Show Review & Photos: Sondre Lerche @ the Crocodile

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I’ve seen Sondre Lerche numerous times (at Bumbershoot, the Crocodile, the Paramount), and each show has been fabulous. Lerche has such a captivating way about him and is just as interesting a talker as he is a musician – and trust me, all his songs are great. People might overuse the word charming, but Lerche is its epitome. The Norwegian artist is 7 albums deep into his career with the release of Sondre Lerche, just out now, and he appeared at Seattle’s Crocodile on June 25th. My favorite moment of the night was his charged and passionate performance of “My Hands Are Shaking,” from his soundtrack for Dan in Real Life. He also dug deep in a grand way for an excellent display of 2002’s Faces Down song “Sleep on Needles.” What a thrill the show was.

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Review and Photos: The Tubes @ The Triple Door

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The Tubes, best know for “White Punks On Dope,” “She’s A Beauty,” and “Talk To Ya Later” performed to a packed house at The Triple Door on Friday night. I had never seen The Tubes before so I had no idea what to expect and was I in for a shockingly great treat.

When I first arrived at The Triple Door, I sat with a dapper older Englishman named man Chris. We chatted over cocktails and he explained how his buddy was friends with Pete Townshend (of The Who) and how they all went sailing together. The evening appeared to be shaping up as a very civilized affair.

Fee Waybill walked on to the stage in a white linen suit and fedora, puffing on a smoke. My first thought was: Wow how sophisticated, I’m a little surprised”. WAS I WRONG. . .little did I know what as to come. This sophisticated gentleman was his satirical vision of a politician and he was one of many alter egos that is Fee Waybill, lead singer of The Tubes.

The Tubes

Waybill changed costumes (and personas) many times, each more bizarre and provocative than the first. Waybill traversed from his classic “Quay Lewd” and ending with the Carnival Barker singing “She’s A Beauty.” The crowd ate it up and ultimately rewarded The Tubes with a standing ovation.

My impression after the show was what a deliciously creatively and freakish performance. Few bands that have been exciting crowds for 35 years can maintain this level of showmanship. The Tubes were tight and Waybill’s voice was fabulous. It’s clear that The Tubes have lost none of what makes them unforgettable.

Performer: The Tubes
Photographer: John Rudolph

Show Review & Photos: fun. @ Showbox SoDo

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Aim and Ignite, New York band fun.‘s debut album is still one of my very favorites. The songs are expert pop with righteous vocals by Nate Ruess. I saw fun. a couple years ago at Chop Suey – loved the show – but missed their couple follow-up shows in Seattle. Lucky for me I got to see their opening show for Panic! At the Disco at Showbox SoDo last Friday night. Lead singer Ruess, with a confident and joyful manner, was total energy during the entire set, racing back and forth on the stage and reaching out to the crowd. He’s also got a great band of musicians with him. “All the Pretty Girls,” “Walking the Dog,” “Take Your Time (Coming Home),” “Barlights,” and “At Least I’m Not as Sad (As I Used to Be)” each hit the spot. I’m looking forward to fun.’s second album, which should be out this year. They’re something really special.

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Photos: Britney Spears @ the Tacoma Dome 6-29-11

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Britney’s back! I thought I was transported to a Beatles concert when I exited the backstage area into the arena. I’ve never heard so many screaming girls in my life – they reacted to her every move. She played to a packed house at the Tacoma Dome last night on the first leg of her US tour in support of her seventh studio album, Femme Fatale. She’ll be off to Europe in September for 26 more dates.