Parties out (and in) your ear

It's a big week for music releases, and since several have ties to the Seattle area, there are several free listening parties here in town, most with free goodies to boot. I'm going to the Gainsbourg function, maybe I'll see you there?

Album: Serge Gainsbourg - L'Histoire De Melody Nelson (Stream)
Host: Light in the Attic Records (Reissue)
Location: Gainsbourg, 8550 Greenwood Ave
Time: 9PM til closing

This 1971 concept album from France's eternal dirty old man, Serge Gainsbourg, is long considered a French Pop masterpiece. It's the logical culmination of European free love and rock excess - the Lolita of rock, in both profundity and perversion. With the bordello-like setting of Gainsbourg (the location) and the vocal patty-cake between Serge and Jane Birkin, you might consider bringing a change of pants.

Spinning records: Hunter Lee (Mono in VCF) and Steve Quenel (artist/Six Organs of Admittance)

Album: Pearl Jam - Ten (Reissued/Remastered)
Where: Easy Street Records W. Seattle
When: 9PM start time
Goodies: Free pizza, cheap beer and chance to win tons of Pearl Jam related goodies.

If you make it to midnight, they'll be special sale prices on all four versions.

Album: The Decemberists - Hazards of Love
Where: Easy Street Records, Queen Anne
When: 11PM
Goodies: Refreshing beverages and free Decemberists swag, plus enter to win an autographed CD booklet.

At midnight, the album goes on sale for the "special price" of $14.99.