Man/Miracle @ Black Lodge | 01/29 | $(Probably 5 dollars)

YES, SSG is throwing a plethora of shows at you for tonight, but there are some many readers and so many options! Remember a few weeks back when all-star Music Editor James Gannon shared Man/Miracle with us? Well that miracle is going to be manifesting itself at Black Lodge tonight. James commented:

Life is simultaneously thriving and decomposing in their stridently diverse tracks. Lead singer Dylan Travis agilely adapts to each one by expressing styles ranging from abrupt David Byrne-like stanzas, to angelic Robin Pecknold-esque discants. The album is overall upbeat, though at times lending enough edge to keep their bright sound from boiling over to bubbly pop.

Tense overtones come to a head on “Pushing and Shoving” which begins with a raucous chant, defining an intensely deliberate rhythm that is carried through the song by driving guitar and percussion. The vocals belt out the story of a relationship that’s abrasiveness sets the stage for a striking crescendo. The following track “Other People” releases your bated breath with a punky stuttered guitar riff that epitomizes the albums pop sensibility. The Shape of Things (available here) pleasantly works from start to finish as it showcases Man/Miracle’s style.

Visit the original post to download the music discussed, and head over to Black Lodge tonight if you’re cool enough to know where it is.

Thomas Starks @ El Diablo | 01/29 | $FREE !!!

Now this little bugger is just cute. Thomas Starks is a local singer songwriter who would be grateful to warm a few hearts tonight. His style of music is pretty basic and earnest, but maybe that’s what the doctor ordered for a Friday night. Some people like to party like it’s their last day on earth, and some might just be looking to say, “TGIF, now it’s time to relax.” If you fall under the second category, make your way to Queen Anne, get a Mexican hot chocolate, and hang out with Thomas Starks tonight.

Tapwater @ Nectar Lounge | 01/29 | $7 purchase tickets here

If you’re in for some “world twang” music tonight, check out Tapwater at Nectar Lounge. Jodi Kaufer shared some memories of seeing Tapwater in anticipation of seeing them at Meltdown 2009. Here are her thoughts, and perhaps you’ll see her at Nectar Lounge tonight!

Picture if you will, it’s late at night, I’ve just wandered back to our camp and there is still much reveling going on in the general area and just up the “street.” As I’m snuggling into my sleeping bag, I’m struck by the sounds of steel drums and an accordion playing together. Being the type of girl who can’t resist an interesting mixture of musical styles, I removed myself from my cozy sleeping bag and followed the music. Imagine my surprise when I arrive at the very camp of the kind folks who just hours earlier loaned me a wagon and pimped their band. There was a growing circle of other people who were drawn by the unique sounds floating through the pines that night and ever since that night, I’ve been waiting for my opportunity to see TapWater on stage. Self-labeled as “World Twang,” TapWater brings together the many sounds and styles they have encountered and studied from around the world. They have created a unique and diverse experience that feels so new and fresh yet somehow familiar and comfortable.