August show: Saba and Library Science at Chop Suey

I started an update last night, about the concert I attended Wednesday night, but then I had to call my friend Milo whom I haven't spoken to in a couple months. So I should have a longer update later today - I'll probably just edit it into this post. EDIT: And so I am...

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Wednesday night I went to Chop Suey for my August concert: Beehive, Saba, Library Science, and The Epochs. John joined me for this show, as he'd never seen Library Science and wanted to check them out. It's hard to fit four bands into one evening, especially when the club doors don't open until 9pm, and sure enough the first three bands all had shorter than usual sets, playing less than a half-hour each.

The Epochs had a pretty good, tight sound; John was reminded of the Smashing Pumpkins, apparently because of the singer's style, but I didn't really hear that. They did remind me of some other bands but I couldn't think of any examples; I can say that there was something of a jam/groove feel to their songs, but they were definitely structured, not just aimless noodling. They had a free promo EP available, and I did like them enough to pick it up.

Library Science played next, and although they seemed to have a few technical problems, they sounded good overall. They've been reworking some of their older songs, adding new interest to them by changing the instrument sounds/effects or improvising some parts more, and they also played a new song that was a nice solid addition to their material. One song was marred not by them, but by the club's soundboard guy accidentally turning on the between-set music in the middle; because Library Science do have some chaotic noisy parts in their songs, it took a little while to realize something was playing that shouldn't have been there.

Saba played an uneven set this time, alternating from slow ballads to upbeat dance music - that can work, but in this case changing styles each song just seemed jarring, as though the band was trying to play for two different audiences at once. They also didn't seem quite together, the songs just weren't tight. I was disappointed, as I remembered them being better the first time, and I do like their CD a lot; but everyone has off nights.

Although I wanted to check out Beehive, whom I've never heard, it was getting late for a weeknight and we decided not to stay for them.

possible September shows

Both July and August were lacking in shows that I was eager to see - in July I most wanted to see Kinski's CD release show, but that was the night before my parents left; this month there's just a general lack of good shows, although I did happily find out about Library Science's show in time to go see them. At the Library Science show, John remarked that he'd like to go see more shows and would like to know when I decide on my monthly show. That also made me realize I should start looking at the September shows now so I can plan accordingly. As usual, the three imaginary girls calendar listings provide a good first look at what's coming up down the road - and it looks like there's several good shows to choose from in September:

• Sat, 09/10 @ Crocodile "KEXP Benefit" - Bobby Bare Jr./50 Ft Wave/Tom Brosseau/The Pale Pacific/Ian Knapp
• Wed, 09/14 @ Neumo's - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club/Mark Gardener {Ride}
• Fri, 09/16 @ Showbox - Royksopp/Annie
• Sat, 09/17 AND Sun, 09/18 @ Paramount Theatre - Dead Can Dance
• Fri, 09/30 @ Neumo's - Idlewild/Inara George, @ El Corazon - The Cranes (Edit: that tour's been postponed)

I never bothered to get tickets for Dead Can Dance, but it seems there may still be some available. On the other hand it's $29.50 plus service charges just for the "third mezzanine" (aka highest balcony), and I'd be very surprised if there were any seats available lower down.

Additionally, there's Bumbershoot, the Labor Day weekend music and arts festival. There's definitely one event at Bumbershoot I don't want to miss: Smart: Dave Eggers, Sarah Vowell, Daniel Handler (Lemony Snicket), Mike Doughty, and the Transatlantic Orchestra in a Benefit for 826 Seattle, Saturday, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm @ McCaw Hall. Any time Sarah Vowell's in town, it's an event to attend. Hmm, too bad there doesn't seem to be much else on Saturday, except the Fading Collection are playing Saturday, 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm @ Toasted Head Northwest Court Lounge. (Check out the Fading Collection's website too, it looks cool.) That's good, I already have one of their albums and like it a lot, and I've been meaning to check them out live but haven't managed to do so yet. Hmm, there are some interesting possibilities on the other days too, but I don't feel that keen on going by myself every day. If anyone's interested, I should point out that advance ticket prices go up on August 26 - a one-day pass is now $18 but goes up to $28, while a two-day pass is now $30 but goes up to $45 - so now's the time to buy.

Anyhow, after a rather slow summer musically, it looks like I could take in quite a lot of music next month, which is pretty cool.

Oh, and I did update my previous entry to include my review of Wednesday's show, if you're curious.