The Vanguard Blogzone
May 7th, 2008
Ghostface!
By on May 7th, 2008
As promised, some Ghostface Killah tunes to go along with my commentary on Iron Man in today’s paper. (Sorry for the tardiness.)
“Clipse of Doom” MP3 HERE
“Nutmeg” MP3 HERE
“Marvel” MP3 HERE
April 14th, 2008
Tonight: Tony Scherr
By on April 14th, 2008
Tonight: Tony Scherr at Berbati’s Pan w/ Charmparticles, $10
I’m sick. Not vomiting sick, just… tired. I’m tired of the glut of singer-songwriters that invade my ears and fill them with acoustic-guitar melodies and lyrics about lost love. Sure, occasionally there’s a bright spot, a talented musician who pushes the genre or at least writes really significant songs, but more often than not—and in the case of Tony Scherr—the music is just mediocre.
And that’s the hardest part. The songs on Scherr’s new album, Twist in the Wind, are fine examples of rock-based songwriting with the occasional jazzy departure. And his voice is textured and endearing, if obviously untrained. There’s just nothing vital here. Tracks like “Shopgirl” and “Between” easily slide into the background, living up to their cliché titles and whimpering attitude.
Maybe, just maybe, Scherr will come off better live.
April 11th, 2008
Jimmy Eat World show review
By on April 11th, 2008
When Jimmy Eat World took the stage Thursday night at the Salem Armory, the audience echoed the agony of “Pain.” They listened with hushed attention during “Hear You Me.” And they sung it back (whoa oh oh oh) during “The Sweetness.”
Arguably the finest example of contemporary emo-rock, Jimmy’s live performance does justice to their stellar album sound. Their beautiful song craft and palpable energy were intact and reflected by the 5,000-strong crowd—mostly a throng of middle- and high-school girls sporting tight-hugging jeans and T-shirts.
The stage lighting effects complemented the sound rather well, though sometimes at the cost of the crowd’s retinas. The smoke machine was neat at first, until it became a two-front war on my lungs to both suck in the dense cloud and scream along with the choruses.
With all that said, Jimmy laid down a superb spectacle of sight and sound (and smoke) that more than justified the price of admission. If you have the means to catch one of their shows later this tour, do so. If not, cross your fingers and hope their next tour includes a stop actually in Portland, not an I-5 commute away.
Oh, and um…Paramore played too. Er…rock on.
April 9th, 2008
Get on TV!
By on April 9th, 2008
If you’ve ever seen VH1’s reality dating show, The Pick Up Artist, then you’ve seen the saddest depths of human interaction.
Now you have a chance to join those depths. The Pick Up Artist is casting in Portland, and they’re looking for “single guys who need help asking women out!!!”
The casting call is tomorrow from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 635 N.W. 16th Ave.
From the press release:
Specific casting requirements: “Quirky, likeable or geeky guys 21-32 who are a bit socially stunted when it comes to the ladies.”
“Need to be available for filming the month of June”
If you can’t make it tommorrow, email a photo, short bio and contact information to submit@dannystoltzcasting.com or call 503-227-6055.
March 21st, 2008
This weekend’s shows (with mp3s!)
By on March 21st, 2008
Tonight:
Black Moth Super Rainbow
9 p.m. at the Wonder Ballroom
$10, all-ages
I just finished jamming Black Moth Super Rainbow’s latest album, Dandelion Gum, for the third time—and they’ve kind of grown on me. I still think they’re boring, but boring in a good, sleeping-aid type of way.
The band’s songs all sound about the same: slow burning synth-rock that kind of goes nowhere played over simple drum beats with occasional vocoder vocals. There are hints of psychedelia sure, but Black Moth’s music almost immediately relegates itself to a fine background tenor. It’s pleasant and unobtrusive. And it’s competently played. But, that isn’t really enough.
Black Moth Super Rainbow MP3 HERE
Indian
9 p.m. at Berbati’s Pan
$10, 21-plus
Woooo! Doom-metal! This is the first time Chicago metallers Indian have come to Portland and if you like super-loud, super-aggro, heavy-ass music the you must check out this show. Also on the bill are Eugene thunder-bearers Middian, one of the finest heavy-metal bands going.
Indian MP3 HERE
February 13th, 2008
Video madness: Gore-grind + Bert and Ernie
By on February 13th, 2008
We at the Vanguard are mesmerized by video clips that pair TV shows to heavy metal, and this clip of Bert and Ernie playing along to insane gore-grind tempos is no exception.
Enjoy
February 11th, 2008
Blog Extra: Per Se interview
By on February 11th, 2008
Here’s the rest of a long transcript from last week’s feature on musician Anne Adams, who goes by the moniker Per Se. Also there’s an MP3 after the jump.
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