Ticket Giveaway: Centro-Matic @ Spaceland

I've got two pairs of tickets to give away for the Centro-Matic show this Tuesday at Spaceland. Opening the show will be Sleepercar (featuring Jim Ward of Sparta) and South San Gabriel (featuring Centro-Matic). I got turned on to Centro-Matic while I was living in Austin. Their music's just really heartfelt and soulful. Lead singer Will Johnson's one of those prolific Robert Pollard type of guys who can write a song a day. This show is presented by my pal, Aquarium Drunkard.

To win these tickets email me [dukeufo at gmail] and name your favorite thing about Texas. Please put "Centro-Matic" in the subject line. The contest closes

Tuesday at Noon.

MP3: I, the Kite from Centro-Matic's new record

MP3: Trust to Lose from South San Gabriel's half of the record

New Music Releases 8/26/08

I haven't had a chance to listen to any of these records all the way through yet, so this post is even weaker than usual....

Noteworthy Albums Released on 8/26/08:

Backyard Tire Fire (mp3)
Blues Traveler
Jonatha Brooke (mp3) – doing unreleased Woody Guthrie songs; at Largo on 11/12/08
Cordero (mp3 and mp3)
Delta Spirit – San Diego band with a good local following
Dragonforce – power metal; at the Palladium on 11/7/08
Duchess Says
The Game – Weiss reviewed it for the Times.
Golden Animals – I think they live out in the desert, but they’re almost an LA band. The singer. Totally retro, with a little bit of a Doors vibe.
Jan & Dean – Complete Liberty singles
Jupiter One
B.B. King
Raine Maida – Our Lady Peace frontman
Kawabata Makoto & Michishita Shinsuke
Merzbow
Motorhead – at the San Manuel Amphitheatre on 8/30/08
Mott the Hoople / Ian Hunter anthology
Pop Levi – he’s almost like a local
The Silent Years
Slipknot
Solange
Matthew Sweet – at the Echo on 8/27/08; briefly listened – some good guitar riffs on the first half
Tussle – at the Echo on 9/25/08
Gary Usher – compilation of songs written by the (occasional) Beach Boys collaborator
Various Artists – A Brief History of the Blues
Various Artists – DFA Presents Supersoul Recordings – Nobody Knows Anything
Various Artists – Notwave compilation from DFA
The Veronicas
The Verve – their fourth album is getting some decent reviews
The Week That Was – this is the other brother from (the now defunct) Field Music; some pretty good reviews from the British press
Woodhands (mp3 and mp3)

F Yeah Fest Set Times

Here's a re-post from the F Yeah Fest's Myspace page:

Schedule for F Yeah Fest August 30th.

Doors for the festival will be 2:30pm and the first band will start at 3:15pm.
Tickets at the door will be $20.
The Entrance for F Yeah Fest is at the EchoPlex, which is located at 1154 Glendale Blvd. The cost of entry gets you a wrist band into all 4 of the locations.
Onsite you will be able to pick up a schedule with a map of all the locations (everything is right next to one another)

Echo: 1822 Sunset Blvd.
Monotonix: 11:45pm –
Crystal Antlers 11:00pm – 11:30pm
Ladyhawk: 10:15pm – 10:45pm -
Two Gallants: 9:20pm – 9:40pm -
David Vandervelde: 8:35pm – 9:05pm -
The Strange Boys: 7:55pm – 8:25pm
Abe Vigoda: 7:05pm – 7:35pm
Trash Talk: 6:25pm – 6:50pm -
Paint it Black: 5:45pm – 6:10pm -
Underground Railroad / Off With Their Heads: 4:35pm – 5:25pm
Nodzzz: 3:55pm – 4:20pm
Witch Hats: 3:15pm – 3:40pm

Dennis Owens from Good Foot will be djing all night in the Echo.

EchoPlex: 1154 Glendale Blvd. (Can enter through Echo)
No Age: 11:45am
Matt & Kim: 10:55pm – 11:30pm -
Glass Candy: 9:55pm – 10:35pm
High Places: 9:10pm – 9:40pm
Negative Approach: 8:20pm – 8:55pm
Fucked Up: 7:30pm – 8:05pm
Japanther: 6:45pm - 7:15pm
Mika Miko: 6:05pm – 6:30pm
Past Lives (ex Blood Brothers): 5:15pm - 5:45pm
The Mae Shi: 4:35pm – 5:00pm
Mannequin Men: 3:55pm – 4:20pm
Graham Forest: 3:15pm - 3:40pm

Note: One of favorite groups, Brother Reade will be performing some jams between bands later in the night.

Dublab Soundsystem will be DJing in the EchoPlex


F YEAH FEST ANNEX (NEXT TO ECHO)
Rumpspringa: 9:45pm -
Anavan: 9:05pm – 9:30pm
Preacher & the Knife: 8:15pm – 8:45pm
Silver Ghost: 7:30pm – 8:00pm
Truimph of Legathry: 6:40pm – 7:10pm
60 Watt Kid: 5:55pm – 6:20pm
Best Fwends: 5:10pm – 5:35pm
Halloween Swim Team: 4:30pm – 4:55pm
War Tapes: 3:50pm – 4:15pm

Rusty Lazar from New Orleans will be spinning some jams between bands.

Rec Center: The corner of Logan & Sunset- 1161 Logan. 2 blocks from the Echo.
Comedy show featuring Bob Odenkirk, Jeff Garlin, Josh Fadem, Matt Dwyer, Jonah Ray and hosted by Andy Daly: 9:00pm – 10:30pm
Frank Fairfield: 8:30pm – 8:55pm
Michael Runion: 7:45pm – 8:15pm
Comedy show featuring Matt Besser, Matt Braunger, Natasha Leggero, Jarrett Grode, Kyle Kinane and hosted by Brody Stevens: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
David Dondero: 5:50pm – 6:25pm
Tod Adrian Wisenbaker: 5:10pm – 5:35pm
Dimitri Coates: 4:30pm – 4:55pm

Check the site later today for more information.

Sunday, August 30th

The LA Scavenger Hunt:
Sign ups for the Hunt will begin at 1:00pm at the North side of the Echo Park Lake.
At 2:00pm the list for the hunt will be passed out.
The hunt will run until 7:00pm and will end at 1269 E. 6th St, in downtown LA.
There Dan Deacon will be performing with Kyle Mabson.
If you aren't a part of the hunt it's a $9 cover. If you are a part of the hunt it's a $6 donation.
We will count everything up on site.
We will also be giving out tons of gifts to everyone a part of the hunt on site.

Recently Announced Live Shows

The Palladium's finally re-opening as a Live Nation venue. Hopefully it doesn't suck as bad as the old Palladium.....

Jay-Z @ Hollywood Palladium on 10/15/08 (on sale 9/5/08 at 10:00 AM)

Of Montreal @ Hollywood Palladium on 11/22/08 (on sale 9/13/08 at Noon)

She & Him @ the Wiltern on 11/1/08 (on sale now)

Fleet Foxes @ El Rey on 9/23/08 (on sale now – the first show already sold out)

The 88 @ Troubadour on 11/1/08 (on sale 9/13/08)

The Sea and Cake / Field Music @ Troubadour on 12/3/08 & 12/4/08 (on sale Saturday)

The Roots / Gym Class Heroes @ Hollywood Palladium on 10/17/08 (on sale 9/13/08 at Noon)

The Kooks / The Whigs @ Hollywood Palladium on 10/28/08 (on sale 9/13/08 at Noon)

Rachael Yamagata / Meiko / Thao Nguyen / Kate Havnevik / Emily Wells @ the Fonda on 11/18/08 (on sale now)

Flogging Molly @ Hollywood Palladium on 10/25/08 (on sale 9/13/08 at Noon)

Rise Against! / Alkaline Trio / Thrice / The Gaslight Anthem @ Hollywood Palladium 10/31/08 – 11//2/08 (on sale now)

Dragonforce @ Hollywood Palladium on 11/7/08 (on sale 9/13/08 at Noon)

Ticket Giveaway - Polvo @ the Echoplex

I've got a couple of pairs of tickets to give away for the Polvo show this Sunday at the Echoplex. It's a strong bill with Trans Am and the Drones opening the show.

To win the tickets email me [dukeufo at gmail] with the name of your favorite Mexican restaurant. The contest closes Friday at Noon.

A good friend of mine turned me on to Polvo early in college. I remember going to Love Garden in Lawrence, KS and picking up Polvo's Cor-Crane Secret and Slint's Spiderland on the same trip. Both records blew my mind (for a taste, go listen to "Vibracobra" on Polvo's Myspace page). I don't listen to a lot of experimental or abrasive music, but Polvo's odd time signatures and ability to do pretty much anything with a guitar did it for me. I still revisit the old records at least a few times a year. They haven't put out a record in over a decade, so this very well might be your only chance to see them.

New Music Releases 8/19/08

Last week was a monster week and thus, I'm now a week behind. I'm intrigued by this Moondoggies band. Or should I say Band? Anybody heard the whole record?

Records Released on 8/19/08:

Records I’ve Heard:

GZA/Genius: Pro Tools (Babygrande) – There are some Wu-Tang Clan-esque tunes. He’s still a strong lyricist and there are a few standouts, but I wish there were a few more jams.

Jaguar Love: Take Me to the Sea (Matador) – Members of Blood Brothers and Pretty Girls Make Graves. The vocals are just too much – I couldn’t even get through it once. But it’s a love it or hate thing.
Download “Bats Over the Pacific Ocean” and “Highways of Gold”

Lykke Li: Youth Novels (Atlantic) – Much buzz surrounding this Swedish singer-songwriter. Bjorn from Peter Bjorn and John produced and co-wrote the record. Her voice is somewhere between Kate Bush and Bjork and the music is melancholy indie pop. She’s not afraid to throw in the occasional dirty lyric. At El Rey on 11/3/08.

Jennifer O’Connor: Here With Me (Matador) – Talented singer-songwriter from Brooklyn. At Spaceland on 9/9/08.
Download “Here with Me” and “Valley Road ‘86”

Lee “Scratch” Perry: Repentance (Narnack) – Jamaican reggae/dub legend. Andrew WK produced it and Moby makes a guest appearance. It’s very silly party music. At El Rey on 9/3/08.
Download “Pum Pum”

Stereolab: Chemical Chords (4AD) – To be honest, I haven’t paid much attention to Stereolab for the past decade (although I was a big Emperor Tomato Ketchup fan). This record’s a pretty successful synthesis of classic Stereolab with a Motown sound (which according to the press materials, was Tim Gane’s intention). The arrangements are kept fresh with strings, horns and vibraphones. My only knock is that I tend to get bored with Laetitia Sadier’s singing. It doesn’t matter if it’s in French (which I do speak) or English, I can’t understand what she’s saying and why she’s so bored saying it. At the Fonda 10/23/08.

Uh Huh Her: Common Reaction (Nettwerk) – The band’s named after a PJ Harvey album and features Leisha Hailey (actress from the L Word and band the Murmurs) and Camila Grey (Mellowdrone). It’s a pretty slick production, heavy on synths. See them at the Avalon on 11/14/08.

Other Noteworthy New Releases:
31 Knots (mp3)
The Academy Is… - at the House of Blues on 10/15/08
Arabian Prince (mp3)
Randall Bramblett
David Byrne – Big Love soundtrack – At the Greek on 10/3/08
Don Caballero
Caesars
Glen Campbell
The Dandy Warhols (mp3) – At the Wiltern on 10/3/08
Death Vessel – dudes sings like a lady (but it doesn’t sound bad); out on Sub Pop(mp3); at Spaceland on 9/7/08
Jerry Douglas
The Duhks
The Fiery Furnaces
Donavon Frankenreiter
The Gaslight Anthem
Jeff Hanson (mp3)
Juliana Hatfield – At Largo on 9/27/08
Hotel Lights
Human Highway
Ice Cube – At the House of Blues on 9/1/08
George Jones – Unreleased duets album
Karina
Laura Marling – At the Hotel Café on 9/26/08
The Moondoggies – the Myspace tracks and free download sound intriguing (mp3)
Mugison – At the LA Weekly fest on 10/4/08
The Music Tapes – Julian Koster (he was a contributor to Neutral Milk Hotel)
Jim O’Rourke – unreleased electronic drone
Pram
Ra Ra Riot – on Barsuk; at the Echo on 9/25/08 (mp3)
Rodriguez
The Royal We
Xavier Rudd – At the House of Blues on 9/5/08
Saurasama – on Drag City (mp3)
sBach – At Spaceland on 9/18/08
Darrell Scott
Shwayze – At the Nokia on 11/28/08
Starling Electric
The Stills – At the Nokia on 10/15/08
The Toadies – At the Roxy on 9/11/08
The Uglysuit
Various – Como Now compilation
Various – Kompakt compilation
Various – Never Ever Land compilation
Loudon Wainwright – At Largo on 9/3/08
The Walkmen – (mp3)

Live Music Options: 8/25/08 - 8/31/08

Monday 8/25/08

[Recommended] Radiohead / Liars @ Hollywood Bowl (Sold Out) – I’m not a diehard like a lot of people, but Radiohead’s still a great live band. I will be there tonight.

[Recommended] Bon Iver / A.A. Bondy @ Troubadour (Sold Out) – Bon Iver put out one of my favorite records of the year. Justin Vernon was quite good earlier this year at a sold out show at the Echo. AA Bondy
Warpaint / Josh Klinghoffer / Of Aire / Radius @ Spaceland (Free) – The last night to catch the Warpaint residency. I’ve heard that it’s been nuts every week. Expect it to be nuts again, because the rumor is that John Frusciante will be joining Josh Klinghoffer. Don't quote me on that.

Lykke Li @ Amoeba (Free) – 6:30 PM – If you can’t get into her sold out show at the Hotel Café Lykke Li / Emily Wells @ Hotel Café (Sold Out) – This is an early show at 8:00 PM. Lykke Li got a lot of great buzz from the blog community.
Jesca Hoop / Ida @ Hotel Café – later show Nicole Atkins @ Largo ($30)
Foot Village @ Pehrspace
Ollin / Seasons / Moris Tepper @ the Echo (Free)
Love Grenades / Lysa Flores / Casxio / The Pacific @ Silverlake Lounge (Free)
[Recommended] Mike Stinson @ Redwood Bar & Grill – Bakersfield sound.

Tuesday 8/26/08

[Recommended] Bon Iver / A.A. Bondy @ Troubadour (Sold Out) – See Monday. [Recommended] Buddy @ Hotel Café – Local singer-songwriter
[Recommended] Matthew Sweet @ Amoeba (Free) – 7:00 PM

Delta Spirit / AA Bondy / Dawes @ Spaceland ($12 includes copy of album) – I saw Delta Spirit win a lot of fans when they opened for Dr. Dog a couple of weeks ago. They’re a talented band from San Diego and the lead singer’s got a John Fogerty thing going. Delta Spirit @ Fingerprints in Long Beach (Free) – 7:00 PM
Head Like a Kite / Molina @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)

The Donkeys / Golden Animals @ the Echo ($8) – Record release party for Golden Animals. It’s got a real Doors-y vibe to it.
The Mormons / Manhattan Murder Mystery @ Mr. T’s Bowl
The Artists / From Leaf to Feather @ Tangier ($8)
Lucky Dragons / Hecuba / Bad Dudes / Laco$te @ the Smell ($5)
Reggie & the Full Effect @ Avalon ($16)

Wednesday 8/27/08

[Recommended] Shearwater / Wye Oak @ the Echo ($12) – Jonathan Meiburg recently left Okkervil River to focus his full time attention on Shearwater. They recently wrapped a tour as the support act for Coldplay. Download “Leviathan, Bound” Wye Oak’s recent album, If Children, is one I just keep returning to again and again. Good stuff….

Chris Pierce @ Hotel Café
These United States / Clevis / Old Believer / Amateurs @ Echo Curio
[Recommended] Janeane Garofalo / Bob Odenkirk @ Largo ($25) – Comedy for ya.
Low End Theory Club @ Airliner ($10)
Ollin / The Happy Casualties @ Mr. T’s Bowl
Life Underwater @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
TRVSDJ+AM @ the Roxy ($20)
RX Bandits / Portugal, The Man @ Troubadour ($15)

Thursday 8/28/08

[Recommended] Matthew Sweet / Greg Laswell @ the Echo ($18) – See my post from last Friday. I’ve still got some free tickets to give away for this. Email me [dukeufo at gmail] to enter. [Recommended] Neil Halstead / Miranda Lee Richards @ Hotel Café ($12) – Early show at 7:00 PM. Neil Halstead is the man behind Slowdive and Mojave 3. His new album’s good too.
[Recommended] I Make This Sound / Shiloe / The Health Club / The Monolators @ All Star Lanes in Eagle Rock

Rogue Wave (acoustic) @ Hotel Café ($12) – Later show at 10:00 PM.

Satisfaction / Flying Tourbillon Orchestra / Hello Dragon @ Safari Sam’s (Free)
Chester French / Saint Motel / Silver Ghost @ Spaceland ($10) – Chester French has been getting a lot of British tabloid exposure after their guitarist married Peaches Geldof. Who? Exactly.
Nortec Collective – Bostich + Fussible @ Knitting Factory (details here)
Human Giant @ Largo ($25) – I’ve been seeing Aziz Ansari around town a lot lately.
Forget Me Nots / Samuel Kirk @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
RX Bandits / Portugal, The Man @ Troubadour ($15)

Friday 8/29/08
Radio Alert - Morrissey on Morning Becomes Eclectic – Tune in to 89.9 FM at 11:15AM to hear Morrissey guest DJ
[Recommended] Dead Ponies / Flash Express @ Redwood Bar & Grill
[Recommended] Letting Up Despite Great Faults / Marvelous Toy @ Pehrspace [Recommended] Jon Brion @ Largo ($30 / $20 for 2nd set)
Black Kites / The Hectors / Ladies and Gents @ Echo Curio
Mere Mortals / LSD and the Search for God / The Swayback / Useless Keys @ Spaceland ($8) John Williams @ Hollywood BowlAudrye Sessions @ USCJay Nash / Joe Purdy / Meiko @ the Roxy ($15) – Download Meiko’s “Under My Bed”
Hot Water Music @ El Rey ($23)
Zion-I @ Echoplex ($25)
Love Grenades / The Pacific @ the Echo ($5)
James Intveld / The Palominos @ Safari Sam’s ($15)
Melissa Etheridge @ Greek Theatre
Greg Laswell @ Hotel Café
Poncho Sanchez @ the Mint ($20)

Saturday 8/30/08

[Recommended] F Yeah Fest: No Age / Negative Approach / Matt & Kim / David Vandervelde / Fucked Up / Monotonix / Best Fwends / Abe Vigoda / Two Gallants / Glass Candy / Mika Miko / High Places / The Strange Boys / Ladyhawk / War Tapes / Frank Fairfield / Crystal Antlers @ the Echo & Echoplex ($18) – Fifth annual. A lot of the Smell-centered bands and some of the more popular noise bands from around the country.
[Recommended] Neil Halstead @ Fingerprints in Long Beach (Free) – 7:00 PM show. If you miss him at the Hotel Café.
The Melvins / Big Business @ Troubadour ($20)
Oxford Collapse / Love as Laughter @ Spaceland ($12) The Greg Proops Chat Show @ Largo ($25) – With Jason Schwartzman and Jon Brion
John Williams @ Hollywood BowlFelix da Housecat @ AvalonGears @ Mr. T’s Bowl
Silver Summit / Divisadero / Desolation Wilderness @ Pehrspace - Greg Espers co-produced Silver Summit's record. They're from Brooklyn.

Dog and Pony Show Night 1 @ Safari Sam’s
Mandy Moore @ Hotel Café

Sunday 8/31/08
[Recommended] Polvo / Trans Am / The Drones @ the Echoplex ($17) - I was a huge Polvo fan, so I'm excited about this reunion. I'll be giving away some tickets later this week, so check back.
[Recommended] Grande Ole Echo: Southern Culture on the Skids / 5 O’Clock Somewhere / Mike Stinson @ the Echo ($10) – Early show starting at 5:00 PM
The Big Picture – The Films of Warner Bros. @ the Hollywood Bowl

Neil Hamburger / Pleaseasaur @ Spaceland ($8)

[Recommended] Obi Best / I Make This Sound / Alex and Sam / Vosotros @ Tangier ($7) – In the restaurant
Weedeater / Ancestors @ Relax Bar

Dog and Pony Show Night 2: Slim Cessna’s Auto Club @ Safari Sam’s
Part Time Punks: Smiths / Morrissey Night @ the Echo
Silver Summit / Gangi / Winter Flowers @ Tangier ($8) – In the lounge. Silver Summit's in town from Brooklyn. The main guy studied under John Fahey.

Russell Brand @ the Roxy ($25)
The Melvins / Big Business @ Troubadour ($20)

Sunset Junction This Weekend

Here's (another) reminder that Sunset Junction takes place this weekend in Silver Lake. Tickets are $20 each day.

Matthew Sweet's "Sick of Myself" / Ticket Giveaway

This is my weekly reminder to tune in to Sinking with Sylvia and Todd (and Matt Dwyer) Friday from Noon to 2:00 PM on Little Radio. Tomorrow their guests will be Spider Problem. I'm not super familiar with the band, but I know Jax is a big supporter.

Each week on the show, they feature an official You Set the Scene pick and I write about it here. My pick for tomorrow's show is Matthew Sweet's "Sick of Myself." I picked Sweet because I like him, but also because he has a new album coming out next week. Plus I have three pairs of tickets to give away for his show Thursday night at the Echo. Greg Laswell will open the show. To enter the contest email me [dukeufo at hotmail] with the name of your favorite Matthew Sweet song. The contest closes Wednesday at Noon. Put Matthew Sweet in the subject line or it might get buried with the thousands of other unopened emails.

I first heard Sweet back in the early 1990s when his Girlfriend album came out. I was still into R.E.M. at the time (but also listening to a disturbing amount of grunge), so I related to it on an R.E.M. level. Thanks to my old college roommate, I finally saw Sweet live in 1995. My roommate booked shows at KU, and chose Sweet as the headliner for Day on the Hill. Day on the Hill was a pretty cool tradition at the University of Kansas. Basically a big, end of the year, outdoor concert on the hill that overlooked the football stadium.

Side note: Day on the Hill got massive attention in 1992 (I was in high school, but still showed up), when Pearl Jam played. After that, there was a lot of pressure from the students to try to out-do the Pearl Jam show, and there was a lot of pressure from the administration to never repeat the Pearl Jam show. Budget constraints generally ensured that the administrators won.

The publicist assures me that the new Sweet record is on its way, but since I haven't received it I had to pick an oldie but a goodie. "Sick of Myself" comes from my favorite Sweet album, 1995's 100% Fun. The record still has Sweet's characteristic power pop vibe, but does the best job of successfully incorporating heavier guitar work from Richard Lloyd of Television (the fifth time Lloyd appeared on a Sweet record). To put it succinctly, I've always been a sucker for upbeat songs with dark lyrics.

Tune in to Little Radio tomorrow to hear it (then if you want to hear it again, stream it on Sweet's Myspace page).

Recently Announced LA Area Shows

Cold War Kids Have a New Record Out in September

In addition to the Neil Young show…..

Cold War Kids @ the Fonda on 9/24/08 (on sale Friday at 10:00 AM)

The Dodos @ Echoplex on 11/8/08 (on sale now at Ticketweb)

Ben Folds / Missy Higgins @ the Wiltern on 11/14/08 (on sale Saturday at 10:00 AM)

The Hold Steady / Drive By Truckers @ the Wiltern on 11/25/08 (on sale Friday at 10:00 AM)

Murs @ El Rey on 12/11/08 (on sale Friday)

Megapuss / Entrance / Little Joy (Fab’s new band) @ Troubadour on 9/25/08 (on sale now)

Against Me! / Ted Leo @ The Wiltern on 10/28/08 (on sale Friday at Noon)

MSTRKRFT / Calvin Harris @ The Fonda on 9/26/08 (on sale Friday)

Duffy @ Orpheum on 10/10/08 (on sale Friday)

Nikka Costa @ El Rey on 10/3/08 (on sale Saturday at 10:00 AM)

Yngwie Malmsteen @ Avalon on 10/12/08 (on sale Friday at Noon)

Uh Huh Her @ Avalon on 11/14/08 (on sale Friday at Noon)

HorrorPops @ Avalon on 11/1/08 (on sale now)

Neil Young Tickets on Sale

Neil Young "pre-sale" tickets went on sale this morning at 10:00 AM through Musictoday. You can pay $254 (plus $20 in svc fees), $129 (plus $10 in svc fees) or $89 (plus $7 svc fees). The show takes place at the Forum on 10/30/08 with Death Cab for Cutie and Everest opening the show. The regular on sale date is Monday at 10:00 AM.

Recently Announced LA Residencies

Recently Announced Residencies:

Dios (Malos) – Mondays in September at Spaceland

Death To Anders – Mondays in September at the Echo

Aaron Embry and Friends – Wednesdays in September at Tangier (in the restaurant)

Olin and the Moon - Wednesdays in September at Tangier (in the lounge)

Kenan Bell – Mondays in October at Spaceland

West Indian Girl – Thursdays in November at Spaceland

Everest to Tour with Neil Young and Wilco

Everest with My Morning Jacket (from Everest's Myspace page)

After months of rumors and speculation, it's finally confirmed...Everest are heading out on an arena tour with Neil Young. How crazy is that? The tour includes a date at the Forum on the night before Halloween.

West Coast Tour (w/o Neil Young):
08/23/2008: Outside Lands Festival: w/ Tom Petty, Ben Harper, M. Ward, Devendra Banhart
San Francisco, CA
08/24/2008: Old Ironsides w/ Parson Red Heads & An Angle
Sacramento, CA
08/26/2008: Tractor Tavern w/ Parson Red Heads & Elder Mason.
Seattle, WA
08/27/2008: The Space w/ Parson Red Heads & Easterly.
Salem, OR
08/28/2008: The Artistery with The Parson Red Heads and Oh Darling
Portland, OR

Neil Young Tour Begins:

10/14/2008: Xcel Energy Center w/ Neil Young & Death Cab For Cutie
St. Paul, MN
10/16/2008: MTS Center w/ Neil Young & Death Cab For Cutie
Winnepeg, MN CANADA
10/18/2008: Brandt Center w/ Neil Young & Death Cab For Cutie
Regina, SK, CANADA
10/19/2008: Pengrowth Saddledome w/ Neil Young & Death Cab For Cutie
Calgary, AB, CANADA
10/21/2008: Comcast Arena w/ Neil Young & Death Cab For Cutie
Everett, WA
10/22/2008: GM Place w/ Neil Young & Death Cab For Cutie
Vancouver, BC, CANADA
10/29/2008: Cox Arena w/ Neil Young & Death Cab For Cutie
San Diego, CA
10/30/2008: The Fabulous Forum w/ Neil Young & Death Cab For Cutie
Los Angeles, CA
11/01/2008: Events Center w/ Neil Young & Death Cab For Cutie
Reno, NV
11/04/2008: Sprint Center w/ Neil Young & Death Cab For Cutie
Kansas City, MO
11/05/2008: Qwest Center w/ Neil Young & Death Cab For Cutie
Omaha, NB
11/29/2008: Metro Center w/ Neil Young & Wilco
Halifax, NS, CANADA
12/01/2008: Bell Center w/ Neil Young & Wilco
Montreal, QB, CANADA
12/02/2008: Scotia Band Center w/ Neil Young & Wilco
Ottawa, ON, CANADA
12/04/2008: Air Canada Center w/ Neil Young & Wilco
Toronto, ON, CANADA
12/07/2008: Palace Auburn Hills w/ Neil Young & Wilco
Detroit, MI
12/09/2008: Allstage Arena w/ Neil Young
Chicago, IL
12/12/2008: The Spectrum w/ Neil Young & Wilco
Philadelphia, PA
12/13/2008: DCU Center w/ Neil Young & Wilco
Boston, MA
12/15/2008: Madison Square Garden w/ Neil Young & Wilco
New York, NY

LA Live Music Options: 8/18/08 - 8/24/08

Pretty great week for live music fans. I'll hit Le Switch's record release party on Tuesday, (probably) Black Francis on Wednesday, Beachwood Sparks on Friday and Sunset Junction at some point......

Monday 8/18/08
[Recommended] Warpaint / The Drones / Hecuba / Die Princess Die @ Spaceland (Free)
Love Grenades / Bloodcat Love / Black Kites @ Silverlake Lounge (Free)
[Recommended] Dave Gleason / Ole Californio @ Redwood Bar - Good country bands.
Gil Mantera’s Party Dream / Anavan @ the Echo
The Gabe Dixon Band @ Hotel Café (Sold Out)
The Human Value / Light FM / Ditka @ Viper Room ($10)

Tuesday 8/19/08
[Recommended] Le Switch / Nico Stai / Les Blanks / The World Record @ the Echo ($5) - This is Le Switch's record release party. I'm giving away a couple of pairs of tickets. Be sure to buy their new album at the show. Get there early for Les Blanks.
Nico Muhly @ Hotel Café – The early show at 7:00 PM.
Curtis Peoples @ The Roxy
Highasakite / Previously on Lost / The Naked / The Albrights @ Spaceland ($8)
[Recommended] Let's Independent: Xu Xu Fang / The Savages / Death to Anders (acoustic) @ Bordello ($5) - Radio Free Silver Lake's monthly night.
[Recommended] Glen Campbell @ Troubadour (Sold Out) - His new record is a bunch of modern covers.
Franklin for Short @ Tangier ($8)
His Orchestra @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
The Meemies / Old Believers @ Hotel Café – Later show at 10:00 PM.
Joshua Bell a La Francaise @ Hollywood Bowl

Wednesday 8/20/08
[Recommended] Black Francis / The Blood Arm / Black Gold @ Spaceland ($20) - The lead singer of the Pixies. Email me for free tickets (dukeufo at hotmail) with the name of your favorite Pixies/Frank Black song.
[Recommended] Crystal Antlers @ Airliner - Local band that recently signed to Touch and Go records.
Chris Pierce @ Hotel Café
[Recommended] Eagle Winged Palace / Young Animals / One Trick Pony @ Tangier ($8)
Download EWP's “Hand of Doom”
The Mae Shi / Yea Big & Kid Static / Pizza! @ Echo Curio
Anthony Green @ Troubadour (Sold Out)
Twilight Sleep / Exitmusic @ the Echo ($5)
Olin and the Moon / Previously on Lost @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Bullets and Octane @ Viper Room ($10)
Le Face / Vapid @ the Smell ($5)
Jamie Cullum with the Count Basie Orchestra @ Hollywood Bowl

Thursday 8/21/08
Lower Heaven / Magic Mirror / Line & Circle / DJ Zia from the Dandy Warhols in the back room @ Spaceland ($8)
The Sweet Hurt @ All Star Lanes
Peter & Gordon @ Santa Monica Pier
Bob Log III / Scott H. Biram @ the Echo
GZA @ El Rey ($25)
[Recommended] The Walkmen / Richard Swift & Sons of National Freedom @Troubadour ($20) - I'm a big Richard Swift fan.
Io Echo / The Oohlas @ Silverlake Lounge ($10)
The Watkins Family Hour @ Largo ($25)
Kid Gloves @ Tangier ($8)
Pizza! @ the Smell
Saviours @ Relax Bar

Friday 8/22/08
[Recommended] Beachwood Sparks / The Tyde / Winter Flowers / Mia Doi Todd / The Movies / Blank Blue @ Echoplex ($14) - Really solid lineup and the reunion show for Beachwood Sparks. Great chance to catch them before Sunset Junction. DJ Jimmy Tamborello.
[Recommended] Tandemoro / The Hectors / Thailand / Kissing Cousins @ Pehrspace – DJ sets by Joe from Radio Free Silver Lake
Langhorne Slim / Robert Francis @ Spaceland ($12)
Donna Summer @ Hollywood Bowl
[Recommended] The Walkmen / Richard Swift & Sons of National Freedom @Troubadour ($20) - Recommended for Richard Swift.
Black Eyes and Neckties @ Relax Bar
[Recommended] Jon Brion @ Largo ($30 / $20 for 2nd set)
Greg Laswell @ Hotel Café
Sabrosa Purr / Shiloe @ Mr. T’s Bowl
Veruca Salt / Tsar @ Viper Room ($20)
Café Tacuba / Ima Robot @ Greek Theatre ($35- 65)
Expo 70 / Rainbow Arabia @ the Smell

Saturday 8/23/08
[Recommended] Sunset Junction: Cold War Kids / Broken Social Scene / Menomena / Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra / Langhorne Slim / The Entrance Band / Johnathan Rice / Bodies of Water / Castledoor / Happy Hollows / Radars to the Sky / Very Be Careful / Sam Moore @ Sunset Junction ($20)
Donna Summer @ Hollywood Bowl
The Germs / The Mae Shi / Spider Problem @ the Echo
Sondre Lerche / Sylvie Lewis @ Troubadour ($20)
The Ditty Bops @ Largo ($30)
Elephone / Loquat @ Spaceland ($8)
Mandy Moore @ Hotel Café
Nero’s Day at Disneyland @ the Smell

Sunday 8/24/08
[Recommended] Sunset Junction: Black Keys / !!! / Beachwood Sparks / HEALTH / Gram Rabbit / Kinky / Oliver Future / Voxhaul Broadcast / Henry Clay People /
[Recommended] Radiohead / Liars @ Hollywood Bowl (Sold Out) - I'm going on Monday night.
Obi Best @ Tangier ($7)
Sondre Lerche / Sylvie Lewis @ Troubadour ($20)
Angry Samoans @ Safari Sam’s ($10)
Leslie and the Badgers @ Hotel Café
Work Death @ the Smell

Interview (and Ticket Giveaway) with Le Switch

Le Switch is about to release their debut full-length, And Now…Le Switch on the Aquarium Drunkard’s label Autumn Tone. I highly recommend it (see what I wrote about on their Myspace page). The record comes out nationally in September, but LA fans can pick it up at their record release party this Tuesday at the Echo. Joining them will be Nico Stai, Les Blancs and The World Record.

I have two pairs of tickets to give away. Email me [dukeufo at hotmail] and tell me what your favorite LA band is. Please put Le Switch in the subject line.

Here’s an interview with lead singer, Aaron Kyle.

You Set The Scene: So what neighborhood do you claim?
Aaron Kyle: Los Angeles. I don’t really claim a neighborhood. I live in Glassell Park now.

YSTS: You grew up in LA, so that question’s probably tougher for you than it is for most of us….
AK: Yeah, it’s a bit complicated. When I was growing up we moved pretty much every year until we landed in Echo Park for four years. Then we landed in Burbank when I was in junior high. So it’s easiest just to claim LA.

YSTS: Is the rest of the band from LA?
AK: No. Joe and Maria are from New York. Josh is from Northern California and Chris is from Portland.

YSTS: How long have you been playing music?
AK: I’ve been playing in bands for almost 15 years. Kind of crazy.

YSTS: What inspired you to pick up an instrument?
AK: I just wanted to be in a punk band in the early days. The first band I was in wanted to sound like Nirvana, but I wanted to sound like Minor Threat. They kicked me out after our first show at the Coconut Teaszer on the Sunset Strip. I got a high out of singing, so I decided to start my own band.

YSTS: Did you always play guitar?
AK: I actually played bass at first, but put it down after six months because it was boring. I’m self taught. I learn a lot from people who are better than me – like my entire band. Chris Harrison [ed. Note: Le Switch’s bass player] actually taught me a lot. Before I met him, I was an OK guitar player. He’s taught me a lot.

YSTS: How’d you get hooked with the Radar Bros. [Aaron’s been touring as the lead guitarist in the Radar Bros. for the past six months]?
AK: We already played together in Adeline and the Philistines, so when the job opened up, he asked me. I originally met Jim through Todd [ed. Note: Todd Clifford, formerly of Sea Level Records] and I actually met Addy through Todd too. So it all goes back to Todd.

YSTS: Now for the hardball questions. What’s your favorite breakfast spot?
AK: I like a simple breakfast. Nothing fancy. Eggs, bacon, potatoes and toast. Anyone can do that, right. I go to the Coffee Table. But it's rare because I don't usually wake up till 2pm – on the weekends, that is.

YSTS: Your favorite Mexican restaurant?
AK: I like La Parilla for certain things, Costa Alegre for fish Tacos, and the taco truck on Logan for burritos and miscellaneous tacos.

YSTS: Best burger?
AK: The Apple Pan. Runner up is The Bucket.

YSTS: By the way, thanks for turning me onto Apple Pan. That hickory burger kicks ass.
AK: Yeah, it’s tasty. I’ve been going there since I was five. The same people work there.

YSTS: Favorite bar?
AK: Edendale has become my bar of choice. I like it there.

YSTS: Drink of choice?
AK: Beer. I don’t drink anything else.

YSTS: Any particular flavor?
AK: Newcastle. Or Shiner if they have it.

YSTS: What’s your favorite thing about living in LA?
AK: The weather, for sure.

YSTS: The most frustrating thing about living in LA?
AK: The traffic. Driving in LA can be one of the most frustrating things about this city.

YSTS: Favorite movie of all time?
AK: It’s a Wonderful Life

YSTS: Favorite book of all time?
AK: Women or Pulp by Bukowski. Pulp is pretty funny and Women is a pretty ugly book.

YSTS: Any Tivo-able TV?
AK: I was obsessed with The Wire and now that it’s over I've been watching a lot of the History, Discovery and National Geographic shows.

YSTS: What are your five desert island records?
AK: The Beatles - Abbey Road, Jackson Brown - For Everyman, Leon Russell - Carney, Aimee Mann - Magnolia Soundtrack (This could be switched out with Jon Brion's Meaningless), Tom Waits - Closing Time

YSTS: Who are some of your favorite local bands?
AK: That’s too long of a list. Lately I’ve been listening to the Sweet Hurt, The World Record, The Minor Canon and the Henry Clay People’s new record [ed note: it’s pretty fantastic, but doesn’t come out until October].

YSTS: That’s it. Thanks for your time.
AK: Thank you. That was fun.

David Vandervelde's "Someone Like You"

This is my weekly reminder to tune in to Sinking with Sylvia and Todd (and Sometimes Matt Dwyer) on Little Radio Friday from Noon to 2:00 PM PST. Tomorrow their musical guests will be Letting Up Despite Great Faults. I liked their debut record, so I'm curious to hear what they're up to.

Each week, they feature an official You Set the Scene pick. Usually I use the pick to highlight a favorite older song or artist because it gives me a chance to write about something I wouldn't normally have an excuse to write about. But this week, I've gotten so much good new music, that I want to write about a new release....

David Vandervelde's The Moonstation House Band was one of my favorite releases of 2007. While pretty much everybody compared it to Bowie and Bolan, it still sounded really fresh and good to these ears. A lot of people were surprised when Secretly Canadian released the first track, "I Will Be Fine," from his follow up album, Waiting For the Sunrise. The early T. Rex influences had been replaced by a super smooth Ambrosia/ 10cc sound (at least according to Pitchfork). But you know what, it still sounded really fresh and good to these ears.

So I finally got the full album (LA stores couldn't seem to get the vinyl). It turns out that the Ambrosia and 10cc comparisons don't fit for most of the record. While it still has a soft rock, 70's AM radio vibe on a lot of tracks, there's some meat too. Some critics have detected a Neil Young vibe, but I only hear (acoustic) Neil on a couple of tracks. You could just as easily compare it to late-era Big Star, the Band, John Denver, Fleetwood Mac or really whatever you want. To me it just sounds like David Vandervelde.

Vandervelde's a young, soulful guy with immense talent. I recommend you check this out....

David Vandervelde's Myspace page.
Buy tickets to see Vandervelde at the F*** Yeah Fest
Download "I Will Be Fine"

The Broken West's Now or Heaven

This has been a great week here at You Set the Scene. I’ve gotten a slew of new records that I’m really digging. At the top of that list is the Broken West’s new one, Now or Heaven. The local LA band’s debut, I Can’t Go On, I’ll Go On was one of my favorite records last year, and this one’s even better.

After a year of touring and recording, they’ve made an even more cohesive and textured album. The band’s often thrown into the power pop category, and there’s some of that here (“Perfect Games”), but remember when Badfinger started to get really into the Band?

For a limited time, you can stream the album from Merge.

Brighten your day and download “Perfect Games”

The album comes out on September 9th, but you can preorder it HERE.

I’ll write more later, I just wanted to give you a heads-up….

Recently Announced Live Shows

Beachwood Sparks are Playing a Sunset Junction Warm-Up Show Next Friday

Recent Announcements (with on sale information):

Fleet Foxes @ El Rey on 9/22/08 (on sale Saturday) – this is the same night as Raconteurs, Hot Chip,

Beachwood Sparks / The Tyde / Winter Flowers / Mia Doi Todd / Blank Blue @ Echoplex on 8/22/08 (on sale now at Ticketweb)

David Vandervelde @ Troubadour on 10/7/08 – opening for Margot & the Nuclear So & So’s (on sale now)

Liz Phair performs Exile in Guyville @ Troubadour on 10/5/08 – 10/6/08 (on sale Saturday)

Rogue Wave (acoustic) @ Hotel Café on 8/28/08 (on sale now at Groove Tickets)

Frightened Rabbit / The Spinto Band @ Echoplex on 11/3/08 (on sale now)

Yeasayer @ Troubadour on 11/23/08 (on sale Saturday)

Common / N.E.R.D. @ Wiltern on 9/14/08 (on sale Saturday at 10:00 AM)

Aimee Mann’s Christmas Show @ Wiltern on 12/6/08 (on sale Monday at 10:00 AM)

Cinematic Orchestra @ Troubadour on 11/17/08 & 11/18/08 (on sale Saturday)

Rachel Yamagata @ Largo on 10/7/08 (call Largo for tix)

Ladyhawke @ the Echo on 10/16/08 (on sale now at Ticketweb)

Shudder to Think @ El Rey on 11/1/08 (on sale Saturday)

MSTRKRFT / Calvin Harris @ the Fonda on 9/26/08 (on sale Saturday)

Ghostland Observatory @ Mayan on 10/16/08 (on sale Saturday)

The Revival Tour: Chuck Ragan (Hot Water Music) / Ben Nichols (Lucero) / Tim Barry (Avail) / Tom Gabel (Against Me!) @ Knitting Factory on 11/1/08 (on sale now)

Jason Falkner @ the Roxy on 9/12/08

Weezer / Tokyo Police Club / Angels & Airwaves @ The Forum on 10/14/08 (KROQ presale starts Friday at 10:00 AM; on sale Saturday at 10:00 AM)

Kings of Leon / We Are Scientists / The Stills @ Nokia Theater on 10/15/08 (AEG presale starts today at 10:00 AM; regular on sale date is Friday at Noon)

Patti Smith @ Orpheum on 10/18/08 (on sale Saturday at 10:00 AM)

Mike Ness @ El Rey on 12/4/08 (on sale Friday at 10:00 AM)

Brazilian Girls @ Wiltern on 9/24/08 (on sale Friday at 10:00 AM)

Recently Announced (but no on sale information):

The Dodos @ Echoplex on 11/8/08

Dungen @ the Echo on 11/12/08

Deerhunter / Barr / Times New Viking @ El Rey on 11/25/08

Metallica / The Sword / Lamb of God @ Staples on 12/17/08

New Music Releases: 8/12/08

Pretty light week.

Records that came out on 8/12/08:

Records I’ve Heard:
Zach Hill: Astrological Straits (Ipecac) – As you’ve probably noticed, I’m not a big fan of so-called challenging music. The older I get, the more I listen to music that makes me feel good. Zach Hill, however, is one of the exceptions. Better known as the drummer for Hella, his first solo record could be the soundtrack to your descent into drug addiction. It incorporates his unique drumming (crazy time signatures, trashed cymbals, etc.) and features guest appearances from Les Claypool, Marco Benevento, Tyler Pope, his Hella bandmates and Dean and Randy from No Age. The second disc is a 33 minute single track collaboration with Marnie Stern and Benevento. This music’s not for everybody, but I find it compelling.

Local Interest:
Pierre de Reeder: The Way That It Was (Lumberjack Mordam Music) – The first solo record from Rilo Kiley’s bass player.

Inara George with Van Dyke Parks: An Invitation (Everloving)

Other Noteworthy New Releases:
Bigelf – At the Roxy on 8/13/08
The Bug –Kevin Martin combines dancehall, grime, dub-step, recently got best new music on Pitchfork – at Pure Filth on 9/26/08
Bo Diddley – Chess records compilation
Jesu / Battle of Mice EP
Jonas Brothers – tween heartthrobs; Gibson Amphitheatre 9/14/08
The Pack A.D. (mp3)
Tittsworth
Various Artists – Songs for Tibet
Leon Ware
Ben Weaver (mp3 and mp3)

New Music Releases: 8/5/08 (one week late)

I'm way behind with my new release updates.....

Noteworthy Records Released on 8/5/08:

Records I’ve Heard:

Darker My Love: 2 (Dangerbird) – The local band has put out an extremely likeable record that’s a lot more polished than their first record. This one will draw more comparisons to Supergrass, Jesus & Mary Chain, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and (label mates) Silversun Pickups than Can or My Bloody Valentine. The band’s two vocalists, Tim Presley and Rob Barbato, played/wrote (Reformation Post TLC) with Mark E. Smith in the Fall last year. They’re already a powerful live band, and should be even better when they finish their September tour with the Dandy Warhols.

The Faint: Fasciination (blank.wav) – I can (occasionally) get into really mechanized, soulless music if it’s fun. Unfortunately this one’s not that much fun. Most of the songs are just begging for dance remixes (see the download). It’s been seven years since Danse Macabre, and I guess I’m still putting them in that box.
Download “The Geeks Were Right (Does it Offend You, Yeah? Remix)”

Conor Oberst: Conor Oberst (Merge) – I’ve never been a Bright Eyes fan, so it’s noteworthy that Oberst put this album out under his own name (and chose Merge as the label to release it). Whereas Bright Eyes has always been about grand gestures, this record’s much more subtle and understated. And that’s a good thing in my book.
Download “Danny Callahan”

Elvis Presley: The Complete 1968 Comeback Special (RCA/Sony) – This is definitive four disc box set to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Elvis’ 1968 comeback special. At the time, Elvis was focused on his film career at the expense of his music career. His handlers decided a slick, televised Christmas special was in the cards. During rehearsals, the director saw Elvis and his buddies having fun and jamming together behind the scenes. He thought it was really neat to see Elvis (now a huge movie star) from that perspective had the sense to incorporate elements of that into the final special. It’s a fascinating historical document, the packaging is great, the sound quality is fantastic and Elvis’ voice is strong. A lot of the jokes are corny, but this would still make a fantastic gift for music fans. There’s a separate, companion three disc DVD set too.

Disc one of the box set expands on the original release
Disc two features the first “sit down” show and first “stand up” show
Disc three features the second “sit down” show and second “stand up” show
Disc four features the first and second rehearsal

Local Interest:
The Airborne Toxic Event: The Airborne Toxic Event (Majordomo) – I haven’t heard this yet. They’re getting a ton of press and nationwide radio airplay. See them with the Fratellis at the Wiltern on 9/16/08.
Download “Sometime Around Midnight”

On My Shopping List:
David Vandervelde: Waiting For the Sunrise (Secretly Canadian) – His last record was one of my favorites of 2007. I still haven’t heard this one (there seems to be a vinyl shortage). See him at the F*** Yeah Fest on 8/30/08
Download “I Will Be Fine”

Other Noteworthy Releases:
Peter Bradley Adams (mp3)
Apollo Sunshine (mp3 and mp3)
Brazilian Girls
Carla Bruni
Clinic
Correcto
Helms Alee – at the Fonda on 11/16/08
Ida – EP (mp3) at the Hotel Café on 8/25/08
Ism
Jedi Mind Tricks
The Lord Dog Bird – Wilderness’ guitarist (mp3)
Mars Black (mp3 and mp3)
Shannon McArdle
Monte Negro
Nappy Roots
Randy Newman
Oneida (mp3)
Oxford Collapse (mp3) – at Spaceland on 8/30/08
Pineapple Express soundtrack
Plastilina Mosh
Prints
Amy Ray (mp3)
Re-Up Gang
Carrie Rodriguez
Alina Simone
Various Artists – Chamber music collection – James Joyce poems set to music
The Weight
Zozobra

Live Music Options: 8/11/08 - 8/17/08

This has to be one of the most non-indie rock weeks in LA in a looong time. There's some good non-indie stuff mixed in though.

Monday 8/11/08
[Recommended] Warpaint / Megapuss / Rainbow Arabia / Captain Ragz @ Spaceland (Free) – I heard the Warpaint show last Monday was insanely packed. It figures to be even worse tonight with Devendra Banhart’s other band (with the guy from Priestbird), Megapuss playing. Rainbow Arabia features Danny from Wiskey Biscuit and Future Pigeon (and they got a pretty good review on Pitchfork today).
Abe Vigoda / The Urxed / Soft Circle / Bow Ribbons / Lucky Dragons @ the Smell ($5) – Abe Vigoda recently got a really good review on Pitchfork.
2 Many DJs @ Vanguard (Free with RSVP)
Passenger @ Hotel Café
Inara George @ Largo ($30)
Pierre de Reeder / Michael Runyon @ the Echo (Free over 21 / $7 for under 21) – Rilo Kiley member.
Love Grenades / Ladies and Gents / Little Red Radio / The Kiss Off @ Silverlake Lounge (Free)
KXLU’s Demolisten Show @ Pehrspace
The Drones @ Viper Room ($10)

Tuesday 8/12/08
[Recommended] F Yeah Fest Benefit: Crystal Antlers / Tweak Bird / Brother Reade / Totally Michael @ 6th Street Warehouse ($6) – Pretty good preview of the festival itself.
Ariel Pink / Chairlift / Gary Wilson @ the Echoplex ($12) – Chairlift (mp3)
Winter Flowers / Golden Animals @ Bordello ($10)
Magic Johnson / David Scott Stone / Don Hellions / Laco$te @ the Smell ($5)
Amy Kuney @ Hotel Café – CD Release show
Paleface @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Billy Boy on Poison / 1921a / Paul Chesne @ Troubadour ($5)
Or, the Whale / Idaho Falls / Leslie & the Badgers / Caleb Nichols @ the Echo ($7)
The Good Night @ Tangier
Bullets and Octane @ Viper Room ($10)
Bigelf @ Amoeba (Free) – 7:00 PM show
Samantha Crain & the Midnight Shivers @ Hotel Café
Ditka @ the Scene

Wednesday 8/13/08
[Recommended] Busdriver / Free Moral Agents @ Airliner – For the hip-hop fans
[Recommended] The Locust / Qui / Upsilon Acrux @ the Echo ($15) – Bring your earplugs.
Low vs. Diamond / The Hot Moves @ Troubadour ($12)
Manhattan Murder Mystery @ Mr. T’s Bowl
Bigelf @ the Roxy ($12)
Chris Pierce @ Hotel Café
Rachel Cantu / Odessa Chen @ Tangier ($10)
Pink Mochi @ Silverlake Lounge
Etta James & the Roots Band / Solomon Burke @ Hollywood Bowl
Wallpaper @ Boardner’s
Eastern Conference Champions @ Redwood Bar
The Drones / Miranda Lee Richards @ Three of Clubs

Thursday 8/14/08
Chester French / Jeppe (of Junior Senior) / Inverse @ Spaceland ($12) – Chester French is a group of recent Harvard grads who were discovered by Rivers Cuomo and signed by Pharrell. Spin named them one of the artists to watch out for in 2008.
[Recommended] ((sounder)) @ Knitting Factory Alterknit Stage ($7)
Jonathan Wilson @ Hotel Café
Xiu Xiu / Carla Bozulich @ the Echo ($12)
The Octopus Project @ Knitting Factory ($12) – [mp3 and mp3]
Dawes / Chief / Darren Weiss @ Troubadour ($10)
Liz Pappademas / Daniel Ahearn @ Tangier ($8)
Actress @ Silverlake Lounge
The Knives @ Viper Room ($10)
Juana Molina @ Santa Monica Pier

Friday 8/15/08
[Recommended] Spindrift / The Moon Upstairs / The High Society @ Spaceland ($8) – Solid lineup.
[Recommended] Jon Brion @ Largo ($30 / $20 for second set)
[Recommended] Pop Levi / The Parson Red Heads @ the Echo ($5)
[Recommended] Benji Hughes / Quazar and the Bamboozled / B.R.A.M. @ El Cid ($10)
[Recommended] Valient Thorr / Early Man / Skeletonwitch @ Troubadour ($15) – I get a kick out of Early Man.
[Recommended] Dead Child / Tweak Bird @ Relax Bar - Dead Child features David Pajo from Slint. Tweak Bird's new EP has one of the most disturbing covers I've seen.
Hearts of Palm UK @ Echo Curio
Smoking Popes / Koufax @ Knitting Factory ($15)
WAZ / Greg Laswell @ Hotel Café
Jesse Michaels / Kevin Seconds @ Knitting Factory Alterknit
The Mormons @ Mr. T’s Bowl
Gipsy Kings @ Greek Theatre ($40 - $120)
Andre Legacy / Dirt Nasty @ the Roxy ($12) Moses Campbell @ the Smell
A Night in Old Havana @ Hollywood Bowl

Saturday 8/16/08
[Recommended] Benji Hughes / Whispertown 2000 / Belle Brigade @ El Cid ($10)
The Muslims / Gangi / Pizza! / Amanda Jo Williams @ Spaceland ($8)
James Jackson Toth / The Dutchess and the Duke @ the Echo ($10) - The Aquarium Drunkard presents this show.

Azymuth / Carlinhos Sound of Brazil @ the Echoplex ($15) - Good Brazilian lineup.
Queens of the Stone Age / PJ Harvey / Jack Black + Kyle Gass @ Henry Fonda (Sold Out) – Benefit for Natasha Shneider
Telephone Jim Jesus @ Knitting Factory
Matt Pryor (the Get-Up Kids & the Anniversary) / Chris Conley (Saves the Day) / Holly Conlan @ Troubadour ($13)
Colin Hay @ Largo ($30)
Gipsy Kings @ Greek Theatre ($40 - $120)
Zs / Upsilon Acrux @ the Smell
A Night in Old Havana @ Hollywood Bowl
Reckless Kelly @ the Mint ($12 / $18)

Sunday 8/17/08
Part Time Punks: Suki Ewers @ The Echo ($5) - The Telescopes canceled.

[Recommended] The Damselles and the TC 4 @ the Echo (Free) - Early show at 7:00PM. It's free, but donations will be accepted for 826LA.
Steve Barton & the Oblivian Click / Extra / Megasapien / Sidewalk Society @ Spaceland (Free)
Obi Best @ Tangier ($8)
JFA / The Stitches @ Safari Sam’s ($12)
Grande Ole Echo @ the Echo (Free) – Early country show at 5:00 PM.
Mario Matteoli of the Weary Boys @ Hotel Café
Jethro Tull @ Greek Theatre ($40 - $85)

The Wipers "Taking Too Long"

No time to write much, but this is my weekly reminder to listen to Sinking with Sylvia and Todd (and Sometimes Matt Dwyer) on Little Radio. The show airs Friday from Noon to 2:00 PM.

Each week on the show they feature an official You Set the Scene pick. Tomorrow my pick is "Taking Too Long" by the Wipers. I'm not the world's biggest authority on the Wipers or Greg Sage, so I'll point you towards Wikipedia if you want to know (a little) more. What I do know is that they were big influences on Kurt Cobain, Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr., the Melvins, etc. I dug out my Wipers stuff recently after seeing a bunch of kids around town with Wipers shirts on. It holds up really well.

I first got interested in the Wipers during college back in the mid-1990s. I picked up a fantastic record (Helium Octopede) by a Lawrence, KS band called Zoom and heard that a musician named Greg Sage recorded/produced it. I was intrigued, and picked up some Wipers.

Tune in tomorrow to hear. If you like what you hear, hit up their website. You'll be buying direct and they've got some great deals on stuff..

Recently Announced LA Shows

TV on the Radio Play the Wiltern on 11/6/08

Black Francis @ Spaceland on 8/20/08 (on sale now at Ticketweb)

TV on the Radio / Dirtbombs @ Wiltern on 11/6/08 (on sale Friday at 10:00AM)

Weezer / Angels & Airwaves / Tokyo Police Club @ the Forum on 10/14/08 (Am Ex presale starts Monday at 10:00 AM, otherwise 8/16/08 at 10:00 AM)

Minus the Bear / Annuals / Helms Alee @ Henry Fonda on 11/16/08 (on sale Saturday)

Foo Fighters @ Fairplex in Pomona on 10/26/08 (KROQ presale on Thursday morning, regular onsale date is Saturday at 10:00 AM)

Katy Perry / Airborne Toxic Event @ Six Flags on 8/16/08 (tickets on sale Thursday at noon, enter KROQ in promo box)

Neil Diamond @ Staples on 10/4/08 (on sale Monday at 10:00 AM)

Panic at the Disco / Dashboard Confessional @ Staples on 10/10/08 (KROQ presale starts today at 10:00 AM; on sale Friday at 10:00 AM)

James @ El Rey on 10/2/08 (on sale Saturday at 10:00 AM)

From the Jam @ El Rey on 10/9/08 (on sale Saturday at 10:00 AM)

Yelle @ the Fonda on 11/1/08 (on sale Friday at 10:00 AM)

Jason Mraz @ Greek Theatre on 11/1/08 (Greek presale on now; on sale Friday at 10:00 AM)

The Felice Brothers @ Troubadour on 10/22/08 (on sale now)

Conor Oberst @ the Fonda on 10/21/08 & 10/22/08 (on sale now)

Atmosphere @ Wiltern on 9/25/08 (on sale Friday at Noon)

Ray Lamontagne @ the Wiltern on 10/30/08 (on sale Saturday at 10:00 AM)

Live Music Reviews - Secret Machines, Jay Reatard, etc.

Here’s some of what I’ve been up to for the past couple of weeks…..


Wednesday 7/23/08: Lucero @ Spaceland
I’ve only owned one Lucero record, which I liked (not loved), but was still curious to check out their set. I was impressed; Spaceland was packed and their heavily tattooed fans were there to drink. For me, their live set was more compelling than that one record I own. Just a really good Southern-style rock ‘n’ roll band.

Sunday 7/27/08: Hypernova @ Little Radio
Hypernova’s an Iranian dance-rock band. They’re super tight and catchy if you’re into bands like Franz Ferdinand. Unfortunately I had to leave before Castledoor took the stage.

Sunday 7/27/08: Secret Machines @ Viper Room
My girlfriend turned me on to Secret Machines when we started dating. She’s known the guys for longer than she’d want me to say, so I’ve benefited from a lot of free tickets (Wiltern, El Rey, Avalon, ACL, etc.). I was a little apprehensive this time, because it was the first show I’d seen since guitar player Ben Curtis left to form School of Seven Bells. Their new guitarist is another guy who played in a shitload of Dallas bands, Phil Karnats.

I hadn’t been to the Viper Room since the Pink Taco guy bought it, and it didn’t seem like much had changed. By the time the band started, it was packed with big cornfed bastards everywhere. As is always the case with Secret Machines’ shows, it was ear punishing-ly loud. You know it’s a great SM show when Josh Garza is just pummeling the drums with those giant baseball bat sticks.

Secret Machines has always been a bit of an anomaly as a rock ‘n’ band because their guitar has always taken a back seat to the rest of the band. Karnats seems like he might change all that. While he didn’t step into the spotlight, he definitely held his own with Curtis and Garza. The set was a lot more hard rocking and less krautrock than recent appearances. And that pleased me. Can’t wait to hear the new record.

Wednesday 7/30/08: Jay Reatard / Cheap Time @ the Echo
Ever since reading about Cheap Time on Other Music, I’ve been intrigued. They started off with ties to Be Your Own Pet, but their record is a lot more interesting than the last Be Your Own Pet album. The Nashville power trio came out with loads of energy and garage rock attitude. The songs were less lo-fi than the record, but only a couple (“People Talk” and “Wildlife”) stood out from the rest. They’re still kids, so I’ll keep them on the radar. A suitable opener.

By the time Jay Reatard took the stage, it was ridiculously hot and quite possibly over capacity. He came out and immediately owned the stage. The Memphis trio was powerfully intense and much tighter than the early recordings would suggest. Live, the band treads the Circle Jerks-ish ground where metal (Flying V and all) and punk meet. It was a nice vacation from the (occasionally too) innocuous indie bands I usually see. The band commands the crowd’s attention without much interaction. He’s had some problems with spectators in the past, but he’s no GG Allin (or even Henry Rollins for that matter) out looking for a fight. I even saw him give a bunch of autographs before the set. After the show the merch table was swarmed (I saw one guy spend $60) and the bass player looked very pleased. Gas money to San Diego….

Download Jay Reatard’s “See-Saw”

Friday 8/1/08: Viewing Party for Airborne Toxic Event at Spaceland
LA can be such a fickle town; Bodies of Water played an early set downstairs to a handful of people. I can’t say much, because I was at home watching the Kurt Cobain documentary, About a Son. I haven’t listened to Nirvana’s music in about a decade, but it was interesting to hear Cobain speak. The film’s not great, but if you were ever a Nirvana fan, it’s a renter.

I showed up to see Lipbalm (Sylvia and Dia) DJ. Saw a bunch of friends, and had a good time. T.A.T.E. did a good job on the show too. They’re hitting the road with the Fratellis soon.
See T.A.T.E. on Rehearsal Space
Listen to a podcast of T.A.T.E. on Morning Becomes Eclectic

Ticket/CD Giveaway - Darker My Love @ Troubadour

The new Darker My Love record, 2, comes out today on Dangerbird Records, and it's just an all around good rock 'n' roll record (more on that later). They've always been a great live band, so it's nice to hear the album live up that promise. To celebrate itsrelease, their record release party takes place this Thursday at the Troubadour. Opening the show will be Eulogies (label head Peter Walker's band), Amnion (one of my favorite new-ish LA bands featuring the multi-talented Aaron Embry) and Tweak Bird (who are very intense and worth getting there early for).

I've got one pair of tickets (and a copy of the new DML record) to give away. Email me [dukeufo at hotmail] with the name of the record you're most looking forward to in the second half of the year. Please put Darker My Love in the subject line. The contest closes Wednesday at 8:00 AM.