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Sunday, September 5, 2010

Tonight! Tonight in Music: Jenny and Johnny, The Estranged, Sadistik and Kid Called Computer

Posted by Ethan Jayne on Sun, Sep 5, 2010 at 10:00 AM

JENNY AND JOHNNY, LOVE AS LAUGHTER

(Doug Fir, 830 E Burnside) At first glance, something about Jenny and Johnny makes my blood boil with hatred; could be the name, could be the tacky leather coat that Jonathan Rice wears in their press photos with a big blue "JOHNNY" emblazoned on the back. But after listening to a few tracks on their first release, I'm Having Fun Now, I find it hard to be resentful. My jaw slackens a bit when listening to the couple's voices blend over sanguine, classic pop riffs and both songwriting styles, while very different, complement each other in the best way possible—Jenny Lewis' verbose snapshots of life fare well with Rice's added introspection. Also, it's nice to see Lewis continue to prove herself more than just a radio queen riding Rilo Kiley's mainstream success; Jenny and Johnny's I'm Having Fun Now might find itself climbing the ranks and finding a seat alongside 2007's previously incomparable Rabbit Fur Coat. RAQUEL NASSER

THE BI-MARKS, DISCHARGE, AUTISTIC YOUTH, THE ESTRANGED

(Dunes, 1905 NE MLK) The Estranged are no strangers to Portland's punk scene, with members having done time in noteworthy acts including Remains of the Day and Warcry. Over the past couple of years the trio has let their moody aggression out through a handful of 7-inches and one terrific full-length. The Estranged is, of course, much more than just another ham-fisted punk act. Their latest Dirtnap release, The Subliminal Man, perfects the wiry guitar noise of previous efforts while allowing hooks to slice through—I get the feeling these guys have listened to the Plimsouls' Zero Hour EP. Rounding out tonight's bill are locals the Bi-Marks and Autistic Youth, both of which have firmly taken their place in the city's tried-and-true, DIY punk scene. Maximum rock 'n' roll, indeed. MARK LORE


SADISTIK, KID CALLED COMPUTER, KRISTOFF KRANE, CAS ONE, ALEXIPHARMIC, ABADAWN

(The Knife Shop at Kelly's Olympian, 426 SW Washington) Seattle emcee Sadistik and Chicago producer Kid Called Computer have recently joined forces and released The Art of Dying EP, their musical ode to film noir. Tracks "Bed of Flowers," "Black Rose," and "Wake up Dead," all allude to the fact that this is about as goth as hiphop gets, while thankfully refusing to delve into the cartoonish buffoonery that plagues the work of goth-rap "pioneer" Kung Fu Vampire. This is the final date on their West Coast tour, so the pair should be in top shape from performing night after night on the road. Portland emcee Abadawn has also been doing his fair share of touring recently, having just returned from a trip with Camobear labelmates the Chicharones. For those looking for the next wave of adventurous genre-bending NW hiphop, look no further. This is the place to be. RYAN FEIGH

As always, you can find our complete live music listings here.

 

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Do Jenny and Johnny realize that the verse of their song is "Achy Breaky Heart"?
Posted by Chris Freeman on September 5, 2010 at 5:47 PM · Report

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