Just our yearly take on the best albums and EPs by queer artists this year. We don’t hold back our local bias but it is an international list, and I think Canada might be kicking our asses a li’l this year. […]
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  This isn't the Portland show but it is MEN live Remind me not to stop drinking, because when I fall off the wagon, I fall hard. It was a tough hump day anyway, beginning with a dentist appointment and a long work day…oh, and the death of Elizabeth Taylor. Luckily, I had two of my favorite bands to save me at the end. Lovers and MEN‘s latest albums are both on repeat on my iPod to get me through. In the vein of an already marginally successful day at best I neglected to check the battery on my camera (and I also left my credit card at the bar) so was unable to get any pictures. But even if I had a day full of FAIL I was soothed by the sweet crooning of Lovers’ Cubbie Berk and energized by the political dance energy of MEN. As for the pre-funk and in between set turntable stylings of DJ Mr. Charming? Just right. Continue reading »   Michael, JD, Ginger of MEN To see some truly great bands you’ve got to be willing to party mid-week. And for the likes of electro-politico-indie-dance-rockers MEN it’s work any Thursday morning hangover. Headed by frontqueer JD Samson (Le Tigre), the trio are touring with their triumphant freshman album release Talk About Body, bringing it to Rotture (315 SE 3rd) tomorrow night. Joined by local DJ hero Mr Charming, Silver Interior (featuring Jenny Hoyston of Erase Eratta), the Aussie MC Macromantics, and indie-darlings, queer or otherwise, Portland or not, Lovers it’s going to be a show of epic proportions. As the DJ and the MC spice up the beginning, Lovers will begin the show’s upward surge to climax but eerily tugging on your heartstrings, though you may not even know why. Intertwining in a way that makes you feel both ecstatic and sad, I compared their newest album to doing drugs with your lover when I named it album of the year. Continue reading »  MEN's new album 'Talk About the Body' The new video from electro-indie trio MEN is minimalistic, even simplistic, but it is awesome. Off their newly released debut album Talk About Body the video for Who Am I to Feel So Free? features frontwoman JD Samson (of Le Tigre fame) in a very calm and commanding stance atop a cliff. The climax is epically gay and I have little doubt that Body will make next year’s list of Best Queer Albums. Continue reading »   Big Freedia gets the sissies bouncin'! Besides books, bikes and beer Portland, Oregon is also known for its local music. And the space between summer and fall is when we choose to put it center stage with MusicFest NW starting today and running through the 12th. There’s a smorgasboard of both local and out-of-town bands, DJs and performers and no lack of queers among them. Here’s where to find the gays amidst all the action. Thursday the 9th sees sissy bounce New Orleans based Big Freedia self-dubbed queen diva, dick-eater, and late night creeper. The culturally queer, hot dirty south bounce has been called rap goes drag by Vanity Fair and is one of the most exciting things to happen to dance music disco. PDX could use an infusion of booty and color and I’d personally be excited to have other bounce-able bums at my back. This may be the most exciting performance of the entire fest. Continue reading »  The Gossip The excitement was palpable when Southerners turned Portlanders The Gossip started to really make it big with their last release Standing in the Way of Control. It’s hard to believe that was three years ago. In the interim frontwoman Beth Ditto has become a spokeswoman for chub love and queer rights and culture, appeared naked on the cover of two magazines, started her own plus-size clothing line, and in general burst onto the international stage as a powerful, innovative and inspirational rock goddess. With this year’s release of Music for Men there is no doubt that the world is has heard the bold and beautiful voice of Ditto and is responding in a big way. Saturday they bring the sound home for those of us who have been appreciating the no-nonsense flamboyancy for a decade. Continue reading » After attending a video release party in NYC in early May, I eagerly awaited the online arrival of Athens Boys Choir‘s “EZ Heeb” directed by former Portlander Ali Cotterill. It took many months but the rollerskating, Atlantic City fantasy date is funny on the inter-tubes. Continue reading »  Men I can’t believe I almost forgot about tonight’s Men show at the Doug Fir (830 E Burnside). Le Tigre fans will recognize the electronic artsy dance fun spearheaded by JD Samson. Here’s a little snippet from the current J/O Diversion: Continue reading » Men: Ginger Brooks, Takahashi, JD Samson and Michael O’Neill MEN, a project largely piloted by Le Tigre’s JD Samson, now includes Michael O’Neill (Princess, Ladybug Transistor) and Ginger Brooks Takahashi (LTTR, The Ballet) with Johanna and artist Emily Roysdon contributing as writers, consultants, and producers. And the new NYC queer band of the dance scene has a brand spankin’ new video for “Off Our Backs” produced by the weird and wonderful K8 Hardy. Continue reading » |
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