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They Ain't From These Parts: Bumbershoot's International Flavor

Foreign countries can be scary places. They have languages that I don’t know how to speak, their writing can use letters that all look like the pound sign to me (#), and sometimes they eat things like lutefisk or alligator or enchiritos. But I’ll be damned if some countries don’t keep putting out awesome bands, one after the other. And this year’s Bumbershoot has some of the best bands the world has to offer. Lucky for you, my dear reader, you have me to guide you through the international milieu and help you discover these superb foreign artists.

Canada has been the birthplace of many amazing bands over the years. Luckily, this year the Festival hosts one of the best acts our northern friends have to offer; that act of course being Final Fantasy, the violin-playing, loop-programming alter ego of Owen Pallet. The fresh-faced popster creates amazing atmospheric chamber-pop that’s not to be missed.

Another gem from the north is the Canadian group Bedouin Soundclash. Fresh off of a recent club tour promoting their new album Street Gospels, this band combines roots-reggae with modern guitar pop that’s been delighting audiences and critics across North America. Fun Fact: My mom absolutely loves this band and has all their albums. Disclaimer: My mom is also incredibly cool.

Speaking of roots reggae. I would be out of my mind if I left Lee “Scratch” Perry off of my list of excellent artists from afar. Hailing from Jamaica, he is the most Jamaican person, place, or thing in the entire world. He is to Jamaica what Uncle Sam is to America, seriously. I can’t imagine this guy doing anything in the world but playing awesome reggae, so I’m glad for my own sanity that he does. And he does a damn good job of it, too.

But maybe you’re in the mood for something European, like French fries, or Belgian waffles, or the metric system. Well, we’ve got some of Europe’s most talented musicians as well. First, an absolutely adorable (I feel secure saying that about another man, honestly) singer/songwriter hailing from the Viking-filled land of Norway named Sondre Lerche. Riding on his wave of popularity spurred by his five full-length albums (including his soundtrack to the film Dan in Real Life), this Scandinavian’s jazz- and lounge-infused indie pop is sure to please. I’m currently addicted to his newest effort, Phantom Punch.

But perhaps you’re saying to yourself “I’d like to see something artsy and cool, but I want it to be from a country that is also a continent.” First, I’d say you were making a really odd request. Then I’d point you to Australia’s amazing performance art group Strange Fruit, the subject of extensive buzz around our office. Think of people dancing, while mounted on large, bendy poles. I mean, imagine like… art kabobs. Ummm… you’d better just watch this video of them instead.

It’s always amazing at Bumbershoot to see Seattle’s best local bands. But now you can go and brag to all your friends that you’re totally into this awesome Norwegian singer-songwriter. Or this cool indie art group from Australia. Now, don’t you feel cultured? You’re welcome. Maybe the world isn’t such a scary, foreign place after all.

posted June 19 '08 at 02:40PM by Evan in bedouin soundclash, final fantasy, lee scratch perry, music, sondra lerche, spectacle, strange fruit, visual art

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