As 2007 winds down, thoughts turn to making lists [fimoculous ^[1]] to summarize events and consumption from the preceding months into ranked order. I’ve been holding off on trying to pick my favorite shows, mostly in anticipation of the 1st of December at Neumo’s. The lineup alone should win some sort of odd couple trio prize. At the top you’ll find the Thermals ^[2], who have yet to disappoint. Their loud, lo-fi, prophetic political pop punk sounds even better live, in the midst of a teeming pit of sweaty dancers. In supporting roles, there’s Arthur & Yu ^[3], the perfect for a fall picnic, sparkly folk-leaning indie that launched a Sub Pop spin-off label, and the tropical-infused party rock of Coconut Coolouts ^[4]. See, something for everyone! or everything for someone?

Just in time to get you in the mood for their show, the Thermals had a little fun with a green screen and made a cute new video for “Return to the Fold”:

(the thermals, arthur & yu, coconut coolouts; 1 december 2007; $12, 8pm [neumos ^[5]])