Friday, October 20, 2006

Saturday Night Live Picks 10-20-2006

The Decemberists Play the Wiltern on Saturday
Saturday's Pick:
The Decemberists / Lavender Diamond @ Wiltern (Sold Out) –The new album is their best one yet. I have really been enjoying it. Only seen them once (at Spaceland) and it was good. On a related note: Many were skeptical when they signed with a major. Their signing does provide a quick lesson in indie record store economics. Guess who really supported the Decemberists when they were on Kill Rock Stars? Indie record stores. Guess how much Best Buy has been selling the Decemberists’ album for to the general public? $7.99. Guess how much EMD charges your average indie record store for the new Decembrists album? A bit over $12. Guess where indie record stores get their copies of the Decembrists from? Best Buy. Guess how many copies of the new Decemberists get double counted in Sound Scan? (Actually I have no idea, but it does happen). Anyway, it totally sucks for indie record stores. Will you miss them when they’re gone? I will. Download “The Soldiering Life” Lavender Diamond are totally hippie dippy. They’re calling this “Fall Peace Concerts 2006.” People love it when she goes for those high notes, fails, gets distracted and stops singing and talks to the crowd instead. Download “You Broke My Heart
Also Appearing:
Beirut @ the Troubadour (Sold Out) – You sophisticated blog readers probably already know all about this 19-year old from Albuquerque. His bio says it accurately: “…it may sound like an entire Balkan gypsy orchestra playing modern songs as mournful ballads and upbeat marches” I kinda wish I had tickets for this one. Download “From Italy
Sun Ra Arkestra / Money Mark / Michael Hurley / Six Organs of Admittance / Future Pigeon / Living Sisters (with Van Dyke Parks ) @ Downtown Palace Theatre ($24) – Once again, this is like school for aspiring music snobs. Becky Stark is going to have a busy night.
Mew @ El Rey ($15) – The new album is interesting. Not sure if I love it, but worth giving it a listen. From the All Music Guide: “Fans of OK Computer-era Radiohead, My Bloody Valentine, and Disintegration-era Cure will find And the Glass Handed Kites one of the most breathtaking things to come along since the dawn of the dream pop/post-punk genres themselves.”
Detroit Cobras @ Key Club ($15) – Basically a really good soul cover band that plays songs you’ve never heard of. I’ve seen ‘em. Very energetic live performance.
The Starlite Desperation @ Spaceland ($8) – KXLU is presenting this show, which reminds me that I totally forgot to mention the KXLU Fundrazor. You should support them. I know if you live on the eastside, it’s difficult to get rececption, but so many of your favorite local musicians put in time at KXLU. And wearing a KXLU t-shirt is always cool.
Now It’s Overhead @ Sea Level 4:00PM (Free) – If you’re into that Saddle Creek scne. Also playing later that night at the Knitting Factory for $12.

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