Run, don't walk, to hear these rockers perform during the marathon

When you run Rock 'n' Roll Seattle ("A Running Nirvana," says its Web site), you get something more than just 26 miles of pain. The marathon's music ("the 'sole' of the event," says that pun-ny old Web site) happens Saturday on 27 stages with two bands apiece doing morning and afternoon shows, other than the first five stages, which have only morning performers.

You can see the whole lineup at www.rnrseattle.com, and check out the bands' stage positions on the accompanying map.

Race day's greatest hits:

Crème Tangerine

Stage 5 (Mile 3.7)

Eastbound Cloverdale Street at Rainier Avenue

7:15-9:10 a.m.

It's been noted Crème Tangerine doesn't sound like, and its members don't look like, the Beatles. No matter; Crème Tangerine sounds exactly like a Beatles cover band, which it is, and its note-for-note faithful renditions should add a surreal tone to early-morning lightheadedness.

Grynch w/10th and Commerce

Stage 10 (Mile 8.6)

Lake Washington Boulevard at Mount Baker Park North

9:30-11:05 a.m.

The King of Ballard deigns to rock the party. Short, blond rapper Grynch makes Ballard's best hip-hop. But what's this? "w/10th and Commerce"? It appears the King will be joined by a house-party-style band you may have seen if you hang with young people in Tacoma. Should be Gryncheresting ...

The Lonely Forest

Stage 13 (Mile 14.1)

Jackson Street at Second Ave. Extension South, at Seattle Lighting

7:50-10 a.m.

Super-catchy indie-pop from Anacortes. The Lonely Forest has been honing its craft, and its once nice-but-forgettable songwriting and delivery are now ramped up to surprisingly high levels. And these guys mean it, too. Imagine if pop-rock radio didn't sound so cloying in its sentimentalism.

Tennis Pro

Stage 15 (Mile 15.4)

Southbound Highway 99 at Elliott Avenue onramp

10:30 a.m.-12:10 p.m.

Scrappy guitar rock from dudes wearing raggedy tennis clothes, Tennis Pro's music is a good pick-me-up. Funny fact: Their album is called "Are You There God? It's Me, Tennis Pro."

SHIM

Stage 21 (Mile 21.5)

Northbound Highway 99 at the Western Avenue exit

9:30-11:30 a.m.

Rock 'n' roll as meat 'n' potatoes, SHIM's '70s-style riffs are cooked expertly — and with no small amount of humor, that magic party spice. The music sounds fun to make and looks fun performed. SHIM's something to ditch school, let your hair down, and pump your fist to. Or use as juice for that last five-mile push.

North Twin

Stage 25 (Mile 26)

First Avenue at Artist's Gallery parking lot

9:05 a.m.-noon

North Twin's country music does what country should: induce swaying of limbs, deep head nodding, and heavy feelings. At Mile 26, the lyric you'll relate to most: "I feel like I've been gutted, man. I've been split open wide like a spring hog that was ready for the blade."

Andrew Matson: 206-464-2153 or amatson@seattletimes.com