I’m glad that Backdoor Slam got postponed (not that I was planning on going anyway), because that means I get another chance to go see Hazelwood Motel, whose three proprietors croon melancholy, wispy folk dirges born of a haunted psyche. Hazelwood Motel first became known to me as one of the openers at Little Pieces’ record release party, and even though Megan Pickerel’s voice was near-impossible to make out, what I could hear was very compelling. Unfortunately, that sound gaffe is probably why I didn’t go out and buy their record immediately. It wasn’t until I heard Hazelwood Motel’s track “Break Myself In Two” on my advance copy of the Nadamucho/Global Seepej “Sounds of the Seattle Underground” compilation (which, I might add, contains many other excellent local gems) that I fully appreciated Hazelwood Motel’s explosive potential. Of course, I expect nothing less from Mark Pickerel’s sister and company, and if Hazelwood Motel does wind up on the fast track to fame and fortune, I won’t bat an eyelash.

Tue., Aug. 19, 9 p.m., 2008