Yes, British indie rock quartet Editors are headlining at Chop Suey tonight, but we're more excited for super-catchy opening-opening band Ra Ra Riot. The Syracuse-based six-piece has guitars and cello and violin (oh my), and they've got one certifiably awesome song ("Dying is Fine") that's based on an ee cummings poem and reminds us of "Come on Eileen"--in a good way. Earlier this year, they wowed the critics at SXSW, ending up on NME's list of top 10 bands at the 2007 conference, before tragedy struck and their drummer died a few months ago. But the band has soldiered on, putting out a self-titled EP and touring non-stop with such acts as Tokyo Police Club, Art Brut, and The Cribs. Tonight they bring their big sound and bigger heart to Chop Suey. Catch them now, because they aren't going to be under the radar for much longer.
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Chop Suey has an odd pair of shows for tomorrow. The night closes out with house music provided by Justin Martin (one of the best shows of 2006) and Johnny Fiasco (he's respected, but he hasn't done much for us lately), but earlier in the evening there's Fujiya and Miyagi. We know right now you're likely asking "Who?," so we'll explain.
Back in 2002, the Crocodile had a perfect storm of a show, and not-yet-Seattlest was lucky enough to be in attendance for a bill whose lineup still gets followed to this day. The earnest indie rock of Mellowdrone, followed by the Brit-rock-with-tender-voices of both South and Elbow prompted Seattlest to spend more on merch at that show than has been spent since. As album release cycles go, they all still tend to hit Seattle on tour around the same time (Elbow two weeks ago, Mellowdrone soon), but it's doubtful that oh-so-perfect lineup will ever be replicated.
It's cold outside. The clouds have decided to leave their precipitatory dandruff all over the damn place, putting the entire region into a "Blizzard 2005!!!" tizzy. That sets the bar pretty high for an outing, since a quiet evening in a warm home is even more appealing. That said, tonight has not one, not two, but three events that should be able to keep you warm. You could probably hit up all three if you were really ambitious, doing some musical layering in addition to that of the apparel variety.
A healthy slice of the Seattle house music scene got together in the wake of Hurricane Katrina to determine the most effective course of action, and Friday will see the fruit of those efforts with a benefit show at Chop Suey. Proceeds from the night will be donated to the New Orleans Musicians Clinic and Mercy Corps. Even without the worthy cause, the lineup of local openers and headliner Hipp-E (of Hipp-E & Halo fame) all but assures that heads will be nodding and butts will be shaking. Hipp-E hasn't been to Seattle in over 5 years, making this a very anticipated return.
Last month's Deep House Originals kickoff brought about an all-too-rare sight, that of a completely barren bar, and a full dancefloor, possibly the truest testament to how good the music actually was. For anyone that had to miss that show, Saturday brings the second installment in the series, with Glenn Underground bringing the deepest of the deep house sounds.
Seattlest is depressed. We're beginning to think that finding great pizza in Seattle is akin to finding a great bottle of wine at QFC. It's probable, but such discoveries are to be few and far between.

Friendly Folk-Pop for the Kids: Hey Marseilles at Vera This Saturday