Wednesday, November 29
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Loving Thunder + Weird Lords + Nam Ghost + DJ Damaged Goods
Two local outfits on tonight's bill—Loving Thunder and Weird Lords—recently rocked the first show ever held at ubiquitous Pine Street watering hole Cha Cha Lounge together, and if that performance was any indication, be advised: This one should not be missed. Weird Lords ruled with their bass-heavy, raucous set. Al Lenderink's skills on bass are complemented by Joe Arnone (Charming Snakes, Band of Horses) on keys, and if we're lucky, an encore appearance might be made by Bimbo's burrito slinger Mike Epting, whose blurred fingers and blistering riffs prompted Can't See drummer Thomas Wright to dub him a "secret guitar god." Two members of New Luck Toy complete the Weird Lords cast: Frontman/bassist Steve King stands well over 6 feet, looming large in front of Kelli Pain's kit; Pain's controlled, crazed drumming brings captivating energy to both projects. Loving Thunder, the new two-man venture of Cobra High's Colin Roper, are a definite duo to watch for in the realm of classic-rock revival. Eager ears should be satiated with a five-song self-released EP due out in early 2007. AJA PECKNOLD Bad Juju, 8 p.m. Free
Thursday, November 30
The Little Ones + Small Sins + Panda & Angel
SEE FEATURE (The Little Ones) P. 56. Neumo's, 8 p.m. $8 adv./$10
Tapes 'N Tapes + the Long Winters + Awesome
Hmmm, perhaps the "Pitchfork Effect" isn't all it's cracked up to be: Despite the music site creaming all over Tapes 'n Tapes earlier this year, the Minneapolis quartet never quite turned into the Clap Your Hands Say Yeah of 2006. But, y'know, whatever—T'nT's The Loon is still a pretty great listen, especially if you dig the skewed, sometimes-craggy sounds of the Pixies, Pavement, Modest Mouse, and Sebadoh. I'm not gonna insult your intelligence by claiming that they've "commingled those influences into a sound that's uniquely their own"; they haven't, but who gives a rat's ass—Tapes 'n Tapes are said to be swell in the live setting, where thirtysomething indie-rock afficionados will appreciate the flashback to their high school and/or college years. Not an enthusiastic enough endorsement for ya? Whaddaya think this is, Pitchfork? MICHAEL ALAN GOLDBERG University of Washington HUB Auditorium, 8 p.m. $13 UW students/$16
Friday, December 1
Flipper
Because I didn't attend the two "Save CBGB" shows that reunited California noise-punk legends Flipper performed last year, I must defer to punk-rock photographer John Nikolai's description: "Like limbless amputee lovers trying to have sex while getting tossed around the deck of a sinking ship during a brutal sea storm, there was a lot about Flipper's two sets . . . that was awkward and sloppy but still, you had to be impressed by the spectacle of it." Led by singer Bruce Loose, Flipper's initial run—during which they were equally loved and loathed for their less-than-able (even by punk and/or noise standards) songwriting and performances—went from 1979 to 1987, when original bassist Will Shatter made good on his name by dying of a heroin overdose. The quartet reunited for a spell in the early '90s, but that was aborted after another bassist died of a heroin overdose. For this outing, Flipper has hired the bass services of political activist Krist Novoselic, who has previously played in Sweet 75, Eyes Adrift, and some band called Nirvana. Here's hoping he doesn't OD, too. MICHAEL ALAN GOLDBERG El Corazon, 7 p.m. $12 adv./$15 All ages
Amy Millan (Stars) + Greg Laswell
SEE FEATURE (Amy Millan) P. 52. Triple Door, 8 p.m. $12.50 adv./$15
Saturday, December 2
5x1: Pearl Jam through the eye of Lance Mercer
From 1992 through 1995, local photographer Lance Mercer was hired by Pearl Jam to go on the road. His job? Tour photographer. For a young photographer in the earl 90s, there was hardly a better opportunity. Mercer loaded up on film and batteries and hit the road for one of the wildest rides of his life. Wherever the band went, Mercer followed, and this included not only several foreign stages and hotel rooms, but backstage with folks like Neil Young, Elvis Costello, and Johnny Depp. Mercer's stunning collection of photos from those years has been exquisitely compiled in the book 5x1: Pearl Jam through the eye of Lance Mercer. The largely black and white collection shows the band's progression from grunge icons to internationally acclaimed rock stars. A full interview with Mercer will appear in next week's issue, but for now, make sure you hit up Roq la Rue this Saturday where Mercer and friends will be selling and signing copies of the book and limited edition prints. BRIAN J. BARR Roq la Rue Gallery, 7 p.m. Free.
Gob Iron featuring Jay Farrar + Anders Parker + Mark Spencer
SEE CD REVIEW (Gob Iron) P. 59. Tractor Tavern, 9 p.m. $16
The Hidden Cameras
Hidden Cameras frontman Joel Gibb spills out a seemingly endless stream of perfectly crafted, string-supplemented pop concoctions. On the surface, his songs are hook-filled folk-rock delights whose vocals soar over big, bursting-at-the-seams backdrops. Dig a little deeper and Gibb's lyrics, heavy on references to love and sex of the gay variety, tend to take center stage. 2003 sophomore outing The Smell of Our Own touts tracks like the oft-misinterpreted "Golden Streams"—which Gibb insists is not about golden showers but is more a metaphor about finding heaven through the body, " . . . people peeing together and creating frozen streams of pee that allow them to climb to heaven." There's no mistaking the reference on "Golden Stream" album-mate "The Man That I Am With My Man" where Gibb recounts a shower session between lovers: "I sit while he stands/Over me/I can hardly see/That he is peeing on my shoulders and knees." While clearly known for controversial content, the Canadian group—whose latest effort, Awoo (2006), is a deliciously addictive follow up to Mississauga Goddam (2004)—is also known to put on one hell of a show. Aural and visual vittles from masked go-go dancers to a full choir have been known to come out on the road, showering the audience with sensory delights. AJA PECKNOLD University of Washington HUB Auditorium, 8 p.m. $5 UW students/$10
