Sea Level Records

Yesterday was a big release day for new music so I thought it would be a good time to describe a favorite local record store. Sea Level Records is a small, indie-focused record store in Echo Park. It's one of the only record stores in LA that focuses on supporting local, indie bands. They do a lot of cool in-stores and if you go in there a couple of times you will develop a relationship with the owner, Todd. While LA citizens are lucky to have a lot of choices when it comes to buying music, I always like supporting local mom-and-pop businesses. They also carry a fair amount of vinyl. An added bonus is that it's the only place you can buy tickets for most Spaceland and Echo concerts without paying Ticketweb a bunch of fees. Check them out at 1716 W. Sunset Blvd.

http://www.sealevelechopark.com/store/
http://www.myspace.com/sealevel

While you're there, pick up some of yesterday's new releases.

Highly Recommended:
My Morning Jacket Z: Mojo called it an instant classic and gave it 5 stars. It took me several listens to get into this because it's so much different than their previous records. They trimmed about a half-hour off the running time and are experimenting with less organic sounds. Of the 10 songs, six are really good (check out "Anytime"), two are good and two are decent. Definitely worth buying. Playing live at the Fonda on 11/10/05.

Broken Social Scene S/T: Just as good as You Forgot It in People. Of the 14 tracks, five are really good (check out "7/4 Shoreline"), seven are good and two are interludes. Playing live at the Fonda on 11/8/05.

I'm Still Digesting:
Franz Ferdinand You Could Have It So Much Better with Franz Ferdinand: I really liked their first album. But on first listen this is not nearly as good. Maybe it will grow on me. Playing live at the Greek Theatre on 10/7/05 & 10/8/05.
Watch a video: here

Ladytron Witching Hour: Somebody gave me a copy of 604 a few years ago and I never played it much. But this new album sounds pretty good on first listen. Stupid Pitchfork seems to like it. Appearing at Bang! on 11/19/05.

The Go! Team Thunder, Lightning, Strike: I haven't had a chance to hear the whole thing yet. So far I'm indifferent. Playing live at the El Rey on 10/20/05.

Other releases I would like to hear:
Fiona Apple Extraordinary Machine - Playing live at the Wiltern on 11/26/05

The Magic Numbers The Magic Numbers - Playing live at the Troubadour on 11/1/05
Watch a video: here