Paco Jones LIVE at TRx!!

Our many thanks to Paco, and his wonderful family, for saving us from the winter doldrums for at least a little while last Saturday! His amazingly heartfelt setlist included tracks from his new EP, "The Narrow Path" (exclusively available at Tyrannosaurus Records), a cover of Muddy Waters' "Catfish Blues", and a showstopping instrumental number that made the hair on my arms stand up.

Well played, sir. Well played, indeed.

This in-store performance was criminally under-attended. I have to assume that all of you were busy with holiday shopping or relatives or somehow otherwise entangled.

How can you make it up to me? Easy--by making plans to catch at least one of at least three shows that will be happening in January, and by putting this blog on 'Favorites' list so you don't miss anymore shows. That's reasonable, right? You can make it up to Paco by coming out to support him when he plays TRx again in 2010. Let's face it: you owe him that much.

Until next time, keep your feet tapping and your volume knobs on '11'...

--TRx

Upcoming releases that I am uber-excited about

And when I say uber, I mean uber. It's not a pre-fix I use lightly.

Spoon: Transference -- Recently named the Metacritic (a site that culls weighted averages from top reviewers: http://features.metacritic.com/features/2009/best-music-of-the-decade/) Top Artist of the Decade, based on the reviews garnered by their four releases over the past 9 years, the Austin quartet seems poised to kick the next decade right in the pants by releasing their next studio offering just 25 days after it starts. I am not alone in having high hopes for this one. Prepare yourself for the awesomeness here: http://www.mergerecords.com/transference/

Jonsi: Go -- After a busy couple of years releasing not one but two albums (með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust with primary band Sigur Ros, and Riceboy Sleeps with side project Jonsi and Alex) the Great Icelandic Hope returns in March, 2010 with a solo effort that might just turn out to be fan-freaking-tastic. I was only mildly excited for this until I heard the first single, "Boy Lillikoi", which plays like several rushes of increasingly cool and pleasant rose-scented air on a warm day, and may just have the single most cohesive use of percussion I have ever heard. If you don't mind signing up for updates, you can download it for free here: http://www.jonsi.com/. I highly recommend that you do.

Phantogram: Eyelid Movies -- One of local favorite Barsuk's newest signings is set to drop a bomb in February! This band really has to be heard to be believed. I've heard them, and I am still not sure I believe it. Even if the quality of this release doesn't measure up to others by the end of 2010, it is sure to be one of the most interesting and creative albums of the year. If you want to geek out over it the way I have, you can do so here: http://www.barsuk.com/shop/bark094

Beach House: Teen Dream -- Arguably Sub Pop's biggest (or perhaps smartest) signings of 2008, Beach House make sublime noise with traces of coastal sunshine. They have been busy touring since their last release, and somehow finding time for awesome collaborations in the meantime. I give you the TRx Guarantee that this will be in the running for Album of 2010. Read (and Listen!) all about it right...over...here: http://www.subpop.com/releases/beach_house/full_lengths/teen_dream

Field Music: Field Music (Measure) -- Sometimes a hiatus only proves that talent can grow stale. Not in the case of this British band. Using a Beatles-singing-over-The-Human-League aesthetic and turning in extremely solid songwriting throughout, this is sure to be an extremely satisfying listen. And it's a Double LP! In this age of the iTune, who isn't ready for a good old-fashioned double-album? I know I am. You can preview it here, should you so desire: http://memphis.greedbag.com/buy/field-music-measure/

So, that's five. There are probably at least another 50 or so that I could write about. How about I just stop here for now, eh? Ooooh! Here's an idea: why don't you comment with the releases you are most looking forward to? Well? What are you waiting for?!

(Sooner or) Later,

--TRx

BLURBS!!

Ha! I love that word..."blurb". Sounds funny.


NEW

Tularosa: trapped inside your diameter EP

Named for a region in New Mexico, Tularosa make solid power pop. In itself, that is not a remarkable statement. However, in the musical climate we find ourselves in at the end of this particular decade, there seems to be a dearth of bands who can honestly say that they make solid power pop. It is trendy these days to be spread out in one's interests, and as a result, many bands come out sounding somewhat unfocused. These are not necessarily bad things, they are just the way things are. Tularosa, however, have bucked this trend, and come out sounding better for it. They have found a home inside their own anthemic songwriting and have curled up inside, making it as reliable as is the landscape of the southwestern desert, and exhibiting a comfort level to be envious of. "Trapped Inside..." showcases a band that has already come into its own, and it is sure to have you singing along by the second or third spin. Check it here: www.myspace.com/tularosa


Norman Baker: The Art of Not Knowing LP

From Ancient Vessel comes Norman Baker's latest opus, The Art of Not Knowing. Full of lush instrumentation, including pedal steel, wurlitzer, harmonica, and every manner of stringed instrument (bowed, picked, and strummed). Opener "Unveil the Revival" is understatedly catchy, balancing Baker's echo-y vocals and harmonies with beautiful string arrangements. Like labelmate Jonathan Kimball's latest LP, "Optimisms", there is a hint of the islands in Baker's rhythms and vocal style, but the end-product is decidedly Northwest, with nods to the narrative songwriting of The Decemberists and the pacing of Grand Archives. It is said that knowledge is power, but perhaps sometimes "Not Knowing" is better... www.myspace.com/ancientvessel


REVISITED

We Were Promised Jetpacks: These Four Walls LP

Intricately laced guitar lines, pounding drums, singalong lines and shoutalong choruses--and that's just the first song. This Scottish quartet established themselves with this release in the summer of '09 as a band to watch out for, and a band to be reckoned with. Mastering the dynamics of rock n roll, they make delicate moments that turn into skyscrapers of sound, all while the songwriting transforms every childhood pain into a triumph of growing up. Great stuff. www.myspace.com/wewerepromisedjetpacks


UPCOMING

Joan of Arc presents: Don't Mind Control LP

"What if we took a bunch of songs made by bands featuring every musician who has ever contributed to Joan of Arc?" asked JoA frontman, Tim Kinsella. Well, you'd probably end up with a comp that ran the gamut from drone-rock to blip-rock to acousti-pop to a song made via MIDI-controlled pneumatic guitar/drum machine. Surprisingly, it holds up well as an album. Each track brings something new and unexpected, confounding expectation, but never overdoing it just for the sake of randomness. New tracks from 19 (count 'em!) bands/artists comprise this stellar release which hits the street on Jan 26, 2010. In the end, it will probably be not as much of a testament to the overall indie scene at the end of the 2000's, so much as a document of the far-reaching oeuvre and aesthetic of the prolific Joan of Arc. Genius! http://www.polyvinylrecords.com/store/index.php?id=948



All the reviews fit to print!
"ROOOAAAARRRR!!!"
--TRx

The Year of the Dinosaur

So what if the Chinese Zodiac doesn't mention the Year of the Dinosaur? Tell that to Tyrannosaurus Records. We're moving and shaking, developing partnerships and creating networks! You can't stop us... 2010 will definitely be ours.

Step 1: Sponsor a radio program dedicated to emerging talent in and around the Pacific Northwest. Check. (See it here: http://www.lpmvoice.com/radio.aspx ; scroll down the page...recognize that storefront?)

In February, Seattle's LPM Voice will launch an internet-radio show. Yours truly will be one of their local sponsors. Impressed? You ain't seen nothing yet...

roar.

--TRx

Following in the footsteps...

So, my good friends at SubPop recently did something fun. They posted their own lists of Top 10's for 2009--music, art, life, random stuff, whatever--and invited their readers to do the same. Check it out here: http://www.subpop.com/channel/features/a_form_of_paying_attention_december_2009

Now, we here at TRx typically march to the beat of our own 6-minute drum solo, but we know a good idea when we see it. Please find below our own Top 10 list for 2009, and don't be afraid to comment with your own Top 10--c'mon, it could be fun!

Tyrannosaurus Records Top 10

1. Opening the store -- Remember when we opened the store? Yeah, that was awesome.

2. Grizzly Bear: Veckitamest -- Every time I try to think of my favorite record this year, this one is always at the top of the list. Too good... Seriously, I think it might actually be too good--someone call the Quality Police.

3. Halloween at DC's -- Good, clean fun. Followed by bad, filthy fun.

4. Ha Ha Tonka -- A stellar album (Novel Sounds of the Nouveau South), a killer live set at the Sunset over the summer, and lots of after-show banter about the peculiarities of midwestern life. All in all, a really good group of fellas.

5. Sam's beard -- I just saw it. It is epic. It is so good, in fact, that on December 5th it was able to sneak its way onto my Top 10 list for the year.

6. NWxNW -- If it's true that one good rock show can change the world, then we surely moved a tectonic plate or two this past November at Renton's first ever indie-rock showcase. Can't wait for 2010...

7. Feline steroids -- it's hilarious, right? Cats on roids. It never gets old...

8. The Pacific Northwest Music Scene -- Okay, I know that sounds vague, but now that we've been somewhat immersed in it for over half of the year, it bears mentioning that the music scene from BC to SEA to PDX (and the smaller places in-between) really is vibrant and full of variety. Way to go, PNW!

9. The Monte Cristo -- No, not the book. The sandwich. Am I wrong, or was this the year that the MC made its triumphant comeback? I couldn't be happier.

10. Everyone -- "Like who?", I can hear you asking. EVERYONE. We have had the opportunity to work with some amazing people this year, and to meet lots more amazing people who love music, love this area, and love us (by virtue of our being musical and geographically convenient). And we love them right back for supporting their local businesses and artists, and for generally just being cool and fun to talk to.

OK. Your turn.

"ROOOAAAARRRR!!!"
--TRx

Woot-woot! (In the business, we call this a "teaser"...)

Hey. So, you know how you've been talking about us behind our back, saying things like, "Yeah, it's a cool store, but I wish they were open on weekdays", and "I'd shop there, but I'm only in DTR during the week!"? Well, get ready for all those excuses to be null and void.

That's right, people.

Weekday hours, coming soon to Tyrannosaurus Records.

Now what?

; ))

--TRx

"Here come the Holidays, " he said with an ironic chuckle...

I know that all of you are wondering what is new and happening at TRx for the holidays. Here's the skinny:

--Keep an eye out for a live in-store with Paco Jones, Seattle's own singer-songwriter-ambient virtuoso. Not really a holiday thing, I guess, but topical nonetheless.

--Christmas with Beer! Not only is it my preferred way of celebrating the holiday, but it also happens to be a brilliant holiday-oriented comedy album (check it here: http://www.myspace.com/christmaswithbeer). The best part: it's local! Support local music, you bunch of bah-humbugs! Also, working on confirming a date for this to be performed LIVE, in the store. Put that in your giftbags!

--Gift Certificates. What more do I need to say? Want an awesome gift that will be A) Cool, B) Local, and C) Independent? Who doesn't? Come and get one! Or ten...

--New music. Yes, it is coming! Should have new titles (and new-to-us titles) in the coming weeks from Bear in Heaven, Real Estate, Yacht, Telekinesis, and MORE! Who are you to resist?

--Stay tuned for more info on live music, local happenings, new records, and other cool stuff from your good frends at Tyrannosaurus Records and Extinction Studios...

L8R
--TRx