ROOOOAAAARRRR!!!

How is a mushroom like a jangly guitar riff?

2011-09-01T17:17:00.000-07:00

Sounds like the start to a bad joke with a groan-inducing punchline, but it's meant to be an honest rhetorical question. The thing about mushrooms is: When I was a kid, I hated them. They were slimy and tasted weird, and I couldn't get over my loathing enough to even give them another shot until I was well into my teens. Wouldn't you know that when I tried a mushroom again later in life, it wasn't too bad. Within a year, I was eating them willingly, and now, as an adult, I literally go out of my way to occasionally order mushrooms in restaurants and buy them in stores. All this is really just a long-winded way of saying that I used to hate something, and now I enjoy it.

No matter what methodology of thought you subscribe to, there's no denying that our tastes change as we move through this thing we call our life. I've heard it said, nay insisted on, that one's tastes for food change about every seven years (interesting correlation to the idea of the Seven Year Itch, don'tchathink?). There may be something to that, I'm no expert--though that would be a scientific paper I wouldn't mind reading, if only because the idea of how arbitrary it seems strikes me as a bit absurd, but I digress. The simplest answer being usually correct, I generally tend to think that the reason for tastes changing results from nothing more than changes in people as a rule, both physical and mental. Meaning that the reason you like something when you're young is the same reason you may dislike it when you're older, or vice versa. (It's splitting hairs, the difference in these two ideas--the only difference is in the assignment of a length of time to these internal and biochemical changes--and in the end none of it matters, it's just a tale of two ideas, as it were.) When we're young and growing into adulthood, and we really don't know ourselves all that well yet, changes of this nature can seem at the least mysterious and occasionally downright inexplicable. But they happen...oh-bla-di, oh-bla-dah.

Again, back to myself as a youngster. I had appetites for swirling guitars and stadium-filling drums that led to an addiction to deep, ass-rocking basslines and star-reaching synth melodies; this, in turn, led me to blood-curdling needs for cinematic and orchestral mellowness, music-as-movement-as-music, and on and on and on. These different techniques and sounds led me through hundreds of genres and sub-genres over the course of nearly twenty years. And the reason any of this means anything with regard to the opening of this piece is that after all that, when I thought that, to some degree, I had heard it all (or most of it, anyway), I'm finding that my tastes are changing again.

I've been more drawn to vocals as a rule over the past year or two. I was always into lyrics and vocals, but never as pulled by them as I have been of late. Even more remarkably, there are a couple of vocal approaches that have really resonated in that time, and they are each very well encapsulated by a release from the past spring and summer. So, y'know, I thought we could talk about the approaches...and the records. Is, uh--is that cool?

The Group Vocal

With all the technology out there in recording today, it's easy to multi-track vocals to make it sound like several people are singing at once. Don't be fooled. There's only one way to do a true group vocal: several to many people singing, yelling, screaming the exact same words at one time, all recorded together. Accept no substitutes. You have to look no further than good ol' punk rock to find lots of examples of this, and there's no other way to make something anthemic than to have lots of people say it (power in numbers, right?). But there are some great examples in indie over the past decade also, see "Breakin' the Law" off The New Pornographers' first album, or "Cardinal Rules" by Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin.

Now, we could probably have the chicken-and-the-egg argument all day about how The Group Vocal relates to a choir. I choose not to. Surely one begat the other, but I don't care which. For me, a choir is really just the culmination of The Group Vocal--the only natural and logical ending point for the practice. The only thing better than a choir, is a choir full of children. The only thing better than a choir full of children is a choir full of children singing indie songs for a great cause and selling it dirt cheap on Bandcamp. Can you see where I'm going with this?

Stream or download it here:

http://perkinsschool.bandcamp.com/album/all-the-sound-of-life

These kids wring all the emotion out of each one of these songs, and cement themselves in as one of the greatest choir performances ever put on tape because of the novelty of the songs they're performing, all indie and folk pieces by such Pacific Northwest stalwarts as Grand Hallway and Damian Jurado. It's an ispired idea, and it works every bit as well as you think it should, not least because of the amazing use of The Group Vocal. I've been listening to this through the summer in fits and spurts, and loving a bit more each time. Hearing kids this young give all the weight and heft you can handle to a song as epic as "The Commander Thinks Aloud" (originally by The Long Winters) will make you stop short every time. Highly recommended, especially if you're into The Group Vocal to the degree that I am.

The Falsetto

Not to take anything away from some amazing releases in the past few months that prominently feature some of the best falsettos in the business (James Blake and Peter Silberman, I'm looking at you), I think one towers over them in its sheer scope and willingness to veer into new and unexpected territory: "Bon Iver, Bon Iver".

This thing is majestic, and there's literally nothing I can say about it that hasn't been said or won't be said for the rest of the year before it ends up at or near the top of every Top 10 list that matters. So I won't expend a lot of effort here trying to explain it in any real way. Just a couple of points for me personally: 1) I always have an immediate and (usually) irrevocable aversion to anything that comes along with the hype that Bon Iver hit with upon the first release, "For Emma...", a few years ago. Credit to my little sister for making me listen to it and appreciate it, for making me see past the endless hype, which, as it happens, turns out is pretty much warranted. 2) This album is above being good or bad. I know how that sounds, but the listening experience is all viscera and cerebrum--there's no room to judge the songs for their own sake, no id or ego in the equation. It is not above being liked or disliked, mind you (nothing is), but it is above notions of whether a phrase is placed correctly, or whether a bridge is unnecessary. The songs aren't good or bad: the songs serve the album, and the album is too primitive an experience to be viewed in that light. My humble opinion, of course, but spend a couple of weeks with this thing and then tell me I'm wrong.

But back to The Falsetto. Interestingly, these vocals are almost all multi-tracked. Normally, this would serve to give the illusion of The Group Vocal (see above), but in this case, the layers of Falsetto only give more and more complexity to a voice that is, by itself, without equal in the realm of heart-wrenching falsettos. So, what we have here is kind of a perfect storm of the perfect falsetto voice being given the layered treatment to simulate what would, in theory, be a near-perfect Group Vocal. The reason it can't ever be that perfect storm is that, say it with me, the only way to make a true Group Vocal would be several Justin Vernons singing the same thing at the same time. Until science can deliver us disposable human clones, that particular perfect storm of awesome will never materialize. It's OK, though. I'll be happy just listening to this one for a few years.

So, mushrooms, jangly guitars, high voices...what does it all mean? Nothing significant, I guess. It's just another way music keeps giving. As we grow and change, all of our tastes and preferences are at the mercy of our chemistry. If we grow to dislike a kind of food or drink, we kind of have to be done with it, unless we like masochism (that's a whole other essay). But music isn't that easy to shake. No matter which direction our tendencies begin to lean, music can accommodate. We can re-set the types of music we enjoy, but we can't outgrow music as long as we stay engaged in it. So stay engaged, question yourself, question music. Find what you like. It's out there. And if you're not sure, just stick it in your mouth...er--ears...and see what happens.

This is the sound of not settling...

2011-08-28T03:09:00.000-07:00

Man, it's been a while. I mean, really, how long am I going to keep this thing going? I don't have an answer to that, but I know for certain that I am addicted to having a place to vent...a place to write words--even if no one reads them or knows to look for them. Besides that, I really like some of the stuff that exists on this blog; it would be a shame for me personally to delete it all and act like it didn't exist. So, even if only once every 4, 5, 6 months or more, I will continue to post here. And it's OK if no one knows. It's OK if no one reads. The important thing for me is that the words are there--that I wrote them and they exist.

I think I've had a breakthrough recently. A breakthrough facilitated by my beautiful wife finally telling me that I need to shit or get off the pot (although her phrasing was much more motivational and somewhat less crass). I am not getting younger. We now live in the performing/arts/entertainment capital of the free world. The time is now. It's not yesterday or tomorrow, but now--today. Today (August 27, '11) can be the day I look back on as the day I decided to turn my life back toward something meaningful. The day I finally forgave myself for not being able to make the record store work, and set my sights on the next big dream. Today can be the day I quit living days just to get through them, and started making them work for me--the day I started using my time the right way. It's taken the better part of a year, but I am done grieving for the loss of Tyrannosaurus Records, and I can begin seeing it as a valid learning experience to build on (more wisdom from Samantha--and, you know, until she said it that way it honestly hadn't occured to me).

I never had a better time than running TRx and feeling like it was actually building something. Now, I can take some of the most amazing parts and use them to build something else--and this time, it can work.

I have a new goal. The cynic in me cries out that it's much too Tony Robbins to ever really mean anything, but I don't care. The goal from here on out is to do something every day that helps me realize my dream. It could be something as simple as thoroughly and critically listening to an album, or writing a blog on this thing that no one reads, or practicing some cuts on the tables... It doesn't matter what--just do one thing every day that I can use, however indirectly, to get myself one millimeter closer to feeling like I want to feel and doing what I know I can do. And if I can take those steps every day, then today I will have taken the most important step--the first.

I am realizing that I've been conditioned to believe that you get exactly one shot at doing what you want, you can take it or leave it, and in the end it'll probably just leave you broken. I can see now that there's no way that's correct. Everything that happens in life keeps piling on skills, memories, and experiences that you keep using to achieve ever-changing and ever-growing goals. You don't ever have to be defeated. This whole time...I've been choosing defeat. Choosing it because I didn't think I deserved more. It stops now.

Music, I'm coming back to you. I've been gone for a while now, and it'll be a while before I return, but I am going to need you to set out my slippers and get my smoking jacket pressed. I'm coming back home to you--I'm going to woo you again. I can't make you love me, I can't make you give me everything I'm asking. But you may as well plan on giving me at least enough to keep me occupied, because I'm not going away. Can you hear me knocking? Music...dreams...Los Angeles...I'm coming for you all.

One possible "Desert Island" entry, or a permutation thereof...

2011-04-10T17:39:00.000-07:00

We've all heard it. "What are the _______'s that you would take with you if you were stranded on a desert island?" This query has a lot of logistical issues (such as, "If I knew I were going to be stranded, why would I get on the boat?"), but it also has its merits--if we were faced with the possibility of nothing besides these choices, what would these choices be? I am by no means on a desert island (though there is sand here), but I similarly had to prepare to be without my records for a length of time. Knowing that, I had to choose a finite number to bring with me. Knowing, also, how difficult such choices would be, I purposely didn't put much thought into it--otherwise I'd still be in my spare room choosing records. Now I am away from the bulk of them, with only a few to get me through. What did I choose? What kind of gut-level non-thinking went into each decision? The Walkmen - Lisbon :: I chose this record basically because I haven't cracked it yet. I have listened several times, and thoroughly enjoyed it each time, but I still don't have the feeling that I have reached its emotional core. Therefore, maybe some time with it as one of only a few choices will facilitate the breakthrough. Elliot Smith - Roman Candle :: "No Name #2" and "No Name #3". What else could I possibly need to say? Not this album doesn't have other great songs, but these two are the two I always have to repeat every time I hear them. Thin Lizzy - Jailbreak :: This album is so good, whether you want some fist-pumping familiarity ("The Boys are Back in Town"), or some introspective beauty ("Fight or Fall"). One of my favorite 'Classic Rock' albums, hands-down. Descendents - Somery :: This is the musical equivalent of a 5-Hour Energy, but it won't make you feel dirty afterwards, or like the victim of the worst advertising since "Winston tastes good...like a cigarette should!". Besides that, I have a lot of great associations with the music herein. It's a no-brainer for this list. Avi Buffalo - S/T :: Every time I listen to this thing, I feel like I'm missing parts of it--not in the same way as The Walkmen (above), but in the way that new things reveal themselves with each listen. What could be better on a desert island than something that is consistently engaging on an intellectual level? The Good Ones - Kigali Y' Izahabu :: Heart-achingly beautiful, nowhere moreso than on the opener, "Sara". There's something relaxing, almost meditative, about listening to songs when you have no idea what the words are. It's about the closest I get to prayer these days. Tom Waits - Small Change :: This is in case I somehow find a case of rum on my desert island. There is no better music for tying one on... Elton John - Goodbye Yellow Brick Road :: I can't think of a more kindred soul for being away from home and somewhat disillusioned by both your old home and your new surroundings than Sir Elton, circa 1973. The better copy is still at home... Paul Simon - Greatest Hits, Etc. :: Even better than the greatest hits here ("Kodachrome", "50 Ways...") is the "Etc."--chiefly "Duncan", which makes my throat tight every time I hear it and doesn't even have a vocal refrain, replacing it with an otherwordly flute melody. This is definitely one I would want if I really were on a desert island. Mimicking Birds - S/T :: Often, I turn on vinyl when I want some layered background music to provide a soundtrack to any extra-musical tasks or conversations that may be going on in the meantime. This is a perfect record for just that purpose. Every once in a while, a melody or lyric will tug at your ear and make you stop short, but mostly it is perfect for relaxing with. Pixies - Come On Pilgrim :: For someone in my age range, with my tastes, this is such a classic that I am pretty sure I don't need to explain it here. The Stranglers - La Folie :: A concept record about love (But...aren't they all?) has never sounded like such a good idea. You get rockers like "Non-stop" and "Pin Up" mixed in with more mellow numbers like "Golden Brown" (one of my all-time favorites) and the title track, which sounds like an overture in a David Lynch-helmed Valentine's Day multimedia project. Pavement - Quarantine the Past :: It's newness aside, if you want a broad swath of Pavement tracks and you have limited space, it's the only way to go. A really decent (expecting more than "decent" is nigh-unreasonable) compilation of one of my favorite band's best songs. So...that's what I have for a while. Bring on the desert island.

Half-assery, and it's cousin, Lack of Motivation.

2011-02-12T16:57:00.000-08:00

I keep re-reading the first words of that last entry: 'I don't do anything half-assed.' Turns out, the one thing I have been WAY half-assed about is keeping this blog up. Like everyone, I have a lot of things cooking right now--it gets easy to put 'ROOOOAAAARRRR!!!' on the backburner for weeks at a time. Now I am sitting around with some Toasted Sesame Wisecrackers (where have these been all my life?!), ruminating on how I've been totally undisciplined about posting here. Luckily, the situation is easily remedied; so, y'know, in case you were wondering what I've been getting into lately, here are the most recent and notable additions to the music gallery I call my life.

1. Pictureplane - Dark Rift : This album is blowing my mind lately. I had it in my DJ book forever and I used it for sweet bass/drum loops that I could adjust the timing on because they sounded good at any speed/pitch. Now that I've been listening to it for its own sake, I am loving it. Equal parts Crystal Castles' iconoclasm and NIN's psuedo-Goth, the beats are heavy and the vox hauting.

2. Avi Buffalo - Avi Buffalo : I had an idea of this album as a bunch of young kids making rock music, which is kind of how it's treated in the press, but there are such examples of layer and subtlety in these songs, it belies the image of a bunch of shaggy kids. I dig this--it sounds as "Pacific NW" as anything coming out of Seattle/Portland right now, even though the band is from California.

3. Ride - Nowhere : Yes, the P4K review led me to get this re-issue on vinyl--not so much because of the strength of the opinion or the review (which were both very high), but because it pointed out that I have very little music I can appropriately characterize as "shoegaze" and it seemed like a good addition, if only academically. I have been floored by this thing--the drums are cavernous, the guitars extremely melodic, the voices hushed and fluid. The album art almost perfectly encapsulates the quality of the sound. What I thought was more of an "academic" purchase has turned out to be one of my favorite finds of the past few months. God, I love surprises.

4. Decendants - Somery : This is the culmination of a years-long search for me. Ever since I moved to Seattle 6.5 years ago I have been looking for this album. I didn't care which format I got it on, or where I could find it, or what condition it was in. Many, many times I have made a bee-line to the "D" section of any one of several local record stores hoping each time was the time I would find this 80's punk classic. Never did. Until a couple of days ago. And in a testament to the often truly serendipitous nature of finding music (which is why I will NEVER give up record stores), I wasn't even looking for it. I was just casually flipping through vinyl, and there it was, smiling at me (don't ask me how)--brand new on vinyl for 12.99. Cue the sigh of relief. This album means so much to me. Part of the reason is that my very first concert ever, at Liberty Hall in Lawrence, KS on the night before my 16th birthday was Descendants headlining with The Suicide Machines opening. It was, I believe (?), their first tour after Milo came back, and it was everything I had ever dreamed a punk show, or any show, could be. That memory still is one of my Top 10 ever, several boots to my head notwithstanding.

5. British Sea Power - Valhalla Dancehall : I know what you're thinking, "Finally, something new on this list..." Well, I'm sorry. For me, it's just as fun to write about things that affect you differently over time as it is to write about brand new work. Anyway. Speaking of how things affect one over a time, it is hard to tell where this will rank in the pantheon of BSP's work. Their debut album, "The Decline of British Sea Power", is, I am pretty sure, my favorite record of the previous decade. It is a true album, a masterpiece of shifting tempos and atmospherics. "Open Season", the second album, may be one of the biggest sophomore slumps ever committed--if it were any band other than the band who had recently made "The Decline of...", it would probably be seen as a really passable effort, but given the circumstances it is sort of a monstrous letdown (That said, I do still enjoy it from time to time--as I said, it's not altogether bad.). "Do You Like Rock Music?" is the nearly-epic third album, and it shifts away from "Open Season", lending itself to a messiness found on the first work, but reaching for much greater heights--and at times, reaching them. So where will "Valhalla" squeeze in. Ask me for an official answer in about 3 months, after it's gestated long enough. For right now, I am calling it very near the quality of "Rock Music", and time could push it above. Another "Decline", it is not. But that's OK--part of what I love about "Decline" is the palpable sense of catching lightning in a bottle, the feeling that no one could ever replicate it, even the same people who originally birthed it. The greatest albums all seem like they could never be made again.

3 Albums, 3 Words

2011-01-21T17:05:00.000-08:00

I don't do anything half-assed. At least I try not to. That is why I am still buying music from 2010, still hearing stuff from last year for the first time. I don't want to move too far into 2011 until I am sure I've heard as much of the best stuff as I can from 2010. To that end, here we go with 3 records I just bought and feel the immediate need to talk about. I decided to assign one word to each album to give myself a jumping-off point for discussion. It is the word I think most encapsulates the overall tone of the work. At the end of the day, what more could you want out of a music review than the conciseness of one word? And if you choose to continue to read my thoughts, so much the better...for me.

The National -- High Violet : SERIOUS

I can hear you out there in the interwebs saying, "C'mon, Nich--that's a cop-out. You could describe every one of their albums with that word." You make a startlingly good point--ouch. But I am not reviewing this in the context of their catalog, but rather in the context of all the other music I've been listening to over the last year or so. Why? Because I am under-educated on this band...I feel like I shouldn't tell you this because I'm not sure we know each other that well, but this is the very first National album I've ever listened to all the way through--the first one I've ever owned. I have heard enough samples of the previous work to know vaguely what to expect from their newest opus, but I finally decided to buy this one after seeing so much good press written about it over the past six months and its inclusion in so many "Best of 2010" lists. And the absolute best word I can come up with to describe it is "serious". This is a serious album. Is there humor? Sure, but it's all in a blank-faced, deadpan style--as in the title and chorus of the closer, "Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks". Mostly, this is a serious-sounding record for people who have the ability to laugh at sorrow and joylessness, beginning with its title--doesn't "High Violet" sound like a disease, or some color-coded terrorist threat warning?

Lest you go thinking I am not into that, let me assure you that I freaking love this thing. The rhythms are so constantly propulsive and uplifting. Matt Berninger's voice and lyrics are so sage-like and pained. The over-arching ideas here are so lovelorn, so weary and broken-down--but the music, as it often does, has such an amazing curative effect: it's as if the protagonist of each song is hypnotized into a reasonable facsimile of happiness solely by the cathartic experience of putting his thoughts into the world. As serious as it is, this album is all about creating a fantasy in which all things can be explained, and therefore gotten-over.

Song worth repeating: "Anyone's Ghost" - Berninger channels a heart-broken Justin Townes Earle who is in-turn channeling a gut-punched Buddy Holly in this song. The hook is tragically beautiful, complete with an amazing guitar/cello melody that begs to be repeated at high volumes.

Local Natives -- Gorilla Manor : HONEST

It is easy to sit here and say that a band's sound or lyrics contain the abject quality of honesty, but two songs into this album, I was kind of uncomfortable. "Airplanes", if I am not mistaken, is a soul-wrenching ode to a lost family member (grandparent?) that is as sad as it is beautiful. That kind of honesty is always appealing--it is the one thing that a piece of music cannot have too much of: there can be such a thing as being "too accomplished" or "too cool"...there is no such thing as being "too honest"--and the honesty here permeates every note, every word, every drumbeat. I kept finding elements this band used that reminded me somewhat of an album I have been unofficially saying might be my favorite of 2010, Foals' Total Life Forever: the multi-layered vocals, the dense musicality, the overall 'big'-ness of it. One thing that sets it apart from Foals, though, is that where Foals had a somewhat muffled effect on much of their production on TLF, Local Natives keep it splashy--every instrument and vocal is at the forefront of the mix, every single element recorded is in your face as though it were somehow recorded in audio 3-D. The other obvious distinction is that Foals hail from Great Britain, while these guys are 100% California. I could not be more impressed with a debut than I am with this one.

I have to say here that I heard a lot about this album when it was released early last year. I kind of thought the reviews were too complimentary, and that's part of why I didn't check it out before. I have to give respect to everyone who kept recommending it to me. I never would have bought it without all your collective thumbs-up's. The lesson here is, as much as I try to stay on-top of what is new and good, things still slip by me--and, as inevitably happens, I end up feeling like a pig-headed philistine when I realize everyone was right. Better late than never, I guess.

Song worth repeating: "Shape Shifter" - I could have easily put something here like "Um...all of them?", but if I have to pick one (and I do!), I will take this one. From its immediately uplifting bassline/piano and drumwork to the amazing chorus, this song is...ugh...it's so damn good. Regarding the chorus: I want so badly to reprint it here (copyright laws be damned!) because it's beautiful, but instead, I am going to go ahead and demand that you go find this song and listen to it, if only to hear the chorus. I don't make a lot of demands, but this is one I feel good about. Please--listen to this song, if you haven't. If you have, listen again. I insist.

Belle and Sebastian -- Write About Love : SOULFUL

Unlike the previous two entries here, I knew what to expect from this--or at least I thought I did. I have been a fan of B&S since when it was only somewhat cool to be, which is to say, I have a passing knowledge of all their work, and an intimate relationship with some of it. The album I have heard the least of was the one previous to this, The Life Pursuit, and I find myself wondering if I might have been more prepared for this new-fangled Belle and Sebastian if that were not the case. This new version features a Stuart who is just this side of angst-y, drums that are just that side of dynamic, certifiably off-the-charts production, and multiple instruments that are fully electric. Who are these people? Intact, however, are the Golden-Era-of-Pop-Music songwriting and the lyrically erudite sensibilities--turns out it's not so different, after all.

You have to love the title of this work. Writing about love is exactly what this band has been doing for nearly two decades. It's only held together by that theme as much as any of their records is held together by the exact same theme. But there is a feeling here that they have never captured before, a stripped-down soulfulness in every vocal. This is such an accomplished album--a band who is thoroughly satisfying every time out, at the height of its powers but still not afraid to try out some new (to them) sonic techniques.

Song worth repeating: "Little Lou, Ugly Jack, Prophet John" - And I can't believe I'm saying it--this song features Norah Jones, who I've never been impressed by. But, damn it, she and Stuart Murdoch trading verses just sound so good together. This is a duet in the spirit of old Motown R&B/Soul music. It's pillow talk for wistful one-time lovers, and it is an absolute gas.

It occurs to me that I never write bad reviews--er, that is to say I don't review music harshly. Perhaps I will get there someday, but here's the thing about that: I have only ever wanted to point people toward great music they may not have heard otherwise. Therefore, I choose to write about music that I like. I think writing about music you don't like is something you do when it's your job (meaning you have to write about music at a constant rate, so at some point you are bound to have to write about something you don't care for), or when you are so moved by its awfulness that you are compelled to tell people. Rest assured there is plenty of stuff I don't like, but why clog up this blog (Ha! "Clog the Blog"! Get it?) with writing about it? If I don't like it, I just won't say anything about it. And that's why you probably won't see bad reviews here in the near future, unless (heaven forbid) I get suckered into buying and listening to something so bad that I feel like you need to hear about its badness, or you want to hire me to write reviews at the aforementioned constant rate. Otherwise, let's just keep it positive. What do you say?

That is all. Thanks for reading.

The Head and The Heart: Live @ Neumo's 1/14/11

2011-01-15T01:14:00.000-08:00

Don't read this. Seriously. Many other Seattle-based music observers will have much better accounts of this show, replete with pictures and set-lists and name-dropping. Go read one of those. May I suggest http://www.soundonthesound.com/? They'll probably have one-on-one interviews with all the band members and professional video you can download to your smartphone... All in all, it's probably a much better use of your time. Trust me.

Me? I just got home from this show, and I still have no idea what I'm going to say... I don't know which angle I am going to try and tackle this from.

First, the openers.

Lemolo is hands-down amazing. That is all I can say. I don't know how many more times I'll get to see these ladies, but each time I've been lucky enough to do so I have been blown away. Meagan's voice has always been superb, but it is beginning to take on a life of its own. She is developing a sultriness that invokes Beth Gibbons of Portishead, and it suits her well. Kendra is not only a bad-ass drummer, but conquers the difficult task (for someone behind a drumkit) of being fun to watch--her levity brings a great contrast to Lemolo's music, which can be intense. It's nice to have the balance. If you scroll down this blog a ways, you'll find me marvelling at how much these girls don't seem like twentysomethings, but rather like a well-oiled songmaking machine that has been churning out rock-solid music for years. Seeing them do it live only re-affirms that sentiment.

Curtains For You may be the most musically talented band in Seattle. If you don't believe me, name another group who could bust out a sousaphone at the drop of a hat. These songs are marvelous: they sparkle with 60's multi-part melodies and shine with 21st century wit. Matt Gervais has an enviable range, and a penchant for making really difficult vocal parts seem effortless; and the entire band has a penchant for making really complicated music extremely catchy and danceable. Do yourself a favor and see them. Soon.

The Head and The Heart. Does one talk about how genuine this band is? How do you articulate that? I could talk about the goosebumps I get when they play. But goosebumps are so trite and played-out. Everyone talks about goosebumps. I'd like to think I might be a bit more creative than that. Do I talk about the harmonies? Everyone goes on and on about The Head and The Heart's harmonies. Sure, it's safe, and nigh-indisputable...but why retread well-worn ground?

Let's talk about how they came out to a rousing Jay-Z number. I can't imagine anything more awesomely contradictory than a band like this hitting the stage for one of their first headlining gigs in their hometown with the PA blaring "Bounce wit' me, bounce wit' me...". At the time, I wasn't sure if it was staged that way or if it was just a joke played by the sound guy: I mean, the band was droppin' 'bows all over the place like they expected it, but then again, who doesn't love that song?

I could talk about how they owned the stage... I get the feeling that this band could make Carnegie Hall feel like your living room. They bring a warmth and authenticity to any venue that breaks barriers. Anytime a Seattle hipster crowd can raise its collective fists and sing along without any hint of irony or sarcasm, it is a victory.

But here I go, back to the word "Genuine". That's the best word to describe it. These songs are not altogether unheard-of. They are made of familiar parts: Beatles-esque piano melodies, a rhythm section worthy of Crazy Horse, Charity's vocal parts channeling Alela Diane or Laura Gibson, the ability to concentrate and synthesize the downhome folksiness of any number of classic rock torchbearers, etc., etc. But many bands who have easily-noticeable influences merely sound like they are mimicking those they admire. This band uses those elements as stepping stones to create a feeling and a sound that only belongs to them. No other act I've seen can make something so universal, so visceral, out of parts so seemingly anachronistic. While they are on stage, each member of the crowd--if properly invested emotionally--gets a feeling of being loved, simply for their presence and their willingness to participate. The foot-stomping and hand-clapping becomes contagious; the lyrics become salvos of all the things we are thinking in our heads and then censoring because they ring too true.

Even though they only recently got their record deal, this band is huge. And somehow, many of us are only now noticing that they always have been. From the grandiose road-tripping of "Down in the Valley" to the stately tenderness of "Winter Song", they've been simply being--not becoming--larger than life. All this time they've been saying, "We're well on our way...", and it has been true, in ways we couldn't even begin to conceptualize.

That will never be more obvious than it was tonight.

First Listen: Besnard Lakes - "Are the Roaring Night"

2011-01-07T19:22:00.000-08:00

An experiment occurs below. I have always imagined that music reviewers listen to a piece of work at least a dozen times before they write about it. I know I have never presumed to write about something until I know what effect time and repitition will have on it. Below are my initial thoughts on the above album by Canadian chamber-rockers Besnard Lakes--even though it came out last spring, it's still new to me. And when I say "initial thoughts", I mean these are the things that occur to me as I listen to this album for the very first time, without ever having heard a note of it. There's probably several good reasons to not ever write about music in this fashion, but it seems like a fun thing to try, so let's put the needle in the groove, whaddayasay?

Like the Ocean, Like the Innocent
--Great opener. More fluid and dynamic than anything I can remember off of "Are the Dark Horse". This song is wide, expansive. It draws you in like a painting of a meadow at midnight. Classic rock-y, in a good way--maybe some Black Mountain influence? Good start.

Chicago Train
--Ghostly vocals in the intro, very reminicent of "For Agent 13". The instrumentation is sounding a lot more forward on this album so far, not as 'underwater' as they did on "...Dark Horse". So far, I like the new direction, but there was a great claustrophobic feeling about the last album that I am very much into. Great guitar work in this song, though.

Albatross
--I think this is the single. There's an odd, de-tuned sound to the backing guitars and the bass--odd for Besnard that a bassline dominates the melody the way this one does. Great backing choir-style vocals. "And I screamed for you, 'There goes my man!'"--gotta love a band that can clown on the Pixies a bit. Wait a minute--was this whole song about Black Francis...?

Glass Printer
--If "...Dark Horse" had the quality of waves ebbing and flowing and gently lapping on the shoreline, "...Roaring Night" has the quality of tidal waves hitting a deserted island in the same perfect rythym. This song, though otherwise kind of unremarkable on first listen, really encapsulates that. Now onto Side 2...

Land of Living Skies, Part 1: The Land
--Really just a 2-minute ambient set-up for...

Land of Living Skies, Part 2: The Living Skies
--This may be the most narrative BL song I've ever heard. It has a great spaghetti-western feel, I could totally see this in a Quentin Tarantino film. It also has a for-real verse-chorus-verse structure. Whoa--even an instrumental bridge after the second chorus?! Maybe if Yoko Ono had gotten with Brian Wilson instead of John Lennon, this is the type of stuff she'd have had him doing into the late 70's...

And This Is What We Call Progress
--Love the title, so there's that. Another surprisingly rawking number. Love the rolling bass and drums--great driving music (note to self: work on that "car-mounted turntable" idea...). This song is causing involuntary head-nodding. I so did not expect that when I put this record on tonight...

Light Up the Night
--Beginning seems simple enough, but the re-curring cymbal crescendos make me think that some loudness may be forthcoming. And there is the righteous guitar solo.

The Lonely Moan
--Another hushed masterpiece. There's almost a new-wave edge to the interplay of the bass and synth here, it's like an Annie Lennox out-take. If I were sequencing this album, I don't think I'd have made this the closer, even though it is a nice and pretty comedown from the previous track.

Overall take: I like this album. It uses the best parts of "...Dark Horse" and then builds upon them. Ultimately, it's more accessible, overall prettier, and just kind of makes more sense. If there is a knock on it upon first listen, it's that I really liked the claustrophobic feel of "...Dark Horse", and the fact that it, for lack of a better way to say it, made less sense. Strangely, this band has been able to pull off making their sound easier to take in, while also making their audio profile even more complex. Not a small feat.

So, y'know...go buy the damn thing. :)

2011: Newness and its opposite

2011-01-03T20:25:00.000-08:00

I am writing this down as a way of giving myself the motivation to actually do it.

My goal is to revamp this blog. The store is dead, long live the store. There were a lot of great things about it, and a few not-so-great things. Now, for better or worse, it is history.

But the blog can still exist, in and of itself. I mean, it has VERY low overhead cost, so even I can't run it into the ground. ... Right?

Kidding.

In all seriousness, my plan is to continue to blog about music--some local, some not. Do some reviews of albums, do some off-the-cuff essay type stuff about the things I love about music in general, or certain pieces of music. Perhaps some of you will continue to read it. I hope so. And, by all means, if you have ideas for topics for me to tackle, serve 'em up. I just might take you up on them.

Currently listening to a compilation I put together for a friend of some of my favorites from 2010: Spoon, Harlem, Crystal Castles, Efterklang...to name a few.

I love that about mixes and playlists--putting seemingly disparate songs together can make you hear each of them in a whole new way.

While I did put together this compilation of some favorites, I have been thinking I might bow out on the idea of doing any definitive Year-End lists...though I might change my mind. If I was doing a list of best lyrics of the year, though, the following would definitely be near the top:

"Someday soon you'll be on fire / and you'll ask me for a glass of water / I'll say "No-o-o-ooo" / You can just let that shit burn." -Harlem, "Someday Soon"

Anyway, whatever. I'm done. For now.

n

Extinction

2010-11-20T13:13:00.000-08:00

I never really planned what I wanted to say here... Hmmm. I will have to make it up as I go.

You have probably put this together by now, if you've happened to walk by the store--especially if you've walked inside expecting to see music on the walls for sale--but the decision was reached recently that Tyrannosaurus Records is no longer sustainable as an entity in the same way it has existed for nearly a year and a half. The doors have to be closed.

My inclination is to write a NOVEL here about what went wrong and why I can no longer make it work. I won't do that. I just want to say a few simple things.

1. There are a lot of reasons I came to this decision, many of them I've seen coming--some of them snuck up on me. None of it matters. I don't want to dwell on the negative, so I won't.

2. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. If you have ever bought music from us, come inside to check out the store, seen one of our live shows (at the store or elsewhere), or just generally expressed good feelings about our existence, rest assured that it could not have been around as long as it was without you and your support. I thank you, humbly and fully.

3. When I started this whole thing, it was about me asking a question: "Does Renton (and the surrounding areas) care about independent music?" The answer is "Yes". I could have done so much differently to help you all get much more involved, but I couldn't know that without having tried to do it this way. C'est la vie, and lesson learned. Thank you for proving me correct, and for sharing some amazing experiences with me. YOU really were the reason I wanted to do this, and you didn't let me down.

If anyone would like to contact me about store-related matters, I can still be reached at tyrannosaurusrecords@yahoo.com. Feel free to direct any and all questions there. If you are an artist with merchandise for sale, I have it all, and will be sorting and sending over the next couple of months.

Thanks for a great year.

Keep supporting independent music!

Your friendly neighborhood dinosaur,

TRx

Andrew the Great

2010-10-19T17:26:00.000-07:00

If you've read this blog, like, at all, you know that I like my music independent and my voices fresh and exciting. It's possible I've just found the perfect combination.

Andrew Vait is an up-and-coming Seattle-based musician who writes amazing, heartfelt, somewhat grandiose indie-pop songs that are informed as much by modern indie stalwarts (check for hints of Modest Mouse, DCfC, The Decemberists, in varying degrees) as by the demigods of 70's singer-songwriters (think Cat Stevens and Gordon Lightfoot, among others). He is a perfect voice for a generation applying the lessons of the past to the possibilities of the present--the evidence is right there in the song "Missing Teeth": over a mid-tempo beat and a catchy synth melody, he croons with the gravity of someone at least twice his age ("...we made a little bed /.../and slept on what we never said).

Gigging for his album, The Pros and Cons of Drowning, Andrew has been making the rounds throughout the PNW. He hasn't told me this specifically, but I am pretty sure he would play anywhere. Seriously, become his fan on Facebook: there are Happy Hour shows, house shows, proper club shows...you name it. Keep an eye out soon for the full band's (Andrew Vait and The Eternal Fair) album, coming soon to an independent record store (...ahem!) near you.

This guy just loves to play. And play he will.

We are so lucky to be able to bring him to Renton...check him out this coming Friday (10/22 @ 6pm) for an intimate solo performance at your favorite DTR record store. Yes, the only one. Whatever. Always have to point that out, don't you?

As always--our shows are FREE, for ALL AGES, and SUPER RAD.

Can't wait to see you.

ROAR, -TRx

An Open Letter to Music

2010-10-02T13:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Music,

Hi. I've been listening for a while. Long-time fan. Seriously. Not to gush, or anything, but I was always the one who was off listening to you while other kids were doing stuff outside, or playing video games. I wouldn't expect you to remember. It's OK. I just wanted to write to you to explain how you've helped shape me, and thank you for all the times you made my life a little more tolerable.

So, I was recently reading somewhere that you're like, 9000 years old...? That is amazing. I mean, you don't seem a day over 6000. You've aged really well. You're always finding new ways to evolve and change to fit whatever time you're in. I mean, that's really cool. A lot of us (humans, I mean) get all stuck with what we liked at a certain time in our lives, and never really learn the skills of adaptation to what is new. I know I'm still stuck on a lot of the stuff I used to like as a kid... I really admire that you can stay so vital.

Somewhere early on, I knew that my obsession with you would last a very long time.

I mean, I've seen you change a lot over the years, and I've done a lot of research about how you were before I was around. I am continually amazed that you can always be such an inspiration for people when it feels like they are losing reasons to keep trying. Just one of your many skills, I suppose. I remember this one time: I was having the week from hell--I mean, it was bad. It was like, you name it and it was going wrong, and I didn't have anyone around that I could really talk to about it...and there may have been a girl involved. I bet you hear this kind of stuff a lot, huh? Anyway, I won't bore you with the details, but I decided early on that I was going to have to lean on you a little bit to get through that. And the whole time, you were there, like a champion, to commiserate with me when I needed it and to lift me up when I was too far down. Likewise, I have soundtracks made of you that have accompanied all the best times in my life--you know: all those times when I was sitting behind glass, watching cars pass by in a state of utter contentment; or those first meetings with people I knew would be important to me, even though I didn't know how or why I knew that at the time--it was like you already knew, and you were trying to clue me in without saying too much.

I mean, you're perfect. You're amazing. I don't know how you do it. I know a lot of your fans are too cool to say these things. I know that I might not be so cool. I am OK with that this time. I think it is important that you know we aren't taking you for granted.

Anyway, I'll wrap this up by saying that the real reason I'm writing is that I have started falling in love with you even more recently. I mean there has always been love, of course. But lately, it's as though I am hearing you with new ears. You have somehow rejuvenated me--made me start to remember that there are things that can make me happy. I feel like you are teaching me lessons all over again, the way you did when I was just a kid, wearing flannel and trying desperately not to fit in. I hope I'm not making you uncomfortable by telling you all this. Like I said before, I just think you need to know.

So, y'know, just keep doing what you're doing. It's been a great run so far. And thanks again for everything. I'll be here, listening. We all will.

Respectfully,

nich

The Perfect Playlist: "Smiles and Sighs"

2010-09-28T17:24:00.000-07:00

So...

Who knew that people actually paid attention to me posting things on Facebook? Cheers. I started talking about The Perfect Playlist recently, and got requests to post it when it was complete (Sorry, Kendra: wish I could do downloads, but I am SO not that cool.). A brief explanation is in order before I proceed, however.

Is this The Perfect Playlist? No...and yes. And maybe. This thing was designed for a purpose. One day recently, while listening to music, as I am wont to do occasionally, I heard CHYSY's "In this Home on Ice". I thought (and even FB'd!) about the lyric "Now that I'm so sad and not quite right / I could dance all night". That lyric has a strange effect on me...makes me both sigh and smile. It gives me the feeling of being resigned to things, yet very much OK with them. It speaks of the potential for utter happiness in the midst of difficult situations. Simply put, I love that lyric. It got me thinking about what other songs give me a similar feeling. So, I set out to make a playlist of songs that gave me this feeling, songs that I was amazed people were living their lives without listening to...that said, some of the songs are relatively obvious, but most are on the more obscure side of the spectrum for those of us who don't have ridiculous amounts of time to scour the indie-verse for the next amazing band/song/album. I mean, me? What else am I gonna do? I scour, so you don't have to.

So, here it is. It is 2 hours long, and separated into 2 different "sides". Not a "Smile" side and a "Sigh" side (remember, all the songs elicit both responses--for me)--the sides are almost arbitrary, but in sequencing, it just made sense to me. Plus, I like titling things, so I was able to come up with an extra title (AKA, I was able to rip a lyric and call it a title)...here goes. I will try to explain as I go, but some of the choices need no explanation--or, if they do, I can't really explain them.

My thanks goes out to Crystal (who smartly made me feel lame when I said I was attempting "Perfection"), Annastasia (who asked first to see this diabolical scheme), Kendra (who probably shouldn't compliment me so much), Jeffrey (who is a true mix-making hero), and Laika (who paved the way for humans to travel in space, ensuring we would all always have reasons to smile and/or sigh).

Please, be gentle with your criticism. :)

Smiles and Sighs
Side 1: "...I could dance all night"

1. Ryan Adams: Come Pick Me Up
2. Band of Horses: Detlef Schrempf (Kind of schmaltzy, but my favorite of BoH's more sentimental works.)
3. Elliott Smith: The Biggest Lie (I could find an Elliott song for any mix, so...I did.)
4. Film School: Two Kinds (I can't hear this song without being surprised by the violins. So pretty.)
5. Pinback: Penelope (How many love songs are there about fish? This is easily the best of them.)
6. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah: In This Home on Ice
7. Ra Ra Riot: Run My Mouth ("All my days, they end too slow")
8. The Spinning Wheels: Wrecking Ball (This band needs more fans. That means you.)
9. Owen: Femme Fatale (Not as good as the original--obviously--but I like the way it sounds here.)
10. Iron & Wine: Jezebel (Sigh. I couldn't love this song more than I do.)
11. Volcano Choir: Island, IS (I told someone recently that this song has ended up on nearly every mix I've done for the past year...PROOF!)
12. Rogue Wave: Maps (Yes, we all love Karen O. This version is better. I get being a purist about the original, but this one is SO GOOD.)
13. Loch Lomond: Wax & Wire (This one is kind of scary, if you really listen to it, but something about the rise and fall of Ritchie's voice always mellows me out.)
14. Foals: Spanish Sahara (This may be the most epic song that gets released this year. That's not meant to be hyperbole.)

Side 2: "You little mountain noise"

1. Coconut Records: West Coast (Turns out, Jason Schwartzman can write a pretty damn good Beatles-esque melody.)
2. Spoon: Goodnight Laura (Makes me wish I knew someone named Laura...)
3. Peter Broderick: Below It (I am enamored with everything Peter Broderick does, but it all started with this amazing song.)
4. Glen Hansard: Say It To Me Now (If I could sing and play guitar, I would just cover Glen Hansard songs.)
5. Neal Burton: Bandages (I was introduced to this on Aviation Records' "2021" compilation, and this guy's voice is killer. And the song embodies such a beautiful, escapist idea.)

***There is a bit of a tonal shift here, from the more grounded to the more ethereal. If I'd thought a bit more, I may have dispersed the following songs more throughout the mix, but it turned out I liked the idea of the end of the mix being really dreamlike and pensive. Totally a personal choice.***

6. tUnE-yArDs: Fiya (This is one of those songs you hear on a cellphone commercial, and just marvel about how little those advertisers knew about what they were getting into.)
7. Rauelsson: Elefantes y Ninas (Admittedly, this only qualifies as "dreamlike" since it is sung in Spanish, but I still like the way it fits.)
8. Mum: We Have a Map of the Piano (This has been a favorite of mine for so many years, it's impossible to really talk about. The title of this side comes from this song, as well.)
9. Bent: Cylons in Love (A classic of the "chill-out" genre from the turn of the century.)
10. Animal Collective: Winters Love
11. Grizzly Bear: Foreground
12. Grizzly Bear: Colorado (I have never, nor would I have ever imagined I ever would, put two of any one band's album-enders side by side on a mix. I love the way these two work. There is a first time for everything.)
13. Gayngs: The Last Prom on Earth (Another album-ender. It's kind of tongue-in-cheek, but I still think it's a really pretty song. And it cleanses the palate a bit from all the preceding heaviness.)

OK...let it fly. What do you think?

roar,

TRx

They Came from Across the Water

2010-08-31T16:55:00.000-07:00

Who is Lemolo?

I have been asking myself this for months now. And as I've been looking for an answer that makes sense to me, I've also been trying to explain it to other people--in neither attempt have I been fully successful. While I'd love to sit here and analyze the music these girls make (which should be relatively easy, mind you), I find that I have a lot of questions.

But let's start with the facts.

A) Lemolo is Meagan Grandall and Kendra Cox (respectively known as the "Band Queen" and the "Energy Specialist"). B) They are from Poulsbo/Gig Harbor, or thereabouts. C) They are in their early 20's--very early 20's, I am assuming. D) They play keyboards, guitar, and drums--typically playing either guitar OR keyboard, depending on the song. E) They write tremendous songs. F) They gig like crazy, burning up stages all over the Seattle area since this past summer. G) They are as sweet as the sugar on your Cornflakes, in every sense of the word (I can hear you arguing that saying someone is "sweet" is an opinion, but I have empirical evidence on this--it is a verifiable fact. Trust me.)

It all seems relatively simple, up to this point--I'll grant you that. But then the picture gets hazy.

How do girls this young have such a command of songcraft? They employ such delicate subtlety, especially in their slower arrangements--adding layer upon layer and change upon change until a melody that originally had an alluring negative space is full, each measure is bursting at the seams. Or, put another way, the songs are made with a patience that people this age have no business possessing--each work is fully-formed, mature in its own right. A great example of this is the aptly-titled "Old Fashioned Lover", which begins as a somewhat whimsical lament about the loss of summertime friendships, then slowly, and exquisitely, over the course of eight minutes somehow fast-forwards the listener into an autumnal plea for genuine companionship. It's breathtaking.

Who are their influences? The basic dynamic of the instrumental make-up sounds, on paper, as though it should reflect clear influences (several duos have had similar DNA, not least of all Mates of State and Beach House). While there is a bit of it, albeit fleetingly (along with noticeable nods to such heavyweight female vocalists as Hope Sandoval and Chan Marshall in the singing), this band sounds too original to be merely the sum of its elements. The sheer individuality behind this band's vision is utterly remarkable, turning simple notes into stunning melodic turns through timing and vocal interplay. How do they do it?

I speculate on these things, but when I think I have answers, I hear something I hadn't heard before (their songs are like that...), and it knocks my conclusions right back into the murk of uncertainty. Luckily, I am OK with having a little mystery in my life--after all, who wants to see a magic trick after they know how it's done?

But I know this much:

1. Lemolo is one of the most consistently interesting bands in the Seattle scene right now, if for no other reason than they sound like nothing else in it.
2. The new songs I've heard take everything I've said above and capitalize on each strength exponentially, which shows that this band is nowhere near slowing down creatively--and that makes them one of the most exciting bands in the scene as well.
3. You will love them, if you don't already. Check them out online (www.myspace.com/lemolomusic and/or www.lemolomusic.blogspot.com), or see them live sometime soon at a venue near you--namely Tyrannosaurus Records on Friday, 9/10 @ 6pm for a FREE, ALL-AGES in-store performance.

Does that answer your question?

roar - TRx

Track Reviews (Yeah. That's the most interesting title I could come up with.)

2010-08-24T18:13:00.000-07:00

Nothing too complicated here: 3 reviews of 3 tracks off 3 new releases. One hard, one mid-tempo, one kind of folky (but still a little bit punk-rock in its delivery). Ch-check it out...

Artist: Guns for Radios
Album: losses and gains (Rockin' Stan Records)
Track: "kings and queens"

This band is made up of members of past bands who were well-respected in the Seattle scene (including Alta May and The Fluid [Editor's Note: I have since found out that this is incorrect--GfR contains no one who used to be in The Fluid. That's what I get for trusting a blogger. Sorry for the error. -n]), but has charted a new course. GfR occupies the space where 90's "alternative" (yes, kids, that's how we described music in the 90's) butted up against more traditional pop song structures, simultaneously obliterating them and giving them an entirely new life, and nowhere on the record is it more apparent than here. Starting with a snaky, distorted bassline that belies the high melodic sensitivity apparent in the higher registers of the composition, it calls to mind such disparate influences as Pinback and The Catherine Wheel. The lyrics are a chess game (get it?) of emotion and a vague heartache ("Hearts on the sleeves / of Kings and Queens"), matching wits with the complicated guitar and drum interplay. This band has started to make waves on KEXP--and this is a standout on the record, released last month. Of all the bands in the NW who are re-vitalizing sounds lovingly remembered from the "grunge/alternative" era, this is easily one of the most interesting, and most competent, I've heard.

Artist: Laura Jorgensen
Album: Feathered Arms (self-released)
Track: "Pens"

The lead-off track to Laura's new record is all about blood. Using the vivid and topical imagery of writing, she lets us into her creative process ("We sit down with our pens / And bleed ink"). But the real glimpse of her insides is in the vocal performance she delivers here--her voice lifts and falls with recklessly throat-shredding abandon, rocketing to impossible heights and cascading rapidly to barely-fathomable lows. Her voice matches the emotionality of the confession she alludes to in the lyrics--and that's all fine and good, if you can stop listening to the singing long enough to get all the words. I personally have a hard time with that. Her band, led here by Nolan Eley's trumpet mixing with her own accordion, proves a worthy match to the amazing power of her voice, providing crescendos at a moment's notice and never overplaying the role it's given. This is an amazing recording of an amazing song. I must admit, I've been in love with this song since back when I'd only heard it live and as a demo--hearing it with the full band and the full power of Laura's unbridled talent has given me an even bigger appreciation for it.

Artist: Unnatural Helpers
Album: Cracked Love & Other Drugs (Hardly Art)
Track: "The Truth About You"

Punk-rock? Garage? Indie? Yes. You know what they say: "If the Doc Marten fits..." This song is led by a BLISTERING guitar riff into a valley of sludge-tastic bass under a sea of cymbal crashes and double-kicks. The production is pitch-perfect medium-fi, allowing Dean Whitmore's voice to rage out of the muck with a caterwaul of betrayal and apathy that nonetheless lends itself to a slightly ironic twist (the recriminating "I learned the truth about you" is tempered by a rationalization: "You'd be unhappy with me") that, I'm convinced, is as much a product of the thick skin necessary to make it in the Seattle music scene as it is indicative of the thick skin necessary in matters of the heart. There is rock music, there's good rock music, and then there is F***ing Good Rock Music--this is the latter.

And there you have it--3 local bands, 3 great songs, 3 new albums. Listen to 'em! Tell me what you think! Get out and see some local music!!

'til next time,

rOaR,

TRx

A Lifetime in a Month

2010-07-08T17:10:00.000-07:00

ROOOOAAAARRRR!!!

Oh. My. Goodness. It has been too long. The past month has been a dizzying cacophony of awesomness and hard work, and we have emerged victorious (finally) in a new space, with a new partner, and ready again to service your music needs in DTR at full-throttle. Check out my totally random list of what's been going over the past month!

1. Obviously, the big news is: we are no longer located at 914 S 3rd in Renton--instead, you will find TRx at 924 S 3rd in Renton. We have moved inside our favorite indie craft haven, Happy Delusions, and we are trying to be careful to not damage all the rad stuff in the store during random bouts of rocking--which we have been prone to since birth. Please wish us luck. Come by and say 'Hello'!

2. Our selection has gotten richer and fuller! The selection of used vinyl is growing weekly and cycling nicely (check it often for your favorites on vinyl!), and the selection of new music is growing as well, augmented most recently by new titles from Sub Pop and our newest direct partner, Kanine Records (may I suggest Viernes' new album on Kanine, Sinister Devices?--it's super-good!)!

3. We are looking forward to lots of exciting possibilities in the coming 2-4 weeks, including (but not limited to) August's First Friday, featuring music-centric arts/crafts from the always-amazing crew of Happy Delusions; and a possible live-remote radio broadcast from the good folks at KGRG!

4. Friends of the store, The Head and the Heart, have released their beautiful first album. We are so excited for them and hope to be able to offer the release soon for retail!

5. Summer has arrived! (Duh.)

6. All kinds of great, wonderful, uber-fantastic things are happening--so many I can't even wrap my mind around it enough to write any more here! You'll have to pardon my giddiness.

So get out, enjoy the weather, enjoy great tunes--don't forget to stop by and say "Whaddup?" to your friendly friends at Tyrannosaurus Records!

See you soon--

-TRx

Happy Delusions + Tyrannosaurus Records = Coolest Thing Ever*

2010-06-03T16:52:00.000-07:00

*This is what I was trying to get across in the last post... Sorry for any confusion. No, Sonic Youth is not playing in the store. *sigh* If only... :)

"Hear ye, hear ye--"

More details and other such stuff to come on this whole thing, but the long and the short of it is this:

Happy Delusions, DTR's foremost DIY and indie art authority and retail outlet, will soon be taking on a new partner. You may know this new partner as.............us. That's right--in an epic move that is being lauded by some as "the coolest thing since cool came to Cool Town", HD and TRx will be joining forces to more efficiently spread the awesome throughout DTR and the surrounding areas.

Questions? Of course there are questions. To that end, here's a little FAQ that may tide you over until more info begins to bubble up... Enjoy!!

FAQ's: What YOU Need to Know

Q: Why merge?
A: Well, that’s what multi-national, ultra-conglomerated, corporate super-powers do. That reminds me of a joke we tell at The Club: “If you can’t beat ‘em, BUY ‘em!!”. How else would we ever get “too big to fail”?

Q: OK, but why now?
A: Would you ask a shooting star why it picked just that moment to zoom across the night sky? Didn’t think so. Let’s just say it is the right thing for all parties, and the timing couldn’t be any awesomer.

Q: Will the new name be Tyra-ppy Reclusions, or Happy-saurus De-cords? ‘Cuz I think they’re both SWELL…
A: Um, neither. Both names will remain intact and both stores will remain virtually unchanged, except for the fact they will be in the same place. The only significant change will be to the Coolness per Square Foot (C/ft²) ratio on South 3rd between Wells and Main—yeah, that’s gonna go up.

Q: What are the advantages? How do I benefit?
A: Glad you asked. 1) Extended and More Consistent Hours of Operation—once we get a chance to get our feet wet on this deal, we plan to have the store open for longer and be much more consistent on Open and Close times. 2) Consolidated Indie Goodness—remember how you used to have to walk almost a whole block to satisfy your need for sweet indie crafts and killer indie music? Those days are over! 3) This is Only the Beginning—this is Step 1 of a 10,000-step plan to take over The Universe. You’ll be able to say you knew us when we were still somewhat harmless, and maybe you’ll be looked upon with favor around Step 9,865…that one is tricky.

Q: When is all this going to happen?!
A: We’ll probably spend June preparing and moving, with a plan to be fully functional by July 1. Though it really shouldn’t take that long, so if it happens sooner than that, bonus.

Q: What about live music?
A: What about it?

Q: Will there still be shows I can go to?
A: Of course! In the first month or two, it may take some time to work out exactly what is possible within the space. Rest assured, though, with a little time, we will iron out the kinks and we will again have you rocking the days and nights away with live performances that are too cool for words.

Q: So what do I need to do?
A: Well…nothing, I suppose. If you are now or have ever been a supporter or well-wisher of TRx or Happy D., feel free to stop in some time and show some love. Otherwise, just come on in when we re-open as a two-headed monster and stroke our collective ego by talking about how awesome you think it is that two of the coolest places in DTR have joined forces. But don’t say it all sarcastically—we’re only interested in hearing it if you at least act like you really mean it. Most importantly, just be aware that the change is coming, keep an eye out for the details and updates, and have a little patience with us as we transition into your one-stop-shop for indie, DIY, and rocknroll.

WE ARE STOKED!!!!

ROOOOOAAAAAAARRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You're Resident Dino,

-TRx

Big News? What big news...?

2010-06-02T18:56:00.000-07:00

(...as if I have to say it, Fonzie = Cool)

Big things... :)

ROaR!!!!

-TRx

Hello, our name is TRx. What's yours?

2010-05-25T16:20:00.000-07:00

I thought a re-introduction might be in order, since it has been a while since I have blogged here.

It's been a relatively crazy 2010 so far, right? You probably know what I'm talking about. Around here, we've hosted about 15 in-stores so far--one of them being the incomparably awesome and punk-rock Exene Cervenka, we've expanded our selection to nearly double the titles we had in 2009--we're constantly scouring the PNW indie-verse for your new favorite bands, and we collaborated with others in DTR for the biggest, awesomest, rocking-est indie festival this town had ever seen--it pretty much killed.

So, now what?

What could we do that be bigger than all that? What could we do that would be so massive it would be like two stars in the sky colliding and creating a whole new galaxy of cool? Is it possible that we could out-rock even ourselves, after the near-5 month run we've put together so far this year? Is it even conceivable?

The answer, friends, is "Yes."

Things are coming. They are big things. They are gigantic, monumental things that will change they way you think about DTR forever. If you are now or have ever been a fan of radness, gnarlitude, sensational-tasticness, hearts, unicorns, babies, rocknroll, or indie...

Well...

...we have some very good news.

--TRx

Being there when they do (Show Review--Smile for Diamonds, TRx, 4/24)

2010-04-29T19:21:00.000-07:00

Tyrannosaurus Records, Renton.

4pm or so.

Smile for Diamonds --

Seattle, WA

They came in one at a time, driving separate cars, trying to find parking on a semi-busy day in Downtown Renton. Each introduced himself. Ian arrived last.

There was lots of equipment, stacks of amps and speakers, and the drums—oh, the drums. A harmonica mic…why not? Snippets of conversation overheard during the all-important set-up phase, talk of day-jobs, other shows they’d played recently, the records on the walls. In everything they did and everything they said, a sense of this band as a living thing…or, more like a working thing. These guys worked, this band worked. Music was the job, but not in the sense of something one does for a paycheck—it was a job in the sense of something one does because they know how and no one else will do it as well: less of a job than a duty.

Mike said they were going to bring the rock back to this town. I thought of the early 90’s, all the amazing things coming out of Seattle then. I felt like I understood exactly what he meant. Until they began to play.

“Hunting Humans” began with echoing strings, eight counts, then the percussion—oh, the drums. Ian beat them like he was mad at them. He made faces at them. He mean-mugged his drumkit. It got the idea—I could tell because the drums did exactly what they were told, producing any roll he could imagine, any fill he could fit into a tiny space. The drums didn’t question him.

Pat was hidden behind a wall. His guitar thought it was front-and-center. In the small space, it didn’t matter that he wasn’t always at the mic when he shouted backing vocals. They came through loud and clear. The melodic bridge of “Found Myself” went up and down, up and down, back up—stop!—back down, swirling. All this, and Pat was behind the wall.

Mike bounced the way bass players do, heels never touching the ground. He leaned into Ian’s drums, willing the rhythms to fit. His hands slapping, holding. His bass nodding, understanding. His equipment said “Kiwi”.

Ryan was explaining himself to the amp, turning from the audience and shaking his guitar. He was explaining himself into the microphone. Explaining himself, giving us his reasons. “It’s time to get looouuuud…” After the show, he rolled a cigarette and smoked in the wind and the rain.

The set ended with “No Shame”. There is almost no way to describe this song. I could sit here and talk about what other post-punk songs it vaguely reminds me of or what other songs have a kind of similar guitar riff, but on a visceral level there is no way to describe it. It is an amazing hook + cymbals + raging guitars + deep bass + an outro from hell that seems to last forever. And it was the only way the show could have ended.

They met and coalesced in Colorado, though Mike is from New Zealand. They play songs that have purpose. The play songs with passion and desire. This is a band that works. They play songs because they have to.
..........................................................And there is nothing quite like being there when they do.

roar.

--TRx

***Check out Smile for Diamonds' brand new self-titled EP, available at Tyrannosaurus Records***

YOUR NEW FAVORITE BAND #2

2010-04-24T13:20:00.000-07:00

Time for another installment of YNFB!! Remember, shoot me some feedback sometime on what you think of these bands! Come in and take a listen! I'm here to help you...help ME, help YOU!!

;)

Efterklang

Denmark

Hailing from Scandinavia, Efterklang takes its name from the word for "rememberance", which also translates to mean "reverb[eration]". After striking critical success with their first few releases in the vain of minimal electro, all produced with extreme attention-to-detail and leaning toward the experimental, their newest album Magic Chairs, released in late 2009, finds the band as likely to use various forms of percussion to evince emotion as synthesizers and horns. It is a deeper, more mature and anthemic sound that takes vocal cues from Britpop and 80's Soul, even while staying true to their roots in mood-music and the heavily layered sound they have cultivated along with stylistic peers such as Mum and Sigur Ros. The jury is still out among longtime fans inasmuch as this album represents a marked departure from the undeniable beauty of their previous work, Parades, but everyone agrees it is more than worth the listen. Perfect for headphones...

Peter Broderick
Portland, OR / Europe

Splitting his time being both a prolific solo artist and an invaluble touring musician in Efterklang (see above--ha! Synergy!), PDX's Peter Broderick is less a conventional songwriter than he is a composer of intricate melodies. Garnering comparisons from everyone from Max Richter and Leonard Cohen to conteporaries like Guy Garvey (of Elbow fame), no one comparison can really do his sound justice. In Broderick's hands, a gentle finger-picked guitar line becomes a melodic force of nature, gliding through the air to collide with his hushed vocals, and crashes to earth to explode in a cacophony of solemn beauty...or something. Long story short: you need to hear this. Check out his 2nd solo album, Home. Perfect for...pretty much everything.

Cock and Swan

Bothell, WA

Johnny and Ola of Cock and Swan have never described their music to me. I have often thought that it might be interesting to hear them describe just what it is that they try to put on record, if only to find out if they hear the same thing as the rest of us. They fit in well with this group of artists, though, in that the overall mood of the music is similar--but where Efterklang has somewhat moved on from electronica, and Broderick typically only uses it for atmospheric effect, Cock and Swan fully embrace electronic instrumentation. They also marry it with "old-fashioned" instrumentation in a way that gives new meaning to both methodologies. Their newest work, Unrecognize, just out this Spring, showcases them at their most dynamic--with subtle shifts in tempo that give way to grand sea changes in overall mood, along with the most sophisticated lyrics/vocals the pair have done yet. Along with the chillout-style techno more prevalent in their past work, the two have also developed their electronic influences to bring out hints of dub, happy-house, drum'n'bass, and other synthetic delights that only augment their already impressive repertoire. Perfect. Period.

So...which one of these is your new favorite band...? Come see me, let's talk some music!

ROOOAAAARRRR!!!!!

--TRx

YOUR NEW FAVORITE BAND #1

2010-04-18T15:03:00.000-07:00

We are long overdue for a forum in which to discuss breaking artists and new local talent. So, here's one. Let me know what you think of these artists! Let's have a dialogue!! With any luck I will be able to write one of these up every 1-2 weeks, and you can continue to be informed on new and/or undiscovered talent, which will lead you to even more new/undiscovered talent (as is often the case with these things), and our dialogue can continue! Excitement!

WEST ON 18 - www.myspace.com/weston18band

Kent, WA

Ah, those young kids and their music. Will there ever be a time when genres like pop-punk and emo are looked on by the critical music demagogues as being layered and varied and having the complexity generally thought to be needed for genre growth? That is up for debate; after all, the question centers around the perception of the music, as opposed to the music itself. It can certainly be said that some bands have unique sounds within the constraints of these "stereo"-types (sorry, bad pun--couldn't resist!), and West on 18 is one such band. Their debut LP, Vented Frustrations, is, in its way, a slight re-working of prototypical pop-punk. While being extremely listenable as the work of a "pop-punk/emo"-style band, the harmonies have more of a depth and the timing is a little different--both speaking to a unique vision of the genre and a forward-thinking attitude about the directions in which it can be manipulated, but the element that truly sets this band apart from its peers is its guitars. Lead guitarist Scott Reed was clearly raised on healthy amounts of Slash and George Thorogood, nods to both of which punctuate nearly every song. The heavy riff-age and blistering solo parts give the songs a visceral immediacy that made the genre so compelling in the first place, when you couldn't swing a Dickies jacket without hitting a Blink 182 fan. Heavily recommended for summer driving--and/or check them out live at a Seattle-area venue!

The Mayfair Set - www.myspace.com/themayfairset

NY, NY/LA, CA

The term super-group gets thrown around a lot, so why not throw it around some more? A combination of NY's Dum Dum Girls and Los Angeles' Blank Dogs, this group uses layers of reverb as an instrument. This has identified them with the prevalent Lo-fi scene, but there is more to it than that. When I say reverb, I don't mean like recorded through a tin-can phone; I mean like recorded through a tin-can phone in a crypt...underwater. OK, that's probably overstating it. But, at some point, the songs must take over, especially when they've been given what is ostensibly an obstacle to overcome--and take over they do. Catchiness shines through every time. How far this band goes will be partly determined by the success of DDG, who have just released their first LP on Sup-Pop (I Will Be). Whether or not The Mayfair Set records anything else, the Young One EP is definitely worth the price of admission. Perfect for sipping wine on a summer evening...you will not be disappointed.

Justin Townes Earl - http://www.myspace.com/justintownesearle

Nashville, TN

Remember when you first heard The Wallflowers? If you were anything like me, your first reaction was, at least somewhat: "Really? Bob Dylan had a biological hand in that (as in, Jakob Dylan)? Hmph." Now picture the complete opposite. JTE is the son of the famed Steve Earle, who is still a mainstay in the Americana/Roots scenes. His style is different, having been filtered through the prism of radio from the mid-eighties on, and imbued with a sense of roughness that can only have come from a deep spiritual kinship with punk-rock. But at the end of the day, it is about his songs, and it is my position that Justin Townes Earle has yet to write a bad song. Check out his newest release, Midnight at the Movies. Perfect for having just had your heart broken, or feeling like you just had your heart broken.

So...how did we do? Might any one of those be your new favorite band? One way to find out...

--TRx

roar.

UnDisCoVerEd: More Details on DTR's biggest indie-culture event EVER

2010-04-15T17:08:00.000-07:00

As excited and thrilled and amazed as I am about the upcoming Exene show (4/17--scroll down!) on Record Store Day (link on your right!)...I'd be remiss not to fill you in on the awesomeness that is being planned for UnDisCoVerEd. So, here I go!

Peep this amazing poster, created by our very own graphique artiste extraordinaire (sacre bleu!), Mr. Adam "The Metal Made Me Do It" Jones!! This is a first draft, but the final version will roll out soon, and with any luck it will be EVERYWHERE!

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Music: We are all booked with four amazing local bands!

SEE ME RIVER (www.myspace.com/seemeriver)

Cock and Swan (www.myspace.com/cockandswan)

Young Lions (working on this...!)

Sweet Secrets (www.myspace.com/sweetsecretsband)

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As well as visual entertainment, featuring (but NOT limited to):

Spotlight Dance Company (DTR, http://www.spotlightdance.net/) -- pictured -- and The HALL Breakdancers (Harambee, DTR http://thehallrenton.blogspot.com/) and members of The Cabiri (Seattle, http://www.anunnaki.org/cabiri/page.php?page=fp)

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Had enough awesomeness? But, wait! There is oh, so much more!!

35 INDIE CRAFT BOOTHS and Vendors brought to you by Happy Delusions (DTR, http://happydelusions.wordpress.com/)!! Plus, participation by lots of your favorite DTR businesses, many of which are still in the works (more on that later!)

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And let's not forget the reason we are doing all of this. To benefit the amazing and selfless folks at Childhood Cancer Sucks - The Jakob Ellis Foundation (http://www.facebook.com/pages/CHILDHOOD-CANCER-SUCKS-The-Jakob-Ellis-Foundation/341635036084?ref=ts#!/pages/CHILDHOOD-CANCER-SUCKS-The-Jakob-Ellis-Foundation/341635036084?v=info&ref=ts) . Supporting those impacted and fighting so no one ever has to fear this afflicion.

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Tickets: $10 in advance, $12 at the door -- more info soon on how and where you can purchase!

whew. That's a lot of stuff. I guess you know what your doing on May 15 now, right...?

roar.

--TRx

Ununseptium

2010-04-02T19:26:00.000-07:00

What is Ununseptium?

Well, the short answer is, no one really knows. The name itself is just a placeholder, derived from the number 117 (Un=1, un=1, sept=7). It refers to an element on the periodic table, the 117th element to be specific. The scientific community at-large generally accepts the existence of this element, because without it, the rest of the table (i.e. the building blocks of all matter on earth) would need to be fundamentally re-thought. But, and this is a big "but", no one has ever observed it or been able to verify its existence scientifically.

Therefore, it is the undiscovered element. It is a basic component of the planet, and it is undiscovered.

I am in love with this idea. The idea that something so important can be undiscovered. And following the line of logic tells us that something can be "known", but not "seen". Something amazing can be right in front of our faces, and simply unable to be acknowledged.

Indie culture is like this. It is a necessary and vital extension of human art and expression, but without vast networks and hype machines to put it in front of peoples' faces or in their headphones or on their TV's or internet sites, it can be undiscovered even though it is in plain sight.

With this in mind, Tyrannosaurus Records is proud to be a part of something big. We are partnering with Happy Delusions, Harambee, Spotlight Dance Company, The Upper Room and other downtown Renton benefactors to put on UNDISCOVERED: a music show, indie craft fair, mini-festival and all-around good time in DTR, which is itself somewhat undiscovered.

Music: See Me River, Cock and Swan, The Young Lions, more TBD

Crafts: 35 indie crafters and all the DIY awesomeness you can handle in one room

Dance: Spotlight Dance Company, local breakdancers

There will be independence. There will be art.

We hope you will join us on May 15th at Harambee in Renton. When the last note is played and the curtain comes down, a whole heck of a lot of amazing local indie flavor will be just a little bit less undiscovered.

We will see you there...

Roar--
TRx

Record Store Day 2010 (The Details)

2010-03-13T15:22:00.000-08:00

The upcoming celebration of national Record Store Day (http://www.recordstoreday.com/) will be on April 17th. It is officially the most wonderful time of the year (sorry, Christmas, you've been outdone). Please check out the website for all the specifics, but the idea of RSD is, simply put: Record stores rock, and they should be recognized for rocking. And what is the best way to reward record stores and their patrons? Why, music, of course!

The annual celebration of RSD always comes with a bevvy of singles and collectible releases that are available only at record stores, most in such a limited quantity that they end up being only available on Record Store Day. But it also brings a parade of indie artists who like to perform at indie record stores to show their appreciation to their fans and the stores that sell their wares.

One artist who will be touring West Coast record stores this year on and around RSD will be the incomparable Exene Cervenka. Fans of the 70's and 80's seminal LA punk band, X, need no introduction to Ms. Cervenka, as she was the frontwoman of the band. Identified with the punk scene during its rise to prominence, the band ended up evolving a unique rockabilly sound. Exene has taken this evolution even further in her recent work, her last release being 2009's Somewhere Gone, a beautiful collection of folk/alt-country/Americana rendered in a way that only she can.

"The reason I am touring independent record stores from San Diego to Seattle this April is that I want to play for free, to people of all ages, at a reasonable hour, in a place we love to be. I'm touring at my own expense, because I don't want the economy to stand between my music and people that might want to hear it. Yes, I hope I sell some aprons and a few cds, but bring your X records, the kids, shop independent, and let's have a party! xo exene"

Ah, we couldn't have said it any better ourselves. ; )

Catch Exene at Tyrannosaurus Records on April 17th at 2pm (along with local favorite Devin Moore, and possibly more local music TBD)

The cat is officially out of the bag.

roar.

TRx

The Top 10 Raddest Things About Buying Records

2010-03-04T18:52:00.000-08:00

Wow. This blog post really and truly needs no introduction. I mean, it is pretty obvious from the title what you’re going to find here, right? I will say this, though: it all may seem like a desperate plea for attention (y’know, like “hey, come buy records here, everybody…please?”), but really these are just some of the things I most enjoy about the acts of buying and listening to vinyl, augmented with some help from some of our Facebook Fans (as noted). Seriously, these are things that you may have forgotten about, or things that you’ve potentially never experienced if you’ve never bought a piece of new vinyl. Not to say that it all applies to vinyl exclusively—some of these things can easily go for CD’s as well, especially some of the more significant items in the countdown.

That’s kind of a long introduction for something that supposedly “needed no introduction”, isn’t it? What do you say we get to it…?

The TRx Top 10 Things About Buying Records

10. The Music :::::::::: I know, I know. The music should be Number One. Obviously, it is the most important thing about the entire act of buying and playing vinyl. But it only barely squeaks into my Top Ten things about buying vinyl. Weird how sometimes the most important things about activities we enjoy aren’t always the things we enjoy the most…

9. Carrying Vinyl Out of the Store :::::::::: Ironically, my best anecdote to relate here is one I experienced after NOT buying vinyl—allow me to explain: So one time, I am making my way out of the Capitol Hill Sonic Boom store (which has since moved). I had happened to find some good used CD’s that day, but hadn’t really looked at new stuff, CD or vinyl. I go sauntering out with my little bag of a few CD’s, and I pass a lady having a cigarette on the corner. She eyes my bag, eyes me, eyes my bag, eyes me; then she says something amazing, something heroic. She says, “Oh well, maybe next time you can buy a couple records.” Now, mind you, my devotion to vinyl is and has always been beyond reproach, but she didn’t know that. She just saw a relatively young person buying music on CD as opposed to vinyl, and she felt the need to speak up. This leads to a lot of other questions really (most interestingly, was this a person who regularly spent time belittling random people on the basis of their music choices?), but they are immaterial. The thing to take away is: it is always unquestionably and undeniably cooler to walk out of a music store with vinyl in your hand.

8. The Cover Art (Thanks to Carl McKenzie for this one, and also Johnny Goss) :::::::::: It is such a cliché that I can’t possibly resist saying it here: Size matters. It’s not rocket science—you get 12 inches worth of artwork and eye-candy and awesome inserts and a big, significant hunk of physical property when you buy a record (obviously, 7-inches have their own particular mystique not addressed here). Not so much with a CD. And I say this, but I do concede that CD art and packaging has come a long way in the past 5 years or so…but you know what? The aesthetic strides that CD’s have made have come from ideas propagated by vinyl packaging (soft covers, paper booklets, photo inserts, gimmicky fastening mechanisms, etc.). However, if space and storage are major concerns for you, then CD’s are probably the way to go. Not that there’s anything wrong with that…

7. The Smells (Thanks to Patrick and to JYH for this one!) :::::::::: Ah, the smells. Whether it is the clean, vaguely chemical smell of vinyl that has never been played, or the subtle waft of musty, lived-in air that breezes up while you’re flipping through a rack of old records. The smells are great. Probably an acquired taste, but one you may very well find yourself extremely satisfied to have acquired, when all is said and done.

6. The Act of Playing Vinyl (Again, JYH gets props for this one, along with Chris Anderson) :::::::::: I am not talking about the sound here (that comes a little later in the countdown), but the act of taking a record out of its sleeve, situating it onto a turntable, powering on, and dropping the needle into the groove. I am talking about the subtle pop when the needle makes contact, the surface noise that tells you that you are in for something special, and the first noise you hear through the speakers. It is powerful. And it is scientifically proven (at least, I read somewhere that it was) that this added investment in the physical act of playing the music leads to a greater appreciation of the music itself. So win-win. Oh, man…I could go on and on about this…MUST…CHANGE…TOPIC…

5. Elton John :::::::::: I don’t care what your feelings are on The One and Only Rocketman. Whether you love him or hate him or are indifferent, his body of work sounds amazing on vinyl. Especially the older stuff (I am especially a fan of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Madman Across the Water, and Honkey Chateau), but they are all amazing. He, and his epic body of work, has singlehandedly made the act of buying vinyl better. For me, at least.

4. Finding Amazing Stuff :::::::::: One time, while scouring through the bins in a record store in North Carolina that mainly focused on goth and noise-rock, I found an original pressing (read: Aura Records’ disputed and possibly stolen version) of Nico’s Drama of Exile, AND a vintage Bowie Italian import that included the widely berated and unexplainably successful song “The Laughing Gnome”. I think I paid something like $8.00 for both titles combined. The point is this: You don’t always find good stuff in record bins, but every once in a while, you find amazing stuff. So few retail arenas carry that same air of mystery and possibility.

3. Digital Downloads :::::::::: What?! Did he just…?! Are you serious?!!! Yes, I did. And yes, I very much am. Peep this: one of the major drawbacks of vinyl is that you can’t listen to it while walking, or while driving, or while riding your lowrider bicycle, right? If this was a debate, and you made that argument, I would gladly give you a point—and maybe even a high-five. But then I would rock your world by saying the following: “What if there was a way in which you could buy the vinyl, and then also receive all the music in a digital download at no extra cost? If someone came up with a way to somehow give consumers the physical awesomeness of vinyl, but paired it with the ability to have the music as a digital download that could go anywhere, well then…I guess vinyl would pretty much be unstoppable now, wouldn’t it?” Now you would probably give me a high-five, but I wouldn’t be done. “But they have!!” I would exclaim. “They have! Easily 95% of new vinyl now comes with a digital download of the album for you to have on-the-go!! Anywhere! You can truly have your cake…and you can eat it, too. Viva Vinyl!!!” At this point, I can only imagine we would hug each other intensely, cry, and take a blood oath to always be awesome to one another. Wouldn’t we?

2. Analog Sound :::::::::: …and I’m going to temper my raving about digital convenience by sounding the rallying cry of any self-respecting audiophile. Simply put, the analog sound wave pressed into each vinyl groove is the truest known form of sound replication. Granted, digital sound is a more exact copy (and can be quite fantastic), but it is just that: a copy. Analog sound is the sound, as rendered through the recording equipment and pressed into wax. I have listened to and read a lot of debate on this issue, and at the end of the day, it is really a matter of personal preference. I happen to unequivocally prefer the warmth and depth of sound in vinyl, and I have yet to listen to the CD that makes me think otherwise, strictly in terms of sound quality. It is an opinion, and I am OK with it.

1. Connecting :::::::::: Like any purchase worth making, a purchase at a record store invests you in the community that created it. It is probably one of the easiest and least painful ways to make the jump from being someone who enjoys and appreciates a community’s output, to being someone who participates in that output and, by extension, helps the community thrive. Of course, the same can be said of any manner of local business, but I have always found that record stores have a certain place in the communities they inhabit, and the set of roots they grow is distinct from most other types of businesses. Consider that if you buy a record at an independent record store and you really love it, each time you re-create that experience of loving that album for yourself, you will also remember the place and the circumstances under which you came upon that particular piece of music. You may find, as I have many times through the years, that a piece of music connects you to a day, a season, or a feeling you had sometime in your life that you haven’t had since—and the place (the store, and the community) that facilitated it is sure to have a special place in your heart.

Connecting—isn’t that the point of all music in the first place?

The hiatus is over! Welcome back—

roar.

Hiatuses...hiatusi...hiateese...?

2010-02-24T17:55:00.000-08:00

What is the plural of the word "hiatus"? (Wiktionary, here I come.)

Just wanted to say that the blog is not dead, and if you are or have ever been a regular reader, please don't stop checking in.

There is just too much going on right now for me to give ROOOOAAAARRRR!!! the attention it deserves. And, believe it or not, these posts do take a little work.

Fear not, regular posts will resume soon--hopefully next week-ish. I just have to get some fresh ideas, and clear my head a little.

Sorry, I know it sucks. But, remember, the reason I am taking this small break is so that the blog itself doesn't end up sucking; see how that works? I knew you'd understand.

Soon, soon, soon!

Take care, stay fresh--

TRx

Profile: AVIATION RECORDS

2010-02-09T17:49:00.000-08:00

Let's just say that if you were to Google "Aviation Records", you wouldn't even make it to the second page of results before being invited to visit the website for the National Aeronautics Association or browse through a Wiki entry for the history of man-induced flight in the modern era. (Full disclosure: A Google for "Tyrannosaurus Records" has us interspersed with results having to do with that other Tyrannosaurus Records, and it is not long before you get to slobbering Marc Bolan fan-sites--that's just how it is for us little guys.)

But we're not talking aeronautics, feats of supersonic flight, or albums you listen to while on a plane. As usual, we are talking about severely under-appreciated musical awesomeness. Once again, we are talking about musicians in the Pacific Northwest making beautiful sounds in our own backyard. Aviation Records (www.myspace.com/aviationrecords) has built a solid reputation in the area with releases that are by turns frantic, haunting, complex, cheery, and left-of-center. Including, but certainly not limited to, the following...

S : Sadstyle (10 Year Anniversary Re-issue) -- S is the recording moniker for Jenn Ghetto, also known as a member of Carissa's Weird and other projects. The re-issue of Sadstyle represents the ultimate version of an album that is surely an undisputed classic to anyone who owned it when it was originally released. It relates to the singer's other work in a similar way to how Elliott Smith's solo work related to his earlier recordings with Heatmiser: stripped-down, confessional, emotional, honest. Around '99 was when I first heard the term slow-core as a way to describe deceptively layered, largely downtempo music in this vein; for all I know, it was coined to describe this album itself. It is breathtaking. Standout track: "sure, i'd love one" - a previously unreleased gem that accomplishes a huge amount of music in just under 4 minutes.

The Spinning Wheels : The Great Outdoors -- The Spinning Wheels encompass a stunningly unique sound that washes drum- and bass-heavy rhythms in buckets of high-energy keyboard riffs and shiny, harmonic vocals. Hailing from Portland, this band evokes the sounds of Built to Spill and The Anniversary, but never ceases to make a sound that could only belong to them. A truly exciting band. Standout track: "Allergy Season" - tightly-wound and jammy, but all within the confines of a verse-chorus pop structure.

See Me River : The Great Unwashed / Time Machine / Self-Titled -- If you are not familiar yet, get nice and cozy with the work of SMR. A singular Seattle band in terms of overall scope, songwriting, and stylistic reverence, this band can do anything it wants to. They can tell a story that breaks our heart ("Ed Jackson"), they can call to mind the Talking Heads ("Far Above My Head"), they can tell the future ("2021"). This is a seriously amazing band for serious music-lovers. Standout track: Yes. Literally, all of them.

Again, this is only a sample of what is available from this local indie label. There is plenty that I just don't have the time to get into right now, but I wish I could. In a later post, perhaps. The point is: check it out! Find! Listen! Love! Share! Legally.

As ever and for always,

your resident dinosaur. roar.

--TRx

...did I mention you can get all these and more at TRx? Kind of makes the finding part easy, huh? ; )

Many many 'Thank You's

2010-02-07T14:57:00.000-08:00

Just a quick one to say how much we appreciated the performers we had this weekend: Zacharias Flynn and The Juke Bones (whoa! could the two acts together be an amazing idea for a Renton supergroup? Just sayin'...). Both turned in awesome performances, and again contributed to our so-far-unblemished record for great live music in DTR! The next two weeks see Devin Moore and Post Harbor grace our stage--get ready!

Also, just as importantly, a massive thank you to everyone who showed up to support the live music! You are the reason we are hell-bent on doing this, and you came out just like I knew you would.

Here's looking forward to even more great things to come!

--TRx

"So, I was on Facebook the other day..."

2010-02-03T18:13:00.000-08:00

Don't you hate it a little bit when a sentence starts out with a reference to Facebook, or some other social-networking vehicle? Not that they're all bad or anything. It's more the idea of a substitute for conversation forcing its way into an actual conversation. Maybe I am weird.

And yes, I see the irony in my writing this on a blog.

So, I was on Facebook the other day, and I said something about February being the most eclectic month for live music in our short--but awesome!--history. I kind of thought I was just saying that. You know, trying to tantalize people into really looking at the concert calendar. But the more I think about it, I was totally right about that. (It's not often I get to say that, so I am going to relish it.) I mean, check this out:

Feb. 5 - Zacharias Flynn - Zach plays virtually every instrument known to man. For this show, he will be performing a completely improvised instrumental set with several instruments to achieve what I can only hope will be a reasonable facsimile of (or companion piece to) his fantastic, self-made album, Irresolute Insight. It doesn't get anymore abstract than this, but all that considered, I think you'll be surprised at his amazing sense for melody and song structure.

Feb. 6 - The Juke Bones - Like Zach, this act hails from Renton. And that is pretty much where the similarities end. The Juke Bones are one drumkit, one guitar, lots of volume, and buckets of attitude. The members are veterans of plenty of other bands and artistic projects, not the least of which include the band Sugar Farm and the short film series The Finger of God. The music is a wall of Blues infused with a heavy dose of punk rock. Guaranteed that attendance at this show will give you at least one good story that you can tell people who weren't here.

Feb. 13 - Devin Moore - From the shadow of Maple Valley, by way of the wide expanses of Eastern WA, comes the uniquely clever and delicate voice of Devin Moore. An accomplished guitarist and songwriter, Devin has been playing and performing since before she knew she had a choice, and it suits her just fine. She makes tiny inner monologues into larger-than-life love songs, and she is destined for big things. We are just happy to have found her while she was still playing for free.

Feb. 21 - Post Harbor - Do you like post-rock? This band does it like no other. Less riff-y than Kinski, more accessible than Mogwai, "rock"-ier than Explosions in the Sky, this Seattle band is a very well-kept secret. I don't think that will last. On Feb. 10, they drop their new album They can't hurt you if you don't believe in them. It is a piece of music that gets more engaging and addictive with each listen. They will bring their epic songs into our humble abode, and you should really consider being here when they do.

Long story short: we really do have something for everyone this month, and I couldn't be more excited about it.

I hope some of you are, too.

roar,
--TRx

One good blog deserves another...

2010-01-26T18:41:00.000-08:00

OK, short post. Just had to urge anyone who reads this with any regularity and likes reading about music to check out another blog on blogspot:

http://www.loveseatchase.blogspot.com/

Follow our hero, a local Seattle musician, as he guides us step-by-step and song-by-song through the making of an album he is recording with the aid of a home studio, a natural ability for songwriting, and loads of talent. If you are intrigued, you are right to be! The blog is still pretty new, so it is a great time to start from the beginning and keep up on his progress. I, for one, will be stoked to see how it all shakes out...

More soon...

--TRx

An Open Letter to DTR

2010-01-24T15:23:00.000-08:00

Dear DTR,

I have been talking a lot about you lately. I thought you might like to know what people are saying, if for no other reason than to know you are not being taken for granted.

Where else is there the sense of community that exists here? I would wager almost nowhere else in the Seattle area. There is a sense of togetherness that is palpable and readily felt by anyone who comes to hang out. Everyone is saying that you are not intimidating or snobby like Downtown Seattle (no disrespect meant to our big sister), and not as bland as downtown areas in other outlying areas. People I have been talking to all weekend have been saying how much you have to offer, and they are happy they are getting in on it while you are still relatively unknown. You are truly becoming known as the place to go for things that are fun, unique, and inspired by community.

Just look at all your great stuff: great antique stores, great restaurants and nightlife, great indie stores for quirky and cool stuff, great coffee, great cupcakes (I personally prefer CG's cupcakes to anything at similar specialty stores and bakeries in Seattle--though those places are not without their own charms), awesome body art, bicycle wares, an amazing professional-quality dance studio (*wink*), music venues, a record store (*wink* again), a book store coming in the Spring, and so much more!

All this, and you are still coming up with new ways to surprise the people who are finding you for the first time, and the people who have known you for years. Some people have called you the "new" Belltown, or the "new" West Seattle, but I prefer to think of you as the "original" DTR. And I am starting to get the sense that you've been planning this all along. ; )

Thanks for everything you have done, and everything you are.

Your friend,

TRx

Track Review - "Who Makes Your Money" by Spoon

2010-01-22T18:20:00.000-08:00

Ah, Spoon...*sigh*

There is so much press about this album already (Transference), that I thought it was kind of silly to throw more drops of brine into that particular ocean. Instead, I chose one track to review, because it seems to perfectly (and awesomely) capture the effect of the album as a whole.

Nearly everyone who has reviewed this album has called to the forefront the sheer self-reference inherent therein. At least two that I have read have actually used the word "Spoon-iness" as a way to conjure up a feeling for the sort of unique, one-off yet truly polished sound this band can seemingly deliver on command. It is a more-than valid point, and while for most bands this kind of self-reference would be akin to a form of narcissism, in Spoon's case one gets the feeling that these four musicians in a room simply can't not make music that sounds like this. It is such a unique sounds that draws from so much (70's soft-rock, folk-revivalism, minimal electro, etc. in varying degrees) that it rightly sounds like something else that no one has yet done--I'd even go a step further and say it sounds like something no other band has really attempted. These are good things.

But along with having such a signature sound come all the trappings of everyone knowing what to expect. That's what makes this band so unique and accomplished: we know what to expect, and they still manage to blow us away.

The song begins with a one-handed key melody. It is casual; it is refined. The same melody persists basically throughout and doesn't undergo any significant changes until the final minute. So you have your foundation. The percussion is steady, no heavy riffing or crazy fills; a classic timekeeping beat that wouldn't be out of place in any one of a number of rock or R&B songs. And if it weren't so well recorded and produced, it might be unremarkable. But it is that well-done, and therefore is quite remarkable. The bass slinks like a snake while somehow managing to bounce as well, lilting with the melody and thudding when it needs to, culminating in a guitar/bass breakdown in the middle of the song that is like riding a Jeep through the desert with your hand out, letting the wind raise it up and down. And then there is Britt. No one else in rock music today has a voice like this--so seemingly thrown-off, confident to the point of being cocky, raspy and conversational yet able to work a falsetto that could make a wolverine purr. The lyrics in this song are quirky and get kind of repetitive: the titular question is asked more than a few times in lead vox and backing vox, I've listened to it quite a few times and am still not sure if it is about a working-class romance, a jilted lover, or a stylish pimp named Japanese John. It is clear by the end of the song, it is not about the words, it is about how the words sound.

Speaking of sound: that's really the story here, in this song and the rest of the album. There is a choreographed "off"-ness here (check the way the backing vocals are filtered and chopped to almost ghostly effect, or the way the keys stutter in and out of tone and don't always perfectly match the beat). It's like some of Spoon's prior songs got together and had a baby (I'm thinking the percussive otherworldliness of "Paper Tiger" with the MoTown chic of "I Turn My Camera On"), and then the baby snapped its fingers and demanded a Tanqeray straight up. This song demands headphones, or at least room-filling speakers. So much goes on in the background that it would be near-impossible to catch the subtleties any other way.

Perhaps the most fitting way I can describe the quality of this track is like this: When I decided to write this review about forty minutes ago, I decided to play it on repeat as I came up with ideas and began to write. Not only is it still listenable, but it is still getting better each time.

Please do yourself a favor: Find this album. Take a listen.

Viva Spoon! Viva indie rock!

roar.

--TRx

Good People Doing Good Things

2010-01-17T14:52:00.000-08:00

If you'll forgive me the lack of my usual mix of irony and (attempted) humor for just a moment, I wanted to let you all know that we are partnering with Rockin' Stan Records to help put on a benefit for the good people at Real Change (http://www.realchangenews.org/). You probably know what Real Change is all about, and that they help the homeless in many ways measurable and immeasurable throughout the Seattle area. Rockin' Stan Records has a history of doing good for the community, which you can read about here: http://rockinstanrecords.com/, not least of all by providing an outlet for the release and distribution of good ol' fashion, homegrown punk and rock music in Renton and South Seattle.

About the benefit: On Saturday, January 30th, there will be a huge show at the Rendezvous (http://www.rendezvousseattle.com/) in Seattle with seven (count 'em!) bands on two stages and raffle prizes and food and drinks and maybe a magical unicorn (OK, maybe not)! It's sure to be a blast, and it's for a good cause! Get your tickets here at TRx, or email me to find out more!

Happy Upcoming Birthday, Donnie D...

--TRx
roar!

Update-ology

2010-01-15T17:11:00.000-08:00

Update-ology - n. 1. the practice of updating people on things that they care about, or may care about if they knew of the existence of these things. 2. the study of this practice. 3. a word I just made up. (example: "Susan is working toward a career in update-ology.")

Now, let's use what we just learned!

New in the store this week:

Suburban Vermin - 16th Nervous Breakdown EP : Remember when punk was just good, clean fun made by young people with excess energy and a penchant for playing fast and loud? Don't let the song title "Go West" fool you--this is punk with a hardcore bent most influenced by the great East Coast/D.C. scene of the mid-1980's. So there is lots of yelling, lyrics about homemade hand grenades, and lots of adrenaline. You should check this out. www.myspace.com/suburbanvermin

The Hugs - S/T and Again and Again : Popular in their hometown of Portland, OR, and nearly just as popular across the pond in Great Britain, The Hugs are set to go off like a powder keg. Combining some of the best musical qualities of indisputably amazing bands like The Strokes, Figurines, and The Lemonheads, they've already received lots of accolades from lots of very influential people. Just get used to it: if you like Rock and Roll, this is about to be your favorite band. www.myspace.com/thehugsgowild

So this weekend will be quiet on the live music front. It is probably a good thing, as I, for one, am still recovering from the amazing one-two punch from last weekend. But, don't worry: I will be good to go when Cock and Swan comes back to town next weekend, on Sat. 1/23 @ 5pm (w/ Brad Dunn)! And a week after that, Jukebone lays down the blues/punk law all over us (Sat. 1/30 @ 5pm)...

Stay tuned...always more in the works!

roar.

--TRx

New Year Resolutions (Or, Things I Will Forget Tomorrow)

2010-01-05T16:54:00.000-08:00

1. Project more confidence ("TRx is In the House!!")

2. Stop saying things like "...in the house."

3. Lose some wait. What? Mis-spelled? Don't know what you mean.

4. Bring more LIVE MUSIC to DTR!! We've got a heck of a start on this one, if I do say so myself...

5. Exercise...patience...and Work out...deep-seated psychological issues.

6. Post to the blog at least once a week. Wait a minute...

7. Listen to lots of great indie music made in the NW and for the NW. Check.

8. Bring back the used vinyl section. Working on it...

9. Get more posters. Seriously, who couldn't use more posters?

10. Drop a few pounds.

So, "What's new?", you ask? Well, this week sees a new (er, new-to-us) title from Anacortes/Bellingham post-punkers The Oregon Donor (www.myspace.com/theoregondonor). Released on Seattle's own Burning Building Recordings (http://www.bbrecordings.com/), A Pagent's End plays with dynamics, juxtaposing stadium-sized riffs and hooks with moments tense and claustrophobic but never alienating. Fans of Muse and Minus the Bear will probably decide that they NEED this album; the rest of you should seriously considering owning it, or at least checking it out. Drop on by sometime and take a listen! Also gaining serious headway on our live music for February--shows booked so far for Post Harbor (www.myspace.com/postharbor) and Devin Moore (www.myspace.com/devinemoore) with more on the way; more details coming soon, so stay tuned!

Laterz, alligaterz...

TRx

Has it really been a week?

2009-12-27T16:31:00.000-08:00

So I made a deal with myself when I started this whole "blog"-thing that I would try to post something new at least once a week. Holidays or no, I am here to do just that. But this one will have to be rather on the short side, as the end of the year is typically more filled with family time than new indie music.

I'm looking forward to January, as we begin our first full year in operation. Things should start off nicely with no less than 3 performances already booked for the first month of the year (Laura Jorgensen on January 8th at 8pm - www.myspace.com/laurajorgensen - Young Lions on January 9th at ??pm [still working on nailing down a time for this one, and a website...] - Cock and Swan on January 23rd at 5pm - www.myspace.com/cockandswan -). All of them should be stellar, and many more equally exciting opportunities to catch some live music in DTR should be forthcoming in February.

I've been listening to a lot of Zacharias Flynn's new CD (available here, of course) Irresolute Insight. You can check it out here: www.myspace.com/drzacharias. And I am even more excited that he is a Renton local. He clearly has his head in the clouds, judging by the daydreamy and somewhat random quality of this music--but for a musician, that is not always a bad thing...

Another new thing I have been digging is ProGrammar's latest, Somaphone 4: Heartbreak, which reimagines old pop songs (themed around heartbreak, naturally) with the only instrument being the human voice (specifically, one human voice: that of ProGrammar himself). He is online at www.programmar.net, and the CD is available for your listening pleasure at TRx. Check out the cover of Chicago's "Hard to Say I'm Sorry," or The Moody Blues' "Your Wildest Dreams", and then remind yourself that all those sounds are made by one guy singing and beatboxing. Now try not to be amazed. I dare you. ; )

So now I am closing up shop. Getting ready to start thinking about my New Years' Resolutions. Upcoming blog-post perhaps?

(yeah, that's called foreshadowing...)

--TRx

The "Hassle With Real": A Conversation with Bobby Burg

2009-12-20T16:46:00.000-08:00

We recently had a chance to speak with Bobby Burg, a veteran of indie legends Chin Up Chin Up, currently rocking out with the up-and-coming Chicago band Vacations. Their newest release on Record Label (best label name ever!), I Was Bikini / But Rain Afraid, has been grabbing lots of attention, and the band is sure to gain more momentum in the indie music press after their inclusion on the new Polyvinyl-released Joan of Arc presents: Don’t Mind Control, due in January. I have been spinning I Was Bikini… for about a week now, and the syncopated rhythms and off-kilter vocals get better with each listen, from the otherworldly chanting of “New Friends” to the disco-riffing of “Solar Tongue”. They have a lot of world-music inspiration throughout, and their songs generally don’t veer too far from being light, air-y, and perhaps a little tongue-in-cheek. The whole album sounds like getting away from standard blues-based rock, like an excursion from the seriousness of nü-folk. It sounds like…well, a vacation. Check the interview below. Make sure you give the band some love via the internets, too, here: www.myspace.com/vacationsmyspace, and/or here: http://www.recordlabelrecordlabel.com/.

Tyrannosaurus Records: Can you tell me some of the sources of inspiration for the lyrics all over I WAS BIKINI...? Some of them get kind of weird, not in an off-putting way, but in an intriguing way. I'm curious how they come about, in a general sense.

Bobby Burg: It was really fun the way we would work on lyrics. Jeremy would email me a version of him mumbling over the music and I would give him a possible translation of what he was saying. He would then revise it further a combination of his original lyrics and the interpreted ones. Sometimes I would remake a version of how I envisioned his phrasing and melodies and send it back to him. We worked very closely together on the lyrics and melodies.

TRx: How do you see a band's locality/geography affecting their sound, in this day and age, with such fragmentation of the scene as a whole? Is it your experience that bands feed off each other when they are close together, or is it more of an "arms-race" within a given locale for each band to claim an individual identity?

BB: I guess I would say it totally depends on the band or day even. Both of the examples you've given can be true. In the case of Vacations specifically, we wanted to write songs that made us feel warm and summery in order to combat the freezing fucking cold winters in Chicago that we were sliding through to get to and from practice.

TRx: In researching some other press on you guys, I found more than one comparison to Vampire Weekend and Abe Vigoda. From your perspective, are these comparisons accurate?

BB: Jeremy DJ's that Vampire Weekend record. I liked what I've heard and I like some of Billy Joel's songs too. I saw a video of the Vampire Weekend guy singing with Fucked Up, they did "Parents" by the Descendents and I thought that was significantly better than any song written by Billy Joel, Vampire Weekend or Vacations. Abe Vigoda is pretty killer, I saw them in Texas and loved it.

TRx: Can you tell me about the greatest rock show you have ever seen? Or at least one of the top contenders if you don't have a favorite...

BB: Dead Milkmen at Metro in October this year as part of Riot Fest. It was my first time seeing them and they are one of my favorite all time bands. They totally delivered. I was in the pit the whole show and knew almost every word.

TRx: What can you tell me about "Record Label"? How important are small/independent labels to the music landscape?

BB: 'Record Label' is my way of putting out records. I started it to release Love of Everything and Chin Up Chin Up's first releases. I'm not sure how important small labels are. I don't even understand what a small label could offer a band anymore. They could offer to take half of the bands money in exchange for paying for them to record an album. That seems fair I suppose considering they will most likely never sell enough copies to pay for the recording.

TRx: Since we're nearing the end of another 365-day cycle, can you give me any favorite albums or songs from the year that was?

BB: That is a good question.

TRx: Looking to the future, what is the plan of attack for Vacations in 2010? Recording? Touring? World domination?

BB: Hopefully we can record some more this winter. We are still trying to figure out how to do it. Vacations is still in a huge debt to 'Record Label' for paying for the first recording. We only did 10 shows out of town to promote the record. I'm learning from my mistakes, before 'Record Label' pays for any band to record again I would want the band to agree to do a minimum of 60 shows out of town over the course of the year following the release. I thought Vacations would naturally do this so I didn't even ask the other guys about it. So that was my mistake.

TRx: What's your favorite dinosaur? (No, it does not have to be a tyrannosaurus...) ; )

BB: Stegosaurus the plant eater.

We forgive you, Bobby.

"ROOOOAAAAARRRRR!!!"

--TRx

Paco Jones LIVE at TRx!!

2009-12-19T17:28:00.000-08:00

Our many thanks to Paco, and his wonderful family, for saving us from the winter doldrums for at least a little while last Saturday! His amazingly heartfelt setlist included tracks from his new EP, "The Narrow Path" (exclusively available at Tyrannosaurus Records), a cover of Muddy Waters' "Catfish Blues", and a showstopping instrumental number that made the hair on my arms stand up.

Well played, sir. Well played, indeed.

This in-store performance was criminally under-attended. I have to assume that all of you were busy with holiday shopping or relatives or somehow otherwise entangled.

How can you make it up to me? Easy--by making plans to catch at least one of at least three shows that will be happening in January, and by putting this blog on 'Favorites' list so you don't miss anymore shows. That's reasonable, right? You can make it up to Paco by coming out to support him when he plays TRx again in 2010. Let's face it: you owe him that much.

Until next time, keep your feet tapping and your volume knobs on '11'...

--TRx

Upcoming releases that I am uber-excited about

2009-12-18T15:43:00.000-08:00

And when I say uber, I mean uber. It's not a pre-fix I use lightly.

Spoon: Transference -- Recently named the Metacritic (a site that culls weighted averages from top reviewers: http://features.metacritic.com/features/2009/best-music-of-the-decade/) Top Artist of the Decade, based on the reviews garnered by their four releases over the past 9 years, the Austin quartet seems poised to kick the next decade right in the pants by releasing their next studio offering just 25 days after it starts. I am not alone in having high hopes for this one. Prepare yourself for the awesomeness here: http://www.mergerecords.com/transference/

Jonsi: Go -- After a busy couple of years releasing not one but two albums (með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust with primary band Sigur Ros, and Riceboy Sleeps with side project Jonsi and Alex) the Great Icelandic Hope returns in March, 2010 with a solo effort that might just turn out to be fan-freaking-tastic. I was only mildly excited for this until I heard the first single, "Boy Lillikoi", which plays like several rushes of increasingly cool and pleasant rose-scented air on a warm day, and may just have the single most cohesive use of percussion I have ever heard. If you don't mind signing up for updates, you can download it for free here: http://www.jonsi.com/. I highly recommend that you do.

Phantogram: Eyelid Movies -- One of local favorite Barsuk's newest signings is set to drop a bomb in February! This band really has to be heard to be believed. I've heard them, and I am still not sure I believe it. Even if the quality of this release doesn't measure up to others by the end of 2010, it is sure to be one of the most interesting and creative albums of the year. If you want to geek out over it the way I have, you can do so here: http://www.barsuk.com/shop/bark094

Beach House: Teen Dream -- Arguably Sub Pop's biggest (or perhaps smartest) signings of 2008, Beach House make sublime noise with traces of coastal sunshine. They have been busy touring since their last release, and somehow finding time for awesome collaborations in the meantime. I give you the TRx Guarantee that this will be in the running for Album of 2010. Read (and Listen!) all about it right...over...here: http://www.subpop.com/releases/beach_house/full_lengths/teen_dream

Field Music: Field Music (Measure) -- Sometimes a hiatus only proves that talent can grow stale. Not in the case of this British band. Using a Beatles-singing-over-The-Human-League aesthetic and turning in extremely solid songwriting throughout, this is sure to be an extremely satisfying listen. And it's a Double LP! In this age of the iTune, who isn't ready for a good old-fashioned double-album? I know I am. You can preview it here, should you so desire: http://memphis.greedbag.com/buy/field-music-measure/

So, that's five. There are probably at least another 50 or so that I could write about. How about I just stop here for now, eh? Ooooh! Here's an idea: why don't you comment with the releases you are most looking forward to? Well? What are you waiting for?!

(Sooner or) Later,

--TRx

BLURBS!!

2009-12-12T13:28:00.000-08:00

Ha! I love that word..."blurb". Sounds funny.

NEW

Tularosa: trapped inside your diameter EP

Named for a region in New Mexico, Tularosa make solid power pop. In itself, that is not a remarkable statement. However, in the musical climate we find ourselves in at the end of this particular decade, there seems to be a dearth of bands who can honestly say that they make solid power pop. It is trendy these days to be spread out in one's interests, and as a result, many bands come out sounding somewhat unfocused. These are not necessarily bad things, they are just the way things are. Tularosa, however, have bucked this trend, and come out sounding better for it. They have found a home inside their own anthemic songwriting and have curled up inside, making it as reliable as is the landscape of the southwestern desert, and exhibiting a comfort level to be envious of. "Trapped Inside..." showcases a band that has already come into its own, and it is sure to have you singing along by the second or third spin. Check it here: www.myspace.com/tularosa

Norman Baker: The Art of Not Knowing LP

From Ancient Vessel comes Norman Baker's latest opus, The Art of Not Knowing. Full of lush instrumentation, including pedal steel, wurlitzer, harmonica, and every manner of stringed instrument (bowed, picked, and strummed). Opener "Unveil the Revival" is understatedly catchy, balancing Baker's echo-y vocals and harmonies with beautiful string arrangements. Like labelmate Jonathan Kimball's latest LP, "Optimisms", there is a hint of the islands in Baker's rhythms and vocal style, but the end-product is decidedly Northwest, with nods to the narrative songwriting of The Decemberists and the pacing of Grand Archives. It is said that knowledge is power, but perhaps sometimes "Not Knowing" is better... www.myspace.com/ancientvessel

REVISITED

We Were Promised Jetpacks: These Four Walls LP

Intricately laced guitar lines, pounding drums, singalong lines and shoutalong choruses--and that's just the first song. This Scottish quartet established themselves with this release in the summer of '09 as a band to watch out for, and a band to be reckoned with. Mastering the dynamics of rock n roll, they make delicate moments that turn into skyscrapers of sound, all while the songwriting transforms every childhood pain into a triumph of growing up. Great stuff. www.myspace.com/wewerepromisedjetpacks

UPCOMING

Joan of Arc presents: Don't Mind Control LP

"What if we took a bunch of songs made by bands featuring every musician who has ever contributed to Joan of Arc?" asked JoA frontman, Tim Kinsella. Well, you'd probably end up with a comp that ran the gamut from drone-rock to blip-rock to acousti-pop to a song made via MIDI-controlled pneumatic guitar/drum machine. Surprisingly, it holds up well as an album. Each track brings something new and unexpected, confounding expectation, but never overdoing it just for the sake of randomness. New tracks from 19 (count 'em!) bands/artists comprise this stellar release which hits the street on Jan 26, 2010. In the end, it will probably be not as much of a testament to the overall indie scene at the end of the 2000's, so much as a document of the far-reaching oeuvre and aesthetic of the prolific Joan of Arc. Genius! http://www.polyvinylrecords.com/store/index.php?id=948

All the reviews fit to print!
"ROOOAAAARRRR!!!"
--TRx

The Year of the Dinosaur

2009-12-08T18:52:00.000-08:00

So what if the Chinese Zodiac doesn't mention the Year of the Dinosaur? Tell that to Tyrannosaurus Records. We're moving and shaking, developing partnerships and creating networks! You can't stop us... 2010 will definitely be ours.

Step 1: Sponsor a radio program dedicated to emerging talent in and around the Pacific Northwest. Check. (See it here: http://www.lpmvoice.com/radio.aspx ; scroll down the page...recognize that storefront?)

In February, Seattle's LPM Voice will launch an internet-radio show. Yours truly will be one of their local sponsors. Impressed? You ain't seen nothing yet...

roar.

--TRx

Following in the footsteps...

2009-12-05T16:07:00.000-08:00

So, my good friends at SubPop recently did something fun. They posted their own lists of Top 10's for 2009--music, art, life, random stuff, whatever--and invited their readers to do the same. Check it out here: http://www.subpop.com/channel/features/a_form_of_paying_attention_december_2009

Now, we here at TRx typically march to the beat of our own 6-minute drum solo, but we know a good idea when we see it. Please find below our own Top 10 list for 2009, and don't be afraid to comment with your own Top 10--c'mon, it could be fun!

Tyrannosaurus Records Top 10

1. Opening the store -- Remember when we opened the store? Yeah, that was awesome.

2. Grizzly Bear: Veckitamest -- Every time I try to think of my favorite record this year, this one is always at the top of the list. Too good... Seriously, I think it might actually be too good--someone call the Quality Police.

3. Halloween at DC's -- Good, clean fun. Followed by bad, filthy fun.

4. Ha Ha Tonka -- A stellar album (Novel Sounds of the Nouveau South), a killer live set at the Sunset over the summer, and lots of after-show banter about the peculiarities of midwestern life. All in all, a really good group of fellas.

5. Sam's beard -- I just saw it. It is epic. It is so good, in fact, that on December 5th it was able to sneak its way onto my Top 10 list for the year.

6. NWxNW -- If it's true that one good rock show can change the world, then we surely moved a tectonic plate or two this past November at Renton's first ever indie-rock showcase. Can't wait for 2010...

7. Feline steroids -- it's hilarious, right? Cats on roids. It never gets old...

8. The Pacific Northwest Music Scene -- Okay, I know that sounds vague, but now that we've been somewhat immersed in it for over half of the year, it bears mentioning that the music scene from BC to SEA to PDX (and the smaller places in-between) really is vibrant and full of variety. Way to go, PNW!

9. The Monte Cristo -- No, not the book. The sandwich. Am I wrong, or was this the year that the MC made its triumphant comeback? I couldn't be happier.

10. Everyone -- "Like who?", I can hear you asking. EVERYONE. We have had the opportunity to work with some amazing people this year, and to meet lots more amazing people who love music, love this area, and love us (by virtue of our being musical and geographically convenient). And we love them right back for supporting their local businesses and artists, and for generally just being cool and fun to talk to.

OK. Your turn.

"ROOOAAAARRRR!!!"
--TRx

Woot-woot! (In the business, we call this a "teaser"...)

2009-11-30T16:51:00.000-08:00

Hey. So, you know how you've been talking about us behind our back, saying things like, "Yeah, it's a cool store, but I wish they were open on weekdays", and "I'd shop there, but I'm only in DTR during the week!"? Well, get ready for all those excuses to be null and void.

That's right, people.

Weekday hours, coming soon to Tyrannosaurus Records.

Now what?

; ))

--TRx

"Here come the Holidays, " he said with an ironic chuckle...

2009-11-22T15:30:00.000-08:00

I know that all of you are wondering what is new and happening at TRx for the holidays. Here's the skinny:

--Keep an eye out for a live in-store with Paco Jones, Seattle's own singer-songwriter-ambient virtuoso. Not really a holiday thing, I guess, but topical nonetheless.

--Christmas with Beer! Not only is it my preferred way of celebrating the holiday, but it also happens to be a brilliant holiday-oriented comedy album (check it here: http://www.myspace.com/christmaswithbeer). The best part: it's local! Support local music, you bunch of bah-humbugs! Also, working on confirming a date for this to be performed LIVE, in the store. Put that in your giftbags!

--Gift Certificates. What more do I need to say? Want an awesome gift that will be A) Cool, B) Local, and C) Independent? Who doesn't? Come and get one! Or ten...

--New music. Yes, it is coming! Should have new titles (and new-to-us titles) in the coming weeks from Bear in Heaven, Real Estate, Yacht, Telekinesis, and MORE! Who are you to resist?

--Stay tuned for more info on live music, local happenings, new records, and other cool stuff from your good frends at Tyrannosaurus Records and Extinction Studios...

L8R
--TRx

NWxNW = Kickass

2009-11-15T13:33:00.000-08:00

So...

There was a little rock-show in Renton. Hopefully, you were there. If so, you are one of the lucky ones. If not, well...enjoy these pics.

It was a good, clean night of good, clean fun.

Our deepest heartfelt thanks go out to all the performers: Ophelia's Thunder, Cock and Swan, Broken Water, Thunderbird Motel, and Spotlight Dance Company. As well as Arts Unlimited, who hosted the work of local artists in the lobby.

Keep an eye out for info on more live music, rocking your face off at a venue near you...

--TRx

roar.

Oh, this old thing?

2009-11-11T18:50:00.000-08:00

Thank you, Bob! We love our new awning!! It's pretty much the best thing ever...

Album Review - I was a lover... "Strong drink is Raging"

2009-11-08T16:54:00.000-08:00

I was a Lover Delorean was a Dealer – Strong Drink is Raging

Indie rock today is often a conglomeration of mash-ups. I find myself often describing a band to someone who has never heard them as a combination of BAND “A” and BAND “B” (for instance, I’ve been known to compare the band Cymbals Eat Guitars to a combination of Smashing Pumpkins and Arcade Fire—not the best example, because it doesn’t hold up to much scrutiny, but it is a good place to begin the dialog, and you get the idea…). Upon listening to the new album by Ventura, California’s I was a Lover Delorean was a Dealer, I find that I need some new algebra. A + B = C simply does not work for this band.
The opener, “Grey Ships”, kicks the album off on a somewhat experimental note with lots of saxophone and some nice keyboard riffing. It also sets the tone for a vocal performance unlike any you are likely to hear this year. Frontman Christopher Bykowski rages like an unholy marriage of Black Francis and Robert Smith, using his lower register to affect amazing amounts of emotion along with some degree of theatricality. “The Amaretto Was Poisoned” owes a debt to a lot of the dance-rock prevalent today, with echoes (no pun intended) of The Rapture in its driving, guitar-heavy crescendos. “He Has a Dreamy New Convertible” finds a middle ground between the dance-y side of the band and the rawk-ish side—it reminds me of what Interpol might sound like if they decided to have fun with their music every once in a while. For me, the high point of the album is “Chop ‘em at the Hands”: it starts simply, with a deceptively catchy piano melody, then goes to work. No amount of description really does this song justice, so I’ll leave it at that.
Again and again, the rhythm section of Patrick Crowley and Kyle Garcia amazes with its tightness and chemistry, always threatening to take the album over but never overbearing. Dario Slavazza, multi-instrumentalist, also adds a necessary dimension with sax and keyboard/piano, breaking up anything that could turn into a “typical” rock effort with well-placed atmospherics.
Ultimately, while the parts of this album (and, indeed, the band) can be compared to other bands and cross-referenced into the annals of classifiability, the sum of the parts is something completely new and original. So forget your algebra, lest you end up with an equation that would stump Good Will Hunting. Just listen…

--n

Random thoughts and stuff

2009-11-01T15:13:00.000-08:00

(for anyone looking for a focused blog post: please, do yourself a favor and turn away now. this is just me typing whatever occurs to me and then posting it so I can say I am keeping the blog at least somewhat "up to date"...)

NWxNW is full steam ahead, all systems GO. Tickets are printed and ready to be sold, posters are being disseminated...things are happening... We really hope to see EVERYONE there!

After being sold out of Cock and Swan merch, we now have it back in-stock! Both albums (Noon Hum and Marshmallow Sunset), more of the cute baby-blue tee-shirt, and a killer new brown and yellow shirt. I am trying to resist the urge to get one of those for myself, but I can't hold it back forever, people! Get in here and buy one! Of course you will also have the chance to peep them live, playing at NWxNW. And no one will judge if you wear the shirt of the band that you go to see. At least, I won't. To your face. ; P

New titles on the horizon for the next month or so will (hopefully) include, but are not limited to: Grizzly Bear--Veckitamest (Special re-edition with Bonus Tracks); Thao with The Get Down Stay Down--Know Better Learn Faster; The Raincoats--vinyl re-issue; Nirvana--Bleach (20-Year Platinum Re-issue); Justin Radford--Off the Spring (it's a rock-opera! What else do you need to know?!); Headlights--Wildlife; Asobi Seksu--Re-wolf... Plus plenty of others...

Extinction Studios (AKA: our awesomely modified, (almost) state-of-the-art recording space) has completed its first project, replacing the soundtrack to a short film by a Seattle-area writer/director! We have liftoff...! To get more details or set up a time to record, contact Bob @ giantrobotguy@gmail.com!

Shows I will miss this month include Pinback, The xx, The Black Heart Procession, et. al.--not to mention what by all accounts was a mind-blowing set last week by BLK JKS. All lamentable, indeed, but my full-time job gets in the way of my going out to shows. Get out and enjoy live music people... Don't be like me.

It was a really good Halloween this year. We had a lot of cute kids dressed as grotesque monsters during the daytime, and a great time across the street at DC's Bar & Grill at night. Where else would you get to see rock legend Slash mixing it up with street pimps, zombies, and a cow in a bikini (I am still not sure what that dude was supposed to be...)? That's right. Nowhere.

And I guess all this means that the holiday season is about to really kick into overdrive. If I forget to say it later, and I very well may: Happy (upcoming) Holidays to everyone out there in the blogosphere...

ps: Come in and buy records/CDs!! (How's that for subliminal marketing?)

"ROOOOAAAAARRRRR!!!"
--TRx

Vanessa-saurus Rex!!!

2009-10-25T16:56:00.000-07:00

If you missed it...too bad. But all is not lost! Vanessa Page has firmly established herself and her unique songwriting style in our hearts and minds, and she will be back.

She played a very rocking and heartfelt set at TRx this past Sunday (Oct 25), and for that we thank her profoundly! For the day, Vanessa became VanessaSaurus Rex and regaled the crowd with the stories behind her original and punk-inspired songs. Thanks Vanessa! We'll see you back here soon!

In other news...Extinction Studios is now up and running! After months of work, we are finally ready to record! Email tyrannosaurusrecords@yahoo.com or giantrobotguy@gmail.com for details and questions! More to come...

Much love,

--TRx

Keep an eye out for this all over Renton...

2009-10-23T15:59:00.001-07:00

Rocking your face off with more updates and current events!

2009-10-16T17:27:00.000-07:00

The line-up is set, the venue is booked... Get ready for NorthWest by NorthWest (NWxNW)!!! Tickets soon to be available for Renton's first-ever indie-rock showcase at Renton Civic Theater (featuring cutting-edge performance pieces by Renton's own Spotlight Dance Company!)! Call or email for more details...full info to be posted soon. Tix also available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/, search "northwest x northwest"...

New in the store this week:

BLK JKS / "After Robots" - A heck of an album, available on CD and vinyl. BLK JKS ("black jacks") have a new take on rock n roll, one that includes world rhythms and dub-/dancehall-inspired vocal stylings and approaches something similar to TV on the Radio but then veers left and becomes something completely different. This release is by turns foot-stomping, booty-shaking, fist-pumping, and heartstring-pulling. Good, good stuff...

The Black Heart Procession "6" - CD/Vinyl. Black Heart returns with "6". A return-to-form in many ways for the collective, but in some ways a departure from all that has come before. Lots of Leonard Cohen-esque imagery and lyricism, coupled with the always gorgeous instrumentation that fans of this group have come to expect. Both first editions on vinyl and CD are gorgeously put-together. Don't miss out on this work of art!

The Twilight Sad "Forget the Night Ahead" - CD. These Scots have an ear for the dark and disturbing side of banality, and an uncanny knack for making it sound anthemic and compelling. Drawing from a wealth of influences from across the pond, from Morrisey to Mogwai, each song feels like a self-contained parable with all of them adding up to an epic listen.

Mum - "Sing Along to Songs You Don't Know" - CD. The latest from Iceland's Mum is the first without one of the founding members, but it finds the band finding a new solidarity in partnering in a new record label (Euphono, for which this is the first release). The result is a slightly different breed of Mum, but one that is a logical progression from the textured, chilled-out vibe of the best of their previous work.

Find also new releases (and "new-to-us" releases) from Sufjan Stevens, Volcano Choir, We Were Promised Jetpacks, Okkervil River, Health, Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band, and much much more!

"ROOOAAAARRRR!!!"

We'll see you soon...

TRx

914 S 3rd St / Renton, WA (DTR)

425.988.4118

New, new, new!

2009-09-30T17:54:00.000-07:00

Here is a brief list of new things at the store. Check it out...if you dare! (OK, I don't really know what that means. Just drop on by on a weekend and say hello to your friendly friends at TRx.)

Here's what's new lately:

1. The "as-yet-unnamed" recording studio is taking shape! We should have things up and running by the middle of October, if not sooner. It's gonna be sweet...

2. We finally have a lighted "Open" sign! No more hand-drawn notes taped to the window--we are official. There will no longer be any question about whether TRx is open or not. Just look at the sign! (Believe it or not, I'm taking this as kind of a big deal...)

3. The last two weeks have seen a relatively large influx of new music. Such as:

--New and new-ish releases from Girls, The Fruit Bats, Grand Archives, Ramona Falls, The Horse Feathers, etc., etc., etc.... (read: lots of new stuff!!)

--Re-issues from Mudhoney and Sunny Day Real Estate from the good folks at Sub-Pop in Seattle!

--Some of our personal favorites from the last 6 to 12 months: Ra Ra Riot (on local label Barsuk), Grizzly Bear (so good! on vinyl!), Cymbals Eat Guitars (as "indie" as it gets...), and many more!

Won't you come on in? Please...justify our existence. ; )

Tyrannosaurus Records
914 S 3rd St
Renton, WA 98057

425.988.4118

Hours: Friday 12p-7p, Saturday 12p-7p, Sunday 12p-5p

Things and Stuff

2009-09-15T17:57:00.000-07:00

If you have yet to come in and check out TRx, you couldn't pick a better time than this coming weekend... Check out some of the new cosmetic touches on the inside of the store, participate in our HUGE DTR-encompassing cross-promotional World Domination Attempt (I am probably making a little bit much out of that...), best of all, this weekend will be the unveiling of lots of new merchandise, including:

Local punks and rockers (but NOT punk-rockers!) Rat City Ruckus and Neon Nights (and others), courtesy of Rockin' Stan Records

Newish releases from Julian Plenti, local favorites and friends of TRx The Cave Singers, indie stalwarts Yo La Tengo, and many many more, as well as some new classics!

Check Us Out!!

914 S 3rd St
Renton, WA 98057

Open: FRI-SAT: 12p-7p
SUN: 12p-5p

ROOOOAAAAARRRRRR!!!!!!

The Weekend in Pictures

2009-08-26T17:57:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who helped to make our very first weekend incredible. Since each of these is worth at least 1000 words, I'll let them do the talking... = ]

...here's to many more unbelievably awesome days of being in business.

TRx

--n

Catching up with TRx...

2009-08-21T05:22:00.000-07:00

So it's been a pretty crazy couple of weeks... (No, I will not explain this picture. Draw your own conclusions.)

We have made a lot of progress: finishing the walls and wires, painting, working on the floor (and not finishing it), painting, hanging display walls, re-painting ("Are you serious?"), moving the inventory in, schmoozing, forgetting to update the blog, painting some more, listening to Japandroids, making appointments, canceling appointments, having moments of complete despair when contemplating all the things that could go wrong, having even more moments of contagious excitement watching (er, MAKING) everything fall into place, etc., etc., etc.

Lots of work. And the cherry on top was being interviewed by Josh Kerns of KIRO radio (97.3 FM) for his program "Soundtracks" (find the text of the story here, but don't pay attention to the logo or the website link, because those belong to that other Tyrannosaurus Records): http://www.mynorthwest.com/?nid=332&sid=203097

The culmination of all this activity will be this Saturday, 8/22. We will finally open our doors. To all of you who have been waiting patiently: Thank you--we can't wait to see you! To anyone hearing about us for the first time: Welcome--we hope you like what you see and hear.

We are finally here. It would be unacceptably ingracious of me to not give a big "THANK YOU!" to everyone who has helped to this point. The list of individuals is too long to reprint, but if you've given a kind word, a free lunch, your valuable time and ability, your technical knowledge, a suggestion, your music, your excitement, or any other kind of helping hand, consider yourself duly and hugely thanked.

We'll see you this weekend!

Don't forget: LIVE MUSIC!!! Saturday--6pm: Laura Jorgensen, 7pm: Jonathan Kimball // Sunday--2pm: Amy Bleu

ROOOAARRRRR!!!!

TRx

So much for keeping a secret...

2009-08-04T18:40:00.000-07:00

Check out this link. Seriously. Do it.

http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/ren/lifestyle/52376592.html

A big thanks to Celeste @ the Renton Reporter for this, our first ink (who says print is dead?!). And to Mary & Chris, who were both quoted about how awesome TRx is going to be and how awesome DTR is becoming; my beautiful wife (who got me hooked on DTR); and the whole DTR crew (you know who you all are...).

Stay Golden...

TRx
--n

I think Method Man said it best...

2009-07-31T17:02:00.000-07:00

...when he said:

"step by step / piece by piece / inch by inch / brick by brick"

That's how we're doing this thing. We're building it from its grassroots, right to its tippity-top. Both in a physical sense (flooring, walls, fixtures, displays, etc., etc.) and an intangible sense (connections, artists, industry experts, designers, venues, etc., etc.).

We hope you will join us. You can help us lay some mortar, you can be a part of the foundation.

We're on our way...but we can't do it without you--

--n

TRx

FAQ's about TRx

2009-07-14T16:49:00.000-07:00

What is Tyrannosaurus Records?

Tyrannosaurus Records is an independent CD/record store based in Renton, WA (specifically downtown Renton, AKA: DTR). We sell CD’s, records, T-shirts, pins, stickers, and any other music-related merchandise we can get our hands on.

So…?
Well, what makes us unique is that we are committed to music and art made independently, and locally. We pride ourselves on being a place where local independent artists can get that first taste of exposure, or expand and solidify an already existing fan base.

I read somewhere that the tyrannosaurus was the stupidest dinosaur ever. Is that true?
You shut your mouth.

What kind of music do you sell? Does it have to be rock, or indie rock?
There are no genre-based constraints to the music we will sell! We are already working with bands/artists that are into reggae/dub, straight-ahead rock, blues, singer-songwriter, pop-rock, ambient, punk, prog-/art-rock, indie-rap, rockabilly, folk… And the list grows more by the week! Our one requirement is that all music we sell be made independently.

What about nationally-known acts?
We will carry a limited amount of CD’s and records by nationally-known bands and artists, but only those propagated by independent labels, as opposed to major labels. It’ll be a great way for local artists to be put side-by-side with the acts they already know and admire, as well as a way for our audience to be introduced to our local acts.

Do people still make records?
Yes. Trust me.

OK, but isn’t the whole physical music thing kind over?
That depends. For many people, there is no need to ever buy a record or a CD again, with the advent of file-sharing and MP3’s and iTunes. I think that’s great…for them. If you never want to buy a CD again, then this store is not for you. This store is for all the people out there who still want to get out into the big, bad world and go digging for their music; the people who want to find an awesome deal tucked into the corner of a record bin; the people who know that listening to a song on their computer will always lack something that they can’t quite put their finger on… This store is for people who WANT the experience of getting out into their community and interacting with people and, ultimately, buying music the old-fashioned way.

I think I get it now…but is it going to be cool?

ROOOOOAAAAAAARRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TRx Issues First Blog-pology

2009-07-12T10:39:00.000-07:00

In a shocking lack of blog-/cyber-etiquette, our last blog gave a shout out to Ms. Lynar at All About Renton and completely dissed Lady P at The Picaroon (another awesome Renton blog: www.thepicaroon.blogspot.com), who had blogged about our impending arrival not once, but twice!

Lady P, we sincerely thank you for your effort, we hope you will forgive us and that you will continue to mention TRx from time to time.

It's official, we suck at blogging. But it's free, so we're going to keep doing it.

roar.

--n

TRx

I'm thinking of a song by Belly, circa 1995...

2009-07-09T12:20:00.000-07:00

I met with Jane from the band Nancy Frieko this morning. We had a nice long chat about music, and the scene, the Seattle scene, the nature of scenes in general...and many other things. It got me thinking a little about the way everything bleeds into everything else.

I'll attempt an explanation:

I got super serious about this whole music store idea earlier this year partly as a result of a night spent at an extremely intimate show held in a garage in the suburbs. So many people in such a relatively small space, all feeling pretty much the same thing as a result of the music...the music brought everyone there a little closer together for those few hours, if only because of the shared experience. I came away from that evening deciding that I needed to find a way to facilitate just that sort of interconnectedness through music (in some way, on some level), and that if I could find a way to do it, I could be happy doing it forever. And TRx was born...in my head.

So, as Jane and I spent an hour talking about similar musical experiences (Liberty Hall!!) and matters of taste, I got to thinking about how we were being brought together--indirectly by my experience discussed above and the resulting actions on my part, and only slightly less indirectly by her music. We had been brought together by one thing that, for all intents and purposes of the two of us sitting in a diner, only existed in my mind; and another thing--her music--that only existed as an idea, in that it wasn't playing at the time.

All these intangible things, begetting tangible things...it's eerie.

And without it all--the experiences, the connectedness, the music--I probably wouldn't have the opportunity to meet all the amazing people I have met so far, nor the many amazing people I have yet to meet.

...all these intangible things, everything bleeding into everything else.

And thank you, everyone, for being so awesome.

--n

TRx

PS: Big thanks to Ms. Lynar for hooking us up with our very first press at All About Renton! If I were more savvy, this is where I would have a link set up for you to click so you could check it out. Sadly, I'm not. Google it!

**BTW, if you're still reading way down here, the Belly song alluded-to above is called "Superconnected". And, yes, the title to this blog IS unforgivably lame.

(untitled)

2009-07-07T14:12:00.000-07:00

(I'm just going to let this sink in a bit...)

--n

TRx

MwahahahahahaHAHAHA...

2009-07-04T12:48:00.000-07:00

In case you were wondering, our plan to take over the world (of music...in Renton, WA) is coming right along...

Pics to come soon of our totally killer window signage that was installed on Friday by our illustrious design-guru, Adam "Zombies-are-people-too" Jones.

And all the signage was masterminded and coordinated by my beautiful wife Samantha.

...also, I had a highly productive "business" meeting with a certain recording engineer about the possibility of TRx being a place where a band could come to record--not just sell and network...

This is exciting stuff.

roar.

--n

TRx

Fire up the Shoesaw* or "What is Rock n' Roll?"

2009-06-29T08:10:00.000-07:00

People are always asking me, "Are you only about Rock n' Roll?", or "Do you only work with artists who play Rock n' Roll?".

The answer is emphatically NO...but it's also emphatically YES.

To truly answer it, we must first ask another question: How does one define Rock n' Roll?

Is it Bill Haley rocking around the clock, or Chuck Berry celebrating a teenage wedding? Is it "Crimson and Clover" and Iron Butterfly? Is it Elvis? Is it ZZ Top? Is Rock n' Roll made with a guitar (or two), a bass, and a drumkit? or can it be made with two turntables and a microphone? Is it the cold, clinical precision of Kraftwerk, or the sloppy mishmash of Titus Andronicus? Is Chuck D one of the most Rock n' Roll people to ever spit verses into a mic? Is Richard D. James one of the most Rock n' Roll people to ever make semi-creepy ambient noise? Is it pop music, is it undergound? Does it lift you up or does it drag you to the depths? Uptown, midtown, downtown--old-school, new school, mid-school?

I could go on forever, but I'll stop here to say that the answer to all these questions--for me--is YES. Rock n' Roll is all these things and much much more.

To me, Rock n' Roll is anything made originally, with emotion, by someone who cares deeply about music and about connecting with people. That's it. Pretty simple, right? Well, yes...and, again, no. There are many "rock" artists today that I would consider to be spitting in the face of Rock n' Roll as I know it every single time they step into a recording studio (they shall remain nameless for the purposes of this posting as I respect all of your opinions on the matter and, while I would love to discuss it in person, I don't want to start any internet arguments). Conversely, there are many artists who are doing extremely interesting things with instrumentation that most would never consider to be Rock n' Roll--and I think that that's totally Rock n' Roll (again, names withheld, for my own sake).

Rock n' Roll is messy. It's clean. It's hideously beautiful, and beautifully hideous. It's iconoclastic, it's tried-and-true. It's what you feel in your heart when you get a boot in the head. Late nights, later mornings, PA's, headphones, blown-out car speakers.

I saw a band once called Dead Orchestra. The lead singer summed it up perfectly when he said to a sweaty and half-deaf audience:

"It's all Rock n' Roll to me."

At TRx, it's all Rock n' Roll to us...

TRx
--n

*props to Lionrock (and wherever that sample came from) for the title to this blog

Molehills become Mountains

2009-06-28T02:03:00.001-07:00

Every day

...every single day...

on this journey, I get reminded that all things start somewhere.

The Pyramids began with a stone.

The longest journey began with step.

The greatest song began with just a note.

It's humbling, it's difficult...it is so worth it.

--n

TRx

The TRx Family

2009-06-20T01:59:00.000-07:00

I was debating what I would call the artists who elected to come with me on this adventure. Record labels have a "stable" of artists...like they were showponies. Certain artistic endeavors take place within or with the assistance of a "collective"...somehow that really doesn't seem to fit. While the idea of community is a huge part of our overall mission, calling our artists a "community" is kind of vague in a way that doesn't capture the essence of what we're about.

Recently, it hit me like a ton of bricks: Family

Tyrannosaurus Records will be a family of artists. All the same in that we want music-lovers to have a place to go to find great local independent music, all different in the ways we choose to express ourselves. We may not always see everything the same way, but we will always have a level of respect for one another, and for what we are all building together, that will supercede any preconceptions of what makes great art, or great music.

Everyone in this family has seen the power of music, the power of art. We all know what it looks like from the summit of that mountain, and we all know what it takes to climb it. We are all here to help each other scale it--we are all here to see the world from above...

...together.

We're a family.

We can't wait for you to join us...

--n

TRx

Pre-Awesome

2009-06-13T14:47:00.000-07:00

Right now, it is a simple storefront on a nice little street.

Soon, it will be something more.

***************************************************************************************

One day in the future, they will ask, "What was life like without TRx?"

You will find yourself unable to answer...

It takes more than an elemental force of nature...

2009-06-12T18:29:00.000-07:00

...so, yeah. There was a fire in the building that will soon house TRx. It raged into the night of June 11th like a maniac screaming at heaven. It caused untold heartache to more than a few people (residents and business-owners, to all of whom I extend my deepest condolences and heartiest wishes for a speedy recovery).

But it will not stop us.

We have confirmed today that damage to our space is minimal and that we will not have to postpone any plans we had originally set.

Look for us soon, along with some of your new favorite bands.

It'll take more than a measley little inferno to stop us. TRx won't stop; DTR won't stop.

FULL SPEED AHEAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"ROOOAAARRRR!!!"

--n

It's coming...

2009-06-10T11:57:00.000-07:00

it's finally happening...

Time: Soon

Place: Renton, WA

The South Seattle area will finally have a musical epicenter. We will showcase all the emerging local talent in the Pacific Northwest. We will Rock. We will Roll. We will feel the music.

This is my promise to you, friends.

Are you ready? Will you join us...?

See you soon.

--ns

TRx