THE FRAMES
(Wonder Ballroom, 128 NE Russell) Remember that movie-musical Once, starring the Frames' frontman/sweetheart/baby cheeks/widdle ickle cutesybottom Glen Hansard? I wish I didn't: Once was too much. It introduced me to a world of saccharine Irish vanilla-rock that made me a little ashamed of my people for a minute. First I thought things couldn't get any worse than the sanctimony of latter-day Bono. Then there was Boyzone—that had to be the nadir, right? WRONG! Hansard might be a saint in person, but he sings like a sensitive beardo in some college dorm room trying to make the girls swoon with his Sarah McLachlan impression. "I don't know you, but I want you/All the more for that/Words fall through me and always fool me/And I can't react." Please. Spare us. BRENDAN KILEY
PAPER OR PLASTIC , BRAINCLOUD, AM EXCHANGE, ALL THE MONEY
(Backspace, 115 NW 5th) It used to be a staple, but the saxophone has all but disappeared from the modern rock band. That's not the case with Paper or Plastic, onetime Oregonians who graduated high school and are now trying their luck in New York City. Back home for a Thanksgiving gig, the band is separated from the pack by Ian Christensen's tooting sax, bringing back memories of the Champs, the Viscounts, Lee Allen—and, of course, Clarence Clemons. Otherwise, Paper or Plastic are driven by the electric piano and vocals of David Pollock, with a warm, slightly swanky '70s lounge rock vibe and watertight melodies. Their new EP, Ron Save the King, shows the band's newfound confidence, highlighted by the closer "Low Budget Film." NED LANNAMANN
ARTISTERY BENEFIT: WAMPIRE, BILLIONS AND BILLIONS, GHOST TO FALCO
(The Artistery, 4315 SE Division) In a year that saw Portland lose three more all-ages-friendly music venues (The Parlour, Berbati's, and most notably, Satyricon), it's more important than ever to lend a hand to the Artistery. A beacon for local (and on occasion, national) music tucked away underneath a house on SE Division, the Artistery has been hosting shows without age restrictions for over eight years now. The struggles of running an all-ages show space are not lost on Rocky Tinder, as Wampire's frontman used to hold the reigns for the Hush, yet another Portland venue that shuttered its door far too soon. Dig deep—the cover is only six dollars—and enjoy this triple bill of local talent, knowing your support will (hopefully) keep the Artistery above water for another year. EZRA ACE CARAEFF
Unsane, Jared Mees and the Grown Children, Anne, Teenage Murder School, Big Black Cloud, and Miracles Club, as well as a link to the complete show listings, after the jump!