at El Corazon

To music geeks everywhere, the power of The List is an awesome thing to behold and is to be deeply revered. The List is all things to all people- it is a tally sheet, a to-do / wish list, a way to impress friends, lovers, and co-workers, and is often a thing of fantasy (ahem-Pulp reunion-ahem). There is a certain self-congratulatory sense of satisfaction in crossing a band off The List. The allure of saying "I saw [insert band name here] last night" is seductive and the recounting of stage banter, inadvertent devil horning of hands, and simply groaning "Aaaagh!  It was so BAD ASS!" is inevitable. Though this is often eye-roll inducing or shrug worthy to the "You shoulda been there," recipient, the feeling of a List victory can't be suppressed. There is often also an Auxiliary List, a list of bands that one guards the faintest hope of seeing, but knows deep down will probably never see live. An Auxiliary List victory is an even finer prize- the opportunities for points for obscurity, scarcity of tickets (due to a tiny venue, rapid sellouts, etc), etc gives the Listmaker an even greater sense of accomplishment, despite having done absolutely nothing to earn it other than drinking a few beers and screaming out song lyrics.

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What we've got going on in town tonight and tomorrow night is nothing short of a one-two punch, SXSW 2010 style. Two of the acts I liked enough to venture out and brave the endless lines for in Austin are both coming through town: Good Old War at El Corazon tonight, and First Aid Kit at the Vera Project tomorrow.

Both shows are guaranteed to raise a smile, both are all-ages, and both have such a wide appeal that you practically can't miss. First Aid Kit, my personal favorite of the two, showcases two talented singer-songwriter gals who sing sweet, contrasting harmonies full of smart lyrics -- think of them as older cousins of Smoosh, with a little more string-based hippie-parenting influence and a bit of a darker take on things.

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Hey guys? I know most of y'all are wrapped up in SIFF, but I wanted to remind you that Seattle’s True Independent Film Festival starts today! I'm certainly not complaining that Seattle has TWO awesome film festivals at the same time, but of course it’s always a challenge to fit some STIFF films into an already packed SIFF schedule. However, this year, I’m determined to try.

Running from Friday, 6/4 through Sunday, June 13, STIFF packs in 160 shorts & features (many by local directors) at 4 venues - AND you can see all of them for the low All Access Pass price of $50! The lineup looks great this year, but of course I zeroed in on some the horror films.

The Book of Zombie: Mormon! Zombies!! Hell yes!!! Screens Monday, June 7, 1:30pm at The Rendevous (Jewelbox Theater), and again Friday, June 11, 9:15pm at the Northwest Film Forum.

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This year's Nylon Tour also features a strong lineup with Patrick Wolf, Jaguar Love and Living Things, but I am most excited to catch one band: The Plasticines.

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Tonight at El Corazon is a screening of Anvil, followed by a performance by the actual band featured in the documentary. The film runs for about 90 minutes (El Corazon's website says this is "a partially seated event") and then Anvil rocks our faces off.

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The packed to the gills five-band bill of Dear & The Headlights, Kinch, To The Waves, Born Anchors, and Martingale show tonight at El Corazon is the adrenaline shot to the heart that I need to wake up this freshly minted Monday and kick March in to high gear.

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Beloved Seattle band MxPx is headlining a benefit show for their late comrade John Spalding, guitarist for bands 90 Pound Wuss and Raft of Dead Monkeys.

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Schoolyard Heroes are releasing a 2-song holiday single today: "I want your soul for Christmas" and "Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel!".

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at El Corazon

It was an odd and very gratifying experience to be there with people from all walks and ages of life, coming together in support and love of an old favorite.

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Innerpartysystem is releasing a 7" of their single "Don't Stop" in the UK, and it's on chocolate and fully functional! The Pennsylvanian group will become the first band to ever release their single on chocolate, and have limited the run to 100 copies.

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