MP3 Monday is a weekly SmartShanghai column, serving up mp3s from bands living and making music in China (or coming to China, or thinking about coming to China, or whatever). Copyright holders: if you would like your song removed, please email us here, and we'll honor your request promptly.

So here's some em pea sans from Portland three-piece The Thermals, in anticipation of their Shanghai show, Thursday, March 18 at Yuyintang.

The Thermals play good-time indie rock/punk rock. Formed back in 2002, The Thermals became extra popular in the states on the release of their third album, "The Body, The Blood, The Machine" (Sub Pop, prod. Brendan Canty of Fugazi) which is a concept album about unchecked religious tyranny. The album was a critical success featured in many "Best Of 2006" lists, including Pitchfork, Spin, NPR...

Here's a great interview with singer/guitarist Hutch Harris talking about the ideas behind the songs. Christian concentration camps, devolution, war mongering, and nuclear devastation. Good times.

The article argues, the album "contains hands down some of the best protest songs penned since the mighty Clash roamed the earth."

Here's a song from that album.


Their next one was this album, "Now We Can See" which was put out on Kill Rock Stars. It's quite good. Oh way oh a whoa. Oh way oh a whoa.


So they're in town on March 18, supported by Beijing-based three-piece Hedgehog, who despite playing out and releasing songs under the name "B Side Lovers", have got a new bass player and are back as Hedgehog playing Hedgehog songs. Indeed.

Not much to add to that. Should be a good one.

Tickets are 80rmb in advance and 100rmb at the door.

Photo credits: Tom Oliver/Sub Pop

No comments yet

All Nightlife Articles » All Articles »

All Dining Articles » All Articles »

All Art & Stage Articles » All Articles »

All Activities Articles » All Articles »