(09.26.06) Recommends:

Rogue Wave, "Descended Like Voltures" (Sub Pop, 2005).

This album is not new, though good it most certainly is. It's an atmospheric, pop-rock, indie-folk-punk type of record. I've been listening to it a lot lately because the band is holding a benefit concert Saturday, September 30, at the Independent in San Francisco (the band is from the city as well), and the show is the real thing that I am recommending (though, once you start listening to this record, you will constantly come back to it over the months and years). It turns out the drummer needs a kidney transplant. So, they've gotten some friends together and are playing a benefit to raise money for medical expenses.

Guests include:
*Ben Gibbard, from Death Cab For Cutie
*John Vanderslice
*Ryan Miller, from Guster
*Matthew Caws, from Nada Surf
*MC of the event San Francisco resident Daniel Handler, dba NY Times best selling author Lemony Snicket
*"Other Special Guests"

As to who the OSGs could be, I would just like to throw out there that on the afternoon of the benefit, just down the 101 from the Independent, Shoreline Amphitheater will be hosting Download Fest 2006, featuring, among others, Rogue Wave, label-mates The Shins, TV on the Radio, Beck, Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Let the internet speculation begin.

If you are not in the Bay Area, but would like to make a donation, go here.