Music Things I Hate About Portland by the Punk Group’s Brian Applegate

When I was asked to write down five things I hate about Portland, my initial reaction was “only five?” I did six.The Blazers
They’ve only won one championship in 40 years and that was in 1977. Get used to it, Portland...they fucking suck and you yelling at the TV does nothing to help. ...   More

Music Hosannas Then & Now & Then
(Hush Records)

[JENGA POP] There will come a time, in the not-too-distant future, when the recording quality of Hosannas’ new compilation, Then & Now & Then, will sound a little quaint. That’ll happen just as soon as the Portland quartet releases its forthcoming (and really sweet-sounding, even in its cur...   More

Music Best new band names.

Guantanamo Baywatch
Everything you want in a name. You can almost picture David Hasselhoff in a bright orange hazmat suit, right? The Manimalhouse
Sometimes, genius is as simple as sticking one letter in front of a word and reveling in its beauty. Spesus Christ
Something is definitely being desecrated here. Lil’ Pizza   More

Music All week we've been asked about the results for the 2010 Best New Band poll. And all week we've held our lips tight...until now!

The list:

1. Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside (107.5 points)
2. Typhoon (94 points)
3. Deelay Ceelay (74 points)
4. Ho...   More

Music Sleigh Bells have a reputation for powerful, energetic live shows, and while singer Alexis Krauss' manic stage presence and the group's catchy, low-end dance beats explain that reputation, their Monday show at the Wonder Ballroom didn't live up to it.

Krauss draws her energy f...   More

Music Things Paul Dickow has learned in 10 years as Strategy.

1. Never quit music. 2. Make backups—hard drives, duplicate copies…back up everything. Often.3. Be a “late adopter” of new technologies of any sort, because power corrupts. Staying a little bit behind the curve keeps you ahead of the game.4. Bring your own needles and headphones; it’s unlikely the...   More

Music Adam Hurst Elegy
(Ash Records)

[MELLOW CELLO] You’ve probably seen him at the Portland Farmers Market, various outdoor festivals, and other gatherings around town: straw hat, perched on a stool, gracefully sawing away on a cello or viola. Adam Hurst is a Portland staple. Hurst’s seventh release marks a departure from the drone-grounded, solo modal improv...   More

Music Welcome to the rock-and-roll jungle.

By Casey Jarman & Michael MannheimerIn rock ’n’ roll, as in the animal kingdom, it’s important to separate yourself from the pack. Why, then, are so many bands with animal names coming to the fore? Are these bands as cuddly or ferocious as their names might suggest? We tracked, hunted and eventually tagged 15 animal g...   More

Music Fake Drugs Fake Drugs
(Old Wave/High Scores And Records)

[DANCE-POP DELIRIUM] You only need to look at the cover of Fake Drugs’ self-titled debut to realize the band doesn’t take itself too seriously. The CD sleeve features NBA star Shaquille O’Neal, decked out in a flowing white robe, holding a panda bear. The image is striking and odd, yet also w...   More

Music Andrew Oliver Sextet 82% Chance Of Rain
(Oa2 Records)

[ELECTRIC JAZZ] With his Kora Band and Portland Jazz Composers Orchestra, hard-working young keyboardist Andrew Oliver has become a mainstay of this city’s jazz scene. His high-energy second sextet release gets the precipitation percentage wrong, but just about everything else right. 82% Chance of Rain</...   More