Cloganese

Another spring has passed, and we move into that time of year where we find ourselves feeling a little warmer and fuzzier, wanting to wear things that sparkle, and spend time overindulging with loved ones. No, not Christmas! It’s Pride Weekend! I don’t know about you all, but I’ve got my giant chandelier earrings out, my tolerance for mojitos up, and I’m ready to rock. And there are many opportunities to do so, should you choose to check out any of the events coming up over the next action-packed week:

6/27/09- Sunset Rubdown, Chop Suey:
Spencer Krug and his merry band of indie rocksters will be filling Chop Suey with incredible music from their new album Dragonslayer. This album is sensational and surprisingly danceable, and hearing it live will probably make you love it even more. Krug is a consummate showman. This is a show not to be missed. They will be joined by fellow Canucks Elfin Saddle and Witchies.

6/28/09- Live songs from Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Club Motor
A live band will be performing songs from Headwig and the Angry Inch to benefit the Human Rights Campaign. The soundtrack is phenomenal, and the show will be too! Doors at 7 PM, show at 8 PM. Tickets are $16 in advance, $20 at door.

6/28/09- Hunx and His Punx, Funhouse
Channeling the spirit of Joey Ramone, only ruder and dirtier, Hunx and His Punx have a classic punk sound, with some of the most hilarious lyrics this side of Pansy Division. Opening for Hunx are Ononos, Telepathic Liberation Army, DJ Baby, and DJ Pony. In the words of Bette Davis, “Fasten your seat belts. It’s going to be a bumpy night.”

6/28/09- Pridefest, Seattle Center
Get your Pride on, if you’re not too hung over! Live DJ’d music and dancing from 11 AM - 7 PM at the International Fountain.

6/29/09- Young Dubliners, Tractor Tavern
Though actually from LA, the Young Dubliners bring the luck o’ the Irish to the Tractor Tavern, with far out, sprawling jams, influenced by the Pogues, U2, and Irish Folk.

6/30/09- Dick Dale, Triple Door
Surf Rock innovator Dick Dale will have his listeners hanging 2 on the end of their seats to see him play his guitar left handed and upside down (he’s self taught). This is a once in a lifetime chance to see a true legend of rock-n-roll.

7/1/09- VNV Nation, Showbox
Touring on the days old release Of Faith, Power, and Glory, VNV Nation will be bringing their trademark industrial, synthpop, techno, and trance flavors to the dance floor. Put on your favorite platform boots and black lace tutu, and come ready to move.

7/2/09- See Me River, Chop Suey
TIG favorites See Me River will be loosening everyone up for the holiday weekend with their rich, dark, synth-y sounds and haunting vocals.

This weekend, be proud of who you are and the people you love, be kind, and be ready to rock!

See you somewhere over the rainbow (flag, that is…)
Mary Kwatkosky-Lawlor (Imaginary Mimi)
*Three Imaginary Girls*

In high i-pod rotation:
Peter Bjorn and John
The Church
Art Brut

(>Three Imaginary Girls is a Seattle-based website that showcases the great music of the Northwest and beyond to music lovers worldwide. We post a Seattle live show calendar to help you fill your day-planner with loads of great shows, as well as record reviews, live show reviews, and an imagi-blog to entertain you throughout the day.)

The last couple of months have been jam-packed with extra-great band shows and sweat-worthy festivals and it’s only getting better from here on out. Below is only a mere smattering of what’s going on next week. For more shows and dates throughout the week check the Three Imaginary Girls calendar or the KEXP Club Calendar.

I will not recommend that you see the Wallflowers this Sunday. They are playing this Sunday at the Showbox, and you could technically go see them. But instead of selling your soul to the mop-topped husky-folkster wannabe you COULD go the KEXP Father’s Day Kids Dance Party instead!

Kid’s Dance Party Father’s Day with KEXP on Sunday June 21st

Apparently last year was a smashing success and tickets are selling out fast. So grab that baby out of her high chair, wash her face and get her on down to the Showbox SODO this Sunday to celebrate Dad’s Day at the Kid’s Dance Party! KEXP DJs Darek Mazzone, Kid Hops and Riz will be there to dance the day away with kiddos and adults alike and break dancing lessons will be available. Your kids can fill up on sugar-fuel (cupcakes will be provided) and participate in the many games and activities planned. Word to the wise: Dads, don’t break your back while trying to show off your break dancing skills. All proceeds to benefit KEXP.

White Rabbits & The Subjects Play the Crocodile Monday June 22nd

All gloomy piano, crushing drums and melodrama, White Rabbits impressed me with their first studio album in 2007, Fort Nightly. For their second release, It’s Frightening, they enlisted Spoon’s Britt Daniel to produce and help with songwriting duties. Daniel’s musical addition to the band brought out a stealthier White Rabbits, a little darker and a little more self-indulgent.

White Rabbits are eerie and solemn at times, creating a ridiculously large sound from a mere six-piece band. I’ve never seen them live, but I have spent long nights hunkered down over Fort Nightly. If their album sound is any indication, their live show should be lonesome and stunning, laced with piano and reaching fruition through the slight rough-hewn but melodic vocals of Stephen Patterson.

Major Lazer Feat. Diplo and Switch at Neumo’s Thursday June 25th

A dance party of ANOTHER kind, Major Lazer featuring Diplo and Switch, will shakedown Neumo’s this Thursday. Their superhero action-packed collaboration may prove to be the most entertaining music event of the week. Major Lazer’s album from this year, Hold the Line, features everything from bubbles to crashing glass to dial tones to horse whinny samples. Their sound is chopped and mixed, part Missy Elliott-infused dub and frenetic cyber-electro sounds. Dance music of the future perhaps? Future OR present, Major Lazer’s musical duds will rustle and tussle at Neumo’s. Be prepared to dance.

Bill Callahan plays the Triple Door Saturday June 27

If I could pick any voice in the world for my dream man to have, it would be Bill Callahan’s hands down. He’s THAT good. His sound has changed a bit throughout the years (he is very prolific). Some of his early stuff as Smog, like Julius Caesar, was all muddy distortion, grainy and unrefined, though not unlovable. In contrast, his later stuff like Dongs of Sevotion and A River Ain’t Too Much To Love took on a more emotive chamber-folk sound, truly identifying him as a lo-fi underground folk rocker. Post-Smog, as plain ole Bill Callahan, his band sound has evolved to include more instruments like cello, French horn and organ. Every album of his is like a self-portrait, repainted as he changes along with the cycle of life.

Bill Callahan at the Triple Door is my show of the week, by far. I’m getting excited just thinking about seeing him in such a private, lovely venue, and feeling his words more than just hearing him. He is truly a great American songwriter and singer.

“I wanna see it when you get stoned on a cloudy breezy desert afternoon” - Built to Spill

Shrie Spangler
*Three Imaginary Girls*

In high i-pod rotation:
Pica Beats
Sonic Youth
The Field

(Three Imaginary Girls is a Seattle-based website that showcases the great music of the Northwest and beyond to music lovers worldwide. We post a Seattle live show calendar to help you fill your day-planner with loads of great shows, as well as record reviews, live show reviews, and an imagi-blog to entertain you throughout the day.)

Having survived the first 22 days of SIFF (there were some near-starvation incidents, but I talked myself into thinking that popcorn and a gigantor soda = food), I find myself nearing the end feeling both sad & relieved. Sad because I’ll miss it, and relieved because while I love it, I’m suffering from a bit of “burning the candle at both ends” syndrome — and I know I’m not the only one.

So what’s going on the last weekend of SIFF? I combed through the schedule and put together a list of recommendations:

Ron Henry

Friday, June 12: Sub Pop band No Age will be adding their own soundtrack to two screenings of Jean-Jacques Annaud’s The Bear at The Triple Door. From the SIFF guide:

As Douce and Bart [the two bears in the movie] sift through the maladies and joys of their precarious existence, so too does No Age’s music filter raw sensation through art-punk chaos. The 7pm screening is all ages, 9:30pm screening is 21+. Get tix online here.

I know this probably sounds trippy and strange — and I can’t guarantee you it isn’t. What I do know is that everyone I have ever met that has attended a live-music SIFF event always says it was one of the best things they’ve ever seen.

Saturday, June 13: So many films to choose from! By my picks are thus:

The creep-tastic documentary talhotblond, explores obsession through the story of an internet love triangle that ends in murder – even though none of the 3 parties involved ever met in person (sounds fascinating, and I seriously can’t wait to see it.)

And, Il Divo, the story of former Italian Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti , who may or may not have been tied to the mafia. Frankly, this just looks really f’ing COOL. Check out the trailer:

Sunday, June 14: While there are still plenty of screenings to catch, Sunday is all about the Closing Night Gala.. This year, SIFF screens the French comedy/Bond-spoof OSS 117: Lost in Rio. In addition to what looks to be a great film (the prequel, OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies, won the SIFF Audience Award in 2006), your ticket also gets you into the party afterwards (including 2 complimentary drinks!) – which is always a total blast.

In short: Whether you’ve been to so many films that the iSIFF app and 35 Club ads are burned into your brain, or whether you haven’t been able to see anything yet — you’ve still got 3 full days left. GET TO IT.

Waiting for SIFF 2010,
Amie Simon
*Three Imaginary Girls*

In high iPod rotation:
Regina Spektor
Sonic Youth
Camera Obscura

Three Imaginary Girls is a Seattle-based website that showcases the great music of the Northwest and beyond to music lovers worldwide. We post a Seattle live show calendar to help you fill your day-planner with loads of great shows, as well as record reviews, live show reviews, and an imagi-blog to entertain you throughout the day.

As evidenced by this week’s blistering heat, summer is fast upon us. If you’re looking for other places to sweat beside your house, car, or workplace, how bouts doing it a rock show for charity? You even have a choice in charities this week! Double karma points!

All this week KEXP has been hard at work on their Summer Membership Drive. I’m sure if you are reading this, you are a member like the imaginaries are — but if not, it’s not too late! Join in the fun and make your pledge!

Noise for the Needy is a local Seattle non-profit organization whose goal is “raising money for a beneficiary Seattle charity through a series of annual music events which brings musicians, promoters, artists, and volunteers together to support those in need.” This year’s partner is Traditional Resources, a mental health center and residential program that provides services for people with serious mental illnesses. This year’s event is kicking off Wednesday 6/10 and goes until Sunday 6/14. There are many draws to this action-packed event. Tickets are ridiculously cheap (nearly all under $20), you can impress your friends and sweetheart with your do-goodery (which, admittedly for me will be drinking 3 dollar PBRs and taking notes), and there are nearly 40 bands ready, willing, and able to rock your flip flops off (seeing as it is entirely too hot for socks). Headlining acts include 1990s, Art Brut, Awesome, The Constantines, Point Juncture WA, Grand Archives, Crystal Antlers, Brent Amaker & the Rodeo, Adam Stephens (Two Gallants) and The Finite Plain, I was a King, New Faces, The Whore Moans, and Throw Me The Statue. More bands are to be announced, and a full lineup is available on the website.

I am particularly excited for the Whore Moans, playing on 6/12 at the Underground Events Center. They are the sonic equivalent of putting the Replacements, the New York Dolls, AC/DC and the Clash in a blender, adding a fifth of Jack Daniels, pressing the “Rad” button, and then spraying a little T-Rex on top. I’d bring earplugs to this show, if I were you.

Chona Kasinger

Art Brut make their triumphant return to the Emerald City on 6/13 at Neumo’s, with cheeky Eddie Argos in tow, touring on Art Brut VS Satan. Look at them! They’re still a band! Their live shows will convert anyone on the fence about them and further endear the already initiated. Be prepared for some of the best stage banter you will ever hear, and many many silly jokes about grunge,

If your proclivities point more to the porcine, perhaps the Pigs for Peace benefit might better please you (That’s some alliteration right there, kids. I wonder if I could get a spider to spin that into a web for me). Andy Werth and friends will be playing at Easy Street Records in West Seattle on 6/5/09, starting at 9:00 PM. 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the charity. Check out the Pigs for Peace website for more information and links to hear Andy’s music. You will never crave pork chops again after seeing picture after picture of potbellied pigs snuggling with old barn dogs.

Go forth. Sweat. Spend money. Help people (and pigs). Make your mama proud.

Hello from the Radio Wasteland
Mary Kwatkosky-Lawlor (Imaginary Mimi)
*Three Imaginary Girls*

In high i-pod rotation:
The Apple War
Elvis Perkins
Star Lake Drownings

(Three Imaginary Girls is a Seattle-based website that showcases the great music of the Northwest and beyond to music lovers worldwide. We post a Seattle live show calendar to help you fill your day-planner with loads of great shows, as well as record reviews, live show reviews, and an imagi-blog to entertain you throughout the day.)

Last week I explained in this space that I wasn’t going to the Sasquatch festival this year because I opted to cover the Seattle International Film Festival again this year and this is the first week. I went to the Opening Night Gala last night and had a blast, even if the crowds were more than a little overwhelming to get food and/or alcohol. I was talking to another music writer friend last night who asked what the next rock show I was going to was and I couldn’t answer it because I’ve only picked out my SIFF agenda for the next week or so.

Here are a few films playing this week at SIFF that may be worth your time and attention.

We Live in Public, playing Saturday, May 23 at the Neptune at 7pm and Monday, May 25 at 11am at the Egyptian

We Live in Public is the newest film from documentary filmmaker Ondi Timoner, who directed one of my favorite rock documentaries, Dig!, which followed The Dandy Warhols and Brian Jonestown Massacre on what BJM’s Anton Newcombe thought would be the beginning of a new wave of music (the rebirth of garage rock). One band flirted with stardom while the other encountered a host of issues (all of which can be traced to Newcombe directly) that kept it from achieving superstardom. Of course, garage rock did become a huge trend in music, but it was led by The Strokes and The White Stripes, not The Dandy Warhols or Brian Jonestown Massacre, for better or worse.

I haven’t seen We Live in Public yet, although it is at the top of my must-see list (and I have seen Timoner’s previous film, Join Us, a riveting documentary about a creepy, religious cult in South Carolina). It follows the lives of internet mogul Josh Harris, who started a website that films he and his girlfriend in their apartment 24 hours a day.

All Tomorrow’s Parties screens Tuesday, May 26 at the Egyptian at 9:30pm and Thursday, May 28 at the Neptune
I was ambivalent towards this movie. It really has no consistent narrative or structure and uses too much footage from a Patti Smith interview from the 1970s. What I do like about it is the music. All Tomorrow’s Parties is the long-running (10 years now) festival whose idea was traced to Belle and Sebastian and their associates and has since found its way stateside. The idea is to get a band to curate a festival and book the bands they liked. You had one troubadour thanking Portishead for asking him to play ATP and then admitting he doesn’t even know who they were. The backstage footage makes the film worthwhile – like comedian David Cross confronting a heckler after his act went south fast. Early in the film you see a performance by the Nick Cave project Grinderman that is really compelling.

See you out and about,

Chris Burlingame
Three Imaginary Girls

In high iPod rotation:
Moderat
Jarvis Cocker
Miniature Tigers

(Three Imaginary Girls is a Seattle-based website that showcases the great music of the Northwest and beyond to music lovers worldwide. We post a Seattle live show calendar to help you fill your day-planner with loads of great shows, as well as record reviews, live show reviews, and an imagi-blog to entertain you throughout the day.)

About a month ago I decided that I was not going to go to the Gorge for the annual Sasquatch Festival that will take place next weekend. While there is a large handful of artists on the lineup that I would really love to see (Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Erykah Badu, Santigold, Crystal Castles, of Montreal, etc…), I made the choice that I really didn’t want to make the trek and deal with crowds, expensive beer, Animal Collective fans and spotty cell phone reception. With the opening weekend of the Seattle International Film Festival coming up next weekend, as well as a lot of other great shows passing through the 206 area code before and after, I’m not regretting staying closer to home. In the week prior, here are some things that are on the immediate horizon that are making it easier to stay in King County.

Dan Schultz

Tea Cozies at Easy Street Records (West Seattle), Friday, May 15

I used my space here two weeks ago to rave about Tea Cozies’ CD release show at the High Dive — and I guess I’m not finished. I certainly haven’t finished listening to their excellent new album, Hot Probs — even to the point where I’m listening to them to the detriment of artists whose work I am supposed to be reviewing or in lieu of doing research for upcoming interviews. I can’t get the summery, pure pop songs out of my head.

Watching the band two weeks ago, their live set is as compelling and fun as it is to listen to Tea Cozies on their record. They project a bouncy energy that transfers the fun from their hook-filled songs to the audience. They also seem to have been generating considerable buzz from Hot Probs, with a handful of people I know outside of my music circles (like my favorite barista at Starbucks) asking me what I know about Tea Cozies. As soon as the weather starts to improve (as is the rumor it does during summer months), you’ll be hearing a lot more from and about Tea Cozies.

In the Loop at the Seattle International Film Festival at the Paramount, Thursday, May 21

With SIFF starting this week, it will soon be engulfing my life. This year I was tapped to manage the coverage at Three Imaginary Girls, and so far it has been a labor of love.

The first film is a political satire, In The Loop, that stars James Gandolfini and Steve Coogan. It’s a humorous take on the intelligence failures that led to the US (and UK — this is a British comedy) getting into the Iraq War. Coogan is especially funny as an aide to the prime minister with a vocabulary that might make Joe Pesci blush and who acts as though he might blow a blood vessel from the actions of his underlings, who he wants to just stay on message. If Aaron Sorkin made a slapstick, British version of “The West Wing” during the early Bush years, it would probably be In the Loop.

Here’s the trailer:

Getting prepared to climb the mountain of conflict,

Chris Burlingame
*Three Imaginary Girls*

High iPod Rotation:
The Vaselines
Ponytail
Asobi Seksu

(Three Imaginary Girls is a Seattle-based website that showcases the great music of the Northwest and beyond to music lovers worldwide. We post a Seattle live show calendar to help you fill your day-planner with loads of great shows, as well as record reviews, live show reviews, and an imagi-blog to entertain you throughout the day.)

Shawn Anderson

Last summer, arguably the biggest event in local music was SP20, the anniversary party for Sub Pop’s twenty years of going out of business. Lately, it seems like SP21 is continuing because a lot of (nonlocal) acts from the label have been coming through town with some great regularity, although I’ll never be accused of being an admirer of either, both Iron & Wine and The Shins were here last week (I know the latter has left SP and my understanding is that they are self-releasing their next album) and this upcoming week has the super-popular Flight of the Conchords, who sold out three straight nights at the Paramount in just a few minutes, and influential twee-pop band The Vaselines are playing one of their very rare US shows this week.

The Vaselines at Neumo’s on Tuesday, May 12

I try to limit the shows I preview in this column to local shows, but this Scottish band is local in spirit, being that Sub Pop just released a deluxe edition of their complete works (really, it’s superb) and The Vaselines were one of Kurt Cobain’s favorite bands, so that makes them local enough, right? I’m writing this column on Friday morning, and later in the day, I’ll be calling the Vaselines’ Frances McKee for an interview, with hope that she doesn’t say “how did you get this number?” and then promptly hanging up.

I’ve been excited for this show for a few months now and giving a lot of attention to my copy of The Way of The Vaselines, but now the band is touring to support Enter the Vaselines, a two disc set that includes The Way of the Vaselines plus a bonus disc of demos and live tracks. It’s a fascinating way to hear most of the songs and how they’ve evolved into what appeared on the final recordings.

The Vaselines, McKee and Eugene Kelly, write great, catchy pop songs with boy-girl harmonies – but they can also be really funny and pretty rough around the edges. I can’t wait for them to play this song, “Molly’s Lips” again:

I didn’t know I loved you until I saw you rock and roll,

Chris Burlingame
*Three Imaginary Girls*

High iPod rotation:
Romance
Ladytron
Tea Cozies

(Three Imaginary Girls is a Seattle-based website that showcases the great music of the Northwest and beyond to music lovers worldwide. We post a Seattle live show calendar to help you fill your day-planner with loads of great shows, as well as record reviews, live show reviews, and an imagi-blog to entertain you throughout the day.)

This past week was an exhausting week that I still haven’t fully processed. I had seen one of my favorite new pop stars, Ida Maria, play at the Crocodile and the very next night saw the absolutely incredible My Bloody Valentine, which probably made for the best two consecutive nights of shows I’ve ever been to. That followed with seeing the opening night film at the Seattle International Film Festival (In the Loop, a very funny political satire) and then interviewed (and rocked out) to Vivian Girls, a band I truly love – even if they were almost two hours late for our interview.

This week, though, promises some other remarkable shows. There’s one I’m particularly excited about.

Tea Cozies CD release at the High Dive, Friday, May 1

Tea Cozies’ new album, Hot Probs is a perfect pop record for the nice weather that comes with the summer. It’s just made for driving or walking around in the sunshine with your shades on because it’s loaded with sugary pop music. The songs are fun, catchy and upbeat and at times they bring to mind The Beach Boys, Imperial Teen, The White Stripes, The Go-Go’s and Dick Dale.

I’m especially anxious to catch them live because the only time I’ve seen the band previously was at TIG’s Exile in {Imaginary} Girlville night, where they killed two Liz Phair songs (”Johnny Sunshine” and “Gunshy”). Here they’ll be playing their own stuff, although they also might break out an unexpected cover like the below video of an Elastica song. I can’t wait.

See ya out and about,

Chris Burlingame
*Three Imaginary Girls*

High iPod rotation:
Dan Deacon
Leonard Cohen
My Bloody Valentine

(Three Imaginary Girls is a Seattle-based website that showcases the great music of the Northwest and beyond to music lovers worldwide. We post a Seattle live show calendar to help you fill your day-planner with loads of great shows, as well as record reviews, live show reviews, and an imagi-blog to entertain you throughout the day.)

While looking at the show calendar for this week, am I really seeing that My Bloody Valentine (!) and Asobi Seksu are playing shows on consecutive nights (MBV Monday at WaMu Theater and Asobi Seksu at Neumo’s on Tuesday)? With two of the loudest bands I can think of playing back to back nights, I would hate to imagine when exactly your ears would stop ringing – even with really good earplugs.

But if noisy (but gorgeous) art-rock isn’t your thing, here are a few more that might be to your liking:

Kyle Johnson

Dyme Def Record Release at the Crocodile, Saturday, April 25

This show made some headlines this week when one troubled MC, Fatal Lucciauno, was dropped from the bill. Lucciauno was one of the performers the night of the shooting at Chop Suey earlier in the year (although swears he had no involvement and all available accounts confirm that). Although I never felt unsafe with that bill at the Croc, with or without Lucciauno on it, it’s understandable with the Crocodile keeping the safety of their guests in mind.
Still, though, this show is the first hip hop show at the Crocodile and it’s a celebration of Dyme Def’s new EP, Panic and it’s still going to be quite the party. I’ve yet to hear Dyme Def’s new EP, but I’ve seen them a few times and know they are one of the best live hip hop crews in the northwest and I’ve praised them numerous times. The show also features The Saturday Knights, One Be Lo, D. Black and Spaceman. The night will make for an excellent party and a showcase for northwest hip hop.

Brent Amaker and the Rodeo and The Redwood Plan at the High Dive, Saturday, April 25

So, maybe hip hop isn’t your thing.

I saw Brent Amaker and the Rodeo last month (also at the High Dive) and his show was also quite the party. Playing both kinds of music, country and western, that is upbeat and fun, while playfully mocking its excesses, their set was a riot last time I saw them play. It ended with dozens and dozens of shots of whiskey being poured from the stage to the crowd. I don’t know if said “baptisms” are regular occurrences or a one-time deal, but I’m anxious to find out.
Opening up is The Redwood Plan, the dance-punk band featuring Lesli Wood (formerly of Ms. Led), who keep getting more and more people buzzing about their lives shows (and their excellent, self-titled EP) each time they play a show.
See you out and about,

Chris Burlingame
*Three Imaginary Girls*
In high iPod rotation:

Tiny Vipers
Telekinesis!
PJ Harvey and John Parish

(Three Imaginary Girls is a Seattle-based website that showcases the great music of the Northwest and beyond to music lovers worldwide. We post a Seattle live show calendar to help you fill your day-planner with loads of great shows, as well as record reviews, live show reviews, and an imagi-blog to entertain you throughout the day.)

This is the weekend that thousands and thousands of music fans descend upon Indio, CA, for the annual Coachella festival. The lineup is especially impressive, landing appearances by Paul McCartney, Leonard Cohen, Morrissey, Franz Ferdinand, Crystal Castles and Girl Talk — and that’s just Friday.

Even given the choice of going to Southern California for Coachella or staying in Seattle for the weekend, I think I would still opt for Seattle (besides, I was in Southern California two weeks ago), mostly because of the two events I’m recommending this week.

EMP Pop Conference at Experience Music Project, Thursday, April 16 through Sunday, April 19

As an admitted music nerd who spends an inordinate amount of time reading about pop music, this is my nirvana. I had just gotten back from the opening reception (and skipped Nona Hendryx’s keynote speech to write this column) and have already had a fantastic time. Probably 90% of the music writers I read regularly and who have influenced how I listen to and write about music are here. This year’s theme “Dance Music Sex Romance: Pop and the Body Politic” and has countless panels exploring that theme.

There is an especially impressive group of critics and writers here, like Carl Wilson (a recent guest on “The Colbert Report” and author of the best book in the 33 1/3 series, on Celine Dion’s Let’s Talk About Love), Eric Weisbard (whose review of a Junior Senior album for Slate — along with Wilson’s book — were instrumental in my becoming a poptimist), Greil Marcus (whose writing in The New York Times and Esquire led me to discovering my absolute favorite band, Sleater-Kinney), and Robert Christgau (who is so important and legendary that Sonic Youth released a song called “I Killed Christgau with my Big Dick”).

If you enjoy conversations with really, really smart people about which band was more influential, Jesus and Mary Chain or My Bloody Valentine, there really isn’t a better time to be had.

Record Store Day, Various Locations, Saturday, April 18

Last week, England’ most influential music magazine, NME fired a shot across the bow, coming out against Record Store Day, calling it a sense of “false nostalgia” for an industry dying. That may or may not be true, but I still enjoy buying music in record stores and want them to thrive. I even think it is a beneficial thing if corporate record stores succeed. Last year on the KEXP blog, dozens of people (myself included) offered their favorite record store stories, and they were all wonderful, touching stories about buying music that you can’t repeat buying music online.

I’m very lucky in the sense that my Belltown apartment is within walking distance to two great, independent record stores: Silver Platters and Easy Street Records but with Borders Books and Music removing the “and Music” from their floor space and record shops shutting down left and right due to the economic climate, it is difficult not to feel a little nostalgic. Record Store Day isn’t a lame attempt to prop up record stores a little longer but a thank you to previous customers and a reminder that record stores still exist and need the support of people who like to frequent them. Sonic Boom and Easy Street are having in-store performances and many more are also offering sales and limited edition items. Be sure to check out recordstoreday.com more info.

Growing up all wrong,

Chris Burlingame
Three Imaginary Girls

High iPod rotation:
The Roots
Cage the Elephant
The Ting Tings

(Three Imaginary Girls is a Seattle-based website that showcases the great music of the Northwest and beyond to music lovers worldwide. We post a Seattle live show calendar to help you fill your day-planner with loads of great shows, as well as record reviews, live show reviews, and an imagi-blog to entertain you throughout the day.)