The Big One

Oregon’s heading for a major quake

A failed plan to bring nuclear power to the “earthquake-free” Northwest led instead to the discovery that our region is due for a massive temblor. The Washington Public Power Supply System (WPPSS, aka “whoops”) nuclear power project, largely failed in the 1980s, but before it crashed, it led to the research uncovering that Oregon and Washington are actually on a seismic hot spot. Continue reading 

Conflicted

Superman, who originally hails from both a different planet and a different era, is often a tough sell with modern audiences who’ve gotten used to conflicted heroes, anti-heroes and intriguing bad guys. Superman — with a smile and a cape, the embodiment of a certain kind of American ideal — is just so good. It turns out he’s a little conflicted after all.  Continue reading 

Summer Soulstice

The long summer nights that we’ve been craving all winter are finally here, and with the warmth of the new season come the music extravaganzas we’ve been anticipating. Although the Cuthbert started off the season with Primus, the Soulstice will be the true kick-off to this year’s summer at Alton Baker. And with the new disc golf course in place, why not play a round or two before heading through the gates? Continue reading 

Roots Rock Reggae

Jah Sun is well aware of the deep history of reggae music and how much it has influenced other styles of music. His latest release, Rise As One, acknowledges this trailblazing art form, particularly on the track “Mad Up Di Place.”  Continue reading 

Back Beat

Ruby Pins (a side project of Lillian Maring from San Francisco-based Grass Widow) plays with Portland’s Break-Up Flowers, Statue and Cowboy at 8 pm on Thursday, June 20, at Wandering Goat; $5 sug. don.   Continue reading 

Sweet Ferocity

Amy LaVere has the kind of voice that you can’t help but notice and pay attention to. It’s not that it’s a perfectly polished gem of a voice, but rather that its flaws and nuances make you wonder just what it is that she’s really thinking.  Her last album, Stranger Me, was released in July 2011 and follows four others. In 2012, LaVere and singer-songwriter Shannon McNally recorded Chasing the Ghost together — a partnership that was brought about through their mutual mentor, Memphis producer Jim Dickinson.  Continue reading