DJ Shadow @ The Wonder Ballroom 04/26/2012
DJ motherfuckin’ Shadow, aka Josh Davis, seized the trip hop scene by building up steam through the earlier years of the 90’s to unleash his mastery in ’96 with Endtroducing. His 20+ year career took him to the Wonder Ballroom Thursday night, where he continued to channel the music that has always flowed through him, and audibly undressed a full house. He’s been on tour for a while now promoting his latest album, The Less You Know, The Better (2011), which involves playing inside a white Shadowsphere that can rotate.
This entry was written by , posted on April 27, 2012 at 11:11 pm, filed under Live and tagged DJ Shadow, ELEVEN PDX, Endtroducing, Josh Davis, Kelly Kovl, Live Music, PDX Music, Portland Music, Shadowsphere, The Less You Know The Better, Trip Hop, Wonder Ballroom. Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.
Tanlines w/ Rewards @ Doug Fir Lounge 04/25/2012
In recent months Tanlines have been seen a lot of places. They snagged on a slew of song/album/band-of-the-weeks across the independent music blogosphere, landed a spot in the pages of The New York Times and even grazed the Billboard album charts. Since last month’s release of their second album Mixed Emotions there’s a high probability they’ve crossed your path.
Though their sound is nothing unique, a faultless mixture of international beats and pop choruses is what makes Tanlines so charming. Their vibe deviates between easy listening melodies and tropical soundscapes. It’s simple lyrics and guitar topped off with the kind of eclectic, organic percussion you can only expect from talented producers. Mixed Emotions is calm and collective while simultaneously energetic and colorful—and that’s one way to describe last night’s show at the Doug Fir.
This entry was written by , posted on at 9:55 am, filed under Live and tagged 04/25/2012, Aaron Pfenning, Brooklyn Music, Doug Fir Lounge, ELEVEN PDX, Eric Emm, Jesse Cohen, Live Music, Megan Gex, Portland Music, Rewards, Tanlines, Tropical Pop. Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.
Coldplay w/ The Pierces @ The Rose Garden Arena 4/24/2012
With many people zeroing in on the end that could have come to fruition and with their recent success in landing a spot opening for Coldplay’s North American tour, you can imagine the sort of pressure The Pierces must be feeling. Tuesday night’s show, center stage at the Rose Garden Arena, however, proved that they are ready to fight and show people across the nation the spark that they’ve got.
After over ten years of making music together, Allison and Catherine have had ample time to learn what works for them and what doesn’t. While translating that to an astronomically larger stage than normal can be an awkward learning process for some acts, the sisters looked comfortable there in the spotlight, playing a selection of songs spanning their releases, but focusing mostly on tracks from You and I, released about a year ago.
The sweet harmonies and up-tempo riffs somehow managed to make such a large space feel close and intimate—and fans still filtering into the arena seemed to take notice, many standing in their seats and applauding throughout the set enthusiastically. A fitting high point was during “You’ll Be Mine,” both sisters and their backing band looking confident and engaging the crowd with their energy. The subtle twang, and powerful pop tones of the Pierces music is just genre-liquid enough to invite scores of people to indulge in, and although it’s no surprise that the majority of people in the audience were anxiously waiting for Coldplay’s turn on the stage, the response to the Pierces was impressive, to say the least.
Prior to the show, Catherine had already noted that Portland was a stand-out for the tour, as they had close family and friends in attendance. Their cousin, Amelia Pape, is a Portland resident, in fact, who help runs a mobile grocery cart called My Street Grocery which services “food deserts”—or lower income areas in the city that don’t have ample access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
This entry was written by , posted on April 26, 2012 at 7:31 pm, filed under Live and tagged Coldplay, Concert, ELEVENPDX, Live Music, PDX, Portland, Review, Rose Garden Arena, Show, The Pierces. Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.
What’s Going On: 04/25 – 05/02
1. Finn Riggins (album release) w/ And And And & Grandparents
How Much: $8
Where: Holocene
When: Thursday, April 26th – 8:30pm
Why: With a recent record store day release from Tender Loving Empire (delicious 10” red vinyl) Boise, Idaho’s energetic indie rock trio will continue their celebration this Thursday. Support from two of Portland’s finest: last year’s WW Best New Band (in case you forgot) and a future contender for the title, Grandparents.
2. House of Light w/ Sundaze & The Dead Beat
How Much: $3-$5
Where: Langano Lounge
When: Friday, April 27th – 9pm
Why: Berlin’s underground rockers, House of Light, are headlining this benefit show for Portland up and comers The Dead Beat, who unfortunately fell victim to theft of their equipment. With special guests Sundaze, come out for some killer rock/shoegaze/noise-pop tunes and help raise some dough to replace the recently stolen gear.
3. Discos Humeantes
Where: Valentine’s
How Much: Free
When: Saturday, April 28th – 9pm
Why: Currently enjoying his second visit to the Rose City this year, Jorge Páez is the man behind the fantastic psych/punk/garage label Discos Humeantes out of Oviedo, Asturias Spain. Last time around, he had all kinds of gems from Brazil to Puerto Rico, and Madrid to New York. Come check it out!
This entry was written by , posted on April 25, 2012 at 11:11 am, filed under Live and tagged Album Release, And And And, Benefit Show, Discos Humeantes, ELEVEN PDX, Finn Riggins, Grandparents, Holocene, House of Light, Langano Lounge, Portland live music, Sundaze, Tender Loving Empire, The Dead Beat, Valentine's. Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.
Greensky Bluegrass @ Roseland Theater 04/20/2012
Michiganders living in Portland came out Friday night to support Greensky Bluegrass, a band formed in The Mitten State city of Kalamazoo. Yes, there really is a Kalamazoo! All other attendees were people who love the original bluegrass jams from these five, friendly guys. Since forming in 2000, the band has been touring full-time, forming a loyal following and even earning the number three spot last fall on the Billboard Bluegrass charts for their latest album, Handguns.
This entry was written by , posted on at 9:47 am, filed under Live and tagged 420, Bluegrass, ELEVEN PDX, Greensky Bluegrass, Live Music, Portland Music, Roseland Theater. Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.
Preview: The Pierces
After over ten years of playing music and on the verge of breakup, the Pierces got a call that turned everything around. Now, armed with catchy tracks and a second wind, the Pierces are gearing up to wow audiences all across America. Striking the perfect balance between beautifully constructed harmonies and pop jams with a sense of humor, these Alabama-bred sisters have found the perfect niche and aren’t afraid to stomp through your speakers with sass. Jenna Fletcher got a chance to talk to the very sweet Catherine Pierce about the upcoming tour, life on the road, and how she keeps her head on straight.
Check it out here
This entry was written by , posted on April 20, 2012 at 7:46 pm, filed under ELEVEN, Upcoming and tagged Coldplay, ELEVENPDX, Live Music, PDX, PDX Music, Portland, Show Preview, The Pierces. Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.
Escape The Fate @ The Roseland Theater 4/17/2012
Las Vegas natives, Escape The Fate, are no stranger to controversy. Since their start in 2005, the band has made several changes to within their lineup including lead vocalists, forcing them to cancel several tours. Although there has been prolonged drama surrounding the band, they have managed to maintain a solid fan base. The show at the Roseland Theater on April 17th was a testament to the masses that they’re here to stay.
This entry was written by , posted on at 7:19 pm, filed under Live and tagged Craig Mabbitt, ELEVENPDX, Escape The Fate, Kimberly Lawson, Live Music, PDX, Portland, Portland Music, Roseland Theater. Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.
What’s Going On: 04/18 – 04/25
1. Jeff Mangum
Where: Crystal Ballroom
How Much: $35
When: Thursday, April 19th – 8:30pm
Why: Catch Neutral Milk Hotel’s elusive frontman in his second intimate evening before he heads down to play at Coachella this weekend. Joining the night’s festivities are friends Andrew, Scott, and Laura (members of Elf Power & The Gerbils). A portion of ticket proceeds and $1 from every box set will be donated to benefit Children of the Blue Sky and others in need.
2. Record Store Day!
Where: Your local record store
How Much: As much as you’re willing to spend
When: Saturday, April 21st
Why: It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Hardly needing an explanation, RSD celebrates its 5th year kicking out the limited releases and special goodies from new, old, and local artists. Neighborhood record shops all around town will be open earlier than normal for listening parties, live performances, and all kinds of surprises. Check out a list of participators here!
3. Frankie Rose w/ Dive, Orca Team & Ghost Mom
Where: East End
How Much: $10
When: Monday, April 23th – 9pm
Why: Founding member of the Vivian Girls, drummer, and sometimes vocalist for Crystal Stilts is currently on the road in support of her latest solo album, Interstellar. Filled with multi-tracked vocals and breezy melodies, its sugary-sweet synth-pop that you’ll have no problem shaking your hips to.
This entry was written by , posted on April 18, 2012 at 11:11 am, filed under Upcoming and tagged 2nd Avenue Records, Beacon Sound, Clinton St. Records, Coachella, Crystal Ballroom, Discouraged Records, Dive, East End, ELEVEN PDX, Elf Power & The Gerbils, Everyday Music, Exiled Records, Frankie Rose, Ghost Mom, Green Noise Records, Jackpot Records, Jeff Mangum, Mississippi Records, Music Millennium, Neutral Milk Hotel, Orca Team, Portland live music, Record Room, Record Store Day. Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.
Bear in Heaven @ Mississippi Studios 04/12/2012
Electronic groove-makers Bear in Heaven sat down with ELEVEN‘s Bex Silver before their show at Mississippi Studios to discuss touring in support of their new album (I Love You, It’s Cool) and the festival circuit.
11: You guys have been on the road for a while, right? SXSW, then a spring tour…
BH: [Jon] Yeah, we weren’t touring then, we were just down for SX, then back to New York to finish building the light rig for the tour…it’s going to look really neat in the dark. [Jon to Joe] How long have we been on tour now? [Joe] About two weeks…
11: And In that two weeks you had a new album come out (I Love You, It’s Cool). How’s response been while you’re on tour?
This entry was written by , posted on at 9:01 am, filed under ELEVEN, Live and tagged 04/12/2012, Bear In Heaven, Bex Silver, Blouse, Cary Watts, ELEVEN PDX, Greg Maguire, Live Music, Mississippi Studios, Portland Music, Roadside America. Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.
WTF?!
There's a new festival this summer (just 100 miles from PDX) featuring cool art installations, hookah lounge, and a killer lineup featuring, to name a few,
Beats Antique, Claude VonStroke, Bonobo (DJ Set), Dillon Francis, Gold Panda, Emancipator, Holy Fuck, Paper Diamond, Scuba, Sepalcure, Star Slinger, MartyParty, Bluetech, Adventure Club, Ana Sia, NastyNasty.
We'll be there. Will you?
This entry was written by , posted on April 13, 2012 at 3:37 pm, filed under Upcoming and tagged ELEVEN PDX, Live Music, Portland Music, What The Festival, WTF?!. Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.