Tagged: king tuff

Summer 2014, collected

It seems that summer has been full of new releases, and teasers for fall albums. Over the past few months, there’s been a lot to sink your teeth into. I’ve collected some of my favorite songs of summer onto a Spotify playlist that I will continue to update as I prepare to travel this week! On it you will find…

“Anaconda” by Nicki Minaj: Nicki’s booty-shaking song is rich with empowerment, humor, and all-around goodness. It’s an anthem for thick girls, man-eaters, and powerful ladies akin to Lady Gaga’s G.U.Y…. but better. Since it’s release, this song has become a staple in my routine–getting ready for the party, heading to the party, at the party, after the party, etc. And don’t forgo the video.

“Eyes of the Muse” by King Tuff: Following the release of his self titled album in 2012, I was a die-hard King Tuff fan, and I’m pleased with the first of two singles he’s released from his upcoming. The weirdo garage rock guru melds shimmering guitar, angst-ridden lyrics, and danceable melodies so seemlessly. It’s a summer jam for sure, and a song that’ll keep you warm through the beginning of fall.

“Bad Timing” by Pony Village: I’ve had the pleasure of catching Pony Village twice this summer. I’m a huge fan of their early-Death Cab-esque sound and all around stage presence. Up until recently, I never took the time to listen to their recordings–definitely worth sharing, and a local band to keep your eyes on.

“Avant Gardener” by Courtney Barnett: Courtney’s performance was a stand out to me at Pickathon. She is completely herself and completely rock n’ roll. Since first seeing her at the festival, I’ve listened to  The Double Ep: A Sea of Split Peas maybe 100 times. “Avant Gardner” is a ballad about breaking the mundane with dire consequences. Barnett delivers dark subject matter with humor and apathy… it’s perfect in its relatability.

“Raspberry Seed” by PHOX: PHOX released one of my favorite albums of summer. Each song is a beautiful, well crafted, and often-heartbreaking tribute to loves lost and what is left. “Raspberry Seed” is a long track that I feel really encompasses the mood of the album. The cutting lyrics, honestly, and tenderness of it all is woozy but crisp.

“Brooklyn Baby” by Lana Del Rey: No summer playlist is complete without indulging in a guilty pleasure. But honestly, Del Rey’s album Ultraviolent doesn’t make me feel that guilty. It’s solid. “Brooklyn Baby” is a breather from the heavier, heart-wrecking, gut-wrenching stuff on the album. Del Rey lifts her head from the Sad Girl puddle and delivers an ironic pop song about, what else, annoying people that live in Brooklyn. I love the song–thank god for artists who can poke fun at themselves.

Plus a ton more! And more to come!

Check out the playlist on Spotify:

December in PDX

Beyond 94.7’s “December to Remember” there are a plethora of good tunes to take in in PDX this month. So here it is, your somewhat comprehensive, Zibby approved December show guide. Enjoy!

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A Weekend to Remember

Let me start by saying that nice baristas who take interest in your life and congratulate you on things like your internship and all of your “hard work” truly make the world go round. Thank you, pink-shirted barista in Stumptown. This blog post is for you.

This weekend was one I was anticipating for quite some time. It was my penultimate weekend in Portland before I head home for two weeks, away from the city and scene that I love. So it is only fitting that I crammed as much Portland-y musical crap into it that I possibly could.

Aren’t you excited?

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Weekend catch-up

Today I am recovering from a much too long weekend and not being stimulated mentally for five or six days. The good news is, there are tons of new albums out today, including King Tuff, Grass Widow, and Guantanamo Baywatch! So even though my brain feels mushy, my ears are happy.

Listen to this track: Goldilocks Zone by Grass Widow

I’m at work right now in a lull and thought I’d talk about an event coming up this week that is kind of exciting for the music, but mostly exciting for the news. Portland’s beloved Music Fest Northwest is gearing up for their 12th year in September, and they are going to announce to lineup (or most of it) this Wednesday at Holocene during the MFNW Kick-Off Party.

The party features Santa Barbara electro-poppers Gardens & Villa, Portland’s psychedelic Swahili, the slightly annoying but nonetheless listenable Battleme, and local experimental folk sweethearts Grandparents. So, lots to sit through before you get to the good stuff, the meat, the juice–the festival line up that has me sweating with anticipation.

Grandparents; pretty psychedelic, huh?

I’ll probably blog about it Thursday, but if you can’t wait that long, get your butt over to Holocene tomorrow. The bands might be cool, but being one of the first sets of ears to hear our city’s glorious musical fate is fucking awesome.

Holocene, 1001 SE Morrison, 8:30 p.m., $8-10