Brandi Carlile was back home Saturday night, fresh from a batch of European dates. And it was hard to pinpoint exactly what was most special about Maple Valley songbird’s homecoming show at Benaroya Hall with Seattle Symphony. Was it the opportunity to preview three new songs from the immensely talented singer-songwriter’s forthcoming third studio album? Was it hearing already breathtaking numbers "Follow" and "Turpentine," given sweeping, new life by arrangements featuring the Symphony? Or was it just the opportunity to have that powerful, bell-clear soprano tugging at the ol’ heart strings again?

All of the above

Read more »

Avoid spoilers by clicking here. Otherwise, here’s yer Useless Trivia Tuesday answers, folks.

1. Though recording really began in 1994, this freakin’ thing is Guns’ first proper studio album in __17__ years.

2. Thanks to another one of those annoying exclusive sale deals, the only store where you can buy the blasted thing is …

D. Best Buy

3. Besides Axl, which current member of Guns N’ Roses was actually in the lineup that topped the charts before grunge hit big?

B. Dizzy Reed

4. Which of the following artists

Read more »

With all sorts of relatives and homeys from back in the day returning to T-town for the holiday, Thanksgiving eve is one of the best nights for hittin’ your favorite pub for brew or two. Magoo’s, Top of Tacoma and the Parkway are just a few hot spots I’m betting will be packed tonight. And while they’re great spots for catching up, you may want to take your out of town guest to check out some live entertainment once you’re done flappin’ yer gums.

And there are a couple of promising options.

Read more »

And while we’re on the topic of “Chinese Democracy,” I’m guessing many of you have gotten your grubby little hands on a copy of the long-awaited album by now. Or, if not, maybe you’ve surfed over to Guns N’ Roses My Space page to give it a listen. Either way, do you think it was worth the wait? Click this link to weigh in.

Sure, that Axl Rose is a big slacker. But, really, can I knock ‘im? I, too, have taken a long time to deliver – another Useless Trivia Tuesday, that is. And with Axl and company finally delivering a new Guns album, on sale today, can I let that guy show me up? I don’t think so. Check back tomorrow for answers.

The Chinese Democracy quiz

1. Though recording really began in 1994, this freakin’ thing is Guns’ first proper studio album in ____ years.

2. Thanks to another one of those annoying exclusive

Read more »

Was out last week, so just now getting last week’s announcement that Star ’86, the Jimi Hendrix tribute band that includes Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready, has been added to a Dec. 9 benefit for Treehouse for Kids at the Tractor Tavern. The band joins Kim Virant, Star Anna and Kristen Ward. And not only do you get to feel all full of holiday cheer if you donate a toy to the cause, you get a get drink voucher.

The show will start at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $15, and you can buy ‘em

Read more »

Hey, it actually is coming out after all. All 14 tracks from the long-awaited album are posted on the band’s MySpace page. Check ‘em out, and then surf back and let me know what you think.

As many of you have read, legendary rock drummer Mitch Mitchell, best known for his work with the Jimi Hendrix Experience, died last week in Portland, just days after wrapping up his final Experience Hendrix tour there. So over the weekend I thought I’d post a few videos as a way of paying tribute to the man. Enjoy.

Well, Kurt Cobain made it. Ann Wilson, Chris Cornell, Eddie Vedder and Jerry Roslie, not so much. And all those guys are better singers than, say, Iggy Pop. (Sorry, Iggy, but we love you for reasons mostly unrelated to range and pitch.)

I’ve been listening to track a lot as my night winds down lately, then drifting into oblivion to "Corona Radiata" and "The Four of Us Are Dying," the ambient tracks that follow it on Nails’ “The Slip” album. Note to self: Consider Zoloft.

Actually, scratch that. In my attempt to stave off Seasonal Affective Disorder, I think I’ll just listen to more of …

There are acts you love for the risks they

Read more »