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La Roux's Elly Jackson
I’m going to be absolutely honest that I was a bit of a grump heading in to last night’s La Roux show at the Wonder Ballroom so my complaints may be tainted by that. However, the sound was grnad and it was quite a decent show, despite my ill health and lost sweatshirt.
Opening band The Lovers provided the perfect ethereal intro to get the crowd amped. At once calming and energizing Lovers are similar enough to the headliners to fit in the show while different enough to be interesting.
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La Roux's Elly Jackson
Famous among lesbians for their lead singer Elly Jackson‘s Annie Lennox-like androgyny, the emo-electronic La Roux make a Portland appearance this Monday at the Wonder Ballroom (128 NE Russell St).
Translating roughly to “redhead” La Roux, although a duo, is quite dominated by the amazing voice of the ginger-haired Jackson. Sporting a goofy and gravity defying Flock of Seagulls swoop atop her head and a consistently serious expression it might be easy to think that La Roux is a gimmick. I assure you, it’s not.
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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.
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Dirty, fuzzy Peaches
Best known for her larger than life sexual personae Peaches‘ new album, I Feel Cream, is a surprisingly nuanced piece of work. Her singing and songwriting will be a welcome addition to tomorrow’s show at the Wonder Ballroom (128 NE Russell), but have no doubts that Peaches’ in-your-face sexuality will still be in full effect.
From the current Just Out issue, my full preview:
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Fischerspooner's new album 'Entertainment'
Originally a duo formed by classically trained musician Warren Fischer and video-artist and experimental theater performer Casey Spooner for an impromptu rendition of their makeshift track “Indian Cab Driver” at the Astor Place Starbucks, the group grew to over 20 performers, most of whom are dancers and guest vocalists. Combining elements performance art, theater, fashion and multimedia Fischerspooner puts on a show that is flamboyant frivolous and avant-garde all at once.
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