I'm also contributing to the LAist now. Go check out my first post HERE.
Being the good local citizen that I am, I attended two record release parties this week.
Languis on Sunday 3/26 @ Spaceland
Languis was celebrating the release of their new EP, Other Desert Cities, on Pehr Records. There was a really nice crowd for a Sunday at Spaceland (including lots of local musicians and some of the Plug Research crew). The band covered the backdrop of the stage in white and had some nice lighting effects. It would have been cool if they'd taken it the extra step and planned their wardrobes accordingly. They sounded tight. It's atmospheric music that also works well on the stage. Fans of Spacemen 3, American Analog Set and ambient music should enjoy it.
Download "In the Fields of (Lonely Fences)"
Irving on Wednesday 3/29 @ King King
Another impressive crowd came out to see Irving celebrate the release of their second album, Death in the Garden, Blood On the Flowers (out Tuesday on Eenie Meenie Records). It could have been bad, but the Hollywood crowd was respectful to soft rock opener Lavender Diamond. They're getting national buzz at the moment and play music that wouldn't sound out of place on easy listening 1970's radio. Lead singer Becky Stark is still as kooky as she was the first time I saw her seven years ago. After a set by Great Northern (a band featuring several members of Earlimart), Irving came out and shot some adrenaline into the crowd. Steven Scott handled vocals on the first track, "Situation." He leapt around the stage and shrieked loudly into the mic. Fans of Apples in Stereo should like that track. They followed with a Brian Canning led song, which might have been "Jen, Nothing Matters to Me." Fans of the Killers and other dance rock bands should like that one. For the third or fourth song, local hearthrob Alex Church stepped up to the mic. He taunted the ladies in the crowd with, "I Want To Love You in My Room." There was a collective shriek when he sang, "I want to take off all your clothes." About five songs in they introduced some older songs. The crowd was surprisingly responsive given that most of them were hearing the new songs for the first time.
Download "Situation"
Friday, March 31, 2006
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Weekend Live Music Picks
Petra Haden performs live at the Jensen Rec center on SaturdayFriday 3/31/06
Lucinda Williams @ El Rey Theatre [SOLD OUT] - Immensely talented folk and country influenced singer-songwriter. This is an intimate show with just her and her guitarist. I recommend all of her last three studio albums. She bought me a drink once at the Derby.
Her Space Holiday @ Troubadour [$10] - For fans of sad indie electronica.
Download "Keystroke"
Nous Non Plus @ Spaceland [$10] - A faux French band of former art school students who play music inspired by Gainsbourg, Dutronc, and Ferrer. I saw them once when they were still called Les Sans Culottes.
Daedelus / Busdriver @ the Echo [$5] - Daedulus is experimental indie electronica with a hip-hop influence. Busdriver's an underground backpack rapper.
Download Daedelus' "Move On" (with Sci)
Download Busdriver's "Unemployed Black Astronaut"
The Strokes @ Gibson Amphitheatre [$32.50] - Also tonight.
Saturday 4/1/06
Petra Haden & the Sell-Outs @ Jensen Rec Center [$15] - She recreated the Who's The Who Sell Out as an a cappella album. Listening to the record is very interesting, hopefully seeing it live will be too.
We Are Scientists @ El Rey Theatre [SOLD OUT] - For fans of the Killers, Bloc Party and Franz Ferdinand. Major label band that a lot of bloggers seem to like. I listened to the record a few times. There are a couple of catchy tunes.
Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins @ Orpheum Theatre [SOLD OUT] - Rilo Kiley singer's solo tour. You can download her mellow country-tinged album for free from her label's site HERE. A friend in Fort Worth saw her last night and loved it.
Jason Collett @ Knitting Factory [$10] - One of the guys in Broken Social Scene who plays gentle 1970s influenced rock.
Mika Miko @ the Smell [$5] - Local all girl punk band. They're putting out an album on Kill Rock Stars this summer. Kind of like a harder rocking Raincoats?
Sunday 4/2/06
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club / Silversun Pickups @ Spaceland [$20] - This is a benefit for the Rose Scharlin school so don't try to weasle your way in on the guestlist. Get there early, advance tickets are sold out.
Sia @ Troubadour [SOLD OUT] - She's performed with Jamiroquai, Massive Attack, Zero 7 and Willaim Orbit. You might also know her from that final scene of Six Feet Under.
Lucinda Williams @ El Rey Theatre [SOLD OUT] - Immensely talented folk and country influenced singer-songwriter. This is an intimate show with just her and her guitarist. I recommend all of her last three studio albums. She bought me a drink once at the Derby.
Her Space Holiday @ Troubadour [$10] - For fans of sad indie electronica.
Download "Keystroke"
Nous Non Plus @ Spaceland [$10] - A faux French band of former art school students who play music inspired by Gainsbourg, Dutronc, and Ferrer. I saw them once when they were still called Les Sans Culottes.
Daedelus / Busdriver @ the Echo [$5] - Daedulus is experimental indie electronica with a hip-hop influence. Busdriver's an underground backpack rapper.
Download Daedelus' "Move On" (with Sci)
Download Busdriver's "Unemployed Black Astronaut"
The Strokes @ Gibson Amphitheatre [$32.50] - Also tonight.
Saturday 4/1/06
Petra Haden & the Sell-Outs @ Jensen Rec Center [$15] - She recreated the Who's The Who Sell Out as an a cappella album. Listening to the record is very interesting, hopefully seeing it live will be too.
We Are Scientists @ El Rey Theatre [SOLD OUT] - For fans of the Killers, Bloc Party and Franz Ferdinand. Major label band that a lot of bloggers seem to like. I listened to the record a few times. There are a couple of catchy tunes.
Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins @ Orpheum Theatre [SOLD OUT] - Rilo Kiley singer's solo tour. You can download her mellow country-tinged album for free from her label's site HERE. A friend in Fort Worth saw her last night and loved it.
Jason Collett @ Knitting Factory [$10] - One of the guys in Broken Social Scene who plays gentle 1970s influenced rock.
Mika Miko @ the Smell [$5] - Local all girl punk band. They're putting out an album on Kill Rock Stars this summer. Kind of like a harder rocking Raincoats?
Sunday 4/2/06
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club / Silversun Pickups @ Spaceland [$20] - This is a benefit for the Rose Scharlin school so don't try to weasle your way in on the guestlist. Get there early, advance tickets are sold out.
Sia @ Troubadour [SOLD OUT] - She's performed with Jamiroquai, Massive Attack, Zero 7 and Willaim Orbit. You might also know her from that final scene of Six Feet Under.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Voxtrot's Raised By Wolves EP
I blogged about Voxtrot a few weeks ago to help promote their show at the Echo. At that point, I'd only downloaded a track and hadn't heard their full EP. I was surprised when I checked out their Myspace profile and they had over 100,000 profile views. I went out and bought the Raised By Wolves EP (I checked two record stores before finally finding it at Amoeba). I've been listening to it non-stop since then. Their music is heavily influenced by 1980s British pop like the Smiths....
Track 1 - "Raised By Wolves" - Very good song about a relationship that collapses due to a lack of committment by one person. "Being young and stupid and raised by wolves."
Track 2 - "The Start of Something" - Download this one. Super catchy toe-tapping song about infatuation with a girl. The most Smiths-like track.
Track 3 - "Missing Pieces" - This one's less poppy and more jagged which matches the wounded lyrics. "I miss you." Fans of all the dancey post-punk bands might like this one.
Track 4 - "Long Haul" - Slower and hopeful with hand claps at the end. "I wanna catch your love and make it stay."
Track 5 - "Wrecking Force" - Another quality song about adolescent love.
Voxtrot's next EP comes out on Tuesday 4/4/06. LA's Irving will be supporting them on the east coast and midwest (including two sold out shows at the Mercury Lounge in New York). On May 26th Voxtrot will open for Elefant at the Wiltern.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
New Release Tuesday 3/28/06
Recommended
Not at this time.
Things I Need To Hear
Ghostface Killah Fishscale (Def Jam) - Original Wu-Tang member releases his fifth solo record. Early reviews say he's back to his A game after a couple of mediocre records.
Other Noteworthy Releases
Atreyu A Death-grip on Yesterday (Victory) - SoCal Ozzfest band that's probably not very unique. Appearing live at the Long Beach Arena on 3/30/06.
Matt Costa Songs We Sing (Universal) - A singer-songwriter for the Jack Johnson crowd. Appearing live at Fingerprints Records in Long Beach on 3/29/06.
Margot and the Nuclear So and So's The Dust of Retreat (Artemis) - Apparently they're named after a character in a Wes Anderson movie (Margot Tenenbaum). This was released on an indie last year, but Artemis resequenced and remastered it. Appearing live at the Troubadour on 4/25/06.
Rammstein Rosenrot (Universal) - German industrial metal and David Lynch soundtrack alums.
T.I. King (Atlantic) - Self-proclaimed 'King of the South' and star of the film ATL which comes out this weekend. He had that annoying "Rubber Band Man" song a few years ago.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs Show Your Bones (Interscope) - I'm listening to this record as I write this. I saw them years ago at SXSW and thought they sucked. My opinion hasn't changed. Appearing live at Coachella on 4/30/06.
Rob Zombie Educated Horses (Geffen) - Just in case any suburban metal kids read my blog. Appearing live at the Wiltern on 4/24/06.
Not at this time.
Things I Need To Hear
Ghostface Killah Fishscale (Def Jam) - Original Wu-Tang member releases his fifth solo record. Early reviews say he's back to his A game after a couple of mediocre records.
Other Noteworthy Releases
Atreyu A Death-grip on Yesterday (Victory) - SoCal Ozzfest band that's probably not very unique. Appearing live at the Long Beach Arena on 3/30/06.
Matt Costa Songs We Sing (Universal) - A singer-songwriter for the Jack Johnson crowd. Appearing live at Fingerprints Records in Long Beach on 3/29/06.
Margot and the Nuclear So and So's The Dust of Retreat (Artemis) - Apparently they're named after a character in a Wes Anderson movie (Margot Tenenbaum). This was released on an indie last year, but Artemis resequenced and remastered it. Appearing live at the Troubadour on 4/25/06.
Rammstein Rosenrot (Universal) - German industrial metal and David Lynch soundtrack alums.
T.I. King (Atlantic) - Self-proclaimed 'King of the South' and star of the film ATL which comes out this weekend. He had that annoying "Rubber Band Man" song a few years ago.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs Show Your Bones (Interscope) - I'm listening to this record as I write this. I saw them years ago at SXSW and thought they sucked. My opinion hasn't changed. Appearing live at Coachella on 4/30/06.
Rob Zombie Educated Horses (Geffen) - Just in case any suburban metal kids read my blog. Appearing live at the Wiltern on 4/24/06.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Live Music Options 3/27/06-3/30/06
The Movies play tonight at the EchoMonday 3/27/06
The Movies / Division Day @ the Echo [FREE] - For college rock/new wave fans. The Movies are a very beloved local rock band (especially by people who know all the local bands). I highly recommend the download. Division Day plays the last night of their March residency.
Download The Movies' "Rock in the Slingshot"
Download Division Day's "Tap-Tap, Click-Click"
The Brokedown @ Viper Room [?] - For Wilco/AM rock fans. An up and coming local band that just played a few shows at SXSW. Catchy sunshine rock.
Download "Down in the Valley"
Ghostface Killah @ House of Blues [$25] - For hip hop fans. Original Wu-Tang member has a new album out tomorrow.
Sam Prekop / Archer Prewitt @ Knitting Factory [$15] - For indie rock/light jazz fans. Former Sea & Cake members do a "special seated show." Could be boring.
Tuesday 3/28/06
Kieran Hebdan (Four Tet) & Steve Reid @ Spaceland [$14] - For free jazz fans. Knob twiddler joins jazz drummer for improvised sounds.
Stereolab / Sam Prekop / Archer Prewitt @ Henry Fonda [$23] - For post-rock/krautrock fans. I haven't bought a Stereolab album since 1997.
Wednesday 3/29/06
Irving / Lavender Diamond @ King King [$10] - Local pop band, Irving celebrates the release of their new record, Death in the Garden, Blood on the Flowers (4/4/06). Current buzz band, Lavender Diamond opens the show.
Download Lavender Diamond's "You Broke My Heart"
Japan Nite Tour with Tsu Shi Ma Mi Re@ Knitting Factory [$12] - Japan nite is always a good time. Tsu Shi Ma Mi Re is a realy cute band. I bought one of their t-shirts last year.
Rhett Miller @ El Rey [$15] - Former rocker, current pretty boy.
The National @ Troubadour [SOLD OUT] - Rough voiced indie rock with Ohio roots.
Download The National's "Wasp Nest"
Thursday 3/30/06
Deadboy & the Elephantmen @ Spaceland [$10] - They're a two-piece with a male singer/guitarist and female singer/drummer. He used to be in Acid Bath.
Download "Blood Music"- rocking song that could be compared to the White Stripes
Download "Walking Stick" - mellow tune that sounds nothing like the White Stripes
Download "How Long the Night"
The Strokes @ Gibson Amphitheater [SOLD OUT] - I couldn't even get through their most recent album once. I do like the first album. They sound exactly like the record when they play live.
Friday, March 24, 2006
Live Bands
After the great Belle & Sebastian show I had high hopes for the rest of the week. Unfortunately none of the other bands lived up to my expectations (either due to incredible hype or my own love for the record). Band of Horses was decent but not as good as the record. Is that because Phil Ek did such a great job producing the record? Not sure about that, but I do know that King King sucks. $10 to park and as Josh Ritter pointed out, it feels like a high school gym (and sounds about as good). Plus the packed crowd at King King felt like Cinespace on a Tuesday night. I'll definitely see them again. Hopefully next time they'll play Spaceland or the Troubadour.
I've been told that Clap Your Hands Say Yeah is a great live band. I really like the record so I had high hopes. Once again the crowd was kinda lame. When did indie rock get big in malls in Orange County? I know the singer doesn't have the greatest voice, but there's something charming about it on the record. In a live setting it was even more exaggerated. He didn't open his mouth or enunciate anything. He spent a great deal of time with his back to the audience. Two of the other guys spent most of the time staring at their shoes (shoegazers who don't play shoegazer music). He didn't address the audience until the last song. I'll probably see them again. Maybe it was just an off night? or else I saw too much music this week? or bands just need more time to grow?
All the shows this week had me reflecting on my favorite live shows of all time. Some people are just legends and being there gives you goosebumps: Brian Wilson, Arthur Lee/Love, Neil Young, The Zombies. Other bands are just great performers and sometimes you're lucky and see them at their peak: Beck (especially when Smokey Hormel and Joey Waronker toured with him), Radiohead (OK Computer-era), Spiritualized (Ladies and Gentlemen-era), Elliott Smith (the 10 or 11 times I saw him between 1997 & 1999), Belle & Sebastian (they didn't become a great live band until years into their career), Arcade Fire (Troubadour), Fugazi (mid 1990s), Sugar (Bob Mould didn't address the crowd once, but played so passionately it didn't matter). A few poeple like Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips are just great entertainers who rarely disappoint because of their great connection with their fans. Other times I've only become a fan of a band after seeing them live: Muse, My Morning Jacket, Mogwai. I know I'm forgetting tons of great shows.........
I've been told that Clap Your Hands Say Yeah is a great live band. I really like the record so I had high hopes. Once again the crowd was kinda lame. When did indie rock get big in malls in Orange County? I know the singer doesn't have the greatest voice, but there's something charming about it on the record. In a live setting it was even more exaggerated. He didn't open his mouth or enunciate anything. He spent a great deal of time with his back to the audience. Two of the other guys spent most of the time staring at their shoes (shoegazers who don't play shoegazer music). He didn't address the audience until the last song. I'll probably see them again. Maybe it was just an off night? or else I saw too much music this week? or bands just need more time to grow?
All the shows this week had me reflecting on my favorite live shows of all time. Some people are just legends and being there gives you goosebumps: Brian Wilson, Arthur Lee/Love, Neil Young, The Zombies. Other bands are just great performers and sometimes you're lucky and see them at their peak: Beck (especially when Smokey Hormel and Joey Waronker toured with him), Radiohead (OK Computer-era), Spiritualized (Ladies and Gentlemen-era), Elliott Smith (the 10 or 11 times I saw him between 1997 & 1999), Belle & Sebastian (they didn't become a great live band until years into their career), Arcade Fire (Troubadour), Fugazi (mid 1990s), Sugar (Bob Mould didn't address the crowd once, but played so passionately it didn't matter). A few poeple like Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips are just great entertainers who rarely disappoint because of their great connection with their fans. Other times I've only become a fan of a band after seeing them live: Muse, My Morning Jacket, Mogwai. I know I'm forgetting tons of great shows.........
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Weekend Music Options
Languis plays Spaceland on Sunday (and it's Free!)Friday 3/24/06
Asobi Seksu @ Spaceland [$8] - For the shoegazer/4AD fans. Asobi Seksu is a New York city band with a bilingual female Japanese singer. They play Lush-like music.
Download "I'm Happy But You Don't Like Me"
Download "Sooner"
The Bats @ El Cid [$8] - For the record collector crowd. The Bats are a classic New Zealand/Flying Nun jangle pop band that started back in the 1980s.
Beth Orton @ Avalon [SOLD OUT] - For the KCRW crowd. Critically acclaimed British singer-songwriter.
Gogol Bordello @ Key Club [$15] - For the eccentrics. Crazy eclectic gypsy punk on the Sunset Strip.
Download "Gypsy Part of Town"
Flaming Lips Listening Party / Jimmy Tamborello DJ set @ Museum of Contemporary Art [FREE] 7:00PM - 11:00PM
Saturday 3/25/06
Little Brazil @ Sea Level Records 4:00 PM [FREE] - Indie pop band from Omaha with ties to Desaparecidos and the Good Life. Also playing Friday in the Alterknit Lounge at the Knitting Factory.
Download "You and Me"
Death Cab For Cutie / Ben Harper / Gomez / Sia / Feist @ Gibson Amphitheatre [$300] - I just searched and some $300 tickets popped up. That's a little steep for a bunch of bands I don't care about seeing. I think Franz Ferdinand is one of the special guests.
Soledad Brothers @ Spaceland [$12] - Detroit blues-influenced rock.
Download "Downtown Paranoia Blues"
Sunday 3/26/06
Languis @ Spaceland [FREE] - This is the only show this weekend I'm excited about. Since they became a four-piece I think they're one of the best local bands. If you like bands like My Bloody Valentine, Spacemen 3 and Spiritualized go see them (it's free). They're also appearing at Sea Level Records at 4:00PM.
Download "In the Fields of (Lonely Fences)"
Asobi Seksu @ Spaceland [$8] - For the shoegazer/4AD fans. Asobi Seksu is a New York city band with a bilingual female Japanese singer. They play Lush-like music.
Download "I'm Happy But You Don't Like Me"
Download "Sooner"
The Bats @ El Cid [$8] - For the record collector crowd. The Bats are a classic New Zealand/Flying Nun jangle pop band that started back in the 1980s.
Beth Orton @ Avalon [SOLD OUT] - For the KCRW crowd. Critically acclaimed British singer-songwriter.
Gogol Bordello @ Key Club [$15] - For the eccentrics. Crazy eclectic gypsy punk on the Sunset Strip.
Download "Gypsy Part of Town"
Flaming Lips Listening Party / Jimmy Tamborello DJ set @ Museum of Contemporary Art [FREE] 7:00PM - 11:00PM
Saturday 3/25/06
Little Brazil @ Sea Level Records 4:00 PM [FREE] - Indie pop band from Omaha with ties to Desaparecidos and the Good Life. Also playing Friday in the Alterknit Lounge at the Knitting Factory.
Download "You and Me"
Death Cab For Cutie / Ben Harper / Gomez / Sia / Feist @ Gibson Amphitheatre [$300] - I just searched and some $300 tickets popped up. That's a little steep for a bunch of bands I don't care about seeing. I think Franz Ferdinand is one of the special guests.
Soledad Brothers @ Spaceland [$12] - Detroit blues-influenced rock.
Download "Downtown Paranoia Blues"
Sunday 3/26/06
Languis @ Spaceland [FREE] - This is the only show this weekend I'm excited about. Since they became a four-piece I think they're one of the best local bands. If you like bands like My Bloody Valentine, Spacemen 3 and Spiritualized go see them (it's free). They're also appearing at Sea Level Records at 4:00PM.
Download "In the Fields of (Lonely Fences)"
Mike Stinson @ the Echo 8:00PM [FREE] - My favorite local Gram Parsons-inspired country singer. Robert Hilburn (former critic for the LA Times) and Chris Morris (Billboard/Hollywood Reporter) agree.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Live Music Reviews
Here's what I thought about some recent shows I attended....
Field Music @ Spaceland on 3/18/06
Before the show I downloaded a few tracks that I really liked. Having not heard the entire album, I was cautiously optimistic. The touring band consists of the three core members. Two of the guys switched between guitar and drums while also trading off lead vocalist duties. Their music matches their appearance. They're well dressed, clean cut guys playing polite guitar pop with chamber pop elements. Ultimately having only three guys in the touring band was too limiting. The interesting arrangements on the songs I downloaded were not fully duplicated in the club. I was entertained enough to still want the album, but not entertained enough to go see them again (at least not until they round out the touring band).
Belle & Sebastian / The New Pornographers @ the Wiltern on 3/19/06
I knew what to expect because I've seen Belle & Sebastian three times before and the New Pornographers twice before. The New Pornographers are best experienced on record. Their albums are so much fun to listen to (I recommend starting with Electric Version), but their performances are so average. The first problem is that Neko Case doesn't tour with them. She's nice to look at and I prefer her work with the New Pornographers to her solo stuff. The second problem is that Dan Bejar doesn't tour with them. He contributes about three songs to each record and I prefer his work with the New Pornographers to his stuff in Destroyer. I was very happy that they played the song that got me into them, "The Slow Descent into Alcoholism."
Belle & Sebastian was so good, even better than I expected. Stuart and the band are very charming and appreciative of the audience. The setlist was sprinkled with songs from throughout their career. I didn't write anything down, but I remember them playing....
Tigermilk: "Electronic Renaissance" (danceable and much better than the recorded version) and "The State I Am In" (part of the encore and one of the my favorite songs);
If You're Feeling Sinister: "The Boy Done Wrong Again," "Get Me Away From Here, I'm Dying," "Me and the Major," "Judy and the Dream of Horses" (such a poignant song and it always makes me think of my mom - who's named Judy, loves horses and was a teenage rebel);
Fold Your Hands Child, You Walk Like a Peasant: "The Wrong Girl" (a Stevie song - not my favorite);
Dear Catastrophe Waitress: "Piazza, New York Catcher," "I'm a Cuckoo" (my two favorite songs off the album);
The Life Pursuit: "Act of the Apostle," Another Sunny Day," "White Collar Boy," "Sukie in the Graveyard," "Funny Little Frog," "To Be Myself Completely" (another Stevie song that I would trade for a Stuart song)
singles/EPs: "Meat and Potatoes," "Belle & Sebastian"
The songs from The Life Pursuit came alive and I enjoyed them more than the recorded versions. I go back and forth with that album which makes me think it's probably the production. Some highlights from the show: somebody threw some "knickers" on stage and Stuart made a joke that Stevie should do something about it since he was the one out partying all night, Stuart later picked them up and flipped them into the audience; somebody threw a giant rubber ring onto the stage and Stuart joked that it was an arab strap and then after considering it for a second said it must be an arab strap for a horse; Stuart invited Tony Hoffer on stage (the producer of The Life Pursuit) and asked him to bring a group of girls from the audience to clap during a song; Stuart wanted to shake hands with the kids in the pit for waiting so long to get into the show, he shook a couple of hands and then fell head first into the crowd, it didn't seem intentional because security had to help him back up and he looked pretty shaken up, meanwhile Stevie joked to security to grab the guitar, not Stuart. The only bad part was the house sound. The Wiltern never sounds very good from the floor. I'm looking forward to the Hollywood Bowl show on July 6th.
Cold War Kids / Tapes 'n Tapes @ Knitting Factory Alterknit Lounge 3/21/06
Cold War Kids is growing on me. They can pack most local venues and they're starting to get national attention. They remind me of a happier version of Modest Mouse. They've got a discordant sound and play with passion. Lots of people were predicting that Tapes 'n Tapes would be the breakout band of SXSW 2006. I had downloaded a few songs off the internet and thought they sounded like the Pixies mixed with Broken Social Scene. I was expecting to really like them. I didn't. It's not that they were bad, it's just that they're terribly average. No compelling songs and no real stage presence. They're a young band with some potential. Right now I'd much rather see Cold War Kids again. Both bands are playing Spaceland tonight. Check it out and let me know what you think.
Field Music @ Spaceland on 3/18/06
Before the show I downloaded a few tracks that I really liked. Having not heard the entire album, I was cautiously optimistic. The touring band consists of the three core members. Two of the guys switched between guitar and drums while also trading off lead vocalist duties. Their music matches their appearance. They're well dressed, clean cut guys playing polite guitar pop with chamber pop elements. Ultimately having only three guys in the touring band was too limiting. The interesting arrangements on the songs I downloaded were not fully duplicated in the club. I was entertained enough to still want the album, but not entertained enough to go see them again (at least not until they round out the touring band).
Belle & Sebastian / The New Pornographers @ the Wiltern on 3/19/06
I knew what to expect because I've seen Belle & Sebastian three times before and the New Pornographers twice before. The New Pornographers are best experienced on record. Their albums are so much fun to listen to (I recommend starting with Electric Version), but their performances are so average. The first problem is that Neko Case doesn't tour with them. She's nice to look at and I prefer her work with the New Pornographers to her solo stuff. The second problem is that Dan Bejar doesn't tour with them. He contributes about three songs to each record and I prefer his work with the New Pornographers to his stuff in Destroyer. I was very happy that they played the song that got me into them, "The Slow Descent into Alcoholism."
Belle & Sebastian was so good, even better than I expected. Stuart and the band are very charming and appreciative of the audience. The setlist was sprinkled with songs from throughout their career. I didn't write anything down, but I remember them playing....
Tigermilk: "Electronic Renaissance" (danceable and much better than the recorded version) and "The State I Am In" (part of the encore and one of the my favorite songs);
If You're Feeling Sinister: "The Boy Done Wrong Again," "Get Me Away From Here, I'm Dying," "Me and the Major," "Judy and the Dream of Horses" (such a poignant song and it always makes me think of my mom - who's named Judy, loves horses and was a teenage rebel);
Fold Your Hands Child, You Walk Like a Peasant: "The Wrong Girl" (a Stevie song - not my favorite);
Dear Catastrophe Waitress: "Piazza, New York Catcher," "I'm a Cuckoo" (my two favorite songs off the album);
The Life Pursuit: "Act of the Apostle," Another Sunny Day," "White Collar Boy," "Sukie in the Graveyard," "Funny Little Frog," "To Be Myself Completely" (another Stevie song that I would trade for a Stuart song)
singles/EPs: "Meat and Potatoes," "Belle & Sebastian"
The songs from The Life Pursuit came alive and I enjoyed them more than the recorded versions. I go back and forth with that album which makes me think it's probably the production. Some highlights from the show: somebody threw some "knickers" on stage and Stuart made a joke that Stevie should do something about it since he was the one out partying all night, Stuart later picked them up and flipped them into the audience; somebody threw a giant rubber ring onto the stage and Stuart joked that it was an arab strap and then after considering it for a second said it must be an arab strap for a horse; Stuart invited Tony Hoffer on stage (the producer of The Life Pursuit) and asked him to bring a group of girls from the audience to clap during a song; Stuart wanted to shake hands with the kids in the pit for waiting so long to get into the show, he shook a couple of hands and then fell head first into the crowd, it didn't seem intentional because security had to help him back up and he looked pretty shaken up, meanwhile Stevie joked to security to grab the guitar, not Stuart. The only bad part was the house sound. The Wiltern never sounds very good from the floor. I'm looking forward to the Hollywood Bowl show on July 6th.
Cold War Kids / Tapes 'n Tapes @ Knitting Factory Alterknit Lounge 3/21/06
Cold War Kids is growing on me. They can pack most local venues and they're starting to get national attention. They remind me of a happier version of Modest Mouse. They've got a discordant sound and play with passion. Lots of people were predicting that Tapes 'n Tapes would be the breakout band of SXSW 2006. I had downloaded a few songs off the internet and thought they sounded like the Pixies mixed with Broken Social Scene. I was expecting to really like them. I didn't. It's not that they were bad, it's just that they're terribly average. No compelling songs and no real stage presence. They're a young band with some potential. Right now I'd much rather see Cold War Kids again. Both bands are playing Spaceland tonight. Check it out and let me know what you think.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
New Release Tuesday 3/21/06
Recommended
Band of Horses Everything All the Time (Sub Pop) - See my review last month. Playing Wednesday at King King.
Things I Need to Hear
Loose Fur Born Again in the U.S.A. (Drag City) - Wilco's Jeff Tweedy, Glenn Kotche and Jim O'Rourke release a more straight ahead rock record.
Quasi When the Going Gets Dark (Touch and Go) - Janet Weiss is the drummer for Sleater-Kinney and Quasi used to occasionally tour as Elliott Smith's backup band. I really liked their album Featuring Birds and then they repeated themselves. Dave Fridmann got involved with this one, so maybe he put some new life into it. Appearing live at Spaceland on April 26th.
Other Noteworthy Releases
Anti-Flag For Blood and Empire (RCA) - Major label debut from anti-corporate punk band.
The Appleseed Cast Peregrine (The Militia Group) - These guys formed in Lawrence long after I'd left. They began pretty emo, now they're pretty post-rock.
Big Silver Afterlife (Max Recordings) - A Little Rock band that's got a poppy sound informed by roots rock. A friend compared their live show to Wilco circa 1998.
Gus Black Autumn Days (Cheap Lullaby) - Local KCRW-type singer-songwriter. Playing tonight at Largo.
Cocteau Twins Lullabies to Violaine: Singles and Extended Plays, 1982-1996 (4AD) - Available as limited-edition four-CD box set and as two separate two-CD volumes
The Essex Green Cannibal Sea (Merge) - Decent indie pop for Elephant 6 fans.
Howe Gelb 'SNo Angel Like You (Thrill Jockey) - Giant Sand frontman records album with gospel choir. Appears March 30th at Largo.
Ben Harper Both Sides of the Gun (Virgin) - Appearing live at Amoeba Hollywood today at 6:00PM. Also appearing at KCRW's Eclectic Evening on 3/25 at Gibson Auditorium.
Sondre Lerche Duper Sessions (Astralwerks) - Norwegian singer-songwriter releases cabaret-style album. Appearing 4/8 & 4/9 at the Troubadour.
Liars Drum's Not Dead (Mute) - Noise rock/prog rock fusion.
Mates of State Bring It Back (Barsuk) - Cute married couple who are fellow Jayhawks. Appearing live at Coachella 4/30/06.
Prince 3121 (Universal) - I'm skeptical and Pitchfork didn't like it. The reviews on Amazon are mixed.
Josh Rouse Subtitulo (Nettwerk) - He's another laid-back, KCRW style singer-songwriter. I've listened to it once and there's a couple of good tracks. Appearing live at the Fonda on 4/19/06.
The Seconds Kratitude (5RC) - One of the dudes from Yeah Yeah Yeahs plays some headache rock.
Download "Moving"
Shoplifting Body Stories (Kill Rock Stars) - Appearing live at the Smell on May 27th.
Download "Male Gynecology"
The Soft Machine Floating World Live (1975 concert) (Moonjune) - From their guitar fusion years.
The Sounds Dying to Say This to You (Scratchie/New Line) - Swedish band that plays the Fonda on 3/22/06. I'm not into it.
Talkdemonic Beat Romantic (Arena Rock)
Aki Tsuyuko Hokane (Thrill Jockey) - An art book with music.
Band of Horses Everything All the Time (Sub Pop) - See my review last month. Playing Wednesday at King King.
Things I Need to Hear
Loose Fur Born Again in the U.S.A. (Drag City) - Wilco's Jeff Tweedy, Glenn Kotche and Jim O'Rourke release a more straight ahead rock record.
Quasi When the Going Gets Dark (Touch and Go) - Janet Weiss is the drummer for Sleater-Kinney and Quasi used to occasionally tour as Elliott Smith's backup band. I really liked their album Featuring Birds and then they repeated themselves. Dave Fridmann got involved with this one, so maybe he put some new life into it. Appearing live at Spaceland on April 26th.
Other Noteworthy Releases
Anti-Flag For Blood and Empire (RCA) - Major label debut from anti-corporate punk band.
The Appleseed Cast Peregrine (The Militia Group) - These guys formed in Lawrence long after I'd left. They began pretty emo, now they're pretty post-rock.
Big Silver Afterlife (Max Recordings) - A Little Rock band that's got a poppy sound informed by roots rock. A friend compared their live show to Wilco circa 1998.
Gus Black Autumn Days (Cheap Lullaby) - Local KCRW-type singer-songwriter. Playing tonight at Largo.
Cocteau Twins Lullabies to Violaine: Singles and Extended Plays, 1982-1996 (4AD) - Available as limited-edition four-CD box set and as two separate two-CD volumes
The Essex Green Cannibal Sea (Merge) - Decent indie pop for Elephant 6 fans.
Howe Gelb 'SNo Angel Like You (Thrill Jockey) - Giant Sand frontman records album with gospel choir. Appears March 30th at Largo.
Ben Harper Both Sides of the Gun (Virgin) - Appearing live at Amoeba Hollywood today at 6:00PM. Also appearing at KCRW's Eclectic Evening on 3/25 at Gibson Auditorium.
Sondre Lerche Duper Sessions (Astralwerks) - Norwegian singer-songwriter releases cabaret-style album. Appearing 4/8 & 4/9 at the Troubadour.
Liars Drum's Not Dead (Mute) - Noise rock/prog rock fusion.
Mates of State Bring It Back (Barsuk) - Cute married couple who are fellow Jayhawks. Appearing live at Coachella 4/30/06.
Prince 3121 (Universal) - I'm skeptical and Pitchfork didn't like it. The reviews on Amazon are mixed.
Josh Rouse Subtitulo (Nettwerk) - He's another laid-back, KCRW style singer-songwriter. I've listened to it once and there's a couple of good tracks. Appearing live at the Fonda on 4/19/06.
The Seconds Kratitude (5RC) - One of the dudes from Yeah Yeah Yeahs plays some headache rock.
Download "Moving"
Shoplifting Body Stories (Kill Rock Stars) - Appearing live at the Smell on May 27th.
Download "Male Gynecology"
The Soft Machine Floating World Live (1975 concert) (Moonjune) - From their guitar fusion years.
The Sounds Dying to Say This to You (Scratchie/New Line) - Swedish band that plays the Fonda on 3/22/06. I'm not into it.
Talkdemonic Beat Romantic (Arena Rock)
Aki Tsuyuko Hokane (Thrill Jockey) - An art book with music.
Monday, March 20, 2006
Live Music Options 3/20-3/23
Band of Horses plays Wednesday at King King. This week is B-A-N-A-N-A-S. There's no excuse for not going out....
Monday 3/20/06
Belle & Sebastian @ Amoeba 3:00PM [FREE] - I'll be at work, but maybe you can go? I saw them last night and they were fantastic. Tickets are on sale now for the Hollywood Bowl on July 6th.
Serena Maneesh / Division Day @ the Echo [FREE] - There were tons of people willing to pay $10 to see Serena Maneesh last night even though they're playing for free tonight. See my weekend post for an MP3. I read a review of a SXSW performance that said they were better live than on record and fun to watch.
Mystery Jets / Noisettes @ Troubadour [$12] - This is the LA Weekly pick, so I figured I'd list it. A couple of hyped British bands that didn't live up to the hype at SXSW (according to several accounts).
Battle / Forward Russia @ Spaceland [FREE] - Both these bands just played SXSW and they play Cinespace tomorrow night. Battle is from South London and Forward Russia is from Leeds. Battle sounds more guitar rock and Forward Russia sounds more dancey post-punk revival. Not sure if they're good or not? Only one way to find out.
Download Battle's "Demons"
Download Forward Russia's "Four"
Birdy Nam Nam @ Fold/Tangier [$14] - 7:30 PM and 9:30 PM shows. A DJ crew from France and DMC World Team Champion. Their music is created entirely on turntables.
Jose Gonzalez @ Hotel Cafe 10:00PM [?] - He's a Swedish singer-songwriter along the lines of Kings of Convenience. Some blogs are raving about his SXSW performances. Also Tuesday at the Jensen Rec Center.
Tuesday 3/21/06
Tapes 'n Tapes / Cold War Kids @ Knitting Factory Alterknit Lounge 7:00 PM [$8] - Kind of surprised this isn't sold out yet. It's in the small room. Minneapolis based Tapes 'n Tapes is one of the major buzz bands right now. They sound like a lot of indie rock you've heard before (there's a lot of Pixies and Pavement in there). I'll be there.
Download Tapes 'n Tapes' "Insistor"
Download Tapes 'n Tapes' "Cowbell"
Download Tapes 'n Tapes' "Omaha"
The Plastic Constellations @ Knitting Factory Front Bar [$8] - Pitchfork loved their SXSW performance. They're from Minneapolis too and good friends with the Hold Steady. The Allmusic Guide compares them to Fugazi and At the Drive In.
Richard Hawley @ Knitting Factory Main Stage [$12] - He's a British singer-songwriter and touring guitarist in Pulp. He's influenced by Scott Walker and Roy Orbison.
Download "Precious Sight"
Mazarin / The Double / The Ark @ Spaceland [$8] - Indie psych pop in the same vein as The Flaming Lips. Pitchfork compared them to the Shins, Postal Service, Neutral Milk Hotel, etc. By the way, tickets for the Flaming Lips at the Hollywood Bowl are currently on sale. The Double is on Matador and plays more experimental music. The Ark is an "operatic glam rock" band from Sweden. The LA Weekly called them a Swedish gay Darkness. They're just in the U.S. to do SXSW, LA and New York.
Download The Double's "Idiocy"
Gus Black @ Largo - The local singer-songwriter celebrates his new album with this release party. It's for adult, KCRW fans.
Say Hi To Your Mom @ Silverlake Lounge [$8] - Brooklyn singer-songwriter who Pitchfork hates (they think he's too self-consciously hip? interesting) but other people like.
Download "The Forest Scares the Hell Out of Me"
Jose Gonzalez / Minor Canon @ Jensen Rec Center [$10] - See Monday's description. Minor Canon is the guitarist (Paul Larson) from Dntel's new band.
The Presets / Battle / Forward Russia @ Cinespace [$5] - See Monday's description. The Presets are touring with Ladytron and have an electro dance sound.
Wednesday 3/22/06
Band of Horses / Earlimart / Josh Ritter @ Fold/King King [$10] - I reviewed the Band of Horses' Sub Pop debut last month and highly recommended it. Pitchfork reviewed it today and gave it an 8.8/10 (a very high rating). They've got heavily reverbed vocals and an indie rock sound I love. Comparing them to My Morning Jacket and the Shins is fair. Earlimart is a well respected Silver Lake band that I believe is now on Dangerbird Records. Josh Ritter is a folky singer-songwriter from Idaho who's huge in Ireland and plays bigger venues than this on his own. I'll be there.
Download Band of Horses' "The Funeral"
Download Josh Ritter's "Girl In the War"
Tapes 'n Tapes @ Spaceland [$10] - If you don't see them on Tuesday you've got to see them here. See Tuesday's post for some MP3s.
Snow Patrol @ Troubadour [SOLD OUT] - I became aware of them about the same time as Coldplay. For some reason Coldplay blew up and they didn't. I guess they're a little more indie and kind of split the difference between Sebadoh and earlier Coldplay.
The Sounds @ Fonda [SOLD OUT] - Swedish band that gets compared to Missing Persons. The first track on the new record is decent, but I couldn't get into the rest of it.
Thursday 3/23/06
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah @ El Rey [SOLD OUT] - One of my favorite records last year. Tonight will be the first time I see them, but I hear they're fantastic. The LA Weekly seems to think they suck but they probably have their heads up their asses and want to recommend The Subways tonight.
Download "Upon This Tidal Wave of Young Blood"
Download "Over and Over Again (Lost & Found)"
Arab Strap / His Name Is Alive @ Knitting Factory [$14] - Arab Strap are Scottish heartbreak rockers.
Islands / Metric @ Henry Fonda [SOLD OUT] - I saw Metric open for Broken Social Scene a few years ago at the Sivlerlake Lounge. The guys in Islands were also in the Unicorns. I wasn't a big Unicorns fan but their new record is a fun listen (it comes on April 4). They play eccentric indie pop.
Helios Creed @ Silverlake Lounge [$8] - "legendary proto-industrial guitarist"
The Subways @ Troubadour [SOLD OUT] - British teenagers with serious major label publicity money behind them. I prefer to call them this year's Vines (and I mean that in the worst possible way). They'll be at Coachella too. The LA Weekly thinks you should go.
Friday, March 17, 2006
Lollapalooza Lineup Blows Away Coachella
The Lollapalooza lineup has been announced. No surprise that it blows away the Coachella lineup. The festival will take place August 4-6 in Chicago's Grant Park. A three-day pass is $130. $1250 will get you two VIP passes.
Here's a small sampling of the bands:
Kanye West, Wilco, Death Cab For Cutie, Raconteurs, Flaming Lips, Ween, The Shins, Ryan Adams, Sonic Youth, Broken Social Scene, The New Pornographers, Iron & Wine, Secret Machines, Stars, Editors, Calexico, Go Team!, Wolfmother, etc.....
Go to the Lollapalooza website for the full lineup of bands.
Here's a small sampling of the bands:
Kanye West, Wilco, Death Cab For Cutie, Raconteurs, Flaming Lips, Ween, The Shins, Ryan Adams, Sonic Youth, Broken Social Scene, The New Pornographers, Iron & Wine, Secret Machines, Stars, Editors, Calexico, Go Team!, Wolfmother, etc.....
Go to the Lollapalooza website for the full lineup of bands.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Weekend Music Options
Belle & Sebastian play two sold out shows at the Wiltern.
For those of us wise enough to avoid SXSW this year, here's what's going on this weekend. The post-SXSW shows begin!
Friday 3/17/06
Don't forget to root on the KU Jayhawks at 6:30PM
The Books / Califone @ The Getty Museum [SOLD OUT] - The folk-tronica pioneers perform and show off some found sounds. It's a great excuse to take in some amazing architecture.
Download Califone's version of the Stones "No Expectations"
Mellowdrone @ Troubadour [SOLD OUT] - Apparently not everybody is at SXSW.
Saturday 3/18/06
Belle & Sebastian / The New Pornographers @ Wiltern [SOLD OUT] - If you didn't get tickets for this, B&S will be playing the Hollywood Bowl on July 6th. Obviously they're one of my favorite bands. I hear they're doing a lot of stuff from the new album and also they're best album, If You're Feeling Sinister. I'm also a big New Pornographers fan. They won't blow you away live, but they're worth seeing. Unfortunately I don't think Neko Case and Dan Bejar are on the tour.
Download Belle & Sebastian's "Another Sunny Day"
Download the New Pornographers' "The Laws Have Changed"
Field Music @ Spaceland [$10] - They're British and playing Austin the day before. These downloads sound really good. Smart, guitar driven indie pop. I will be there.
Download "You're So Pretty"
Download "Shorter Shorter"
Kennedy @ the Echo [$5 before 10:30PM; $8 after] - It's the Hang the DJs night with Kennedy. See him do his white boy dance music and ask him if the rumors about his record deal are true.
The Books / Califone @ The Getty Museum [FREE] - Make reservations HERE.
Sunday 3/19/06
Belle & Sebastian / The New Pornographers @ Wiltern [SOLD OUT] - I will be there.
Serena Maneesh / WE @ Spaceland [$10] - Some bands from Norway with some heat behind them at the moment. They're both currently at SXSW. Serena Maneesh most often gets called shoegazer. WE sounds a little harder.
Download Serena Maneesh's "un-deux"
Download WE's "Catch Electrique"
Art Brut @ Troubadour [SOLD OUT] - My girlfriend saw them and swears they suck but everybody else seems to love them (they're playing the Pitchfork party at SXSW). You can listen to some stuff at Myspace. They get compared to the Fall a lot.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
SXSW Picks
Here's some of the stuff I would try to see at SXSW. I know I'm just scratching the surface.
Wednesday 3/15/06
09:00 PM - Voxtrot @ Emo's Outside
10:00 PM - The New Pornographers @ Stubb's
11:00 PM - Belle & Sebastian @ Stubb's
12:45 AM - Secret Machines @ La Zona Rosa
Late Night
Blender/VH-1 Party
Echo & the Bunnymen/Spoon/Tapes'n Tapes
Guerrero's Produce Warehouse (1305 E. 6th St., empty warehouse four blocks east of IH35, 11pm-4am, must have an artists badge)
Thursday 3/16/06
01:00 PM - Tapes'n Tapes @ Yard Dog Gallery
03:00 PM - Rogue Wave @ Parish Room (invite only)
04:00 PM - Kelley Stoltz @ End of an Ear Records
05:00 PM - Wolfmother @ Waterloo
09:30 PM - Smoosh @ The Parish II
11:00 PM - Hudson Bell @ Habana Calle 6
01:00 AM - Clap Your Hands Say Yeah @ Eternal
DIESEL-U-MUSIC
Editors, Voxtrot, The Boy Least Likely To, Spinto Band, Film School
When: 7pm-12am
Where: Saengerrunde Hall1607 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin
RSVP: RSVP_4USA@DIESEL.COM
PICK UP YOUR PASSES for the party on Wednesday, March 15 or Thursday, March 16 from 12pm-5pm at the Diesel Store in Austin located at 2120 Guadalupe Street.
This is a private party and SXSW badges will not be honored. You must be 21 or over to attend. RSVP is on a first come first serve basis.
Late Night
Secret Machines & Mix Master Mike @ 200 Academy Drive, 11pm-4am
Friday 3/17/06
12:30 PM - Ted Leo @ Sound on Sound Records
01:45 PM - Kelley Stoltz @ Pok-E-Jo's Barbeque
02:40 PM - Band of Horses @ Pok-e-Jo's Barbeque
04:00 PM - Britt Daniel @ Pok-e-Jo's Barbeque
05:35 PM - Clap Your Hands Say Yeah @ Club Deville
09:00 PM - Silversun Pickups @ Spiro's
10:00 PM - Kelley Stoltz @ Red Eyed Fly
11:00 PM - Band of Horses @ Red Eyed Fly
12:00 AM - Spinto Band @ Friends
01:00 AM - The Foxymorons @ Spiro's Patio
Saturday 3/18/06
12:00 PM - The Brokedown @ Spiderhouse
12:55 PM - Silversun Pickups @ Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill
02:35 PM - The Weary Boys @ Continental Club
03:20 PM - Giant Drag @ Fench Legation Museum
04:30 PM - Centro-Matic @ Red Eyed Fly
05:30 PM - Gris Gris @ Beerland
07:30 PM - King of France @ Progress Coffee
08:00 PM - Salim Nourallah @ Habana Calle 6
10:00 PM - The Joggers @ Maggie Mae's
11:00 PM - Riverboat Gamblers @ Emo's
11:45 PM - Ester Drang @ Emo's Jr.
01:30 AM - Dungen @ Postively Fourth Street
Wednesday 3/15/06
09:00 PM - Voxtrot @ Emo's Outside
10:00 PM - The New Pornographers @ Stubb's
11:00 PM - Belle & Sebastian @ Stubb's
12:45 AM - Secret Machines @ La Zona Rosa
Late Night
Blender/VH-1 Party
Echo & the Bunnymen/Spoon/Tapes'n Tapes
Guerrero's Produce Warehouse (1305 E. 6th St., empty warehouse four blocks east of IH35, 11pm-4am, must have an artists badge)
Thursday 3/16/06
01:00 PM - Tapes'n Tapes @ Yard Dog Gallery
03:00 PM - Rogue Wave @ Parish Room (invite only)
04:00 PM - Kelley Stoltz @ End of an Ear Records
05:00 PM - Wolfmother @ Waterloo
09:30 PM - Smoosh @ The Parish II
11:00 PM - Hudson Bell @ Habana Calle 6
01:00 AM - Clap Your Hands Say Yeah @ Eternal
DIESEL-U-MUSIC
Editors, Voxtrot, The Boy Least Likely To, Spinto Band, Film School
When: 7pm-12am
Where: Saengerrunde Hall1607 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin
RSVP: RSVP_4USA@DIESEL.COM
PICK UP YOUR PASSES for the party on Wednesday, March 15 or Thursday, March 16 from 12pm-5pm at the Diesel Store in Austin located at 2120 Guadalupe Street.
This is a private party and SXSW badges will not be honored. You must be 21 or over to attend. RSVP is on a first come first serve basis.
Late Night
Secret Machines & Mix Master Mike @ 200 Academy Drive, 11pm-4am
Friday 3/17/06
12:30 PM - Ted Leo @ Sound on Sound Records
01:45 PM - Kelley Stoltz @ Pok-E-Jo's Barbeque
02:40 PM - Band of Horses @ Pok-e-Jo's Barbeque
04:00 PM - Britt Daniel @ Pok-e-Jo's Barbeque
05:35 PM - Clap Your Hands Say Yeah @ Club Deville
09:00 PM - Silversun Pickups @ Spiro's
10:00 PM - Kelley Stoltz @ Red Eyed Fly
11:00 PM - Band of Horses @ Red Eyed Fly
12:00 AM - Spinto Band @ Friends
01:00 AM - The Foxymorons @ Spiro's Patio
Saturday 3/18/06
12:00 PM - The Brokedown @ Spiderhouse
12:55 PM - Silversun Pickups @ Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill
02:35 PM - The Weary Boys @ Continental Club
03:20 PM - Giant Drag @ Fench Legation Museum
04:30 PM - Centro-Matic @ Red Eyed Fly
05:30 PM - Gris Gris @ Beerland
07:30 PM - King of France @ Progress Coffee
08:00 PM - Salim Nourallah @ Habana Calle 6
10:00 PM - The Joggers @ Maggie Mae's
11:00 PM - Riverboat Gamblers @ Emo's
11:45 PM - Ester Drang @ Emo's Jr.
01:30 AM - Dungen @ Postively Fourth Street
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
New Release Tuesday 3/14/06
The new stuff is really weak, so I had to point out several reissues.
Recommended
None at this time.
Things I Need To Hear/View
Tucky Buzzard Time Will Be Your Doctor: Rare Recordings (two CDs) (Castle) - Legendary late 60's/early 70's British hard rockers that I've always heard good things about, but never heard. This is the US release at a lower price point.
DVD Townes Van Zandt Be Here to Love Me: A Film About (documentary w/rare performances, behind-the-scenes footage and interviews w/Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Steve Earle and more) (Palm Pictures) - I haven't seen this yet but if you're a TVZ fan it's essential. I hear it's really good.
Other Noteworthy Releases
Black Sabbath Greatest Hits 1970-1978 (Warner Bros./Rhino) - The Sanctuary two-disc hits collection is better, but if you don't have any Ozzy-era Sabbath then you should pick this up. So many bands are ripping off this sound lately.
D.M.C. (of Run-D.M.C.) Checks Thugs and Rock 'N' Roll (RomenMpire/From Rags 2 Riches) -Guests Rev Run, Sarah McLaughlin, Kid Rock, members of Aerosmith and more. This sounds pretty awful just look at those guests.
Devo 2.0 Devo 2.0 (Disney Sound) - Includes two brand new songs and music videos directed by original band member Jerry Casale. I know this is for kids, but still...WTF?
E-40 My Ghetto Report Card (Warner Bros.) - Produced by Lil Jon.
Hard-Fi Stars of CCTV (Atlantic) - They're appearing live at Tower Records in Sherman Oaks today and Coachella on 4/29/06. They're from Ali G's home (Staines) and had a Mercury Music Prize nomination. It sounds really generic to me.
Stephin Merritt Showtunes (Nonesuch) - The Magnetic Fields frontman releases a compilation of music written for three operas.
Willie Nelson You Don't Know Me: The Songs of Cindy Walker (Lost Highway) - Willie pays tribute to a major Western Swing songwriter. He'll be performing live at the Hollywood Bowl from 9/8-9/10.
The Pretenders Pirate Radio (four-CDs/DVD box set) (Rhino) - I'm a big fan of their debut album, but don't need a whole boxset. Maybe you do?
Prince Ultimate (Rhino) - You probably already have all the stuff on the first disc and the second disc is all remixes. Far from being an "ultimate" collection.
Soledad Brothers The Hardest Walk (Alive) - Punk blues band from Detroit. Jack White produced their first 7".
Sonic Youth Sonic Youth EP (Geffen) - I think you can skip this and the Ciccone Youth reissue. This is their first EP originally released in 1982. EVOL, Sister, Daydream Nation, Goo, Dirty and Washing Machine are all worth picking up.
Recommended
None at this time.
Things I Need To Hear/View
Tucky Buzzard Time Will Be Your Doctor: Rare Recordings (two CDs) (Castle) - Legendary late 60's/early 70's British hard rockers that I've always heard good things about, but never heard. This is the US release at a lower price point.
DVD Townes Van Zandt Be Here to Love Me: A Film About (documentary w/rare performances, behind-the-scenes footage and interviews w/Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Steve Earle and more) (Palm Pictures) - I haven't seen this yet but if you're a TVZ fan it's essential. I hear it's really good.
Other Noteworthy Releases
Black Sabbath Greatest Hits 1970-1978 (Warner Bros./Rhino) - The Sanctuary two-disc hits collection is better, but if you don't have any Ozzy-era Sabbath then you should pick this up. So many bands are ripping off this sound lately.
D.M.C. (of Run-D.M.C.) Checks Thugs and Rock 'N' Roll (RomenMpire/From Rags 2 Riches) -Guests Rev Run, Sarah McLaughlin, Kid Rock, members of Aerosmith and more. This sounds pretty awful just look at those guests.
Devo 2.0 Devo 2.0 (Disney Sound) - Includes two brand new songs and music videos directed by original band member Jerry Casale. I know this is for kids, but still...WTF?
E-40 My Ghetto Report Card (Warner Bros.) - Produced by Lil Jon.
Hard-Fi Stars of CCTV (Atlantic) - They're appearing live at Tower Records in Sherman Oaks today and Coachella on 4/29/06. They're from Ali G's home (Staines) and had a Mercury Music Prize nomination. It sounds really generic to me.
Stephin Merritt Showtunes (Nonesuch) - The Magnetic Fields frontman releases a compilation of music written for three operas.
Willie Nelson You Don't Know Me: The Songs of Cindy Walker (Lost Highway) - Willie pays tribute to a major Western Swing songwriter. He'll be performing live at the Hollywood Bowl from 9/8-9/10.
The Pretenders Pirate Radio (four-CDs/DVD box set) (Rhino) - I'm a big fan of their debut album, but don't need a whole boxset. Maybe you do?
Prince Ultimate (Rhino) - You probably already have all the stuff on the first disc and the second disc is all remixes. Far from being an "ultimate" collection.
Soledad Brothers The Hardest Walk (Alive) - Punk blues band from Detroit. Jack White produced their first 7".
Sonic Youth Sonic Youth EP (Geffen) - I think you can skip this and the Ciccone Youth reissue. This is their first EP originally released in 1982. EVOL, Sister, Daydream Nation, Goo, Dirty and Washing Machine are all worth picking up.
Live Music Options 3/14/06-3/16/06
Spinto Band has two area shows this week.Sorry I didn't post yesterday. I was out of town. The show at Spaceland seemed like the place to be. Not much going on this week. Everybody's except me is going out of town for SXSW.
Tuesday 3/14/06
Spinto Band @ Spaceland [$8] - A really enjoyable indie-pop band that supposedly puts on a really fun live show.
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club @ Henry Fonda Theatre [$20] - I liked their first two albums (the Jesus & Mary Chain-inspired records) but didn't like their new album as much as I expected (the more acoustic, harmonica-driven songs). I admire them for going in a new direction. Maybe I just need to see the new stuff live.
Wednesday 3/15/06
Spinto Band / Arctic Monkeys @ Henry Fonda Theatre [SOLD OUT] - The Arctic Monkeys are ok but nothing to get too excited about. I saw them at Spaceland and had a good time. But I only paid $10. If you love the Libertines and early Clash you might like them.
Kind Hearts and Coronets @ Spaceland [?] - They're a local band that I don't know much about. The songs on Myspace have an appealing, mellow early Pink Floyd/Syd Barrett-influenced sound.
Thursday 3/16/06
Gowns @ Smell [$5] - Not much going on tonight. The Gowns are a side project from Ezra the lead singer of the Mae Shi.
Tuesday 3/14/06
Spinto Band @ Spaceland [$8] - A really enjoyable indie-pop band that supposedly puts on a really fun live show.
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club @ Henry Fonda Theatre [$20] - I liked their first two albums (the Jesus & Mary Chain-inspired records) but didn't like their new album as much as I expected (the more acoustic, harmonica-driven songs). I admire them for going in a new direction. Maybe I just need to see the new stuff live.
Wednesday 3/15/06
Spinto Band / Arctic Monkeys @ Henry Fonda Theatre [SOLD OUT] - The Arctic Monkeys are ok but nothing to get too excited about. I saw them at Spaceland and had a good time. But I only paid $10. If you love the Libertines and early Clash you might like them.
Kind Hearts and Coronets @ Spaceland [?] - They're a local band that I don't know much about. The songs on Myspace have an appealing, mellow early Pink Floyd/Syd Barrett-influenced sound.
Thursday 3/16/06
Gowns @ Smell [$5] - Not much going on tonight. The Gowns are a side project from Ezra the lead singer of the Mae Shi.
Friday, March 10, 2006
Reviews of Recent Live Shows
Date: 3/3/06
Band: Hudson Bell
Venue: Tangier Restaurant
Loud rock bands should not play Tangier. Tangier is an expensive restaurant with a side room with a stage and about 20 tables. Acoustic bands that you prefer to listen to sitting down should only be booked in the room. The lead singer (Hudson Bell) looked very nervous and the band seemed like they'd never played a show together. It was incredibly loud and the sound was bouncing off the walls so bad that it was unpleasant to be in the room. Between songs, the band asked trivia questions and gave away prizes. Since most of the crowd probably wasn't there to see them, it was a bad idea. Since I knew I could see them the next I left after about four songs. Maybe it got better?
Date: 3/4/06
Band: Hudson Bell
Venue: Sea Level Records
This show was a million times better. The band seemed much more relaxed and didn't hold a trivia contest betweeen each song. Sea Level doesn't have an expensive sound system but it still sounded good. Bell was so into it that he even fell to his knees (on the hard concrete floor) during a guitar solo. He capably pulled off the guitar sounds from the record (with the help of a second guitarist and about ten pedals) and his voice sounded like the record. After the negative experience at Tangier I was questioning my interest in the band but it was restored.
Date: 3/4/06
Band: The Gourds
Venue: Spaceland
I showed up really late and felt like I had been transported to Austin, TX. The room was packed with laidback, non-hipsters who were drinking a lot of beer. I'm not a fan of the band's music, but if I owned a club I would definitely book them. They have a great relationship with their fans and a very loyal fan base who likes to drink.
Date: 3/8/06
Bands: Valient Thorr / Sleeping People / Goblin Cock
Venue: Spaceland
Valient Thorr was silly. Like a manufactured version of Fu Manchu mixed with Nashville Pussy all the way down to denim jackets with their band name on the back. Sleeping People was the surprise of the night. They're really clean cut and play instrumental math rock that borders on prog. It's all odd time signatures that needs to be seen live. They were incredibly tight and pulled it off well. It's nice to see a female guitarist in the band because I've always associated that music with white dudes working at college radio stations. Goblin Cock came out in black hooded robes obscured by smoke and strobelights. The lead singer praised Satan and said fuck a lot. About half way through their set they did a cover of Tears for Fears' "Head Over Heels." They played it straight but sloppy. It was neither funny nor good. I was on the fence before and they never got me back after that. A disappointing performance. There are a lot of things they could do to make it more interesting visually (maybe watch some Alice Cooper performances for ideas). After seeing such a tight band, they seemed sloppy. The robes and smoke only got me through the first song, then I wanted more.
Band: Hudson Bell
Venue: Tangier Restaurant
Loud rock bands should not play Tangier. Tangier is an expensive restaurant with a side room with a stage and about 20 tables. Acoustic bands that you prefer to listen to sitting down should only be booked in the room. The lead singer (Hudson Bell) looked very nervous and the band seemed like they'd never played a show together. It was incredibly loud and the sound was bouncing off the walls so bad that it was unpleasant to be in the room. Between songs, the band asked trivia questions and gave away prizes. Since most of the crowd probably wasn't there to see them, it was a bad idea. Since I knew I could see them the next I left after about four songs. Maybe it got better?
Date: 3/4/06
Band: Hudson Bell
Venue: Sea Level Records
This show was a million times better. The band seemed much more relaxed and didn't hold a trivia contest betweeen each song. Sea Level doesn't have an expensive sound system but it still sounded good. Bell was so into it that he even fell to his knees (on the hard concrete floor) during a guitar solo. He capably pulled off the guitar sounds from the record (with the help of a second guitarist and about ten pedals) and his voice sounded like the record. After the negative experience at Tangier I was questioning my interest in the band but it was restored.
Date: 3/4/06
Band: The Gourds
Venue: Spaceland
I showed up really late and felt like I had been transported to Austin, TX. The room was packed with laidback, non-hipsters who were drinking a lot of beer. I'm not a fan of the band's music, but if I owned a club I would definitely book them. They have a great relationship with their fans and a very loyal fan base who likes to drink.
Date: 3/8/06
Bands: Valient Thorr / Sleeping People / Goblin Cock
Venue: Spaceland
Valient Thorr was silly. Like a manufactured version of Fu Manchu mixed with Nashville Pussy all the way down to denim jackets with their band name on the back. Sleeping People was the surprise of the night. They're really clean cut and play instrumental math rock that borders on prog. It's all odd time signatures that needs to be seen live. They were incredibly tight and pulled it off well. It's nice to see a female guitarist in the band because I've always associated that music with white dudes working at college radio stations. Goblin Cock came out in black hooded robes obscured by smoke and strobelights. The lead singer praised Satan and said fuck a lot. About half way through their set they did a cover of Tears for Fears' "Head Over Heels." They played it straight but sloppy. It was neither funny nor good. I was on the fence before and they never got me back after that. A disappointing performance. There are a lot of things they could do to make it more interesting visually (maybe watch some Alice Cooper performances for ideas). After seeing such a tight band, they seemed sloppy. The robes and smoke only got me through the first song, then I wanted more.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Weekend Live Music Options
Voxtrot is playing the Echo on Sunday. If I wasn't going out of town with my girlfriend this weekend I'd be at the Echo on Sunday night. Otherwise, the choices are slim.....
Friday 3/10/06
Afrirampo @ the Smell [$5] - Japanese girl duo. They don't sound that good, but maybe they're interesting to watch?
Jon Brion @ Largo - If you don't have dinner reservations you'll have to stand in that awful line.
Saturday 3/11/06
Scout Niblett @ Jensen Rec Center 6:00PM [$10] - She's a British singer-songwriter who gets compared to Cat Power and PJ Harvey. I have no idea why this got moved to the Jensen Rec Center. Go to Myspace if you need to listen.
Oneida / Pink Mountaintops / We Are Wolves @ Spaceland [$10] - For the more musically adventurous. Oneida's all over the map. Unfortunately most of it is unlistenable. A lot of people seem to be talking about Pink Mountaintops (especially as Black Mountain gets more popular). I haven't heard enough to dismiss them yet. We are Wolves is one of those new post-punk danceable bands.
Download Oneida's "Run Through My Hair"
Download Oneida's "Did I Die"
Download Pink Mountaintops "New Drug Queens"
Download We Are Wolves "Little Birds"
The Twilight Singers @ the Scene [$15] - I was never a big Afghan Whigs fan but apparently a lot of people were because Greg Dulli has done pretty well for himself (Short Stop, Footsie's, etc.).
Goldfrapp @ the Wiltern [$25] - This really isn't a genre I normally like, but there are some catchy glam inspired dance tracks on the new album.
Sunday 3/12/06
The Joggers / Voxtrot / We Are Wolves /Kiss Me Deadly @ the Echo [$8 before 10:00PM and $5 after]- If you're only going to one show this weekend, I'd choose this one. The Joggers are an indie band from Portland. Voxtrot is a big buzz band from Austin. What I've heard sounds really good. As their press release mentions, they're influenced by 1960's pop like the Left Banke and 1980s British rock like the Smiths or the Wedding Present.
Download The Joggers' "Era Prison"
Download Voxtrot's "The Start of Something"
Ozma / The Mae Shi / Satisfaction @ Knitting Factory [SOLD OUT] - Ozma's much anticipated reunion show. They're also playing Monday (tickets are still availalbe for that one).
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Guide to Austin for LA People
Eat at Iron Works while you're in town. Since I lived in Austin for three years and went to my first SXSW ten years ago, I'll give you my own take on Austin even though I'm not going this year. First of all badges aren't worth buying if you're just going as a fan. If you're networking and your company is paying for it, then go for it...otherwise those panels in the Convention Center just aren't very interesting. Press passes are incredible. One year I stood very close and snapped some cool photos of Ray Davies (he's back this year doing some acoustic songs at 5:00PM on Friday for badge holders). Of course Neil Young is giving the keynote this year, so that will be cool...and Morrissey. If you live in Austin you can get a wristband. Unfortunately the first 4,000 sold out this year in the first day (for $110-$130). In past years they've sold between 5,000 and 6,000. They're deciding tomorrow if they'll sell more. You can also just show up at venues and try to buy tickets. Some venues/door people like your cash and you can get in but it's usually limited. If you have a badge don't walk around town wearing it. Austinites can smell the smog on you and they probably hate you. Why give them even more fuel? I know SXSW stimulates the Austin economy, but that doesn't mean the locals like you.
Once you're at SXSW the number of bands is overwhelming. Bands are playing in the airport. It's ridiculous and you'll get sick of it by the end of the weekend. A lot of the best action is the day parties. Many of the biggest bands play free shows during the day with free food and beer. Some of the parties are invite only, but many of them aren't. A lot of the industry people are busy networking so you can see a lot of cool stuff around town. This site has a pretty good list of what's going on during the day - Showlist - I'll give you some recommendations for specific events next week. To me SXSW is not about seeing Morrissey or other established bands. Avoid those shows. They're hard to get into and you should see them on their inevitable tour when they're headlining their own gig with their crowd, sound guy, etc. All your friends will be bugging you to see their band. Try to avoid these shows too (unless there's a chance nobody else will show up - there's nothing sadder than SXSW gigs with nobody in the crowd). The point is, expose yourself to new bands and avoid chain restaurants, coffee shops and clothing stores.
Austin Food Advice
Eat some real barbeque (pork ribs). Not just the free dry chicken at those parties. Rudy's Country Store is fantastic. It looks like a manufactured chain restaurant (and they do have a bunch of locations) but the food is great. If you're at the Convention Center walk over to Iron Works and get a sandwich. Tender and good. Everytime I eat at Stubb's I'm pleasantly surprised. It's not the best, but in most cities probably would be. Artz Rib House is good too. Of course a lot of people will tell you that the Salt Lick is the best, but during SXSW it's not really worth the drive when you've got so many other substitutes.
Eat some real Tex-Mex. Curra's Grill is my favorite. It's an unassuming little place but damn good. Guero's is another great place. It's a little fancier with long waits and great margaritas. Chuy's is pretty good too. You can't go wrong with Las Manitas or Maudie's either.
Sightseeing
Go see a great view of Town Lake at Mount Bonnell park. Take a dip in Barton Springs. Check out the bats if they're back at the Congress bridge.
Shopping
Walk along South Congress and see the antique and used shops. Buy some records at Waterloo Records.
Other
Have some late night food at Magnolia. Drink some fresh roasted coffee at Little City. Eat some homemade ice cream at Amy's Ice Cream. Feast on some of the best barbeque chicken you've ever had at Hoover's. Enjoy a greasy hamburger at Casino El Camino.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
New Release Tuesday
RECOMMENDED
I'm guessing the Centro-Matic and Mogwai are your best bets.....
THINGS I NEED TO HEAR
Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan Ballad of the Broken Seas (V2) - Former Belle & Sebastian member teams up with former Screaming Trees lead singer. Isobel performs solo tonight at the Troubadour.
Centro-Matic Fort Recovery (Misra) - People who love Centro-Matic (like Jay Bennett, Drive-By Truckers, Ben Gibbard) really love them. Other people don't get it. I think it's Will Johnson's voice that divides. I'm loving the song "I See Through You" right now, but unfortunately they're not giving that one away.
Download "Triggers and Trash Heaps"
Mogwai Mr. Beast (Matador) - Scottish post-rock band that puts on an amazing live shows. Playing live at Coachella on 4/30/06.
Download "Folk Death 95"
OTHER NOTEWORTHY RELEASES
Architects Revenge (Anodyne) - Rock'n'roll band from Kansas City. Members were in the band the Gadgits.
Buzzcocks Flat-Pack Philosophy (Cooking Vinyl) - If you don't have Singles Going Steady you should buy it immediately. I haven't heard this new one.
Caroline Murmurs (Temporary Residence Ltd.) - She's a Japanese-American singer with glitchy music backing her voice.
Download "Where's My Love"
Neko Case Fox Confessor Brings the Flood (Anti-) - The singer in the New Pornographers puts out her fourth solo album. Her solo stuff is rootsier. If you don't have The New Pornographers' Twin Cinema you should buy it immediately. Playing live at the Fonda on 6/23/06.
Download "Hold On, Hold On"
Download "Star Witness"
dEUS Pocket Revolution (V2) - Mid tempo rock band from Belgium. Playing at the Troubadour on 3/18/06.
Devics Push the Heart (Filter) - They split their time between LA and Italy. Smooth female fronted KCRW light music.
The Duke Spirit Cuts Across the Land (StarTime International) - Female fronted blues rock band that's drawing comparisons to the Kills. Playing Coachella on 4/29/06.
Download "Cuts Across the Land"
Download "Lion Rip"
David Gilmour On an Island (w/David Crosby, Graham Nash, Robert Wyatt and more) (Columbia) - Solo album from the Pink Floyd guitarist.
Goldfrapp Supernature (Mute) - Good dance pop music if you're into that sort of thing. Playing at the Wiltern on 3/11/06.
Half-Handed Cloud Halos & Lassos (Asthmatic Kitty) - Lofi indie Christian rock.
Kieran Hebden and Steve Reid The Exchange Sessions Vol. 1 (Domino) - Four Tet and former James Brown/Motown drummer. Appearing live at Spaceland on 3/28/06.
Hotel Lights Hotel Lights (Bar/None) - Mellow 70's-style AM rock band featuring ex-Ben Folds Five member Darren Jessee.
Download "A.M. Slow Golden Hit"
I Love You but I've Chosen Darkness Fear Is on Our Side (Secretly Canadian) - Austin, TX band that's getting compared to Joy Division (but in a good way). Produced by Ministry's Paul Barker. Playing 5/20/06 at the Echo.
Download "According to Plan"
The Impossible Shapes Tum (Secretly Canadian) - Neo-psych folk band. Playing live at Tangier on 2/23/06.
Download "Florida Silver Springs"
Download "Pan-Ther"
Juvenile Reality Check (Atlantic) - The man who brought you "Back That Azz Up"
Glenn Kotche Mobile (Nonesuch) - Wilco drummer. For crazy drummer nuts only.
Kris Kristofferson This Old Road (New West) - If you're a newcomer I'd pick up one of his early 70s albums first. Appearing live at the Troubadour on 3/8/06.
Matisyahu Youth (Epic) - Everybody's favorite Hassidic reggae artist. Appearing live at Tower Northridge on 3/9/06.
Mellowdrone Box (Columbia) - Local band that recently did a Spaceland residency.
Download "Fashionably Uninvited"
Van Morrison Pay the Devil (Lost Highway) - I like Astral Weeks but I haven't heard this one.
Nightmares on Wax In a Space Outta Sound (Warp) - Hip-hop electronica.
The Pink Mountaintops Axis of Evol (Jagjaguwar) - The guy from Black Mountain playing weird psych guitar music. Playing live at Spaceland on 3/11/06.
Public Enemy Rebirth of a Nation (Guerrilla Funk) - Written, produced by and featuring Paris; guests dead prez, MC Ren and more. Without Chuck D why is it Public Enemy?
Revolting Cocks (Ministry's Al Jourgensen) Cocked and Loaded (Megaforce/13th Planet) - Guests Jello Biafra, Butthole Surfers' Gibby Haynes, ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons, members of Cheap Trick and more.
The Rogers Sisters The Invisible Deck (Too Pure) - Brooklyn hipsters. Playing 5/20/06 at the Echo.
Stereolab Fab Four Suture (Too Pure) - Reasonably priced collection of recent singles. Appearing live at the Fonda on 3/28/06.
The Weepies Say I Am You (Nettwerk) - Folk-pop. Appearing live at the Hotel Cafe 3/7/06.
Witch Witch (Tee Pee) - Metal band featuring J. Mascis on drums.
I'm guessing the Centro-Matic and Mogwai are your best bets.....
THINGS I NEED TO HEAR
Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan Ballad of the Broken Seas (V2) - Former Belle & Sebastian member teams up with former Screaming Trees lead singer. Isobel performs solo tonight at the Troubadour.
Centro-Matic Fort Recovery (Misra) - People who love Centro-Matic (like Jay Bennett, Drive-By Truckers, Ben Gibbard) really love them. Other people don't get it. I think it's Will Johnson's voice that divides. I'm loving the song "I See Through You" right now, but unfortunately they're not giving that one away.
Download "Triggers and Trash Heaps"
Mogwai Mr. Beast (Matador) - Scottish post-rock band that puts on an amazing live shows. Playing live at Coachella on 4/30/06.
Download "Folk Death 95"
OTHER NOTEWORTHY RELEASES
Architects Revenge (Anodyne) - Rock'n'roll band from Kansas City. Members were in the band the Gadgits.
Buzzcocks Flat-Pack Philosophy (Cooking Vinyl) - If you don't have Singles Going Steady you should buy it immediately. I haven't heard this new one.
Caroline Murmurs (Temporary Residence Ltd.) - She's a Japanese-American singer with glitchy music backing her voice.
Download "Where's My Love"
Neko Case Fox Confessor Brings the Flood (Anti-) - The singer in the New Pornographers puts out her fourth solo album. Her solo stuff is rootsier. If you don't have The New Pornographers' Twin Cinema you should buy it immediately. Playing live at the Fonda on 6/23/06.
Download "Hold On, Hold On"
Download "Star Witness"
dEUS Pocket Revolution (V2) - Mid tempo rock band from Belgium. Playing at the Troubadour on 3/18/06.
Devics Push the Heart (Filter) - They split their time between LA and Italy. Smooth female fronted KCRW light music.
The Duke Spirit Cuts Across the Land (StarTime International) - Female fronted blues rock band that's drawing comparisons to the Kills. Playing Coachella on 4/29/06.
Download "Cuts Across the Land"
Download "Lion Rip"
David Gilmour On an Island (w/David Crosby, Graham Nash, Robert Wyatt and more) (Columbia) - Solo album from the Pink Floyd guitarist.
Goldfrapp Supernature (Mute) - Good dance pop music if you're into that sort of thing. Playing at the Wiltern on 3/11/06.
Half-Handed Cloud Halos & Lassos (Asthmatic Kitty) - Lofi indie Christian rock.
Kieran Hebden and Steve Reid The Exchange Sessions Vol. 1 (Domino) - Four Tet and former James Brown/Motown drummer. Appearing live at Spaceland on 3/28/06.
Hotel Lights Hotel Lights (Bar/None) - Mellow 70's-style AM rock band featuring ex-Ben Folds Five member Darren Jessee.
Download "A.M. Slow Golden Hit"
I Love You but I've Chosen Darkness Fear Is on Our Side (Secretly Canadian) - Austin, TX band that's getting compared to Joy Division (but in a good way). Produced by Ministry's Paul Barker. Playing 5/20/06 at the Echo.
Download "According to Plan"
The Impossible Shapes Tum (Secretly Canadian) - Neo-psych folk band. Playing live at Tangier on 2/23/06.
Download "Florida Silver Springs"
Download "Pan-Ther"
Juvenile Reality Check (Atlantic) - The man who brought you "Back That Azz Up"
Glenn Kotche Mobile (Nonesuch) - Wilco drummer. For crazy drummer nuts only.
Kris Kristofferson This Old Road (New West) - If you're a newcomer I'd pick up one of his early 70s albums first. Appearing live at the Troubadour on 3/8/06.
Matisyahu Youth (Epic) - Everybody's favorite Hassidic reggae artist. Appearing live at Tower Northridge on 3/9/06.
Mellowdrone Box (Columbia) - Local band that recently did a Spaceland residency.
Download "Fashionably Uninvited"
Van Morrison Pay the Devil (Lost Highway) - I like Astral Weeks but I haven't heard this one.
Nightmares on Wax In a Space Outta Sound (Warp) - Hip-hop electronica.
The Pink Mountaintops Axis of Evol (Jagjaguwar) - The guy from Black Mountain playing weird psych guitar music. Playing live at Spaceland on 3/11/06.
Public Enemy Rebirth of a Nation (Guerrilla Funk) - Written, produced by and featuring Paris; guests dead prez, MC Ren and more. Without Chuck D why is it Public Enemy?
Revolting Cocks (Ministry's Al Jourgensen) Cocked and Loaded (Megaforce/13th Planet) - Guests Jello Biafra, Butthole Surfers' Gibby Haynes, ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons, members of Cheap Trick and more.
The Rogers Sisters The Invisible Deck (Too Pure) - Brooklyn hipsters. Playing 5/20/06 at the Echo.
Stereolab Fab Four Suture (Too Pure) - Reasonably priced collection of recent singles. Appearing live at the Fonda on 3/28/06.
The Weepies Say I Am You (Nettwerk) - Folk-pop. Appearing live at the Hotel Cafe 3/7/06.
Witch Witch (Tee Pee) - Metal band featuring J. Mascis on drums.
Monday, March 06, 2006
Live Music Options 3/6/06-3/9/06
Goblin Cock plays Wednesday at Spaceland.I'm so sick of Spoon's "I Turn My Camera On" right now. If you watched the Oscars and the aftershow in LA, you heard that song eight or nine times in a Jaguar commercial. I was ok with the Pontiac ad, but this is overkill. There are three shows I'd really like to see on Wednesday and the rest of the week is light.
Monday 3/6/06
Division Day / Birdmonster @ the Echo [FREE] - Division Day is playing for free every Monday in March and they're generous enough to have some downloads on their website. Birdmonster is a San Francisco band that's getting a lot of attention from blogs at the moment. You can download a song off their site.
Download Division Day's "Tigers"
Download Division Day's "Tap-Tap, Click-Click"
The Lashes / The Glass Family @ Spaceland [FREE] - The Lashes are playing for free every Monday in March. I'm not a fan. They look and sound like what would happen if you put the Strokes and Hot Hot Heat in a blender. I wrote about the Glass Family on Friday.
The Parson Red Heads @ Fold/Silverlake Lounge [FREE] - The Parson Red Heads are playing for free every Monday in March. They sound pleasant and poppy but I haven't heard much of their stuff. Sorry.
Tuesday 3/7/06
Isobel Campbell / Magnet / Peter Walker @ Troubadour [$12] - Former Belle & Sebastian member and Stuart Murdoch's ex-girlfriend in a solo performance. I think it's kind of boring but maybe you disagree? Magnet is a singer-songwriter from Norway. Peter Walker is a local singer-songwriter and founder of Dangerbird Records (along with Cast Management).
Animal Collective @ Vanguard [$15] - Freaky, eccentric critical darlings (Pitchfork gave their last record a 9.0) that I don't really get. But then again I'm not a big fan of most "experimental" rock.
Polysics @ Knitting Factory [$12] - Devo disciples from Tokyo. It's chaotic synth rock.
Wednesday 3/8/06
Goblin Cock @ Spaceland [$10]- Goblin Cock is Rob Crow's (Pinback) heavy metal project. It's pretty silly with the black robes and names like: Lord Phallus, Bane Ass-Pounder and King Sith. But if you like Pinback, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, comic books and Black Sabbath then you should like it.
Download "Stumped"
Matthew Sweet & Susanna Hoffs @ Hotel Cafe [?] - I talked about this last week but didn't see the show. I did read a good review of it. They pick some great covers and they have an album coming out. Also at SXSW and at the Roxy on 4/22/06.
Kris Kristofferson @ Troubadour [SOLD OUT] - He's a legend touring with his first album of new material in 11 years. His albums from the early 1970s are well worth tracking down.
Thursday 3/9/06
Qui @ the Scene [$7] - They're a heavy local band that's influenced by the Jesus Lizard and Melvins.
She Wants Revenge @ the Fonda [SOLD OUT] - I think they're terrible, but maybe you're a fan? Say hi to Fred Durst for me.
Friday, March 03, 2006
The Little Ones
I got a little motivation last night and went to the Echo. After recently downloading some tracks, I was curious to see The Little Ones. I really enjoyed their set. They're a local band that plays danceable indie pop with nice little touches that keep it interesting. I couldn't find a bio on them, so I'll tell you what little I know. The lead singer used to be in a band called Sunday's Best that I don't remember. His brother's also in The Little Ones (and he's the GM at KXLU). They formed less than a year ago and they haven't played out very much. I highly recommend checking them out if you enjoy bands like Fruit Bats, Boy Least Likely To, Spinto Band, etc.
Download "Lovers Who Uncover" - very catchy track
Download "Cha Cha Cha" - stanhalen opined in the comments on a previous post that the chord progression sounds like the Fruit Bats' "The Wind That Blew My Heart Away." I like it either way.
Download "Lovers Who Uncover" - very catchy track
Download "Cha Cha Cha" - stanhalen opined in the comments on a previous post that the chord progression sounds like the Fruit Bats' "The Wind That Blew My Heart Away." I like it either way.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Live Music Options 3/3/06-3/5/06
Hudson Bell - Three Local Shows This Weekend Friday 3/3/06
Hudson Bell (9:30PM) / Jonathan Wilson (10:30PM) @ Fold/Tangier [$8] - Indie guitar rock. I'm a big fan. Check the archives for my album review. Also playing Sea Level Records at 3:00PM Saturday and Occidental College on Sunday. Jonathan Wilson is a recent NYC transplant who has been written up in Spin and is starting to get a local following. Listen to these tracks and decide for yourself.
Download Hudson Bell's "Slowburn"
Download Hudson Bell's "Atlantis Nights"
Download Jonathan Wilson's "Your Ears Are Burning"
Download Jonathan Wilson's "Yonder Lies My Love"
Low / Damien Jurado @ Troubadour [SOLD OUT] - Low's The Great Destroyer was in my top 10 last year. I've never seen them live, but I hear it's a little too mellow. I highly recommend the two tracks below. Damien Jurado's a talented melancholy singer-songwriter. I liked his last record.
Download Low's "California"
Download Low's "Monkey"
Download Damien Jurado's "White Center"
Hot Chip @ the Echo [$10] - Ironic British rock. You'll either think this is incredible or you'll think it's retarded. They sing about getting stoned in their Peugeot listening to Yo La Tengo. They're on LCD Soundsystem's DFA label. Four keyboards and a drum machine. You should definitely know what you're getting into before you go.
Listen HERE on Myspace.
Dwight Yoakam @ Wiltern [SOLD OUT] - He's got a great live band. New country music that you don't have to be ashamed to like.
Saturday 3/4/06
Hudson Bell @ Sea Level Records 3:00PM [FREE] - See above
Silversun Pickups @ Knitting Factory [$10] - They've broken locally and they're breaking in Seattle too. Currently mixing their first full length and doing a mini West Cosast tour on their way to SXSW. If you're going to the show remember that Hollywood Blvd. is all screwed up with the Oscars this weekend.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs / Gris Gris / Lavender Diamond @ Troubadour [SOLD OUT] - I'm not a fan, but maybe you are? The opening bands have a lot of heat right now.
Download Gris Gris' "Year Zero"
The Gourds @ Spaceland [$10] - The Gourds are one of those bands that you hear about all the time when you live in Austin. I still never managed to see them.
Sunday 3/6/06
The Glass Family @ Sea Level Records 4:00PM [FREE] - Pleasant indie pop from Austin, TX. The Oscars start at 5:00PM. Brokeback Mountain and Crash were terribly overrated. I enjoyed Capote and Munich though. The Glass Family is also appearing at Tangier later that night and Spaceland on Monday.
Download "Swimming In Fiction"
Darren Rademaker @ Hotel Cafe 9:00PM [?] - See the Tyde frontman solo acoustic.
The Brokedown / The Glass Family @ Fold/Tangier [$7] - Both bands sound Wilco-inspired to me....
Download The Brokedown's "Down in the Valley"
Yeah Yeah Yeahs / Gris Gris @ Troubadour [SOLD OUT] - See Saturday.
What Happened to Rhett Miller?
Here's a recent shot of Rhett Miller of the Old 97's. Notice the hair, suit, etc.
Here's Rhett in the early days of the Old 97's. Notice the glasses, hair, t-shirt, etc.My thanks to JJ for bringing this to my attention.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Spin Magazine
Be sure to check out the current Spin Magazine. There's a feature on Silver Lake and it talks about a lot of the stuff I talk about on this blog. It's got two pictures of Sea Level Records in Echo Park (including a really old Silversun Pickups in-store) and some quotes from owner Todd Clifford. They also talk to Mitchell Frank (owner of Spaceland Productions, the Echo, Malo and Irving's manager) about how he started booking shows at the club commonly referred to as Spaceland. They talk to Aaron Espinosa (and have a picture of him) from Earlimart about his studio and he predicts that one of the local bands could get huge. There's also small pictures of a bunch of local bands including including The 88, Silversun Pickups, Cold War Kids, Lavender Diamond, and a bunch of others that I'm forgetting right now.
There's also a smaller piece predicting that the Cahuenga corridor will be the next Silver Lake. They talk to Kid Benihana who says that while he respects Silver Lake the way you respect an older brother, he'd rather party with the little sister [and Good Charlotte, She Wants Revenge and C-list celebs?].
Since a lot of people are talking about Cold War Kids right now, here are a couple of songs for you to check out. I saw them recently at Spaceland and they're playing with buzz band tapes'n tapes at the Knitting Factory on 3/21/06. They seem to breaking locally....
Download Cold War Kids "The Soloist in the Living Room"
Download Cold War Kids "Heavy Boots"
There's also a smaller piece predicting that the Cahuenga corridor will be the next Silver Lake. They talk to Kid Benihana who says that while he respects Silver Lake the way you respect an older brother, he'd rather party with the little sister [and Good Charlotte, She Wants Revenge and C-list celebs?].
Since a lot of people are talking about Cold War Kids right now, here are a couple of songs for you to check out. I saw them recently at Spaceland and they're playing with buzz band tapes'n tapes at the Knitting Factory on 3/21/06. They seem to breaking locally....
Download Cold War Kids "The Soloist in the Living Room"
Download Cold War Kids "Heavy Boots"
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