Portland, Ore.’s The Decemberists has become one of the hottest indie rock groups.
The group’s latest album, “The King is Dead,” released earlier this year, is solidifying its place in musical history and topped the Billboard charts.
The band is k
nown for its highly literary lyrics and the unique sound of frontman Colin Meloy’s voice.
It has set aside its fascination with British folk and turned instead to American music. The latest album sounds a lot like R.E.M.’s early music (the album features R.E.M.’s Peter Buck on three tracks).
I caught The Decemberists at Bumbershoot last year and they put on a great show. The new album is fantastic.
8 tonight; Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St., Seattle; $32 in advance, $35 day of show; stgpresents.org or 877-784-4849.
Seattle’s own Spike and the Impalers return to the Edmonds Center for the Arts for a night of good old rock ‘n’ roll.
The classic rock cover band is made up of people from the comic and irreverent radio program “The Bob Rivers Show.” (The radio show went off the air last fall after Rivers reportedly couldn’t reach a contract agreement with KZOK. It’s scheduled to come back in April on Oldies 95.7.)
The band features Spike O’Neill on lead vocals, with Bob Rivers on keyboards, guitarist Dudley Taft of Seattle band Sweet Water, and two longtime members of the Paul Rodgers Band: Jeff Kathan on drums and Lynn Sorensen on bass. Aaron Balsley earned his spot on guitar in the band through a Spike and the Impalers talent search.
Expected guest performers include KCPQ’s Kaci Aichison on vocals and Amy Stolzenbach, a founding member of the all-girl AC/DC tribute band Hell’s Belles on guitar.
Spike and the Impalers sold out when it played the Tulalip Amphitheatre last summer, so call ahead to make certain seats are still available.
8 p.m. Saturday; Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 Fourth Ave. N, Edmonds; $30 to $40; www.ec4arts.org or 425-275-9595.
Radiohead
I saw them a couple of years ago at the White River Amphitheatre and the lights, sets and sound were as far out and fantastic as the band’s progressive sound of rhythmic rock.
When the Seattle Rock Orchestra performs Radiohead Saturday at the Moore, it’s likely to be a more subdued and less visceral experience, but a night of great music nonetheless. SRO plays symphonic arraignments of popular music and invites local bands to stand in for the super stars of rock ‘n’ roll.
In its tribute to Radiohead, the band will play “The Bends” and “OK Computer,” featuring “Paranoid Android,” “Karma Police,” “High & Dry,” “Just,” “No Surprises” and more.
The orchestra will be joined by Jon Auer of The Posies, Rachel Flotard of Visqueen, Jim Antonio of the Purrs, John Van Deusen of the Lonely Forest, Joshua Morrison, Tom Beecham of the Raggedy Anns, Kaylee Cole, Michele Khazak and Noah Gundersen of the Courage.
8 p.m. Saturday; The Moore Theatre, 1932 Second Ave., Seattle; $18; stgpresents.org or 877-784-4849.
John Hammond
The blues rock great recorded the album live in November 2008 in New York City, solo, playing his harmonica and acoustic 12- and 6-string guitars.
He plays his own tunes plus songs by Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Blind Willie McTell and Tom Waits.
Over the years, Hammond’s guitar playing has gotten stronger, his expression deepened. He was one of the first white blues musicians in the mid ’60s blues renaissance. He’s a legend, and he’ll be up close at Jazz Alley next week.
Rising blues star Mia Vermillion is opening with dobro master Orville Johnson.
7:30 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday; Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 Sixth Ave., Seattle; $22.50; Tickets at www.jazzalley.com or 206-441-9729.
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