Top 5 Unknown Mortal Orchestra, II (2/5, Jagjaguwar) The mystery is gone, but Ruban Nielson’s once-enigmatic post-Mint Chicks project is still one of Portland’s singular bands. Based on the new alb   More

Top 5 King Khan and the Shrines @ Dante’s (MusicfestNW, 9/6) This was the only time I’ve ever felt like hurrying toward Dante’s. What made this show killer was the pure inhibition that the Shrine   More

Top 5 The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974) This Arthur Rankin and Jules Bass gem reminds me of my own life. Heat Miser and Snow Miser are always on my shoulders whenever I am contemplating heavy decis   More

Top 5 The Amboy Dukes, “Baby, Please Don’t Go” Legendary blues song recorded by Big Joe Williams in 1935 that would go on to be covered by countless musicians, in a variety of styles. One of my f   More

Top 5 Knothead (pictured)This guy is ready to blow up big time. He’s a heavy-metal-laced hip-hop artist with a real hardcore attitude like Tech N9ne or Insane Clown Posse. Most of his lyrics are about   More

Top 5 “True Men Don’t Kill Coyotes,” Red Hot Chili Peppers (1984)Less funk-punk than tribal new-wave, the lone highlight of the Chili Peppers’ first outing finds Anthony Kiedis embodying the col   More

Top 5 Califone, Quicksand/Cradlesnakes (2003)Not only a Thrill Jockey fave, but one of the best bands of the past decade, in my opinion. These dudes mix gorgeous folk melodies with out-there noise like    More

Top 5 College campus piano practice rooms My girl and I used to tape a sheet of notebook paper over the little window on the door. When people walked by, I’d reach up with my free hand and bang a   More

Top 5 A WeatherIt’s hard for me even to talk about this band without getting all misty. They were so good and so heartbreaking, and I didn’t go see them enough. Eskimo and SonsI’d be pushier    More

Top 5 The Great Idea, Friday, Aug. 10, at Enchanted ForestIt’s a show in a creepy theme park for kids. And Quasi is playing. Come on, what more do you want?Pop-Up Pool Party, Sunday, Aug. 19, at Portland    More