Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Rest In Peace - Michelangelo Antonioni
Highlights from Tuesday's Music Calendar - 7/31/07
Monday, July 30, 2007
Five Most Interesting New Releases 7/31/07
1990s: Cookies (Rough Trade) – See them at the Echo on 8/5 or the Troubadour on 8/7. Upbeat Scots. Download “You’re Supposed to Be My Friend”
Bat for Lashes: Fur and Gold (Caroline) – The hottest (both literally and figuratively) new British export. Adored by Thom Yorke. Considered freak-folk (but she sounds more listenable than a lot of that stuff). See her at Spaceland tomorrow 7/31 and hear her on Morning Becomes Eclectic on Wednesday (August 1).
Dave Davies: Fractured Mindz (Koch) – The first album since his stroke in 2004. As you may know, the Kinks are my favorite band of all time.
The Nobility: The Mezzanine (Self-Released) – Nashville indie pop band that I’m really enjoying right now. I recently profiled them HERE. Download “Halleluiah Chorus”
The Phantom Family Halo: The Legend of Black Six (Cold Sweat) – They spent a bunch of time in LA last week. Mellowly psychedelic. Download “Black River” and “Lady Blue”
Other Noteworthy Releases:
Common: Finding Forever (Geffen) – Produced by Kanye West with a guest appearance from Lily Allen. See him at Starbucks on the 3rd Street Promenade at Noon on July 31st.
Culver City Dub Collective: Dos (Everloving) – See them at the Troubadour on 8/17 and the Sunset Junction the next day. For the Jack Johnson / Ben Harper crowd.
Department of Eagles: The Cold Nose (American Dust) – This is a reissue of their 2003 album. Daniel Rossen of Grizzly Bear is in this band.
The Louvin Brothers: Tragic Songs of Life / Satan Is Real (Raven AUS) – Australian reissue of two absolutely classic country/gospel albums.
Bob Marley: Roots, Rock, Remixed (Quango Fontana) – Marley remixes.
Polly Paulusma: Fingers & Thumbs (One Little Indian) – Nic Harcourt approved, British singer-songwriter.
Port O’Brien: The Wind and the Swell (American Dust) – A collection of the best tracks from their self-released albums.
Josh Rouse: Country Mouse City House (Nettwerk) – Prolific singer-songwriter for the NPR crowd.
Shivaree: Tainted Love – Mating Calls and Fight Songs (Zoe Records) – Love songs from Motley Crue, Gary Glitter, Michael Jackson, Phil Spector and Tanya Tucker
Various Artists: Complete Motown Singles, Vol. 7 – 1967 (Hip-O Select) – Five discs.
Alan Vega: Station (Mute) – His old partner in Suicide was in town last week.
Z-Trip: All Pro (Decon) – At the House of Blues Sunset on 8/15. Game soundtrack.
Highlights of Monday's Music Calendar 7/30/07
M.I.A. @ the Echoplex ($20) – I was 50/50 on the first M.I.A. album, but her new single’s downright awful. I’m sure 95% of you will disagree with me on that. I did see her at Coachella a few years ago and she wasn’t bad.
5 O’Clock Somewhere @ the Echo (Free) – Last night of their residency.
The Mae Shi @ Pehrspace
Thailand / Health Club / The Natural Disasters @ Royale [2619 Wilshire] Eastern Conference Champions @ Safari Sam’s (Free before 9PM / $5 after)
Stevenson Ranch Davidians / Nightfur @ Viper Room (Free if you RSVP through the Viper Room’s Myspace page)
Jesse Harris @ Hotel Café – He goes on early at 7PM. Download “Feel” and “I Don’t Mind”
Mickey Champion @ Babe and Ricky’s Inn [4339 Leimert Blvd] – She performs there every Monday night.
Simon Stokes @ the Scene (Free)
Friday, July 27, 2007
Weekend Music Options 7/27/07 - 7/29/07
Tables & Chairs / Adeline / My Secret Alphabet @ Perhspace (Donations) – Tables & Chairs is an instrumental band featuring Stevie, Brian and Marcos from the Movies.
The Melvins @ Troubdaour – Playing Lysol and Eggnog in their entirety.
Madonna Tribute: The Chapin Sisters / Winter Flowers / The Prayers @ Spaceland ($8) – This is the Manimal Vinyl record release party for their Madonna Tribute album.
Maximo Park / Monsters Are Waiting / The Oohlas @ El Rey (Sold Out)
Club Underground @ the Echo ($5 over 21 / $7 under 21)
Lynyrd Skynyrd @ Greek ($35-65)
Zach Galifianakis @ Largo – Bearded funnyman.
Sam Sparro @ El Cid ($10)
Polar Goldie Cats @ the Smell ($5)
Saturday 7/28/07
Lee “Scratch” Perry @ House of Blues ($22) – Legend and one of the inventors of dub music.
Dale Watson / Mike Stinson @ Safari Sam’s ($15) – For the real country music fans. When I lived in Austin I saw Watson pretty regularly, but he doesn’t pass through here too often. Stinson’s still my favorite local country singer.
The Rentals / Goldenboy / Gwendolyn @ Spaceland ($18) – Kind of a steep cover for Spaceland, but this is the last night of the Rentals month long residency.
Bob Weir and Ratdog @ Greek Theatre ($30-50) – Deadheads.
Let’s Go Sailing / Sara Lov @ Hotel Café ($8) – Grey’s Anatomy favorites.
The Fucking Champs @ the Echo ($10) – Non-stop riffing.
The Ditty Bops @ the Fonda ($20)
The Husbands @ the Scene ($8)
The Flash Express @ the Smell ($5)
Sunday 7/29/07
Part Time Punks: HEALTH @ the Echo ($5) – One of the leaders of the burgeoning local noise scene.
Dead Meadow / Darker My Love / Entrance / Phantom Family Halo @ the Echoplex ($13) – Solid lineup of stoner rock. Also the release party for the new issue of LA Record.
Anavan @ the Smell
Guru’s Jazzmatazz @ El Rey ($20) – For the hip-hop crowd.
Monte Montgomery @ Safari Sam’s ($10 adv / $12 dos) – Another singer-songwriter with a rootsy vibe and a big Austin following. He’s got a reputation as a great acoustic guitar player.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Ticket Giveaway - VHS or Beta @ Troubadour on 8/3
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Lucinda Williams Five Nights at El Rey
Wednesday Night Music Options 7/25/07
Tivo Alert: Porter Wagoner on Letterman
Jesse Sykes and the Sweet Hereafter / Bolero @ Bordello ($12) – Former Whiskeytown member. Download “LLL” and “The Dreaming Dead” Bolero is Josh Schwartz’s new band. You might know him from Further, and the first incarnation of Beachwood Sparks and Fairchild. He’s a great guitarist.
The Phantom Family Halo / Winter Flowers @ 3 of Clubs – The Phantom Family Halo are a neo-psychedelic band that’s currently on tour with Slint (and share a member of Slint’s touring band). Download “Black River” and “Lady Blue”
Club NME: The Nice Boys / The Amazements @ Spaceland ($8) – Nice Boys play 1970s inspired, slightly edgier power pop along the lines of the Records, Yachts and Nick Lowe. The Saints aren’t playing this show (as was reported in the LA Weekly).
The Rapture / Foreign Born @ the Mayan ($21.50 / $32.40 after svc charges) – Also on Thursday at the Mayan. I saw the Rapture about 7 years ago at SXSW.
Martin Rev @ Knitting Factory ($15) – In case you missed him at the Silverlake Lounge on Tuesday. One of the early electro-punk guys.
Tokyo Police Club / Dappled Cities @ Troubadour (Sold Out) – Dappled Cities played the Echo on Tuesday. Tokyo Police Club play upbeat indie rock. They will be back at the El Rey on 10/23 if you miss them tonight.
Die! Die Die! @ the Silverlake Lounge
Lomita @ Viper Room – These Austinies will also be guests on Sinking with Sylvia (and sometimes Todd) on Little Radio tomorrow (11AM-1PM).
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Tuesday Night Music Options 7/24/07
The Cribs / Sean Na Na @ Troubadour ($15)
Martin Rev @ Silverlake Lounge ($15) - He's also appearing at the Knitting Factory on Wednesday
Adeline @ Bordello ($8)
Dappled Cities / Eulogies @ the Echo ($7) – Dangerbird recording artists who got a nice review on Pitchfork (7.8/10). Dappled Cities is also appearing at the Troubadour on Wednesday
Chromeo / Flosstradamus @ Cinespace – For the indie dance crowd. Also at the Echo on Thursday.
Manic @ Cinespace – Manic is also doing the Monday night residency at the Echo in August.
The Faraway Places / The Blank Tapes @ Spaceland
Monday, July 23, 2007
Weekly New Music Releases - 7/24/07
Bishop Allen: The Broken String (Dead Oceans) – See them on 7/31 at the Echo. Download “Rain” and “Click Click Click Click”
Prince: Planet Earth (Sony)
Sebadoh: The Freed Man (Domino) – The first album expanded to 52 tracks.
John Vanderslice: Emerald City (Barsuk) – See him at the Troubadour on 9/6. He performed the album live in his studio and he’s premiering a song each day on a different blog. See “Kookaburra” on Steregum. Download “White Dove”
Other Noteworthy Releases:
Johnny Cash: The Great Lost Performance (Island) – Live show from 7/27/90 at the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park
Dalek: Deadverse Massive, Vol. 1 – Dalek Rarities 1999-2006 (Hydrahead)
The Eat: It’s Not the Eat, It’s the Humidity (Alternative Tentacles)
Garbage: Absolute Garbage (Almo Sounds)
The Lovemakers: Misery Loves Company (Fuzz) – At the Troubadour on 8/9.
Manic: Another New Home EP (Suretone) – Download “Carolina Ghost” At Cinespace on 7/24 and doing the Monday night residency at the Echo on August.
MF Doom: MM…Food (Rhymesayers) - Reissue
Portugal, The Man: Church Mouth (Fearless) – At the Troubadour on 7/26.
Robbers on High Street: Grand Animals (New Line) – At the Troubadour on 8/7.
Saturday Looks Good To Me: Cold Colors EP (Polyvinyl) – The indie poppers.
Silverchair: Young Modern (Independent Label Group) – The popular Ausssies. With orchestral arrangements from Van Dyke Parks. At the Wiltern on 11/20
Billy Bob Thornton: Beautiful Door (New Door) – The actor. At the El Rey on 8/4.
Tiny Vipers: Hands Across the Void (Sub Pop) – Female singer-songwriter. Download “On this Side” At Spaceland on 8/16.
UNKLE: War Stories (Surrender All)
Various Artists: Friday Night Lights TV Soundtrack (Adrenaline) – Featuring Spoon, the Killers, Outkast, Whiskeytown, Drive By Truckers, Iron & Wine/Calexico, Jose Gonzalez, Explosions in the Sky, Townes Van Zandt
Yeah Yeah Yeahs: Is Is (Fontana)
Band Profile: The Nobility
Monday Night Music Options 7/23/07
Eskimohunter / The Coral Sea / Mezzanine Owls / Solare @ Spaceland (Free) – Noise pop. The next to last night of Eskimohunter’s month long residency.
5 O’Clock Somewhere / Aloha Mr. Hand @ the Echo (Free) – For the country fans. This is the next to last night of 5 O’Clock Somewhere’s month long residency.
Light FM / The Amateurs @ Silverlake Lounge (Free) – More indie rock. The next to last night of Light FM’s month long residency.
Rush @ Hollywood Bowl ($45 - $127) – Some great tickets were just released.
Shelley Short / Charlie Wadhams @ Bordello ($8)
Friday, July 20, 2007
Tickets On Sale This Weekend
Lily Allen @ House of Blues Anaheim 9/10
Lucinda Williams @ El Rey 9/5, 9/6, 9/8, 9/9, 9/10
Peter Bjorn & John / The Clientele @ Wiltern 9/17
No Age @ Troubadour on 8/23
Scorpions @ Gibson 9/15
Common @ Wiltern 9/6
This is on sale now:
Of Montreal @ Avalon 11/8
Top Five New Music Releases 7/17/07
Top Five Most Interesting Releases:
The Cribs: Men's Needs, Women's Needs, Whatever (Warner Bros.) - See them at Amoeba on Friday 7/20 and the Troubadour on 7/24.
The Knife: Silent Shout Deluxe Edition (Mute)
The Magic Numbers: Those the Brokes (Astralwerks) - See them at the El Rey on 8/14.
Meat Puppets: Rise to Your Knees (Anodyne)
Various Artists: Now-Again Re:Sounds Vol. 1 (Now-Again) - They're also releasing this as a box set of seven 7-inches which is pretty cool. Download Amnesty's "Trouble Will Remain"
Other Noteworthy Releases:
The Chemical Brothers: We Are the Night (Astralwerks) - At Nocturnal Wonderland (downtown LA) on 9/29.
Eastern Conference Champions: Ameritown (Suretone) – See them tonight at Silverlake Lounge or 7/30 at Safari Sam’s. Download ECC’s “The Box”
Editors: An End Has a Start (Fader) - See them at the Wiltern on 9/24.
Raul Malo: After Hours (New Door) - A covers album (Hank Williams, Kris Kristofferson, Dwight Yoakam, Buck Owens)
Rooney: Calling the World (Geffen)
Mick Turner: Blues Trees (Drag City) - Hard to find singles from the Dirty Three guy (and Bonny Billy and Cat Power collaborator).
Weekend Music Options 7/21/07 - 7/22/07
Sonic Youth / DJ set from Dntel @ Urban Outfitters Santa Monica 3:00PM (Free) – Benefit for KXLU featuring a 30 minute set.
Daft Punk / Ratatat @ Sport Arena ($50) – For the dance rock crowd.
The Nightwatchman @ Troubadour
The Rentals / Goldenboy / Dead Sea Scrolls @ Spaceland ($20) – This is the next to last show in the month long residency.
Cool Britannia: Jamie Cullum @ Hollywood Bowl ($7-49) – Night two.
Sunday 7/22/07
Summer Camp: Surprise Guests / Spindrift / The Black Pine @ Little Radio ($10) – They’re not announcing the bands, but I think Joe let the cat out of the bag HERE. The other two bands have it listed on their Myspace pages.
Grand Ole Echo: The Cousin Lovers @ the Echo (Free) – The free Sunday afternoon weekly barbeque kicks off at 5:00PM. Chris Morris of Billboard is MC’ing this one.
Snow Patrol / Hot Hot Heat @ the Greek ($40) – The first of two nights.
Girls Against Boys @ El Rey ($20) – They were big when I was in college and I saw them a couple of times back then. Performing Venus Luxure No. 1 Baby in its entirety.
Qui @ Safari Sam’s ($7) – Intense rockers with David Yow now on vocals.
Hank Williams III @ the Roxy (Sold Out) – I’m a huge fan of his Grandpa. He’s not too shabby himself.
Part Time Punks: Magic Bullets @ the Echo ($5)
Friday Night Music - Sonic Youth
Femi Kuti @ House of Blues ($27.50) – The son of Fela Kuti. I’ll confess that I haven’t delved into Afro-Beat at all.
The Bird and the Bee / Mike Andrews @ El Rey ($14) – For the Morning Becomes Eclectic crowd.
Pigeon John @ Troubadour ($14) – For the underground hip-hop fans.
Jonathan Rice / Whispertown 2000 / Everest (acoustic) @ the Echo ($14) – I know a lot of guys who are super jealous of Jonathan Rice. This is an early show, because Club Underground goes off at 10:00PM.
The High Society @ El Cid ($8) – Boogie rock.
Chris and Thomas @ McCabe’s ($10)
Cool Britannia: Jamie Cullum @ Hollywood Bowl ($7-49) – British jazz-pop piano player with a love of hip-hop. Congratulations to the winner of the tickets we gave away earlier this week.
Dave Gleason’s Wasted Days / Mike Stinson @ Cinema Bar (Free) – West Coast Country Rockers.
Club Underground: The Night Birds @ the Echo ($5)
The Dwarves @ Safari Sam’s ($17) – Big punk band in the 1980s.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Thursday Night Music Options 7/19/07
Patrick Park / Whispertown 2000 @ Spaceland ($8) – The talented local singer-songwriter continues his Thursday night residency.
Shout Out Louds / Grand Ole Party @ El Rey ($15) – I liked these Swedes first indie pop record well enough.
HEALTH @ the Smell ($5) – Noisy, experimental Smell rock.
Har Mar Superstar / Rolan Bolan / Wounded Cougar @ Viper Room ($10) – You’ve got Har Mar Superstar (who’s a really nice guy by the way) with Fab from the Strokes (who’s a totally regular guy by the way) with Marc Bolan’s son and then a jokey band featuring a bunch of Beck’s backing band. Should be quite the scene.
Frankel / Western States Motel @ Tangier ($8)
Waxapples @ Knitting Factory Alterknit Lounge ($8) – John Doe’s a big fan.
Kenna / Carina Round @ Roxy ($13) – Filter Magazine’s promoting a new night on Thursdays at the Roxy. Check out the Roxy’s bloggish new site for the details.
Castledoor / Low vs. Diamond @ Hammer Museum (Free) – The free concert series continues at 8:00PM.
The Fray / Gomez @ Greek Theatre ($40.50) – Night two at the Greek.
Lion of Panjshir @ Bordello ($8)
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Wednesday Night Music Options 7/18/07
Also Appearing:
50 Years of Stax: Isaac Hayes @ Hollywood Bowl ($6-43) - Should be a fun show.
Die Die Die / The Youngs @ Silverlake Lounge ($7) – Die! Die! Die! Continue their month long residency.
Lavender Diamond / Redcar / Emily Wells @ the Echo ($12) – Presented by Outfest.
Club NME: Suicide Club / Pink Enemy / Blackmarket @ Spaceland
The Prix @ El Cid – The Prix celebrate the release of their new EP and continue
The Fray / Gomez @ Greek Theatre ($40.50)
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Ticket Giveaway - Jamie Cullum @ Hollywood Bowl
I've got one pair of tickets to give away for the Jamie Cullum show at the Hollywood Bowl this Friday July 20th. (He's also appearing this Saturday, but I don't have free tickets for that show.) These are good tickets in Section K. I sat about the same distance back for the Decemberists and you can hear and see very well from that part of the Bowl.
Tuesday Night Music Options
Eastern Conference Champions / Vampire Weekend @ Silverlake Lounge ($8) – This is the record release party for Eastern Conference Champions new record (out today). Download ECC’s “The Box” Vampire Weekend’s a group of New Yorkers with a bit of Paul Simon (afro-Paul Simon) influence.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Innaway "Tired of Waiting" 12"
Monday Music Options 7/16/07
Quite a busy weekend. David Vandervelde put on a great show at Spaceland on Friday. While I think his album is great, it does come off a bit T. Rex obsessed. His live show is much more rocking. With just a bass player and drummer, he really impressed me. The guy's still so young; I expect great things from him in the future. Pitchfork flavor of the week, Blitzen Trapper were disappointing. Stylistically they jump from one genre to another without any discernible identity. I enjoyed the jammier sounding tracks and was irritated with the more yelp-y/indie tracks. The world really doesn't need another yelp-y indie band. These guys have already been a band for seven years, but maybe with the right producer they could come up with something a little less jarring and more interesting. I also saw that Harry Nilsson documentary. Very interesting and quite sad. I recommend seeing it if you get the chance.
Also Appearing:
Eskimohunter / Christopher Blue / Minutes ‘Til Midnight / Evan Slamka (of Marjorie Fair) @ Spaceland (Free) – The noise pop band continues its Monday night residency.
5 O’Clock Somewhere / Thee LA Gentleman Callers @ the Echo (Free) – The good time country band continues its Monday night residency.
Light FM / Tigers Can Bite You / Yes Me to Death @ Silverlake Lounge (Free) – The indie rockers continue their Monday night residency.
High Society @ the Scene
Anavan @ the Smell ($5)
Happy Hollows / Hearts of Palm UK / Thailand / Good on Paper @ Viper Room
Rooney / Hello Stranger @ Roxy – Record Release Party
Vampire Weekend / Grand Ole Party / Delta Spirit @ Troubadour ($5)
Ferraby Lionheart @ Tangier ($5) – Talented local singer-songwriter who I have yet to see live. I recently got his EP and its quite good. New album out on Nettwerk records on 9/4.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Five Most Interesting New Releases on 7/10/07
Good news - I'm now pretty much caught up with these weekly updates. Lots of good stuff this past week....
Five Most Interesting New Releases:
Nick Drake: Family Tree (Tsunami) - I'm a huge fan of his three proper solo records. If you like melancholy singer-songwriters, I'm sure you are too. This collection includes 28 tracks that pre-date his first album. Recommended for hardcore fans/completists. Download a "Family Tree" podcast.
Interpol: Our Love to Admire (Capitol) - See them at the Forum on 10/23. As often happens with major label debuts, the mainstream press seems to like it more than the indie press. I was a fan of the first album, but never really got into their second one.
Jason Isbell: Sirens of the Ditch (New West) - Former Drive-By Truckers guitarist. Critics are digging it, comparing him to artists as diverse as Ryan Adams, Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, John Hiatt, and Richard Buckner. See him at the Troubadour on 8/6. Recommended for fans of the genre. Letter Grade: B-
Patton Oswalt: Werewolves and Lollipops (Sub Pop) - Those of us who have seen him countless times at Largo, are already fans of his nerdy comedy. He's making some serious coin right now with his voicework in Ratatouille. With DVD. Download "Dukes of Hazzard"
Spoon: Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga (Merge) - This isn't my favorite Spoon album (in fact it might be my fourth favorite) but that still makes it better than most stuff that will come out this year. Critics are mostly loving it. I don't like the Jon Brion produced track at all, but there are three or four classics. See them at Little Radio on Monday 7/16 and the Fonda on 9/10 and 9/11. Recommended. Letter Grade: B
Other Noteworthy New Releases:
Bad Religion: New Maps of Hell (Epitaph) - Veteran local punks. I was a fan back in high school/early college. See them at the Home Depot center on 8/25.
Boat: Let's Drag Our Feet (Magic Marker) - Seattle indie rockers.
Crowded House: Time on Earth (ATO Records) - The Aussies first record since 1993. It's getting some pretty good reviews. See them at the Greek on 8/28.
Roky Erickson: You're Gonna Miss Me soundtrack (Palm) - The soundtrack to the documentary about the 13 Floor Elevators frontman who had major mental health issues. He's recently hit the road again. The documentary's supposed to be quite good too. It came out on DVD this week as well. See him at the El Rey on 10/28.
Gogol Bordello: Super Taranta (Side One Dummy) - See them at the Fonda on 8/28. Gypsy punks.
The Gourds: Noble Creatures (Yep Roc) - People in Austin are mad for these alt-country guys.
The Icarus Line: Black Line at the Golden Coast (Dim Mak) - See them at the El Rey on 8/3.
Justice: "Cross" [the symbol] (Vice) - French duo for the indie dance fans. It's getting very positive reviews.
Christian Kiefer: Dogs & Donkeys (Undertow) - Mellow folk singer. Alan Sparhawk and Mimi Parker of Low make guest appearances as do Nels Cline and Garth Hudson.
Fionn Regan: The End of History (Lost Highway) - See him at the Hotel Cafe on 8/7. Singer-songwriter gets compared to Nick Drake and Damien Rice.
Kim Richey: Chinese Boxes (Vanguard) - Successful Nashville based country songwriter.
Chris & Rich Robinson: Brothers of a Feather - Live at the Roxy (Eagle) - For the Black Crowes fans.
Smashing Pumpkins: Zeitgeist (Reprise) - Billy and Jimmy. No James or Darcy. It's not getting very good reviews. I liked their first two albums at the time, but the tracks I've heard off this one are just way too much.
Stephen Stills: Just Roll Tape - 4/26/68 (Rhino) - Just him in a studio back in 1968. Includes stripped down early versions of "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" and "Wooden Ships"
St. Vincent: Marry Me (Beggars Banquet) - Annie Clark has gotten a lot of blogger love. She's toured as part of Sufjan Stevens band and the Polyphonic Spree. See her at the Echo on 8/4. Recommended for fans of female singer-songwriters like Mia Doi Todd. It's very produced with layers of hand claps, electro glitches, dramatic strings and overdubbed, self harmonizing.
They Might Be Giants: The Else (Idlewild/Zoe) - OG nerd rockers team up with the Dust Brothers. See them at the Avalon on 10/3. This one's getting mixed reviews.
Reissues:
M. Ward: Duet for Guitars 2 (Merge) - His first album remastered with bonus tracks.
The Monkees: Headquarters (Rhino) - Deluxe 2 CD edition. These two reissues are from the period when they started to be a real band and before they started to get really weird. I recommend checking them out.
The Monkees: Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones (Rhino) - Deluxe 2 CD edition. They were the first to record a Harry Nilsson song ("Cuddly Toy"). Also has some songs with early use of the Moog and some classic Mike Nesmith tunes.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Weekend Music Options 7/14/07 - 7/15/07
Film Screening: Harry Nilsson Documentary @ Egyptian Theatre ($10) - Harry Nilsson's great. Last time this documentary played in LA it sold out. Part of the Mods & Rockers Film Fest.
Persephone’s Bees / Something for Rockets @ Troubadour ($10 adv / $12 dos)
The Rentals / Goldenboy @ Spaceland ($20) - I saw a bit of their set last weekend. Matt Sharp's like Tom Kenny's doppelganger. Good high energy fun and cute girls in the band too.
Sunday 7/15/07
Spencer Davis / Stephen Bishop / The Records @ Egyptian Theatre 2:00PM (Free) - Part of the Mods & Rockers fest.
Little Radio Summer Camp: Wiskey Biscuit / Happy Hollows / Good On Paper @ Little Radio ($10)
Get Him Eat Him @ Knitting Factory ($8)
Part Time Punks: The Secret Society of the Sonic Six @ the Echo ($5)
Grand Ol’ Echo: I See Hawks in LA @ the Echo (Free) – 5:00 PM
Christopher Blue @ Tangier ($8)
The Pinker Tones @ California Plaza
Friday Night Music Options 7/13/07
David Vandervelde / Blitzen Trapper / Nico Stai @ Spaceland ($8) – This is a great show for $8. Vandervelde is a Marc Bolan influenced singer from Chicago. (He also lists the Bee Gees, Emitt Rhodes and George Harrison as influences on Myspace). Earlier this week he made my list of best albums of the 2007 (so far). Download “Nothin’ No” and “Jacket” Thanks to Pitchfork, Blitzen Trapper has a lot of heat behind them right now. They’re from Portland and just signed to Sub Pop. If you read this Guest List you might think less of them. It’s a little bit grooving along the lines of the Grateful Dead and/or the Band.
The 88 / Satisfaction @ Troubadour (Sold Out) – Local power-poppers.
Icarus Line @ El Cid ($8) – Local band hitting the road with the Lemonheads soon.
Thee LA Gentleman Callers @ the Scene
Stephen Sills @ House of Blues ($32.50-$57) – Neil Young’s buddy. Member of Buffalo Springfield, CSN, CSNY and solo artist (the first couple of solo records are well worth picking up).
Tex & the Horseheads / Mike Watt @ Safari Sam’s ($10)
Health Club @ Mr. T’s
Club Underground: Lemon Sun @ the Echo ($5)
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Spoon / John Vanderslice @ Little Radio
If I wasn't so behind, you'd know that Spoon released their new album this week. With the exception of the Jon Brion produced song, I like it. They're last few records have all shown up on my year end best of lists. Anyway, they're playing with John Vanderslice at Little Radio this Monday. Check Little Radio's website tomorrow at 10:00AM to buy tickets. They're $15 but include free Dewar's.
Thursday Night Music Options - 7/12/07
Everest / Two Sheds / Chairlift / Jackpot @ Silverlake Lounge ($8) – If I wasn’t going to Dr. Dog I’d be at this show. Everest are the (newest) local band that I’m most excited about seeing. Their kind of like a local super group with: Russ Pollard, Jason Soda, Joel Graves, Rob Douglas and Davey Latter. The songs on their Myspace page sound great - along the lines of Neil Young and the new Wilco. They’ll be holed up in the studio with producer Mike Terry for most of August and then hopefully out to play more shows.
The Switch / The Sharp Things @ the Mint ($7) – The Sharp Things are a Brooklyn based band that will have a 12-piece band with strings and horns. The Switch is one of my favorite local bands at the moment. Tonight they’re doing a rare acoustic show and might throw in some covers.
The Little Ones / The Pity Party @ Hammer Museum (Free) – The Little Ones put out my favorite local release last year. The Pity Party are a local band that recently exploded on the scene and have already toured with the Raveonettes.
Patrick Park / Emma Burgess @ Spaceland ($8) – The talented local singer-songwriter continues his residency. I enjoyed myself last week at the show.
Rocky Votalato / Langhorne Slim @ Troubadour ($12) – Presented by our friend the Aquarium Drunkard. Download Votalato’s “Postcard from Kentucky”
The Front / The Monolators / The Transmissions / Wait Think Fast @ the Scene – Our friend the Rock Inside is presenting this show tonight.
Low End Theory: Daedelus @ Echoplex ($10)
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
The Best of 2007 (So Far)
Tune into Sinking With Sylvia on Little Radio Thursday morning from 11AM - 1PM Pacific Standard Time. I'm too busy with work, but she'll be playing a bunch of my favorite tracks off of these records.
Blonde Redhead: 23 (4AD) – These guys rarely disappoint. My favorite noise pop band for the past 10 years or so. Letter grade A-. They're a great live band too. See them at the Sunset Junction on 8/18.
Wilco: Sky Blue Sky (Nonesuch) - When it came out, I gave it a letter grade of A-. If you're a longtime Wilco fan, there's absolutely no reason not to like it. See them at the Greek on 8/29.
Arcade Fire: Neon Bible (Merge) – When it came out I gave it a letter grade of A-. I recommend not reading anything about them. WIn Butler's becoming the Michael Stipe (read: self important and humorless) of the 00s. The album works best when listened to in its entirety. See them at the Bowl on 9/20.
The Shins: Wincing the Night Away (Sub Pop) – A consistently great band. Just because your mom likes them now doesn't mean you have to turn your back on them. Download “Phantom Limb” Letter Grade: A-
Peter Bjorn and John: Writer’s Block (Almost Gold) – Believe it or not, this was released domestically in 2007. A lot of you guys probably had it on your list last year. We're all way burnt out on "Young Folks" but that's not the only great song. I stand by my letter grade of A-. Not a great live band, but still worth seeing at the Fonda on 7/31.
Dr. Dog: We All Belong (Park the Van Records) – I wasn't familiar with these guys when it came out. They're one of those bands that musicians really respect and snobs like PItchfork and Stylus dismiss. Just great Beatles-esque pop. Letter grade: A-. See them at the Echo on 7/12.
A Band of Bees: Octopus (Astralwerks) - I gave this one a letter grade of B+ when it came out. They're so eclectic. If you're into spotting references in music, you can have fun with these guys because they're students of music history.
Richard Swift: Dressed Up for the Letdown (Secretly Canadian) – I didn't rate this one at the time, because I wasn't too familiar with him. He's definitely got an early solo McCartney vibe which I fully appreciate. Letter grade B+. See him opening for Wilco at the Greek on 8/29. Download “Kisses for the Misses”
The Besnard Lakes: The Besnard Lakes are the Dark Horse (Jagjaguwar) – I didn't rate this one when it came out, but I'd give it a B+ today. Kind of like a weird combination of Low and My Morning Jacket. They were great when I saw them at the Echo. Download “And You Lied to Me”
The Earlies: The Enemy Chorus (Secretly Canadian) – It's the political record of the year. Great headphone music too. Download “No Love In Your Heart” Letter Grade: B+. I wish they'd play the States.
The Broken West: I Can’t Go On, I’ll Go On (Merge) – One of my favorite local bands and great guys too. If you like power pop at all, pick this one up. Letter Grade: B+. They've toured with the Walkmen, Fountains of Wayne and the National and they're playing the Monollith and Austin City Limits fest in September.
David Vandervelde: The Moonstation House Band (Secretly Canadian) – I heard he was just a Marc Bolan ripoff artist, so I didn't rate it at the time. I'm glad I gave it another shot, because while he does like Bolan, he's really good in his own right. Letter grade B+. See him at Spaceland this Friday 7/13. Download “Jacket”
Menomena: Friend and Foe (Barsuk) – I didn't rate this one at the time either. Really good, and experimental but accesible. They're ambitious and will probably keep popping out better and better records. Letter grade B+. Download “Wet and Rusting”
Voxtrot: Voxtrot (Beggars/PlayLouder) – They're EPs were just so dam good that everybody was disappointed with this one. But I just keep listening to it. Letter Grade: B
Just missed: Dungen: Tio Bitar; The Minor Canon: No Good Deed Goes Unpunished; Low: Drums & Guns; Albert Hammond Jr.: Yours to Keep; The Clientele: God Save the Clientele; El-P: I'll Sleep When You're Dead
Stuff that finally saw daylight that's worth picking up:
Neil Young: Live at Massey Hall (Reprise) – This is a great live show with Neil at his peak period creatively. Letter Grade: A-
Elliott Smith: New Moon (Kill Rock Stars) – It's really hard for me to listen to the guy anymore, but this is some great material from his peak period. Download “High Times” Letter grade: B+
Wednesday Night Music Options 7/11/07
Flight of the Conchords @ El Rey (Sold Out) – Judging by Craigslist, you’re going to have to pay about $150 for these tickets if you want to go. Are you guys watching the HBO show? It’s funny. That bit where they were describing Jemaine and they said: “Kinda talks in a monotone, sounds like a robot?" That hit a little bit too close to home for me.
Die! Die! Die! / Valley Arena / HEALTH / Ninja Academy @ Silverlake Lounge ($7)
Club NME: The Health Club @ Spaceland
Charlie Wadhams @ Bordello ($8) - Mellow country-infused tunes.
The Prix @ El Cid – The retro-minded pals of Emitt Rhodes continue their residency. Their new EP has a lot of drug referencing 60s influence on it.
Buzzcocks @ Spaceland on 8/17
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
New Release Tuesday 6/26/07
Ryan Adams: Easy Tiger (Lost Highway) – I still love his first solo record. Critics are calling his ninth album a return to form. Download “Two” and “Everybody Knows” He plays a sold out show at the Wilshire Ebell on 7/19.
Beastie Boys: Mix-Up (Capitol) – All new instrumental material. Paul’s Boutique is still my favorite hip-hop album of all time. They play the Greek Theatre on 8/19 and 8/20. Mostly pretty weak reviews.
Frank Black: The Best of Frank Black ’93-’03 (Cooking Vinyl) – I really like most of his solo material from the early post-Pixies days. This is a good starting point if you’re unfamiliar.
Adam Franklin: Bolts of Melody (Hi-Speed Soul) – The former Swervedriver frontman. Download “Seize the Day” and “Syd’s Eyes” Appearing at the Echo on 7/17.
Jonathan Wilson: Frankie Ray (Koch) – The Laurel Canyon resident used to be in Muscadine and currently hosts a weekly jam session at his house with buddies Chris Robinson, Jenny Lewis, Farmer Dave and others.
Other Noteworthy Releases:
Bad Brains: Build a Nation (Megaforce) – Adam Yauch produced their first album in 12 years.
Nels Cline Singers: Draw Breath (Cryptogramophone)
Bryan Ferry: Dylanesque (Virgin) – Ferry covers 11 Dylan tunes.
Nick Lowe: At My Age (Yep Roc)
Metric: Grow Up and Blow Away (Last Gang) – This was originally recorded in 2001, so the band doesn’t seem to be promoting it much. They’ve probably moved on.
The Sharp Things: A Moveable Feast (Bar/None) – See them at the Mint on 7/12.
Top Five Most Interesting Releases 6/19/07
Top Five Most Interesting Releases:
Art Brut: It's a Bit Complicated (Downtown) - The second record from the cheeky Brits who critics love. Lead singer Eddie Argos is an average dude who talk/sings about making mixing tapes, making out and having fun. If you've had it with overly earnest bands liked Coldplay, Keane and Snow Patrol then you need to give this a listen.
Fridge: The Sun (Temporary Residence) - You might be more familiar with Four Tet and Adem than Fridge. But Fridge is where Kieran Hebden and Adem Ilhan got their start. Pitchfork and Stylus found it a bit disappointing. If you like post-rock you should give it a listen. Download "Eyelids"
The Polyphonic Spree: The Fragile Army (Good) - The real music snobs like Pitchfork and Stylus don't like the Dallas collective's new record, but the Village Voice and All Music Guide do. I still haven't heard it. They're fun to see live, which you can do on 7/18 at the Fonda (although it's now sold out).
The White Stripes: Icky Thump (Warner Bros.) - I like their second and third albums, but I still haven't heard this new one. See them live at the Forum on 9/19.
Other Noteworthy Releases:
Bumps: Bumps (Stones Throw) - Break beat record featuring John McEntire, John Herndon and Dan Bitney from Tortoise.
Chromeo: Fancy Footwork (Vice) - Montreal duo for the indie dance crowd. Live at Cinespace on 7/24 and the Echo on 7/26.
Robert Forster & Grant McLennan: Intermission - The Best of the Solo Recordings 1990-1997 (Beggars Banquet) - The Go-Betweens co-frontmen release the best of their solo stuff. Remember when the writers of 24 named that defense contractor after them? That was cool.
Micah P. Hinson: Presents a Dream of Her EP (Houston Party) - The guy posted a letter to the love of his life for parading around the world with a "dirty, bitch whore" who was apparently not his girlfriend.
Jaylib: Champion Sound (Stones Throw) - Dilla and Madlib reissue with bonus tracks.
Jennifer Gentle: The Midnight Room (Sub Pop) - Second album from the Italian psych-pop band. Download "Electric Princess" Live at the 6th Street Warehouse on 8/14.
Lightning Dust: Lightning Dust (Jagjaguwar) - Black Mountain offshoot. Download "Listened On"
The Lovetones: Axiom (Tee Pee) - Aussies.
Maps: We Can Create (Mute) - British noise pop.
The Mooney Suzuki: Have Mercy (Elixia) - Entertainment Weekly gave it a good review. The fourth album from the former garage rockers.
Maserati: Inventions for the New Season (Temporary Residence) - Instrumental prog-punk. Looking for an LA date in September if you're a booking agent who happens to be reading this. Download "The World Outside"
Savath + Savalas: Golden Pollen (Anti) - Prefuse 73 side project. At the El Rey on 10/10.
Tomahawk: Anonymous (Ipecac) - Duane Denison from the Jesus Lizard with Mike Patton and John Stanier from Battles.
Two Gallants: The Scenery of Farewell (Saddle Creek)
Various Artists: Chrome Children 2 (Stones Throw) - 2nd installment of the Stones Throw / Adult Swim collaboration.
Von Sudenfed: Tromatic Reflexxions (Domino) - Mark E. Smith of the Fall with two of the Mouse on Mars guys.
Rocky Votolato: The Brag and Cuss (Barsuk) - At the Troubadour on 7/12. Download "Postcard from Kentucky"