This Friday, March 22nd, at 8:00 pm the doors at Portland's beloved Mississippi Studios will swing open, and a herd of Woolen Men fans will stream through the doors in celebration of the release of a new CD. What you may not know is the previous albums The Woolen Men have put out are reason enough to get you to a venue on a Friday night. This rock trio from Portland has it's feet firmly planted on the ground of rock and roll and manages to do it in a way that is unique. Calling the songs catchy feels cheap, they are more than that. The songs stick around, haunting your mind until you give in and listen to more. The bill that night will be graced with the otherworldly Stay Calm, who have a dreamy vibe and echoing vocals that lighten a whole room, and the ever witty and energetic Sad Horse. $5 at the door or in advance will get you into the madness, but you really should bring a few extra dollars for a CD or two. When the music is this good, you want to take home a souvenir. - Joy Pearson
The Woolen Men have received the chance to expand their audience exponentially. The group just joined the likes of Panda Bear, Dan Deacon and Mount Eerie by signing to Woodsist Records and announced that they’ll be releasing their debut LP on the label this March. The band’s explosive live shows and DIY ethics have brought them attention in Portland over the past few years and spurred a series of self-released EPs and tapes, the most recent of which was released last month. Tour tape no. 1 is a collection of recordings made on their most recent west coast tour and captures their kinetic energy amidst lo-fi static. You’ll have to wait until March 5th to own the entire record, but you can listen to the first release, "Mayonnaise", below. 2013 is looking bright for these guys. –Benjamin Toledo
March Madness just ended and all of you bracketologists out there are probably pretty sad you'll have to until next year to get your bracketology on, but don't fret! Back for a second year by popular demand, in a move that is sure to establish itself as a Portland institution - it's Rigsketball! If you're late to the game, Rigsketball is halfcourt, 3v3 basketball played on a regulation hoop attached to the back of a van, just about anywhere the cops won't bust the party. However, when played in a bracket-style tournament with 32 of Portland's most ballin' bands and a couple of well-coordinated city permits in the 2012 calendar year: it becomes Rigsketball 2k12! - a summer tradition monstrosity that threatens the safety of every man, woman and child in a 50-foot radius, all the while promoting physical exercise, good attitudes and teamwork! Not to mention connecting 32 seemingly disparate bands and their fans in friendly opposition while providing all parties involved the chance to see each group do something new and exciting outside the studio or venue. If you like sweat, beer, bands, jams, vans, basketball and the possibility of some extremely minor bloodshed - then you'll love Rigsketball 2k12!
Last year's bracket was constituted by Typhoon, Starfucker, And And And, Radiation City, Rock n Roll Soldiers, Jared Mees and the Grown Children, Archers, Aan, SKELETRON, Sean Flinn and the Royal We, TxE, Laura Gibson, Support Force, Animal Eyes, Charts, The Woolen Men, The Blast Majesty, Dirty Mittens, Monarques, My Autumn’s Done Come, Youthbitch, Rocky & The Proms, SUPER MONSTER, The No Tomorrow Boys, Surfs Drugs, Hello Electric, Rabid Wombat, Lee Cory Oswald, Otis Heat, Ugly Flowers, Mannequinhead, and The Taxi Boys.
Rigsketball 2k12 registration will open April 15th (filing taxes optional.) The first 32 eligible bands to register will be a part of this year's tournament and it is sure to fill up quickly after last year's buzz. Actual competition begins July 26th and goes through August 9th. If you're in a band, be sure to save the registration date. If you're an adoring fan, be sure to donate. The Deli will see everybody out on the court. Wherever that is.
