It may feel like we're a bit obsessed with Seattle songster Fences as of late... but with performances like the one of this past Friday {opening for St. Vincent} and photos like the above {courtesy of fabulous photographer Lori Paulson}, we can't help it!

Did you make it into the sold-out show? How was it?

Or, did your weekend include other stops... whatja do?!?!

Want to see what other folks did this weekend? Check out the TIG Flickr Photo Pool {and add your own photos too}!

So if you haven't caught wind of it yet, St. Vincent will be coming through town tonight to blow the doors off of Neumo's with their sweet layercake of daydreamy, lushy melodies. It's actually the first US show of their national tour, which heads down the left coast for stops in PDX and a few nights in California before a cross-country visit to our friends out east (hi, 9:30 Club!).

As if the alt.indie.orchestra.ish appeal of St. Vincent wasn't enough to get you out the door tonight, the show's also going to get lit up with some love from one of our favorite locals, Fences. Rumor has it that they'll be warming up the stage around 9, so don't wait around too long to hit the show!

(It's hip to be early sometimes, Seattle. And to stand up front for a killer show. And even to take your hands out of your pockets and dance a little. I promise.)

Here's a taste of tonight's lineup:

We'll see you at the show!

“Defriending Cancer” is not just a good idea but an excellent comedy and music benefit coming up. The night is hosted by comedian Todd Barry and features some of his funniest colleagues, like Neil Hamburger, Eugene Mirman, Tig Notaro, Natasha Leggero and Tim Heidecker (of “Tim and Eric” fame). It also features music from James Mercer of The Shins and Isaac Brock of Modest Mouse. The event takes place Thursday, February 11 at the Moore and the money raised benefits the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Tickets can be obtained here.

The host, Todd Barry, is one of the funniest comedians I’ve ever seen perform. His rare intelligence and droll delivery always make for a hilarious time. He's also a great actor, appearing in films like the critics' favorite, The Wrestler. I spoke with him by phone about the event, what we can expect next Thursday night and about his experiences as a comedian opening for a loved rock band.

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New York's chimeric-bopping Beach House's debut on Sub Pop, Teen Dream, came out last week to bold fanfare and acclaim from old fans (and new acolytes like me). They also got hit with some critical flack for not mixing in enough dark flavors with the Scotch-and-butterscotch ice cream float of their sweet, intoxicating sound.

For a third full-length from the formidable duo of vocalist Victoria Legrand (the niece of French chanteuse Christiane Legrand, and awesome composing mastermind Michel Legrand, whose soundtracks for The Umbrellas of Cherbourg and Band of Outsiders are essential in the OST canon) and young multi-instrumentalist Alex Scally, some scribes were apparently hoping their M.O. of sunny, chilly, melancholic impressionist pop with sweet drum ticks would "evolve" into something else. But what? Something "more substantial"? I have no defense to that behind my immense rating for the record.

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at The Tractor Tavern

{Photos by Jason Tang in the TIG Flickr Photo Pool}

I've been doin' the blogging thing for this here imaginary blog since around 2005, but living down in LA I don't get to see many (or any) Northwest shows. So when I booked a weekend trip to Seattle, and my concert buddy suggested a night at Tractor Tavern, I was -- as we say in California -- "totally stoked."

We arrived at the tail end of Willy Mason's set, and waited about fifteen minutes for local act Fences to take the stage. From listening to their Myspace beforehand I was looking forward to some breed of acoustic folk/pop -- unfortunately for the live show, something got lost in translation. Tattooed lead singer/songwriter Christopher Mansfield's acoustic guitar was backed at various times by a banjo, bass, guitar, drums, xylophone and synthesizer, but either I was too far to the side or the mix just wasn't great for his set, because half the instruments were drowned out by the other half. The band started off strong with a couple banjo-based songs, but about halfway through I was more than ready for the next set.

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{Photo courtesy of Kyle Johnson from the Three Imaginary Girls Flickr Photo Pool}

It is with a heavy heart that we recommend the *last* Team Gina show ever, this Sunday at the Comet.

We've loved everything about these ladies since we first saw them back in 2007 when they opened for Leslie and the Lys. We've featured their songs in podcasts, counted them as a favorite in past end of year best of lists, and have always adored their electrifying beats and fashion sense. I'd say our favorite Team Gina moment was celebrating our sixth anniversary with them at the Exile in {imaginary} Girlville show.

This Sunday is the last time we will all be able to sing along to their live version of "Boobies" and therefore, it's a must to get thee to the Comet to cheer on Gina Bling and Gina Genius.

Also taking the stage at the Comet that night: Punk Bunny and Black Barbie. It doesn't get any better than that for what's sure to be a killer goodbye party.

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