Happy New Year to you. Hey, I know it’s still New Year’s Eve for most of you but I’ll be hydrating for most of today so this list will likely be my last entry for 2008. I want to thank everyone for their support this year especially the RDK, Freddy Pants, Miss E, Surly, LP, G, AFJ, JB, Wonder Woman, Apec, Dr. H, Irish, Amyl, the baddest motherfucker of all motherfuckers, Sleazegrinder, NaterBater, The Electric Kisses, The Radio Rockets, the guys and dolls of The Staxx Brothers, Cancer Rising, Michael K and all of you who keep coming back to get Cherrybombed. Anyway, everyone does one of these lists. Here’s mine, in no particular order.

Happy New Year!

Cherrybomb’s Favorite NW Singles of 2008:

The Whore Moans – Fingers and Martyrs

The Whore Moans don’t need no stinkin’ Champy to celebrate New Years.

Hello From Radio Wasteland only came out last month and it’s already one of my favorite records of 2008. Obviously.

Fleet Foxes -Mykonos

Fleet Foxes, Mykonos. From the Sun Giant EP, 2008.

Fleet Foxes eponymous June, 2008 release was a smash. For me, every time I hear Mykonos from the Foxes Sun Giant EP, I get the chills. The Fleet Foxes are currently riding high down under in Australia for a series of mostly sold-out shows. Take that Nickelback…

Taco Cat – Muffin Top

Taco Cat. Photo by Kyle Johnson.

Shame Spiral is Taco Cat’s first record. Put out by the excellent label Don’t Stop Believin’ (home to The Pharmacy and the The Pleasureboaters) the record is really fun and super fuzzy, just like a real Taco Cat. The Garagey goodness of Taco Cat will be touring through March of 2009 including a stop in Austin for SXSW. Way to go Taco Cat.

The Dutchess and the Duke - Mary

The Dutchess and the Duke, Mary. From She’s the Dutchess, He’s the Duke, 2008.

I said a few weeks ago that TD&TD Mary, was one of my favorite songs of 2008. Make sure you catch them at The Tractor on January 10th.

The Helio Sequence – Keep Your Eyes Ahead

The Helio Sequence, Keep Your Eyes Ahead. From Keep Your Eyes Ahead, 2008.

This is the 4th record from Portland, OR, The Helio Sequence. Vocals for the record were recorded in closets and bedrooms, and it so fucking works.

Coconut Coolouts: Party Jail

Coconut Coolouts, (Please Don’t Break Me Out of) Party Jail. From Party Time Machine, 2008.

If you have never seen the Coolouts live, rest assured the band will be rockin’ the shit out of some juke-joint in Seattle really soon. Party Time Machine is a such a solid record it was hard to pick a favorite.

The Bug Nasties – Help Me

The Bug Nasties, Help Me. From Which Way You Gonna Go, 2008. Photo by Victoria Renard.

Brother James Burdyshaw is the second coming of James Brown. I’m sure of it. If you don’t believe me get to Slim’s on January 16th and tell me I’m wrong.

The Hands - Nothing

The Hands. Photo by Lori Penney.

Nothing is followed closely by the 6:15 second fuck you to commercial radio, Heart’s Abandonded Will Rust. Followed closely by this whole fucking record. Take that Nickelback…

The Gutter Twins: Idle Hands

The Gutter Twins, Idle Hands. Live on the BBC.

I didn’t love Saturnalia but I loved this single. The Gutter Twin’s show at the Showbox earlier this year was also a highlight for me.

Bad and Nationwide Singles of 2008:

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds: -Today’s Lesson

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Today’s Lesson. From Dig Lazarus, DIG!!!. Not the actual vid but it’s all about the song for this song.

Nick Cave’s DIGG!!! is desert island worthy and then some. Lesson is arguably one of the best songs on DIG!!!. The record itself is a must for fans, and the perfect introduction for any Cave nubies. In March, 2009, you can pick up four Cave re-issues with all kinds of sweet extras. Click here for more info.

Davila 666, El Lobo.

Davila 666, El Lobo.Viva La Puerto Rico…!

This IS my favorite record of 2008. Locally, you can get at Sonic Boom, Easy Street, your favorite Independent record store, or here.

Q-Tip – Won’t Trade

Q-Tip, Won’t Trade. From The Renaissance, 2008.

The Renaissance is Q-Tip’s first record in nine years. In classic Q style, Won’t Trade features sampled vintage vox from Chicago soul chantreuse, Ruby Andrews and her 1969 hit, You Made a Believer (out of me) on Won’t Trade. Word.

Silver Jews – Suffering Jukebox

Silver Jews, Suffering Jukebox.

I think they sing this song in Rock ‘n’ Roll heaven.

Al Green - Lay it Down

Lay it Down, Al Green. From Lay it Down, 2008.

Sweet baby Jesus this song sends me. Lay it Down is Al Green’s eighth studio record and it’s stellar from beginning to end. The word legend gets thrown around a lot in the world of music and it’s almost always misused. Except when it comes to The Reverend. Can I get an amen?

Lucinda Williams – Long Way to the Top

Lucinda Williams, Long Way To the Top. From Little Honey, 2008.

When I blogged about this song a while back, I got an email from a very sexy reader who said that the post had pushed this record to the top of their list. And since my readers have very classy ears, you should definitely pick up a copy of Little Honey too.

The Roots – Get Busy

The Roots, Get Busy.

The world would be a better place with if we had more Quest Love. The Roots 2008 record, Rising Down, is even more in your face than your actual face is.

Bjork featuring Antony of Antony and the Johnsons – Dull Flames of Desire Remix.

Dull Flames of Desire Remix.

This remixed single by Bjork featuring Antony of Antony and the Johnsons is addictive. Antony and the Johnsons release, Another World is also well worth squeezing into your 2008 record budget. AATJ tour starts in Feburary with stops in Boston and Seattle on February 28th.

King Khan and the Shrines – No Regrets

King Khan!

Georgia’s King Khan and the Shrines put out one of the best garage records this year, The Supreme Genius of King Khan and the Shrines. Every time I hear No Regrets, I piss off my neighbors. Which is okay ’cause I hate those guys anyway.

Firewater – Borneo

Firewater, Borneo. Live in the KEXP Studios.

If Firewater’s Borneo doesn’t make you move, then you sir or ma’am are dead.

Okay, that’s it for your’s truly for 2008. Be safe tonight so I’ll be sure to see you all in 2009…

So that’s how I came up with the idea to make a vibrator Annie. I’ve got one right here in my pocket just for you…

Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics can not add toy maker to his eclectic resume. Stewart’s created an upscale 24 carrot gold vibrator with California’s sexy accessory maker Jimmy Jane. The vibrator, called the Little Gold Eternity, comes encrusted with a 24 diamond eternity band. The posh vibrator retails for $2750. A platinum version of Stewart’s money making earth shaker, the Little Platinum Eternity, retails for $3250.

A hit single might not last forever but diamonds sure do. Thanks to DListed for the vibrating linkage…

Sonia Rykiel dress, $555. That’s five-hundred and fifty-five dollars for those of you that are bad at both readin’ and ‘rythmatic…

Looking at this dress causes me to wonder what French sweater-girl designer Sonia Rykiel was smoking when she decided that this hellish crayon-box dress might pass as fashion. Even Rainbow Bright thinks this dress is too much. This dress is making me dizzy and I’m not even drunk as far as you know. I want to thank Ms. Rykiel for two things. First the sweet acid flashback this dress induced and, for helping me know what NOT to wear on my birthday.

Ah…the French, the French, the French…

Mickey Rourk at the MILK Cinema City Premiere in NYC.

Dlisted’s Michael K is as obsessed with the hot mess that used to be is Mickey Rourke as I am. Which is good because I like to stay on top of Mickey’s shenanigans and his crazy, homophobic mouth. Anyway, a rag called The Daily Beast is claiming to have a SMS message from Rourke queer-bashing on Sean Penn’s performance in MILK.

Look seans an old friend of mine and i didnt buy his performance at all—thought he did an average pretend acting like he was gay besides hes one of the most homophobic people i kno (sic).

Well, that makes sense sinceOf course, the most homophobic person Mickey knows is Mickey Rourke.

Ronnie James Dio, Mystery. From 1984’s, The Last in Line.

I can’t get this tune out of my head which means it really should be a Cherrybomb Daily Earwig. Anyway, despite turning 66 in July, Ronnie James Dio has barely slowed down since the 80’s. The current line-up for his namesake band, Dio, features the likes of Simon Wright of AC/DC on drums, the bass-licking awesomeness of Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot, Ozzy, Whitesnake) and the equally licky, Craig Goldy (Giuffria).

And since 66 isn’t nearly near the age of rock ‘n’ roll retirement these days, Dio just finished up a new record with the band Heaven and Hell. The band, comprised of Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi and Vinnie Appice, will tour in support of the new records tentative April 2009 release, kicks off Moscow on May 30th, 2009.

Love Songs For The Apocalypse. Be prepared…

Happy Holidays? Has there ever been a more misguided use of the word “happy”? Probably not. Anyway, if you’re like me, you’ve been drinking yourself awake and asleep for the last few days. So in essence, the Holidays are just like every other day of the year. I don’t know about you, but my house has been pretty much a drunker version of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. My tree has so far survived which is more than I can say for myself. In the words of the very excellent Schoolyard Heroes, this is what it’s like to be Home for the Horrordays.

So, if you’re like me, you NEED to Get The Fuck Out and get drunk with complete strangers that won’t tell you what a drunken ass you were the next morning as they eat all the food in your fridge. Now, let’s GTFO…

Friday, December 26th:

Coconut Nativity complete with Baby Jesus coconut. For CF.

Coconut Coolouts
Sunset

Natalie Wouldn’t
ToST

Dudley Manlove
Tractor

Knut Bell & the Bluecollars
Little Red Hen

Saturday, December 27th:

Austrian Death Machine, Get to the Chopper, 2008. For CF.

Austrian Death Machine
Karma (Victorville, CA)
ADM is Tim Lambesis, vox for As I Lay Dying, other band. Brutal.

Book of Black Earth
Neumo’s

John Roderick (of the Long Winters), M. Bison & More!
Chop Suey
It’s a very emo post-Christmas bash.

Riffbrokers, Thee Sgt. Major III, The Tripwires, Paul Lynde Fan Club (and more)
Sunset

Sunday, December 28th:

Come Home for the Horrordays with Schoolyard Heros.

Home for the Horrordays with Schoolyard Heros
El Corazon

Looking Ahead to New Years Eve:

Seattle Fireworks at the Space Needle, 2006.

The other amatuer night also known as New Year’s Eve is quickly approaching. If you’re like me (and you verra well might be) you still haven’t decided where you will be getting drunk and hitting on your second-cousin yet. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back. First, the fantastic funk ‘n’ soul otherwise known as The Staxx Brothers will be at The Tractor Tavern. Rather rock while you’re getting crocked? Shim will be at the Sunset, Neon Nights will be at The King Cobra and A Gun That Shoots Knives will be at The Blue Moon. If you prefer chicken-wire to go with your beer, Highway 99 is hosting Hayride to Hell with Ruby Dee & the Snakehandlers and Purdy Mouth. I’m also happy to report that the Radio Nationals are again a band and will play their first gig in over a year at the High Dive on NYE. The Dusty 45’s share this sweet, sweet bill ensuring that this show will be as hot as Billy Joe’s horn. There’s also no shortage of big shows with DeVotchKa at the Showbox/Market, POT USA (with Monotonix and Vince Mira with the RK Trio) will be at The Paramount and Ghostland Observatory comes back to Seattle to celebrate New Years Eve at Showbox SoDo.

See you soon.

James Adomian as a drunk Orson Wells. Or just like the Holidays at my house this year…

Actor, James Adomian (from the LA version of The Upright Citizens Brigade), completely nails Orson Wells drunken pitch for Paul Masson. Check out the original clip of outakes with the real Orson Wells’ and see for yourself. Anyway, I’m off to some fancy French restaurant tonight for dinner and plan to use Adomain’s phrase “Ah, the French, the French, the French” out of context, as much as possible tonight.
Cheers!

Double Shot Liquor and Guns, Schulenburg, Texas. ‘Natch…

Guns, ammo and booze without ever leaving the comfort of your Ford F150? Priceless…

Snow blind in Seattle, December 21st, 2008.

So much for the notion that it “never snows” in Seattle. The city of Seattle has pretty much shut down. If you have plans to get to a club or bar-stool somewhere, you might want to call ahead to be sure the door leading to your favorite spot is open.

I’ll be blogging through Wednesday including a mini version of GTFO and some other fun stuff. I’m also working on a list of my favorite music from this past year, both local and beyond so look for that before the end of the year.

See you soon…

KISS Costumes for kids by Halloween Costumes.com.

A while back, I blogged about HalloweenCostumes.com awesome KISS latex masks. Now just in time for, uh, next Halloween I guess, come these sweet KISS costumes for kids. Of course, all of the costumes are sold-out for now but, you can sign up on the site to be notified when they become available. Having dressed up as Ace for most of my kid years, I have to say I’m a bit jealous.

In other KISS news, Ace Frehley debuted his new official site, AceFrehley.com. You can see more of Ace on That Metal Show on Saturday, December 20th.

Do you ever worry that getting a bottle of anything might not cut it when it comes to gifting your favorite drunk this Holiday Season? Me? I’m happy with a bottle of anything top-shelf, but, you probably have a more discriminating drunk on your list. Not that I shouldn’t be one of them. I just hate extending my pinkie finger out when it comes to booze. If I have my pinkie finger out, that Vodka better be filtered by diamonds. You feel me? Whoa, sorry. That was the Belvedere talking, not me. Stupid stuck up Vodka…

Booze Belt. For the drunk on the run.

The Booze Belt is like a tool belt for Booze hounds. Liquor not included. The drunk, frat-brother of The Booze Belt,  The Beer Belt, can hold a rack of your favorite beer and it’s even adjustable to accommodate most beer guts.

One Gallon Flask

The only thing that could make this one gallon flask any cooler is if it was filled with Patron. This giant flask, holds a black-out inducing gallon (or five 175ml bottles) full of booze. The massive flask retails for about $130. Engraving it with the words “Hands Off My Giant Flask” will cost you extra.

Cell phone flask.

The drunks at HideYourBooze.com really have way too much time on their hands. However, this flask, cleverly disguised as a cell phone, scares even yours truly. Why you ask? Because now I won’t know if someone just blathering away on their cell-phone or getting blitzed (there’s probably not a big difference between the two) when they are driving. Hang up the phone and take a cab for fuck’s sake.

Liquor Lock.

Where has Liquor Lock been my whole life? Honestly, I really need one. Okay, one eight that I don’t know the combination to. That would be good boring.

Great Mazinga Whiskey Bottle Robot.

Behold the Great Mazinga Whiskey Bottle Robot. For the drunk who has everything.

Tommy Gun Tequila. Bullets to kill yourself after the worst hangover of your life not included.

Tommy Gun is made in Chicago by a company called Alphonse Capone Enterprises. This awesome gun-full-of-booze comes in Vodka flavor too. Liquor and guns! Guns and liquor! Yee-HAW!

The McCondom.

The McCondom is a Whiskey flavored condom made in Scotland. Because if it’s not Scottish and Whiskey flavored, IT’S CRAP! Actually, just for fun, you could alternate between the McCondom and this Cola flavored condom to make a sexy Whiskey/Coke. Oh god, there is really something wrong with me.

Now, onto gross, boozy edibles…

Bloody Mary Potato Chips by Intoxi-tators.

Enter your witty barb here of how this product was created by someone of Irish decent. Although, I have to warn you, the folks at Intoxi-tators are one step ahead of you. Here’s a marketing quote regarding the origins of their product from their homepage:

There was a lucky Irish gal named Heady who liked to do a jig while she cooked dinner. One fateful night she jigged just a little too much and spilled her wine in the mashed potatoes. Being practical and not wanting to waste a potato or any wine, she served them anyway.

So much for subtlety. Honestly, this really takes the tired Irish drunk stereotype to a new low. And I’m only part Irish. Imagine how Thin Lizzy feels. Anyway, when I say part Irish, I mean my mouth and my liver are Irish by default. Speaking of boozy potato chips, Jim Beam tried to get in on the action with Jim Beam-flavored salt and pepper potato chips. The chips, which never contained alcohol, were pulled from the shelves pretty quickly due to concern that the product would promote a feel-good attitude about alcohol for the under-21 set. And while I’m on the topic of my partner Jimmy Beam…

Jim Beam Beef Jerky.

…how about Jim Beam flavored meat for that special lush in your life? If this Jim Beam Jerky (which retails for $21) isn’t good enough for your favorite brown-liquor lover, how about a ham glazed with Jim Beam? Who am I kidding? We all know any drunk worth the salt on their shot hand, doesn’t eat.

Maker’s Mark Gourmet Cherries.

Maker’s and Cherries? It’s a match made in heaven.

Absinthe Flavored Lollipops.

Okay, Absinthe that comes in the mail is not going to get you drunk or high. And neither will these suckers. Which is sad. Very, very sad. Of course, despite their lack of usefulness, your quick-thinking dipsomaniac friend will use them to stir a sweet G&T. That’s called being resourceful. Look it up.

Tequila Flavored Lollipop by Hotlix with a REAL WORM.

Remember when everyone thought that eating the worm at the bottom of the bottle of Tequila would make you trip like Timothy Leary on a vision quest? Those were good times. Of course, these sugar-free suckers don’t really have any Tequila in them. Which would likely make your rummy friend pissed off. I’m pissed off just typing the words “doesn’t really have any tequila in it”. What a waste.

Tenacious D, Inward Singing Typography. Maybe turn the speakers down if you’re listening somewhere it’s NSFW.

Never stop the singing. Ever! If you liked that, then check out one of the greatest scenes in Pulp Fiction set to typography.

Thanks to AFJ for the wicked linkage…

Hunter S. Thompson, the early years.

Hunter S. Thompson’s widow, 36 year old, Anita Thompson has gave us all reason to pause with the following statement:

Hunter was such a loving person that it would have been a joy to have a family with him,” she says, and then adds, almost casually: “But I could still have his child if I want to.

Hunter S. Thompson has a 44 year old son, Juan from a previous marriage. Anita Thompson’s surprising statements were made on the heels of winning the grand prize in the London Book Festival this year. Her book, The Gonzo Way, delves into what inspired her late husbands mad, yet masterful journalistic tendencies.

This is the time of year when we are all inundated with gift-giving ideas whether we want them or not. Here are five that fall under my “Do Not Want” list this year.

Winchester Flask and Knife set.

I assume that the knife is included so you can shank anyone that tries to steal your booze. Good thinking Winchester.

Fruit Style Barbie. Cherry scent. Better image to be posted soon. For Stacey.

The Mattel Company has no shame. This line of Fruit Style Barbies is almost impossible to find, especially in the coveted, cherry scent. Fruit Style Barbie also comes in Grape and Apple. Gross.

Winchester Toy Rifles.

There’s so much I could say about these “toy” shotguns by Winchester. However, I think that the misguided folks at Winchester Gifts said more in the description for these awesomely bad gifts than I ever could:

What a great way to teach your youngsters safe firearm handling. These are exact miniature replicas of the Winchester Model 94 70 Rifle and a Winchester Over and Under Shotgun. Built into the gun is a speaker so when the shotgun is opened or the rifle action moved, the little firearm makes the same sound as the real thing. Then lo and behold, when you fire it you hear the loud BANG of a firearm and a bullet light flashes at the nozzle. These little things are fun for almost any age.

And somewhere in a remote bunker in the Michigan wilderness, Ted Nugent just smiled and killed something.

Tequila Rose. One of the nastiest things known to man.

If someone gives you Tequila Rose for Christmas, rest assured, they hate you. Especially if they gave you the gift pack that included the gel candles that were recalled due to the fact that they burst into flames after being lit.

Plastic Santa Vest.

This plastic Santa vest defies all gift-giving logic as well as debunking the common Holiday phrase “it’s the the thought that counts”.

Wendy knows…

This week I thought I would highlight some of the shows happening this weekend that are also raising money for charity. Getting the fuck out, rockin’ out, getting drunk and making a difference? Priceless.

Friday, December 12th:

All hail the King. Bruce Campbell is in Seattle tonight.

My Name is Bruce
The Varsity
Bruce Campbell (!) directs and stars in his new movie, My Name is Bruce. Campbell himself will introduce Bruce tonight in Seattle, as well as hold a Q&A following the 7:00 pm showing. What would you ask Bruce? I’ve decided that I will ask him what kind of music he likes to listen to when he’s killin’ Zombies with his boom stick. I figured asking Bruce if anyone had ever asked to call his boom stick a boom stick during sex might not go over too well. Of course, the wild card here is if I am drunk enough (and I verra well will be) I will ask the boom stick question. Speaking of movies, Fast Times at Ridgemont High is the midnight show at the Egyptian tonight and Saturday. Boom Stick!

Piston Packin’ Momas XMas Bash
Motor
This show will benefit the Homeless Animal Rescue.

KISS Kids by Ron English.

KISS Army and Madman Diaries
Cardos (Chillicothe, OH)
A KISS trib and an Ozzy trib on the same bill. Finally, there is something to do on a Friday night in Chillicothe, OH. Well, sort of.

The Whore Moans at Neumo’s. Photo by Cherrybomb.

The Whore Moans
Chop Suey
A very good looking friend of mine asked me, “Will it be Whores or Hands for you tonight”. Well, what’s it gonna be punk? TWM new record, Hello From Radio Wasteland, somehow captures the energy of a live TWM show. I no longer need caffeine to wake up in the morning. Not that I actually wake up in the morning or anything. But if I did, all I would need is this record.

The Dutchess and the Duke, Mary.

The Dutchess and the Duke
Vera
Mary is one of my favorite song of 2008.

The Hands. Photo by Lori Penney.

The Hands
The Comet
Will it be Hands or Whores for you tonight?, is my new favorite phrase. It works on so many levels. For instance, if someone asks you if you are free next Saturday night, you would simply say, “Sure! Will it be Hands or Whores?”. Or, when your so-called “friend” asks you if you have that $50 you owe stole from him, you can easily squirm out of not giving it to him by saying, “Will it be Hands or Whores for you tonight?”. I guarantee he will forget all about that money because he will spend the rest of the day trying to figure out what the fuck you are talking about. It’s perfect.

Saturday, December 13th:

The Real Me, WASP. Any time I can blog about WASP I will. Take that Nickelback.

Quadrophenia Cover Night
The Tractor
Bands like Thee Stg. Major III, Kim Virant and the Tripwires will be covering The Who’s Quadrophenia in it’s entirety. Proceeds from this show benefit Musicares.

The Diablotones, Natalie Wouldn’t
The Charleston (Bremerton, WA)
Lynval Golding of The Specials (!) will is also on this amazing bill.

James Pants
Nectar

Neon Nights and Mexican UFO
The Central

Dragstrip Riot, 1958.

Dragstrip Riot, Redneck Girlfriend and The Kings of Outlaw Country
The Funhouse
This show will benefit Toys for Tots.

Now Get the Fuck Out already. Thanks to LP for her handy inspiration for GTFO this week.

Say it ain’t so! NPR downsizing it’s workforce by 7% by March, 2009.

NPR announced that they would be cutting 7% of their workforce as well canceling the broadcast of two programs, News & Notes and Day to Day. The job and programming cuts will become effective in March of 2009.

NPR named the sharp drop in it’s Corporate Sponsorships as the main reason they were forced to make the cuts.  Is there anyone out there that didn’t just breath a collective sigh of dread of what might be to come? I mean, if NPR was forced to take Click and Clack off their air I’d jump off a bridge. You may also recall that NPR re-broadcast Tom Waits’ acclaimed Glitter and Doom performance from Atlanta’s Fox Theatre earlier this year. Maybe in lieu of gift giving this year, make a donation to NPR for yourself or someone you know that listens that might not be able to give this year. Like all public radio, NPR is truly the gift that keeps on giving. But only if we help keep it going.

The newly orange Beth Ditto of The Gossip.

Those of you who read this blog know I love Beth Ditto. Girlfriend is already iconic and she’s only 27. I don’t know if the no-eyebrows look is for everyone but you who notices a thing like missing eyebrows when your sporting the Mia Farrow special in bright orange on your head? That’s right, everybody. I mean nobody. Awww, nevermind.

Here’s Beth Ditto, sans her eyebrows in London last night. I wonder if my girl in London, Random Jane saw Beth’s sweet orange mop from her flat? Can you hear me Jane…?

M. Mararian, Youth Explosion from Les Enfants Diabolique. Ink on Bristol board.

Andover, Massachusetts native and artist M. Mararians’ new solo exhibition, Les Enfants Diabolique opens on Friday, December 12th at the McCaig-Welles Gallery in Brooklyn. Les Enfants finds Mararian doing what he does best, drawing inky images of babies and children being undone by the ills of our overindulgent society.

Michael Mararian from Les Enfants Diabolique. Mmmm. Red meat. The other red meat.

Michael Mararian lives and works in Buffalo, New York. You can see more of Mararians’ Inky Dreadfuls here. Mararians’ Les Enfants Diabolique runs through February 1st, 2009.

I’m gonna stay in this very spot with all your records until you get back together again…

I don’t know the current vital signs of your favorite local band but you might want to check. My inbox has been full of sad-breaking-up-the-band news lately.

The Cops go kaput…

The Cops, still be riding high on the success of their 2007 record, Free Electricity are going on hiatus after nearly five amazing years of rocking the shit out of Seattle and beyond. The Cops will play two more gigs at The Sunset on Thursday, December 18th with Cancer Rising (!) and on Friday, December 19th with The Whore Moans (!) and Kinski (!!). As a very good looking friend of mine said, as he told me this sad news, “I know where I’m gonna be on Friday, December 19th”. And now, so do I.

Ms. Led, New Agenda.

Ms. Led will play their last show on January 23rd at The High Dive. This news gave me particular pause as no more Ms. Led punches a big hole in the music scene here in Seattle. Ms. Led has always been a source of awe and inspiration to other bands and musicians in this town. Ms. Led’s record label, Fish The Cat, has also helped pave the way for other local artists like the awesome Spanish for 100. To say that Ms. Led will be missed understates the impact and contributions this band has made to the music community in Seattle over the last nine years.

The Transimssionary Six, Zero Gravity, from 2008’s Cosmonautical.

The duo of Paul Austin and Terri Moeller, aka The Transmissionary Six , will play their last gig ever at The Sunset on Friday, December 12th. Only eight months ago the band released their fifth full-length, Cosmonautical to, albeit quiet acclaim. Terri Moeller’s sleepy, swaying vocals always get me. Sadness.

The Freakouts practice space, where the magic used to happen.

Earlier this year, The Freakout’s added this text [Broken Up] to their Myspace. Then, in September, one of my local favorites, Iceage Cobra announced their break-up by saying (via their Myspace): “Bands break up, deal with it”.

IAC is right when they spoke so bluntly about their demise. It’s true, bands break up all the time. And yeah, your favorite band probably didn’t break up just because you didn’t go to see them play that gig at The Comet. However, it’s impossible to deny the negative impact that our shitty economy has had on the members the music scene. So please, make sure you support your local music community any way you can.

The Gossip, Live in Liverpool. Standing in the Way of Control. This is how it’s done live.

Beth Ditto is pure control. Take that Nickelback.

Hope to have the site back in full form tomorrow-ish. Hold on. I’m coming…