This Week in the Mercury

Wet Hot American Fall

Film

Wet Hot American Fall

The Northwest Film & Video Festival Goes A-Scoutin'


The Secrets Behind the Secret List

Feature

The Secrets Behind the Secret List

City Finally Reveals "Secret List" of Probable Drug Abusers—But Is the Program Worth Saving?



Music

Friday, November 6, 2009

Win Tickets to the Mountain Goats!

Posted by Ezra Caraeff on Fri, Nov 6, 2009 at 10:43 AM

goats.jpg
  • Chrissy Piper

In honor of Goat Friday—Cat Friday is dead. Long live Cat Friday!—we are giving away three pairs of tickets to see the Mountain Goats at the Wonder Ballroom on Wednesday, November 11th. Hoof on over to End Hits for your chance to win.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

This Week's Mercury Music Section

Posted by Ezra Caraeff on Thu, Nov 5, 2009 at 8:00 AM

davidbazan3.jpg

Another week, another Mercury music section to read while you dress your child like a hideous mutant. Correction: an adorable hideous mutant.

David Bazan and Jesus used to be so close that they'd carve "DB + JC = 4EVAH" into the trunks of trees. But those days are no more. Bazan's wonderful Curse Your Branches recording chronicles his fall from faith. Does that mean he's a free agent? You hear that Jews? He could be ours!
LISTEN:

David Bazan - "When We Fell"

BOAT are just like us, they put their pants on one leg at a time. Except once their pants are on, they create the funnest music known to man... while we're just happy to be wearing pants.
LISTEN:

BOAT - "We've Been Friends Since 1989"

The Mountain Goats find a copy of the bible—in David Bazan's dumpster—and proceed to write an entire record with blblical verses for song titles.
LISTEN:

The Mountain Goats - "Genesis 3:23"

In their first visit to Portland, Video Games Live combine symphony orchestration with video game soundtracks. Hey Mario Bros., take off those colorful overalls and put on something nice, you're going to the symphony!
WATCH:
Video Games Live Trailer

Our Town Could Be Your Life looks at former Meow Meow kid, Kelli Schaefer and her recent single series that will feature a new release every six to eight weeks.
LISTEN:

Kelli Schaefer - "City Morgue"

End Hits: Should we have used another joke for the Video Games Live link? How about: I’m sorry Mario, but the princess is in another symphony. That better?

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Win Tickets to Dinosaur Jr.!

Posted by Ezra Caraeff on Wed, Nov 4, 2009 at 9:36 AM

dino1.jpg
  • Brantley Gutierrez

Our great ticket giveaway continues: Dinosaur Jr. is next! We're parting with three pairs of tickets to see J, Lou, and Murph this Saturday night at the Wonder Ballroom. If you want to win, start choppin' your way over to End Hits. Good luck.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Drunk Driver Convicted of Killing "Quality" Dan Baldwin Sentenced to One Year and One Day in Prison

Posted by Ezra Caraeff on Tue, Nov 3, 2009 at 10:55 AM

1238435766-county-1.jpg

The Oregonian is reporting that Vancouver resident Anthony Wesley Miller was sentenced to a mere one year, and one day, prison sentence for striking and killing "Quality" Dan Baldwin of local band Power of County.

Both Miller and Baldwin were over the legal limit when the accident occurred on March 28th, as Miller's SUV struck Baldwin's motorcycle, killing him instantly. Miller fled the scene, but later returned and eventually pleaded guilty to the charges of drunken driving and criminally negligent homicide. The story is just incredibly sad, including this quote from Baldwin's mother, Eleanor: "Mr. Miller, I would hope that you would not just walk away and forget."

Monday, November 2, 2009

Auditioning for Demolisher? SAVE YOUR BREATH, LOSERS!

Posted by Wm.™ Steven Humphrey on Mon, Nov 2, 2009 at 1:48 PM

I know a few of you out there (okay, including me) had our hearts set on auditioning for, and becoming the lead singer of the death metal group Demolisher. Unfortunately, a front runner has emerged that makes our auditions look as empty as the holes in his ears. Ladies and gentlemen, meet Senor Bivens. (Umm... don't just stand there! Bow before the next lead singer for Demolisher, a-holes!!)

Earhole tips to Videogum!

Win Tickets to Múm!

Posted by Ezra Caraeff on Mon, Nov 2, 2009 at 10:15 AM

l_af43a7d84b3b4cb4aaf7f053f47989cd.jpg

Iceland's very own Múm will be making a rare appearance at the Aladdin Theater this Wednesday evening and we want to give you a pair of tickets. Click on over to End Hits for your chance to win your way into this show. Good luck.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Win Tickets to Devo!!!

Posted by Ezra Caraeff on Fri, Oct 30, 2009 at 11:01 AM

devo.jpg

This is a message for: Hardcore DEVOted spuds, casual Devo fans, Jocko Homos, Mongoloids, and those who enjoy the thrill of wearing an energy dome on their head.

We are giving away a pair of tickets to see Devo at the Moore Theatre in Seattle on Sunday November 8th and Monday, November 9th. Two nights of Devo, and we are parting with a pair of tickets to each show. Holy crap! Head on over to End Hits for your chance to win.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Today's Nightmare Generator: The VentriloChoir

Posted by Wm.™ Steven Humphrey on Thu, Oct 29, 2009 at 10:40 AM

Some people are just too busy to be creeped out by Halloween. That's why we've developed the Nightmare Generator™ which implants images of disturbing things in your brain, resulting in a general feeling of uneasiness and low grade horror. Today's Nightmare Generator™ is a segment from Hungary's "Sandor Fridercruz" show featuring a choir of ventriloquist dummies singing the Beatles' "Yesterday."
As you watch this and your nightmare is being generated, take time to reflect on some of this video's many mysteries. Such as, "Why is the guy with a mustache such a bad ventriloquist?" Or, "Why do the ventriloquists with the least hair have dummies with thick, lustrous hair?" Or, "Why do we live in a world where black ventriloquists are the only people to use black dummies?" Not that black people or dummies are dummies, but you know what I mean. Shutting up now.

Extra credit: The VentriloChoir were at one point Conan O'Brien regulars. Anybody remember?

This Week's Mercury Music Section

Posted by Ezra Caraeff on Thu, Oct 29, 2009 at 10:39 AM

399253565_l.jpg

Another week, another Mercury music section to flip through while you assemble your skull artwork with nothing more than a few hundred cassettes. See? There is hope for the music industry.

Ironic? No. British? Oh, yeah. Art Brut tickle the fancy of our resident Red Coat, Matt Davis. What's next? Yours truly writing a news story about sit/lie regulations? That's a law about napping, right?
LISTEN:

Art Brut - "Alcoholics Unanimous"

Spoiler alert: At the end of this World's Greatest Ghost article, you'll find out that the band has been dead all along.
LISTEN:

World's Greatest Ghost - "The Royal Court"

The good news is that Sallie Ford sings like Olive Oyl from Popeye. The bad news is that Bluto just kidnapped her and sold her to the Sea Hag.
LISTEN:

Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside - "This Town"

A n00b's guide to the Fall into Darkness metal festival. It's three days of pure metal, so please bring a change of ear plugs and black T-shirts with illegible band logos on them.
LISTEN:

YOB - "Doom #2"

End Hits: Brits, ghosts, cartoon characters with eating disorders, and heshers.

Win Tickets to the Dirty Projectors!

Posted by Ezra Caraeff on Thu, Oct 29, 2009 at 9:28 AM

DP_BitteOrca.jpg

It's no secret that, when the dust settles, Dirty Projectors' masterful Bitte Orca will be the most acclaimed record of 2009. And with the band coming to the Aladdin Theater on Tuesday, November 3rd, we'd like you to win a "Dirty Projectors Prize Package" that consists of a pair of tickets to the show, a LP copy of Bitte Orca, plus a poster to hang on your dorm room wall.

To enter, head on over to End Hits.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

"Nowhere Boy" Trailer

Posted by Ezra Caraeff on Wed, Oct 28, 2009 at 4:00 PM

Nowhere Boy is a film based on the life of John Lennon—I heard it ends well—focusing on his pre-Beatles days, and is based on the book, Imagine This: Growing Up With My Brother John Lennon. The film deals with Lennon's turbulent childhood years and his relationship with his mother. I wonder if those issues were ever resolved? Oh, guess not.

Of course, there is no shortage of Beatles flicks, and 1994's Backbeat already focused on the band's Hamburg days, albeit through the eyes of Stuart Sutcliffe (he's like a dead Pete Best!). Also, it's curious how Nowhere Boy features zero music from Lennon or the Beatles in the trailer. Granted, he wasn't exactly writing Sgt. Pepper as a teenager, but I can't imagine how poor this film will come across without their music in it. It's supposed to open over Christmas in the UK, no word on a domestic opening date.

End Hits: We want a Billy Preston movie.

Joe Pesci Raps; You Will Buy Me this Album

Posted by Wm.™ Steven Humphrey on Wed, Oct 28, 2009 at 3:18 PM

Eternal thanks to Videogum for unearthing this 1998 video in which Joe Pesci… umm… raps. Unironically, I assume. And yes, he's terrible. But as terrible things often go, this video eventually transforms from terrible to very nearly awesome. Check it out.

So this song ("Wise Guy") is from an actual album that you will find and buy for me—before Christmas, please. It was Pesci's second (!!!!) release, and entitled "Vincent LaGuardia Gambini Sings Just for You" (The name comes from the character he played in My Cousin Vinny, leading me to ask, where was Ralph Macchio's mother-effing album??) Check out the track listing, generously provided by Wikipedia.

Track listing

1. "Yo Cousin Vinny"
2. "Wise Guy"
3. "Take Your Love And Shove It"
4. "I've Got News For You"
5. "How Do You Like Me So Far"
6. "Robbie Hood"
7. "Twenty-One"
8. "Old Man Time"
9. "He'll Have To Go"
10. "I Can't Give You Anything But Love"
11. "If It Doesn't Snow For Christmas"
12. "What A Wonderful World"
13. "Yo Cousin Vinny (Italian)"
14. "Yo Cousin Vinny (Spanish)"

Repeat: You will find and buy me this album. And you will NOT keep it for yourself!!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Help Find Alela Diane's Cat

Posted by Ezra Caraeff on Tue, Oct 27, 2009 at 4:34 PM

Bramble Rose and Alela Diane, during happier times.
  • Bramble Rose and Alela Diane, during happier times.

I don't want this to become a regular feature on the blog, but I'm a sucker for a lost pet in need. Singer Alela Diane has lost her cat, Bramble Rose. To make matters worse, she is about to embark on a national tour today. Since touring is difficult enough without fearing your cat is stuck in a tree (or worse), she made this handy flier just in case you cross paths with Bramble Rose.

If you happen to spot the cat, please email her immediately. Thank you.

End Hits: What's that? Art Alexakis' Labradoodle is missing? We're on it!

Friday, October 23, 2009

Barred for Life

Posted by Ezra Caraeff on Fri, Oct 23, 2009 at 10:58 AM

l_f3d6f5d03ba492ea65727d00045c67c8.jpg
  • Jared Castaldi

Few images, punk or otherwise, are as lasting as Black Flag's "The Bars" logo. The simplistic and stark design created by Raymond Pettibon has long since outlasted the band and is a favorite tattoo for those who enjoy getting punk band logos permanently inked into their skin.

Stewart Ebersole is one of those people, and now he has launched Barred For Life, a website devoted to his documentation of "The Bars," plus a blog that follows him in his travels around the country as he photographs the various tattoos. He's currently making his way West and will be in Portland on Wednesday, October 28th, at Discourage Records (737 SE Morrison).

Not only is this project fun for me, but it is fun for the participants because if you (you meaning anybody) has The Bars tattooed on them, and you know about these events, you might simply show up and we will photograph and interview you.

This looks like a lot of fun. Too bad I'm stuck with my damn Henry Rollins tatoo.

End Hits: Personally, I'd rather get a tattoo of Greg Ginn's 80 cats.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Dandies and Robinsons Play Glass Ball

Posted by Ned Lannamann on Thu, Oct 22, 2009 at 11:27 AM

glassball.jpg

The newly organized Portland Youth Development Coalition is dedicated to raising money and awareness for youth development—particularly in the area of arts education and job training. How are they doing this?

Glass balls.

That's right, a series of delicate 14-inch glass orbs have been hand-blown by artist Andy Pyko and decorated by local artists. They're on display at different locations around town, including the former NW 23rd outpost of Music Millennium. You'll be able to bid for your favorite ball at the PYDC Glass Ball Gala on November 14. And if you need something more than glass balls and schmoozing, there's music provided by the Dandy Warhols, Kevin and Anita Robinson of Viva Voce, the Last Regiment of Syncopated Drummers, and possibly Steve Turner from Mudhoney. The Glass Ball takes place at the very cool-looking Bison Building (421 NE 10th). Tickets are $40. (Steepish, but not outrageous. And there's an open bar! Oh, and it's for a good cause etc.)

End Hits: Our glass balls are also available for the highest bidder.

This Week's Mercury Music Section

Posted by Ezra Caraeff on Thu, Oct 22, 2009 at 9:46 AM

jesus.gif

Another week, another Mercury music section to flip through as you mourn the death of Kanye West, who most definitely was killed the other day. I believe everything I read on the internet. Now, if you don't mind, I have an appointment with my Nigerian financial advisor.

He's baaaaaaack! David Yow gathers up the rest of the gang, and now Jesus Lizard has returned. When I was 16, Yow once stepped on my head (while wearing a cowboy boot), using my tender skull as a launching pad to hurl himself into the crowd. It should be an amazing show, be sure to take the kids.
LISTEN:

Jesus Lizard - "Skull of a German"
(I know it's from their major label days, but I've always loved this song)

Speaking of kids, this weekend brings the debut of You Who, the interactive kiddie music event that features everything from puppets to Decemberists. Now can anyone loan me their kid so I don't have to pay the extra admission fee?
LISTEN:

The Decemberists - "Sons and Daughters"

Enjoy the colorful campfire sounds of Le Loup, and their dizzying new album, Family.
LISTEN:

Le Loup - "Beach Town"

Enter the wildly creative world of Neal Morgan's voice and drum experimentations.
LISTEN:

Neal Morgan - "Salamanders"

End Hits: You won't believe what we just heard about Rod Stewart. Evidently he had to get his stomach pumped because...

Monday, October 19, 2009

Spike Jonze + Kanye (Again).

Posted by Erik Henriksen on Mon, Oct 19, 2009 at 11:48 AM

Spike Jonze's new video with Kanye West is a thousand years long in internet time—it clocks in at about 11 minutes—but it's definitely worth sticking with, and it's one more reason why Jonze is one of my favorite directors.

For those keeping track at home, this is Jonze's second video for West, the first being the gorgeous/creepy "Flashing Lights."

This Must Be What Going Mad Feels Like.

Posted by Erik Henriksen on Mon, Oct 19, 2009 at 10:21 AM

I... I... don't know... goddammit.

WARNING ONCE THIS IS EXPERIENCED IT CANNOT BE UNEXPERIENCED

Via io9.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

So. Much. Star. Wars.

Posted by Erik Henriksen on Thu, Oct 15, 2009 at 5:47 PM

starwarsconcert.png

It's a big week for Star Wars fans in Portland—last night, Star Wars in Concert took over the Rose Garden with a full symphony, a choir, and LASERS AND FIREBALLS. As if that wasn't enough: This Saturday at the Powell's in Beaverton, horror writer Joe Schreiber will read from his new book Death Troopers, which features ZOMBIE STORMTROOPERS.

Plus: It turns out the Star Wars cartoon, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, is actually getting quite good—even if it's accompanied by a tie-in videogame that's pretty mediocre.

I'll spare you non-nerds all the nerdy details, but for the rest of you, hit the jump for a full rundown of all things lightsaber-y and Jedi-y, with reviews and/or previews of Star Wars in Concert, Star Wars: Death Troopers, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes, AKA The Game with Too Many Goddamn Colons.

Man. That's a lot of Star Wars.

Continue reading »

This Week's Mercury Music Section

Posted by Ezra Caraeff on Thu, Oct 15, 2009 at 7:30 AM

blk.jpg
  • Kwesi Abbensetts

Another week, another Mercury music section to read while you allegedly sue an ice cream company for stealing your punk rock likeness. "God save the cream!"

BLK JKS bring us a wild collection of sounds and influences from South Africa. Thy shld ply DMMR BMMR.
LISTEN:

BLK JKS - "Molalatladi"

The chamber folksters in Ah Holly Fam'ly come together for their lovely new full-length, Reservoir.
LISTEN:

Ah Holly Fam'ly - "Year Of The Viking"

For over 25 years Yo La Tengo has been holding it down for guitar nerds, Hoboken Jews, and fans of Richie Ashburn.
LISTEN:

Yo La Tengo - "Here To Fall"

End Hits: The Great Rock 'n' Roll Smoothie.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

GET BACK TO WORK!!! (On Second Thought... Don't.)

Posted by Wm.™ Steven Humphrey on Wed, Oct 14, 2009 at 11:53 AM

Five co-workers do a dead-on live lipsynch of the Backstreet Boys "I Want it That Way" and for once? Who gives a shit if productivity goes down?

Say Goodbye to Starfucker. Say Hello to PYRAMID!

Posted by Ezra Caraeff on Wed, Oct 14, 2009 at 10:38 AM

pyramid_header.png

So after holding a contest for a new, cuss-free, moniker, local band Starfucker has picked a new name: PYRAMID. I guess the ALL CAPS thing is part of it. Take it away, press release:

Starfucker Announce New Name, PYRAMID!

It’s been an exciting year for Portland, OR’s favorite breakout band, Starfucker, and today is an exceptional day. Last month, just as the four-piece were poised to set sail on an extensive North American tour, they announced a name change contest that allowed fans to play a pivotal role in re-naming the band. After many votes and infinite good ideas, the guys have chosen PYRAMID as their new moniker. They will perform their last ever show as Starfucker at Portland’s venerable Wonder Ballroom on Halloween, so if you have a hankering for infectious beats and a costume contest judged by some of the members of the band, then look no further.

Yeah, that works. I'm not one to really care about band names, so Pyramid—er, PYRAMID—seems to fit the band's sound pretty well, especially if they keep with that rainbow graphic.

End Hits: EVERYTHING IS MORE IMPORTANT WHEN IT IS IN ALL CAPS!

Monday, October 12, 2009

Wanted: Music Intern

Posted by Ezra Caraeff on Mon, Oct 12, 2009 at 4:21 PM

The Mercury music staff office: where men with Hitler mustaches confidently read the newspaper.
  • The Mercury music staff office: where men with Hitler mustaches confidently read the newspaper.

Hello. We're looking for an intern. But not just any intern, we are seeking a music intern. Unlike other editorial word slaves, we won't bother you with requests to see that one Carlos Mencia movie that none of us want to see, write reviews of interpretive dance troupes, or act as a Cockney-to-English translator for Matt Davis. Nope, you will be strictly devoted to the music section.

What does this internship require?
- There will be some mild calendar entry (boring), music blogging (exciting), talking about music (exciting), and listening to me talk about music (boring).
- You will probably be asked to contribute to our non-award winning weekly publication.
- You will probably be asked to contribute to End Hits, our non-award winning music blog.
- You will not be paid. Sorry.
- You will get free music, concerts, and the ability to silently judge others based solely on their (poor) taste in music. This is totally priceless.
- You will get published clips for your future career as a writer. (Career tip: Get used to hearing "you will not be paid.")
- You will get school credit. That is, if your school gives credit for such things.
- You will work in an office that includes both electricity and running water. (Work hours only, please.)

Wow, I can think of nothing better, what do you require of me?
- You can form a sentence. (Hell, if you can form a sentence, I should be working for you.)
- You can come in to our office at least one day a week.
- Previously published clips are not required, but they sure are nice. If you don't have them, worry not.
- You know about local music. Do you go to local shows? Do you know Red Fang from White Fang? Pancake Breakfast from Breakfast Mountain?

I am still reading this post, that means I must be interested.
- Excellent. Please send any clips—or, let's say 100 words on your favorite local release of last year—to this address.
- Also, please send your availability. Thank you.

End Hits: Thanks to a court order, we are no longer allowed to throw a Smashmouth CD at you when angry. Stupid laws.

The Decemberists' "The Rake's Song" Video

Posted by Ezra Caraeff on Mon, Oct 12, 2009 at 9:17 AM

Since we're on the Decemberists' payroll—they pay us in the shiniest of doubloons—we're required to post this new video for The Hazards Of Love's "The Rake's Song." The clip was directed by a pair of students from London's St. Martins College (I heard that to attend that school you need to they have "a thirst for knowledge") and features some pretty literal visual interpretations—thanks for that "womb spilling out babies" animation—from the song.

Link:P4K. Music Blog for the Common People: End Hits

Friday, October 9, 2009

Richmond Fontaine Cancels Tonight's CD Release Show at Dante's

Posted by Ned Lannamann on Fri, Oct 9, 2009 at 9:47 AM

richmondfontaine.jpg

Richmond Fontaine was all set to celebrate the release of its latest record, We Used to Think the Freeway Sounded Like a River, at the show tonight at Dante's, but we've got some bad news, I'm afraid. Richmond Fontaine's Willy Vlautin is still quite sick, apparently, and the show has unfortunately been cancelled. Tomorrow's show in Seattle has been cancelled as well. Hopefully all will be well before the band leaves for Europe next week. Get well soon, Willy!

Most Popular I, Anonymous Best of the Merc
  • Testing Craigslist

    Undercover with Portland's housing discrimination police.
    • Nov 5, 2009
  • More Than a Feeling

    The Men Who Stare at Goats: Of Boston and George Clooney.
    • Nov 5, 2009
  • I, Anonymous

    Drop the Cholula
    • Nov 5, 2009

/images/adoftheweek.gif

ad of the day

beautiful kitty has gone missing from SE 35th & SE Morrison
Keep an eye out for our dear kitty! Her name is Bramble Rose & she is a torti with long hair and a white face/chest & paws... pink nose.. She is extremely cute & affectionate- please call 503-913-1937go


post an ad
Point Juncture, WA Point Juncture, WA

All contents © Index Newspapers, LLC

605 NE 21st Ave
Portland, OR 97232

Contact Info | Privacy Policy | Production Guidelines | Terms of Use