We've all heard about musicians sleepwalking through performances, bands putting audiences to sleep, and other coma-inducing events. But the first time I'd caught wind of an artist actually sleeping through a show came thanks to Evan Dando, who was recently scheduled to headline the Tractor Tavern. According to one club staffer, the former Lemonhead skipped sound check and kept crowds at his July 15 show waiting until someone finally put in a call to his booking agent. The Tractor then received a call from the missing person himself, explaining that he'd overslept and asking if the club still wanted him to come to the venue. This on supposedly the opening night of his tour—and the last Dando show for former fans like Brad Hole, who e-mailed me, "I scoured the internet after the show to see if anyone else was talking about his 'no show.' Ironic that his website was 'under construction' and still is. I found a website in the UK that passed along a message that he didn't make the show and he was sorry. I'm sorry, too, Evan, you just lost a fan!" Inquiries to the singer's publicist went unanswered; maybe they're still snoozing at Camp Dando?
One band who won't be resting any time soon: Math and Physics Club, who, despite conjuring tender lullabies, are opening the eyes (and ears) of many local twee-pop fans. They're following up the recent Weekends Away EP with Movie Ending Romance, a disc that adds another four songs of Lucksmiths/Belle & Sebastian delicacies to their repertoire. As with their debut EP, Movie is all tangled heartstrings and butterfly stomachs, set to simple instrumental arrangements augmented by the occasional string or harmonica accompaniment. There's a gentle easiness flowing through the songs as the earnest, languid vocals recall Morrissey in his most relaxed broods. When they cover the Beach Boys' "You're So Good to Me," though, the gray skies temporarily part, leaving MAPC a warm spring glow in which to bask, the perfect finale for a disc named after transcendent love. Their CD release show is Thursday, July 28 at Chop Suey.
That same night at El Corazón, for those who'd rather mosh than meditate, the Accüsed will remind you that they may have been down but they never fell out of fashion with their dedicated minions. After two decades of slaying thrash metal and punk rock—and coining the resulting carnage "splatter rock"—the internationally known Seattle ruffians are releasing their first CD since 1992, Oh, Martha! What's it sound like? Like a band on whom time takes no toll—in fact, the years have only sharpened their shrapnel. Martha! bruises like Motörhead and Slayer in a brass-knuckle tackle—unapologetically down-n-filthy brutal. But if you've heard the Accüsed, you already knew that.
This weekend, of course, Seattle gears up for the big Northwest music explosion, the Capitol Hill Block Party—where we hope to see everyone basking in the glow of over 60 acts in two days (for a mere $12 a day). It's also worth noting that Pho Bang returns Saturday night, July 30, at Neumo's. Jackie Hell and Ursula Android take the stage with full bands—including new drummer Kellie Payne from the Charming Snakes/New Luck Toy. Also on the bill is NRDLNGR, which is Eric Nordlund (ex-Girls) as one-man electro-party comedy.
For those south of Seattle, Olympia's Ladyfest kicks into gear July 28 to 31 at the Capitol Theater. The female-empowerment soiree features some top-notch indie talent (Metalux, Tracy and the Plastics, Von Iva, and more) as well as rockabilly queen Wanda Jackson and soul/blues artist Barbara Lynn. More info at www.ladyfestolympia.org. Tickets range from $18 to $75.
The name Shawn Rogers may not mean much to those outside the music industry, but the former Sub Pop employee gave our local music scene quite a boost, including developing the Musician's Resource Center at the Vera Project. "I approached [Vera] about having a space where artists and people interested in the music business could come to find information [for] furthering their careers," Rogers explains. "I originally wanted it to be somewhat of a library of information... But the center morphed into panel discussions of various topics which I think was much more helpful." In the past two years, discussions have ranged from music publishing to self-releasing records to music law and beyond—and involved both musicians and people behind the scenes. Rogers is heading to Atlanta to pursue a law degree, and his efforts here will be missed, although it's hoped the resources he's put into place will continue even in his absence. Notes Rogers, "Seattle loves its local community and I only hope I can find a fraction of that support in Atlanta. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about the prospects, because I feel like this place is utopian in that regard."
