The Union Records Blagh

2010 Top Twenty Five Albums

2010-12-22T09:24:00.000-08:00

What a year for music. I am finally getting off my duff and putting out my lists. The first one is the top albums as I see it. And I had a really hard time deciding how to approach this year. So many varied genres equals so hard to compare. But I found one measure that worked for me this year. I used the handy I-Tunes times played and then gave a small factor in for when the album was released. So without further adieu here it is.

25. Brothers--Black Keys --I realize many people have this in their top ten. Don't get me wrong I have been a devoted Black Keys follower ever since Rubber Factory. But for some reason this one didn't get as many plays.

24. Sigh No More--Mumford and Sons--I tried so hard not to like these guys. But they grew on me and ended up as my 24th most played album of the year.

23. Teen Dream--Beach House--Saw them open for Vampire Weekend at Edgefield so went on a tear listening to this album.

22. The Besnard Lakes Are the Roaring Nights--The Besnard Lakes--I love this band especially live. Not quite as good as BL Are the Dark Horse. But Albatross is a fantastic song.

21. Total Life Forever--Foals--Spanish Sahara dig it.

20. One Life Stand--Hot Chip--Not their strongest effort. I am still waiting for another The Warning.

19. Innerspeaker--Tame Impala--I first heard these guys on Sirius XMU riding in my friends car bar hopping. I couldn't wait for it to come out. Finally got it and not totally wowed but like it.

18. Real Estate--Real Estate-- I am going to confess a bit of bending the rules on this one because techinically it came out in late November 2009. This one would actually be in my top ten and maybe top five if it could pass this 2009/2010 distinction. So I gave it a penalty. This is probably my favorite album to put on when just chilling around the house getting ready for a barbeque.

17. Shout Out Louds--Work-- Rocks.

16. Halcyon Digest--Deerhunter--Another album that rocks.

15. Sit Down Man-- Das Rascist--Probably the most creative hip-hop album I have heard in a long time. And they gave it away for free. So it would be a shame if you do not add this to your collection.

14. Surfer Blood--Astro Coast--An early favorite of 2010 that I put away in spring after a bevy of release. But pulled it out again prior to their stellar performance at MFNW.

13. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy--Kanye West--The artist I try and try to dislike, but he seems always to come through with something new.

12. The Courage of Others--Midlake--Fortune is a top five song for me. Enjoyed this album thoroughly when it first came out, but for some reason didn't have quite the staying power with me as the Trials of Van Occupanther.

11. Plastic Beach--Gorillaz--Snoop Dog need I say more.

10. Treats--Sleigh Bells--I introduced a lot of people to this album. But I must say, like when I introduced people to MGMT, all people want to hear over and over again is Rill Rill. This album is full of great songs.

9. Transference--Spoon--In a year like 2009 this album probably would have been much higher on my list. Mystery Zone, Got Nuffin', I Saw the Light are instant classics. Especially Mystery Zone which has probably the best song ending I have heard in ten years.

8. Age of ADZ--Sufjan Stevens--Probably my most anticipated album of 2010 and for that I gave it a few bonus points. I didn't get it. It took me seeing it live at the Schnitzer to get it. One of those albums that honestly is better live.

7. Swim--Caribou--I remember the first time I saw him as Manitoba opening up for Stereolab. Totally blown away. And this by far is his most consistent album. Listening to Sun before going into Sasquatch every day is a great memory for 2010.

6. Eyelid Movies--Phantogram--I became obssessed with this album. Got to see them live at MFNW and then soon after at an intimate show at Miss Studios where my friend and I managed to remain in front the entire show.

5. Infinite Arms--Band of Horses-- I have listened to this album over a hundred times. Another one of those albums that got some unfair criticism I think, mostly because it was their "big label" debut. But what brought this album together for me was seeing it live. I saw Band of Horses probably six or seven times before this album and when they performed these songs at Sasquatch I leaned over and told my friends that we can expect great great things from them. This album is a testament to their growth.

4. High Violet--The National--Great album.

3. Contra--Vampire Weekend--I had this album on non-stop repeat around the house from the minute it came out. Got to see them twice this year. And I just love the album cover.

2. The Suburbs--Arcade Fire--My top two were tough to place. But I had to go with the how many times I listened to them. I think this is their strongest album and one that will have staying power. This could be their OK Computer, but time must judge that.

1. This is Happening--LCD Soundsystem--Listen to it........

Holiday Special

2010-11-17T18:30:00.000-08:00

If you love new music, head on over to the website to pick up an incredible deal for the holidays. Impress your friends with your vast and underground knowledge of Portland indie rock. Amaze coworkers with your hipness. Astound family members at your wide range of musical palate.

And support local artists.

Some Great Music

2010-08-21T13:34:00.000-07:00

Radiohead covering the Smiths' Headmaster Ritual and Joy Division Ceremony here.

Cults Oh My God and LCD Drunk Girls Holy Ghost Remix here.

E Music Free Download of the Day

2010-08-08T12:14:00.000-07:00

For all those Brit pop fans....The Happy Mondays are up for a freebie! Download our toolbar to get it now (and a freebie everyday!)

Free Downloads For The First Week of August

2010-07-31T11:22:00.000-07:00

Best Coast, Kid Cudi, Rostam (Vampire Weekend) --All Summer

Miniature Tigers w/ Neon Indian -- Gold Skull

Cut Copy--Where I Am Going

Tracey Thorn (Everything But the Girl and Massive Attack)--Kentish Town (Walls Remix)

OK Computer

2010-07-24T00:15:00.000-07:00

So I had put it away. Eight years ago to be exact. Why you ask? Because it was such an important album to me and I did not want it to become played out. Whenever people mentioned it, I would discreetly or calmly walk away not saying my piece. But tonight I listened to it in all of it's majesty. OK Computer. Holy Shit. It is a GIANT. One, if not the greatest album ever.

Nothing is like it. Lyrically or music wise. The guitar is so subtle in places and so heavy in others and Thom Yorke is so out there lyrically with his emotions. And Phil Selway's rhythms are so understated, like the little woodblocks on Paranoid Android.

If you haven't given it a listen. Do so. But immediately put it away again for a rainy day. This album deserves more than becoming a Dark Side of the Moon, Zep IV, PJ Ten or Beatles Sgt. Peppers.

More July Songs Get These Now

2010-07-22T17:30:00.000-07:00

The Bees--Silver Line

Marnie Stern--For Ash

Royal Bangs--My Car Is Haunted (a song from last fall)

Here We Go Magic--Collector

The Postelles--White Nights

Kele-Tenderoni

Deerhunter--Revival Password is tapereel

July Songs You Must Get

2010-07-19T09:51:00.000-07:00

St. Dominic's Preview by Van Morrison
Plundered My Soul by The Rolling Stones
Transformer--Marnie Stern
Total Life Forever--Foals
Kalama--Damien Jurado
Heaven's On Fire--The Radio Dept.
You Wanted A Hit--LCD Soundsystem
I Will Sing You Songs--My Morning Jacket
NW Apt.--Band Of Horses
No Reasons--VEGA
Superfast Jellyfish--Gorillaz
Solid Golid--The Golden Filter

Google Monkey on My Back

2010-07-18T19:30:00.000-07:00

I admit it. I google our bands. I like to stay in the know...

So I was pleasantly surprised when googling NGK today when I found a new (to me) review of Time Has Nothing to Do With It from Seattle Rock Guy

Here are some bytes:

"No Go Know would not be entirely out of place in the 1970s. What is missing - and missing in an awesome way - is rock pretentiousness. It's straightforward rock with a touch of prog, but more of a spaced-out kind of prog. The band hits their stride when they rock a little harder, some of the softer tunes are borderline whiny but bearable next to damn near danceable gems like "Good God".

It’s apparent the band has taken careful consideration to the scope of this album. Double albums are usually vulnerable to filler, yet none of the songs on ‘Time Has Nothing to Do With It’ feel as such."

Ah, yes...all killer and no filler.

Thanks Seattle Rock Guy.

And of course, thank you google monkey.

94.7 FM now AM, TOO for 2

2010-07-17T11:17:00.000-07:00

94.7, which had been decreasing in my esteem has won me over again by launching 94/7 "2" on am at 910 am. Since my car and work are decidedly low tech, this now provides me an opportunity to listen to all NW bands all the time.

So in addition to streaming 94/7 2 or hearing it on HD, you can listen to it the old fashioned way on 910 AM.

I love this channel! Fire Theft, Decembrists, Modest Mouse, David Bazan...those are just some of the big names you will hear on this channel. And according to one 94/7 dj No Go Know is his second favorite NW band (next to MM)...so yes, you will hear UR releases on this channel.

Not all of the material is great, but some of it is really fantastic and unlike the FM version there are virtually no repeats throughout the day. because, really, how many times can you listen to that broken bells song without wanting to jump in to the willamette.

Favorite Bands By Decade

2010-07-16T20:39:00.001-07:00

So this friend of mine posed an interesting question the other day. And people who know me really well know that this is the type of question that really gets under my skin. The question is what is your favorite band by decade. I guess my reputation is being very mercurial, typical Gemini and always thinking the next thing on my playlist is the best. But this is very serious question. I felt because the guy who asked it is almost, and I stress this, almost as big as a music nut as me. I think I win simply for the fact that I have like every Alan Parson record and spent a large portion of my high school days writing my favorite bands, with their logos, all over my pee chees. In fact, I used to cut out the long boxes that the cd's came in and tape them with scotch tape to my pee chee. But I digress. I think this challenged me a bit because I did have to pick a favorite. So here it goes. I start in the 196o's why because I really don't listen to anything beyond that. Was really never much into Elvis, Buddy Holly or really old jazz.

1960s--Has to be the Beatles. Revolver is still one of my all time favorite albums. And who can forget flops like Magical Mystery Tour complete with one of their best songs buried on the last track "Baby I'm A Rich Man."

1970s--Led Zepplin--I really thought about putting Steely Dan here also. But Led Zepplin is it. Jimmy Page is my second favorite guitar player next to Hendrix. And who can forget all of those stories of their hard partying on the road and the whole thing about Page going to the same crossroads and Robert Johnson. An honorable mention, you see I am doing this because I hate to pick favorites, would be the 1970s Rolling Stones. If you don't believe me how hard these guys were rocking back in the day check out this performance. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3QFOXPReec What is Jagger wearing?

1980s--Without a doubt for me Joy Division/New Order. It is a two for one. Both bands were amazing and how New Order ever managed to recover and reinvent themselves in the face of Ian Curtis' suicide is pretty amazing. The first time I went to Europe I listened to Substance over and over and over on the train. Those songs and every song from the Joy Division catalogue is firmly etched in my brain. Honorable mention, Depeche Mode. Black Celebration and Music for the Masses incredible.

1990s--Now it start's to get really fuzzy. But I have to say Soundgarden. I will own it. I was probably a bigger Pearl Jam fan until Superunknown came out. And then I started listening to Badmotorfinger more and more. These guys had everything I loved about Zepplin but much much darker.

2000s-- Wilco. My favorite band of all time. There it is. I remember watching Wilco for the first time at the 9:30 Club in DC in 1997. I was also really into Son Volt at this time and kept thinking that out of the remains of Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt would always emerge as the more famous band. But then Summerteeth came out. I couldn't believe how great that album was. And then came the grand daddy of them all. My favorite album of all time. Hotel Yankee Foxtrot. And they keep coming, Ghost is Born, Sky Blue Sky. I am a little disappointed with the self titled album, but you cannot be perfect every time. My Morning Jacket, Okkervil River, Modest Mouse and Sufjan Stevens make my honorable mention list for this decade.

2010 and beyond: I have to say that I am leaning more and more into the My Morning Jacket camp. And there will be more to say about this in later posts.

Check out our new toolbar

2010-07-14T22:46:00.001-07:00

http://theunionrecords.ourtoolbar.com/

Download and try out our new toolbar...and drop us a line to recommend new additions (and subtractions). I especially like the one click access to elbo.ws and the amazon wish list! Also, we have added e-music free track of the day and a new app called music shark (find a stream of any track online).

Enjoy and spread the word (and the love).

new prog playlist

2010-07-13T17:13:00.000-07:00

i have had an insatiable appetite for supertramp, alan parsons and no go know lately so i created this fun and fabulous progressive rock playlist for you to listen to here.

nothing feels quite like summer as a little guitar wanking and some booty shaking.

enjoy!

Roster Expansion

2010-07-10T10:25:00.000-07:00

We are looking to add a couple new bands to the roster...so keep your fingers to the pulse and drop us a line if you are interested in joining the UR family.

Specifically, we would like to work with prog rock or Americana bands, or any genre with a guitar focus.

The Union Records BOGO Independence Indie Celebration

2010-07-01T07:54:00.000-07:00

Starts this Saturday. Download any one of our albums (www.theunionrecords.net) and get any one of the other albums for free! Yep, that's right.

Simply make a purchase, and we will hit you back to see what other album you are craving.

Celebrating independence with a little indie-pendence.

June 2010 Ten Jams--What I am listening to this week

2010-06-23T20:16:00.000-07:00

Japandroids---Rockers East Vancouver

Kid Cudi--All Talk

The Joy Formidable---Whirring

Damien Jurado--Cloudy Shoes

Foals--Spanish Sahara

Sleigh Bells--Rill Rill

King Khan and the Shrines--Welfare Bread

Tame Impala--Solitude Is Bliss

Cults--Go Outside

LCD Soundsystem--Pow Pow

Bonus Twin Tigers---Passive Idol I really dig this song sort of has a Suede meets Sponge meets Ned's Atomic Dustbin feel to it.

Post Sasquatch Debrief

2010-06-04T09:18:00.000-07:00

Epic is the only way to describe 2010's Sasquatch.

My top ten shows that I saw.

1. My Morning Jacket---I have seen them a few times before, but this show with the lights, the Gorge and them headlining made for something really special.

2. Passion Pit---We were at the top of the mainstage for this one and I have never seen dancing all the way from the bottom to the top for an early afternoon band. They brought it.

3. Vampire Weekend---Cannot wait for the Edgfield show. But sometimes uncomplicated songs are just fun.

4. Band of Horses---I love BOH. And have seen them many times including some early performances at the Doug Fir where I managed to meet several of them and get an autograph poster from them at the Galaxy after the show. But this is not your fathers BOH. The new lineup and new album definetly lives up to becoming a headliner someday.

5. LCD Soundsystem---This would probably would have been number two except for my super high expectations for this show. Dance Yrself Clean epic. I Can Change epic. All My Friends epic. I actually wanted this show to go on another hour. James Murphy's songs are so long they deserve more time.

6. Middle East---This was the one small stage show that I wanted to see above all others and it did not disappoint. This was the first time the Middle East have toured the US and granted they only have an EP out their songs are so hauting. The ending of blood almost brought me to tears it was so good. My friend fell in love with the lead female singer playing a red tambourine.

7. Japandroids---Debated about seeing them. But glad I did. I swear a thunderhead was behind them during the show and probably created by the sounds coming from the guitars.

8. The Hold Steady---Just straight up rocking good time. We all bailed on the National after a few songs to check out this show and were not disappointed.

9. Pavement---Mostly for the nostalgia. Had problems with their guitar cord early on. But came back to belt out the classics. Summer Babe is just as great today as it was in the 1990s. Another show that will be great to see in it's entirety at Edgefield.

10. Deadmau5---I am still not quite sure what I witnessed. The lights were fully on in the back and it was just a fun mix of people.

11. MGMT---This show is one upon reflection that I liked more. This is a band I introduced to a lot of people before they became huge with Kids so always one with mixed emotion of not liking that band that was felt sorta stolen from you to quickly. But Time to Pretend, Congratulations, and yes even Kids were fun to see in the Gorge.

And by the way my least favorite, glad you asked. Without a Doubt She and Him. We left Japandroids to get a good seat for BOH and MGMT. I just don't understand why M. Ward wants to play backup to Nancy Sinatra.

Sasquatch Playlist

2010-05-21T14:54:00.000-07:00

These are the songs right from my personal collection for my road trip to Sasquatch. The rule, only one song per band. Some new, some old, but all good.

Moves--The New Pornographers
Giant--Vampire Weekend
Fortune--Midlake
Through the Front Door--Vetiver
No Intention--Dirty Projectors
Father to a Sister of Thought--Pavement
Lift--Brad
South Town Girls--The Hold Steady
Sleep Paralysist--Neon Indian
Up Up and Away--Kid Cudi
My Maudlin Career--Camera Obscura
Alaska--Dr. Dog
Definite Door--The Posies
Warm Heart of Africa--The Very Best
Bees--Caribou
Sleepyhead--Passion Pit
VCR--The XX
40 Day Dream--Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes
Summer Song--Yacht
What's It In For--Avi Buffalo
Knights--Minus the Bear
Technicolor--Nurses
Laura--Girls
...And the Hazy Sea--Cymbals Eat Guitars
Back In Your Head--Teagan and Sara
Kids--MGMT
Psalms 40:2--The Mountain Goats
Gideon--My Morning Jacket
Sweet Disposition--The Temper Trap
She Wanted to Leave--Ween
Detlef Schrempf--Band of Horses
Splitting the Atom--Massive Attack
That Kind of Man--The Heavy
Feb 14--Drive By Truckers
I Can Change--LCD Soundsystem

What do you think? Any suggestions of bands I don't have?

Damn, That's Sexy

2010-05-15T12:57:00.000-07:00

I have now had a four month streak of being completely obsessed with No Go Know's "No We Won't." I know its about the end of the world as we know it, but damn...it's sexy.

Which got me reminiscing about the old college days and soundtracks to hook ups. And of course, this will date me a bit but nevertheless its hilarious to look back on.

1). Pearl Jam, Ten: For some reason, years after its release dudes thought this was the perfect mood setting music. I don't know why, maybe they were all secretly gay for Eddie Veder. But I got to be honest, when they would skip to "Oceans" on the track list it usually made me burst into laughter.

2). Tricky, Maxinquaye: This was my secret weapon. Pop in a little British trip-hop (which most of the masses were as of yet unaware of) and it was instant mood. There is something so dirty and sensual about Tricky's gravelly voice coupled with the sweet stylings of female vocalists and heavy drum and bass. Yummy!

3). Tool, Aenima: I know this seems like an odd ball one, but even the Valley-Frat Guys I dated in college liked Tool for setting the mood. Maynard does have a sort of sexy push to his voice, and the music is dark enough to make even the most beautiful sunset seem a bit dangerous.

4). Peter Gabriel, Greatest Hits: I used to cram this into the rotation to make myself feel sophisticated and mature. Now it seems sort of funny, but Peter Gabriel is still a classic artist.

5). Coldplay, Parachutes: Before Coldplay became this bizarre phenom, I was using this album to inspire some make out sessions. "John Bender" and I had this Travis versus Coldplay debate running rampant in the dialogue, in which I championed Coldplay mostly because it was damn good music to make out to.

6). Rilo Kiley, More Adventurous: Fueled by late night shows with copious amounts of beer consumption, Rilo Kiley became an inner circle hit especially when I turned a friend on to "Portion for Foxes."

Back in the early days, it had been the Bangles "Eternal Flame" that serenaded late night escapades. At one time I remember hip hop being a lot of the soundtrack to smooching. Which goes to show that our musical tastes can provide a memory trigger to stolen moments in our past.

Which is why I highly recommend everyone pick up a copy of Time Has Nothing to Do With It. It is extraordinarily good music to make out and because of its classic nature you will be able to listen to it years down the road with out saying, "Ugh--What Was I Thinking!"

Just In Time for Spring/Summer!

2010-04-21T07:34:00.001-07:00

Caguama's self-titled debut is now available for download or hard copy on theunionrecords.net, www.caguamaband.com, and digital retailers like itunes and emusic.

Get Em While You Can

2010-03-30T14:42:00.000-07:00

Sasquatch sold out, so it looks like the good times are back rolling!

That means you better get your Caguama cd release tickets (special appearance by Luther Russell!) before it sells out, too!

Here ya go: http://ticketswest.rdln.com/Artist.aspx?evt=74024

Join us for an evening of dancing to cumbia, rocking out, and in general celebrating mas macho que macho!

Have you visited our last fm yet?

2010-03-01T21:21:00.000-08:00

we have made some additions and subtractions, so check it out: http://www.last.fm/user/TheUnionRecords

this is an awesome place to listen to all the tracks from our releases, see similar artists and peep at band photos. cool, huh?

Sasquatch 2010 Analysis

2010-02-16T09:14:00.000-08:00

So I got it partly right. Let's review:

Right about:

Pavement
Vetiver
Neon Indian
Vampire Weekend
The National
LCD Soundsystem
Edward Sharpe and Magnetic Zeros
(and on the Sasquatch Board, I guessed Massive Attack correctly based on a clue before announced).
And all of the no shows except The XX, who must be pulling a Pavement and getting on a plane from Spain.

But I was wrong about:

Pearl Jam, gave them a shot it would be epic. Maybe for the tenth year next year?
Soundgarden, just don't think they have gotten it together yet. Bumbershoot anyone?
And The XX. I am so stoked about seeing these guys. This band had one of the best records last year.

I am holding out on Hot Chip and Phoenix as late editions. I still think their schedules allow for it and Hot Chip makes sense with LCD confirmed.

As far as the lineup. WOW! I am sure that Bonnaroo and Coachella are a little bit jealous.

Massive Attack, enough said. I have wanted to see this band since the day Blue Lines was released. I still remember listening to Daydreaming with my sister going what the hell is going on English Hip Hop. Little did we know, they invented their own genre. And I spent a summer in Bristol. Always wanted to see these guys.

Pavement. Saw them way back when. And I love Malkmus, so will be great to see this show.

Ween. Out of left field. A dark horse so to speak. I have seen them about six times, including the show in Bend last year. I am going to go out on limb and say that this will be a top five highlight.

LCD Soundsystem, Someone Great and All My Friends are two of my favorite songs. Going to be epic.

My Morning Jacket. Again, sort of surprised. Thought they would be at Bonnaroo since they are like the house band there. Last time I saw them at Edgefield, was blown away by the experience.

Vampire Weekend. I would like to see these guys, but not the top on my list.

The National. I have seen them two times, including a headline set at Dante's years ago where Clap Your Hands Say Yeah opened up and they totally blew the National out of the water. So will be great to see them again and get a third opinion.

The New Pornographers, I just hope Dan Bejar shows up with Neko in tow.

MGMT, I introduced a bunch of friends to this band before Oracular Spectacular was released. I have never seen them live. Looking forward to this very much.

Midlake, The Courage of Others is blowing me away. The song Fortune is probably my favorite song of 2010 so far. Saw them at Doug Fir once in a real initmate setting. I imagine they will play the Wookie Stage.

The XX, WOW! I am blown away they are coming after playing Primavera.

She and Him, ho hum.

Band of Horses, seen them a lot and actually got them to sign an autographed poster after a show at Doug Fir. Nice guys. It will be interesting to see what stage they will be on.

BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE. AWESOME!!!!! Great live shows, this will also be a highlight.

I think the other highlights for me will be Edward Sharpe, Neon Indian, the Middle East (on their first US Tour), Avi Buffalo, Kid Cudi, Temper Trap, Caribou and the Very Best.

As for Public Enemy, I am torn. I think It Takes A Nation To Hold Us Back is up there for greatest Hip Hop Record ever. But come on Flavor Flav. He really sold out to that MTV BS. Maybe Chuck D and Terminator X and SW1s will make up for it.

Thoughts?

Why You Should Subscribe to Our Email List

2010-02-15T18:19:00.000-08:00

Free stuff.

Show updates.

Free stuff.

To incentive-ize y'all, we will be giving away some previously unreleased tracks if you sign up this month. So do it. Do it now.

Ahh, this fair city . . .

2010-02-12T18:31:00.000-08:00

. . . will be returning from their hiatus and playing a couple of shows shortly! Yay! They'll be breaking in a new bassist (he's a total geek) so make sure you come out. First show's at the Red Room on 82nd on Feb. 25th, and the next will be at the Ash St. Saloon on Mar. 18th. More on the the lineups coming later as I don't have that info in front of me (mind you, with the Red Room it's almost irrelevant as they're prone to adding random bands to the lineup). Both happen also to be on Thursdays, but it's worth having to go to work sleepy and hungover for. We'll be airing some new tunes, so we hope to see you there!

Limited Edition Power of County Police Blue Shirts Now Available

2010-02-11T07:33:00.000-08:00

on the home page! These puppies are American Apparel and feature the band designed Power of County emblem. Impress your friends and pick up chicks (or dudes) in this soft fitting made in the USA Tees.

Get them while they last! (because last time we had them they sold out in a week)

Wilco Setlist from Feb 9, 2010 Show in Portland

2010-02-10T09:43:00.000-08:00

Wilco Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall February 9, 2010

Sunken treasure
Mountain Leaves
Chrome Is Hell
Bull Black Nova
You Are My Face
I Am Trying To Break Your Heart
One Wing
Shot In The Arm
Side With The Seeds
At Least That's What You Said
Deeper down
Jesus, etc
Impossible Germany
Far, Far Away
Sonny Feeling
I Hate It Here
Walken
I'm The Man Who Loves You

Encore:

Broken Arrow (Buffalo Springfield Song written by Neil Young)
California Stars (Peter Buck (REM and Minus 5) and Scott McCaughey, (the Minus 5 and Young Fresh Fellows))
Heavy Metal Drummer
Kingpin
I'm A Wheel

We finally outdid Bonnaroo....well sort of

2010-02-09T13:16:00.000-08:00

So I like an idiot, woke up this morning and expected to see the full Bonnaroo festival line-up listed. I figured since they are month after Sasquatch it could provide some insight into who might becoming to the Great NW. (Besides who wants to go to Tennessee in the summer, sounds like a miserable time to me with all that humidity and heat). And lo and behold the official Bonnaroo site directed you to their myspace site where you got a split screen and couldn't hardly read any of the bands they were releasing. So I quickly followed some comments from the all knowledgable myspace commenters and found out they were also twittering the results.

After about two or three hours of following the twitter results, refreshing every few minutes between answering emails, I decided to give up. What a stupid way to announce a line-up I have decided.

And what did we come to learn yesterday, that Adam Zacks and the good people putting on Sasquatch that they are going to throw a FREE party at the Crocidile Cafe next Monday night and announce the line-up live. And the best part is Atlas Sound, Surfer Blood and Fresh Espresso will be playing.

I must say that this approach is a much better way to learn about a festival and I am convinced that our line-up will be the envy of Bonnaroo and Coachella this year. Even if we aren't, I would still rather camp in the Gorge as it is a gazillion times prettier than anywhere else with a festival.

Caguama---Yep, thaz right

2010-02-07T12:26:00.000-08:00

So after years of following these crazy "punk rockers from Juarez", we have finally sealed the deal and signed them to the Union. Caguama (cah-guam-ah) is by far one of the most unique sounding bands out and about in Portland right now, and already have a substantial following, so we are super excited to propel them out into the cosmos...

If you haven't had the fortune of listening to them, check out their myspace for some tunes: myspace.com/caguamaband

It also lists some upcoming show dates both locally and down South.

There are some unsubstantiated rumors about a cd release show being sometime in April with a few local hardhitters on the bill, so stay tuned for the latest and greatest info on that.

And be sure to keep an eye out on the homepage for that glorious little "pre-order" button so that you can get yerself a copy of some super hip Mexicana Americana (cumbia, americana, and punk rolled into one spanish/english mash up).

Sasquatch 2010 Lineup Predictions

2010-02-05T09:50:00.000-08:00

Ok, Is it February 16 already? Not knowing this lineup and not hearing any good solid rumours for two months is killing me.

But here is my prediction for a few mentioned bands:

Pavement (for sure)
Vetvier (for sure)
Neon Indian (for sure)
Phoenix (strong chance based on tour schedule)
Vampire Weekend (Strong Chance)
Pearl Jam (Best chance ever to get them)
Soundgarden (odds are looking better with Matt Cameron being available)
The National (They will be there based on their tour schedule)
Hot Chip (Possiblity, their tour misses the NW and we love them here and their schedule would allow it)
LCD Soundsystem (This is suppossed to be James Murphy's last tour as this band and where Hot Chip goes he goes)
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes (Looking forward to seeing them, guaranteed)

The No shows

Wilco (Cannot they will be in Europe and will be in the NW next week)
Radiohead (on hiatus, although they played a show last week in LA to benefit Haiti)
TV on the Radio (played last year and on hiatus)
Spoon (Can make more money playing solo shows and will be in Spain)
The XX (In Spain, I am very disappointed about this. Want to see them again very badly.)
Atlas Sound (In Spain)
Pixies (In Spain and not likely to get on the plane like Pavement)
Grizzly Bear (Spain)
Built to Spill (Spain)

Portland...The New Seattle?

2010-02-04T17:02:00.000-08:00

I have a confession. Last night I watched "Life Unexpected" on the CW. Actually, James made me do it.

"Set" in Portland, the show is a snappy witted drama featuring way too LA looking folks interspliced with glossy montages of scenes from Portland.

There was this hilarious scene outside of "the rough school" where thugs are shoving each other and across the street is a whole wall full of "gritty graffiti". Later, the same school goes on "lockdown". This made me laugh hysterically. You have to really hunt to find a little bit of graffiti in this town, let alone a whole block full. After that the new mom enrolls her daughter in another high school, which I think must be in Burbank because the design is way too current for our crumbling school finances.

Then there was the scene were the two main characters are driving in non descript city streets, which of course were not Portland.

But, me being me what bugged me the most about this show was that the music was some LA version of Portland, rather than using local artists. Music has always been our mainstay in the NW...and to get to the heart of this city you need to set it to an authentic soundtrack.

And no, I am not just talking about the tight black jeans mafia indie rockers/hipster sounds. Blues and jazz have long been staples of Portland, as well as more experimental sounds.

I remember when I moved to LA for college. I knew I was on another planet when I heard a commercial on the radio for some large department store advertising "the latest Seattle flannel fashions." I could not imagine...in fact, I still can't, why anyone south of San Luis Obispo would want to wear flannel.

Of course, this was all because of "grunge"--fashion inspired by music.

Which got me wondering. Maybe that's why this show is inauthentic to Portland...they are not letting the sound lead the style.

I think about our bands, for instances. A soundtrack of Union Records releases might translate into characters wearing sandals with socks, button up long sleeve cowboy shirts with t-shirts underneath, and black or navy polyester pants (with one leg rolled up mid calf...because most of our band members cycle). Instead of a backpack, they would carry messenger bags or an old briefcase...and on the head of course a beanie to keep out the rain.

In fact, the show looked a bit more like 90210 with less sun. Which may be the fashion in the burbs and ex-burbs...but Portland is currently a circus of hipster vs. slacker fashion.

At least Dawson's Creek was actually filmed in Wilmington, and the actors lived there and absorbed the NC culture. The last few Portland cameos have been backwards geography----no sense of place.

Which again, goes back to Seattle. When Fraiser moved there, and then the Real World, we knew the Emerald City was in for it. Now, Grey's Anatomy (I think, I have never actually watched the show) lives in Seattle, and with a few quick shots of the Space Needle and Pike's Market suddenly we feel "there."

Recently, an old episode of Criminal Minds aired where FBI agents were purported to be in Portland. Unfortunately, I recognized several locations from the valley...and none from my hometown.

Like the Hollywood geography of "The Hunted" it makes me think that every city, including LA, must have a "hyperreal" version--icons and places used to try and imbue a sense of place but have no real connection with the reality of the city. Its why visitors who stopped for a short stay with me in LA always wanted to go to Rodeo Drive (why?!) rather than check out some of my favorite haunts off Melrose.

Again, I think its related to the music. That lifeblood that course through a city's subconscious shaping all the subcultures...whether they be blues, jazz, indie rock, hip hop, or country.

In any case, don't watch Life Unexpected hoping to get a real sense of Portland. For that, watch a Gus Van Sant flick and then crank up some homegrown tunes.

And say a prayer we are not on the destination next list for American Idol.

The Art of Going Big...At Least 2x

2010-02-01T17:36:00.000-08:00

So by now you may or may not have seen NGK gracing the cover of Performer Magazine.

Yep, its official and in color.

Download yerself a copy here: http://www.performermag.com/

Of course, it is filled with Scott's witty repartee, so worth a read through.

A twenty five year old music mystery solved....or was it?

2010-01-14T14:48:00.000-08:00

So I used to record the radio. God I was a music dork. But anyway we had theis radio station in Portland, Q 105 or something like that, and if you listened late at night, I think on Friday's they would play the music I liked. Mind you this was like 1985 or something. It was the only way to hear Depeche Mode, Echo and the Bunnymen, The Cure or New Order on the radio out here. Everybody "Wang Chung" tonight was about as progressive as Portland radio got.

So I would record this radio show as a way of getting music. It wasn't till I turned 16 and could drive into downtown that I really got to experience listening booths. I still love Music Milleniums listening booths. Anyway I would record this show in hopes of someday acquiring the songs that I liked.

I eventually got all of the songs that I liked except one. It was this damn song and the DJ never said who it was. It sounded like Depeche Mode. But wasn't. Yaz maybe....no definetly not. I couldn't figure it out. I was obsessed. I played it for friends, I called the radio station, I asked everyone I knew. I must have dedicated over 100 hours of my teenage life in listening booths trying to figure out this damn song.

When I moved on to college in SoCal and got surrounded by new people, I would often start conversations with, do you know anything about 80s independent music? And while a good conversation starter and learning a bunch, I still never got the answer. The internet really began to take shape during this time, so I even signed up on AOL and the 260K speed, or whatever it was to try and find this song....and no luck.

When I got to grad school, the obsession with this song sort of waned. I tried googling periodically for obscure 80s synth bands, but never got the answer. I knew that one day I would solve the puzzle, but was sort of too busy to deal. And then it just faded.

Flash forward to about twenty five years later, down in my basement throwing out old tapes and low and behold I find an old black maxwell tape and written on one side in yellow highlighter is new order low life and the other in pink highlighter is mix. I remember, this is the tape with the song. So immediately I ran over to my sony double tape deck in the basement, that I haven't played in probably ten years and popped it in. I was so looking forward to hearing the song. When all of a sudden I put in the tape and it broke. I could have about died.

I immediately ran to the internet to find out how to fix a broken tape. Hell I couldn't remember. I kept thinking to myself all I needed was about five seconds to jog my memory of those lyrics that had been lost to too many pints of Mirror Pond. And so I fixed it.

I popped the tape in and low and behold, I did not destroy where the song was, but all I could get before it ate the tape into oblivion was "....never sure if I am right of if I am wrong, never sure about the things which going on....."

I ran as fast as I could upstairs and began frantically googling these words so as not to forget them. After a few misteps, I came across a worthy candidate. Camouflage...That Smiling Face.

I immediately when to itunes to listen to a sample. But damn. All they had was a version of it live from Dresden. I pressed play anyway....................shit it was it. Twenty-five years hunting for this S.O.B. Twenty-five years on my own grail hunt, or hunt for the loch ness monster, sasquatch whatever. It had come to an end. I sat there alone, with "That Smiling Face", really it was rather a smirk.

And so began my second quest. To find an actual album version of it. Nothing yet. The search continues. I just hope it doesn't take another twenty-five years.

Soundgarden is reuniting?!?

2010-01-05T09:06:00.001-08:00

Soundgarden. Just the name itself evokes memories of high school and college. The high school I graduated from is a typical suburban high school in Washington state. While people in my high school were searching out the latest Garth Brooks, or Chris Gaines (WTF is that about anyway) song about friends in low places, or trying to relive prior graduating classes experience with AC/DC, I kept myself down in the indie rock scene.

And when these fellow classmates of mine would see me, the would usually try and make some lame comment about the fact that I liked bands ranging from Joy Division, Depeche Mode and northwest startups Mudhoney or anything that Sub Pop threw out.

I distinctly remember sitting in a drafting class listening to the radio as there were only three of us in the particular class, me, a Columbian exchange student with the fashion sense of George Clooney and the same taste in music, and this other friend, a grade above who would become my guiding knight to the Soundtable. By the way drafting class was one of those requirements to graduate and something while it is sort of a fun distraction at the time it is completely useless in my present positio. But I digress. We were waiting for a new AM radio station 970 "The Beat" to come on the air. It was to be my station. And it was AM. How cool. Everyday we kept listening and everyday they kept playing the same thing over and over. La Tour's--People Are Still Having Sex with an countdown of how many days until 970 would be live.

The day came. We turned on the 970 and I remember hearing Hands All Over by Soundgarden. What on earth were these unworldly screams and guitars sounding like they were smashing a hole in the wall and being doused with sludge. Instantly hooked.

I immediately went home and began filing away all of my old British alternative albums, bye bye The Cure Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me. So long Echo's Crocidiles. No more The Charlatans. I became a full on NW rock listener.

When new bands starting popping up out of the Seattle, other than Mudhoney who I actually listened too before, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Screaming Trees (although technically Ellensburg), Sunny Day Real Estate, whoever I needed it. I would take the trek, no pilgrimage to Dudley's, Crocidile or 2nd Avenue records to get the latest. And would bring it back home content to listen to it with a few friends who got it.

Meanwhile, everyone else was still jamming out to Boyz to Men, TLC or whatever Hair Band of the moment was out. I still remember riding in the my Jetta in about October 1991 with Gish playing and somebody asking me whether this was an underground Guns and Roses record. When I responded with no, it is Smashing Pumpkins, this girl in my car said is that some sort of Halloween band. I about ran off the road. I said politely, no this is a great new band from Chicago. And I followed up with "and they will be one of the biggest bands in the world someday." The people looked at me in the car dismissively and sarcastically.

Soundgarden became my favorite though. Badmotorfinger epic. Superunknown, I probably listened to this album more than any other in my life. Down on the Upside, I was so excited when this came out, but somewhat disappointed. Still have it on vinyl though.

Any event, when I learned that Soundgarden had reunited, my first thought was money. Second thought is awesome. Third thought, God I hope they Play Sasquatch. Fourth, makes that autographed Spin Magazine cover I have more relevant than just some piece of history. Fifth, I couldn't wait to run to my IPOD, my have times changed, to push play repeat on their entire catlogue. And guess what I discovered. It rocks! In an age where everything seems to have a keyboard and pop undertones, sometimes you just want to feel like you live in the Northwest. And Soundgarden is it for me.

Hey Check It Out!

2010-01-02T20:55:00.000-08:00

To celebrate the new year, we have lowered the prices on many of our awesome releases as a rock n roll stimulus! Check it out at: theunionrecords.net

My Top 50 Songs 2009

2009-12-30T14:56:00.001-08:00

Ah, 2009. I am going to remember this year not so much for albums. While I will post a little later on the top 25 albums that you should own from this year, I consider it a rather below average year for full albums. I am more excited about this post which is 60 Songs that should be in your IPOD from 2009. I think all of the songs were released this year. Maybe a couple of stragglers from 08. But they were all new to me this year.

Mind you I placed this in really no particular order except the last ten or so.

60. Crown on the Ground by Sleigh Bells--I have been hearing this song a lot the last thirty days or so. It has a ton of distortion. I mean a ton. It will have you checking your speakers for a bad connection.

59. Stacks by Bon Iver--Love myself some Bon.

58. Pa Pa Power by Dead Man's Bones --Sounds like an old Lou Barlow record on steroids mixing with singers from "the Wall".

57. Acts of Man by Midlake--I cannot wait for this album.

55. Megachills by Futurebirds--Straight out of the sixties. I think they should tour with Fleet Foxes.

54. Beach Comber by Real Estate--I think a lot of these bands have been listening to early Beach Boys this year.

53. The Darkest Side by Middle East--Sort of like a mellower Midlake.

52. Lindsay Brohan by Javelin--I like to dance.

51. Silver Tremlbing Hands by The Flaming Lips--kinda disappointed with album.

50. Home by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zero---This song is really unique.

49. Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa by Hot Chip and Peter Gabriel --This is a cover of Vampire Weekend with Peter Gabriel awkwardly singing about himself. Awesome.

48. Warm Heart of Africa--The Very Best (feat Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend) why not go with a Vampire Weekend theme here for a bit. Listened to this song a lot this summer.

47. Ready, Able by Grizzly Bear --I really like the changes in this song. Sort of shifts to a Damon Albarn sounding Good Bad and the Queen thing midway through it.

46. Lasso (2 Door Cinema Club Remix) by Phoneix---I cannot get enough of this album. Always liked Phoenix, but the remixes are sooooo much more amazing.

45. Nikkorette by Conor Oberst & Mystic Valley Band--My neighbor dreams big because his house is small says all he needs now is a little capital. Never has the banking crisis been so aptly explained.

44. One Life Stand by Hot Chip--Looking forward to new album.

43. Wilco by Wilco--Only Tweedy could write a song about....well himself.

42. See You by Dinosaur Jr--Green Mind is one of my top fifty albums ever. Glad to see J, Lou and Murph return to form.

41. Sleephead by Passion Pit--Other than this song being on a ton of commercials now...still dig it.

40. Deadbeat Summer by Neon Indian --Another song I listened to a lot this summer. So of a song for the slackers of summer.

39. Shoes by Tiga--I like this song more for the video. Check it out.

38. Rome (Neighbors) by Phoenix (with Devendra Banhart) number two from this album.

37. Feel It All Around by Washed Out--I kept hearing this song on Sirius XM U and finally starting liking it.

36. Ambling Amp by Yeasayer--Ok, this song has grown on me. I still think it sounds like it belongs on a Yaz or Erasure record. I think people are putting too much hype in their forthcoming album.

35. Satellite Skin by Modest Mouse--"Well Happy Fucking Congratulations" my third favorite band made this list.

34. Got Nuffin by Spoon--I got nuffin'. This is just a good rock song.

33. You've Got the Love (The XX Remix) by Florence and the Machine--A truly must have song.

32. Bowling Green by Alela Diane (featuring Alina Hardin) probably the most mellow song I chose this year.

31. Dominos by The Big Pink --ok this song, I have a friend who lives the lyrics to this song. I told him and he agreed. It is sort of a running joke around our circle of friends.

30. 1901 Bo Flex'd (Passion Pit Remix) by Phoenix--Passion Pit and Phoenix together what more can you ask for.

29. Heart Skipped a Beat by The XX --another great song of a truly magnificent album.

28. Happy Up Here by Royksopp--I love to ski to this song. Perfect.

27. Little Secrets by Passion Pit--Another great song to ski or run to.

26. Blood by Middle East--This song is really probably my number 11 favorite of the year. So much emotion.

25. Quick Canal by Atlas (featuring Laetita Sadier from Stereolab)--Holy shit, the first time I heard this I thought I was listening to some kind of future Stereolab song complete with...well Stereolab...but was surprised to find this great song and great album.

24. Please, Baby, Please by David Bazan-- I am a sucker for Pedro the Lion, Headphones and Bazan. "Now three days sober...."

23. Laura by Girls--There is a high school sort of innocence lyrically to this song.

22. Oh! by We Have Band--GO DUCKS!!! You will understand if you know about the O!

21. To Clean by Woods--For some reason this song makes me think about cults.

20. What's It In For by Avi Buffalo--I think this song gets in here just for the title along. I have pondered it....you should too.

19. Dirty D by Futurebirds --An amazing little EP from these guys. This song sounds like a cowboy riding the range with the Beach Boys or CSNY. Then it turns into this Love and Rockets Seventh Dream of a Teenage Heaven ending. Boy, I am really dating myself with some of the references.

18. Crimewave by Crystal Castles v. Health--Reminds me of missle command from Atari. Or maybe Centipede.

17. Sun Hands by Local Natives--A song that so wants to be the Akron Family but is bound in by it's poppyness.

16. Watch the Waves by Taken by Trees--A love them Scandanavians.

15. Talamak by Toro y Moi--Interesting beats, mixes it up, stops starts, stop starts.

14. Regina Holding Hands by White Denim--Austin just keeps coming up with bands. Portland is still better. I am not in love with the first part of this song. But there about three changes and the third just crushes. Sort of a sexual chocolate surprise. Trust me on this one.

13. Stillness is the Move by Dirty Projectors--from one of favorite albums this year.

12. Up Up and Way by Kid Cudi--Ok I know, Kanye protege, but this guy really did a great album and this one of favorties.

11. Sweet Disposition by Temper Trap--Although another one I just heard on a commercial recently. So they get deducted points because every idiot will start liking them too.

10. Bicycle by Memory Tapes--How many you remember when Technique by New Order came out? This is what it should have sounded like.

9. Northern Lights by Bowerbirds---Lyrically I just love this song. Makes a lot of sense if you ever seen em.

8. Basic Space by The XX--First song I heard by this band. An exception to great albums from this year.

7. What Would I Want, Sky? by Animal Collective---I cannot get over the fact that from the middle to the end of this song it really sounds like it should be coming off of The Verve's Urban Hymns. I swear I keep hearing Richard Ashcroft in Panda's voice. Amazing song with Greatful Dead samples.

6. When I Grow Up by Fever Ray--I am a sucker for Scandinavian bands.

5. Dreamer by Tiny Vipers--This song is incredible. Her voice is really haunting. Like no other song I have heard.

4. I Got the Reason #2 by Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band--I love this song. Any song that just goes and goes and goes. I like taking road trips. And this song is defintely on heavy rotation because it is like a road trip.

3. Something In Common by Free Energy--Now sometimes you just need a good pop pick me up song. And this is it.

2. Yours Is A Small Still Voice by No Go Know--This song really grabs you midway through and does not let go with it's attitude.

1. Blue Skies by Noah and the Whale--I cannot get enough. I love Joy Division and New Order. They were my favorite bands growing up. I keep thinking Ian Curtis came back to sing this one.

We Love No Go Know...And So Does Ron!

2009-12-26T10:56:00.000-08:00

Check this out NGK fans. A very prestigious honor for seriously the best album of the year: http://tartproductions.blogspot.com/2009/12/top-37-12-albums-of-2009.html

No Go Know: Is It Getting Better? Yeah, actually it is

2009-11-25T17:32:00.000-08:00

Thanks to our fantastic publicist, Kay-Tea from XO Publicity, the reviews are still coming in for No Go Know's monolithic double disc. This new review makes the second independent reviewer to put this masterpiece up for best album of the year (http://www.tastyfanzine.org.uk/albums92nov09.htm#NoGoKnow).

I couldn't agree more. Sure, they have been compared to Akron/Family, Pink Flloyd, Built to Spill, Radiohead (early stuff), and My Morning Jacket. And sure, I can see some of those influences in there.

But here's the thing. As the record label, we live and breath our records. From songwriting to preproduction recording, to rough cuts, rough mixes, mastered mixes, promo copies, live shows--well, needless to say that if you ever see me at any of our band's shows I will be the one singing along and knowing every single word. Kind of goes with the territory.

A lot of the time, I gotta be honest, I get a little worn out from our records.

Not the case with Time Has Nothing to Do With It.

I have been rocking it and it alone everyday to and from work for months. Sometimes, when James isn't looking, I will steal his headphones and rock out while working at the home office.

And on those rare parties, its always in heavy rotation on the ipod.

Its just gotten better, and better, and better.

I think some reviewer's were frightened of it for that very reason; its dense and not light and fluffy like so many intro-hook-chorus-repeat albums. Its chock full of those kind of songs where you suddenly crank it midway through and turn to your passenger and say "Here's where it gets REALLY good."

And like any album that borders on personal perfection, every song eventually takes a spin on the top of my personal charts of favorites.

The dense layers are what makes it totally hard to describe, to categorize, and to do anything but (I suppose) rely on our one sheet. That's what makes this new review from the UK so awesome. The self-described critical reviewer just emotes without comparisons, the album almost baptizing him again with the love of music.

Well, hello and hallelujah. This album deserves that kind of recognition.

'Cause people, its that freakin' good.

And you know what? It only gets better.

Rock n Shop Coming Soon!

2009-11-20T23:50:00.000-08:00

No Go Know will be playing a set, and we will be set up with lots of freebies and special event prices on all our releases!

Rebuilding the Website

2009-11-09T23:16:00.001-08:00

Tired of spamy scammy stuff, I upgraded the website which, le sigh, means I need to rebuild it.

Therefore, excuse the virtual dust over the next few days as I re-enter the slow and painful process of repopulating our www

xoxoxo

Videos! Videos! Videos!

2009-11-06T07:29:00.000-08:00

While we have been industriously planning some video shoots, the bands have been busy posting live shows up on you tube and myspace. I have cherry picked some examples and posted them on our web page for your enjoyment: http://theunionrecords.net/index.php/Union-Records.html

Power of County looks really dirty in their bluegrass cover of Exchange for Your Soul, This Fair City is classic in black and white at Portland's the Know Bar, and No Go Know looks road worn and on fire (shot during their national tour).

I will continue to add more videos as time allows, but in the meantime you can always search on you tube for more Power of County or No Go Know!

Rock n Shop and You

2009-10-31T13:24:00.000-07:00

We just had a meeting last night with the good folks at Slabtown to help prep for Rock n Shop scheduled for Sat. Dec 12th.

We are excited for the opportunity to help plan and make it a great event.

Suggestions welcome!

We are also looking for other regional labels to participate, so if you are an Oregon or Washington record label who has not yet been invited to attend, give us a shout out!

Power of County Attracts Portland Indie Stars

2009-10-28T07:42:00.001-07:00

POC (Power of County) recently played a semi-secret show at Jubitz, a local truck stop. Much to everyone's excitement the fans turned out in hordes, including some local musician celebs (we're not going to name drop).

This rounds out a steady Portland quadrant (NE, SE) tour for POC this Sep. and Oct. In addition to playing regularly at Biddy's, they have also made appearances at neighborhood haunts like the Kenton Club.

Power of County is putting the finishing touches on their fourth album, Last Night Was My Last Night, which we anticipating releasing in the summer of 2010.

This Fair City gave me . . .

2009-09-20T12:14:00.000-07:00

. . . my ass on a silver platter. I gotta tell ya - This Fair City's show at the Red Room last night was f'ing stellar. Anyone who was there already knows, but for everyone else, MAN, you missed out. They played some new material that sounded great, and really tore the place up (and NO, this isn't the beer talking). A big GRACIAS to Chairman for playing a killer solo set at the last minute and Joshua Polk for a great cd release and awesome show. Next time you get the chance, check out This Fair City - it's definitely worth your while. I'm still twitchin'.

Drowning in Visuals

2009-09-03T22:37:00.000-07:00

The explicit reason for all my current flailing around like an arthritic kangaroo is that I've finally acquired some super-duper awesome killer video editing software, and am nosehairs deep into it. Truth be told, it's just a little teensy-weensy bit overwhelming. It's like heading out for a simple burger and finding oneself in a schizophrenic restaurant serving fourteen thousand varieties of dead cow on bun, with toppings ranging from bamboo to motor oil to camel tears to alien dung but no bacon cheeseburgers. As the blue-haired saying goes, I feel like a deer in headlights. Anyhoo, the deadline I've been given for the first vid is in about 2.5 weeks, so look for it on the Union Records website about then. Forward, Andromeda!!!!! Push, push!!!

Free Downloads...Starting Tomorrow

2009-08-23T20:27:00.000-07:00

Once a week, we are going to go cruising through our music collection to offer up a free download of the week....

Subscribe to the blog for all the latest 411 on weekly news!

Did Ya Know

2009-08-21T11:24:00.000-07:00

Singer/songwriter/guitarist for Power of County, Matt Stark, also makes creations from leather? Get your own genuine leather genuine Stark guitar strap!

http://starkleather.etsy.com

Register For Our Mailing/Fan List and Get Free Stuff

2009-08-19T10:12:00.000-07:00

We are going to be sending out swag to folks who sign up for the mailing list at: theunionrecords.net all month, every month (its in the top right of our home page, yo!). Grand prize includes a full "Union Records Starter Package" including several of our releases, a free t-shirt, and stickers galore!

We will also be picking daily winners in September to receive free digital downloads and more!

Sign up today...your chances of winning are pretty darn good.

Coming to a Music Shop Near You...

2009-08-17T14:17:00.000-07:00

We recently inked a deal with the Independent Distribution Coalition out of San Fran for in store copies of No Go Know and Power of County...and the albums should be landing in stores shortly! Stop by your local independent retailer to pick up a copy, or request it from management!

Wanna Buy a Van?

2009-08-16T11:28:00.001-07:00

Yep, we are putting the ol' Ron Burgundy on the auction block!

He's treated us well, with over 15 regional tours and two national tours.

Anyone wanna buy it?

Contact us at: theunion_records at yahoo dot com. We're selling him real cheap, 'cause we want to make sure he gets a good home.

Video venting

2009-08-11T11:10:00.000-07:00

Sooooo. Videos of our musically schizo trio, No Go Know. They're in the works, really. I finally got (almost) all the footage from our various sources, and am in the process of acquiring some new video editing software. Why, you may ask? Because never really having done this sort of thing before, I didn't realize that iMovie iSucks. I guess I was optimistic to the point of pure insanity, but hey - it's Mac, so I figured that it should at least be passable for what I need. Garageband's a pretty good little program for the hobbyist musician, so why wouldn't iMovie be good enough for a neophyte video dude? Apparently, because they haven't actually filled it out with tools and features yet; it's really just a way to get your little home movies of your dog trying to eat your brand-new Sawzall off your camcorder and onto Youtube. Ugh.

Long story short, the vids really are coming - they're just taking their sweet time gestating in my hard drive. Hey, nobody said the birthing process was easy. Thank god I don't have a vagina.

NGK CD Release

2009-08-03T10:41:00.000-07:00

After a successful tour with some minor van hiccups, and apparently a hilarious journey into the South Side of Chicago to get some brakes, NGK was escorted into town...on a tow truck.

Breaking down outside of Eugene was fortuitous, as the band had just enough time (and thankfully AAA) to get into Portland for their cd release at Kelly's Olympian.

Big thanks to Eric "Turkey" who performed wonders with the lights and lazers under severe scrutiny from an excessively overworked sound engineer.

The show was awesome, complete with fog and live painting, and we were all stoked to see the boys safely back into the bosom of Portland.

Watch out for film of the cd release, which we will be editing and posting posthaste.

If you haven't yet got your copy of what Willy Week calls "finally a non masturbatory double album" then cruise on over to our shop at theunionrecords.net and pick it up...digitally or physically. Its an insane mix of 18 songs, some which hit you from the straights and others which sneak up on you like a thief in the night to melt your face.

No Go Know: On The Road

2009-07-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

D. Curtwright (lead singer of Power of County) giving Ron Burgundy a little grease monkey love.

After a slight detour on the Colorado border to fix Ron Burgundy (Union touring van), No Go Know bravely solidiered on to Lawrence Kansas to play with PA band Dark Lingo.

Tonight they will be appearing at Tree's Farm in Middletown Ohio to melt some faces, and then off and on to shred their way through the northeast of the US.

In other news, Chicago residents have apparently been getting treated to an earful of Power of County and loving it. Outlaw Country station there has been heavily rotating See You In Rock n Roll Heaven to great listener response.

Oh, and one more thing.

2009-07-07T22:07:00.000-07:00

I forgot to mention that No Go Know has a featured album spot up on Amplifier Magazine's website this month.

Guess what that means, turkeys? (sooo tired, must go to sleep). Means you can listen to the entire double disc albums right smack on your computer. And since its not on myspace and your work probably hasn't savvied up to Amplifier's mp3 streaming in time to block it, yep! you can listen to it at work.

Plus, keep your ears open for upcoming NGK songs on FUEL TV. Whether your bro or brobabe or baby is watching skate or die or thrash the snowhill, you just might enjoy a delicious NGK lick. Something for everyone!

NO GO KNOW-Time Has Nothing To Do With OUT TODAY

2009-07-07T22:03:00.000-07:00

And the positive reviews keep pouring in...some even in French and German.

Meanwhile, the brave trio NGK embarks on a month long national journey through musical highs and lows as we dastardly "suits" force them to the streets and smoky bars to hawk their wares.

Of course, never one to practice what I preach I have been unfathomably lazy (well, busy) and not taking down the presale prices yet.

most definitely by tomorrow.

but take advantage of my procrastination and scoot on over to pick your cheap copy of the epic NGK double disc...and support those boys on their magical mystery tour.

NO GO KNOW HEADS TO TOUR!

2009-06-30T14:19:00.000-07:00

No Go Know kicks of their summer tour this July 7! Check out their tour dates at www.myspace.com/nogoknow

American UK Chart

2009-06-30T12:52:00.000-07:00

The Greatness of Power of County's 'See You In Rock 'N' Roll Heaven' continues to be recognized by fans across the globe. Americana UK has noted that this album is rising up the charts as one of the most reviewd country albums. Currently at number 34, keep an eye on the progress at http://www.americana-uk.com/!

See ya at the next show, which is scheduled for July 18, at Dante's PDX!!

T.Racy

Hey!

2009-06-28T17:39:00.001-07:00

Have you checked out our new DIY musician website yet?

Its www.music-411.com

Crammed full of articles, news feeds, coupons and discounts, and a musician's forum, it is our new way to help unsigned, new, or do it yourself musicians get a handle on what the music biz is really all about...and great information to help send you on your way.

We are in the process of shifting all of our DIY info over to the new site so it can be a more robust, information packed one stop resource for bands!

Stop by, list an mp3, post a bio...there are all kinds of ways to get all the information you need to launch your career!

No Go Know surreality expansion!

2009-06-27T11:51:00.000-07:00

Psst! The awesome weirdness of the No Go Know multiverse is expanding! A new vision is approaching! In a literal sense, really. You see, work has begun on a video for "Yours is a Small, Still Voice" off the forthcoming release Time Has Nothing to Do With It. Seeing as how it's going to be all hand-drawn/painted animation, it's going to take a while to complete, but it promises to be quite the visual treat! Stay tuned for more updates!

-Axelrod

No Go Know on FUEL TV!!

2009-06-24T11:15:00.000-07:00

Hi ladies and gents,

I just thought that some of you will be interested in knowing that soon you will have a chance to hear, No Go Know's "Time Has Nothing To Do With It" on FUEL TV!!! The excitement continues to grow as the release date of the album draws near.

Rember, music is awesome so go watch a live show near you!!

Better Than The Van (for Sleeping on Tour, that is)

2009-06-18T18:19:00.000-07:00

So Antoine from Caguama turned me on to this new US artist based microloan website called kickstarter.com and that's where i found my new friend Todd who is launching this totally cool website betterthanthevan.com. Its a simple principle most bands already employ...gig trading, couch surfing...but in a more organized fashion. you can help them by donating at the link below...and be sure to sign up and register if you a) are a band on tour b). want to host travelling bands.

Help these cool dudes launch this site here

New Review for Power of County's June 2009 Tour

2009-06-16T11:30:00.000-07:00

"A lesson was taught to us all Saturday night at the Wave Lounge; the sum of the whole is greater than its parts. Power of County leads that tiny regiment of the few country bands that I can not only tolerate, but actually enjoy. But with the absence of two members (three if you count the recent passing of percussionist Dan Baldwin), this usually rowdy pack of outlaw country-western musicians struggled to eke out a high energy show that normally comes so naturally.

But what made their show a success was that even though they were missing vital and enjoyable elements to their band, they didn?t act as though they weren?t there. The other members used the void left by their fellow guitarist and pedal steel player to show off a little. D. Rives got to fiddle about on his guitar while drummer Andy Bacon held court from his throne, wailing on his kit like a drunken lover.

I?ll admit, there are some genres I just can?t get into, and country is just one of them. So when Power of County comes into town, I question again and again why I?m drawn to their sound. After one of their shows, I get the urge to drink a bottle of whiskey, break it over someone?s head, and go home and watch Roadhouse. But as no band serves every purpose at every time, I tried to think of a moment that sums up and embodies Power of County. Last year, when I was introduced to Matt Stark (who didn?t play Saturday) as the local ?a$$hole journalist,? he just smiled, shook my hand and said ?Good thing, cuz I?m an a$$hole musician.? Darn tootin?.

Power of County is the type of band that you throw on the jukebox as you shoot pool and drink a cold one with your buddy whose wife just left them. They?re a rowdy, violent, whiskey-fueled, and introspective journey that flirts with the abyss of sociopathy. They?re a self-destructive race to the bottom; if they were trying to sell me tickets to Hell, I?d buy first class.

I can?t really say that I was disappointed with PoC?s performance. Even though we missed half of the songwriting team and some of the best pedal steel playing I?ve ever seen (which is admittedly not that much), I got a chance to see another facet of the only band with matching outfits that I?ve ever respected. Just as it is a challenge for a band to adapt to changes in their format to bring about an enjoyable show, we as listeners must also overcome the expectations we conjure in our minds to allow ourselves to enjoy something different and new. Otherwise, we?d all be that one jerkwad idiot that yells at bands from somewhere in the back of the crowd, jeering them to play that one hit he wants to hear. Even though it was easy enough to be disappointed by their performance, I decided not to be ?that guy? and let them carry me towards oblivion."
-Josh Duke of The Times-Standard

Limited hard copies of See You In Rock n Roll Heaven are available on our website, or on their's: www.powerofcounty.com

No Go Know's Release Gets Closer....

2009-06-16T11:28:00.000-07:00

And the great reviews keep pouring in...

"...blues, indie, space-rock and sheer ambience...No Go Know should really be on the top of the college charts at the moment."
-Fazer Magazine

"A collection of material like this one has, with some songs topping the 9 minute mark, is daring and unique in itself, but the consistency that No Go Know puts on display throughout the album shows you the talent that this band offers." - The Guestlist

"A bafflingly diverse collection of tunes that defies categorization and challenges the listener to keep up." - Seven Days, Burlington, VT

"An album that shifts directions frequently, encompassing everything from gentle ballads to long, spacey jams." - The Arbiter, Bosie, ID

"No Go Know’s album, “Time Has Nothing To Do With It,” will captivate listeners and keep their attention." - Metro Spirit, Augusta, GA

"It's a power punch in five parts, each tune a little ball of energy that rips through your speakers." - MishMash Music

Power of County's Myspace Page

2009-02-18T12:54:00.001-08:00

Has been down for two days. Argh. Damn that Tom.

If you are thirsty for tunes or info on POC, check out their website: www.powerofcounty.com.

What's Up with DIY Database

2009-02-10T22:06:00.000-08:00

So we have launched a massive overhaul of the DIY Database (booking, press and radio excel database tool that we use in house and offer for subscription to peops at large)...mostly prompted by my sometimes poor assumptions (and we know what they say about assuming) that everyone has used excel. James has been quite the task master and so far we have not only succeeding in adding more, but also cleaning out the obsolete information and tidying up existing data.

I have also added a bit more to the cheat sheet page, and am looking forward to increasing the venues to well over 2,000 by March.

Quite honestly, I have been using it to help our bands book and it has been a huge life/time/sanity saver. Its so nice to open up the file and have all the contact information staring at me in the areas I want to book rather than having to scour the internet and beyond for up to date information. I also like having all the blogs and newspapers handy for press. Its going to make our supplemental promotion (as we hand star promo of NGK's new double disc into XO Publicity's lap) a heck of a lot easier, too.

News on No Go Know

2009-01-29T16:06:00.000-08:00

Time Has Nothing to Do With It, the double disc sophomore album from No Go Know has finally been mastered and ready to go to press.

Fans of Flloyd, Prog Rock and good old fashion guitar experimentation will love it.

Set to be released in early summer, we expect great things from the album.

We will be making it available for pre-order some time in March.

We want to hear from you!

2009-01-27T16:02:00.000-08:00

Drop us a comment and answer the million dollar question:

How do you find out about new music?

2008-12-19T01:04:00.001-08:00

Help us make it a good holiday for all Oregonians! We are trying to raise $2000 to go to the Oregon Food Bank which "will provide almost 1600 meals for those in need" (Christine Hames, Oregon Food Bank).

We're making it even easier to donate by providing you with a 15 track compilation of songs from some of the hottest bands in Portland including three new releases from the Union Records!

Strapped for cash or feeling generous? Choose how much you want to donate here. For donations over $10, we will send you a physical copy.

Thank you!

xo,

Kelly
The Union Records

For more info go to: theunionrecords.net

the millenium is now over...

2007-08-28T19:11:00.000-07:00

posh nw district has outgrown its roots officially with the closure of its nw 23rd music millenium. going down in flames, they will be having in store performances all week long, including special appearance by Stars of Track and Field on Friday night. the lesson here? even though mp3 are convenient, its still a good idea to support local music shops. Music Millenium will keep its Eastside store, so be sure to pop in. not only can you join the Keep Portland Weird Revolution, but they have all kinds of cool stuff (from new & used music, dvds, tickets, and candy!) you also never know when you are going to see the odd indie hero lurking among the aisles.

in other news, i had thought the portland alternative jacket had died out with winter, but i have been seeing its reappearance on the cooler nights. i suggest a slight modification for next season: cover it with buttons (like we used to do with jean jackets in the 80s). not only can you pretend you are a college professor (which i am, and i don't wear a PAJ, FYI) but you can also proclaim all your political and musical interests. i think this is a great conversation piece, and cuts down on the small talk if you are on the market (dating).

Power of County Back

2007-08-26T13:56:00.000-07:00

from a successful national tour. Aside from Goad's butt slapping and a few missile beer cans, all went well. They will be playing in Portland on August 30th at Dante's with Dry County Crooks.

I fell in love this week...

2007-07-13T15:33:00.000-07:00

With L.A.'s China Room. See theunionrecords.net or www.threeimaginarygirls.com for review.

The Tonic Lounge is definitely stepping up their game in terms of line up and overall feel of the place. The service is fantastic, the door cover is cheap and the beer is affordable. I think whoever is responsible for resurrecting this NE venue deserves mad kudos.

In other news, saw the new Harry Potter and noticed that Portland fashion is catching on. Potter could be seen to be wearing a Portland alternative jacket with ringer tee. Other cast members wore totally 70s sweaters, which obviously must be credited to Adam of Small Sails.

And away they go...

2007-07-03T12:56:00.000-07:00

Off go our favorite liberal cowboys (Power of County) on tour through the South with Hank 3. Suspense abound as we wonder what mischief these self-proclaimed outlaws get up to in the "Ron" burgundy van. Meanwhile, summer heats up in PDX. Definitely going to check out Boston's Motion City on Friday at Hawthorne Theateer, despite my dislike of the venue.

Anyone else noticed the burgeoning music scenes in Boston, Lawrence Kansas and Asheville North Carolina? Perhaps Portland only has another fifteen minutes of fame as the indie pop capitol before getting overthrown.