Not so long ago, wandering the halls of a local music venue, we noticed a cool-looking poster for a band called Mono in VCF. Strange name, we thought. Some nights later, making dinner at home. Kind of half-listening to KEXP when a song came on that sounded at once old and new. We turned the volume up and listened as an arresting female voice pleaded with us to "run fast, escape..." as a troupe of......

The Chemistry That Keeps Us Together, The Purrs' long-awaited follow-up to their breakout LP The Dreams Our Stuff is Made Of, dropped a couple weeks ago, and we've been listening to it steadily since. Earlier this year, they promised us the album was moving in a new direction, exploring harder rock material, exemplified by the song "She's Got Chemicals," which has been in their set list for over a year now. It opens with......

There are about a million reasons to go see Visqueen tonight at the Crocodile, and unless you've been living under a rock, you already know they're one of Seattle's best, most amusing live bands. Well, add one more reason to go to your list: Rachel's new haircut. Based on the pic above, we have to say we like it (but we're far too smitten to be unbiased). So now you can go and see......

Another copious serving of live tunes (not to mention opportunities to leave your smelly apartment), courtesy of Seattlest. You can thank us later. Tuesday 26th >>> The Presets at Chop Suey. Between The Presets electro-rock and opening acts The Girls and No-Fi Soul Rebellion, this show can't help but to leave you in a sweaty heap by the end of the night. 9pm doors; $8 adv. 21+ >>> DJ Krush at Neumo's. Japan's DJ......

You got something better to do? We don't believe you. Wednesday 2nd >>> Mellowdrone and Monsters are Waiting at Chop Suey. Both of these dancey Cali bands rely on heavy synths. 9pm doors; $8 advance. Thursday 3rd >>> Mark Erelli at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. Sensitive Bostonian singer/songwriter with a sweet, sweet voice. 7pm; free. All ages. Friday 4th >>> Harvey Danger at Neumo's. CD Release Party – New album is good. Sean Nelson......

After kicking our collective asses for four consecutive days, the heat is finally backing down. So pull yourself together. Go outside again -- especially to Capitol Hill this weekend. Tuesday 25th >>> The Long Winters at Sonic Boom in Ballard. Putting The Days To Bed, the third LP from Seattle's The Long Winters, combines the lyrical intimacy and melodic complexity of the Ultimatum EP with the guitar pop rave-ups of the bands previous full lengths.......

Tuesday 18th >>> Thievery Corporation at The Paramount 8pm; $25-$35 (not including Ben Dover fees) Wednesday 19th >>> Billie Burke Estate at Tractor Tavern. Gay piano pop 70's style, complete with horns and overall fabulousness. 9pm; $5 >>> Quintron and Miss Pussycat, The Trashies, Herry Marry, Erin Jorgensen at the Sunset Tavern 9pm; $10 Thursday 20th >>> Digable Planets at Neumos. 'Cause we're cool like that. 9pm; $23 advance, $25 dos (Thursday and Friday)......

It's too late for us to tell you about the drawing at Three Imaginary Girls for Kuma tickets. We understand that you're mad and we accept that anger. You missed the deadline for entry, and to a certain way of thinking, Seattlest is responsible. We know this is a wound that will never heal, but maybe we can alleviate some of the pain: Tickets are still available to Kuma's CD release party at Chop Suey......