Camera Obscura/Marissa Nadler - Crystal Ballroom

Camera Obscura returned to Portland in support of their latest album "Desire Lines," which they had recorded in town.  As they started their set, the sun was still peeking through the windows of the Crystal Ballroom  The band talked about hitting all of their favorite places while they could.  Their performance was relaxed and polished, and the audience was appreciative of songs new and old.

Camera Obscura - Crystal Ballroom

Dandy Warhols/Shivas - Wonder Ballroom

Being a Portland band, the Dandy Warhols seem to play a lot of shows in the city, especially around the holidays each year.  I always mean to go see them, but it had been quite a few years since I had actually gotten off my ass to go to one of their shows.  For the 13th anniversary of their album "13 Tales from Urban Bohemia," the band decided to play a tour featuring the entire album (and more!).  Since I love full-album performances, I made sure I caught one of their shows, and I didn't regret it.  For some reason, their live performances always seem to be able to transport me to another place.  And it was a bonus seeing Zia going aggro on the security guys.

Dandy Warhols - Wonder Ballroom

Lights/Judd Wasserman - Aladdin Theater

A great acoustic show from Lights. With the acoustic arrangements being quieter than the usual electronic arrangements, her vocal talents really impressed.  Talk of toonies, Toronto earthquakes and G-20 riots gave a nice Canadian flavor to the show.  Bonuses were covers of Bjork's "Joga" and U2's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For."

Lights - Aladdin Theater