Last week's column was one giant digression followed by a tease, but this week that tease will be given the spotlight: Two new labels are ready to stand up and introduce the recorded works of some of Seattle's most interesting bands. First up we have Continental Records and its forthcoming release from the New Mexicans--the awesome local four-piece, not the state that gave us the Shins, a few strays that figure in our own scene, and not much else worth keeping around. (Even the Shins' hometown rags have given up keeping tabs on their own in favor of what national acts are passing through town. And don't forget that two members of the Muppet-faced Shins now reside considerably north, in Portland, although not far enough north if you ask me. But that's a whole other longwinded rant. Continental is the baby of Kerri Harrop and Marcus Wilson, two high-powered backers of new artists (Harrop, of course, books Chop Suey, and Wilson is half of the duo behind Pho Bang). The first 7-inch to feature the swanky Continental logo will be--paying attention?--the New Mexicans' "Captain Pajamas Coleslaw Holy War" b/w "There's a Puddle Where the Kittens Cuddle" and "The Speed of Light Is Brown." I've heard that a couple other bands have been approached by the imprint, including the Lashes, who are blossoming, and I'm not just saying that because they ended their set last week (opening for the fantastic Rotten Apples at Chop Suey) with their ode to this column. Some bands fail miserably at the "hammy front guy" routine but this, I'm relieved to say, isn't one of them. What a difference a few months make, right? And though the Lashes aren't the most original-sounding band, they sure are fun and full of spirit.

Cold Crush Records is the new joint label created by former Murder City Devils and current Pretty Girls Make Graves bassist Derek Fudesco and Dim Mak Records' Steve Aoki. Quirky-in-an-odd-way, dual keyboard band Hint Hint (Graceland booker Jason Lajuenesse plays drums) will be the imprint's first release with a six-song EP CD/LP that should hit stores in December. The label will also put out a full-length of the Hookers, the scarcely seen band that featured PGMG singer Andrea Zollo, Dann Gallucci, Spencer Moody, and Fudesco prior to MCD's formation, doing "Broken Glass," "Boom Swagger Boom," "Officer," "Cradle to the Grave," and Tell You Brother."

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On Wednesday, September 25, at the Croc, Sub Pop's Iron and Wine played to an attentive audience comprising largely what appeared to be students, who remained so respectfully quiet during the long, impressive set that even singer/songwriter Sam Beam remarked on the peep-free crowd. Friends and longtime supporters of Iron and Wine, Carissa's Wierd, closed out the evening with a beautifully augmented, although short, couple of songs. If you haven't seen CW in a while you should check them out, as the new lineup of this ever-changing band is their best incarnation yet.

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Hallelujah to the folks at the Showbox who helped nab the yucky guy who's become infamous for pressing his wang on would-be Riot Grrrls who go to Sleater-Kinney shows. See our news section for a full account of his arrest.

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And some advice to the young, which should, if observed, end the exasperating occurrence of after-parties that are shamefully lacking in booze: BYOB! Racks and half racks, people. Flasks, 40s, and other selfish fortifications do not count, nor do they contribute to the longevity of a party.

kathleen@thestranger.com