Pitchfork: Wrens, Okkervil River Rock for KEXP

It's not our regular tack to go out of our way to rage against the inanity of commercial radio, but seriously, who the fuck decided that playing Jesse McCartney three times an hour is a good idea? And why do I hear "The Electric Slide" every single time I tune in to one of those alleged "play whatever we want" Jack stations? Is this some kind of conspiracy run by Bar Mitzvah DJs?

Sorry. Got a little carried away there.

Anyway, the solution to this hair-tearing airwave plight has got to be something like Seattle's KEXP. The noncommercial station has built a loyal following in the U.S. and beyond through smart moves, technological availability, and a genuine love of music. Aided by a partnership with the University of Washington and an original boost from Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen's Experience Music Project, KEXP has grown into a warm retreat for the indie-obsessed across the dial and on the web.

This coming weekend, December 16 and 17, the station will host its third annual Yule Benefit fundraising event at Neumos in Seattle, featuring a host of high-class acts. Jersey boys the Wrens and lit-rock faves Okkervil River will headline both nights, with local heroes Pretty Girls Make Graves, Harvey Danger, and others providing support. Shoegazer heartthrob Mark Gardener, formerly of Ride, will perform a set in support of his recent solo debut album, on Saturday.

The full lineup:

12-16 The Wrens, Okkervil River, Pretty Girls Make Graves, the Purrs
12-17 The Wrens, Okkervil River, Harvey Danger, Mark Gardener, the Divorce