Visqueen, Throw Me the Statue celebrate CD releases

For a double-whammy dose of some of the most exuberant, intelligent indie rock currently heard in Seattle — and increasingly, nationwide — head to the Crocodile Saturday, where the well-respected Visqueen and rising stars Throw Me the Statue both celebrate new albums.

The latter band, assembled by former bedroom rocker and Microphones devotee Scott Reitherman, chases pop perfection with a mishmash of styles on "Creaturesque," their second album for Secretly Canadian. (The band's Built to Spill-flavored vibes and charmingly obtuse lyrical turns have gotten a lot of attention recently, and deserve yours too.)

Visqueen's third full-length, "Message to Garcia," is being released on frontwoman Rachel Flotard's new label, Local 638, named for the NYC Steamfitters Union her father was a member of. "Garcia" is a highly personal document, a self-described "rock-and-roll epitaph" for her dad, who died last year after a long cancer battle.

Written during trying times, it's nonetheless filled with the bright and exultant, uplifting melodic rock you expect from Flotard, longtime drummer Ben Hooker, bassist Cristina Bautista and guitarist Tom Cummings.

Only on certain songs, such as "So Long," does a palpable and tender sadness peek through.

Collaborators include pedal-steel wizard Jon Rauhouse, members of the Fastbacks and Long Winters, and Neko Case, who lends backing vocals to several songs.

"Garcia" shares its title with an essay Flotard's father gave her, about a soldier who accomplishes a daunting mission. Flotard's identity as a caregiver (her mission, perhaps, besides rocking) hasn't ended — she blogged from Laos while doing volunteer work last year, and plans to return this December.

And every time she takes to a Seattle stage, the audience benefits from a bellyful of laughter.

Rachel Shimp: randomsumm3r@gmail.com

Dad was her inspiration

Rachel Flotard, The wittiest woman in local music shared some anecdotes about her father, "Garcia's" inspiration:

Q: It sounds like you and your father were each other's biggest fan and supporter.

A: It's funny, sometimes you end up compartmentalizing yourself for certain people, and become exactly whom they want or need. My dad and I were exactly who the other wanted and needed to be with. He was so damn funny, and could always make me laugh as mad as I would get at him.

Like when he stole some crappy tanning cream out of my bathroom "to moisturize" and I ended up rushing him to the hospital for jaundice. Good times, and bravo to the real Jan Brady in me who got suckered by tanning cream.

Dad moved around pretty well his first few years living here, about the time "King Me" came out (2003). He used a cane to truck around our neighborhood, and wore a size billion Wu-tang Clan sweat shirt. He did not know what Wu-tang was, but looooved comfortable sweatshirts.

He did not understand the PCC. It was like no N.J. supermarket he was familiar with. They had no smokes, and turkey sausage was a crime against nature. My sister and I loved little things like that. Anyway, he and I had some pretty "Odd Couple" moments as roommates, there were times I wanted to defect, and I'm sure he wanted to be 30 years younger and back on the streets of Manhattan with a healthy body.

There was never a pity party or a complaint out of that guy, despite the hundreds of needle sticks and an unavoidable fate. He kicked ass, felt loved and wanted me to try and make a good life going forward. So I am.

Q: You're a wonderful writer. Would you ever consider writing a memoir, or does your music act as a continuous one?

A: Yes. I'm writing "Flotard The Musical." I've already done some casting for the "early years" segment. Ben will be portrayed by either Judge Reinhold, Christopher Walken or Valley-Girl era Nic Cage. Kim Warnick by Lily Tomlin and Tootsie.