either way, I like it.
RIYL: BlueNote Jazz
08.20.2008 Profiles In Awesomeness: SIFF
For the second installment of this celebrated series of articles, I have decided to celebrate the awesomeness of Seattle International Film Festival, or SIFF to those of us in a hurry. On Friday, August 29, SIFF will kick off the 1 Reel Film Festival (which they curate for Bumbershoot) in their plush SIFF Cinema, located in McCaw Hall. In honor of this great event, I took SIFF into consideration for this article, to parse out its most awesome moments.
08.20.2008 Download: "Hold On, Hold On" By Neko Case
What more could I possibly say about Neko Case, beyond the fact that she’s simply amazing? Her distinctive country-noir sound is as strong as ever on this swaying track, punctuated by a guitar solo that’s simultaneously twangy and ethereal. This is definitely an excellent track for a summer taking a turn down towards the overcast.
RIYL: The New Pornographers, Bright Eyes
08.20.2008 Download: "It's About Time" by Barcelona
The song seamlessly blends spaced-out guitar with bouncy piano. Once you get to the handclaps in the chorus, you’re deep in pop territory and will be happy to be there.
RIYL: Coldplay, Copeland