Each week the Seattle Office of Film + Music compiles its rankings of the top 10 Pacific Northwest albums of the week. The numbers are based on sales figures at Sonic Boom and Easy Street locations throughout Seattle. Here are the results for the week of February 16 through February 22: more ›

A couple days ago, we asked Seattlest readers for music recommendations, and while we haven't had a chance to really check out everything they recommended, there is one stand-out we have fallen for: Telekinesis. Essentially a solo project by local singer-songwriter Michael Benjamin Lerner, it's a fantastic mix of danceable garage rock with decent lyrics that don't make you wretch, reminiscent of Guided By Voices. And, in a fine twist of fate, tonight happens to be their CD release party, at the new Croc, for their self-titled debut. Headliner is Throw Me the Statue, another fine local band; it's 21 and over. more ›

We have already recommended you see this band ad infinitum, so we might as well say it once more. Ra Ra Riot is a great Syracuse-based/Seattle-labelled orchestral pop sextet. There's a red-headed, guileless lead singer and two girls on electric strings (cello and violin), and together the band makes high-energy music that sounds good and feels better. Their debut EP was accomplished, and they delivered again on last year's solid full-length The Rhumb Line. Look, at this point, we don't know how many more times we can tell you to see them, but if needs be, we will personally come to each of your houses and knock on your doors until you finally give in. Just go. It'll be great. We promise. more ›