Three Imaginary Girls

Seattle's Indie-Pop Press – Music Reviews, Film Reviews, and Big Fun

I don't normally recommend shows here that have already sold out, but I'm certain this is the best show of the evening.

Lily Allen is, as most readers of this site know, my favorite pop star. She has impeccable pop instincts while having an uncanny knack for a clever phrase or lyric that is often funny and piercing.

This is her first US tour in about two years and it's to support her fantastic new album It's Not Me, It's You. I had seen the first to stops on this tour already, taking a vacation to see her San Diego and Los Angeles shows because of some uncertaintly at my day job and a very limited time I'd be able to use my vacation time. Without giving away too much of the details (both shows had identical setlists and opened with "Everyone's At It"), she played everything from It's Not You, as well as a few covers and favorites from her first album Alright, Still.

The most pleasant surprise, though, might have been how well both audiences had taken to openers (and Seattleites) Natalie Portman's Shaved Head. After a few songs, the crowds really started taking to them and dancing along. I was also pleased with how the band has grown, developing from a quasi-joke band (albeit one with a joke that was actually funny from the beginning) into a solid and consistent dance pop band.

If you really want to go to this show (and you should) and are savvy with Twitter and good at scavenger hunts, Allen has been hiding several pairs of tickets at spots around the venues she's been playing at, while giving clues through Twitter (http://twitter.com/lilyroseallen).

What else is going on?

  • Foghorns/The Correspondents, Comet {free}
  • Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit/Justin Townes Earle, Tractor
  • Lily Allen/Natalie Portman's Shaved Head, Showbox SoDo
  • Gary Louris & Mark Olson/Teddy Thompson, Triple Door*
  • Acid Mothers Temple/Sonic Suicide Squad/Kinski, Sunset Tavern
  • The Haunted/Nachtmystium/Kylessa/Intronaut, Neumo's*
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