Friday Night Music Options 1/26/07

I made it out to Spaceland last night for the Clean Prophets / Colour show. I always enjoy the Clean Prophets. They even played a couple of new songs that I really liked. They're a trio and the lead singer/guitarist has some alternate tunings on some songs which sometimes leads to dead space between the tracks when he's re-tuning. Maybe the bass player should have a mic to fill in the space during those moments (you know how the Shins mic the keyboard player)? Does that dead air bother you when you're seeing a band? Usually I don't notice it, but last night there were some obnoxious frat boy types who decided to shout inane things during those moments.

Friday Night's Pick:

Cold War Kids @ Spaceland (Limited Tix at Door) – If you can’t make it out tonight, their show at the El Rey on 2/21 isn’t sold out yet. They’re one of those love ‘em or hate ‘em bands (which is usually way more interesting than the alternative). Their legions of fans love them for their energetic live performances and the singer’s unique voice. Their legions of haters hate them for the singer’s unique voice and occasionally even for their skinny jeans (I’m looking at you Pfork). I got into a heated email exchange with a Pitchfork writer one time after he ripped them on a very superficial level. Maybe I’ll post that exchange one of these days; it’s pretty amusing. Anyway, say what you will, but they have a great connection/rapport with their audience that most other bands could learn from. After this show they’re headed to Europe for a few weeks with Clap Your Hands Say Yeah.

Also Worth Seeing:

Jon Brion @ Largo ($10) – He’s not doing these Largo shows very much anymore, so you better lineup now.

The Shins @ Amoeba Records (Free) 6:00PM – Don’t believe the anti-hype, the new record’s damn good. I get claustrophobic when I walk into Amoeba even when there’s not a huge band playing; so I won’t be going anywhere near there. They’re playing the KCRW show on 4/14 along with the Cold War Kids and Rodrigo y Gabriela (amongst others).

Of Montreal / Ariel Pink @ El Rey (Sold Out) – I finally got around to listening to the new Of Montreal this week. While I like some of it, it’s gets a little too “eccentric indie” for me.

I just don't know enough about these, but they might be cool......

Rodrigo y Gabriela @ Troubadour (Sold Out) – They’re on the KCRW bill on 4/14 at the Gibson and the Coachella bill on 4/29. Mexican guitar duo with flamenco and classical influences.
Veruca Salt @ Safari Sam’s ($10) – Post- Nina Gordon Veruca Salt is still making records.
The Black Lips / Restaurant @ the Echo ($12)
Keane / Rocco Deluca @ Wiltern (Sold Out) – Does Coldplay rock your ass a little too hard? Then you’re going to love Keane.
Fishtank Ensemble / Lily Marlene / Muscadine (Benji Hughes and Jonathan Wilson) @ El Cid ($8)
Bob Forrest @ Silverlake Lounge ($5) – This is an early show.