The Prids’ ageless core of Mistina La Fave and David Frederickson have been part of Portland’s ever-changing music scene for decades. They’ve always made music on their own terms. And nearly 30 years in, they seem to be hitting their creative peak with the release of 2024’s I Only Care About You and Me. The band’s longevity can be traced to the tenacity of La Fave and Frederickson, a couple of weirdos drawn together in a Missouri podunk. That’s where they became the Prids, before relocating to Portland years later over their mutual love of Team Dresch. In the ensuing years they became a touring force and released consistently great records, like 2006’s …Until the World Is Beautiful, and Do I Look Like I’m In Love? in 2018. Along the way they earned the respect of artists like Henry Rollins and Built To Spill. I Only Care About You and Me is the band’s best and most cohesive record of their career—the songwriting, the performances and the production. Larry Crane (Elliot Smith, Cat Power, The Thermals) allows everything its own space, bringing out Geordie Thompson’s drums and Cass Yates’ keyboard and bass textures. Like the band’s career, these songs follow their own paths, as hooks and singalong choruses seemingly come out of nowhere. This new record further proves that the Prids are driven by forces we can’t explain…or perhaps they’re from another planet. Portland knows the secret. It’s time for rest of the world to catch up.