Friday, October 31, 2008

New Music Releases 10/21/08



Paris put me way behind on writing. And since most of these records came via digital copies from the publicists, and since my computer crapped out on me (thanks Mac!) after I downloaded them, I haven’t really spent a lot of time with any of these releases yet….but here’s some information. Take it for what it’s worth (very little). Parts & Labor and The Sea and Cake are my picks for the week.

New Music Releases 10/21/08:

Records I’ve Heard:
AC/DC: Black Ice (Columbia) – Starts off decently, but then drags on way too long (does the world really need a 56 minute AC/DC album?). It brings back memories of cruising my home town in my buddy’s CRX with the “Thunderstruck” blaring. I still prefer Bon Scott era. The Wal-Mart exclusive paid off for them with over 800k sold in the first week. See them at the Forum on 12/6/08 and 12/8/08

Brother JT3: Jelly Roll Gospel (Drag City) – I haven’t spent much time with this yet, but it’s the acid/psych rock version of Brother JT. Hard to believe he’s been doing it since the mid-1980s. It’s vinyl only and limited to 500 copies

Cornelius: Sensuous / Sensurround (Cherry Red) – Deluxe CD/DVD version of the album. I honestly haven’t had a chance to look at the DVD yet, but I enjoy most everything Cornelius does.

The Dears: Missiles (Dangerbird) – This is the first Dears record I’ve listened to (and the first for LA’s Dangerbird Records), so I can’t be much of a judge. All I can say is that it’s easy to listen to, but ultimately a little bit dull.

Parts & Labor: Receivers (Jagjaguwar) – This is my first time listening to Parts & Labor too. I’ve only listened to this once, but so far I’m impressed. It’s on the listenable side of noise rock. They do interesting things with electronic feedback, but still write songs. Recommended for fans of the more noisy side of indie rock. At the Smell on 11/3/08. MP3: Nowheres Nigh

Pit Er Pat: High Time (Thrill Jockey) – Chicago post-rock. This is one of those bands (like Deerhoof) that I’d probably like better if they were instrumental. I just can’t take the singing at all. At the Smell on 11/8/08. MP3: Evacuation Days

The Sea and Cake: Car Alarm (Thrill Jockey) – I still love their first three albums the best, but this is a welcome return to form after the disappointing Everybody. If you’re new to the band, you might want to pick up their first album first, but long time fans shouldn’t hesitate to buy this. At the Troubadour on 12/3/08 & 12/4/08 MP3: Car Alarm

Local Interest:
The Whispertown 2000: Swim (Acony Records) – I haven’t gotten through this one yet. At the Echo on 11/2/08. MP3: Done with Love

Other Noteworthy Releases:
+ / - - MP3: Snowblind
The Dead Trees
Brett Dennen – At Hotel Café on 11/7/08 & 11/8/08
Electric Six – At Key Club on 11/7/08
Erik Friedlander
Sebastian Grainger – MP3: American Names
Heavy Hands
Herman Dune
High School Musical 3 – soundtrack
Hush Arbors – MP3: Follow Closely
Waylon Jennings
Lake – MP3: Blue Ocean Blue
Gary Louris EP
Lydia – At El Rey on 11/11/08
Mythical Beast
Night Horse
Of Montreal – At the Palladium on 11/22/08
RTX – MP3: Cheap Wine Time
Simon Bookish – MP3: Dumb Terminal
White Hinterland – EP – MP3: Chant de Grillon
Hank Williams III

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Sinking Radio: Buck Owens - "It's a Monster's Holiday"


This is a reminder to tune in to Sinking Radio with Sylvia and Matt tomorrow from Noon to 2:00 PM on Little Radio. Todd's out tour managing some French band, so it'll be Matt and Sylvia only. No musical guests either.

Each week on the show, they feature an official You Set the Scene pick. In honor of Halloween, my pick for tomorrow's show is Buck Owens' "It's a Monster's Holiday." The pick was a request from my friend John Ringhoff. 

Along with Merle Haggard, Buck Owens is credited with coming up with the Bakersfield sound. The Bakersfield sound is more of a meaty, rock 'n' roll influenced branch of country music that came around when most country music was really polished and full of string arrangements. Owens was a huge influence on Gram Parsons and Dwight Yoakam. The Beatles even covered Owens' "Act Naturally" on Help!.    

One other note on Little Radio. Unfortunately their big Halloween bash with Autolux has been canceled due to some permit issues. If you're still looking for something to do, tickets are still available for the Secret Machines, The Entrance Band, Mack Winston and the Reflections and Jason Simon (of Dead Meadow) at Spaceland. Secret Machines put on a great show.....

Tonight's Neil Young Concert is Canceled



Bummer. Tonight's show at the Forum is canceled. According to Reuter's, IATSE's in a labor dispute with the Forum's owners (Faithful Central Bible Church) and Neil refused to cross the picket line. No makeup date is scheduled. Ticketmaster already refunded my credit card.......

Guess that gives you an excuse to see Secret Machines / The Dears or Jenny Lewis or White Lies.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Back from Paris - Secret Show at Spaceland

As you (hopefully) noticed, I've been on vacation for the past 10 days. Paris is a pretty incredible city. I didn't see any bands while I was there, but I had one pretty great indie rock sighting - one of the twins from Blonde Redhead walking the tiniest little dog in the Marais district.



For those people who have emailed me to inquire about the "Very Special Guests" at Spaceland on Halloween, I was told I couldn't announce it. But I got a Myspace bulletin from a New York (by way of Dallas) band with this: "Halloween in Los Angeles means a rocking good time at Spaceland." Also on the bill is The Entrance Band and Jason Simon of Dead Meadow. Advance tickets are only $10 and are available HERE. Add that to the list of great options...

Monday, October 27, 2008

LA Live Music Options: 10/27/08 - 11/2/08


This post was prepared back on October 17th, so please confirm shows before showing up....

Monday 10/27/08
[Recommended] Everest / The Parson Red Heads @ R Bar (Free with password) – A break for Everest from their tour with Neil Young.
[Recommended] Kenan Bell / The Morning Benders / White Arrows @ Spaceland (Free)
[Recommneded] Rademacher @ the Echo (Free)
Manhattan Murder Mystery / Princeton / Divisadero / Young Animals @ Mr. T’s Bowl
Juiceboxxx / Icy Lytes / Kid Infinity @ Pehrspace
The May Fire / Odd Modern / Thailand @ Silverlake Lounge (Free)
Robyn @ Hotel Café
Mike Stinson @ Redwood Bar – Good local country.
Colossal Yes / Desolation Wilderness / LAKE / Devon Williams Something @ the Smell ($5)
Jack’s Mannequin @ Troubadour (Sold Out)

Tuesday 10/28/08
The Kooks / The Whigs @ Hollywood Palladium ($28.50) – The Whigs put on a great live show. It’s probably a good excuse to check out the new Palladium.
Against Me! / Ted Leo & the Pharmacists / Future of the Left @ the Wiltern ($25)
The Karabal Nightlife / I Make This Sound @ the Echo (Free) – I haven’t seen Karabal Nightlife, but I’m a fan of I Make This Sound.
Jeffrey Lewis / Talkdemonic / Homesick Elephant @ Spaceland ($10)
Third Meeting of the Symphonic Jamboree led by Tim Rutili @ Echo Curio
HoneyHoney @ Largo
The Seabellies @ Silverlake Lounge ($8) – Aussies.
Becky Stark (of Lavender Diamond) @ Tangier ($10)
Tony Gilkyson @ Redwood Bar
Aushua / Rose Rossi / Two Spot Gobi / Abdomen @ the Roxy
Jack’s Mannequin @ Troubadour (Sold Out)

Wednesday 10/29/08
[Recommended] The Notwist / Jel / OddNosdam @ The Fonda ($20)
Low End Theory Club @ Airliner
Milton Nascimento & the Jobim Trio @ Walt Disney Concert Hall ($36 - $69)
Club NME: Spinnerette (featuring Brody Dalle) / Future of the Left @ Spaceland ($14)
Julitte Commagere / Dawes / Alex & Sam / Nicole Simone @ Tangier ($8)
The Hackensaw Boys @ Redwood Bar ($10)
Rob Dickinson @ Hotel Café
slow/dynamite / Polar Goldie Cats / Voice On Tape @ the Smell ($5)
Maylene & the Sons of Disaster @ Troubadour ($14)

Thursday 10/30/08
CANCELED - [Recommended] Neil Young / Death Cab For Cutie / Everest @ The Forum ($51 - $251) – It’s fucking Neil Young. And Everest is opening for him. Probably the only thing that could get me to a show at the Forum. - CANCELED
[Recommended] Secret Machines / The Dears @ Key Club ($18) – Secret Machines are best experienced live and the Key Club does have a good sound system.
[Recommended] Jenny Lewis / Beachwood Sparks / Pierre de Reeder @ Orpheum ($30) – I just saw her at Spaceland, but she’s pretty charming live.
Fujiya & Miyagi / Fools Gold @ Troubadour ($15)
White Lies / Japanese Motors @ the Roxy ($13.50)
Avi Buffalo @ Echo Curio
The Mighty Underdogs @ Knitting Factory ($20)
Lisa Hannigan @ Largo
Polar Goldie Cats @ Relax Bar
Jon Lajoie / Io Echo / White Shoes & the Couples Company (from Indonesia) @ Spaceland
The Heavy / Pop Levi / The Gray Kid @ the Echo ($12)
The Hackensaw Boys / Robert Francis / Olin and the Moon @ Sivlerlake Lounge ($10)
Ane Brun / Tobias Froberg @ Hotel Café
Ray LaMontagne @ The Wiltern ($40 - $50)

Friday 10/31/08
[Recommended] Secret Machines / The Entrance Band / Mack Winston and the Reflections / Jason Simon (of Dead Meadow) @ Spaceland ($17)
The Henry Clay People @ Cat and Fiddle ($9) - Playing as the Ronald Reagan people.
CANCELED - Autoux / The Henry Clay People / Restaurant / Gaslamp Killer @ Little Radio [1218 Long Beach Ave in Downtown LA] ($24) – Entrance includes open bar all night. - CANCELED
[Recommended] Roky Erickson / The Black Angels @ El Rey ($28.50) – I saw Roky at SXSW this year, and he was surprisingly good.
The Damned / The Adolescents / Woolly Bandits @ House of Blues ($27.50)
Rise Against! / Alkaline Trio / Thrice / The Gaslight Anthem @ Hollywood Palladium ($33)
Exitmusic / Sirens and Sailors @ Echo Curio
Asobi Seksu / Love Grenades @ the Echo ($10)
Hard Haunted Mansion: Justice / Soulwax / Boys Noise / Simian Mobile Disco / Crystal Castles @ Shrine Auditorium ($52 - $127)
Cypress Hill / The Cool Kids @ The Wiltern ($40)
Helmet @ Viper Room ($25)

Saturday 11/1/08
[Recommended] The Parson Red Heads / The Spires / The Sweet Hurt @ Spaceland – Good local lineup.
[Recommended] She & Him / Lavender Diamond @ the Wiltern ($25.50) – I saw She & Him at SXSW this year and they exceeded my expectations.
[Recommended] Zach Hill & Peer Pressure @ The Smell ($5) – Performing solo. No clue what that will be like.
The 88 / thenewno2 @ Troubadour ($15) – The 88 are releasing their major label debut. Thenewno2 is Dhani Harrison’s (George’s son) band.
Rise Against! / Alkaline Trio / Thrice / The Gaslight Anthem @ Hollywood Palladium ($33)
Yelle / Passion Pit / Funeral Party @ The Fonda ($20) – Lots of buzz for these guys right now.
Shudder to Think / Jubilee @ El Rey ($26)
Tom Gabel of Against Me! / Chuck Regan of Hot Water Music / Ben Nichols of Lucero / Tim Barry of Avail @ Knitting Factory ($15)
Summer Darling @ Pehrspace
Forro In the Dark / Pilar Diaz @ the Echo ($10)
Jason Mraz / Lisa Hannigan @ Greek Theatre

Sunday 11/2/08
Whispertown 2000 / Michael Runion ($5) – Early show at 6:00 PM
Rise Against! / Alkaline Trio / Thrice / The Gaslight Anthem @ Hollywood Palladium ($33)
Ray Lamontagne @ Wiltern ($40 - $50)
The Shivers / Charlie Wadhams @ Tangier ($7)
Experience Hendrix @ Greek Theatre

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

LA Bands at CMJ



I won't be in New York for CMJ this year, but perhaps you will?
Here are the LA bands you can see:
Tuesday 10/21/08:
7:00 PM: Rainbow Arabia @ Cake Shop
10:00 PM: Gangi @ Cake Shop
11:00 PM: Hecuba @ Cake Shop
10:00 PM: Army Navy @ Union Pool
10:15 PM: Aceyalone @ Sullivan Hall
10:55 PM: Evidence @ Sullivan Hall

Wednesday 10/22/08:
9:30 PM: Arabian Prince @ Gallery Bar
11:00 PM: Madlib @ Gallery Bar
12:00 AM: J. Rocc @ Gallery Bar
11:30 PM: Graham MacRae @ Googie’s Lounge
9:00 PM: Eulogies @ Maxwell’s
11:00 PM: One Trick Pony @ Pete’s Candy Store

Thursday 10/23/08:
7:30 PM: Eulogies @ Hiro Ballroom
12:30 AM: The Pity Party @ Pianos
11:00 PM: The Broken West @ Red Bull Space

Friday 10/24/08:
10:00 PM: Gliss @ The Delancey
12:00 AM: The Mae Shi @ Knitting Factory Main Space
11:00 PM: Crystal Antlers @ Red Bull Space

Saturday 10/25/08:
8:45 PM: The Happy Hollows @ Blender Theater at Gramercy
1:00 AM: Crystal Antlers @ Bowery Ballroom
10:00 PM: Buddy @ Living Room
7:00 PM: Princeton @ Love
10:00 PM: Rumspringa @ Love
11:00 PM: The Broken West @ Mercury Lounge
10:30PM: Franki Chan @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
11:00 PM: The Chapin Sisters @ Pete’s Candy Store
12:30 AM: Restavrant @ Santos Party House
The photo features the Crystal Antlers

Monday, October 20, 2008

LA Live Music Options: 10/20/08 - 10/26/08

Photo of Andrew Bird by Cameron Wittig

This post was prepared in advance on the 17th, all listings are subject to change.....
Monday 10/20/08
[Recommended] Andrew Bird / Haley Bonar @ Largo (Sold Out) – Before seeing him live, I only passively appreciated Andrew Bird. But watching him work is very cool – similar to a Jon Brion gig.
[Recommended] Pinback / Mr. Tube and the Flying Objects @ Echoplex ($20) – To be completely honest, Pinback’s not the most engaging live band in the world. They look like a couple of guys that wandered off the floor of the Comic-Con convention. It seems to surprise a lot of my friends, but I really do like their music.
[Recommended] Rademacher / Le Switch / All Smiles / Death to Anders @ The Echo (Free) – This is the strongest lineup of the Rademacher residency. All Smiles is currently on tour with Conor Oberst. They’re performing these shows as a duo with Jim Fairchild (formerly of Grandaddy) joined by Danny Seim of Menomena.
Kenan Bell / Distortion Felix / Southern Oracle / Not in the House @ Spaceland (Free) – I’ve heard the Kenan Bell residency has been packed so far. The lineup next week is a little better, so I’m not going to recommend it this week.
Dave Gleason @ Redwood Bar – If you’re a country fan, he puts on a really good show.
Samuel Markus @ Silverlake Lounge ($7)
Locksley / Hymns @ Troubadour (Free) – Hymns has some pretty good songs.
MP3: Why Can’t I Be You?
Manhattan Murder Mystery / Seasons / Panic Movement @ Mr. T’s Bowl (Free)
Ed Vallance @ Hotel Café
MC Chris / Totally Michael @ The Roxy

Tuesday 10/21/08
[Recommended] Tigers Can Bite / Light FM / The French Semester @ Boardner’s ($6) – Tigers Can Bite You have a new EP out on New and Used Records.
Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band / The Like / All Smiles @ The Fonda (Sold Out)
Mammatus / Wildildlife / Magic Lantern ($10)
Monster @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Harpes Simon / Haley Bonar / Daniel Martin Moore @ Tangier ($10)
Kill the Academy / Chemical Burn @ Troubadour ($5)

Wednesday 10/22/08
Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band / The Like / All Smiles @ The Fonda ($25)
Robyn @ Spaceland ($12) – She’s an international star, but they’re still trying to break her in the U.S. This is an acoustic performance.
The Felice Brothers / Deer Tick @ Troubadour ($12) – I heard the Felice Brothers put on a good show.
Dead Ponies @ Redwood Bar – They’re doing a Wednesday night residency this month.
Low End Theory Club @ Airliner
VNV Nation @ El Rey ($22)
Ilo Mar @ Echo Curio
The Neighborhood Bullies / Dogweed / Bollweevil @ the Echo (Free)
Juliette Commagere @ Tangier ($8)
Golden Ratio @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Everlast @ the Roxy

Thursday 10/23/08
[Recommended] Helen Stellar / Seaspin / Shirley Rolls @ the Echo (Free) – After a bit of a hiatus, Hellen Stellar’s back. The fact that Cameron Crowe signed them to his record label should tell you something…
[Recommended] Seasons / Fol Chen / Les Blanks / Meho Plaza @ Echo Curio – If you still haven’t seen Les Blanks, just do it….
Stereolab / Richard Swift / Monade @ the Fonda ($27) – I find Stereolab a little bit boring live, but they’re still a great band. I’m a big Richard Swift fan, and I’d dying to give him another shot live (he was boring the only time I saw him too).
Sunburned Hand Of The Man / Franklin's Mint @ the Smell ($5)
Dar Williams @ El Rey ($26.50)
Human Giant @ Largo
Rose Hill Drive / Colour Revolt / His Orchestra @ Spaceland ($10)
Flaming Fire / Starlite Desperation @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Bayside / The Matches ($18)
Slaughter @ Key Club ($25)
Friday 10/24/08
[Recommended] Jon Brion @ Largo
The Acorn / The Shaky Hands / Ohbijou @ Spaceland ($10) – Seeing some pretty good buzz on the Acorn.
Girl Talk / Hearts of Darknesses / Grand Buffet @ The Fonda (Sold Out) – I have seen Girl Talk and I did think it wasn’t my scene. But everybody else loved him. Foreigner @ House of Blues ($55)
Eliza Gilkyson @ McCabe’s ($20)
Adam Marsland’s Chaos Band @ Mr. T’s Bowl
Love Grenades / Jean Paul Yamamoto @ the Echo ($5)
The Shakes / The Glossines @ Redwood Bar
Grand Buffet / Hearts Of Darknesses / Anavan / Captain Ahab / Kyle H. Mabson @ the Smell
Presidents of the United States of America / The Blakes @ Troubadour ($20)
Iced Earth / Saviours @ The Wiltern
Devin the Dude @ Key Club ($27.50)
Saturday 10/25/08
[Recommended] The Monolators / You Me and Iowa / Summer Darling / Correatown @ Spaceland ($8) – Record release party for the Monolators. A nice local lineup.
Hungry Beat Dance Party @ Pehrspace – Squaregirls present a night of twee
Girl Talk / Cx Kidtronix / The Death Set @ The Fonda (Sold Out)
Mountain Goats / Kaki King @ Troubadour ($20)
Sarah Silverman @ LargoVince Gill @ Walt Disney Concert Hall ($36 tix remain)
Flogging Molly @ Hollywood Palladium
Chris Cornell & Timbaland @ House of Blues (Sold Out)
The Family Band @ Hotel Café
I See Hawks in LA @ Redwood Bar
USA Is A Monster / Foot Village @ the Smell ($5)
Sunday 10/26/08
[Recommended] Grande Ole Echo: Old Californio / David Serby & Sidewinders / The Gentleman Farmers / Madame Pamita @ the Echo (Free) – Early show at 5:00 PM. Say happy birthday to my friend Tita.
Ian MacKaye @ Hollywood High ($5) – A Q& A with the lead singer of Fugazi and Minor Threat
Mountain Goats / Kaki King @ Troubadour ($20)
The Dave Brubeck Quartet @ Walt Disney Concert Hall (Sold Out)
Stan Ridgway Band @ House of Blues ($15.50)
Neil Hamburger @ Spaceland ($8)
The Death Set @ the Echo ($12)
Rachel Cantu / Gardening Not Architecture / Jennifer Furches @ Tangier ($8)
Ô Paon / Guy Blackman / Katy Davidson @ the Smell ($5)

Friday, October 17, 2008

Little Radio Halloween


If you're still looking for Halloween plans, this Little Radio party looks like the best option. They picked some great bands who put on energetic, interesting live shows, they've got an open bar all night and a massive haunted house. Buy tickets HERE

Thursday, October 16, 2008

New Music Releases: 10/14/08


These updates are so much easier when publicists don't send me any of the records. Of course, I can't really recommend anything either...
Records I’ve Heard:

Secret Machines: Secret Machines (TSM Records) – This is the band’s first release since guitarist Ben Curtis was replaced by ex-Tripping Daisy guitarist Phil Karnats. The change is pretty subtle. The kraut rock influences might be toned down a little and the classic rock ‘n’ roll influences are dialed up a bit? Josh Garza’s bombastic drums have always kind of made the band for me. They have one long jam during the third track, “Have I Run Out,” but save most of it for the 11 minute closing track, “The Fire Is Waiting.” I'm digging it more than their last record and it got a good review from Pitchfork today too. If you’re not going to Neil Young, make sure to catch them at the Key Club on 10/30/08. For all that talk about how loud those My Bloody Valentine shows were at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, Secret Machines were a lot louder the last time I saw them at the Viper Room.
MP3: Atomic Heels

On the Shopping List:
Townes Van Zandt: Delta Momma Blues (Fat Possum) – Vinyl reissue

Townes Van Zandt: Townes Van Zandt (Fat Possum) – Vinyl reissue

Lucinda Williams: Little Honey (Lost Highway) – Haven’t heard anything but the first single so far. At the Wiltern on 11/21/08

Local Releases:
Army Navy: Army Navy (The Fever Zone)

Hearts of Palm UK: For Life (Hypnote) – At Spaceland on 11/6/08
MP3: I Flow
MP3: People and Logistics
Shiloe: And Now the Screaming Starts (New & Used Records) - Available digitally too

Other Noteworthy Records:
David Bowie – compilation selected by Bowie
Ane Brun – At the Hotel Café on 10/30/08
Buena Vista Social Club – live
Kenny Chesney
Vic Chesnutt, Elf Power, The Amorphous Strums
Nikka Costa
The Dead C
The Decemberists – 12” singles; at the Wiltern on 11/24/08
Dillinger Four
Early Man – EP
The Fleshtones – Christmas album
Frances
Holly Golightly and the Brokeoffs – At Spaceland on 11/29/08
I’m From Barcelona
Nick Jaina
Keane
Killing Joke – Peel Sessions
Ladyhawke – EP; at the Echo on 10/16/08
Ray LaMontagne – at the Wiltern on 11/2/08
Mario Local – MP3: Samba Sem Nenhum Problema
Menahan Street Band – MP3: Make the Road By Walking
Ingrid Michaelson – at El Rey on 11/6/08
The Mighty Underdogs –at the Knitting Factory on 10/30/08
The Organ – EP; MP3: Let the Bells Ring
The Parties
Religious Knives
Santana
Todd Snider
The Spores
The Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt! – single; MP3: Fast Forward Regrets
Tobacco – MP3: Truck Sweat
Various Artists – Born to the Breed – Judy Collins Tribute
Various Artists – Hotel Café Christmas compilation
Various Artists – W. soundtrack
Various Artists – We Wish You a Metal Christmas
The Visitations
Windy & Carl
Winterpills
Yonlu – single; MP3: I Know What It’s Like

Recently Announced Live Shows in LA


Ian MacKaye Q&A @ Hollywood High on 10/2/26/08 (tickets available night of show at the door for $5)

Autolux @ The Fonda on 1/17/09 (on sale 10/18/08)

The Raveonettes @ the Fonda on 1/24/09 (on sale 10/17/08)

Robyn @ Spaceland on 10/22/08 (on sale now at Ticketweb)

Blitzen Trapper / The Parson Red Heads @ the Echo on 11/30/08 (on sale now at Ticketweb)

The Rosebuds / Jonah Ray @ the Echo on 11/25/08 (on sale now at Ticketweb)

Adult. @ Echoplex on 11/15/08 (on sale now at Ticketweb)

A Certain Ratio / Pylon / The Slits / Love Is All / Vivian Girls @ Echoplex on 11/16/08 (on sale now at Ticketweb)

Kid Sister @ Echoplex on 12/4/08 (on sale Saturday at Ticketweb)

The Duke Spirit @ the Roxy on 12/19/08 (on sale 10/18/08)

Motley Crue @ Palladium on 11/14/08 (on sale 10/18/08)

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

New Music Releases: 10/7/08


Last week was an absolute monster of new releases. I'm still trying to get through them. But here's my update (a week late).
Noteworthy Albums Released on 10/7/08:

Records I’ve Heard:
Catfish Haven: Devastator (Secretly Canadian) – These guys (from Chicago actually) play soulful, rough around the edges rock ‘n’ roll that’s a close cousin to LA’s High Society. It’s a good party record and I imagine they’re a great band to see in a bar.
MP3: Set in Stone
MP3: Devastator

Deerhoof: Offend Maggie (Kill Rock Stars) – I like the music, but as soon as lead singer Satomi Matsuzaki starts singing, I lose all interest. It’s getting really good reviews though, so I’m sure fans will dig it. At the Echoplex on 11/14/08
MP3: Offend Maggie

Department of Eagles: In Ear Park (4AD) – This was Daniel Rossen’s band before he joined Grizzly Bear. The album’s four years in the works and features heavy contributions from Chris Taylor and Chris Bear of Grizzly Bear. It’s an ambitious, interesting record that should be right up my alley (just like Grizzly Bear for that matter), but I just don’t connect with it. It reminds me of Van Dyke Park’s Song Cycle (which I also appreciate without connecting with).
MP3: No One Does It Like You Do

El Guincho: Alegranza (XL Recordings/Beggars) – Hailed as Spain’s answer to Panda Bear, El Guincho has gotten mad praise from blogs like Gorilla vs. Bear. It’s got that tribal sound that’s au courant. It reminds me a little bit of the Avalanches too. I find the songs maddeningly repetitive, but it’s worth a listen. At the Echo on 11/20/08

Fucked Up: Chemistry of Common Life (Matador) – Pissed off hardcore that’s all about confronting the listener.
MP3: Twice Born
MP3: No Epiphany

Jay Reatard: Matador Singles ‘08 (Matador) – A collection of all the 7” singles he’s released throughout the year on Matador. Reatard’s a little bit of a chameleon in terms of musical style. He’s usually lumped into the punk category, but the album goes from having a 1950s rock ‘n’ roll vibe all the way to a 1980s Australian sound. And when I saw him live, it bordered on punk-metal. There are enough good songs here to make it an interesting listen. RECOMMENDED
MP3: See-Saw
MP3: Always Wanting More

Lambchop: OH ohio (Merge) – Lambchop’s another band where I like the music, but have a hard time getting over the lead singer’s voice. But if you like well constructed, chamber pop style songs (like I tend to), you should give it a listen.
MP3: National Talk Like a Pirate Day

Margot & the Nuclear So and So’s: Animal! (Epic)
Margot & the Nuclear So and So’s: Not Animal (Epic) – After signing to a major, the band got into a pissing contest over this record. Animal! is the record the band wants you to hear. You can only get it on vinyl right now. Not Animal is the record the label wants you to hear. It’s available on CD as well. I haven’t had a chance to spend much time with either one yet but I’ll let you know when I do.

The Rosebuds: Life Like (Merge) – I honestly wasn’t too familiar with the Rosebuds before this release, so I’m happy the label sent it to me. As I’ve mentioned before, I’m a sucker for indie rock with mostly upbeat music and totally dark lyrics. At the Echo on 11/25/08; RECOMMENDED
MP3: Life Like

Marnie Stern: This Is It & I Am It & You Are It & So Is That & He Is It & It Is It & That Is That (Kill Rock Stars) – Stern’s once again joined by Hella’s crazy ass drummer, Zach Hill. When you listen to this, it makes you feel like your head’s going to explode. Normally I don’t go for this sort of noise, but I always find Hill’s drumming compelling. Recommended for fans of the more extreme, experimental side of indie rock. At El Rey on 11/15/08
MP3: Transformer

Local Releases:
Crystal Antlers: EP (Touch & Go) – Pitchfork awarded their debut EP the coveted, “Best New Music” tag, which helped them sell over 3,000 copies direct to their fans via Myspace. Touch & Go signed them and is now re-releasing the EP. It’s got garage, psych and hardcore elements. It’s a promising set of songs.
MP3: A Thousand Eyes

The Little Ones: Morning Tide (Chop Shop) – The Little Ones debut EP was at the top of my list of local releases in 2006. Two years later, and now signed to music supervisor Alexandra Patsavas’ label, the guys finally release their debut full length. There’s nothing quite as catchy as “Lovers Who Uncover” but there are plenty of really catchy songs that should please indie pop fans. “Morning Tide,” which starts out with a Belle & Sebastian vibe, is one of the highlights. Give it a few listens and the songs will creep into your skin. At the Echo on 11/14/08
MP3: Morning Tide

Other Noteworthy Records:
Damon Aaron
Annuals – MP3: Confessor – At the Fonda on 11/16/08
Antony & the Johnsons EP – At the Walt Disney Concert Hall on 10/14/08
Castanets – At McCabe’s on 11/15/08
Crooked Fingers – MP3: Phony Revolutions – At the Troubadour on 11/12/08
Devin the Dude
Bob Dylan – bootleg volume 8
Justin Townes Earle
Earthless live
Ezra Furman & the Harpoons
Gregory & the Hawk
Robin Guthrie soundtrack
Her Space Holiday – MP3: Sleepy Tigers
Jolie Holland
Hot Lava
Japanese Motors – At the Roxy on 10/30/08
King Tuff
Julian Koster – indie rock Christmas album; MP3: Jingle Bells
Land of Talk
The Legendary Pink Dots – At the Knitting Factory on 11/13/08
Juana Molina
Daniel Martin Moore – MP3: Stray Age
New Radiant Storm King
Oasis – at the Staples on 12/4/08
The Pretenders – CD version
Rig 1
The Spinto Band - MP3: Summer Grof – At the Echoplex on 11/3/08
The Streets
These Are Powers – MP3: Cockles
These Arms Are Snakes
Women – At the Echo on 11/12/08
MP3: Black Rice
MP3: Group Transport Hall
Wu-Tang Clan
Rachel Yamagata
Yo Majesty

Monday, October 13, 2008

Live Music Options 10/13/08 - 10/19/08

Fresno's Rademacher Continue Their Echo Residency Monday Night
The big shows of the week have to be Antony & the Johnsons, Jay-Z and Wire.
Monday 10/13/08
[Recommended] Rademacher / Eagle & Talon / Transmissions / Wrong Way Driver @ the Echo (Free) – For the indie rock fans.
[Recommended] Kenan Bell / Rumspringa / 87 Stick Up Kids / El Ten Eleven @ Spaceland (Free) – For the hip-hop fans.
[Recommended] Mike Stinson @ Redwood Bar – For the country fans.
Manhattan Murder Mystery / The Savages @ Mr. T’s Bowl
Pendulum / Guns N Bombs @ Mayan ($27)
Dos / Nasa Space Experiment / The Amazements @ Pehrspace
Murky Water District / Polar X / Pegasissy @ Silverlake Lounge ($7)
Obama Benefit: Brett Dennen / Ben Lee / Rocco DeLuca @ Hotel Café
Jolie Holland / Herman Dune @ Troubadour ($15)

Tuesday 10/14/08
[Recommended] Wire / The Muslims @ the Echo ($22) - Legends.
Weezer / Angels and Airwaves / Tokyo Police Club @ the Forum ($30 - $58)
Antony & the Johnsons @ Walt Disney Hall ($40 - $70) – If you really want to go, there are still some great single tickets.
The Ting Tings / Santogold / Mates of State / Low vs. Diamond @ Wiltern ($30)
These United States / Vandaveer / Intricate Machines / Stop Revolt @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Janeane Garofalo @ Largo Little Room
PacificUV / Melodyguild / Peter Piek / Languis (DJ set) @ Spaceland ($5)
Johnette Napolitano @ Hotel Café
Tony Gilkyson @ Redwood Bar
The Dead Science / Deathday Party / Devon Williams Something / Zombelle @ the Smell
Three / Art of Chaos / Middle Class Rut @ Troubadour ($14)
Wednesday 10/15/08
[Recommended] Jay-Z @ Hollywood Palladium (Sold Out) – The grand opening of the re-designed Palladium.
The Rumble Strips / Birdmonster @ Spaceland ($12) – Pitchfork gave London’s The Rumble Strips debut a respectable 7.6/10 and compared them to Dexys Midnight Runners.
[Recommended] Army Navy / The Henry Clay People @ the Echo
Dead Ponies @ Redwood Bar (Free) – They’re doing a month long residency at the Redwood
Hearts of Palm UK / Obi Best / The Sweet Hurt @ El Cid ($8) – Record release party for Hearts of Palm UK
Kings of Leon / We Are Scientists / The Stills @ Nokia Theatre ($30 - $45)
Black Kids / The Virgins / Voxhaul Broadcast @ Mayan ($20)
Low End Theory Club: Free Moral Agents / Zechs Marquise @ Airliner
John C. Reilly’s Variety Show @ Largo
Total Chaos @ Safari Sam’s
Dub Club @ Echoplex
The Atma @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Juliette Commagere @Tangier ($8)
Ryan Calhoun @ Hotel Café
The Locust / The Chinese Stars / Awesome Brothers @ The Smell
Jackie Greene / Carney @ Troubadour ($17)
Thursday 10/16/08
[Recommended] Born Ruffians / Plants and Animals / Nurses @ Spaceland ($12) – Three pretty interesting indie rock bands. Pitchfork gave Toronto’s Born Ruffians debut album (on Warp) a respectable 8.0/10. What I’ve heard on Myspace is pretty good indie rock. Pfork gave Montreal’s Plants and Animals that same 8.0/10.
Jaguar Love / The Pity Party / The Library @ Silverlake Lounge ($10) – Matador noise band.
Hayes Carll / South Austin Jug Band @ the Mint ($12) – Carll had some good buzz at Stagecoach last year. He’s on Lost Highway records.
Wild Sweet Orange / The Audrye Sessions @ Hotel Café
Ghostland Observatory / DJ Kid Lightning @ Mayan ($26)
The Rescues @ Hotel Café
Tina Turner @ Staples Center
Tegan and Sara / City and Colour / Girl in a Coma @ the Fonda ($35)
Petra Haden and Woody Jackson @ Largo
The Chinese Stars / Awesome Brothers / Bad Dudes / Bipolar Bear @ the Smell
Hot Little Pony / Blackout 101 / Bangkok Five @ Troubadour ($15)
Gilby Clarke @ Viper Room ($20)

Friday 10/17/08
[Recommended] Jon Brion @ Largo
[Recommended] Heroine Sheiks / Qui @ Spaceland ($12) – The Heroine Sheiks lead singer used to be in the Cows. But I’m mostly recommending it for Qui.
The Roots / Gym Class Heroes @ Hollywood Palladium ($10 tix available) – For $10 you can see the Roots and then split.
The High Society @ Redwood Bar
Say Hi / Jukebox The Ghost / Princeton @ the Echo ($8) – Indie pop.
Exitmusic / The Black Pine / Voices Voices @ Pehrspace
Jackopierce @ Key Club Tegan and Sara / City and Colour / Girl in a Coma @ the Fonda (Sold Out)
Panic Movement @ Echo Curio
Bob Schneider @ Safari Sam’s ($22.50)
Love Grenades / Little Red Radio @ Echoplex ($8)
Very Be Careful @ El Cid ($12)
Yael Naim / Peter Von Poehl @ Troubadour ($25)
The Boat People @ Viper Room ($10) – Early show at 7:30 PM

Saturday 10/18/08
The Muslims / AM @ Pehrspace – Good buzz behind the Muslims right now. Pehrspace holds about 25 people and is BYOB.
Patti Smith and Her Band @ Orpheum ($35)
Franklin for Short / The Spires / Angela Correa @ Mr. T’s Bowl – Mr. T’s site says the Ruby Suns are playing, but it isn’t listed on the Ruby Suns’ Myspace page.
The Boat People @ Spaceland ($8) – Australian indie pop.
The Greg Proops Chat Show @ Largo
Tegan and Sara / City and Colour / Girl in a Coma @ the Fonda (Sold Out)
Random Patterns / Wobbly Bones / BBVV (Bobb Bruno + Voices Voices) @ Echo Curio
Wonder-Full Tribute to Stevie Wonder @ Echo & Echoplex ($20)
Rachel Cantu / Theresa Flaminio / One Trick Pony @ Tangier ($8)
The Family Band / Alex and Sam / Jessica Fichot @ Hotel Café
Polysics / Io Echo @ the Roxy
Jail Weddings / Wounded Lion / Wild Youth @ the Smell
Under the Influence of Giants / War Tapes @ Troubadour ($15)

Sunday 10/19/08
The High Dials / The Quarter After / The Shore @ Spaceland ($8)
Carl Wilson Foundation 10 Year Anniversary Tribute Concert & Fundraiser: Al Jardine / David Marks / Dick Dale / Carnie & Wendy Wilson / The Honeys / Adam Marsland’s Chaos Band / Special Guest Brian Wilson @ the Roxy ($100)
Mary J. Blige / Robin Thicke @ Gibson Amphitheatre ($50 - $250)
The Skatalites @ Key Club
Tegan and Sara / City and Colour / Girl in a Coma @ the Fonda (Sold Out)
Gaelic Storm @ El Rey ($20)
Obedient Waves @ Echo Curio
The 1921a @ McCabe’s ($10)
Brunch Americana: Amy Farris / David Serby / Red Rock West @ Safari Sam’s (Free) – Early show at Noon.
The Go-Getters @ Redwood Bar

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Friday, October 10, 2008

Interview with Everest's Joel Graves

Photo Credit: Shayna Peveler
I can't recommend Everest's debut album, Ghost Notes, enough. It's one of my favorite albums of the year. I caught up with Joel Graves (guitar, keys, vocals) the day before they leave for the first date of their tour with Neil Young. The tour stops at the Forum in Los Angeles on October 30th. They're also doing an intimate, free show a few days before. Go to their Myspace page for details...

You Set the Scene: Congratulations on the Neil Young tour, you guys must be ecstatic?
Joel Graves: Thanks! It's pretty much the dream of my life come true.

YSTS: I bet. I really can't think of anybody else I'd rather see every night for 2 months
JG: Me too. We just played some shows in Europe with him and to watch him up there bearing his soul for the entire show is a huge inspiration.

YSTS: I've seen some amazing Neil shows. He's always great.
JG: The first time I saw him with Crazy Horse was at the Forum, which was special for me because I grew up a Lakers fan. Now we're getting to play there with him ourselves. It's mind numbing.

YSTS: Was there anything special you had to do (equipment wise) to prepare to play arenas?
JG: We definitely stepped it up a notch. Because we are playing bigger rooms, it's allowed us to bring a little more stuff than we normally would. I just added a beautiful hand-built wood speaker cabinet that my friend Mike Terry (Ghost Notes producer) made for me. J. Soda is pulling out all the stops! Tube amp heaven... Also, Neil's crew offered to carry our gear on their trucks, so we're just traveling in a van. It's nice to lose the trailer for this trip, especially since much of it will be in the Canadian winter snow. We had to buy some more road cases, that's for sure.

YSTS: That's great. It sounds like you're doing it up the right way. I remember seeing a band like the Shins graduate from small places to huge spaces in a short period and they didn't really seem ready for it. Not to knock the Shins, I still think they’re a great band, but it’s just a whole new world.
JG: Well, this is sort of a fluke for us. We'll be back in clubs where we're comfortable very soon! But, that said... playing festivals with Neil in Europe and touring with My Morning Jacket definitely gave us a good taste of what to expect.

YSTS: I love MMJ and Wilco too. You've gotten to play with some of the best.
JG: Yeah, they're two of my all time favorite bands! The MMJ guys are just amazing people and to spend three weeks in Europe with them was a pleasure and an honor. We definitely made some memories.

YSTS: By the way, I love the record.
JG: Wow, thank you so much. My friend was telling me last night that it was a comfort record, something that could be put on to help you relax or calm down and I thought that was a great, great, great compliment. We're itching to record another one though.

YSTS: Any idea what the next one will be like? Has touring done anything to the band's overall sound?
JG: It's really hard to say. The first one came out of us pretty quickly. Russ had written a bunch of songs before we started playing together, so a basic template existed. We've been bouncing ideas around in practice and I'm pretty excited by everyone's ideas. I think this tour will hopefully help us gel as a band even more and make the next batch of songs a living thing that captures what we are like live.

YSTS: Definitely something to look forward to.
JG: We've got our original drummer, Davey Latter, with us right now, and he raises the bar for sure.

YSTS: Alright, let's talk about LA now.
JG: OK.

YSTS: What neighborhood do you guys inhabit?
JG: We're spread all over town a little bit. Russ and J live in Echo Park and Silver Lake. I live in Santa Monica (because of my day job). Davey lives in Manhattan Beach (born and raised). And our bass player Eli Thomson lives with his family in Orange County. I feel like I've pretty much lived in every neighborhood, at one point or another though.

YSTS: I used to live in that apartment complex in front of Russ’s place. I bought some used Mojo's off him when he moved out a couple of years ago.
JG: He lives there again now! That house is the cornerstone for all good things in the world. We had a little tiny going away gathering with some friends the other night for the Watson Twins and ourselves. Things were winding down and Matt Ward showed up after the Giant Sand show to pull up a chair... it's that kind of place... it's amazing.

YSTS: We used to have competing Thanksgivings. Some of our friends would jump back there after hitting our party.
JG: That is funny. Did you ever go hang out up there? It's like being at the Chateau Marmont or something. So fancy and chill.

YSTS: They were nice enough to invite us, but I never made it back there. We were usually entertaining our own folks.
JG: Ah, well we'll have to fix that by the end of the year. The house itself is fucking amazing and stunningly huge.

YSTS: There's a pool too, right?
JG: Yeah, and a full outdoor bar and cabana. It's ridiculous. We threw the aftershow party for MMJ there when they played the Greek a week or two ago and they couldn’t believe it. It's a hidden gem.

YSTS: I was at that show. Good times. Now to switch gears a bit. What’s your favorite breakfast spot?
JG: Hmmm. I hardly ever get to eat breakfast and it's usually on the Westside on the way in to work. Out here I sometimes go to Snug Harbor and Bread & Porridge.

YSTS: Best Mexican food?
JG: Isn't all Mexican food the best?

YSTS: Whenever I travel outside the US I get mad cravings, that’s for sure.
JG: On the east side I LOVE Alegria. On the Westside, I've been going to Casa Don Antonio's for about 15 years. It's the place with The Cave inside. It's on The Hills now, so it's a bit overrun by teenage starry-eyed Hollywood-lovin' girls now.

YSTS: I’ll have to check that out. Not for the teenage girls.
JG: Yeah, that part is a drag. The whole place changed vibe-wise.

YSTS: Best burger?
JG: Well, I'm vegetarian so I'll tell you about some good veggie burgers...

YSTS: Fair enough.
JG: I think the best veggie burger in town is at this sort of fratty bar downtown, Pete's Cafe. The Hellman burger is amazing, I like it veggie. When I used to eat meat, Father's Office was tough to beat.

YSTS: Yeah, that’s a good burger. Favorite bar, other than Russ’ pad.
JG: That's a tough one. I like bars. On the eastside, I'm partial to Edendale just because it's a common meeting point for our group of friends. I went to Hyperion Tavern the other night, with the guys from the band Little Joy, oddly enough. That place seems amazing. I like places like that that feel old. Also, I'm generally more into old man bars, like the Tee Gee. On the Westside, I stop in at Del's Saloon, The Townhouse, and… shit, I'm drawing a blank on the place by my house that I love.

YSTS: Edendale's gone 3 for 4 in the interviews I've done so far. I think it must just be the group of people I know.
JG: Yeah, it's sort of a classy hang. It's true. All the band friends we have tend to hang out there. They're really nice there too, which goes really far in my book.

YSTS: Your drink of choice?
JG: I'm pretty simple, a beer and a whiskey. My favorite beer by a long shot is Negra Modelo. For whiskey I usually get Jameson neat but I love Redbreast and if a bar has Powers... I'm a fan of that bar for life.

YSTS: I don't know Powers. I bought a whiskey book recently; I'll have to look it up.
JG: It's just a working man's Irish whiskey. It's pretty straightforward. Really great.

YSTS: Your favorite thing about living in LA?
JG: Well, I love that there is so much about LA that people don't even notice. We have some friends who started a thing called hike club this year to help a friend get through a tough time by getting outside, breathing the air, and walking. And I'm not talking about places like Runyon. We've explored some that have blown my mind. Most people don't know that there are waterfalls, natural pools to swim in; all sorts of great things in this town if you do a little exploring around the edges.

YSTS: Yeah, I've done a couple of secluded, cool hikes right on the Westside before. Least favorite thing about LA?
JG: I live in Santa Monica, practice in Eagle Rock, and own a studio in Van Nuys... so, I'd have to say traffic. That's probably 4 for 4 in your interviews. Also, clutter. I need some air and some space and I imagine that when I can I'll move somewhere with big sky.

YSTS: Yeah New Mexico and Montana are pretty amazing when it comes to big sky country.JG: I look at property online in Montana from time to time. No joke.

YSTS: Yeah, I just went to Bozeman for a wedding. Neat town. My Aunt and Uncle have owned a house there for 15 years or so, but it was my first time.
JG: I've spent a lot of time in Bozeman, I love it there. And the people there.

YSTS: Favorite novel of all time?
JG: Hmm. A tough one. I'm going to say The Master and Margarita by Bulgakov.

YSTS: I've tried to read that a few times, I think the Russian names screw me up.
JG: Ah, yeah. I can see that. I had that problem with One Hundred Years of Solitude. I'm also pretty addicted to music bios.

YSTS: I'm a music bio junkie too - it's a sickness. I recently read Gene Clark, Badfinger, my 3rd Gram Parsons bio…
JG: Wow. Great stuff. Right now I'm reading "Redemption Song - The Ballad of Joe Strummer" ... one of my favorite humans ever. You should see my collection of Beatles-related books. How was the Badfinger book? I'm a fan, seems dark though.

YSTS: The Badfinger bio’s totally tragic. Well researched. I'm afraid to even start with the Beatles stuff. I’ve read one Lennon bio and that's it so far.
JG: A lot of them suck but there are a few must-read books.

YSTS: Favorite film about LA?
JG: X - The Unheard Music.

YSTS: Interesting choice. I haven’t seen it.
JG: Might be my favorite music film as well.

YSTS: Any must see TV shows?
JG: I don't really watch much TV, but I still watch Sopranos reruns and I'll always have Twin Peaks within arms reach. Entourage is pretty funny. I've lived in LA my whole life and I actually find it to be fancifully, um, realistic.

YSTS: It's fun and well done, which isn’t that easy to do sometimes. It’s a bit terrifying that it’s so based in reality.
JG: Yeah. I think it's funny that they go to all the typically cliche eating spots like Urth Caffe, etc.

YSTS: I finally got season 2 of Twin Peaks on DVD – I haven't watched it since it originally aired. I’m afraid to take another look at it.
JG: Ha ha. I really loved season two!

YSTS: It wasn’t available for so long, I barely remember it.
JG: It was HATED at the time, but I think that stuff helped me get through high school. My brother and I loved tuning in every week.

YSTS: I had such a huge crush on Sherilyn Fenn. It was ridiculous. Posters all over my walls.
JG: Oh, man. How could you not? Madchen Amick was sensational as well.

YSTS: Yeah, I had a poster of her too. What are your five desert island records?
JG: The dreaded desert island.

YSTS: Yep.
JG: Neil Young – On the Beach; Radiohead – OK Computer; The Beatles – Abbey Road; Sonic Youth – Daydream Nation; George Harrison – All Things Must Pass

YSTS: Great list. Subject to change I’m sure.
JG: Yeah, that barely scratches the surface. Bob Dylan's Chronicles as read by Sean Penn wouldn't be bad for some non-music company.

YSTS: Does that really exist? I’ve read Chronicles.
JG: Yeah, it's amazing. The first book-on-tape that I've bought. Penn does a great job.

YSTS: Sounds cool. Last question, what local bands are you listening to?
JG: There are a bunch. The entire Ship Collective qualifies. The Parson Red Heads are the sweetest Woodland Elves in the Los Angeles forest. The Watson Twins make me want to practice singing and be a nicer person. Foster Timms is the best song slinging storyteller that most people haven't heard of yet. Megapuss and Little Joy are the best smile seed planters around. My favorite LA band that is no more is the late great Acetone, and I miss Elliott Smith!

YSTS: That’s it. Thanks Joel. I know you’ve got a lot to do to get ready for the tour, so I’ll let you go.
JG: Thanks Duke, I hope to have a drink with you soon and I hope to find out your answers to these same questions.

YSTS: Sounds great. Have fun on tour. It should be a blast.
JG: Thanks, I can't believe we're doing this. It's crazy.

Thursday, October 09, 2008

Sinking Radio - The Sea and Cake's "Car Alarm"

This is my reminder to tune in to Sinking Radio with Sylvia, Todd and Matt on Little Radio. The show airs from Noon to 2:00 PM on Friday. They've got guests tomorrow, and they're from France.

Each week on the show, they feature an official You Set the Scene pick. My pick for tomorrow's show is "Car Alarm" by The Sea and Cake. The song comes from the band's new album, Car Alarm, which comes out October 21st on Thrill Jockey. For some reason, The Sea and Cake has always seemed like a really serious band. But this new album's really light and refreshing to listen to. They experiment with new sounds and it feels like they had a lot of fun making it.

I've been a big Sea and Cake fan since going to college in the Midwest in the mid-1990s. Friends in college turned me on to the Sea and Cake due to their Kansas City connection (Archer Prewitt was a member of the Coctails, who got their start in KC). There's always been a strong Chicago/University of Kansas connection, and I got into other Thrill Jockey, Drag City and Touch & Go bands too. And you can't forget Smashing Pumpkins, Urge Overkill and Wilco.

So what's up with the Chicago scene these days? I'm obviously really into a lot of LA bands, and you can't ignore Brooklyn, Austin, Seattle and (even) Baltimore. But who are the bands coming out of Chicago? I'm probably overlooking some great bands, so feel free to add them to the comments section....

Pre-order Car Alarm from Thrill Jockey
Buy tickets to see the Sea & Cake at the Troubadour on 12/3/08 or 12/4/08

Recently Announced LA Live Music Shows


George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic @ Club Nokia on 1/2/09 (on sale Saturday at 10:00 AM)

The Little Ones @ the Echo on 11/14/08 (on sale now at Ticketweb)

Wilson Phillips @ Club Nokia on 11/23/08 (on sale now)

Simply Red @ Club Nokia on 3/13/09 (on sale Saturday at 10:00 AM)

Blues Traveler @ House of Blues Sunset on 11/16/08 (on sale Saturday at 10:00 AM)

Coldplay @ Honda Center in Anaheim on 11/25/08 (KROQ presale starts Friday at 10:00 AM password = VIVALAKROQ; public onsale date is Saturday at 10:00 AM)

Tom Morello @ El Rey on 12/9/08 (on sale Saturday)

Herbaliser @ Echoplex on 12/1/08 (on sale now at Ticketweb)

The Slits / Love is All / Vivian Girls @ Echoplex on 11/16/08 (on sale now at Ticketweb)

Deerhoof @ Echoplex on 11/14/08 (on sale now at Ticketweb)

Vic Chesnutt / Elf Power @ Echoplex on 11/10/08 (on sale now at Ticketweb)

Dead Meadow @ Troubadour on 11/8/08 (on sale Friday)

Noah and the Whale @ Troubadour on 12/18/08 (on sale now)

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

Ranchero Brothers (Rhett & Murray) @ Largo on 11/23/08 (on sale now through Largo)

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

New Music Releases: 9/30/08



Over a week behind on this....
Noteworthy Albums Released on 9/30/08:
Dungen: 4 (Kemado) – While I’ve heard they draw somewhat heavily from early Swedish pysch rock ‘n’ roll, they sound unique to me. The Swedes’ fourth record is their most group oriented effort yet. Gustav Ejstes moves behind the piano and limits the flute solos. The album has a mellower vibe than the last two, with more emphasis on the free jazz; but they do manage to rock out a couple of times. Of the ten songs, five are instrumentals with the rest, as always, sung in Swedish. Recommended. At the Echo on 11/2/08
MP3: Sat Att Se

Ben Folds: Way to Normal (Epic) – I’ve never been a fan, but I listened to this one. His sense of humor definitely comes through, but I don’t have any real context to place it within. At the Wiltern on 11/14/08

Rademacher: Era EP (Jaxart) – Fresno’s classic indie rockers release a four song digital EP through Jax’s label. It’s another solid effort. See them at the Echo every Monday in October.
MP3: If U Know

Local Releases:
Le Switch: And Now…Le Switch (Autumn Tone) – I wrote the preview/press release for this back in March and it’s finally available worldwide (digitally). Old school fools like me can order the CD through Autumn Tone’s website. To paraphrase myself, it’s soulful early 1970s inspired rock ‘n’ roll. Recommended. See them at The Echo on 10/20/08
MP3: Pristine
MP3: Give Me Something

Restavrant: Return to the Tomb of Guiliano Medidici (Narnack) – A fun, lo-fi punk blues record that goes well with cheap beer. See them at the Redwood Bar on 10/15/08.
MP3: Joe D

The Western States Motel: Painted Birds Flying in the Orange Mirror Sun (Firebird Field Recordings) – These guys just announced that they’re doing the Spaceland residency in November. Available digitally.
MP3: Oh World

Other Noteworthy Releases:
Anberlin – At Avalon on 10/15/08
Joseph Arthur
Carlon – MP3: Cantaloupe
Ani DiFranco – MP3: Emancipated Minor
Grateful Dead – Egypt 1978 box set
Faith Hill
Jennifer Hudson
Jack’s Mannequin – At the Troubadour on 10/27/08 – 10/28/08
Jesus & Mary Chain – Looks pretty cool. B-sides box set
Kinky – digital – at Club Nokia on 11/15/08
Koushik
La Rocca – digital; MP3: Sing Her Song
Large Professor – at the Knitting Factory on 10/12/08
Madlib
Samuel MarkusMP3: New Dawn; At the Hotel Café on 10/8/08
Mercury Rev – I like these guys, but haven’t heard the record yet. At El Rey on 12/16/08
Tom Morello the Nightwatchman
Murs – Local hip-hop. At El Rey on 12/11/08
N.W.A. – compilation
Roy Orbison – box set
People Under the Stairs – At Knitting Factory on 10/12/08
Polysics –at the Roxy on 10/18/08
Joshua Radin
Restiform Bodies – At the Echo on 10/10/08; MP3: Bobby Trendy Addendum
Rock N Rolla soundtrack
Roots Manuva
Todd Rundgren
Semi Precious Weapons –at the House of Blues on 10/2/08
James Taylor – covers album
T.I.
Trivium
Vivian Girls – Best new music on Pitchfork. At the Echoplex on 11/16/08 and the Smell on 11/18/08.
Jack White & Alicia Keys – 7” single
XX Teens

Kidrockers LA Starts This Sunday at the Echo


Kidrockers LA kicks off this Sunday at the Echo from 1:00 to 2:30 PM. The idea is to provide a venue for parents to enjoy live music with their children. Who doesn't have a friend whose live music fandom completely stopped as soon as they had a kid?

The inaugural LA version will feature hosts Patton Oswalt and Seth Herzog with musical guests The Deadly Syndrome and Afternoons. The New York version has already featured bands like Los Campesinos, Ra Ra Riot, Locksley, Langhorne Slim, The Spinto Band and Bishop Allen. Sounds like a nice alternative to Radio Disney and Hot Topic.

Buy tickets HERE

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Ticket Giveaway: Giant Sand @ the Echo This Wednesday


I've got a few pairs of tickets to give away for the Giant Sand show this Wednesday at the Echo. Howe Gelb's been releasing records since the mid-1980s. Their latest, Provisions, came out last month on Yep Roc and the All Music Guide described it as "desert-fried late-night country-rock poetry." Opening the show are Robert Francis and Bucksworth.
To win these tickets, email me [dukeufo at gmail] with the name of your favorite beach. The contest closes Wednesday at Noon. Please put Giant Sand in the subject line.

Monday, October 06, 2008

LA Live Music Options: 10/6/08 - 10/12/08

David Vandervelde Plays the Troubadour on Tuesday

I lost all my hyperlinks. Sorry. They'll be back next week.

I had a great time at the Henry Clay People record release party on Friday.

Monday 10/6/08
[Recommended] Kenan Bell / Noah and the Whale / Lindi Ortega @ Spaceland (Free) – Kenan Bell’s doing the Monday night residency at Spaceland this month.
[Recommended] Rademacher / Radars to the Sky / Light FM / The Broken Remotes @ The Echo (Free) – Rademacher’s doing the Monday night residency at the Echo this month.
Liz Phair performs Exile in Guyville @ Troubadour (Sold Out)
Manhattan Murder Mystery / The Health Club / Die Rockers Die @ Mr. T’s Bowl
Black Apples @ Silverlake Lounge ($7)
Mincemeat or Tenspeed / Ilo Mar / Team Andrew / Black Church @ Pehrspace
Helloween @ House of Blues
The Dylan Trees @ Hotel Café

Tuesday 10/7/08
[Recommended] Margot & the Nuclear So & So’s / David Vandervelde / Judgement Day @ Troubadour ($14) – Margot & the Nuclear So & So’s have a new album out on Epic. David Vandervelde’s one of my favorites.
Heavy Trash (Jon Spencer & Matt Verta-Ray) / Powersolo / Champagne Velvet @ the Echo ($14)
[Recommended] Jackson Browne @ Amoeba (Free) – Early show at 6:00 PM
Bobb Bruno / Weyou / Double Naught Spy Car / Thruster @ Mr. T’s Bowl – I like Bobb Bruno, but I’m not familiar with the others.
Division of Laura Lee / Run Through the Desert / Gentleman Prefer Blood @ Spaceland ($14)
Pistol for Ringo / The Studiofix @ Silverlake Lounge
Opeth / High on Fire / Baroness @ Wiltern ($25)
Mincemeat or Tenspeed / Realicide / Captain Ahab / A Thirst for Blood Rockin’ in My Dick @ The Smell ($5)
Cubensis @ House of Blues
Dawn Mitschele / La Rocca / Ed Laurie / Eulogies @ Hotel Cafe
Damon Aaron @ The Roxy
Rachel Yamagata @ Largo

Wednesday 10/8/08
[Recommended] Giant Sand / Robert Francis / Bucksworth @ The Echo ($12) – I’ve got some tickets to give away to this one. I’ll post about that later.
Natalie Walker / Samuel Markus @ Hotel Café
Club NME @ Spaceland
Dub Club @ Echoplex
Sherwood / The Pink Spiders / The Summer Set @ Troubadour ($14)
The Color Turning / Lemonwilde @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Juliette Commagere / Guy Fantastico / Life Underwater @ Tangier ($8)
Nachtmystium / Wolves in the Throne Room
Gavin DeGraw / Charlotte Sometimes @ House of Blues
Bang Camaro / The Ringers @ The Roxy
New Kids on the Block @ Staples Center

Thursday 10/9/08
Saint Motel / The Flying Tourbillon Orchestra / Listing Ship @ Pehrspace – Nice local lineup.
Genghis Tron / HEALTH / Yip Tip / Clipd Beaks @ Knitting Factory ($12) – Lovepump showcase for the noise fans.
Sky Parade / Hopewell / The Brothers Movement / Koolaid Electric Company @ Spaceland ($8)
Abe Vigoda @ Amoeba (Free) – 7:00 PM show
Rivals School / Innaway @ the Echo ($15)
Love Psychedelico / his orchestra @ Troubadour ($5)
Riviera / Ivy Walls @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Mythical Beast / Sasqrotch / Voices Voices / Residual Echoes @ the Smell ($5)
Killing Joke / Pigmy Love Circus @ House of Blues
Emily Wells / Greg Laswell @ Hotel Café
The Aggrolites @ the Roxy

Friday 10/10/08
[Recommended] The Minor Canon / The Physics of Meaning / One Trick Pony / Daniel Brummel @ Pehrpsace – The Minor Canon’s one of my favorite local bands.
[Recommended] Graveyard / Night Horse / Imaad Wasif @ Spaceland ($12) – Graveyard’s from Sweden. I’m an Imaad Wasif fan.
High Places / Abe Vigoda / Ponytail / Snowsuit / David Scott Stone @ the Smell ($5) – Solid lineup. Get there early.
Duffy @ Orpheum ($35)
Restiform Bodies @ the Echo ($10) – Early all ages show
Quintron & Miss Pussycat / Golden Triangle / Static Static @ Echoplex (
Love Grenades / Pop Noir @ the Echo – later show
Facing New York / Love You Moon / Local Natives @ Troubadour ($10)
Joan Osborne / Matt Morris ($27)
Julieta Venegas @ Nokia Theatre ($35 - $85)
White Lion @ House of Blues
Meiko / Brooke Fraser / Jaymay / Erin McCarley @ Hotel Café
The Bakerton Group featuring members of Clutch / Year Long Disaster @ The Roxy
Dashboard Confessional / Panic at the Disco / Plain White T’s @ Staples Center
Flosstradamus @ Avalon

Saturday 10/11/08
[Recommended] The Sword / Black Cobra / Bison b.c. @ The Fonda ($17) – I like seeing the Sword live.
Sybris / A Decent Animal @ Spaceland ($10)
Sunn O))) / John Weise / Eagle Twin @ Safari Sam’s ($12) – A rare live appearance for Sunn O))).
Denali / Holloys @ Echoplex ($17)
Noise for Obama: The Mae Shi / Bad Dudes / Bastidas / The Widow Babies @ the Smell ($10)
Ron Sexsmith / Meaghan Smith @ Troubadour ($20)
Sara Bareilles / Marc Broussard / Raining Jane @ Wiltern ($25)
Stephen Pearcy of RATT @ Knitting Factory ($20)
Alejandro Sanz / Jennifer Lopez / Juanes / Mana / Marc Anthony @ Nokia Theatre
The Crystal Method @ Vanguard Theatre

Sunday 10/12/08
[Recommended] The Bigler Benefit Show: No Age / David Scott Stone / The Movies / Modern Memory / The Tyde / Dublab DJs (Ale and Jimmy) @ the Echoplex ($12) – Early show, doors at 4:00PM. An interesting collection of local bands.
[Recommended] Kid Rockers: The Deadly Syndrome / Afternoons @ the Echo – Early show at 1:00 PM. You’ve got to bring a kid to get in. More about this event later.
Brunch Americana: Mike Stinson @ Safari Sam’s (Free) – Early show at 1:00 PM
Shiloe / The Pacific / Love’s Like Smoke / Kissing Cousins @ Spaceland (Free)
Grande Ole Echo: Dead Rock West / Chris Shiflett @ the Echo (Free) – Early show at 5:00 PM
Killdozer @ The Echo ($5)
Rachel Cantu / Alex & Sam / My Hawaii / Mad Gregs @ Tangier ($8)
Yngwie Malmsteen @ Avalon ($30)
Large Professor / DJ Muggs & Planet Asia / People Under the Stairs (DJ set) @ Knitting Factory ($18)
k.d. lang @ Malibu Performing Arts Center