Sometimes DJs and Excess Do Mix

The bar is set extraordinarily low for visual entertainment from DJs. Most opt to just mix tracks on two turntables, and while that (hopefully) sounds good, it's just doesn't have the same presence as a band. That's why showmen like Jamie Lidell or Jeremy Ellis and John Arnold are such breaths of fresh air, giving a crowd something to watch while providing the body with a rhythmic imperative. Tonight's Oscillate with Jeff Milligan should prove equally engaging, despite still being turntable-based in form.

What's Oscillate you ask? Oscillate is one of Seattle's not-so-hidden gems. Week in and week out, the organizers have been pulling a mix of local and world-class talent representing the entire techno spectrum into the Baltic Room, and all at low low cover prices to boot. We've somehow neglected to mention the night here before, but should you find yourself looking for a place to have a drink on a Tuesday, Oscillate is the way to go. Might as well hear some non-generic music with your cocktail.

But back to Jeff Milligan aka Algorithm. Milligan's playing Oscillate tonight, and the Internet's blowin' up with enthusiasm. Milligan's sets tend to tread on the more minimal side of the techno fence, which means he plays beats with nuance. DJing for more than a decade after his first exposure to the musical products of Detroit, Chicago, and Toronto, Milligan resides alongside Richie Hawtin as one of Canada's techno elite. He's produced tracks for a variety of respected labels including his own, Revolver Canada Recordings, so the man knows his way around a studio and what sounds good.

But what about the live show you ask? Well, Milligan's rise to fame came about because he doesn't use just two turntables. No, he's been known to work his way with four turntables, which might not sound impressive until you realize that for each one of those turntables he'd have to adjust volume, pitch, tempo, and where each track was, while still trying to ensure it all sounded good when layered together. That takes talent, and for an observer looks a bit like organized flailing as the DJ tries to keep it all from descending into an musical mess. Milligan's resumé is already enough impetus to attend, but the potential for an impressive display of DJ excess puts tonight's appearance even higher on the list of things to do.

(In case you're worried about being out too late on a school night, Milligan's set will be starting at 11pm, giving you more than enough time to get home and sleep once he's done.)

Audio Preview: Jeff Milligan Set from Movement Festival 2005

Oscillate featuring Jeff Milligan/Algorithm
April 25th, 2006, 9pm-2am
Baltic Room, 1207 Pine St.
$8, 21+