The Stranger, Seattle's Only Newspaper: Line Out: Breaking News

Regarding the Singles House

Emily Nokes — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:20:55 -0700

Do you see what I see, in the doorway of the apartment building that was the Singles house from the 1992 classic film, Singles?

LOOK CLOSER.

Seattle is the best.

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Today's Music News: Listen to Folsom Prison Blues While Actually in Prison, Sub Pop turns 25, Bieber Fever is a Real Thing, and More

Kyle Fleck — Tue, 14 May 2013 12:09:01 -0700

"MP3 players are a lot like televisions. They're a really good babysitter.": SPIN has a nice article about prisons granting inmates access to MP3 players. Favorite detail: The guy who orders "King of Hearts" by Cassie—let's be pen pals!

Sub Pop is Throwin' Themselves a Silver Jubilee: To celebrate 25 years of being the cool kids on the block, Sub Pop is throwing a free shindig in Georgetown on July 13th, featuring Mudhoney, Shabazz Palaces and THEESatisfaction, J. Mascis, Father John Misty and more.

I Would Like to Tour with Justin Bieber: This kid's life is just pure insanity at this point. Vomiting on stage, almost having a piano fall on him, getting in trouble for his pet monkey, cops finding a bunch of weed on his tour bus... and that's just from memory! I don't even follow his career! Why would I? I'm a grown man! And now, according to the Hollywood Reporter: "[c]riminals reportedly pulled off an 'Ocean’s 11'-type stunt to nab an estimated $330,000 in cash" while the singer performed a Mother's Day show in Johannesburg, South Africa. One can hardly fathom what else is in store for Canada's boy wonder.

Billy Corgan is Righteously Angry About Another Thing: The Smashing Pumpkins frontman has written a letter to the restaurant chain California Pizza Kitchen on behalf of his "friends at PETA", urging them to cease supporting dairy farmers who dehorn calves at their dairy farms.

The Reaction to Daft Punk's Random Access Memories Thus Far: “So I listened to this Daft Punk album once while browsing the web. I will now unveil my critique” — the Internet, 5/13/13″ Quoth the inimitable John Darnielle of the Mountain Goats.

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Today's Music News: Lauryn Hill Heads to the Big House, MCA Gets a Park, and Breaking News: Chris Brown Never Not an Asshole

Kyle Fleck — Tue, 07 May 2013 12:24:47 -0700

Lauryn Hill Sentenced to Three Months for Tax Evasion: That was the verdict following a lengthy court battle.

Fight For Your Right to Frolic: Beastie Boy Adam "MCA" Yauch had a Brooklyn park dedicated to him on Saturday, marking the first anniversary of his death. At the ceremony, fellow member Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz reminded everyone: "Beastie Boys is for the children."

Those "Half-Japanese Girls" Are in for a Treat, I Guess?: Rivers Cuomo has recorded an album "almost entirely in the Japanese language," and it's out now for digital download.

GQ Honors Stylish French Robots: Daft Punk appear in the May issue to discuss their upcoming album Random Access Memories, and briefly contemplate Superman and Scream 2.

Nicki Minaj to the Rescue: Apparently Carly Rae Jepsen's newest needed a quick hit of the Queen Bee in hopes of achieving the chart domination expected from the woman who brought us "Call Me Maybe."

"Heartbroken Chris Brown Always Thought Rihanna Was Woman He’d Beat To Death.": As usual, the Onion comes correct.

Low Played a Real Nice Set on KEXP: And now the whole deal is online! Here's one of the songs they played, "Plastic Cup," off their new record The Invisible Way:

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Dear Everyone Who's Awake and Loves Prince and Yet Found His $250 Ticket Price Prohibitively Expensive

David Schmader — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 22:22:05 -0700

$100 general admission tickets to tonight's 11:30 pm show at the Showbox are available right now right here.

Even better: All proceeds from these $100 rush tickets go to benefit Treehouse for Kids.

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FYI: SHITTY PRESS RELEASE

Derek Erdman — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 15:35:48 -0700

Here's a real doozy, courtesy of Craigslist from Eugene, OR (of all places):

Huey Lewis + the Food

Gus Russell and Paul Biondi are featuring 4 GREAT musicians and performers on THURSDAY NIGHT ,
Mar. 21TH, 7:30PM to !0PM at The Jazz Station 124 West Broadway, Eugene, Oregon $5.00 COVER CHARGE
HUEY LEWIS and The News guitarist, CHRIS HAYES,
Jazz Station's favorite singer, LAURIE HAMMOND,
and Eugene's most famous Bass Player, BYRON CASE
special suprize guest, on Drums, KENNY REED
CHRIS HAYES BIO
former guitarist for HUEY LEWIS and The News CHRIS HAYES
Christopher John Hayes was born November 24, 1957 in Great Lakes, Illinois. He got his first guitar when he was nine years old, and he took whatever lessons he could — from folk to jazz (he is now a self-confessed jazz freak). He quickly became so proficient with the guitar that he started teaching it. At 18,he was pursuing his first love, jazz guitar, when he joined keyboard legend Merl Saunders, for an album on Fantasy Records, ( "You Can Leave Your Hat On") and a tour of the East Coast.
In 1977, along with Merl's son Tony, and Sly Stone drummer Jimmy Strasburg, they formed a band with saxophone masters David Liebman,(Miles Davis, Elvin Jones) and Pee Wee Ellis,(James Brown) called "The Ellis Liebman Band".They recorded an album on A and M, and did some touring. It was here that Chris was playing the music that he really loved. After a short stint with Mark Isham, he played on Van Morrison's "Beautiful Vision" album, then on to Europe to back-up the world famous blues singer Esther Phillips.
When he returned to San Francisco, he looked around for a new band to play with, and he heard that Huey Lewis was on the look-out for a guitarist. He tried out for the position, and although he still had a lot to learn about rock and roll , he became a member of the band.
Chris comes from a very musical family. His sister, Bonnie Hayes, is a celebrated Bay Area singer and band leader. His brother, Kevin Hayes, who sometimes works with Bonnie too, plays drums with the "Robert Cray Band." These aren't the only Hayes siblings, Chris is the oldest male of seven children! The youngest, Jonathan, plays guitar, produces, and writes songs in LA. They have collaborated on Chris' latest project, still in production.
As well as playing guitar in the band and singing background vocals, he is also an established rock songwriter, penning three #1 hits, (Power of Love, I Want a New Drug, Workin' for a Livin', Stuck With You, to name a few) often putting Huey's lyrics to music, and was arguably the band's most prolific creative force.He was nominated for an Academy Award for writing "Power of Love" which was the title track in " Back to the Future". In 2008, Garth Brooks covered "Workin' for a Livin", which went to # 19 on the country charts.
Outside the band his interests include golf, fly fishing, and playing the piano, his favorite movie is "The Maltese Falcon", and his favorite movie stars are Humphrey Bogart and Johnny Depp. He has two sons and a daughter and is was living in Wine Country (Sonoma County, California). He now lives in Eugene, Oregon with wife Cheree and son.
LAURIE HAMMOND'S BIO
Vocalist: Laurie Hammond has been singing for close to 40 years. From her earlier days singing folk, pop, and gospel music, to her later venture into blues and jazz, Laurie has captivated audiences with her smoky vocals and her own interpretive style. She is the long-time singing half of a jazz duo with pianist Gus Russell, and has been a soloist with a host of the areas top musicians including guitarist, Michael Anderson. Laurie is also a 10 year featured vocalist in the Cottage Grove Rhythm and Blues Revue and lead vocalist in Mood Indigo with Gus Russell and a revolving mix of other great local musicians.
BYRON CASE'S BIO
pright bass BYRON CASE
Original member of the surf 1960's band THE SUNRAYS who's hit song I Follow The Sun was big on the top 100's Guitarist and vocalist Byron Case has played with The Party Kings, Nicolette Helm & Queen Bee, and The Heaters. During the 1960s he had several Top 10 hits with his band The Sunrays. He then played with several different R&B bands in the Los Angeles area before moving to Oregon. Byron Case has played with The Party Kings, Nicolette Helm & Queen Bee, and The Heaters. Byron started on bass with The Vipers but in recent years has switched to guitar. Byron sings from a repertoire ranging from Big Joe Turner and Pee Wee Crayton to The Coasters and Little Richard.
KENNY REED'S BIO
Kenneth William Reed "aka" Kenny Reed
Born 7th October 1947. St. Louis Mo.
Attended schools from Elementary through High School, St Louis, Chicago, Gary, Indiana.
Military 7th June 1965 through June 1967. 3/325 83D Air-Borne, Infantry. Ft Bragg, NC.
College Sept '69 through '74. Manhattan Community College N.Y.C. School of Broadcasting & Announcing N.Y.C.
First professional job as a musician came in St. Louis, under the tutelage of Bensid Thigpen- Ed Thigpen's brother, Sonny Hamp, James "IronHead" Matthews and many or all of the members of the "B.A.G.", "Black Artist Group" including Oliver Lake, Julius Hemphill, Lester Bowie and many others.
First Recording at age 15 with "Fred Williams Trio". Appeared Sept 1969 edition of Downbeat Magazine with Greg Davis, son of Miles Davis, along with Jerry Bowles, bass, John Smith, soprano sax, Clovis Bordeaux, piano, Greg Davis, trumpet, Kenny Reed, drums. The group was called "MLC" "Musical Liberation Cycle".
Worked 6 ½ months touring with Bill Doggett Trio- N.Y.C. upstate tours
Worked briefly with Betty Carter N.Y.C.
Worked with Carlos Garrett "Miles on the Corner"
Gary Bartz, Stafford James, James Pulliam, Russell White, Olu Dara- N.Y.C. Brooklyn Coast Tours.
Delaware-Philly-Baltimore-Kentucky-Ohio-many cities!!
Formed my own unit "Time" Truth in Music Ensemble" consisting of Tera Nakamura, bass, Chin Suzuki, piano, Ryo Kawasaki, guitar, Sue Cunnings, vocals. "Blue Cornet 2 yrs-Brooklyn.
Managed and founded "Solid Gold Production Co. Pasadena, Ca. sent funk Group 4th House to Japan-1974
Worked in Sherry Scotts Quintet-Pasadena, Ca.
"Herbie Lewis Quartet- Pasadena, Ca. Hollywood
Worked on TV show "Fame" Culver City, Ca.
Moved to Eugene, Or. May 1986 from Beverly Hills, Ca. started "Stone Cold Jazz" after working with several Eugene based musicians including Andre St James. Work with Les McCann when touring Northwest and many prominent professionals including Paul Biondi, jack Neiderman, Neal Jansen, Benjamin Crandall, Meredith D'Ambrosia, Sam Adams and a host of many talented musicians and singers.
GUS RUSSELL'S BIO
Pianist: Gus Russell has been teaching and performing for the last 25 years. He has polished his jazz and blues chops by sharing the stage with Curtis Salgato, Paul Delay, Don Latarski and even Tiny Tim. Gus has also been a featured artist at the Hinman Winery Jazz Festival, Art in the Vineyard, LaVelles Music series, Chateau Loraine, and many festivals through out the Northwest.
PAUL BIONDI'S BIO
Paul was born in Philadelphia in 1957. His older brother Fred, who is a professional jazz drummer, motivated Paul to study and perform music at a very young age — he first picked up a saxophone at the age of 8. Paul's teacher and mentor was Robert "Boysie" Lowery, who taught and motivated players such as Clifford Brown, Ernie Watts, and many other jazz musicians on the east coast. While Paul was still in high school, he performed in jazz bands, studio sessions, and orchestras such as Valley Forge Music Fair. He has backed up such artists as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Mel Torme, Ella Fitzgerald, Barbra Streisand, Ray Charles, and Lena Horne. Before graduating from high school, he studied at Berklee School of Music in Boston.
After graduating, Paul toured for several years with Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin, and Ike and Tina Turner. He then joined a yearlong world tour with Smokey Robinson. Although many musicians nowadays are able to learn the theory of performing by using educational websites, such as elearners, there is perhaps no better way to gain an understanding of such experiences than by touring with prestigious acts such as these. His musical education, and career, didn't end there. In 1978, Paul and The Duck Soup Band from Philadelphia were offered a recording contract with Warner Brothers Records. He worked on the album in San Francisco for one year, and then moved to Los Angeles where he worked as a studio musician. He also wrote and played on movie scores and television theme songs, and performed with many famous individual artists, including Jimmy Smith, Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers, Jack Sheldon, Tex Beneke, Horace Height Jr., The Temptations, the Four Tops, The Drifters, The Platters, The Cadillacs, The Shirelles, and numerous other groups and artists.
In the summer of 1992 Paul visited Florence, Oregon and immediately fell in love with the town and the surrounding area. Paul moved to Florence from Los Angeles in December 1998. After arriving in Florence, Paul performed and produced school assemblies recreating the history of jazz. He helped raise funds to send the local high school jazz and concert bands to compete in Washington, D.C. and produced other fundraising events, such as Concert by the Lake for the Relief Child Care program, Relay for Life, and Blues for H.U.E.S. Paul has also participated in benefits for The Siuslaw Women's Center and Florence Food Share.
Since moving to Eugene in 2004, Paul, a member of both The Rainy Day Blues Society and The Willamette Jazz Society, has been playing music locally and regionally and gives private woodwind lessons. He occasionally flies to Los Angeles and Nashville to perform with other artists. He and his production company produce events such as The River Run in Laughlin, Nevada, featuring Canned Heat and Rod Piazza, the Chowder Blues and Brews Festival in Florence, and the Lowell Blackberry Jam. Paul continues his fundraising efforts on behalf of local charities such as Food for Lane County, MDA (with University of Oregon's Duck Football Coach, Mike Bellotti), Legal Aid, and relief efforts for Katrina and the Indonesian Tsunami. On the political front, Paul has coordinated music for "Get Out The Vote" campaigns for Governor Ted Kulongowski, Secretary of State Bill Bradbury, and former President Bill Clinton. Paul is also the founder of MEMA, the Musicians Emergency Medical Association www.memafund.org a non-profit organization that provides resources to musicians when a medical emergency occurs.
For more information, contact Paul Biondi at (541) 746-6222

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Aw Shit, We've Got Some Stone Temple Pilots Drama

Megan Seling — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 12:25:59 -0800

Breaking news! Stone Temple Pilots have fired Scott Weiland!

The band said, simply, via press release: "Stone Temple Pilots have announced they have officially terminated Scott Weiland."

And it turns out Weiland didn't find out about his termination until this morning, when the rest of us did. He tells Rolling Stone:

'I learned of my supposed "termination" from Stone Temple Pilots this morning by reading about it in the press. Not sure how I can be "terminated" from a band that I founded, fronted and co-wrote many of its biggest hits, but that’s something for the lawyers to figure out. In the meantime, I’m looking forward to seeing all of my fans on my solo tour which starts this Friday.

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Universe People Release Debut Record

Bree McKenna — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 16:30:48 -0800

Earlier in 2012, the local trio Universe People recorded 10 songs (all analog!) for their full length, and now it's finally available for purchase on Big Black Cloud Records. Australian born guitarist/vocalist Jo Claxton (formerly of the Intelligence) and bassist Kellie Payne crank out sweet vocal harmonies and angular guitar lines a la Grass Widow or Delta 5 over drummer Dave Ramm's steady Palmolive-esque percussion. I can't get enough of their occult sensibilities and their song "Druids," ("I am a woman / feel like such a downer / I wanna finish my mimossssa") Highly recommended for fans of awesome UK post-punk-pop and the X-Files.

Also, don't miss their album release show on March 2nd at the Rendezvous with the Tom Price Desert Classic and No Grave. Extra special guest The Professor Jake Stratton will be hosting the evening and helping give away records AND amazing Universe People posters designed by the incredible Nick Gucker.

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Press Release of the Week: TLC Biopic Set to Start Filming in Atlanta!!!

Anna Minard — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 15:22:19 -0800

Hello, my dearest '90s babies. Have you been chasing waterfalls lately? (Fun fact: I thought it was "Jason Waterfalls" for a while. I kind of miss good ol' Jason.)

Well, sometimes you get a press release that makes you want to sing, and you just hafta post it almost in full:

(Atlanta, GA) The much anticipated biopic “Crazy, Sexy, Cool: The TLC Story,” on Grammy-winning girl group TLC, is set to begin production in March 2013 in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta is the birthplace for the group that rose to unprecedented fame in the 1990’s as one of the world’s most talented, celebrated and highest-selling female groups of all time. Through very public and high-profile success, turmoil and tragedy, TLC left an indelible stamp of female empowerment that changed the face of the music industry forever. The group was also recognized internationally as pioneers in advocacy for Sex and HIV education.

Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas and Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins have signed on as consultants and executive producers for the full-length TV movie... “We were pleased to learn that production would take place here in Atlanta because it keeps everything true to form... We really want fans to experience our story in an authentic way,” says Chilli. “There is so much to our story that hasn’t been told until this movie, it really has to be done the right way,” T-Boz adds. “Fans will be able to really understand the dynamic of the group and why that formula has not been able to be duplicated.

It's for VH1, and apparently they've cast T-Boz, Left Eye, and Chilli as Drew Sidora, Lil Mama, and KeKe Palmer, respectively. The director is Charles Stone III, director of Drumline. I'm withholding any judgment until Emily and I take our cross-country road trip to try and secure walk-on roles as fans. (We already dress the part, they can't say no.)

***This concludes your weekly '90s girl group news update***

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Here's a NEW Postal Service Song

Megan Seling — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 10:24:37 -0800

It's true! New Postal Service song! "A Tattered Line of String" is available for download when you pre-order the 10th Anniversary Edition of Give Up (available here).

I like it! I think. It's impossible for me to compare it to anything on Give Up because over the years those songs have evolved to be more than just songs—those are memories. But "A Tattered Line of String," while in the same vein as the duo's past efforts, is also more dancy than before. And it's less charming and romantic (even in a sad sense of the word) and a little more... cynical, maybe? Despite it's pessimistic title, Give Up always sounded hopeful to me. This song does not sound hopeful.

Have a listen! What do you think?

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Mikal Cronin Signs to Merge Records

Kathy Fennessy — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 08:57:31 -0800

K.C. Fennessy
Mikal Cronin at Chop Suey this May (Emily Rose Epstein on drums)

Last week, Merge Records announced that it had signed Mikal Cronin, which is great news for fans of the California musician—and striped T-shirt denizen—since it's the highest-profile label with which he's been associated to date.

The move also represents something new for the North Carolina concern, which hasn't previously staked its claim in the close-knit musical community from which Cronin emerged, a collective of friends and collaborators, including Thee Oh Sees (In the Red), Sic Alps (Drag City), the Fresh & Onlys (Mexican Summer), Sonny & the Sunsets (Polyvinyl), and the Ty Segall Band (Drag City), for which Cronin contributes bass and backing vocals (some of these acts have also recorded for Captured Tracks, Castle Face, Fat Possum, Goner, Siltbreeze, and Woodsist).

I have to confess that I haven't been too enthusiastic about anything Merge has released for awhile now, which can be awkward when most everyone you know is following John Darnielle (the Mountain Goats) and Jon Wurster (Superchunk) on Twitter or raving about Bob Mould in concert (for whom Wurster plays drums). I respect the work they do; I just don't connect with most of it, though the Spoon and Neutral Milk Hotel releases in my collection testify to a past affection.

I'm also friendly with a few people who've worked as publicists for the label, so I'm happy to see Mac and Laura adding more fuzz-rock- and power-pop-oriented artists, like Cronin and Redd Kross, to its roster. As Willamette Week writer Robert Ham (@bob_ham) put it in a recent Twitter exchange, "Yeah, flush with all that Arcade Fire and She & Him money, they can now start getting a little daring."

According to Merge, this is what Cronin had to say about his signing: "YYYYYEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!" Guess he's happy, too.

K.C. Fennessy
Cronin harmonizes with Segall

Cronin plays Merge's SXSW showcase in March, and plans to release the follow-up to his self-titled 2011 debut sometime in 2013. He's currently on tour with Segall, including a Seattle stop on Dec 11 with Night Beats at Neumos. 21+, $12 adv.

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CAT ON A LEASH!

Emily Nokes — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 12:35:59 -0800

Roo and Felix and a gallon of water. And a banana.

Shut it down. Hold the phone. I walked past Vita and spotted Felix the cat, calmly sitting in his owner Roo's lap BEING SWEET AS CAN BE ON A LEASH! He looked right at me, meowed, and CONTINUED TO BE SO SWEET. I don't think he cares one bit about being on a leash. A PINK LEASH.

I have so much to do right now, but now my whole day has been blasted by ultimate cuteness. I will only think about Felix. Sorry everyone, the music section of the Stranger will not be running next week, only a giant picture of this cat.

YOU'RE WELCOME.

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Friday Night Line Out Giveaway EXTRAVAGANZA

Emily Nokes — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 18:20:36 -0700

We are NOT effing around with the newest, most SIZZLINGEST edition of the Friday Night Giveaway. Answer this Line Out trivia question and WIN BIG:

What was the name of the child born and raised in the post office line while Utilikilt Man pulled packages out of his hippie cart?

The first hot shot to answer correctly will receive the following incredible prizes:

· A Justin Beiber singing toothbrush (plays the songs "Baby" and "U Smile")!
· A $4-off coupon for See's Candy (if you buy $40 worth, that is)!
· A rose necklace I found in Cal Anderson Park a long time ago!
· Two cough drop filled with cough suppressing goo!
· Birthday candles!
· TWO perfume samples!
· A pumpkin spice lollipop (that tastes like Bath & Body Works)!

ALL THIS COULD BE YOURS.

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How Soon Is Later?

David Schmader — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 12:48:17 -0700

All remaining dates of Morrissey's tour—including the Nov 8 show at the Moore—have been postponed.

All remaining dates on the current US Tour have been postponed - but not cancelled - as Morrissey has returned to England where his mother has been hospitalized and is unwell. Due to issues with his mother's health, Morrissey will need to remain by her side during this difficult period.

Those who have already purchased tickets for all upcoming dates are highly encouraged to hold on to their tickets and look out for the rescheduled dates. The new dates will be announced shortly.

Morrissey would like to thank everyone for their understanding and patience as the shows are being prepared for a swift reschedule.

Dang it, I just finished writing this goddamn Suggest:

Morrissey (MUSIC)
Having made enduring rock magic with the Smiths then launching a solo career that’s continued triumphantly for over twenty years, Morrissey is now an icon on the level of Barbara Streisand, or at least Tom Jones. He’ll never top the once-in-a-lifetime chemistry of the Smiths, but his solo work is uniformly excellent, and his current tour’s set list draws from his whole glorious ouvre, from “How Soon Is Now?” and “I Know It’s Over” to “You Have Killed Me” and “I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris.” DAVID SCHMADER

Stay tuned. In the meantime, here's this:

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Men Who Rock: Six Hot Guys Who Aren't Afraid to Get Their Rock On!

Emily Nokes — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 13:16:00 -0700

Photo by Kelly O

It's that time of year again—time to pay attention to the men who rock, FOR A CHANGE! Everyone knows that there is nothing sexier (or more rare) than a man who knows how to rock. Being a gorgeous man in music is one thing, but add talent to the mix? That's taking it to a whole 'nother level. With male-fronted bands, male solo acts, and even all-male bands becoming more and more commonplace, 2012 has definitely been the year of fierce men in music. They're starting to rock all the genres, too: provocative punks, steamy rock 'n' rollers, dashing cowboy sweethearts, hiphop hunks—men are even making it in the complicated world of electronic music! Guys everywhere are stepping to the front and demanding to be heard—and we're ready to listen. And look! To show our appreciation for the strong males who provide us with satisfying doses of ear candy and eye candy, we handpicked six of Seattle's hottest male musicians to showcase their ability... to turn us on!

Gary Smith of Partman Parthorse!

Alex Leake of Country Lips!

Andrew Luck of Splatinum!

Kerry Zettel of See Me River and Mass Games!

Thomas Gray of Champagne Champagne!

Luke Beetham of Pony Time!

Pussy Riot To Be Freed!

Kelly O — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 11:32:13 -0700

Russia's Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev called for Pussy Riot to be freed today—a sign that the women's release could be imminent as their case comes up for appeal on Oct. 1.

Medvedev said the women's appearance and the "hysteria" accompanying them made him sick, but keeping them in prison any longer would be unproductive.

Read the whole thing after the jump! FREE ~~THE WEST MEMPHIS~~ PUSSY-THREE!!!

Russian PM calls for Pussy Riot to be freed
By LYNN BERRY, Associated Press

MOSCOW (AP) — Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev on Wednesday called for three members of the punk band Pussy Riot to be freed, a sign that the women's release could be imminent as their case comes up for appeal on Oct. 1...

...Medvedev said the women's appearance and the "hysteria" accompanying them made him sick, but keeping them in prison any longer would be unproductive.

READ THE WHOLE THING HERE, ON HUFFPO.

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Dear Music History

David Schmader — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 14:12:10 -0700

...the first Replacements album and its follow-up EP are both way better than you led me to believe. Screw you for tricking me out of so many years of pleasure, but thanks for the late-breaking Replacements surprise.

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Man in Utilikilt Spotted at Goodwill

Trent Moorman — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 20:51:06 -0700

T. Moorman

He's helping people load furniture into their car. He seems extremely nice, and friendly. Something about him wafts with a sense of "Sailing" by Christopher Cross.

Back toward Capitol Hill, the sound of Linda's Fest starting wafts as well, with "For Your Love" being played as this is typed.

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Mark Arm Surfs

Dave Segal — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 14:48:44 -0700

Were you aware that Mudhoney vocalist/guitarist Mark Arm has been surfing for the last half dozen years or so? Now you know... and your life will never be the same again.

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Whatcha Listenin' to, Mars Rover?

Emily Nokes — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 23:09:23 -0700

USA just won the gold medal in landing on mars! Cool job, NASA! What do you think that little rover is listening to up there?

Misfits - "Teenagers From Mars"
Sparks - "I Married A Martian"
T. Rex - "Ballrooms Of Mars"
David Bowie - "Life On Mars?"

What else? I don't want to stoop to 30 Second to Mars, The Mars Volta, Bruno Mars, or Ben Harper's Live From Mars...but I will.

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Mutya Keisha Siobhan

Dean Fawkes — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 09:23:35 -0700

The real highlight of the weekend:

The original line-up of girl band Sugababes have regrouped and launched under a new name called Mutya Keisha Siobhan.

A spokesperson for the trio confirmed they have signed a recording deal with Polydor and that they are writing songs for an album.

The announcement comes after months of rumours that a possible reunion could be on the cards.

Earlier this year, we wrote: Not Pulp, Space, fIREHOSE, Beach Boys, Inspiral Carpets, Dexys Midnight Runners, Black Sabbath, Ultramagnetic MCs, Steps, or The Stone Roses. This year, the mega-jewel of rumored reformations is the Sugababes. The original Sugababes. Including Siobhán Donaghy, who crafted her 2007 solo album Ghosts —the single most beautiful full-length pop artifact of the last decade.

Popjustice lands the first interview.

Everyone gets new photos.

A friend writes: 'I have no idea who they are, but their hair is fucking glorious'.

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Frogs Drummer Dennis Flemion Missing, Presumed Dead

Derek Erdman — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 20:20:11 -0700

A man who vanished while swimming in a lake in Wisconsin has been identified as 57-year-old Dennis Flemion. Flemion is the drummer of Milwaukee, Wisconsin's the Frogs, a band he started with his younger brother Jimmy in 1980.

Police searched Wind Lake in Racine County today for the third day in what is now being called a recovery effort. It's been reported that Flemion jumped off of a pontoon boat on Saturday afternoon and never returned to the surface of the water.

The Frogs are known for a number of things: Jimmy Flemion's six-foot bat wing costume, their association with Nirvana and Pearl Jam, and their catchy songs that dealt with race, religion, and homoerotic sexuality. Dennis Flemion was also a temporary member of the Smashing Pumpkins from 1996 to 1997.

My all time favorite Frogs LP is My Daughter the Broad from 1996, which featured Dennis Flemion's geriatric pervert persona, as well as a high pitch voiced murder Jack. Apparently the record title was inspired by Mudhoney's My Brother the Cow. The 1997 Starjob EP is a wonderful commentary on the music industry and the grunge movement.

Sorry for the sad news, this is a real bummer. Videos after the jump. Gerard Cosloy's thoughts on the issue can be found here.

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Man Gets Out of Station Wagon, Pees in the Middle of the Street

Trent Moorman — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 12:13:19 -0700

Earlier today a man stopped his station wagon at an intersection in Capitol Hill, got out of the vehicle, brandished his penis, and peed in the middle of the street. He peed the Skykomish River. Then he drove off. Onlookers watched and stepped over the shape of his urine stain as it became a jelly fish. While he was peeing, I aimed speakers out the window, and cranked Mad Season's "River of Deceit." It's a song swayed with poise that's always been a caravan for my ears. I think the man peeing heard it, and it relaxed him. Perhaps it was a caravan for his ears too, as he stood in the middle of the street pissing, for three minutes.

T. Moorman

T. Moorman

T. Moorman

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Hey! Do You Know What Today Is?

Kelly O — Tue, 22 May 2012 15:15:51 -0700

Um...

It's not only Morrisey's birthday, it's also WORLD GOTH DAY!!! Grab your eyeliner and let's dance, bitches!

Dance your makeup clean off, tonight at Pony:

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Monkees Fans Have No Sense of Humor

Cienna Madrid — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 17:28:26 -0700

This is the second threatening email we've received today, care of noted homosexual Adrian Ryan, for daring string together the words "Monkees" and "wrinklier than muggy dog balls" in the same sentence:

Hey! I read your article about Davy Jones. I am 13 but that pissed me off. You're a disgrace to this world. I hope you get your eyeballs cut out and then get tortured. You're an asshole who should have his face slammed onto the concrete floor then have bricks thrown at you. I hope something bad happens to you because your are a FUCKING DUMB ASS RETARDED FAGGOT!!! And the reason I'm hoping you don't die is because nobody want you to end up with Davy and the rest of them in a wonderful place. Oh wait! You'll end up in a worse place!! So I hope you die!! So come to my house so I can kill you. But I'll torture you first. Y'know, Slam your face into a glass window, cut you, beat you up, put your teeth on a curve and jump on your head. How old are you also, 5?? Alright thanks, bye.

Sincerely,
all of us that love The Monkees... <3

Graphically weird violence aside, I'm just amazed that any 13-year-old has a fucking clue who the Monkees are.

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TacocaT Tour Van Breaks Down In Durango, CO

Derek Erdman — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 17:12:13 -0700

Sometimes heeding all of your own advice can still cause a tour to hit a snag. Such is the current case of TacocaT and their broken van.

emily nokes
"Crummy on the Inside"

The band treated their van (nicknamed Hondyssy) to an oil change at a Firestone in Albuquerque, NM (two stars on Yelp!) before heading toward Utah. A gnarly snowstorm forced them to backtrack to Durango, CO. Stopping there for the evening, TacocaT splurged on a Super 8 motel and spent the night watching Summer Heights High. Four hundred approximate miles between the oil change and sleeping two to a bed at the Super 8.

emily nokes
"Repair Shop Mascot"

When the band loaded into the van this morning, prepared for the haul to Provo, something didn't seem quite right. "It smelled like burning," singer Emily Nokes reported. The band then drove 15-20 minutes up a steep hill, when a loud clicking noise began in the engine, which then stopped. TacocaT's main driver, guitar player Eric Randall, then turned the van around and coasted back to a repair shop. The good news is there was a cuddly repair shop cat, the bad news was the van's engine was toast.

Within the last hour, the band has shelled out $900 for a white ~~Astro Van~~ Aerostar that they found on Craigslist. What will happen next? Will they make it to Provo? Boise? Missoula? Spokane? Seattle?

emily nokes
Durango's Great White Hope

TacocaT would like to "shout out to all of the rental car places that fucking suck and cost $2,000 for two days."

EDIT: TacocaTs report that the new van is an Aerostar, not an Astro Van as earlier stated.

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What You're Not Wearing: St. Patty's Day Edition!!!

Timothy Rysdyke — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 11:20:35 -0700

These hats:

This hair:

This bow-tie:

This body:

This bow:

This face paint:

These pants:

These feathers:

This hat:

This tie:

This tongue:

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Midnight Haiku

Sarah Galvin — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 23:20:31 -0700

No commercial is better than the one in which a cough drop is represented by a football player knocking a ghost through the glass wall of a bus stop. After watching it as a child I made a thing that looked like a cough drop out of Play Doh and sat with it at a bus stop for hours. I was so excited I did not even care that nothing happened.

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Breaking News! Alice Cooper Tries to Kill Ozzy Osbourne**

Kelly O — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 11:10:34 -0800

Don't do it, Alice(s)!**

Photos Kelly O

**This may or may not be Alice Cooper(s) or Ozzy Osbourne. Can you guess what city I'm in?

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Lynnwood Teen Willing To Trade iTunes Card For Car

Derek Erdman — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:24:09 -0800

According to this Craigslist ad, a 19 year old in Lynnwood is willing to trade a $15 iTunes card and a perfect condition RCA stereo for a car. He also has boots and a four month old son (not for trade). Other things offered for trade: tons of clothes, white twin bed frame with metal slats.

Do you have a reliable car but you'd rather have a "skate deck that says FLIP on it, no wheels or anything else?" Here's your chance!

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Greg Ginn Creates SST "Hubub" Over Pulling YouTube Vids

Mike Nipper — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:13:33 -0800

This "broke" yesterday on Rolling Stone...

SST Records, the long-running indie home of bands such as Minutemen, Hüsker Dü and Sonic Youth, has created a hubbub after asking YouTube to remove videos posted without permission. The label's Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) request resulted in the removal of unrelated videos by bands including the Adolescents, X and Lower Class Brats, none of whom have been affiliated with SST.

Oh for fuck's sake!! Turns out Ginn's thinking is the same tired and rote story from just another now-confused and backward-looking record label "executive." Obviously, Ginn's forward thinking in 1976 don't mean that his lightbulb of forward thought still shines today. Granted, I personally have never dealt with Ginn professionally, so I really don't know what his "business" notions are, but this move seems dumb. As I understand it, part of keeping ANY business alive is KNOWING YOUR MARKET. Um, Mr. Ginn, you're selling old, erm..."classic" punk records to, presumably, punks and punks don't really respect proper (asshole) "business" practices. Remember...it's about the feeling, the "art" and the "message." If you give your audience ANY reason to LOSE respect, it won't be coming back; same goes for your income. Only lawyers and politicians seem to think consumers MUST buy music now, but thing is, it's all out there, free for the TAKING. Everyone knows this, the act of BUYING music now is a WANT, and Ginn giving his base plenty reason to NOT want. Weak, bro.

Now here, dig this kid who speaks truth about how YouTube™ should/could work for record labels, SST in particular, as a marketing tool...

I KNOW, here at Line Out this kid is preaching to the choir, but obviously there are still plenty of deaf ears out there, right, Mr. Ginn?

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