New Record Releases: 9/23/08

I'm a week late with this post. I get so absorbed with trying to listen to everything that's sent my way.....

Noteworthy Albums Released on 9/23/08:

Records I’ve Heard:

Brightblack Morning Light: Motion to Rejoin (Matador) – They don’t seem to play LA ever since his meltdown at the Troubadour a couple of years ago. No loss, the music’s average, neo-hippie stuff that we have our fair share of.
MP3: Oppressions Each

Friendly Fires: Friendly Fires (Beggars/XL) – This is a pretty decent indie, dance rock record but not something that I’m capable of fully supporting. At El Rey on 11/3/08

High Places: High Places (Thrill Jockey) – Above average indie, electro, noise stuff. This is another genre that I’m not really passionate about. At the Smell on 10/10/08
MP3: From Stardust to Sentience

Monkey: Journey to the West (Beggars/XL) – Collaboration between Damon Albarn (Blur/Gorillaz), visual designer Jamie Hewlett and Chinese opera specialist Chen Shi-Zheng. The BBC used some of the music for their spots leading up to the Olympics. It’s another above average listen, but I’ll stop short of fully endorsing it.

These United States: Crimes (United Interests) – Another above average record that should appeal to fans of its genre (slightly Americana, somewhere on the more coffee shop side of blues). At Silverlake Lounge on 10/14/08
MP3: Get Yourself Home

TV On the Radio: Dear Science (Interscope) – The only record of the week (that I’ve heard) that really transcends genre and constitutes a must buy. The band incorporates so many disparate elements into a cohesive sound. It might be their most commercial record but still manages to be political, soulful and experimental at the same time. Recommended. Live at the Wiltern on 11/6/08

Local Releases:
Cold War Kids: Loyalty to Loyalty (Downtown) – I heard the single on Entourage last week, but I still haven’t heard the full album.

Jenny Lewis: Acid Tongue (WB/Reprise) – I’m definitely in the Jenny Lewis solo camp (especially when you talk about that last Rilo Kiley record). It’s not as immediate and fun as Rabbit Fur Coat, but her fans should be pleased with it. At the Orpheum on 10/30/08
MP3: Acid Tongue

Other Noteworthy New Releases:
The Action Design
Adventure
All Girl Summer Band
Karl Blau – MP3: Mockingbird Diet
Blitzen Trapper – At the Echo on 11/30/08 MP3: Furr
Peter Broderick
Jackson Browne – At Royce Hall on 10/2/08 & Orpheum on 10/5/08
Casiotone for the Painfully Alone
Conifer
Dr. Dooom
Marc Ford & the Neptune Blues Club
Golden Smog – best of collection
David Grubbs – MP3: An Optimist Declines (edit)
Charlie Haden
Lily Holbrook
Holy Sons
The Howling Hex – MP3: No Good Reason
I Heart Lung
Kings of Leon – At the Nokia on 10/15/08
Koufax
Lenka – At the Fonda on 11/18/08
Lights – EP – at El Rey on 11/11/08
Mamiffer
Mason Proper
McCarthy Trenching – At the Silverlake Lounge on 10/1/08; MP3: Cassette Tape Massacre
Mogwai
Nagisa Ni Te – MP3: Premonition
Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist soundtrack
Old Crow Medicine Show – At the Fonda on 11/6/08
Peter, Bjorn and John – vinyl only release
The Pica Beats
The Pink Spiders – At the Troubadour on 10/8/08
Plain White T’s – At the Staples Center on 10/10/08
The Pretenders – vinyl only, CD to follow
Max Richter
Tracy Shedd – MP3: Whatever It Takes
Sing it Loud – House of Blues on 10/30/08
The Standard
Starfucker
Tecumseh
Ten Kens
Thievery Corporation
The Tough Alliance
Various Artists – Like Black Holes in the Sky – A Tribute to Syd Barrett

Interview with Joey Siara of the Henry Clay People / Ticket Giveaway

The Henry Clay People are having a record release party this Friday at Spaceland to celebrate the release of their newest LP, For Cheap or For Free on Autumn Tone Records. It's a really fun record that captures the spirit of the band. Joining them on the bill will be Le Switch (9:00 PM), The Parson Red Heads (10:00 PM) and Downtown/Union (midnight). I have two pairs of tickets to give away for the show. Email me [dukeufo at gmail] with the name of of your favorite local band. The contest closes Friday at Noon.

You Set the Scene: So I already know you live in Glendale and your brother just moved to Culver City. Where do the rest of the guys live?
Joey Siara: Noah lives close to me in Glendale and Eric lives in Tustin. So he’s really far.

YSTS: So where do you guys rehearse?
JS: We currently share a rehearsal space near USC with the Kissing Tigers, although we're moving out of that and into a new space with Le Switch next week. It's bigger and cheaper.

YSTS: Where’d the Siara brothers grow up?
JS: We grew up in Whitter, then when I was in 6th grade my family moved to Orange County. Yorba Linda – birthplace of Richard Nixon.

YSTS: Nice
JS: I guess Nixon went to Whittier College too. So he kinda haunts my childhood history.

YSTS: You guys play the hell out of Southern California. Any plans to take the new record out on the road?
JS: Yes! We’re going to take a little jaunt up to Seattle and back. After that, I’m ready for anything.

YSTS: Is that a headlining thing? Or as support?
JS: I’m not sure, I don’t book anything. The band won’t let me anymore, I always get bad shows.

YSTS: How long have you been playing music and how’d you get started?
JS: Hmm....I started playing in bands in 7th grade I guess but I'd always been into music. My family is pretty musical. Not my dad so much. He's an appreciator. But my mom's whole side of the family is pretty musically inclined and I always tried to be part of the family play-a-longs.

YSTS: That’s pretty much the polar opposite of my family. One time some second cousins started singing at Christmas and totally freaked us out.
JS: Nice. That bad?

YSTS: They weren’t fun Christmas jingles, they were serious religious songs. You’d have to meet my family to grasp the absurdity of it.
JS: I remember my uncle would force my cousin to sing The Talking Heads’ "And She Was" into a spoon microphone, and that was awkward. Our younger clan didn’t like to be forced to sing. Religious songs can be a drag.

YSTS: There’s a great history of gospel music, but this definitely wasn’t it. Shifting to the new record, which I’m really digging by the way….
JS: Thank you sir.

YSTS: The songs seem completely tailor made for your raucous live show. Was the intention to make something that would be fun to play live?
JS: As a band, we’re really not much for planning. We’d already been playing a lot of those songs live, so I think that contributed to the vibe of the record. We recorded three or four additional songs that didn’t quite make the cut.

YSTS: How about the lyrics?
JS: I don’t put too much stock into lyrics…as long as they aren’t offensively bad. I’m waiting for a band whose lyrics blow me away. But I’m still waiting.

YSTS: Enough about music, how about some corny questions?
JS: Bring it on.

YSTS: Your favorite place to eat breakfast?
JS: Foxy’s in Glendale.

YSTS: I like that place, but haven’t been there in a while. Favorite Mexican food?
JS: Malo is pretty tasty, just out of my price range. A friend took me to a little place in Highland Park that was great, but I forgot the name of it. Sorry.

YSTS: Favorite burger?
JS: The Oinkster. I’m trying to wean myself off of burgers, but Oinkster makes that hard. I’m sure Sylvia will agree with me.

YSTS: I made her try it again the other day. She got the ½ chicken. It was moist, but she’s still not a real believer.
JS: We’ll break her.

YSTS: Favorite bar?
JS: Most of the time when I go out I’m watching bands, not necessarily enjoying the bar atmosphere. But, I must say that The Prospector in Long Beach will always be a special place.

YSTS: Yeah, I’ve heard great things, but I still haven’t been down there.
JS: The Scene is within walking distance, but I’ve only been once since they got the new management.

YSTS: I saw that “Shifty” from Crazy Town is playing there this weekend.
JS: Really? That makes me sad.

YSTS: Your drink of choice?
JS: Bloody Mary, no olive.

YSTS: What’s your favorite thing about living in LA?
JS: Being able to see a decent show on most nights of the week. It keeps me from getting a good night’s sleep.
YSTS: Worst thing about living here?
JS: The heat. I melt in the sun. Anything over 85 degrees and I become an awful person. That really limits where you can live in the world.

YSTS: Yeah, don’t move to Austin. The summers are brutal.
JS: I was there in August a few summers ago. Too hot for me. How are the summers in Kansas?

YSTS: They’re brutal too. Humid as hell. Your favorite movie about LA?
JS: Chinatown. I take that back…The Big Lebowski.

YSTS: Both solid choices. Your favorite novel of all time?
JS: Childhood’s End by Arthur C. Clarke. I typically don’t care for Sci-Fi stuff, but this one was pretty great. It’s about these devil figures that come back to earth and everyone is freaked out by them but they’re there to help humans evolve into some higher being.

YSTS: I’ve seen 2001, but never read any of his stuff. Any must see TV?
JS: The fourth season of The Wire. And I’ve been back into watching The Daily Show/ Colbert Report which are pretty top notch these days.

YSTS: We’re just getting into the second season of The Wire. We loved season one.
JS: The second is a bit slow, but the third and fourth are amazing. Between Andy and I, we’ve got them all. You can borrow them.

YSTS: We can’t get them fast enough from Netflix.
JS: Just get them from us.

YSTS: Do you think late night comedians will be bummed if Obama wins? W has been like their wet dream.
JS: Comedy will dry up. Humans will cease to laugh. I just saw the preview for the new Oliver Stone movie about Bush. It looks funny. Richard Dreyfus as Dick Cheney.

YSTS: Your five desert island records?
JS: #1 The Clash - London Calling. #2 Neil Young – Tonight’s the Night. #3 The Rolling Stones – Exile on Main St. #4 Gram Parsons – Grievous Angel. #5 – Neutral Milk Hotel – In the Aeroplane Over the Sea.

YSTS: I’ve never been a huge fan, but I recognize their appeal. One of the more versatile bands for sure. I love all the other records.
JS: They can be inconsistent except on that album.

YSTS: Alright, last question. What local bands have you been listening to lately? And I don’t want some 30 band list.
JS: I’ll keep it to five. Le Switch, The Parson Red Heads, Les Blanks, The Broken West and the Monolators. Of course the list goes on, but right now, I’m actively listening to those bands a whole lot these days. And I’d be fans of their stuff even if I didn’t know them personally.

YSTS: Thanks a lot man. I’m looking forward to the record release show.
JS: Me too. Thanks Duke.

LA Live Music Options: 9/29/08 - 10/5/08

My Bloody Valentine at Roseland Ballroom (photo via Justin Baldwin's flickr set)

Another week full of great shows. The highlight of last week was Okkervil River at the Fonda...

Monday 9/29/08

[Recommended] Dios (Malos) / Devon Williams / Toco & Jomo @ Spaceland (Free) – The last night of the residency.
[Recommended] Death to Anders / Fol Chen / Rademacher / Die Rockers Die @ the Echo (Free) – Solid lineup on the last night of their residency.
[Recommended] Calexico / The Cave Singers @ the Fonda ($18) – Talented group.
[Recommended] Patton Oswalt / Nick Swardson / Brian Posehn @ Largo ($25) – A couple of the funnier local comedians.
Jamie Lidell / Janelle Monae @ Avalon ($25) – Soul fans.

THE SECOND MEETING OF THE CINEMAPHONIC JAMBOREE, curated byTIM RUTILI @ Echo Curio
[Recommended] Mike Stinson @ Redwood Bar – For the country fans.
Alex and Sam / Liz Pappademas @ Tangier ($5)
My Imaginary Friends / Olin and the Moon @ Silverlake Lounge (Free)
Tivo Alert: The Watson Twins on Conan O’Brien
In-Store Alert: Chrissy Hynde & James Walbourne of the Pretenders @ Amoeba (Free) – 6:00 PM.

Tuesday 9/30/08

Beach House / Lazarus / Shugo Tokumaru @ Spaceland ($14) – Popular Mazzy Star-esque, mellow indie rock.
Thenewno2 @ Key Club – This is Dhani Harrison’s band (George’s son!)
Talib Kweli / David Banner @ House of Blues Sunset ($35.00)
Rancid @ the Fonda (Sold Out)

Dan Le Sac v. Scroobius Pip @ the Echo ($10)
Journey / Heart / Cheap Trick @ The Greek ($55 - $110)
Greg Proops Chat Show w/ Kevin Nealon @ Largo ($25)
Evangenitals @ Mr. T’s
Deathday Party @ the Smell
Radio Alert: Calexico on Morning Becomes Eclectic 89.9 at 11:15AM
In-Store Alert: Murs @ Amoeba (Free) – 6:30 PM

Wednesday 10/1/08
[Recommended] My Bloody Valentine / Spectrum @ Santa Monica Civic Center ($50) – Why do I have this bad feeling that I’m going to regret not going to this show?

[Recommended] Pattern Is Movement / The Minor Canon @ Spaceland ($10) – Pattern is Movement’s new record got a very respectable 7.9 out of 10 from Pitchfork. The Minor Canon’s one of my favorite local bands, and I haven’t seen them in a while.
MP3: Right Away
[Recommended] Aaron Embry and Friends / Quazar and the Bamboozled @ Tangier Restaurant (Free) - Last month’s Wednesday night residency was so popular, he’s doing it again.
Sloan / The Golden Dogs @ Troubadour ($15) – Sloan’s a good band too.
Stars / Think About Life @ Avalon ($25)
Neva Dinova / Mccarthy Trenching / Whispertown 2000 @ Silverlake Lounge ($10)
Neil Diamond @ Hollywood Bowl ($45 tix remain) – Lease event, so be careful what you try to take in to the show.
Rancid / T.S.O.L. @ the Fonda ($25)

Low End Theory Club: Jel / Odd Nasdam @ Airliner
The Loved Ones @ Knitting Factory ($10)
Spindrift / Rocking Horse People / Candy Apple @ the Echo ($10)
Dub Club @ Echoplex
Juliette Cmmagere @ Tangier ($8)
Shiloe / Summer Darling / Spirit Vine / Ojos Rojos @ Bordello (Free)

Thursday 10/2/08
[Recommended] Sigur Ros @ Greek Theatre ($45) – Not sure who the genius was who scheduled this on the same night as My Bloody Valentine.

[Recommended] My Bloody Valentine / Spectrum @ Santa Monica Civic Center (Sold Out) – I’ll take Isn’t Anything over Loveless.

[Recommended] McCabe’s 50th Anniversary: Jackson Browne / Richard Thompson / Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy @ Royce Hall (Sold Out)
[Recommended] Justin Townes Earle / Sarah Gayle Meech / Whispering Pines @ The Echo ($10) – Sarah Gayle Meech is from Five O’Clock Somewhere. Justin Townes Earle is Steve Earle’s son.
Leslie and the Badgers / The Music Lovers / Divisadero / The Meemies @ Spaceland ($8)
Hello Dragon / I Make This Sound / Chop Chop @ Silverlake Lounge ($7)
James @ El Rey (Sold Out) – They were good when they played at Spaceland recently.
Ben Kweller / Whitley @ Troubadour ($22)
Rancid / Dr. Know @ the Fonda ($25)

Neil Diamond @ Hollywood Bowl ($45 tix remain) – Lease event, so be careful what you try to take in to the show.
Gram Rabbit / Semi Precious Weapons @ House of Blues Sunset ($11.50)
Asleep at the Wheel / Merle Jagger @ Key Club
Evidence @ Knitting Factory ($14)
The Gourds @ Safari Sam’s ($14)
Kurt Wagner (of Lambchop) / The Chapin Sisters @ Echoplex ($16)
Bad Veins / Django James @ 3 of Clubs
Tivo Alert: Lucinda Williams on Letterman
In-Store Alert: Darker My Love @ Amoeba (Free) – 7:00 PM

Friday 10/3/08

[Recommended] The Henry Clay People / Le Switch / The Parson Redheads / Downtown/Union @ Spaceland ($8) – The record release party for the Henry Clay People. Stay tuned, I’ve got some tickets to give away for this.

[Recommended] Jon Brion @ Largo ($30 / $20 for 2nd set only)

David Byrne performs the songs of David Byrne and Brian Eno @ Greek Theatre ($75 for pit tickets) – Pit tix are currently available.
No Age / Gun Outfit / Urinals / Nodzzz / P R O T E C T M E @ the Smell
Cut Copy / The Presets @ the Glass HouseDeerhoof / Okay / The Happy Hollows @ Avalon ($15 or four for $32)
T.I. @ Key Club
Rancid / Manic Hispanic @ the Fonda (Sold Out)

Nikka Costa / Pictures & Sound @ El Rey ($25)
Seasons / Queen Kwong / Master Slash Slave @ Mr. T’s Bowl
Anavan / Ahab @ Pehrspace
DEVON WILLIAMS SOMETHING + RESIDUAL ECHOES + BABL BIDJITS+ MAN's ASSASSINATION MAN @ Echo Curio
Love Grenades / Peachfuzz @ the Echo ($5)
Vagabond Opera / Jessica Fichot @ Tangier ($12)
Warpaint / God’s Gang / Rainbow^Arabia @ Troubadour ($8)
The Dandy Warhols / A Place to Bury Strangers @ Wiltern ($25)

Saturday 10/4/08
[Recommended] Eagle Rock Music Fest: Radar Bros. / Earlimart / Le Switch / Amnion / The Parson Red Heads / Crystal Antlers / The Flying Tourbillon Orchestra / Abe Vigoda / Mika Miko / Princeton / Pizza / Gangi / Light FM / Blank Blue / The Antarticans / One Trick Pony, many more @ Colorado Blvd. in Eagle Rock (Free) – Very solid lineup this year. You can see a handful of the better local bands for free.
A Place To Bury Strangers / Sian Alice Group / In Waves @ Troubadour ($12)
The Swell Season / Iron & Wine @ Greek Theatre ($50) – You can still get tickets in Section A. I’m a big Iron & Wine fan.
LA Weekly Detour Fest: The Mars Volta / Gogol Bordello / Shiny Toy Guns / Cut Copy / The Black Lips / Grande Ole Party / The Presets / Matt Costa / Hercules and Love Affair / Datarock / The Submarines / The Mae Shi / We Are Wolves / Afternoons / Noah & the Whale @ City Hall Downtown ($40)
Neil Diamond @ Staples Center ($85 tix remain)

Rancid / The Aquabats @ the Fonda (Sold Out)

Tarfest Music Festival: Love Lies Sleeping / Casteldoor / DJ Shepard Fairey @ El Rey ($10)
EAGLE WINGED PALACE + TIM WILLIAMS + USELESS KEYS + SHOLI @ Echo CurioRio En Medio / Voices Voices / Weave! / Exitmusic @ Spaceland ($8)
Rachel Cantu @ Tangier ($8)
Oscillating Innards @ the Smell

Sunday 10/5/08

[Recommended] Horse Feathers / Travel By Sea @ Spaceland ($8) – A couple of good bands, but this one might rock you to sleep. Horse Feathers got a 7.6 out of 10 from Pitchfork today. Travel by Sea are on Aquarium Drunkard’s label, Autumn Tone.
MP3: Curs in the Weeds
[Recommended] Jackson Browne @ Orpheum (Sold Out) – Those first few albums are classics.
Liz Phair performs EXILE IN GUYVILLE @ Troubadour (Sold Out)

Rancid / MXPX @ the Fonda (Sold Out)
Part Time Punks @ the Echo

Rest in Peace: Paul Newman

If you haven't seen Cool Hand Luke, Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid and Hud go rent them immediately....

Sinking Radio: The Moondoggies - Ain't No Lord

This is my weekly reminder to tune in to Sinking Radio this Friday on Little Radio from Noon to 2:00 PM. Sylvia, Todd and Matt's guest this week will be comedian Horatio Sanz. You probably remember Horatio from such shows as Saturday Night Live and one of my favorite comedies in the past couple of years, Step Brothers.

Each week on the show, they feature an official You Set the Scene pick. Most of the time, I pick a classic older song, or just something weird that means something to me. My pick for this week's show is neither. It's by a relatively new band out of Seattle called The Moondoggies. These guys recently put out their debut record on Sub Pop offshoot, Hardly Art and I've just begun to digest it.

They switch it up between strummy, acoustic songs to Southern boogie, ass shaking, Rhodes-driven tunes. They don't seem to have gotten much press outside of Seattle yet, but there's some really promising tracks for a young band. I like that they list Townes Van Zandt, Leon Russell and International Submarine Band as influences. If you're inclined to that sort of thing, check them out. No local dates scheduled at this time.

And tune in to Little Radio tomorrow to hear it.

MP3: Changing

Recently Announced Live Music Events

Chris Cornell with Timbaland @ House of Blues on 10/25/08 (presale password is SUCCESS, public onsale Saturday at 10:00 AM)

El Guincho @ the Echo on 11/20/08 (on sale now at Ticketweb)

Bowerbirds @ the Echo on 11/28/08 (on sale now at Ticketweb)

Beck @ Club Nokia on 11/10/08 (presale password is Youthless, public onsale Saturday at 10:00 AM)

Lupe Fiasco @ Club Nokia on 11/12/08 (presale password is Golden, public onsale is Saturday at 11:00 AM)

Taking Back Sunday @ Club Nokia on 11/13/08 (presale password is Golden, public onsale is Saturday at Noon)

Calle 13 / Kinky @ Club Nokia on 11/15/08 (onsale now)

B-52’s @ Club Nokia on 11/16/08 (presale password is Golden, public onsale is Saturday at Noon)

Matisyahu @ Club Nokia on 11/18/08 (presale password is Golden, public onsale is Saturday at 11:00AM)

Usher @ Club Nokia on 11/19/08 (presale password is Golden, public onsale is Saturday at 10:00AM)

Sarah Silverman @ Club Nokia on 11/21/08 (presale password is Golden, public onsale is Saturday at Noon)

Nas @ Club Nokia on 11/26/08 (presale password is Golden, public onsale is Saturday at Noon)

Sergio Mendes @ Club Nokia on 11/29/08 (presale password is Golden, public onsale is Saturday at Noon)

Bone-Thugs-N-Harmony @ Club Nokia on 11/30/08 (presale password is Golden, public onsale is Saturday at Noon)

Bret Michaels @ Club Nokia on 12/7/08 (presale password is Golden, public onsale is Saturday at Noon)

X / New York Dolls / Cracker @ Club Nokia on 12/20/08 (presale password is Golden, public onsale is Saturday at 10:00AM)

B.B. King @ Club Nokia on 12/27/08 – 12/28/08 (presale password is Golden, public onsale is Saturday at 11:00AM)

Morris Day and the Time @ Club Nokia on 2/13/08 (presale password is Golden, public onsale is Saturday at Noon)

Ticket Giveaway: Restaurant at the Troubadour

I've got a couple of pairs of tickets to give away for the Restaurant record release show this Friday at the Troubadour. Opening the show will be San Diego's the Muslims who are starting to get some good national press and Dirt Dress. If you haven't seen Restaurant yet, they just put on a damn fun, hillbilly, garage, punk show. Their new record, Return to the Tomb of Guiliano Medici, comes out next Tuesday on Narnack Records.

To win these tickets, email me [dukeufo at gmail] with the name of your favorite restaurant in Los Angeles. Please put Restaurant in the subject line. The contest closes Friday at noon.

MP3: Joe D

Ticket Giveaway: The New Year at the Echo

Photo of The New Year by Allison Smith

I have a few pairs of tickets to give away for The New Year show at the Echo this Wednesday night. Opening the show is A Weather and Modern Memory. If you're an indie rocker, you really should check it out (and pick up their new album on Touch & Go).

To win a pair of tickets, email me [dukeufo at gmail] and tell me what your favorite thing is about Texas. Please put New Year in the subject line. The contest closes Wednesday at Noon.

Buy tickets from Ticketweb

Kevin Bronson Launches New Buzz Bands

Just a quick post to let you know that our buddy, and ex-LA Times scribe, Kevin Bronson launched a new Buzz Bands blog today. So go check it out. He's already posted four times today....

Buzz Bands

LA Live Music Options: 9/22/08 - 9/28/08

Okkervil River Play the Fonda on Tuesday

I saw a couple of great shows last week (Spiritualized at the Echo and My Morning Jacket at the Greek). This week's looking good too. Look at all the options on Tuesday alone.

Monday 9/22/08
[Recommended] The Raconteurs / The Kills @ Greek Theatre ($37 - $45) – They’re even better live than on record.
[Recommended] Fleet Foxes / Frank Fairfield @ El Rey (Sold Out) – Such great harmonies. I’ve already seen them a couple of times in the past six months, so I’m sitting this one out.
[Recommended] Dios (Malos) / Sonadora / The Bible Children / Peachfuzz @ Spaceland (Free)
[Recommended] Death to Anders / Sarah Negadari (from Happy Hollows / One Trick Pony / Mad Gregs @ the Echo (Free)
[Recommended] Dave Gleason / Old Californio @ Redwood Bar – For the country fans.
Hot Chip / Drums of Death @ Wiltern ($29)
CSS / Tilly and the Wall @ Mayan ($26)
Does It Offend You, Yeah? / Team Robespierre / Dragonette @ Troubadour (Sold Out)
Bryn Christopher @ Viper Room
Bill Frisell / Greg Leisz @ Largo ($40)
Pizza! / Caldera Lakes / The Monolators @ Pehrspace
Daniel Brummel / The Kris Special @ Mr. T’s Bowl
My Imaginary Friends @ Silverlake Lounge (Free)
Alex and Sam / Marvelous Toy @ Tangier ($5)
Luke Doucet @ Hotel Café
Trivium @ The Whiskey (Free) – Myspace secret show.

Tuesday 9/23/08
[Recommended] Okkervil River / Sea Wolf / Zykos @ the Fonda ($20) – I’m a huge Okkervil fan, so this is where I’ll be.
[Recommended] Fleet Foxes / Frank Fairfield @ El Rey (Sold Out) – Great band if you get the chance to go.
[Recommended] The Raconteurs / The Kills @ Greek Theatre ($37 - $45) – Another great band.
CSS / Tilly and the Wall @ Mayan ($26)
Dragonette @ Cinespace
Cold War Kids @ Fingerprints (Free) – In-store at 7:00 PM

The Hectors / Seasons /Cobra Lilies / Exitmusic @ Bordello (Free)
Josh Rouse / Bart Davenport @ Largo ($25)
Evangenitals @ Mr. T’s Bowl
The Barack Obama-rama: An Obama fundraiser: The Lady Tigra / The Bird and the Bee / Willoughby/ Electrocute /Hard Place / Polyamorous Affair / Wolfkin @ Spaceland ($15)
Brant Bjork @ Echoplex ($12)
The Duhks @ Hotel Café
Tony Gilkyson @ Redwood Bar
Amy Macdonald / La Rocca @ Troubadour ($15)

Wednesday 9/24/08
[Recommended] The New Year / A Weather / Modern Memory @ the Echo ($12) – I’m a big New Year fan. I’ve got tickets to give away for this show.
[Recommended] Aaron Embry & Friends / Eleni Mandell / Sara Lov @ Tangier Restaurant (Free) – I went last week, and they didn’t do any Amnion songs, but it was fun.
[Recommended] Todd Clifford’s Birthday: Juliette Commagere / Obi Best @ Spaceland ($5) – Go by and say “Happy Birthday” to Todd.
Cold War Kids @ the Fonda ($20) – I haven’t heard the new record yet.
The Brazilian Girls / The Submarines @ The Wiltern
Solas @ El Rey ($26)
Josh Rouse / Bart Davenport @ Largo ($25)
Low End Theory Club @ Airliner
Dub Club @ Echoplex
Wounded Lion @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Olin & the Moon @ Tangier (Free)
Dave Stewart and His 30 Piece Rock Orchestra @ the Roxy ($40) Carney / Robert Francis @ Troubadour ($10)
The Hangmen @ Viper Room ($12)

Thursday 9/25/08
[Recommended] Mission of Burma / Hank IV @ Echplex – Performing Vs., early show at 7:30 PM. The contest is still open to win some tickets. See Friday’s post.
[Recommended] The Hives / Eagles of Death Metal @ Mayan Theatre ($26) – The show on Wednesday was canceled, but all tickets will be honored on Thursday. The Hives are fun to see live.
Sera Cahoone @ Spaceland ($10) – Sera was in Carissa’s Wierd with Ben from Band of Horses. Ra Ra Riot / Tussle / Walter Meego / Lemonade @ the Echo ($12)
MP3: Lemonade – Sunchips
Megapuss / Entrance / Little Joy @ Troubadour ($15) – Megapuss is Devendra Banhart’s new band. Little Joy is Fab (the Strokes) new band and Entrance is still Entrance.
Atmosphere @ Wiltern ($27)
Greg Laswell @ Fresh and Easy [7021 Hollywood Blvd] Juno Reactor @ El Rey ($31)
The Watkins Family Hour @ Largo
Western States Motel / Light FM / The French Semester @ Safari Sam’s (Free)
The Shondes @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Lion of Panjshir / Mia Doi Todd @ Tangier ($7)
Kid Rock / Rehab / Rev Run @ Gibson Amphitheatre
Lenka @ Hotel Café

Friday 9/26/08
[Recommended] Silver Jews / James Jackson Toth@ Echoplex ($20) – You never know when David Berman will make it back to town.
[Recommended] Restavrant / The Muslims / Dirt Dress @ Troubadour ($8) – Restavrant’s a fun live band. I’ve got tickets to give away for this show too.
[Recommended] Jon Brion @ Largo ($30 early show / $20 for 2nd set only) – I still haven’t made it to the new Largo.
The Bug / Warrior Queen @ Play Lounge [6423 Yucca Blvd] – The Bug’s got a lot of hype right now.
The Valley Arena / The Transmissions / Fay Wrays / The Soft Hands @ Pehrspace
Apollo Sunshine / The Flying Tourbillon Orchestra / The Coral Sea / Karabal Nightlife @ Spaceland ($10)
Laura Marling / Johnny Flynn @ Hotel Café ($12)
DJ ?uestlove @ the Roxy ($20)
MSTRKRFT / Calvin Harris / Felix Cartal / LA Riots @ The Fonda ($26)

Saturday 9/27/08
Patrick Park / I.L.Y. (Emily Kokal from Warpaint) / Jen Furches@ Spaceland ($10)
Whispertown 2000 / Nick Franger @ Relax Bar
Dark Star Orchestra @ The Fonda ($27)
Manhattan Murder Mystery / Thailand @ Echo Curio (Free)
Filthy Thieving Bastards @ the Knitting Factory ($15)
Juliana Hatfield @ Largo ($25)
Squaregirls Dance Party @ Pehrpsace
The Midniters @ Safari Sam’s ($15)
Laura Marling / Johnny Flynn@ Hotel Café ($12)
Caldera Lakes / Gowns / 60 Watt Kid @ The Smell ($5)
Information Society @ Viper Room ($20)

Sunday 9/28/08
Neil Hamburger / Andy Kindler / Harvey Sid Fisher @ Spaceland ($8)
MSTRKRFT / Calvin Harris / Felix Cartal / Congorock @ The Fonda ($26)
WAZ @ Abbot Kinney Festival
Spectrum / LSD & The Search For God / Farflung @ The Echo ($12)
Grande Ole Echo: The Cousin Lovers @ the Echo (Free) – Early show at 5:00 PM
Learning Music / Sara Lov @ Tangier ($8) Journey / Heart / Cheap Trick @ The Greek ($55 - $110)

Photos From Spiritualized at the Echo

Here are a few photos from last night's fantastic show at the Echo. I do feel bad for all the people that got turned away. All these photos were taken by Sylvia. I'll post more later.....

Ticket Giveaway: Mission of Burma at Echoplex

I've got tickets to give away for a plethora of shows next week. A couple of weeks back, I gave away tickets to the Silver Jews. Next up...

Next Thursday (September 25, 2008) Mission of Burma will be performing their classic debut, Vs. in its entirety at the Echoplex. Opening the show will be Hank IV (no relation to Hank Sr., Jr. or III). Mission of Burma is one of the most important American bands of the early 1980s. They were clearly invested in punk rock, but helped define artier post-punk by brining in tape manipulation and classic British Invasion influences.

Earlier this year Matador Records reissued a definitive edition of Vs., complete with a DVD of live footage from 1983. They did the same thing with the other Ace of Hearts releases, Signals, Calls & Marches and The Horrible Truth About Burma. The vinyl versions include the bonus DVDs.

To win these tickets, email me [dukeufo at gmail] with the name of your favorite Mission of Burma track. Please add "Burma" to the subject line. The contest closes Wednesday at Noon.

Buy tickets from Ticketweb

Watch Matador's reissue EPK

Recently Announced Live Music Events

Secret Machines / The Dears @ Key Club (on sale now)

Jenny Lewis / Beachwood Sparks / Pierre de Reeder @ Orpheum on 10/30/08 (on sale Saturday at 10:00 AM)

Rhett Miller @ Largo on 11/22/08 (available now through Largo)

Robyn Hitchcock @ Largo on 11/13/08 (available now through Largo)

Tarfest: Love Lies Sleeping / Castledoor / DJ Shepard Fairey @ El Rey on 10/4/08 (on sale now)

Jon Doe & Kathleen Edwards @ El Rey on 11/13/08 (on sale Saturday at 10:00 AM)

Amanda Palmer @ the Fonda on 12/16/08 (on sale Saturday at 10:00 AM)

Experience Hendrix: Mitch Mitchell and Billy Cox / Buddy Guy / Johnny Lang / Kenny Wayne Shepherd / Robby Krieger @ Greek Theatre on 11/2/08 (presale started today, on sale Saturday at 10:00 AM)

The Summit: Bobby Brown / Johnny Gill / Ralph Tresvant @ Greek Theatre on 11/9/08 (presale started today, on sale Saturday at 10:00 AM)

Spiritualized Secret Show

I hate to even post this...they were so great last night at the Bowl.

New Music Releases 9/16/08

It's feast or famine. I haven't heard any of these releases...

Noteworthy Albums Released on 9/16/08:

The Asteroid #4
Patricia Barber
Brimstone Howl
Lindsey Buckingham
Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson
George Clinton and His Gangsters of Love
The Cure – remix EP
Dead Confederate - at Spaceland on 11/14/08 – MP3 – Free the Rat
DJ Muggs vs. Planet Asia
Dressy Bessy
Hacienda - on tour with Dr. Dog - MP3: She's Got a Hold On Me
Ice Cube – greatest hits since 2001
James – at El Rey on 10/2/08
Jem
Laika & the Cosmonauts
Lisa Loeb – children’s album
The Lollipop Shoppe – reissue
Charlie Louvin
Roger McGuinn – live, vinyl only release – at Pepperdine University on 12/5/08
Mother Mother - At the Silverlake Lounge on 11/4/08 – MP3 – Body of Years
Leona Naess – at the Wiltern on 10/30/08
Ne-Yo
Nelly
Noah and the Whale - At Spaceland on 10/6/08
Passion Pit - At the Fonda on 11/1/08 - MP3: Sleepyhead
The Physics of Meaning – at Pehrpsace on 10/10/08 – MP3: Aeroplanes and Hurricanes
Portugal, the Man – at the Troubadour on 11/19/08
Radioactive Man
The Rhinos
Simian Mobile Disco – live album
Talkdemonic
Tindersticks
War Tapes - EP – Local band that I know next to nothing about, at Boardner’s on 9/24/08 – MP3: Dreaming of You
Matt Wertz – at the House of Blues on 11/17/08

Goldstar Giving Away Tickets to Airborne Toxic Event

Free tickets ($4 service fee) for tonight's Airborne Toxic Event show at the Wiltern. They're opening for the Fratellis. Hurry, because the offer ends at 5:15 PM. Follow the link.

LA Live Music Options: 9/15/08 - 9/21/08

Monday 9/15/08
[Recommended] Dios (Malos) / Residual Echoes / Toys That Kill / Wet Cassette @ Spaceland (Free) – I had a really good time last week.
[Recommended] Death to Anders / Radars to the Sky / The Transmissions / The Monolators @ the Echo (Free)
Nelly @ House of Blues ($42.50)
IAMX / Miss Derringer @ El Rey ($20)
Joan as Police Woman / Greg Laswell @ Largo ($25)
Michael Vidal (Abe Vigoda) @ Pehrspace My Imaginary Friends @ Silverlake Lounge (Free)
Alex and Sam @ Tangier ($5)
Lucy Wainwright Roche @ Hotel Café

Tuesday 9/16/08
[Recommended] Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles / Dead Rock West / Mike Stinson @ Spaceland ($10) – As the All Music Guide says, Sarah Borges brings together punk, country and bubblegum pop. The stuff on Myspace sounds good. Mike Stinson’s always a good time.

[Recommended] Let's Independent: Tenlons Fort / Manhattan Murder Mystery / The Poor Excuses @ Boardner's ($6) - Joe's monthly night at Boardner's. The Poor Excuses is Andrew Lynch's band. Lately he's been touring with Earlimart.
[Recommended] Franklin for Short / Correatown / Marcus Very Ordinary @ Tangier ($5) –Recommended for Correatown, because I haven’t really heard the other bands.
Thee Oh Sees / Sic Alps / Ty Segall @ The Smell ($5) – These bands have some good indie/lo-fi cred. I got the Sic Alps record, but it’s not the most immediately catchy thing.
The Fratellis / The Airborne Toxic Event @ The Wiltern ($25) – The first big national tour for TATE.
Vampire Weekend / Abe Vigoda / White Williams @ Glass House in Pomona ($22.50) – I like Vampire Weekend. I haven’t listened to it for six months, but I like it.
Billy Idol @ House of Blues ($52.50)
Stereophonics @ The Fonda ($25)
DeVotchKa @ El Rey ($20)
The Flash Express / The Superbees @ Safari Sam’s ($10)
Turboweekend @ The Echo ($5)
Tiff Randol and Mikki James @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Resident Hero @ Troubadour ($8)

Wednesday 9/17/08

[Recommended] Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds / Spiritualized / Cat Power @ Hollywood Bowl $$35) – I’m a huge Spiritualized fan, so I couldn’t miss this. Useless trivia - I hear Chan Marshall’s dating Giovanni Ribisi these days.

[Recommended] Aaron Embry & Friends / Edward Sharpe / Lovely Syndrome @ Tangier Restaurant (Free) – Looks like Lovely Syndrome might really be Deadly Syndrome (link on the Fold’s website). Even if it isn’t Aaron Embry should be enough to get you out.
[Recommended] Tweak Bird / Pterodacdudes @ Silverlake Lounge ($7) – EP Release party for Tweak Bird. I enjoy their live show.
[Recommended] Vampire Weekend / Abe Vigoda / White Williams @ Wiltern ($22) - I like Vampire Weekend. I haven’t listened to it for six months, but I like it.
MGMT / RTX @ the Fonda (Sold Out)
Club NME: Pop Levi / The*Art @ Spaceland ($5)
Billy Idol @ House of Blues ($52.50)
Delerium @ El Rey ($23.50)
Tally Hall @ Largo ($20)
Low End Theory Club: Blank Blue @ Airliner
Olin and the Moon @ Tangier Lounge (Free)
CANCELED: The Black Crowes / G. Love & Special Sauce / Howlin’ Rain @ Greek Theatre ($15 - $65) - This show was canceled.
Carney @ Troubadour ($10)
Nico Vega @ Viper Room ($12)

Thursday 9/18/08

[Recommended] Tokyo Police Club / The Whigs / We Barbarians @ the Fonda ($18) – I haven’t heard the whole Tokyo Police Club, but the single’s pretty good. The Whigs are always good.
[Recommended] Vampire Weekend / Abe Vigoda / White Williams @ Wiltern ($22) - I like Vampire Weekend. I haven’t listened to it for six months, but I like it.
Special Guests / These Arms Are Snakes / sBACH (Spencer Seim from Hella) @ Spaceland ($25) – The special guests appear to be somebody that my regular readers won’t care about, but their fans will be really excited about. (See the song in the playlist on Spaceland’s Myspace page). Tickets go on sale tomorrow at Noon (so I’m expecting some sort of KROQ announcement today?). It’s a heavy band that’s using this as their warm up to a warm up show.
Foals / HEALTH @ El Rey ($16)
Teddy Thompson @ Largo at the Coronet ($25)
Meiko @ Fresh and Easy [7021 Hollywood Blvd]
Carcass @ House of Blues ($39)
Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson / Black Diamond Heavies @ the Echo ($7)
His Orchestra @ Silverlake Lounge ($10)
Lion of Panjshir @ Tangier ($7)
Lenka / Emily Wells @ Hotel Café
The Ringers @ the Roxy ($12)
Mandi Perkins / Pedestrian / You Me and Iowa @ Troubadour ($12)

Tivo Alert: Fleet Foxes on Letterman; Dr. Dog on Craig Ferguson; Willie Nelson on Conan

Friday 9/19/08

[Recommended] Jon Brion @ Largo ($30 / $20 for 2nd set)
The Wedding Present / Earlimart @ Troubadour ($18) – As a bonus, Earlimart got added to this bill.
[Recommended] Divisadero / Marvelous Toy / One Trick Pony @ Pehrspace – Presented by Radio Free Silver Lake and LA Underground
Man Man / Crystal Antlers @ Echoplex ($17)
Jeff Hanson / Krist Krueger @ Spaceland ($8)

Billy Idol @ House of Blues ($52.50)
Digable Planets / Pigeon John @ El Rey ($27.50)
A Flock of Seagulls @ Knitting Factory ($20)
Los Straightjackets @ Safari Sam’s ($15)
Rob Dickinson @ Hotel Café
Samantha Ronson @ The Roxy ($20)
Milk:Blood @ the Smell

Tivo Alert: Dolly Parton on Leno; Cold War Kids on Jimmy Kimmel

Saturday 9/20/08

[Recommended] Beck / Spoon / MGMT @ Hollywood Bowl (Sold Out) – Should be a fun night. I’m starting to regret not getting tickets.

Barr / Hawnay Troof / P R O T E C T M E @ The Smell ($5)
Liam Finn / The Veils / Karin Tatoyan@ Echoplex ($14)

The Heavenly States / Audrye Sessions @ Spaceland ($10)
Neville Brothers @ House of Blues ($30)
The Meemies @ Pehrspace
Fake Problems / Cobra Skulls / Look Mexico / Frank Turner @ The Echo ($7)
Gladys Knight / Al Green @ Greek Theatre ($45 - $100)

Sunday 9/21/08

[Recommended] My Morning Jacket @ Greek Theatre ($40) – Another big show I’m afraid I’m going to regret missing.
[Recommended] Learning Music / One Trick Pony / The Sweet Hurt / The Eye The Ear and the Arm @ Tangier ($8) – Recommended for the Sweet Hurt, I haven’t really heard the other bands.
[Recommended] Slings / Old War Shirt / The World Record / Patrick Thomas @ Spaceland (Free) – Recommended for the World Record, I haven’t really heard the other bands.
Hot Chip / Io Echo @ Wiltern ($29) – No self respecting hipster would miss this show.

Goldfrapp @ Orpheum
Ozomatli / Michael Franti & Spearhead / Lila Downs / Nortec Collective Presents Bostich & Fussible @ Hollywood Bowl ($21)

The Health Club @ Mr. T’s Bowl

Grand Ole Echo: I See Hawks in LA @ the Echo (Free) – Early show at 5:00 PM
Rats @ The Smell ($5) – Doors open at Noon.

Recent Live Music Experiences (Jenny Lewis, Beachwood Sparks, Throw Me the Statue)

Setting the (Manhunt) Scene at 1:30 AM on the 2 Freeway

Recent Live Music Experiences:

With the exception of a Radiohead review, I haven’t written much about my recent live music experiences. So here you go….

Jenny Lewis @ Spaceland on 9/11/08
Damn it was hot last night at Spaceland. By the time I got there at 10:30, the valet parking was pretty much full and there was still a line around the building. I peaked over as Jonathan Wilson but a six foot wall of guitars was obscuring my view of the stage. Jenny Lewis took her sweet time taking the stage. It was right around midnight by the time she finally went on. Her backing band included Wilson, along with boyfriend Johnathan Rice, Farmer Dave Scher, Blake Mills and somebody else (her Myspace page indicates that it’s Barbara Gruska, but I never really got close enough to see that well – plus there were too many balloons blocking the view).

Before the show I was worried that she wouldn’t be able to pull it off without the Watson Twins. But with that band, the songs off the first solo record still sounded great. There was one false start on the piano, as Lewis forgot the lyrics to a new song. Overall, most of the new songs lacked the energy of the stuff from Rabbit Fur Coat. I haven’t heard Acid Tongue yet (the publicist sent it to me, but it’s so copy protected it won’t even play) but several of the new songs wouldn’t have been out of place on an older Rilo Kiley album (although several others have a pronounced Laurel Canyon vibe to them). I’m just listening to the new stuff on Myspace and I remember them playing “Black Sand,” “Pretty Bird” (which was a nice song), “Badman’s World,”

It was so hot downstairs that I had to get some relief by going upstairs (it was at least 10 degrees cooler up there). I made it back down for an acoustic version of “Love Hurts” done by Lewis and Rice in the Gram Parsons/Emmylou Harris tradition. Not sure if there were any surprises at the end, because when she announced “this is our last song” I hit the exit. All in all, it was a pretty good show.

Unfortunately my haste to get home was not rewarded. There was a manhunt on the 2 freeway and I got stuck for 45 minutes as the cops searched the ditch with flashlights. Couldn’t they have at least opened the left lane?

Throw Me the Statue / Bodies of Water @ the Echo on 9/10/08
As I’ve mentioned, Throw Me the Statue’s songs just keep growing on me. Live, they came off like Seattle’s version of The Deadly Syndrome. Both bands have really good energy, well constructed pop songs with very prominent keyboards. All the songs from Moonbeams came off really well. A couple of the new songs were more introspective (and not as fun live) but they’re a new band well worth keeping your eye on.

As you’ve probably figured out by now, I’m not a Bodies of Water fan. I gave them another shot on Wednesday night (probably more of a shot than I’ve ever given them). It’s just too much. Seeing the lead singer in her black unitard, with her eyes in back of her head and staring/reaching towards the sky. As my friend said, “it really is a bit Jesus Christ Superstar, isn’t it.”

Marching Band / Radar Bros. / Dios (Malos) @ Spaceland on 9/8/08
This was billed as the US debut of Sweden’s Marching Band. It was nice, pleasant indie pop. Nothing more to say really. Probably not your new favorite band, but a good band if you’re into that sort of thing.

This was the debut of the Radar Bros. featuring Stevie Treichel from the Movies on drums. He’s a great addition to the band. He speeds up the tempo a little, but stays true to the Radar Bros. sound. Really good shit, I never get tired of seeing them.

It’s been a few years since Dios (Malos) has put out a record, so a lot of the songs were oldies but goodies. I’m curious to hear what they come out with next.

Really old stuff I never got around to writing about:

Trans Am / Polvo @ the Echoplex on 8/31/08
I got there late and only caught a few Trans Am songs. Too bad, because what I heard sounded really good. I was a huge Polvo fan back in college, so I was excited to see them again. It got really jammy and the set list was kind of weird. There were a few really great moments, but there is a reason I haven’t written about it until now.

Beachwood Sparks @ the Echoplex on 8/22/08
Starting in the late 1990s I saw the Beachwood Sparks a lot. From their early days as an energetic six piece, all the way through the final days when they sat down on stage and sounded stoned. They were one of the bands that got me really interested in the Byrds (and one of the first I heard talking about Gram Parsons and Dennis Wilson).

The show at the Echoplex was imperfect, but really promising. It was a return of good energy and joy to be playing. And it’s always good to see Farmer Dave Scher back in the mix as well. The stage was packed with old school B.S. (original members) Chris Gunst, Brent Rademarker and (early member) Aaron Sperske and new school B.S. members: Ben Knight, Jen Cohen-Gunst and Dan Horne. The sound was muddy and mixed poorly at first, but improved by the middle of the show. They played all the songs I loved off the first record and added some rarely played songs as well (including “Ponce de Leon Blues” with Mia Doi Todd).

With the popularity of bands like Fleet Foxes, Band of Horses and Bon Iver, it’s obvious that Beachwood Sparks bring something very relevant to the table. I didn’t make it out the Junction this year, but I’m sure they’ll get better and tighter with each appearance.

Okkervil River's "Singer Songwriter"

Here's my weekly reminder to tune in to Sinking with Sylvia and Todd (and Matt Dwyer) tomorrow on Little Radio from Noon to 2:00 PM. Their guests tomorrow will be Vibe Slayer who I don't know too much about, but I see that Charlie Wadhams and Josh Schwartz play with them (and that's a really good start). 

The official You Set the Scene pick for tomorrow is Okkervil River's "Singer Songwriter" off their new record, The Stand Ins. As you've probably read a hundred times by now, the record's a continuation of their last record. The songs mostly revolve around the concept of stand ins and deal with public vs. private faces, fame and celebrity. It admittedly sounds a little suspect o paper, but it's all executed extremely well. As I mentioned earlier, it's not as immediately catchy as The Stage Names, but(easily) has five or six really strong tracks. 

I'm already running crazy late for Spaceland, so I'll stop at that. Pick up the record though. And tune in to Little Radio tomorrow.

New Music Releases: 9/9/08

Summer's over and the record labels aren't frucking around.

Noteworthy Albums Released on 9/9/08:

Albums I’ve Heard:
The New Year: The New Year (Touch & Go) – I first got into the Kadane Brothers back in the Bedhead days circa 1994 or 1995 when my old roommate and I went to see them at the Replay in Lawrence, Kansas. There was a year or two where I went to sleep to Bedhead every day. I was pleasantly surprised when I heard The New Year had booked a show at the Echo, because I had no idea they were still around. And now a new album. The record’s classic Kadane Brothers. Most of the time Matt still sounds like he’s about 10 minutes away from hanging himself, but the way they slowly build a song is still fantastic. Recommended.
Live: The Echo on 9/24/08
MP3: The Company I Can Get (choice lyric: “the redneck in the red Corvette”)

Okkervil River: The Stand Ins (Jagjaguwar) – Maybe not quite as solid all the way through as last year’s The Stage Names (my favorite record of 2007) but it’s still damn good. I’ll write more about it later tonight. Recommended
Live: The Fonda on 9/23/08
MP3: Lost Coastlines

Pontiak: Sun on Sun (Thrill Jockey) – In the Black Mountain and Dead Meadow school of rock. Heavy guitar sounds. I haven’t completely absorbed it yet.
MP3: Shell Skull

Emiliana Torrini: Me and Armini (Rough Trade) – She sang the song at the end of the second Lord of the Rings movie. She’s Icelandic. She makes adult, Morning Becomes Eclectic type of music. Not really my wheel house, but it’s pretty pleasant.
MP3: Me and Armini

Woodhands: Heart Attack (Paper Bag) – This type of music is definitely not in my wheelhouse, but it’s still pretty popular. Indie, electro dance music along the line of Does It Offend You, Yeah? Live: On the Rox on 9/13/08
MP3: Dancer
MP3: I Wasn’t Made for Fighting

Local Releases:
The Broken West: Now or Heaven (Merge) – Another one of my most eagerly anticipated records of the year, and another success. The influences from the first record are still there (Teenage Fanclub, Badfinger, etc.) but the songs are more dynamic. The record has a more cohesive vibe and feels more like the product of a band. Not all the songs are jams, but some of my favorite tracks are more introspective (like "Ambuscade" and "Elm City"). And I really dig the layers of synths and pianos on "House of Lies" too. Lyrically, it's a very dark album. I just wish Merge would have released it on vinyl. Recommended

Live: Spaceland on 10/4/08
MP3: Auctioneer

Meiko: Meiko (Myspace Records) - Another artist springing out of the Hotel Cafe. I haven't heard this yet.
Live: Hotel Café on 10/10/08

Tweak Bird: Reservations (Volcom) - One of the sickest album covers I've seen in a while. There are a few strong tracks here, but it doesn't hit as hard as their live show. Definitely check them out if you're into heavy duos with that weird Mike Patton edge to them.
Live: Silverlake Lounge on 9/17/08

Other noteworthy new releases:
AIDS Wolf
Joan Baez
The Black and White Years
Bound Stems
Calexico - Live: The Fonda on 9/29/08 MP3: Two Silver Trees
Callers
Civet
Colourmusic
Common Market - Live: Knitting Factory on 10/4/08
Bart Davenport
Kimya Dawson – for the childrens
Angela Desveaux
The Donkeys - MP3: Walk Through a Cloud
Liz Durrett - MP3: Wild as Them
The Ettes
Fujiya and Miyagi - Live: Troubadour on 10/30/08
Growing
Horse Feathers - Live: Spaceland 10/5/08 MP3: Curs in the Weeds
I’m Not Jim
Jesu EP
Damien Jurado - MP3: Gillian Was a Horse
Lesser Gonzalez Alvarez - MP3: Mostly a Friend
Little Teeth
LL Cool J
Locksley - Live: Troubadour on 10/20/08
Darlene Love compilation
The Lovely Sparrows
The Low Lows - MP3: Sparrows
Metallica - Live: The Forum on 12/17/08
Novillero - MP3: A Little Tradition
Of Montreal 7”
Parenthetical Girls
Plushgun
Portastatic – rarities collection - MP3: Some Small History
Rafter
Josh Rouse – best of Rykodisc - Live: Largo on 9/23/08 – 9/24/08
The Shaky Hands - Live: Spaceland on 10/24/08
Jessica Simpson - Live: The Pomona Fairgrounds on 9/20/08
The Sound of Animals Fighting
Soundtrack – The Women
The Subways
Tricky - Live: The Fonda on 9/12/08
Mark Tucker
Chad VanGaalen - MP3: Willow Tree
Wovenhand
Steve Wynn
Young Widows - MP3: Old Skin

Recently Announced Live Shows

Mercury Rev / Dean and Britta @ El Rey on 12/16/08 (on sale Saturday)

The Decemberists @ Wiltern on 11/24/08 (on sale Friday at 10:00 AM)

Sarah Brightman @ the Forum on 12/20/08 (on sale Saturday at Noon)

Kaiser Chiefs @ the Fonda on 11/11/08 (on sale Saturday at 10:00 AM)

The Faint @ the Wiltern on 11/5/08 (on sale Friday at 10:00 AM)

Travis Tritt and Marty Stuart @ the Fonda on 11/3/08 (on sale Friday at 10:00 AM)

Mason Jennings @ the Fonda on 11/14/08 (on sale Saturday at 10:00 AM)

The Sisters of Mercy @ the Fonda on 12/2/08 (on sale Saturday at 10:00 AM)

Medeski, Martin & Wood @ El Rey on 11/21/08 (on sale Friday at 10:00 AM)

Holly Golightly @ Spaceland on 11/29/08 (on sale Monday at Noon)

Ticket Giveaway: Bodies of Water / Throw Me the Statue

I've got three pairs of tickets to give away for the Bodies of Water / Throw Me the Statue show at the Echo this Wednesday night. Both bands have new records out on Secretly Canadian. Princeton opens the show.

To win these tickets, email me [dukeufo at gmail] with the name of your favorite album cover of the year. Please put Bodies of Water in the subject line. The contest closes Wednesday at Noon.

MP3: Bodies of Water - Under the Pines

MP3: Throw Me the Statue - Lolita

LA Live Music Options: 9/8/08 - 9/14/08

Built to Spill

I didn't make it to any shows last week, but I plan to make it out a few times this week....

Monday 9/8/08
[Recommended] Dios (Malos) / Radar Bros. / Marching Band / Leviathan Brothers @ Spaceland (Free) – Probably the strongest night of Dios’ residency. I don’t miss many Radar Bros. shows. And this is the US debut of Sweden’s Marching Band who also performed on KCRW this morning and will be featured on the soundtrack for the new Michael Cera movie (Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist).
[Recommended] Death to Anders / Robert Francis / The Henry Clay People (acoustic set) / Manhattan Murder Mystery @ the Echo (Free)
[Recommended] CW Stoneking / Jake Labotz @ Redwood Bar – Delta Blues from Australia
Amos Lee @ the Fonda ($25)
Kyle H. Mabson / Sex-S / Adventure / Future Islands / I.E. @ Pehrspace
My Imaginary Friends / The Young Hunting / Caroline Movement / Whispering Pines @ Silverlake Lounge (Free)
Big Bang / Seneca Hawk @ Troubadour ($5)
Radio Alert: Marching Band on Morning Becomes Eclectic at 11:15 AM (89.9FM) Tivo Alert: Bon Iver on Conan O’Brien

Tuesday 9/9/08
[Recommended] Mogwai / Fuck Buttons @ Wiltern ($25) – Mogwai’s a great live band.
[Recommended] Damien Jurado / Jennifer O’Connor / Little Wings @ Spaceland ($12) – Good singer-songwriter lineup.
Ratatat / Panther / E*Rock @ the Fonda (Sold Out)
Alejandro Escovedo / David Garza / Carrie Rodriguez @ Troubadour ($25)
Balkan Beat Box @ El Rey ($18.50)
The Automatic Music Explosion @ Canter’s (Free)
The Paul F. Tompkins Show w/ Grant-Lee Phillips @ Largo ($20)
Alex and Sam / Rachel Cantu @ Tangier ($5)
Stop Revolt / New London @ Silverlake Lounge
Tony Gilkyson @ Redwood Bar
Terrance Howard @ Viper Room

Wednesday 9/10/08
[Recommended] Built to Spill / Quasi @ Trouabdour (Sold Out) – Performing Perfect From Now On in its entirety
[Recommended] Throw Me the Statue / Bodies of Water / Princeton @ the Echo ($10) – The more I listen to the Throw Me the Statue record, the more I like it. I still haven’t heard the new Bodies of Water. I’ve got tickets to give away for this show. I’ll post the details later today.
[Recommended] Aaron Embry & Friends / Tenlons Fort / Dirt Bird @ Tangier Restaurant (Free)
[Recommended] Nels Cline & Jon Brion @ Largo ($30)
[Recommended] The Parson Red Heads @ Amoeba (Free) – 7:00 PM show.
Ratatat / Panther / E*Rock @ the Fonda (Sold Out)
Olin and the Moon / Eleni Mandell / Dillon Campbell / Venus Illuminato @ Tangier Lounge (Free)
Low End Theory Club @ Airliner
Club NME: Mack Winston and the Reflections @ Spaceland ($5)Black Crayons / Rocking Horse People @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson @ Hotel Café
Nebula @ Viper Room
Radio Alert: Dr. Dog on Morning Becomes Eclectic at 11:15AM (89.9 FM)
Tivo Alert: Paul Weller on Letterman

Thursday 9/11/08
[Recommended] Built to Spill / Quasi @ Trouabdour ($25) – Performing Perfect From Now On in its entirety
[Recommended] Jenny Lewis @ Spaceland ($15)
[Recommended] Les Blanks / Go West Young Man / The Voyeurs / My Pet Saddle @ Silverlake Lounge ($8) – I’m digging Les Blanks.
[Recommended] Sarah Silverman and Friends @ Largo ($25) – Comedy.
Lion of Panjshir / Gangi / Golden Animals @ Tangier ($7)
Tim Finn / Brandi Shearer @ El Rey ($30)
Anya Marina @ Fresh & Easy [7021 Hollywood Blvd]
Toadies @ the Roxy ($20)
Voice on Tape / Father Murphy / Zombelle @ The Smell
The Dollyrots @ Viper Room
Tivo Alert: Meiko on Conan O’Brien

Friday 9/12/08
[Recommended] Brian Wilson @ Hollywood Bowl ($10 - $114) – A night with Brian Wilson at the Hollywood Bowl (and fireworks!).
[Recommended] Citay / The Parson Red Heads / Pierre de Reeder @ Tangier ($10) – I like Citay and the Parson Red Heads.
MP3: Citay’s – First Fantasy
MP3: The Parson Red Head’s – Got It All
[Recommended] Jon Brion @ Largo ($30 / $20 for 2nd set)
[Recommended] Jenny Lewis @ the Echo ($15)
Jason Falkner / Oliver Future / Honey Honey / Avi Shine @ The Roxy ($12.50)
Infinity / Voxhaul Broadcast @ Spaceland ($12) – Female fronted Journey cover band.
Brooke Fraser @ El Rey ($19)
Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson @ McCabe’s (Sold Out)
Franklin for Short @ Pehrspace
Supreme Beings of Leisure / Carmen Rizzo @ Echoplex (Free with RSVP)
The Strange Boys @ the Echo ($5) – Later show
Tony Bennett @ the Greek ($36 – $156)
Very Be Careful @ the Mint ($12)
Rob Dickinson @ Hotel Café
Bastidas / Die Rockers Die / The Groggs / Meho Plaza @ the Smell
Mirah and the Spectratone International: Share This Place / Emily Wells ($15)
Radio Alert: Inara George & Van Dyke Parks on Morning Becomes Eclectic at 11:15 AM (89.9 FM)

Saturday 9/13/08
[Recommended] Brian Wilson @ Hollywood Bowl ($10 - $114) - A night with Brian Wilson at the Hollywood Bowl (and fireworks!).
[Recommended] Aesop Rock w/ Rob Sonic and DJ Big Wiz / The Mighty Underdogs / Grayskul @ Troubadour ($20)
Inara George and Van Dyke Parks @ Largo ($30)
HEALTH / The Mae Shi @ the Smell – Live at the Smell DVD taping
The Juan Maclean @ El Rey ($16)
The Pigeon Detectives / Lemon Sun @ Spaceland ($12) – I saw the Pigeon Detectives on highlights from Glastonbury this year.
The Rocket Summer @ the Fonda ($18)
The Voyeurs / The Dirty Hearts / The Active Set @ Knitting Factory Alterknit ($8) Kristen Hersh’s Shady Circle / The Willard Grant Conspiracy @ McCabe’s ($20)

Sunday 9/14/08
[Recommended] Brian Wilson @ Hollywood Bowl ($10 - $114) - A night with Brian Wilson at the Hollywood Bowl (and fireworks!).
[Recommended] Aesop Rock w/ Rob Sonic and DJ Big Wiz / The Mighty Underdogs / Yak Ballz @ Troubadour ($20)
[Recommended] Learning Music / Tom Brosseau / Vosotros / Bobb Bruno @ Tangier ($8) – Eclectic lineup.
Common / N.E.R.D. @ Wiltern $45)
Pat Green @ House of Blues ($25)
Born In Death Valley @ Spaceland ($6)
Grande Ole Echo: Duane Jarvis @ the Echo (Free) – Early show at 5:00 PM
Part Time Punks @ the Echo ($5)
DJ Numark @ Redwood Bar Eternal Tapestry / U.S. Girls / Robedoor / Magic Lantern @ the Smell
Disney’s Concert For Hope: Miley Cyrus / Jonas Brothers @ Gibson Amphitheatre ($100 - $300)