popwreckoning

Believe it or not, I decided to do Bumbershoot and Musicfest Northwest back-to-back for the second year in a row. This year’s lineup is full of amazing Portlanders, spectacular Seattleites, and some fantastic foreigners (pardon the alliteration; I couldn’t help myself).

If you don’t know much about Musicfest Northwest, you aren’t alone. The Willamette Weekly-sponsored festival takes place within the city at all the venues throughout North, South, East, and West Portland. The setup is similar to South by Southwest, but not quite as big. This year’s festival takes place starting today, September 7, to Sunday, September 11.

Here I’ve compiled my complete list of bands you should definitely not miss (or at least try and see).

Wednesday (TODAY):

9:00: Eleanor Friedberger at the Crystal Ballroom. Separated from the Fiery Furnaces, Friedberger’s debut album did not disappoint. Here’s hoping her live show doesn’t either.

10:00: The Kills at the Crystal Ballroom. I barely got to see any of their set at Bumbershoot, so I’ve giving it a second go.

11:00: The Corin Tucker Band at Mississippi Studios. The last time I heard about the Corin Tucker Band was when Eddie Vedder showed up to the Showbox in Seattle and jammed on stage. Heck, who knows? It might happen again.

Thursday:

6:00: The Joy Formidable at the Wonder Ballroom. The last album garnered a huge radio hit with “Whirring,” and I’m waiting anxiously to see if it lives up to the hype live. It is a really catchy song, so I’m sure I’ll enjoy myself.

7:30: Brand New at the Wonder Ballroom. I’ve been waiting to see this band for so long, and I finally get my wish. It’s an odd venue for them, but I don’t care where I see them.

9:00: Brainstorm at the Doug Fir. One of the few bands I don’t know much about at this year’s festival, I’m intrigued by everything I read about them. From the Musicfest Northwest website: “Crushing riffs, explosive percussion, old world chanting, casio disco, and jaunty tuba lines make Brainstorm one of the most exhilarating and unique bands around.” Heck yes!

10:00: Unknown Mortal Orchestra at the Hawthorne Theater. Again, another band I know absolutely nothing about, but I might as well broaden my horizons while I’m in my favourite city. From the Musicfest Northwest website: “like Captain Beefheart, Sly Stone and RZA jamming on a creepy, never released kid’s show.”

11:00: Twin Sister at Holocene. I saw this band open for the Morning Benders last fall and they blew me away. Sexy subtle indie pop will be a good way to spend my Thursday night.

12 AM: EITHER Damian Jurado at Bunk Bar OR Phantogram at the Doug Fir. I can’t decide. After seeing Phantogram this weekend at Bumbershoot I want to see more and more of them, but I also really want to see one of Seattle’s finest – Damian Jurado. Who knows. Whichever venue I’m closest to will probably be the deciding factor.

Friday:

5:00: Sallie Ford and the Sound Outside at Pioneer Courthouse Square. I won’t be able to see this show, since I saw her, oh, two days ago, but I highly recommend her classic blues rock with a twang.

6:00: Marketa Irglova at Pioneer Courthouse Square. One half of the Swell Season, how could you not resist?

7:30: Iron and Wine at Pioneer Courthouse Square. If it was any later in the evening, I’d opt out of this one because Iron and Wine is so low-key, but this will be perfect for just around sunset. Purely beautiful.

8:00: Drew Grow and the Pastor’s Wives at Backspace. This band is amazing. After going through a rough beginning of the year, Drew Grow overcame a rather tragic bus accident to come back swinging. I’m pretty sure one of my next couple Fantastically Local features will be about Drew Grow and the Pastor’s Wives. Be sure of it.

9:00: EITHER The Globes at Backspace OR Pickwick at the Doug Fir OR the Music Tapes at the Someday Lounge. Again, I can’t decide. I love Julian Koster (i.e. the Music Tapes), and I love the Globes, and I have a newfound love for Pickwick. Seriously, you’re going to make me decide?

10:00: Macklemore and Ryan Lewis at the Roseland Theater. I probably won’t be able to make it out to this one because of my busy schedule, but if you like hip-hop (hell and even if you don’t) at least consider checking out Macklemore. He filled the Key Arena to capacity last weekend. That’s saying something.

11:00: Dan Mangan at Mississippi Studios OR Blitzen Trapper at the Crystal Ballroom. In my circle, Dan Mangan is known as Vancouver’s most adorable, but he has all the songwriting chops and charisma to back up his charming smile. And Blitzen Trapper’s new album Destroyer of the Void is so effing fantastic. How am I supposed to decide?

12 AM: GIVERS at the Doug Fir. No matter what I’m not missing this band. I will stand out in line for an hour beforehand if that’s what it takes. After seeing their set at Sasquatch back in May, I can’t get enough of them. And since they’re finally headliners, I can’t wait to see what’s to come of their deep south psychedelic pop.

Saturday:

5:00: Typhoon at Pioneer Courthouse Square. This band built up of an almost unnecessary number of members can really rock out. My first experience with them was at Sasquatch, and I’m excited to see the Portland natives again.

6:00: The Antlers at Pioneer Courthouse Square. This band is amazingly underrated. With an unassuming facade, The Antlers was one of the best bands I’ve seen at the last two festivals I’ve been to.

7:30: Explosions in the Sky at Pioneer Courthouse Square. I’m still not entirely sure how instrumental post-rock is going to go down in the Pioneer Courthouse Square, but EITS albums are some of the most interesting I’ve heard in recent years.

Also, this would be a good point for some Voodoo Doughnuts.

9:00: Kelli Schaefer at Bunk Bar. Kelli Schaefer not only is one of Portland’s newest shining stars, her latest album is truly splendid. She recorded it with label mate (and fellow festival act) Drew Grow, so I’m sure you’ll be anything by disappointed.

10:00: Avi Buffalo at the Crystal Ballroom. Seeing the Long Beach indie-pop band Avi Buffalo is a long time coming for me, and I’m not about to give it up.

11:00: Jared Mees and the Grown Children at Rontoms. Here’s another one of those bands that saying their almost takes longer than it does to fall in love with their music (see Drew Grow and the Pastor’s Wives). Plus, playing to a hometown crowd will be even sweeter.

12 AM: The Moondoggies at Bunk Bar. The Moondoggies are another band that is completely unassuming at first glance, but once you hear them, you forgot everything you thought to begin with. Their last album Tidelands took the full and beautiful harmonies and added several dynamics for a more well-rounded sound.

Sunday:

4:00-9:00: Bobby Bare Jr, Morning Teleportation, Cass McCombs Band, Band of Horses at Pioneer Courthouse Square. If you’ve got tickets to this, it’s really your only option for the day, so live it up!

Saturday of Sasquatch began a theme I noticed for the next three days. The smaller stages rocked this year. I’d go as far as saying that the acts that graced the Bigfoot and Yeti stages were better than the main stage.

My day began at with local band The Globes on the Yeti stage, who just released their debut album on Barsuk Records Future Self, and I can say that I do prefer them in a smaller venue, but they did attract quite a nice crowd for 1 o’clock in the afternoon. Basically, local bands ruled Sasquatch this year. It makes me proud to be a Washingtonian.

Speaking of locals – the Head and the Heart were at the main stage next. To be honest, they were one of only three bands I saw on the main stage that day, and the one I was most excited for. Not because I hadn’t seen them – because this was the fourth time I’d seen this lovely band play, but because they are so inspiring. At 2 o’clock in the afternoon, an amazing group of people came to the main stage to see them play – just over a year after they’d even started playing together.

Drummer Tyler Williams told a little story during the set about that very thing. He was wearing a wristband that he’d gotten at the festival last year, not from playing, but from attending. He said that last year he told himself that he wasn’t going to take that wristband off until they played Sasquatch. Lo and behold, a year later, the little band that could was playing the main stage of one of the biggest festivals in the country (certainly the most beautiful). I was in awe, and I can’t praise this band enough, so I’ll move on.

Not only was the festival full of lovely Seattle locals, but the Canadian crowd this year was surprisingly large. I haven’t heard so many “ayes” in one weekend. So naturally, Vancouver native Dan Mangan got lots of love during his set. But it was well deserved, because not only were his songs awesome live, his charisma was infectious and adorable. The folk rock crooner, with his Seth Rogan-esque curly locks can really get a crowd going – and only with some energetic acoustic guitar. You would have thought we were at a Matt & Kim show. Wait, that came later.

The Antlers graced the Bigfoot stage next, and they pleasantly surprised me. I hadn’t heard much of their music before hand, and I loved their set. It wasn’t just because the lighting was gorgeous either. This was when I started to see that the Bigfoot Stage would outshine the main stage. Jenny & Johnny played the same stage a little bit later, bringing a charming rockabilly vibe to the mid-afternoon sun.

Serial collaborator Jenny Lewis wore a retro red frock with an over-the-top pointed collar and some fashion-forward bug-eye sunglasses, and boyfriend Jonathan Rice sported some matching shades. I certainly hope Rice and Lewis don’t break up anytime soon, because they’re making some catchy summer tunes.

Before settling into the Bigfoot stage for the night, I caught Wye Oak and The Thermals back the Yeti stage, both of whom were fantastic in different ways. The duo Wye Oak brought an insane amount of sound between the two of them, and I wish my camera battery hadn’t died so I could have stayed at their set longer. I’ve seen the Thermals four times since September, so I knew exactly what I was getting, but they never cease to entertain. Seriously, their songs may be simple and many are quite similar, but seeing the Thermals is some of the most fun you’ll ever have at a show.

But the fun kept coming, as Matt & Kim were up next at the Bigfoot stage. The couple ran out on stage, smiling ear to ear, standing up on their seats hyping up the crowd – as if they needed any more hyping. I’m just thankful that there was a steel barrier between the crowd and me. The beauty of the Gorge didn’t fail to make any appearances during several sets that day, but Matt & Kim were the most insistent in expressing their excitement about being at Sasquatch. It was their first time here, and even I’m still in awe of it three years running. I can’t even remember what I thought the first time I went.

It was at this point where the schedule went out the window for all three stages. That was the only negative about this year’s festival. Timing apparently wasn’t on anyone’s mind, as Robyn was half an hour late to the Bigfoot stage. I’m not sure whether there was a legitimate reason why she went on late, or that she wanted to wait until the sun went down, but once she started playing I didn’t really care. That girl is crazy on stage.

I can remember when she had that one hit song “Show Me Love” in the 90s, and this is light-years away from the one-hit wonder pop princess of my childhood. If Lady Gaga gets this much credit for wild antics on stage, then Robyn should at least be close. Wearing some obscenely loud stretch pants and a sweater that looked like she literally just sheered a sheep herself, Robyn strutted all around stage, shaking her booty in equally as obscene platform shoes. It makes me wonder if people actually dress like that day-to-day in Sweden. After missing her club show in Seattle earlier this year, I was incredibly thankful that I finally got to see her at Sasquatch, because it was a show I won’t forget.

I would have been happy going back to the house I was staying, but I did head down to the main stage to catch some of Death Cab for Cutie’s set, which started out splendidly. The first four songs – I’m not kidding – were all old. Two of them were actually from when Death Cab was still on Barsuk Records, which made me proud. It wasn’t the feeling all through the audience though, because the old songs, “Why You’d Want to Live Here,” “Photobooth,” and “We Looked like Giants,” weren’t particularly popular. It wasn’t until Death Cab started playing songs off Transatlanticism, Plans, and Narrow Stairs did people actually respond in a big way. And this was after they’d played a few songs off the new album Codes and Keys, which I liked on record, but was sadly lackluster live. I left before their set was even over. Maybe it was because the new songs aren’t that exciting or impacting, but after a nice and unexpected beginning, Death Cab’s set had a unfortunate case of dull.

After that, I stuck to the smaller stages for the rest of the weekend. Besides, I don’t think any band on the main stage could have outdone the Foo Fighters on Friday.

Check out Friday’s post.

There was a line all around the block. 7 p.m. Pike Place. It was a Tuesday. A Tuesday. Two Door Cinema Club sold out the Showbox on a Tuesday, and with an early set time, no less. It’s easy to say that I was flabbergasted by how crowded the venue was and how pumped the crowd was, but that doesn’t really say anything.

I met a girl standing in line outside, who’d come all the way from Vancouver to see Two Door Cinema Club play on this Tuesday night. That’s saying something.

Starting out the night was Work Drugs, who all came out in matching suspenders (except for the one girl in the band) and dark sunglasses. They were fun, kind of loungey synth rock, stuff that you’d hear on an incredibly hip yacht.

It made sense for them to open for Two Door, to slowly build in the energy to the inescapable dance party that Two Door shows have proven to be. Probably the best part came when the keyboardist proclaimed, “This next song is called ‘Catalina Wine Mixer’!” And he shouted away from his mic, but still clearly audible: “It’s the FUCKING Catalina Wine Mixer.” I realize, however, if you haven’t seen the film Step Brothers, that joke doesn’t make any sense. But if you have seen Step Brothers, I’ll have to know that the song didn’t sound a thing like what you’d think the “Catalina Wine Mixer” would be in an indie rock song.

After Work Drugs finished out their set, local favorite The Globes took the stage to set up their gear. As the newly-signed-to-Barsuk Records band meandered around the stage, I thought to myself, “Hey, The Globes was the first band I ever shot.” They were, in November of 2009, when they opened for Telekinesis and the Lonely Forest at that very same venue. It made me feel really nostalgic, even if it was just a year and a half ago.

I can tell you, The Globes have gotten so much better than when I saw them last. They have much more of a loyal following, and they ruled the stage. An odd choice on the lineup for a Two Door show, they played to the energy and filled the Showbox with their heavy experimental rock.

The Globes created a wall of sound that hit me so hard that I wanted to go buy their album right then and there. Unfortunately I don’t own a record player and they only had a 12” available at the time. But their debut on Barsuk does come out next month, so that’s something to look forward to. But while you wait, I highly recommend seeing this band live, because even though now they’re a “Seattle band,” they’re originally from Spokane, on the other side of the Cascades, so they definitely don’t sound like everything else coming out of Seattle these days.

After the uproarious cheering that finished The Globes’ set, a surprisingly different kind of music came over the PA system. Familiar 90’s dance hits like “What Is Love,” and “Sandstorm,” as well as some recent hits remixed beyond recognition. It was a far cry from what we’d heard all night, and it definitely got the already energetic crowd moving even more. The floor even started to bounce. As I sat up in front of the barrier, I could see the top of the water in the bottles on the stage vibrating, like Godzilla was walking down Pike Place.

Thankfully, that wasn’t happening, but there was just as much screaming for Two Door Cinema Club than there would have been had Godzilla entered the room. It was a perfect show to shoot, after a month and a half hiatus of going to shows. I’m pretty sure I didn’t stop dancing, even after I did get hit with a spray of water from a bottle from the crowd.

Two Door Cinema Club repeatedly stated to the teenagers (but not just teenagers, I’ll explain in a minute) how Seattle has been the best city of every one of their U.S. tours, and we didn’t disappoint that night. Which in any other situation might have happened, since their set list wasn’t all new songs. Out of the 13 songs in the normal set, five of them were not on their debut. “Handshake,” “Kids,” “Hands Off My Cash,” “Costume Party” and “Moon” all being the new songs, it made me really excited for what’s to come for Two Door Cinema Club’s next album. I think I’d only heard two of those songs back in November when they played at Neumo’s, so the band is well on their way to record no. 2.

It may have been because the show was a whole hour earlier than what the Showbox normally does, but it was as wild and crazy as I’d seen a show since…well since the last time they were in Seattle.

At one point during the final few songs, bassist Kevin Baird asked the audience, “Do you guys like to dance? Do you like dancing? Well here’s a song that you can dance to!” And the crowd cheered in agreement. But I thought, We’ve been dancing the whole night, so clearly you can dance to all the songs.

But the best part of the night came during “Eat That Up, It’s Good for You.” I swear the latter half of that song is one of the best things on Tourist History, and it’s no less awesome live. The floor was still bouncing and the band, in all their youth, kept up with the frantic Tuesday-night energy tremendously.

After people started chanting “One more song!” and the adorable Irish band stepped on stage one more time, I noticed a women near the back of the crowd of people, who looked to be about 40. She was short, and at first glance looked like she was there as someone’s mom chaperoning. However, I was happily mistaken. Just like the spry teens sweating in the dense crowd, this woman was dancing her ol’ heart out. She wasn’t afraid to look like a dork, and it was kind of awesome.

So it just goes to show you, some bands can span all generations, even Two Door Cinema Club.

Set list:

Cigarettes in the Theatre
Undercover Martyn
Hands off My Cash
Do You Want It All?
Something Good Can Work
Handshake
This Is the Life
Kids
Costume Party
This is Moon
You’re Not Stubborn
Eat That Up
What You Know

Encore
Come Back Home
I Can Talk

Mad Rad, Das Racist and The Thermals brought the house down at the free Sasquatch Launch Party at the Showbox at the Market last night, where the lineup to the now four-day festival would be announced.

Put on by Livenation and Sasquatch creator Adam Zacks, the launch party was MC’d by Comedian Todd Barry, who kept the crowd entertained between sets with dry wit and some fake teaser headliners.

“If you love me now, you’ll love when I play a set between headliners Elvis Presley and the Beatles, and tickets are only $7!” Barry proclaimed sarcastically to the less-than-attentive crowd. But I guess that’s what you get when you have a free show.

After Mad Rad and Das Racist played their sets, the lineup was announced in a video like previous years, which was played twice over, most likely so people could get a second look because they were freaking out too much over the Flaming Lips.

So far the lineup includes:

Death Cab for Cutie, the Decemberists, Modest Mouse, the Foo Fighters, Robyn, Wilco, Flying Lotus, Bright Eyes, Flogging Molly, Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Das Racist, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Iron & Wine, The Flaming Lips.Black Mountain, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, the Head and the Heart, Mad Rad, the Moondoggies, Noah & The Whale, Sam Roberts Band, Secret Sisters, Twin Shadow, Wye Oak, Tig Notaro, Smith Westerns, Rival Schools, Foster the People, Alberta Cross, S. Carey, White Denim, Washed Out, Gold Panda, Dan Mangan, Axis of Awesome, The Globes, Cotton Jones, Jaill, Basia Bulat, Other Lives, The Bronx, White Arrows, Pepper Rabbit, Talkdemonic, Rebecca Gates and The Consortium, The Young Evils, Bassnectar, Pink Martini, Cold War Kids, Old 97′s, Ratatat, Wolf Parade, Chromeo, Guided By Voices, Yeasayer, Beach House, Local Natives, Matt & Kim, Deerhunter, Mstrkrft, Trailer Park Boys, Sleigh Bells, Major Lazer, Skrillex, Fitz & The Tantrums, !!!, Archers of Loaf, Against Me!, The Thermals, Best Coast, CSS, Surfer Blood, Jenny & Johnny, Bonobo (DJ Set), City and Colour, Reggie Watts, K-Os, Gayngs, Tim Minchin, The Drums, The Radio Dept., Young the Giant, The Antlers, Sharon Van Etten, Villagers, Stornoway, Aloe Blacc.

Tickets go on sale on Feb. 14th starting at $79.50 per day and $285 for three-day passes.

Go to http://sasquatchfestival.com/ for more information or to purchase tickets.

We all love a good Columbia River backdrop or acres and acres of open field at our music festivals, but what makes MusicFest Northwest different than most festivals is that it takes places within the city – at all the Portland venues you know and love. It’s not just a celebration of music but also a celebration of Portland in general.

In just under two weeks’ time, Portland’s Pulitzer-Prize-winning alt-weekly newspaper Willamette Week will be hosting its 10th annual MusicFest Northwest, which has grown to be the third-largest indoor music festival in the country.

At no other festival else can you park for free in suburbia, take a light rail downtown, then pick up an orange Tang doughnut (yes, I said Tang), and walk a block down at 1 a.m. to catch The Builders and the Butchers at Berbati’s Pan.

Voodoo Doughnuts and Berbati’s Pan are very conveniently placed literally 125 away from each other. Just a tip.

Because of this indoor, inner city set-up, you won’t have to empty your bank account for festival food, or use smelly port-a-potties. But I’d never expect anything different coming from Portland, with the casual, low-key vibe that I love about it so much.

Here’s what I’m planning on doing, but trust me – with the MAX light rail running at full capacity over the 5-day festival, you’ll have the opportunity to see so much more, whether it be a 21+ show, or an all-ages (AA) show.

Wednesday, September 8^th:

Act: Panda Bear
Time: 10 p.m.
Location: Comcast and opbmusic stage at the Crystal Ballroom

Ever since seeing Animal Collective play live over a year ago, I’ve been holding out for another chance to see any of the guys in a live capacity. To coincide with the release of his highly awaited album Tomboy, Noah “Panda Bear” Lennox will be gracing Portland with his mesmerizing presence on the first night of the festival at the Crystal Ballroom (which has floors with a bit of bounce in them). AA

Thursday, September 9^th:

Act: Ra Ra Riot
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Nike Sportswear Stage at the Wonder Ballroom

In the past, Ra Ra Riot has opened for such amazing acts as Editors, Art Brut, and Tokyo Police Club, but now as part of their headlining tour for their new album The Orchard, Ra Ra Riot will be taking the stage at the Wonder Ballroom. I’m intrigued to see their unique brand of baroque pop live. Plus if you have time afterward, circle the block to get some pizza at Sparky’s or if you feel more adventurous, Ethiopian at Queen of Sheba.  AA

Act: Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
Time: 9 p.m.
Location: Comcast and KNRK Stage at the Crystal Ballroom

For something with a bit more attitude, you can head back over to the bouncy floors of the Crystal Ballroom for Ted Leo and the Pharmacists. You’re sure to have a good time with these old school punks, and you’ll still have enough energy to go for the rest of the night afterwards. Heck, walk a few blocks down Burnside and you can still browse around Powell’s Books until 11 p.m. AA

Act: The Thermals
Time: 10:30 p.m.
Location: Comcast and KNRK Stage at the Crystal Ballroom
Local darlings The Thermals will have literally released their fifth album two days before when it comes time for their show at the Crystal Ballroom. They’ve been working with Chris Walla again on Personal Life, so I’m anxious to hear what these pioneers of Portland rock of the ‘00s have put together with Mr. Walla. AA

Act: Major Lazer
Time: 11 p.m.
Location: The Roseland Theater

For the most part, I probably won’t be heading to the Roseland too much just because there are so many great bands playing everyone, and it’s already hard to choose. But I’m going to make it a priority to see Major Lazer’s reggae/hip-hop hybrid. You’ll be sure that you won’t see any other act like them at the festival, and as far as I know, there won’t be another chance to see them in the northwest for a while. AA

Act: Justin Townes Earles
Times: 11:55 p.m.
Location: Jack Daniels and opbmusic stage at Berbati’s Pan

Four blocks away, you’ll find yourself back at Berbati’s Pan (and maybe after another round of Voodoo Doughnuts) for the considerably less hyphy Justin Townes Earle. It’ll be the nice way to end the night after burning all your energy at the last show. Maybe you could get a drink and relax to Earle’s mandolin-laden country folk. Earle’s blend of deep-south vintage country is so far from today’s mainstream country that you almost expect someone to be playing a water jug and a washboard.  21+

Friday, September 10^th:

Act: Surfer Blood
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Nike Sportswear Stage at the Wonder Ballroom

As the start of a ridiculously full two-month tour, Surfer Blood will get to bring their beachy indie rock to the Wonder Ballroom. A friend of mine put their song “Swim” on a mix tape for me earlier this year, and ever since I saw Pitchfork give the song spot number 37 on the lost of the 100 Best Songs of 2009, I’ve been wanting to see them play live. Now you have that chance too.  AA

Act: Black Lips
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Nike Sportswear Stage at the Wonder Ballroom

When going through the list of bands playing at this year’s festival, I immediately put Black Lips on my “list to see,” because of their extensive history, guitarist Cole Alexander’s work with Deerhunter’s Bradford Cox, as well as what I’ve heard of their chaotic stage antics (including nudity, fireworks, band members kissing, and vomiting). AA

Act: Sara Jackson-Holman
Time: 8 p.m.
Location: Ash St. Saloon

Mixing classically-influenced piano, soft and longing strings, and winsome vocals, Portland native Sara Jackson-Holman falls into the ever-growing “melancholy piano songstress” genre, but her smoky voice and strange bent harmonies make her worth seeing. Within a couple blocks of the saloon you could also hit up Esan Thai or Kells Irish Pub for dinner if you like. 21+

Act: People Eating People
Time: 9 p.m.
Location: Mississippi Studios

After the disbanding of her band Mon Frere in 2007, Seattle native Nouela Johnston decided to record some of her own stuff under the moniker People Eating People. Her powerful piano pop will be perfect for one of my favorite venues ever – Mississippi Studios, which was built for musicians, by musicians. It’s located in a residential neighborhood and you can literally park in front of someone’s house. The floor is small, but the wraparound balcony provides just as good a view. 21+

Act: Morning Teleportation
Time: 10 p.m.
Location: Hawthorne Theater

I saw Morning Teleportation in June, and they had the most inexplicably enjoyable set that it’s impossible to explain. Psychedelic, rootsy jam-band, electro-indie rock is one way I could describe it. If you’re still confused, I recommend that you make time to go see them at the Hawthorne Theater. Lead vocalist Tiger uses a Talk Box. That’s worth it enough just to see that. AA

Act: Okkervil River
Time: 11 p.m.
Location: Comcast and KNRK Stage at the Crystal Ballroom

I’m not sure whether or not Roky Erickson will be gracing the stage with Okkervil River in this instance, since they just released True Love Cast Out All Evil with Erickson, but either way, the critically acclaimed Austin band is surely not one to miss. AA

Act: The Tallest Man On Earth
Time: 11:55 p.m.
Location: Toyota Antics and KEXP stage at the Doug Fir

Performing at the most comfortable venue I’ve ever been to, The Tallest Man On Earth will be bringing his bluesy brand of acoustic folk to the Doug Fir. When I first heard Kristian Matsson’s music, I didn’t realize that he was Swedish for awhile, until I eventually got how clever Matsson’s moniker is (people of Scandinavia are predominantly over 6 feet tall). 21+

Saturday, September 11^th:

Act: The Builders and the Butchers
Time: 1 a.m. (yes I just said 1 a.m.)
Location: Jack Daniels and opbmusic stage at Berbati’s Pan

Seeing the instruments that the Builders and the Butchers play, you wouldn’t expect to essentially rock out at one of their shows, but they defy all stereotypes and bring massive amounts of energy to their acoustic guitars, mandolins, and banjos. Seeing that the Builders and the Butchers are from Portland, I’m expecting this particular show to be crazy awesome. Having seen then 2 short months ago, I can back up that claim. 21+

Act: Laura Veirs
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Levi’s Pioneer Stage at Pioneer Courthouse Square

Laura Veirs will be the first of a few shows that you should absolutely check out on the main stage at Pioneer Courthouse Square. The neo-folk songstress returned to her roots with July Flame this year, her 6^th studio album, putting out hauntingly beautiful songs full of odd instrumentation and Veirs understated vocals. AA

Act: The Decemberists
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Levi’s Pioneer Stage at Pioneer Courthouse Square

I’ll just be sticking around at Pioneer Courthouse Square for The Decemberists after Laura Veirs, because it will surely be one of the best shows of the weekend. Even when they aren’t playing for hometown crowd, The Decemberists are awesome live, but in this instance I can only imagine. The last time I saw them, it was on the Hazards of Love tour, so this time we’ll get to hear songs from all throughout their catalogue. AA

Act: The Globes
Time: 9 p.m.
Location: Backspace

Playing at one of best coffee houses in Portland, Seattle’s own The Globes will be bringing their experimential ambient indie rock to the tiny venue. I saw them play a show in Seattle back in November with Telekinesis and The Lonely Forest, and with how much they downplay the energy, The Globes put on a great show. Think My Bloody Valentine with harder riffs and a rainy-day ready wall of sound. AA

Act: The Head and the Heart
Time: 9 p.m.
Location: Jack Daniels and opbmusic stage at Berbati’s Pan

Bluesy folk with soft harmonies and bubbly beats permeate through Seattle’s own The Head and the Heart’s music, and it should be quite delightful to see them in Berbati’s Pan’s small room. Plus if you haven’t had dinner yet, you can get yourself some Greek cuisine while you’re there. 21+

Act: The Smashing Pumpkins
Time: 10:15 p.m.
Location: MusicFest Northwest and KUFO stage at The Wonder Ballroom

I honestly had no idea that the Smashing Pumpkins were playing until about five days ago, and I’m surprised that they’re playing The Wonder Ballroom, because it’s not that big. So if you want to get in at all, I suggest getting there relatively early, even if you have a wristband, because this will undoubtedly be one of the most attended shows of the festival. I can’t remember the last time they toured, so I’m pumped. AA

Act: Suckers
Time: 11 p.m.
Location: Jack Daniels and opbmusic stage at Berbati’s Pan

What’s funny is that right after playing up against each other at separate venues at MusicFest Northwest, Suckers will be going on a month-long national tour with Menomena. Employing Talking Heads-esque multi-layered vocals with the passion of former tourmates Local Natives, Suckers will definitely fill the small room with fervor. 21+

Act: Menomena
Time: 11 p.m.
Location: Comcast and KNRK Stage at the Crystal Ballroom

I have to be honest, I haven’t listened to Menomena’s new record yet, but Friend And Foe was one of my favorite records of 2007, and it’ll be interesting to see how the band’s eerie experimental indie rock will play out to their hometown crowd. Also, the band members always shuffle around who sings and who plays certain instruments, so that always makes for a more intriguing show. AA

Act: Champagne Champagne
Time: 11 p.m.
Location: Jimmy Mak’s

Seattle hip-hop favorites Champagne Champagne mixes traditional hip-hop with peppier electro-pop, and I love it. Again, I’ll reiterate my normal dislike for hip-hop, but when locals sing and rap about Molly Ringwald, I’m sold. But again, I’ll have a hard time deciding which show to hit up at 11 p.m. 21+

Act: The Dodos
Time: 11:55 p.m.
Location: Jack Daniels and opbmusic stage at Berbati’s Pan

Even though The Dodos are probably best known for having two of their songs in two separate television commercials, their albums are rich with offbeat instrumentation like toy piano and pulsating drums. And you can’t deny that if a band has their songs on television, the songs are undeniably catchy. 21+

Act: Japandroids
Time: 11:55 p.m.
Location: Toyota Antics and KEXP stage at the Doug Fir

Having two guys on stage, you wouldn’t expect them to create the sound that Japandroids manage, but the raw and fuzzy guitars will be a great way to end out the penultimate night of the festival. And while you’re there, definitely check out the restaurant upstairs. Also there’s free parking around the corner, so that’s another plus. 21+

Sunday, September 12^th:

Act: The Walkmen
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Levi’s Pioneer Stage at Pioneer Courthouse Square

It seems like it’s been way longer than 2 years since The Walkmen put out new music, but this performance will be two days before their new album Lisbon is released, so I’m happy. One of only a select few shows on the last day of the festival, The Walkmen’s drowsy surf rock should carry well through the outdoor amphitheater. AA

Act: The National
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Levi’s Pioneer Stage at Pioneer Courthouse Square

After having seen The National play at the Columbia River Gorge back in May, I was anxious to see them again. Although I think The National is one of those bands that you may or may not like live. Lead singer Matt Berninger has an oddly intense stage presence, but the energy might turn some people off. If you haven’t seen them play live though, I strongly recommend giving them a shot, because they sound fantastic live. AA

However long this preview is, it’s still just a taste of what’s coming to the tenth annual MusicFest Northwest. I mean, I’m going to try to see all these bands, but who knows how full the venues will get or how quick the public transportation will run that weekend? To see the full lineup or purchase tickets, go to http://www.musicfestnw.com. General admission wristbands are still available for purchase that will guarantee entry to all club shows and all shows at Pioneer Square (however you must choose to see either The Decemberists or The National with this ticket). All show wristbands are also still available, which guarantees you entry to all shows, no exceptions. If you don’t wish to purchase a wristband, you can buy tickets at the individual venues the night of the show.

As the first part to a tribute to Northwest music, the Showbox lit up Pike Place Friday night with local favorites The Lonely Forest of Anacortes, and Telekinesis and The Globes of Seattle. Just to say how much Seattle loves their locals – even before the doors opened up, the line curled around the block as horse-drawn carriages rode by on the rare rain-free night.

The Globes were up first. Lacking a record deal, but with nothing lacking in the talent department, The Globes were a great way to start the show – bringing in a mixture of shoegazing guitar rock and raw indie pop. Guitarist Kyle Musselwhite provided almost Thom Yorke-like vocals next to lead vocalist Erik Walters’ high-energy wails, bassist Sean McCotter’s low-key vibe and drummer Marcus Ourada’s excellent beats. They were just experienced enough to have the charisma to hold the room, but with just a little more stage time, they’d be just as charming as the two bands that followed. And with their first LP coming out soon, The Globes are one of Seattle’s emerging indie acts that show the promise of what our region has to offer the next few years.

After The Globes’ short half-hour set, Telekinesis came to set up their equipment, with one rare addition. My friends and I were standing right off to the left of center by the stage, and I swore Chris Walla of Death Cab for Cutie was tuning his Rickenbacker. I turned to my friend and asked, “Is that Chris Walla?”

“No, it can’t be. It’s gotta be some guy that looks totally like him.”

“That’s Chris Walla. I’m not kidding. Look.”

And I must tell you; my friend is a diehard Death Cab for Cutie fan, so she of all people should know who and who isn’t Chris Walla. But this time, I was right. Chris joined Michael Lerner (a.k.a. Telekinesis) and his touring band for this one-night Seattle engagement. Just because. Lerner later mentioned Chris as one of the people who was responsible for his record being released. He said that, “He made me write this record.” Signed to Merge Records in early 2009, Lerner has been touring for most of the year with David and Jodie Broecker and Chris Staples as his live band, and the unconventional stage lineup threw me off a bit, but made the night more interesting. Lerner sat at the drumkit as he sang on most of the songs, and the unexpected cameo by Walla excited the crowd like they should be on a Friday night at 10 p.m.

I would have liked to have heard “Awkward Kisser,” just cause it’s such a damn cute song, but Lerner played the lot of the songs off his eponymous debut released in April – a few highlights being “Tokyo,” “Coast of Carolina,” and “Foreign Room.” My sister especially liked “Calling All Doctors,” with its distinctive hook of a repeated “twitchin, twitchin.” There were a couple songs where Lerner got up off the drums and stood with his acoustic guitar by himself while the rest of the band lounged on the floor. “I Saw Lightning” was a perfect example of a Seattle ballad – heartfelt and not overdone. Like one of those songs you can sing to your girlfriend at an open mic and not sound too amateurish.

And I must say how epic David Broecker’s mustache was. It truly was amazing.

Right on schedule, headliners the Lonely Forest graced the stage at just after 11 p.m., right as my feet started to ache. The Showbox had become even more crowded than when we first arrived, which again shows how much buzz this band has gotten with the locals. Lead guitarist and vocalist John Van Deusen actually started off the set with “Can I get a shout out to Anacortes!” and the room threw up their arms and cheered with pride.

The Lonely Forest manages to bring together emotional piano pop with heavy, complex indie rock, without sounding generic in the slightest. Their newest album We Sing the Body Electric, released on Burning Building Records earlier this year, is easily one of the most dynamic and, dare I say, best of the year. Van Deusen, along with guitarist Tony Ruland, bassist Eric Sturgeon and drummer Bradyn Krueger started off the holidays just how they should be – full of vigor. By halfway through their set the Lonely Forest had the whole room jumping to the sound of Ruland’s badass guitar licks and Van Deusen’s weathered voice with tracks from We Sing the Body Electric, “Two Pink Pills,” and “Tomato Soup.” They also played “Soil Silt and Clay,” a track from their first LP, 2007’s Nuclear Winter, a concept album about the world ending and the protagonist’s escape from destruction through space travel.

One of my favorite songs of the night was “They’re On To Something,” a fast and guitar-heavy track with a shy piano line and the perfect beat for the lively crowd to dance around to. But it wasn’t until towards the end of the night where most of the people surrounding me on the teeming floor sang along to “We Sing In Time,” the undeniably catchy pop song with a killer building hook. Once the band stepped off stage, people immediately started shouting for an encore, and as it’s become standard practice, The Lonely Forest walked back out for not one – but two – songs for an encore.

You’d never think that Van Deusen spent time in rehab and Ruland almost died after a stint in the hospital two years ago. But then again, with how much passion The Lonely Forest has both on their record and in a live setting, one has to wonder where they get their fire.

The Lonely Forest: website | myspace