If there was any justice in this world, Ben Whitesides would be a household name, but there isn't, so it's up to us introduce a man who shouldn't need an introduction. On the bright side, if you've never been introduced, you're in for a treat. Whitesides is one-fourth of the critically-acclaimed but largely forgotten Portland band The Joggers (MySpace), and one half of The Cajun Gems (MySpace) , an even more forgotten duo that recorded just one album, Richard Byrd At Little America, in a basement in the year 2000. This mesmerizing disc bursts with 19 tracks of lo-fi, finger-pinking, lyrically mesmerizing delight. Whitesides collaborated on the album with Darrell Bourque, who is also in The Joggers, and sold it via mail-order on The Joggers website, where a few copies fell into the hands of frustrated Joggers fans jonesing for something to tide them over until next Joggers' album, which never came. (Or hasn't come yet?) more ›

Anyone yet unfamiliar with Portland's phenomenal guitar rock quartet The Joggers (myspace, website) can glean a lot about their music from this photo of their drummer, Jake Morris. For one thing, he's pouring sweat for a reason; the band's propulsive, serpentine arrangements demand a high-degree of octane from the guy behind the kit. And as the microphone indicates, everyone in the band pitches in on vocals to fill out lead singer Ben Whitesides's theatrically ambitious... more ›

Another week begins and it's time to start penciling in some shows. Tonight, The Concretes are back! The Scandinavian 8+ person band will be playing Bowery Ballroom. While over at Sin-e King of France, Less and Dawn Landes play a more intimate gig. more ›

Unlike the rock snob/critic/whathaveyou stereotype, I hope for my favorite bands to sell out. I want to hear them on car commercials and in the background of my favorite TV shows. I want people who don't listen to a lot of music to ask me if I've ever heard of them. I hold no pride in keeping great bands to myself. I always wish for the best. more ›