In celebration of all the great things released so far this year, I couldn't help but make my own mix to listen on repeat. I even got so nerdy as to create cd-sized cover art with a tracklisting for my Favorites of the First Half of 2010 (download the 5MB printable PDF). 

Fav Albums (in no particular order):
Allo Darlin - Allo Darlin
Antarctica Takes It! - Constellations
The Drums - The Drums
Los Campesinos! - Romance Is Boring
Math & Physics Club - I Shouldn't Look As Good As I Do
Nana Grizol - Ruth
People Eating People - People Eating People
Quasi - American Gong
Standard Fare - The Noyelle Beat

Fav Retrospective:
Carissa's Wierd - They'll Only Miss You When You Leave: Songs 1996-2003

Fav 7":
Gold-Bears - “Tally”

Fav Cover Song:
Cats On Fire - “Your Woman” from the album Dealing In Antiques
(cover of a White Town song)

I am sure I forgot something... what songs and/or albums are your favorites of the year so far? Anything in particular you're looking forward hearing that's set for release later this year? {Thermals, Thermals, Thermals}

more...

This month's imaginary mixtape features a slew of Seattle finest who are taking to the clubs {and some even reuniting!} during the next few weeks, but kicks off with a perfect summertime song by a band that we wish was coming to town.

You can listen to a stream or download the MP3 version of the podcast on the imaginary bandcamp page.

If you are the type that likes to listen to podcasts in itunes, download the .m4a here {with fancy chapters even!} and then open it in your itunes {Thanks to Jigsaw Records for hosting it!}.

Tracklisting: Imaginary Mixtape - July 2010:

more...

So remember that Tullycraft covers compilation we mentioned a while back, Wish I'd Kept A Scrapbook? Well, it's done, and will be available for purchase next month. And, you can stream the whole thing on their website! I've been swooning all morning. This compilation features so many of my crush bands, like Gold-Bears, Fishboy, the Smittens, Bunnygrunt, and Math and Physics Club.

The folks at Unchikun Records have been nice enough to share a few MP3s, so for your listening pleasure, check out two of my favorite songs from the comp, Hot Lava covering "Pink Lemonade" and the Medusa Snare covering "Every Little Thing".

more...

I have to admit that I hate most indie pop videos. I'm pretty tired of seeing the formulaic "oh look how cute we are playing outside and playing our songs and running around" that's been in such a large percentage of indie pop videos for the last fifteen years. That being said, this brand new POBPAH video for "Say No to Love" (which features the dudes of the bands practicing while Peggy, their keyboard player, wanders around a mall aimlessly) is THE CUTEST THING I've ever seen. There's also a puppy (and some pretty killer scratch animation). Just like with their songs, they take a concept that can can easily fall to the wrong side of the twee-o-meter and make it shine sincerely.

Update: The video has been posted to youtube! Watch away!

more...

The world is a much more comforting place knowing that the Suburban Kids with Biblical Names duo is back making songs and likely working on a follow up to 2009's EP #4.  Could 2010 be the year of EP #5?!?!

To whet our appetite, they've offered up a remix of their Labrador labelmate's {Pallers} blog hit "The Kiss." Go download the original and the remix now!

And to get all nostalgic, here's one of everyone's favorite 2005 video featuring burnt toast:

more...

Skeletons with Flesh on Them {Photo: Steve Louie}

Thanks to everyone who joined us at the Crocodile last Saturday night for the big birthday show with Aqueduct, Math & Physics Club, and Skeletons with Flesh on Them. It was wonderful to spend the special evening with you... even if none of us could break out the candy in the #8 pinanta {thanks to Skeletons with Flesh on Them for supplying the pinata!}.  It was such a joyous time, it made us wish that we could celebrate a birthday more than once a year. Good thing time flies!

Double thanks go to our photographers Steve Louie and Lori Paulson for capturing the evening in photos.

more...

OK, so it's not exactly as if you and Carl Newman or Neko Case will intimately be sharing a bottle of wine and discussing your childhoods (or maybe you will!), but boy do we have a special treat for you!

The New Pornographers are doing something very special for their 7/31 Showbox at the Market stop: inviting a few lucky fans in for soundcheck and a meet and greet with the band, encompassing the theme of their new album, Together. This fabulous package (Bob Barker style) includes VIP tickets to the show as well!

Along with our friends at Easy Street Records and KEXP, we here at TIG have 2 packages to giveaway! How do I win something so marvelous you might be asking? Simple! Just e-mail us at tig@threeimaginarygirls.com with the subject line "gettogetherwiththenewpornos" (all one word please!) by 9am Friday, July 23rd for a chance to win! This gives you plenty of time to think of some conversation ice breakers!

If you happen to be reading us in a city that is not Seattle, check out the Matador Records Matablog and Facebook page for the full scoop and to see if this amazing experience is offered in your city!

more...

It's no secret that we here at Three Imaginary Girls LOVE Nana Grizol. The magical twitter birds happened to post this news today:

June 29th at the Mine (5113 Russell Ave NW)

Defiance, OH (Theo NG's other band)

Kimya Dawson

Your Heart Breaks

Theo Grizol (his solo sets are so magical!)

Chin Up, Meriwether

8pm sharp, $6-$10

Though it's a Tuesday, we feel this show needs no explanation. Without the horns and the double drums and exploding energy, what's left in Theo's songs are beautiful, heartwrenching tales of friendships and relationships so honest and true that it's hard not to instantly relate.

I recently came into posession of a Nana Grizol Inspirational Pillow Case with the phrase (from the song "Galaxies") "What you now are seeking hope to realize. Don't give it til the weekend it will takes weeks months years it will take you your whole life". Just think about that one for a while and try not to be inspired.

more...

{MAPC photo by Steve Louie}

We had such a blast at the Croc on Saturday! We hope you did too! Big thanks to everyone who came out and celebrated with us!

We just can't stop celebrating, and we're continuing on with a super fun bash at Moe Bar this Wednesday night! You'll find imaginary folk behind the bar and behind the decks blasting our favorite tunes. Please join us as we raise many glasses to our dear ChrisB who will be moving on to his new blog Another Rainy Saturday. We'll be raging from 8-11pm, and we hope you can join us! The night has no cover, but tip your *ahem* imaginary bartenders! See you Wednesday!

Lucky us! It's been less than a year since Fishboy's last stop in our fair city, and now, he's back for more! This time, he'll be solo, accompanied by only his fantastic songs and his wit. Lead Fish-dude Eric Michener writes insanely catchy and clever albums, such as 2007's rock opera Albatross: How We Failed To Save the Lone Star State with the Power of Rock and Roll about trying (and failing) to save the state of Texas with the ghost of Buddy Holly (one of my favorite albums of the last decade). It's like if Neutral Milk Hotel wrote fun songs all in the vein of "Holland 1945" instead of heartbreaking ones. You can stream the entire album here.

Rumor has it Fishboy is working on a new album right now. We got a bit of a taste the last time they were in town at Vera, though I've heard most of those songs have been scrapped. Michener always has a way of keeping his fans on their toes, so you never know what to expect, except a great time filled with fantastic songs. Stop into the Mars Bar on Friday to check out someone we can truly call a Three Imaginary Girls favorite. Show starts at 8:30 (Fishboy's on first) and also playing are the Terrordactyls, the Heligoats, and ten speed.

{Fishboy photo by Steve Louie}