It’s been a decade since ‘90s rock hit makers Candlebox released an album of new material. So fans were delighted to see the band emerge from hibernation to deliver grunge era hits “You,” “Far Behind” and “Understanding” at Cheney Stadium last summer during KISW-FM’s Pain in the Grass show.

And the Candlebox comeback campaign will hit full steam this summer. Not only will the band share a bill with Chevelle, Another Black Day and a whole slew of rock hotties Wednesday night at the Tacoma Dome for KISW-FM’s Rock Girl Gala. Those guys will unleash its fourth album “Into the Sun” on July – both excellent reasons for catching up with singer-guitarist Kevin Martin, who gave me a ring today from his home in Los Angeles.

For starters, he explained that his band broke up in an attempt to get out of its deal with Maverick Records, a ploy that backfired. Martin couldn’t legally record under the name Candlebox for five years, and no longer gets royalties from music he and his band mates wrote.

“I won’t get ‘em until I pay back the fourth Candlebox record that wasn’t delivered,” he said. “So it’s kind of a they screw you on the way in and screw you on the way out sort of thing.”

Click the links and listen to what else Martin had to say and to hear snippets of the new disc.

Part 1: On how strategically breaking up the band backfired, getting a warm reception on the comeback trail and still getting hated on by hipsters.

Part 2: Political and personal themes on album No. 4 (plus sneak previews of three new songs.)

Lil Wayne, T-Pain, Bow Wow, The Game and Ray J will perform at Summer Jam July 20 at Auburn’s White River Amphitheatre, venue promoter Live Nation announced today. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday, with prices ranging from $9.33 to $26.50. Find more details here.

Three songs that have been stuck in my head since Sasquatch:

Mike Patton’s new band, Crudo, walked off with this glam classic – surprising since the new band's foundation is hip-hop.

Probably my favorite track off of the Seattle band’s new “Free Electricity” album.

Lyricist Zac Holtzman fessed up to being the drunk dialer in real life. But it's funnier when songbird Chhom Nimol plays the part of the boozy mooch. And, for the record, I wouldn't hesitate to drive across town to pick her up. For some reason.

One Reel just announced another round of acts for Bumbershoot this morning, with some announcements likely held back because they just played Sasquatch, i.e. Battles, the Blakes and the Whigs. Here's who has been added to a schedule that already featured big shots Beck, Stone Temple Pilots, Neko Case and more.

The latest lineup adds to Bumbershoot: T.I., Keyshia Cole, Adele, Minus the Bear, Battles, Aiden, Unearth, Sondre Lerche, The Whigs, Thao with The Get Down Stay Down, Langhorne Slim & The War Eagles, These Arms Are Snakes, The Blakes, Mark Pickerel & His Praying Hands, Barcelona, Kinski, Throw Me The Statue, J-Boogie’s Dubtronic Science, Tyrone Wells, Howlin' Rain, Monotonix, The Shackeltons, Star Anna, West Indian Girl, Ravens & Chimes, Hadley Caliman Quintet featuring Thomas Marriott, Grynch, The Hands, Joshua Morrison, Matt Jorgensen +451, Chester French, PWRFL Power and The Girls.

And there's also good news about Bumbershoot's comedy stages. As Bumbershoot vets know, you may have to stand online for a long time to catch the biggest the festival's biggest comedic performers. But now there's this, quoted from the One Reel press release this morning:

"Due to the high demand for comedic offerings at the Festival and the intimate venues in which the shows are staged, all comedy programs now offer a free pass onsite guaranteeing admission to Festival patrons without having to wait in line for hours! Comedy passes will be available every day beginning at 11AM at the Comedy Pass Distribution booth (located outside at the northwest corner of the Center House), on a first come, first served basis."

On Aug. 9, Folk singer Judy Collins will headline the first concert to be held at Chambers Creek Properties, on the Central Meadow near the golf course in University Place, organizers announced last week. The opening celebration for Concerts at Chambers Creek will also include the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra and Jonatha Brooke.

Tickets go on sale at 11 a.m. Friday for the show, which will begin at 6 p.m. on Aug. 9. Tickets are $44 to $85; 253-591-5894 for details.

The Concerts at Chambers Creek is a collaboration between Broadway Center and the Chambers Creek Foundation. All net proceeds from the series will benefit the causes of environmental and arts education, according to a press release issued jointly by the two groups last Thursday. More info TK.

Still catching up on my e-mail after being out of town for a few days at Sasquatch. So I'm just now reading this announcement about the Tacoma Public Library's Rock the Books show.

Don't Tell Sophie, One of the South Sound's most popular young bands, launches Rock the Books, the Tacoma Public Library's summer series of free all-ages concerts, on Saturday evening, May 31, beginning at 7 p.m. at the downtown Main Library.

The band, with a crisp, harmonic sound and catchy, lovelorn lyrics, performs well-crafted pop songs that echoes Nada Surf and Pacific Northwest indie pop favorites The Long Winters. Opening the concert is Seattle's The Globes. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the event. More information is available online at www.rockthebooks.org or by telephoning the library at (253) 591-5666.

Sheryl Crow will headline the Redmond venue on Aug. 30, just in case you hadn't heard yesterday's announcement about downsizing from Auburn's White River Amphitheatre. James "You're Beautiful" Blunt will open.

In response to my comments on The Cops' explosive performance at Sasquatch, user "jonnymember" posted a link to a clip of the band's song "Modern Black Flats." Good lookin' out, JM.

So why haven't you been to the Gorge yet, again? This was the view during Sasquatch.
ERNEST JASMIN

Former Faith No More and Mr. Bungle front man Mike Patton unveiled his new band, Crudo, for local fans. And during a performance of “Anger Management,” a song from another of his projects, Lovage, he jumped from the Wookie Stage in search of a young fan he’d spotted in the crowd. (Wish I had an in focus shot of the little girl and her dad onstage. It was kinda cute, even if Patton was dressed in a gory looking butcher’s smock.)
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Cancer Rising fans get crunk over at the Yeti stage.
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J. Tillman plays a solo set the day after performing twice on the main stage with Fleet Foxes.
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Seattle boy Rainn Wilson was on site pimping his forthcoming flick, “The Rocker.” Here, he’s on the main stage big screen reading the wikipedia entry on foxes. You know, to introduce Seattle’s Fleet Foxes.
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Dengue Fever bassist Senon Williams and singer Chhom Nimol talk to Filter magazine at the press trailer (with Nimol tending to a lip injury.)
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The Cops delivered one of the festivals most rockin’ sets. From top: The band kicks off its set on the Yeti stage; singer-guitarist sported a stylish “Obama for yo mama” t-shirt; no one at the festival had as much fun as strummer John Randolph; guitarist Brandon Bay; Randolph and bassist Drew Church have a laugh.
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I’m back in Tacoma, I’ve scrubbed off the layers of camping grime and sun screen, and I finally have a quiet place to write and reliable wifi. So I thought I’d give you my take on the five best bands from Memorial Day weekend's Sasquatch festival.

Crudo: I’m a huge fan of Mike Patton’s hip-hop oriented projects. And during his new band’s second performance, it came across as an amped up version of Peeping Tom and Lovage.

Dengue Fever: This L.A. band delivered nice blend of psych-pop, jazz and other styles, with lyrics sung in Cambodian and English. Afterward, singer-guitarist Zac Holtzman confessed that he’s been the drunk dialer depicted in my favorite Dengue cut, “Sober Driver.”

The Cops: I’ve slept on this Seattle band for the past couple of years. But now that I’ve seen it, I’m a believer. These guys rock! “Modern Black Flats” was my favorite cut from their new album “Free Electricity.” But I’ll have revisit the rest after an explosive, crowd pleasing performance.

Death Cab for Cutie: The new songs sounded great, and the quartet delivered one of the most energized performances I’ve seen from them. “Pity and Fear” and a couple of set staples they left out would have put this set over the top.

The Mars Volta: One of the most mercurial and unpredictable bands in rock added to its reputation, as singer Cedric Bixler tossed a cymbal stand into the audience at the beginning of the set, and tried to wrestle gear away from the photographers shooting them to do the same thing. Are these guys a-holes? Sure. But pompous, antisocial behavior and rock go together like chocolate and peanut butter, right? And though it wasn’t the best performance I’ve seen these guys deliver, I loved this rowdy, jazz fusion-inflected set.

But enough of what I think. With dozens of bands and comedians on site, I couldn't catch everything. And maybe you thought Death Cab and the Mars Volta sucked. If you went, leave your best band picks in the comments section. Back in a bit with some more photos.

Seattle's Blue Scholars are DJ Sabzi (behind turntables) and Geologic (right.) Sunday, they rocked the main stage with a little help from Common Market's Ra Scion (in black.)
ERNEST JASMIN

The Cure may have headlined, but for me the second day of Sasquatch was all about the Western Washington bands. Over at the Yeti stage, where I spent most of my time on Sunday, The Fleet Foxes’ J. Tillman and Sera Cahoon represented for King County’s alt-country scene, while Cancer Rising demonstrated how vibrant Jet City’s hip-hop scene has gotten. But it was Seattle quintet, the Cops, that delivered my one of my favorite sets of the day.

“You know what time it is,” singer-guitarist Michael Jaworski declared as his outfit took the stage. It was a reference to the 4:20 start, a hallowed stop on the dial for stoners worldwide. And the Cops did, ironically, fire up some herbal party favors and pass them to the fans down front.

But a fun, rowdy vibe had already been established by then, with the quintet galvanizing fans with primal, garagey sounds from their new release “Free Electricity.” And no performer at the festival has looked like they’ve had as much fun as guitarist John Randolph, who sported plaid golf pants and bounced around the stage like a grinning wild man throughout the 50-minute set. The dancing girls during “Modern Black Fats” (members of the band’s posse) were a fun touch, too.

But while a party hearty vibe prevailed, the new album does have political undertones. And Jaworski did rail against corporate greed and a certain presidential candidate in spots.

“How many more years is it (the war) gonna be?” he asked. “One hundred years? because John McCain said it’s gonna be? Until he changed his mind and said it’s gonna be 2013.”

Then, tugging on his “Obama for your mama” t-shirt, he added, “I’m not making an official endorsement, but there better not be another white man in the white house this fall.”

Photos from that set are on the way. But over on the main stage, George “Geologic” Quibuyen and Saba “Sabzi” Mohajerjasbi, aka Blue Scholars, showed why they’re the new kings of Seattle’s hip-hop scene.

“If you love that good Northwest hip-hop, make some noise,” Geologic declared to big applause. And the duo rocked the house with a little help from Massline collective posse members Ra Scion of Common Market and Gabriel Teodros At some point, we learned that Common Market’s forthcoming “Tobacco Road” album would drop in September.

Then later it was Seattle rock poster boys, Death Cab for Cutie. Three-quarters of the band was dressed all in black (Chris Walla being the exception), and a few songs into the set, band mouthpiece Ben Gibbard explained that there were two reasons why.

“One, I wear black on the outside because I feel black on the inside,” he joked. “More importantly, I’m so g------- excited to see the Cure you can’t believe it.”

Gibbard dedicated a solo, acoustic performance of “I Will Follow You into the Dark” to Robert Smith and company. And maybe the Cure’s presence was the main reason for Death Cab’s visibly high spirits. (Walla also confessed to being a huge fan when I interviewed him in April.) Plus, the band must have been pumped to be back at the Gorge after a two year’s absence, armed with possibly its best band to date, “Narrow Stairs.” (Haven’t made up my mind yet.) Whatever the reason, those Death Cab boys delivered the most inspired and energized set I think I’ve seen them deliver.

The hour-long performance included many of the expected fan favorites, cuts like “The New Year,” “Photobooth,” “The Sound of Settling” and “Soul Meets Body.” And new cuts were great additions to their repertoire. While I was disappointed they didn’t do “Pity & Fear,” “Long Division” was a rush and is quickly catching up with my favorite cut from the new disc. And the jammy “I Will Possess Your Heart,” which followed “I Will Follow You in the Dark” to form an obsessive romantic medley of sorts, also went over well.

Plus, the band seemed to be in kind of a goofy mood, with Walla prompting the crowd to with his dad a Happy Birthday, before Gibbard joked that he’d been carted off by security for being too disruptive. And news flash: Mr. Nice Guy Gibbard thinks “Juno” sucks.

“You know you’re in a weird setting when you’re having a conversation about the movie ‘Juno’ with Tegan & Sara’s mom,” Gibbard declared. “Sorry, Tegan & Sara’s mom, but I don’t like that @#%@%@ movie. Now that she’s gone I feel comfortable saying that.”

Anyway, let me get back out there and check out some more music. I’ll post some photos later.

Now that I've got a decent connection I can upload some of my photos from today and Saturday. For starters, here are a few more shots from Dengue Fever's main stage set Saturday.
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As mentioned, I got to hang out with Seattle boy Rainn Wilson ("The Office," "Six Feet Under") backstage here at Sasquatch this morning. And instead of waiting until I can edit the video footage, thought I'd post a clip of him talking about his new flick, "The Rocker." Make sure you listen till the end for his argument for why he rocks harder than "Walk Hard" star John C. Reilly.

Click here for Rainn

From left: Chhom Nimol, Senon Williams and Zac Hotlzman of Los Angeles' Dengue Fever were a hit on the main stage at Sasquatch Saturday. The band's sound blends psych-pop, jazz and other styles, with lyrics sung in English and Cambodian.
ERNEST JASMIN

Among my biggest regrets of 2007 was that I missed Mike Patton’s pop project Peeping Tom when it made its way to the Northwest. Twice, actually, since I was busy with Air at the Pantages during the Seattle show, and my transmission blew out about 120 miles shy of the Portland show. So I was more stoked to catch Patton’s new outfit, Crudo, than any other band playing Sasquatch this weekend. And all hyperbole aside, their set on the Wookie stage was one of the sickest hip-hop shows I’ve seen in my time as a critic.

Patton said it was Crudo’s second performance ever. And the new band includes some familiar characters, namely Patton’s Lovage collaborator Dan “the Automator” Nakamura and Peeping Tom's Butterscotch, easily the most awe inspiring beat boxer that you've probably never heard of.

Hieroglyphics rapper Taje played the role of hype man, dressed like Patton in a gory looking butchers’ smock. The sound was basically and amped up version of what fans have heard from Lovage, Peeping Tom and Patton’s collaboration with the X-ecutioners, “General Patton vs. The X-ecutioners.” Highlights also included Lovage’s “Anger Management” and a fist-pumping, pogo hopping deliver of Peeping Tom’s “Mojo.” Butterscotch dropped jaws during her solos, beat-boxing, playing keyboards and simulating a horn section at the same time. Showoff!

But one of the nicest touches was Crudo’s walk-off choice, a hip-hop infused cover of David Bowie’s “Life on Mars.” (It was one of several cool covers on day one, including the Breeders’ take on the Beatles’ “Happiness is a Warm Gun” and the New Pornographers’ spin on ELO’s “Don’t Bring Me Down, Bruce.”)

But let me quick gushing and rewind: I'd already witnessed a couple of other surprise hits by the time I made it over too the Wookie stage. I missed Seattle’s Fleet Foxes when they opened the main stage Saturday afternoon. (More on them in a sec.) So L.A.’s Dengue Fever was the first act to really melt my butter, with an impressive and set of jazzy, psych-pop tunes with singer Chhom Nimol singing in Cambodian and English.

I caught up with the band afterward at the press trailer. Nimol had her shawl pressed to her lip because of some sort of popsicle-related injury. (Those things are dangerous.) Bassist Senon Williams mentioned that his band would be flying to London today. And I sat down with singer-guitarist Zac Holtzman, who filled me in on the band's background during a interview. This is a band you need to check out if you're a fan of groups like Zuco 103. So look for a vidcast later this week.

Later, ”The Office” star and Seattle boy star Rainn Wilson made an appearance on the main stage. He’s been hanging around the Gorge, pimping his forthcoming comedy, “The Rocker,” which is due in theaters on Aug. 1. Advertisements for the film including a plane flying a banner over the venue, promotional headbands and a trailer playing on the Wookie stage as fans exited Saturday night. (Caught up with the charming Wilson this morning for a quick interview. He tells me he plays and aging butt rocker who gets hit second shot at fame playing with his nephew's band. Plus, he said he rocks way harder and is way pastier than "Walk Hard's" John C. Riley. Look for for video from that interview, too. Wow! I'm committing to a lot of vidcasts for a guy who just learned how to use the editing software.)

Back to yesterday, Wilson made mention of his local roots shortly after he stepped on the main stage. “I went to Shorecrest High School. Heard of it?” he asked, drawing cheers. “It sucks. Whoever goes there, leave now. It’s terrible. Seriously. Go to Garfield or something. Highlanders, you’ve gotta wear skirt.”

Then fans booed as Wilson announced that Cincinnati gloom rockers the National would not be playing next.

“I’m sorry. This is a true story. The National is too depressed and artsy to play this festival,” he said, adding that Loverboy would be the replacement.

But seriously, the National’s bus broke down near the Canadian border, and they delivered their set later in the evening at the Yet stage. And that paved the way for the Fleet Foxes to take the main stage yet again. And their second set went over even better in front of a larger.

The alt-country band deliver intoxicating vocal harmonies over reverb-drenched riffs, a sound that will especially appeal to fans of Neil Young-indebted acts like My Morning Jacket and Band of Horses. Expect these boys to be the next big things to come out of Seattle. And now that I think of it, I think I just saw “Sun Giant,” their new EP from Sub Pop, reviewed in Spin just the other day.

I caught only a snippet of Modest Mouse’s main stage set, having seen them several times last year. The notoriously mercurial band seemed to be in top form before I started huffing it back over to the Wookie stage to catch the Breeders. I didn’t follow the band very closely in its ‘90s heyday, and I mostly remembered MTV hit “Cannonball.” But the group, fronted by sisters Kim and Kelly Deal, made me want to go back and revisit their old stuff.

Alt-rock godfathers R.E.M. headlined as a gentle drizzle cascaded from the night sky. The band’s early set included old favorites “What’s the Frequency, Kenneth?” and “Drive,” but a lot of it came from its decent new album, “Accelerate.”

Dressed in a dapper, dark suit, front man Michael Stipe did his share of political preaching, at one point asking the crowd, “How many people here think Barack Obama is the coolest guy in the world?” and drawing significant cheers. And a few songs later, he introduced “Man-Sized Wreath,” from this year’s decent “Accelerate” album, as being about George W. Bush visiting the grave of Martin Luther King Jr., which he rated as “one of the most insulting things that has happed to me in my adult life.”

Biggest regret of day one: Missing "Saturday Night Live" alumnus Tim Meadows at the comedy tent. For the record, he is the most underrated "SNL" cast member ever. Discuss.

The Wi-fi has been pretty sketchy over here at the Gorge, one of the down sides to being in the middle of the desert. But I'm up and running again. Look for my day one summary soon.

Just got to the Gorge Amphitheatre's press trailer, and looks like the wifi is workin' all right. So I'll be blogging from Sasquatch all weekend. My plan is to check out Dengue Fever a bit later, and maybe do an interview with those guys later this afternoon. There are promos for "The Office" star and Seattleite Rainn Wilson's forthcoming flick "The Rocker" (trailer below) being handed out left and right, and word is that he's kickin' it around here somewhere. So hopefully, I'll be able to catch up with him, too. And of course, we'll cap things off with a night of Modest Mouse and R.E.M. The bad news, though, is that Live Nation is being stingy with the photo passes this year, so I could only sneak my crappy little point and shoot in. But we've been told about some kind of officially sanctioned FlickR deal, so I'll do my best to show you some of what you're missing, too. Check in later. Cheers.

If you read today’s GO, you know the Ventures are scheduled to headline Puyallup’s Liberty Theatre on July 20, fresh off their recent induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. But the show’s organizers over at J.C.’s Music called to clarify that only band members Don Wilson and Nokie Edwards will perform at the event, not the entire band. Oh, and the headliners themselves are not The Ventures, but Ventures-endorsed tribute band, the Adventures. Find out more about the show by calling the store at at 253-864-9911.

Death Cab for Cutie back in 2005, when they were the official house band of “The O.C.” Hear them play the new tunes Sunday at Sasquatch.
AP

If you’re reading this blog, chances are you know who the big bands playing the main stage at Sasquatch this weekend are. R.E.M., the Cure, Modest Mouse, M.I.A., blah blah blah. And also among those big shots is Death Cab for Cutie, the band I caught up with for my festival preview for this coming Friday’s GO section.

Or rather, I called guitarist, keyboard player and producer Chris Walla, who his band mates – singer-guitarist Ben Gibbard, bassist Nick Harmer and drummer Jason McGerr – on the big stage on Sunday night, right before the Cure. And here are a few more clips from that interview; clips that actually deal with Death Cab’s new album “Narrow Stairs” and not shallow, tabloid-worthy topics, like which band member can out-bench Dave Matthews. Chyuh! What kind of jackass would ask vacuous questions like that?)

Clip 1: How recording live and in analog shaped the new album’s aesthetic

Clip 2: The new direction vs. old school Death Cab

Clip 3: Uh, “Pity and Fear” wasn’t supposed to end like that

Clip 4: Unplugged talk inspires a funny radio rant

Seems like it ain't a real “VH1 Rock Honors” or "Decades Rock Live" show without a Northwest connection. VH1 gave Heart props last year. And Death Cab for Cutie performed during VH1 Classic's Elvis Costello tribute. And now Pearl Jam and Foo Fighters (lead by ex-Seattleite Dave Grohl) will pay homage to the Who.

The network just announced that those Northwest affiliated rock titans and the Flaming Lips (one of the main attractions at Sasquatch this weekend) will perform at a tribute show at Los Angeles’ Pauley Pavilion. Tickets go on sale June 8, for those with the extra cash for air fare. But for the rest of us schmoes, the important thing is that the concert will air at 9 p.m. July 17 on VH1. I’m guessin’ we’ll see those PJ guys do their “Baba O’Riley,” which they trot out from time to time at their own shows. You think?

By now, you know where to find this week's quiz. But if ya took it already, here are some answers for you.

The Sasquatch music festival quiz

1. Which of the following is not a main stage headliner at Sasquatch this Memorial Day weekend?

A. R.E.M.
B. Beck (who will be at Bumbershoot, though)
C. The Cure
D. The Flaming Lips

2. Which main stage performer has had to cancel shows in the U.S. in recent years after reportedly drawing scrutiny from the Department of Homeland Security and being denied a work visa?

A. Dengue Fever
B. Ozomatli
C. Michael Franti & Spearhead
D. M.I.A.

3. Which Sasquatch band will debut its indie film “Christmas on Mars?”

A. Flight of the Conchords
B. The Flaming Lips
C. Modest Mouse
D. The Presidents of the United States of America

4. Which Sasquatch band features a Sleater-Kinney alumnus?

A. Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks (that would be Janet Weiss)
B. Tegan & Sara
C. Cold War Kids
D. Death Cab for Cutie

5. Which mercurial band was involved in a spectacular onstage meltdown during Endfest a few years ago?

A. Built to Spill
B. The Mars Volta (a freakout for the ages)
C. Ghostland Observatory
D. Modest Mouse

6. The leader of which band also plays bass for the Pixies?

A. The Breeders (Kelly Deal, for the record)
B. The National
C. Fleet Foxes
D. The Blakes

7. Which Sasquatch band includes guitarist Johnny Marr, formerly of the Smiths?

A. Modest Mouse
B. The Cure
C. R.E.M.
D. The National

8. Which two “Saturday Night Live” alumni will appear in the comedy tent on Saturday? (Hint: One of them is quite the ladies man.)

Tim Meadows and Horatio Sanz, yo!

9. Which Sasquatch band sometimes includes former Tacoma resident and rising alt-country star Neko Case?

A. Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks
B. Sera Cahoone’s band
C. Fleet Foxes
D. The New Pornographers

10. Blue Scholars are returning to Sasquatch. But what other rap group will represent for the 206 this weekend?

A. Common Market
B. Sir Mix-A-Lot
C. Grayskul
D. Dyme Def

I've finally gotten a chance to start pulling clips out of my latest interview with Death Cab for Cutie guitarist, keyboard player and producer Chris Walla. And while our first exchange had little to do with the band's actual music, there were some funny bits related to playing with Dave Matthews and seeing the Dalai Lama at the Seeds of Compassion concert last month at KeyArena. Something about a "trained monkey" ruining his backstage experience.

Click here to listen. And check back later this week to hear what Chris had to say about "Narrow Stairs."

As if you needed more reasons to love Trent Reznor, the guy just gave us a free album! And it’s not just mediocre outtakes that he couldn't have made a wheelbarrow of cash with. The new album is hella good. This is the best song, I think.

I’m not yet ready to anoint Santogold the best thing since squeezable ketchup bottles, like so many other critics. But her self-titled debut album is pretty dope, though, I guess. She blends a lot of different styles from alt-rock and reggae to hip-hop flavored dance cuts. But I especially like post-punk dance numbers from the front end of the disc, especially this one.

My favorite track from the new “Narrow Stairs” album. By the way, I’ll have some clips of Chris Walla talking about producing the new tracks, including an explanation of the technical glitch that lead to this song's abrupt, “Sopranos” style ending.

The other night, I was hanging out at Hank's (aka the Corner Bar) with Matt Coughlin, of both solo and Bumma Stoge fame. And he mentioned something about a benefit for Darfur. That, of course, piqued my interest after seeing "Devil Came on Horseback" (trailer above) among other poignant coverage of the horrific mass, genocidal murders going on over there. And details for the Tacoma event have finally made their way to my inbox. Here's what the organizers sent my way:

Tacoma businesses, bands and activists unite for Darfur

Tacoma Washington, May 19, 2008- Four local women, three of whom are UWT social work graduates, invite you to join them as they unite their community to take a stand against the genocide in Darfur, Sudan. The group, in collaboration with Doyle’s Public House and King’s Books are organizing a two day event in which all proceeds will benefit the Save Darfur Coalition.

The benefit, Stand Up For Darfur! will begin on Friday, May 30 with a community discussion featuring guest speakers and a silent auction at King’s Books from 6:30-8pm.

The following day, Saturday May 31 from 2-11pm the event will continue at Doyle’s Public House. Local bands- Blanco Bronco, Stephanie Johnson, Matt Coughlin, Heidi Vladyka, Negative 7, John Walker and the Hitchhikers, Kate Tucker and the Sons of Sweden, The Joshua Cain Band and the Sea Navy will play throughout the day and support the group's fund-raising efforts.

The group’s goal is to raise $10,000. There will be a suggested donation of $7, multiple raffles and a silent auction. In addition to raising money the group hopes to heighten the community’s awareness and inspire others to take action about Darfur.

For more information about the event please visit www.myspace.com/savedarfurtacoma.

And it's about time, if you ask me. Read more here. Or skip the back story (which ain't all that fascinatin', really) and go to the footage here.

Are you ready for some Sasquaaaaaaaaaaatch?

No, really. Are you ready? Do you know what you’re in for this weekend? Here’s a little trivia challenge to see how much you know about who’s playing the Gorge this Memorial Day weekend.

The Sasquatch music festival quiz

1. Which of the following is not a main stage headliner at Sasquatch this Memorial Day weekend?

A. R.E.M.
B. Beck
C. The Cure
D. The Flaming Lips

2. Which main stage performer has had to cancel shows in the U.S. in recent years after reportedly drawing scrutiny from the Department of Homeland Security and being denied a work visa?

A. Dengue Fever
B. Ozomatli
C. Michael Franti & Spearhead
D. M.I.A.

3. Which Sasquatch band will debut its indie film “Christmas on Mars?”

A. Flight of the Conchords
B. The Flaming Lips
C. Modest Mouse
D. The Presidents of the United States of America

4. Which Sasquatch band features a Sleater-Kinney alumnus?

A. Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks
B. Tegan & Sara
C. Cold War Kids
D. Death Cab for Cutie

5. Which mercurial band was involved in a spectacular onstage meltdown during Endfest a few years ago?

A. Built to Spill
B. The Mars Volta
C. Ghostland Observatory
D. Modest Mouse

6. The leader of which band also plays bass for the Pixies?

A. The Breeders
B. The National
C. Fleet Foxes
D. The Blakes

7. Which Sasquatch band includes guitarist Johnny Marr, formerly of the Smiths?
A. Modest Mouse
B. The Cure
C. R.E.M.
D. The National

8. Which two “Saturday Night Live” alumni will appear in the comedy tent on Saturday? (Hint: One of them is quite the ladies man.)

9. Which Sasquatch band sometimes includes former Tacoma resident and rising alt-country star Neko Case?

A. Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks
B. Sera Cahoone’s band
C. Fleet Foxes
D. The New Pornographers

10. Blue Scholars are returning to Sasquatch. But what other rap group will represent for the 206 this weekend?

A. Common Market
B. Sir Mix-A-Lot
C. Grayskul
D. Dyme Def

Among the fun things to do between sets at Sasquatch this weekend: You can hit some balls at Major League Baseball's mobile batting cages, like Chloe from Seattle's Smoosh (above) did at Bonnaroo. (And has that little squirt gotten big or what?)
KATIE MENDEZ

Are as giddy about heading to the Gorge this weekend for Sasquatch as I am? And in case you're wondering when to show up, I posted a little main stage lineup action to help you plan. Check here to see when Tim Meadows, the Breeders and other cats are performing.

Sasquatch main stage festival schedule:
Beirut, 2:10 p.m. Saturday
Ozomatli, 3:15 p.m. Saturday
The National, 4:20 p.m. Saturday
The New Pornographers, 5:25 p.m. Saturday
M.I.A., 6:15 p.m. Saturday
Modest Mouse, 8:15 p.m. Saturday
R.E.M., 10 p.m. Saturday
65 Days of Static, 1 p.m. Sunday
Blue Scholars, 2:05 p.m. Sunday
Cold War Kids, 3:10 p.m.
Tegan & Sara, 4:15 p.m. Sunday
Presidents of the United States of America, 5:25 p.m. Sunday
Michael Franti & Spearhead, 6:50 p.m. Sunday
Death Cab for Cutie, 8:15 p.m. Sunday
The Cure, 10 p.m. Sunday
Dyme Def, 11:30 a.m. Monday
Yeasayer, 12:10 p.m. Monday
Matt Costa, 1:05 p.m. Monday
The Hives, 2:10 p.m. Monday
Built to Spill, 3:30 p.m. Monday
Rodrigo y Gabriela, 4:40 p.m. Monday
Flight of the Conchords, 6:05 p.m. Monday
The Mars Volta, 7:15 p.m. Monday
The Flaming Lips U.F.O. Show, 9 p.m. Monday

I don’t know about you, but I am totally hooked on "Metalocalypse.” Seriously, I need Dethklok 12 step. And I'll be able to feed my habit Sunday night when the satirical metal cartoon’s second season kicks off during Cartoon Network's “Adult Swim” hours with a hilarious new episode called “Blood Ocean.” (I've actually already seen an advance screener on this one. Pretty hilarious.)

And all of that was as good an excuse as any for to pick show co-creator Brendon Small's brain. And among other things, he tells me that Dr. Rockso will go through “a big change” in season two. Another industry insider who's seen more of the second season than I have told me what it is. And nooooooooo! Say it ain't so!

Clip 1: What inspired he and Tommy Blacha to create a metal satire

Clip 2: Working with Metallica, King Diamond, Dimmu Borgir and other metal stars

Clip 3: The origins of Dr. Rockso

Clip 4: The new season and Rockso’s big change

And I think I’ll save the last clip about Dethklok’s live show for closer to when Small and company’s headlining date June 3 at Showbox SoDo. Later, y'all.

Let's sort things out first. It's the Lonely H that's playing Hell's Kitchen on Saturday, not critcally acclaimed alt-rock duo, Local H. A quick scan of the Kitchen's Web site a while back had me looking for the latter's critically acclaimed new album "12 Angry Months." But the guys you can see this weekend are the ones behind "Kick Upstairs" and "Hair," albums released by Seattle's Control Group in the last couple of years. You know, it's the outfit from Port Angeles that's been generating a regional buzz with its classic rock-influenced sound since it took second place in EMP's battle of the bands competition Sound Off a few years back.

Got it? Got it! Now here's a few interview clips with singer-keyboardist Mark Fredson, and from the band's latest album. Enjoy.

Clip 1: Getting confused for the Local H, classic rock influences

Clip 2: New country flavored songs the band is working on

Clip 3: “Hair”

Clip 4: “Yeah Yeah”

Clip 5: “The Drought”

This is the Lonely H from Port Angeles. If it were Local H there would be, like, half as many dudes. Got it? See these guys Saturday night at Hell’s Kitchen.
KIRT REYNOLDS

While I'm still awake and thinking about it, the word on the street is that country hot shot Kenny Chesney will scale down the stadium tour he's brought to Qwest Field the past two summers and instead stop at the White River Amphiteatre. Just unconfirmed rumor at this point. But I've also heard talk of possible Madonna, Janet Jackson and Tina Turner tours headed our way. As always, I'll fill you all in when I have something a bit more solid.

Crikey! I knew I should have edited all my interview audio before I rushed off to that Rainiers game (which we lost anyway.) I am such a slacker. And now here I am in the wee hours rushing to beat Friday morning's paper in which I promise all these clips. Ugh! But for you, faithful Bring the Noise readers, I'll put a pot of coffee on and knock these things out.

And I think you'll like this first batch, which are from my interview earlier this week with drummer Keech Rainwater, who will appear with his Lonestar band mates, including new singer Cody Collins, tonight at the Emerald Queen.

Clip 1: What lead to Richie McDonald's departure

Clip 2: How the new guy stacks up to the old guy

[UPdated: For some reason this last clip didn't upload correctly early this morning. But here it is! New album info!]

Clip 3: Plans to release new EP "The Future" on their own label in September

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony were no shows and they need to pay up, according to a lawsuit filed a couple of weeks ago in U.S. District Court on behalf of local semi-pro basketball team Jazz of Tacoma. The suit also names booking agency, Adler Entertainment, and alleges that Jazz paid the Bone Thugs advance money to perform, but that the California-based hip-hop group breached contract and failed to show.

The Jazz of Tacoma are seeking damages of $280,000 plus attorney’s fees. I’m awaiting clarification from Adler Entertainment.

Bone Thugs' hits include “1st of the Month,” “If I Could Teach the World” and “I Tried,” and recently released a new album called “Still Creepin’ on Ah Come Up.”

Paramore, All-American Rejects, Band of Horses, the Black Keys, Sons & Daughters and Estelle have been added to Seattle's Bumbershoot festival, which will take place over Labor Day weekend (Aug. 30 to Sept. 1) at Seattle Center, One Reel announced this morning. As always, should be a blast. I'm most looking forward to seeing Beck perform songs from his forthcoming Danger Mouse-produced album. Click here for more festival details.

Yup, them Posies boys have been together for two decades now. (Make you feel old, huh.) And the Bellingham-born outfit celebrated with a rockin' set last night at Hell's Kitchen. I hear it was the band's first show together in months; not that you could tell. The quartet sounded tight and energized. And front men Jon Auer (the guy on the right in the top photo) and Ken Stringfellow (next to him) still have great chemistry and a goofy sense of humor. At one point, Auer introducing the Posies' biggest radio hit "Dream All Day" as a song that had been named the 457th greatest lost power pop gem by Rolling Stone. "I think that was Rolling Stone Guam," Stringfellow quipped back.
ERNEST A. JASMIN

Here's some answers to yesterday's Useless Trivia Tuesday challenge. Take the original quiz, sans spoilers, here.

1. Which band member hails from Puyallup?

A. Ben Gibbard
B. Chris Walla
C. Nick Harmer
D. Jason McGerr

2. Most see this as Death Cab’s breakthrough album, featuring the band’s first MTV hit “The Sound of Settling” and such set staples as “Title and Registration,” “Expo ‘86” and the title track.

A. “Plans”
B. “Transatlanticism”
C. “Something About Airplanes”
D. “We Have the Facts, and We’re Voting Yes”

3. This guy recently released a solo album called “The Score.”

A. Ben Gibbard
B. Chris Walla
C. Nick Harmer
D. Jason McGerr

4. Ben Gibbard’s side project the Postal Service recorded a reverent remake of this ‘80s hit …

A. Gary Numan’s “Cars”
B. Phil Collins’ “Against All Odds”
C. Depeche Mode’s “Personal Jesus”
D. The Police’s “Message in a Bottle”

5. Gibbard collaborated with this heavyweight producer on the soundtrack for Kurt Cobain biopic “About a Son.”

A. Rick Rubin
B. Steve Fisk
C. Butch Vig
D. Nigel Godrich

6. Gibbard’s literary muse for “Bixby Canyon Bridge,” the lead track from the new “Narrow Stairs” album, is …

A. Charles Bukowski
B. Cormac McCarthy
C. William S. Burroughs
D. Jack Kerouac (and he recently wrote a cool essay in Paste about it, too, in case you missed it.)

7. What is the Seattle indie label that released the band’s first few albums?

A. The Control Group
B. Sub Pop
C. Light in the Attic
D. Barsuk

8. The band’s name is a reference to a song performed in what rock film?

A. “Magical Mystery Tour”
B. “This is Spinal Tap”
C. “Singles”
D. “Tommy”

9. Band members met at what Washington institution of higher learning?

A. University of Washington
B. Washington State
C. University of Puget Sound
D. Western Washington University

10. Jason McGerr is the newest band member. Who played drums before him?

A. Michael Schorr
B. Matt Cameron
C. Brann Dailor
D. Jeremiah Green

This just in from Live Nation regarding that Avril Lavigne show that was postponed due to "acute laryngitis."

Seattle, WA – Live Nation regrets to inform that the Avril Lavigne concert, originally scheduled for Comcast Arena at Everett Events Center on Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. and postponed last week, has been canceled and will not be rescheduled.

Ticket refunds will be issued at point of purchase.

Hmmm. Don't have any insider info about this show. But considering they're calling the whole thing off for good, I wonder if there's a biological correlation between ticket sales and vocal trouble. Some doctor should write a paper about that.

Last time I talked to Krist Novoselic was before his appearance at Tacoma's University Books in 2006. Then he told me he'd just recently teamed up with cult punk band Flipper, an influence of his old band, Nirvana, with plans to play England's All Tomorrow's Parties festival. And now local fans will be able to see the Novoselic-enhanced outfit on June 28 at Hell's Kitchen, according to the Kitchen booking agent Flash Connel.

Flipper will also perform at Seattle's Funhouse on Friday night. And word on the street is that Flipper will be up in Seattle that weekend mixing a brand, spanking new album with Jack Endino. More details as I get 'em.

Death Cab for Cutie's solid new album "Narrow Stairs" hit stores today. "Pity and Fear" is my favorite track, for the record. And I was debating whether I should post clips from my latest interview with Chris Walla this week or closer to Sasquatch festival, where the band will appear on the main stage later this month, or this week. So don't be surprised if a few clips about the process of making "Narrow Stairs" pop up in the next couple of days. Or you can just click here to hear what he told me a few months ago as the album was being mixed.

Meanwhile, I thought the band would be an excellent Useless Trivia Tuesday topic. So let's see how big a fan you are.

1. Which band member hails from Puyallup?

A. Ben Gibbard
B. Chris Walla
C. Nick Harmer
D. Jason McGerr

2. Most see this as Death Cab’s breakthrough album, featuring the band’s first MTV hit “The Sound of Settling” and such set staples as “Title and Registration,” “Expo ‘86” and the title track.

A. “Plans”
B. “Transatlanticism”
C. “Something About Airplanes”
D. “We Have the Facts, and We’re Voting Yes”

3. This guy recently released a solo album called “Field Manual.”

A. Ben Gibbard
B. Chris Walla
C. Nick Harmer
D. Jason McGerr

4. Ben Gibbard’s side project the Postal Service recorded a reverent remake of this ‘80s hit …

A. Gary Numan’s “Cars”
B. Phil Collins’ “Against All Odds”
C. Depeche Mode’s “Personal Jesus”
D. The Police’s “Message in a Bottle”

5. Gibbard collaborated with this heavyweight producer on the soundtrack for Kurt Cobain biopic “About a Son.”

A. Rick Rubin
B. Steve Fisk
C. Butch Vig
D. Nigel Godrich

6. Gibbard’s literary muse for “Bixby Canyon Bridge,” the lead track from the new “Narrow Stairs” album, is …

A. Charles Bukowski
B. Cormac McCarthy
C. William S. Burroughs
D. Jack Kerouac

7. What is the Seattle indie label that released the band’s first few albums?

A. The Control Group
B. Sub Pop
C. Light in the Attic
D. Barsuk

8. The band’s name is a reference to a song performed in what rock film?

A. “Magical Mystery Tour”
B. “This is Spinal Tap”
C. “Singles”
D. “Tommy”

9. Band members met at what Washington institution of higher learning?

A. University of Washington
B. Washington State
C. University of Puget Sound
D. Western Washington University

10. Jason McGerr is the newest band member. Who played drums before him?

A. Michael Schorr
B. Matt Cameron
C. Brann Dailor
D. Jeremiah Green

I was just watching this, my favorite episode of "Flight of the Conchords", the other day. Can't wait to see these guys at Sasquatch and Sub Pop's 20th birthday bash.

And as a bonus clip, have you all noticed their No. 1 fan, Mel's, blogs over on You Tube?

As many of you know, Monday's the big day for concert announcements. And we got a few more big ones today.

Sheryl Crow with James Blunt (Aug. 30, White River Amphitheatre): Tickets are $40.50 to $80.50 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday

Santana (Sept. 6, White River Amphitheatre): $40 to $68, on sale 10 a.m. Friday

Find more info at Ticketmaster.

Country star Alan Jackson delivered a 90-minute set of hits and new songs from his latest "Good Time" to a crowd of around 6,000 Friday night at the Tacoma Dome. Rising country star Miranda Lambert opened.
DEAN KOEPFLER

Alan Jackson’s concert Friday night at the Tacoma Dome wasn’t as big and flashy as other country extravaganzas that have rolled through this neck of the woods in the last year or two. Jackson drew around 6,000, about two thirds of his crowd he drew at the White River Amphitheatre in 2003, and a smaller fraction of what folks like Rascal Flatts and Tim McGraw have drawn to the Dome in the past few months. Likewise, there were no jarring pyrotechnic bursts or multi-colored streamers to get fans all riled up. Instead, the 50-year-old Nashville vet took a more mellow approach, delivering nearly 90 minutes of old hits and a couple of numbers from his new album “Good Time” with laid back swagger.

Jackson and his backing band, the Strayhorns, got things started with “Gone Country,” a strangely truncated version of “Chasin’ that Neon Rainbow” and “I Don’t Even Know Your Name,” a funny and upbeat ode to the perils of drunken hookups from his 1994 album, “Who I Am.”

Of the two songs Jackson played from his new album, “Good Time,” single “Small Town Southern Man” went over seemed to go over best. Fans politely appreciated the title track as well, though most were sitting down -- not a good sign for a party anthem. Of course, they were more receptive to the older dance songs, numbers like "Don't Rock the Jukebox" and "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere." And when it was time to get serious, fans held lighters and cell phones aloft for September 11th ballad “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning).” But The set’s high point was an impromptu delivery of the Eagles “Seven Bridges Road,” with Jackson’s crisp baritone ringing through rich vocal harmony.

Spunky opener Miranda Lambert rocked a bit harder as she and her band culled material from her two hit albums, “Kerosene” and “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.” She drew some of her biggest cheers for revenge anthems, “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” and “Kerosene,” but also countered her country vixen personae with mellower numbers like “Desperation.”

Alan Jackson’s set list
Tacoma Dome
May 9, 2008

Gone Country
Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow (abbreviated)
I Don’t Even Know Your Name
Livin’ on Love
Little Bitty
Like Red on a Rose
Summertime Blues (Eddie Cochrane)
Remember When
Small Town Southern Man
Don’t Rock the Jukebox
Seven Bridges Road (The Eagles)
A Woman’s Love
Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)
Drive (For Daddy Gene)
Good Time
It’s Five O’ Clock Somewhere
Chattahoochee
Where I Come From

Encore:
Mercury Blues
The Blues Man
Pop a Top

Miranda Lambert’s set list

Guilty in Here
What about Georgia?
New Strings
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Desperation
Me & Charlie Talking
I Can’t Be Bothered
Dry County
Gunpowder & Lead
Famous in a Small Town
Kerosene

Rising British pop star Kate Nash is the main attraction at Showbox at the Market tonight. And if you read today’s GO section, you know I recently caught up with her for an interview. Here are a few clips. You may need to brush up on your cockney before you listen, though.

Clip 1: The pros and cons of her new fame

Clip 2: Why she loves My Space and won’t read reviews

Clip 3: New, non-album tracks you may hear her play tonight

A whole bunch of you are planning to check out Alan Jackson tonight at the Tacoma Dome. And lovely, sassy Miranda Lambert will open with "Kerosene," "Gunpowder & Lead" and other hits. Click here if you missed the interview I did with her before she opened for Toby Keith last year.

Swedish pop star Robyn: Staking her claim to the Guinness world record for blondest person ever.
SAMANTHA RAPP

Most artists start out all indie and D.I.Y. before they achieve (if they're lucky) international stardom. But Swedish pop star Robyn just has to be contrary. She conquered the globe as a teen in 1997 with bubblegum hits "Show Me Love" and "Do You Know (What It Takes)." But she'd faded from U.S. consciousness by the time the bubblegum revolution of 1999 brought us Britney, Christina and Jessica.

A few years later, she grew frustrated with the major label experience and launched her own record company, Konichiawa Records, which she ran out of her kitchen. And now she's enjoying a new round of Robyn mania on this side of the Atlantic, thanks to a hipster-approved electro-pop sound of her latest self-titled album.

How hot is she? "The View" just snagged her for a May 15 appearance on the show, unfortunately meaning Wednesday's scheduled appearance in Seattle will be postponed. Boooooooo! That'll be rescheduled for August, according to reps at Interscope, the label that distributes her music in the States. Meanwhile, click the link below to hear what we talked about at the end of April.

Interview clip: Robyn on going indie

Not as cool as "Konichiwa Bitches" live. But beggars can't be chooses, son. Maybe these video clips will make you feel better.

If you asked which celebrity I’d most like to go drinking with, I’d have to put comedienne Chelsea Handler near the top of the list -- with sidekick, Chuy, of course. Shenanigans would ensue. We might need bail money. But if you’ve seen "Chelsea Lately," Handler's show on E!, you know it would be a blast. So I jumped at the next best thing, a chance to chat the comedienne up about the show, her new book “Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea,” and the jokes she’ll tell Friday night at the Pantages.

We were separated by a phone line and several hundred miles. And I could not imbibe as I was at work, and H.R. doesn't approve of that sort of thing. But I like to think she was enjoying her second vodka martini of the afternoon on her end in L.A. And I think maybe I detected a slight slur during a couple of answers. See what you think. (Also note the "chopped & screwed" quality of my voice during parts of these clips. You say dying batteries, I say remix.)

Clip 1: The worst thing she's done under the influence of vodka or Judy Blume

Clip 2: Having fun with her show and "To Catch a Little People Predator"

Clip 3: Big, fat babies, dangerous redheads and other stand-up fodder

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that you can also see Handler for free when she signs her new book at 7 p.m. Friday at University Bookstore, 4326 University Way NE, in Seattle. (Say, hope there's light traffic between then and her 9 p.m. start time here in Tacoma.)

Is it just me, or does it look like Chelsea Handler is up to something? Guess we'll find out Friday at the Pantages.
COURTESY OF E! NETWORK

Do you have tickets to see Robyn May 14 at Neumo's? Well, sucks to be you. Seems the Swedish pop star has ditched her Puget Sound fans to hang out with Barbara Walters and the rest of "The View" crew. She'll be on the show May 15.

Well, at least you'll be able to hear her here later this week. I'd interviewed the 28-year-old performer, the subject of this week's column, and will post some clips between now and Friday morning.

See how ya did on Tuesday's Alan Jackson quiz. Or click here to avoid spoilers.

The Alan Jackson quiz

1. Alan Jackson was born nearly 50 years ago in …

A. Louisville, Kentucky
B. Nashville, Tennessee
C. Yazoo City, Mississippi
D. Newnan, Georgia

2. Jackson caught his big break after his wife gave his demo to what musical big shot?

A. Keith Richards
B. Glen Campbell
C. Don Henley
D. Willie Nelson

3. Which of the following is not a hit from Jackson’s debut album “Here in the Real World?”

A. "Chasin' That Neon Rainbow"
B. "Wanted"
C. "I'd Love You All Over Again"
D. “Don’t Rock the Jukebox”

4. The guy’s middle name is …

A. Ulysses
B. Oscar
C. Eugene
D. Peter

5. He and Toby Keith have both pitched for this auto maker.

A. Ford
B. Dodge
C. Chrysler
D. Toyota

6. His backing band is called …

A. The Stayhorns
B. Dixie Steel
C. The Easy Money Band
D. The E Street Band

7. He recorded what Merle Haggard song for his “Honky Tonk Christmas” album?

A. “If We Make It Through December”
B. “Bobby Wants a Puppy Dog for Christmas”
C. “Grandma’s Homemade Christmas Card”
D. “Christmas in Hollis”

8. Which of his tracks took 2002 Grammy for best country song?

A. “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)”
B. “Drive”
C. “Work in Progress”
D. “Monday Morning Church”

9. His first album to reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200 was … ?

A. … “Here in the Real World” in 1990.
B. … “Who I Am” in 1994.
C. … “Under the Influence” in 1999.
D. … “Drive” in 2002.

10. His newest album is called …

A. “Precious Memories”
B. “Good Time”
C. “Live at Texas Stadium”
D. “The Road and the Radio”

The following is an excerpt from a mass e-mail from Chopstix co-owner P.J. Pedroni:

I am throwing a party that I have been dreamin up for a few years. As you kno, most restaurants/bars have a holiday. Mexicen restaurants have Cinco de Mayo, Irish pubs have St. Patty's Day. ... You get the idea. At Chopstix, I have been up the holiday for us for quite some time.

Friday May 9th we are throwing a birthday bash for the piano man himself, Billy Joel. [snip]

Personally, I think they should have gone with March 25 and celebrated Elton John's b-day. "Tiny Dancer" and "Rocket Man" are far cooler than anything Billy Joel ever wrote, if ya ask me. But it ain't my nightclub. Anyway, the action gets started at 10 p.m. at the Tacoma Chopstix. There'll be a Billy Joel impersonator, commemorative glassware, birthday cake ... blah blah blah.

Ha! You thought I’d flake and not get to Useless Trivia Tuesday until Wednesday two weeks in a row, didn’t you? Just because this week's quiz showed up in the PM instead of in the AM. Ye of little faith!

And this week’s topic? The big guy headlining the Tacoma Dome on Friday.

The Alan Jackson quiz

1. Alan Jackson was born nearly 50 years ago in …

A. Louisville, Kentucky
B. Nashville, Tennessee
C. Yazoo City, Mississippi
D. Newnan, Georgia

2. Jackson caught his big break after his wife gave his demo to what musical big shot?

A. Keith Richards
B. Glen Campbell
C. Don Henley
D. Willie Nelson

3. Which of the following is not a hit from Jackson’s debut album “Here in the Real World?”

A. "Chasin' That Neon Rainbow"
B. "Wanted"
C. "I'd Love You All Over Again"
D. “Don’t Rock the Jukebox”

4. The guy’s middle name is …

A. Ulysses
B. Oscar
C. Eugene
D. Peter

5. He and Toby Keith have both pitched for this auto maker.

A. Ford
B. Dodge
C. Chrysler
D. Toyota

6. His backing band is called …

A. The Stayhorns
B. Dixie Steel
C. The Easy Money Band
D. The E Street Band

7. He recorded what Merle Haggard song for his “Honky Tonk Christmas” album?

A. “If We Make It Through December”
B. “Bobby Wants a Puppy Dog for Christmas”
C. “Grandma’s Homemade Christmas Card”
D. “Christmas in Hollis”

8. Which of his tracks took 2002 Grammy for best country song?

A. “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)”
B. “Drive”
C. “Work in Progress”
D. “Monday Morning Church”

9. His first album to reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200 was … ?

A. … “Here in the Real World” in 1990.
B. … “Who I Am” in 1994.
C. … “Under the Influence” in 1999.
D. … “Drive” in 2002.

10. His newest album is called …

A. “Precious Memories”
B. “Good Time”
C. “Live at Texas Stadium”
D. “The Road and the Radio”

"Thank you for your continued and loyal support over the years - this one's on me," Trent Reznor writes on his fan site. Read more about "The Slip" here. Very cool!

Oh, and there are rumors that Beck might take this sort of approach, too.

Pop star Avril Lavigne has been forced to put off Saturday's show at Comcast Arena at Everett Events Center due to "acute laryngitis," according to a press release just issued by Live Nation.

“My sincerest apologies to all of my fans," Lavigne said in a statement included in the release. "My intention was to complete the rest of the tour but tonight at sound check in Anaheim I realized this wasn’t possible. Even though I have been resting my voice for days, when I tried to sing nothing came out.” Lavigne said this evening."

Tickets for Saturday's show will be honored at the future rescheduled date, according to the release.

As I watched Stevie Wonder headline his first Seattle area show in more than two decades last summer at Woodinville's Chateau Ste Michelle winery last summer, I wondered why he hadn't chosen a bigger venue. Not in a complainy way, mind you. Being able to see one of the great musical legends of my lifetime plus intimate outdoor setting added up to one of the most special concerts I've ever seen. But, really. The man could have sold out White River Amphitheatre -- on back to back nights, even.

Well, someone in Wonder's camp must have been thinking the same thing since the R&B legend is coming back to headline White River Amphitheatre on July 11. Tickets will go for $45 to $125 and will go on sale at 10 a.m. Monday (May 12). I encourage you to invest. We're talkin' Stevie Wonder, m'man!

You should be able to find more info here

You probably already knew Modest Mouse would be playing Sasquatch on May 24. But betcha didn't have the rest of their tour dates (below) which the Seattle-Portland band's publicist just sent me this morning.

Modest Mouse 2008 tour dates

Opening for R.E.M., except where indicated

May 23: Burnaby, BC (Deer Lake Park)
May 24: George, WA (Gorge Amphitheatre, Sasquatch Festival)
May 25: Bend, OR (Les Schwab Amphitheater, Modest Mouse headlining, with the National & the Breeders)
May 27: Reno, NV (Grand Sierra Resort, Modest Mouse headlining with A Decent Animal)
May 29: Los Angeles, CA (Hollywood Bowl)
May 31: Berkeley, CA (The Greek Theatre)
June 1:Berkeley, CA (The Greek Theatre)
June 3: Morrison, CO (Red Rocks Amphitheatre)
June 4: Council Bluffs, IA (Westfair Amphitheater, Modest Mouse headlining with Dirty Dozen Brass Band)
June 5: Saint Paul, MN (Xcel Energy Center)
June 6: Chicago, IL (United Center)
June 8: Toronto, ON (Molson Amphitheater)
June 10: Raleigh, NC (Walnut Creek Amphitheatre)
June 11: Columbia, MD (Merriweather Post Pavilion)
June 13: Mansfield, MA (Tweeter Center for the Performing Arts)
June 14: Wantagh, NY (Nikon at Jones Beach)
June 16: Rochester, NY (Main Street Armory, Modest Mouse headlining with Love As Laughter)
June 18: Philadelphia, PA (The Mann Center for the Performing Arts)
June 19: New York, NY (Madison Square Garden)
June 21: Atlanta, GA (Lakewood Amphitheatre)

Modest Mouse headlining tour (with Dirty Dozen Brass band except where indicated)

June 23: Miami, FL (Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theatre)
June 24: Orlando, FL (Hard Rock Live)
June 25: St Augustine, FL (St. Augustine Theater)
June 26: Myrtle Beach, SC (House of Blues)
June 28: Norfolk, VA (The NorVa)
June 29: Charlottesville, VA (Charlottesville Pavilion)
July 1: St. Louis, MO (The Pageant, with D.R.I.)
July 2: Cincinnati, OH (Bogarts, with Azita)
July 4: Rothbury, MI (Rothbury Festival)

Recently, I read this in the latest e-newsletter from Supersuckers singer Eddie Spaghetti (bold emphasis mine):

I'm sure you're all wondering, "where the hell is that new 'suckers record?", well rest assured it IS coming. It's just taking a little longer than we expected to get done. Our current snag is that the producer of the new record wants to make some last minute tweaks and, well, he can't right now. He's been detained by a little Australian band called, uh, AC/DC. That's right our man Billy Bowers, who did such a stellar job on our "Paid" E.P., is an engineer for Brendan O'Brian who is producing the new AC/DC record and so he's been taken away from our project temporarily. But he assures us that, as soon as he can, he will have the mixes done and that they will rock mightily so we have to just be content with that for now. In the meantime, we will be keeping busy rocking the free world and you can come and get your fix of the new material at one of our many rock shows coming up in the near future at a location near you, I'm sure.

Then last night I ran into Supersuckers' guitarist Rontrose Heathman at the Parkway Tavern, which as many of you know is just a few blocks from his new biz, Satellite Coffee. He tells me the whole AC/DC mention has stirred up a bit of trouble since the fact that the veteran Aussie rockers were recording a new album was supposed to be a secret. Oops! And Mr. H also clarified that the new ‘Suckers disc would likely be out this summer.

Last night, I got word that Federal Way high school student Vince Mira, who's been on national television performing the Johnny Cash tribute act that's earned him the nickname "Juany Cash," will perform at the William Traver Gallery on May 17. He'll be there from 5 to 8 p.m. playing an acoustic set at for the opening reception for a new Dale Chihuly gallery. Oh, and we hear he's going to be on TV again tonight, this time on "Inside Edition."

Find more info here.

The video for this British dubstep track is one my favorite clips of the past few months, and I've been meaning to post it for a while. And be warned. This is what listening to your stereo with the bass up too loud will do to you, kids.

You know the routine. Avoid spoilers and take the original Useless Trivia (ahem) Tuesday quiz here.

The Portishead quiz

1. The band is named after an English town. But the band is most associated with which British city’s music scene?

A. Liverpool’s
B. Bristol’s
C. Manchester’s
D. London’s

2. Which fellow electronic stars aren’t associated with that scene?

A. Massive Attack
B. Tricky
C. Roni Size
D. Sneaker Pimps (from Reading)

3. “Glory Box,” from the band’s 1994 debut “Dummy,” is constructed around a sample of what well-known soul singer?

A. Isaac Hayes
B. Curtis Mayfield
C. Marvin Gaye
D.Roberta Flack

4. Before the band’s debut album, Portishead’s Geoff Barrow co-wrote a proto-trip-hop number that appears on what ‘90s pop album?

A. Madonna’s “Erotica”
B. Janet Jackson’s “Rhythm Nation 1814”
C. Moby’s self-titled debut
D. Neneh Cherry’s “Homebrew”

5. Beth Gibbons made her kinda, sorta solo album “Out of Season” with Rustin Mann, an alias for …

A. … Talk Talk’s Paul Webb.
B. … Depeche Mode’s David Gahan.
C. … synth-pop trailblazer Gary Numan..
D. … ‘60s psych-pop singer Scott Walker.

6. Portishead collaborated with what Vegas legend on a remake of “Motherless Child?”

A. Wayne Newton
B. Tony Bennett
C. Celine Dione
D. Tom Jones

7. Finish the lyrics. “I’m so tired of playing, playing …”

A. “… at being happy.”
B. “… with this bow and arrow”
C. “… the part of the fool.”
D. “… playing with fate so recklessly.”

8. Who provide the scratches for Portishead’s most trip-hoppy songs?

A. Andy Smith
B. Tricky
C. Funkmaster Flex
D. Aphex Twin

9. The band’s highest charting album in the U.S., as of the writing of this quiz, is …

A. Third
B. PNYC
C. Portishead (which peaked at No. 21 on the Billboard 200. But I'd expect the new disc to chart higher based on early digital download reports.)
D. Dummy

10. Clips of the band performing the lead track of the new album at the All Tomorrow’s Parties festival have circulated on the Internet for months. Fans knew it as “Wicca,” but now it’s …

A. “Silence”
B. “Hunter”
C. “Machine Gun”
D. “Threads”

Ludacris just got added to Bumbershoot's lineup. Think they'll schedule him on Saturday (oooh oooh)? OK, that was bad. Anyway, festival organizer One Reel announced the popular rapper's addition to their Labor Day weekend gala this morning, along with buzz artist Kid Sister, Mike Doughty and Man Man.

Among the biggest names that had previously been announced for the forthcoming festival at Seattle Center are Stone Temple Pilots, Beck and Neko Case. Learn more over here.