Hollywood Bowl Schedule Starting to Materialize

I was cruising the Hollywood Bowl’s website and noticed that they’re slowly starting to build this year’s concert calendar. Here’s a (non-classical) sampling of what they have so far:

6/19/09: Opening Night – Presenters: Garth Brooks and John Williams; Inductees: Josh Groban
6/21/09: Femi Kuti / Santogold / Raphael Saadiq
7/2/09 through 7/4/09: July 4th Extravaganza w/ guest John Fogerty
7/8/09: Sergio Mendes / Eddie Palmieri / Poncho Sanchez
7/12/09: Ray LaMontange
7/15/09: Natalie Cole
722/09: Boney James / Fourplay
7/23/09: Philip Glass Ensemble - Koyaanisqatsi: Life out of Balance
7/24/09 – 7/25/09: The Art of the Song w/ Jewel and Michael Feinstein
7/31/09 – 8/2/09: Guys and Dolls in Concert
8/5/09: Miles Davis / Gil Evans – Still Ahead
8/9/09: Reggae Night VII – Toots and Maytals / Gregory Isaacs
8/12/09: Buddy Guys / Dr. John and the Lower 911 / James Cotton
8/19/09: Patti Labelle
8/21/09 – 8/22/09: Diana Krall
8/26/09: Dizzy Gillespie All Star Big Band
9/2/09: Corea, Clarke and White
9/4/09 – 9/5/09: John Williams
9/11/09 – 9/13/09: Fireworks Finale – Blame it on Rio with Seu Jorge and Bebel Gilberto
9/19/09 – Pink Martini
9/20/09 – India Calling

Coachella Lineup Announced

See the full lineup at Coachella's site.

With Paul McCartney and Morrissey, the Friday lineup looks the best. But is it worth burning a vacation day? The bands I'm most interested in on Saturday? I saw Dr. Dog and Fleet Foxes multiple times last year, and although I still haven't seen TV on the Radio - that's not enough. Ditto for Sunday. Seeing My Bloody Valentine and Okkervil River last year was cool, but not enough to get me out to the desert. The Cure bored me last time they played Coachella and Flavor Flav is just too ridiculous these days....

Local bands on the list:

Silversun Pickups

The Airborne Toxic Event

Peanut Butter Wolf

People Under the Stairs

Steve Aoki

The Knux

Ariel Pink

Henry Rollins

Thenewno2

Trv$DJ-AM

The Aggrolites

Brian Jonestown Massacre

Jenny Lewis

No Age

Perry Farrell

Shepard Fairey

X

Sinking Radio: Merle Haggard's

This is my weekly reminder to tune in to the Sinking Radio show on LittleRadio.com. The show airs Friday from Noon to 2:00 PM. I believe Todd's back in town after running up the coast with Le Switch.

Each week on the show, the DJs kindly play an official You Set the Scene pick. My pick for tomorrow's show is Merle Haggard's "Mama Tried." To the uninitiated, the Hag is probably looked at as that redneck who wrote "Okie From Muskogee." In reality, Merle Haggard's one of the all time best songwriters and performers from any genre. His lyrics are full of humanity and I don't think anybody has written so many great ballads. 

Most of 2008's music trends left me cold (although a lot of great music was released). I wasn't feeling the no wave revival or the gay disco revival or all the bands (spanning genres) with tribal drum beats. So as 2009 started, I got heavy back into the Hag. 

My year started with a road trip with three friends to Buck Owens' Crystal Palace in Bakersfield to see Merle Haggard's first show back from lung cancer. When the cancer was announced, I immediately kicked myself for missing so many of his shows (I'd only seen him once). I knew I wanted to see him again, but worried his voice would be shot from the cancer.

As soon as the Hag hit the stage, he was home. Unlike a lot of the living legends I've seen, Merle Haggard knows why people love him. He stays true to himself as an artist, and it definitely doesn't hurt that he can choose from 75 or 80 fantastic songs he's recorded. 

He talked about fighting cancer and getting part of his lung removed. Remarkably, he still sounded fantastic. He couldn't quite hit all the notes, but most guys his age can't. With so many great songs, he didn't play everything I wanted to hear, but I'm not complaining. It was a long, generous set. With such autobiographical subject matter, it's amazing to hear his introductions to the songs.

Meanwhile, my friend loaned me a copy of Haggard's 1981 autobiography, Sing Me Back Home. The book's written in a folksy style and gives a lot of background on the Hag and the inspiration for his lyrics. Being an outlaw wasn't a marketing scheme/pose for him. When Haggard lost his father at a young age, he rebelled against society in a big way. He was constantly running away and in and out of juvie. He eventually got thrown in San Quentin for stealing a car. He already knew how to play guitar, but it was there that he saw Johnny Cash perform and got inspired to become a more serious musician. It's a warts and all look at Haggard, but I came away liking him even more. 

"Mama Tried" is probably the quintessential Haggard tune. It precedes 2Pac's "Dear Mama" by almost 30 years, but tells the same story. It's a heartfelt ode/apology to a delinquent's poor, single mother. Haggard takes a couple of liberties with the lyrics (he wasn't an only child and he wasn't sentenced to life without parole) but it's otherwise true. In the book, his mom says it still chokes her up when she hears it. 

Buy tickets to see the Hag at the Grove of Anaheim on 2/5/09

Buy the Down Every Road box set (you really do need all 100 songs)

Recently Announced Live Shows

M83 

Walt Disney Concert Hall:

M83 with Los Angeles Philharmonic on 3/7/09 (on sale Friday)

LA Memorial Sports Arena:

Bruce Springsteen on 4/15/09 (on sale Monday)

Spaceland:

Richard Swift on 3/13/09 (on sale now at Ticketweb)

Jason Isbell / Justin Townes Earl on 4/2/09 (on sale now)

Great Lake Swimmers on 4/4/09 (on sale now)

Clem Snide on 4/7/09 (on sale now)

Monotonix  / The Mae Shi on 4/10/09 (on sale now)

Blind Pilot on 4/11/09 (on sale now)

The Echo:

Everest / Parson Red Heads on 2/27/09 (on sale now at Ticketweb)

Dark Meat on 3/24/09 (on sale now)

Marnie Stern on 3/25/09 (on sale now)

Troubadour:

Tallest Man on Earth on 3/26/09 (on sale now)

Friendly Fires on 4/13/09 (on sale Friday)

Hollywood Palladium:

Modest Mouse on 2/24/09 (on sale now)

Ratatat on 4/4/09 (on sale now)

Bloc Party on 4/15/09 (on sale Friday)

New Kids on the Block on 4/18/09 (on sale Saturday)

Glass House in Pomona:

Peter Bjorn and John on 5/29/09 (on sale Friday)

David Archuleta on 3/17/09 (on sale Friday)

Plants and Animals on 3/11/09

Club Nokia:

Tom Jones on 3/6/09 (presale now, password = Unusual; onsale Friday at 10:00 AM)

Babasonicos on 3/12/09 (presale now, password = Pijamas, onsale Friday at 10:00 AM)

The Fonda:

Travis on 4/10/09 (presale now, password = JSmith, onsale Saturday at 10:00 AM)

Tindersticks on 3/13/09 (presale Friday at 10:00 AM, password = Hungrysaw, onsale Saturday at 10:00 AM)

El Rey:

Stereo Total / Leslie and the Ly's on 4/4/09 (on sale now)

Key Club:

DJ Quik on 3/29/09 (on sale Sunday)

Bordello:

Pajo / Tristeza on 2/26/09 (on sale now at inticketing)

Dukechella Lineup Announced

As everybody waits (and waits) for the official Coachella lineup, here's my dream lineup. I limited myself to two stages and 15 acts per day. I've seen 32 of these artists and those 32 all put on a really good show. This lineup would really confuse the teenagers.

Friday
Main Stage
Neil Young
The Band (reunion – unfortunately no Rick Danko or Richard Manuel)
Emmylou Harris
The White Stripes
Wilco
My Morning Jacket
Wu-Tang Clan
Arcade Fire

Second Stage
Merle Haggard
Lucinda Williams
Iron & Wine
Fleet Foxes
The Feelies (reunion)
Dungen
Sufjan Stevens


Saturday
Main Stage
Paul McCartney
Stevie Wonder
Jay-Z
Tom Waits
Pavement (reunion)
Neutral Milk Hotel (reunion)
Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings
Jon Brion

Second Stage
Willie Nelson
The Shins
Andrew Bird
Sparklehorse
Bon Iver
Blonde Redhead
Okkervil River

Sunday
Main Stage
Prince
The Kinks (reunion)
Radiohead
Outkast
Bjork
Beck
The Raconteurs
Belle and Sebastian

Second Stage
Faces (reunion – no Ronnie Lane unfortunately)
Television (reunion)
Spiritualized
Big Star (reunion – no Chris Bell unfortunately)
Fugazi (reunion)
Slint (reunion)
Spoon

LA Live Music Options: 1/26/09 - 2/1/09

The Soft Pack Play the Echo on Wednesday

Not nearly as many big shows this week as last, but as usual, there's a little something for everybody.

Monday 1/26/09
[Recommended] Robert Francis / Magic Bullets / Peter and the Wolf / Anni Rossi @ The Echo (Free) – This is the last night of talented singer-songwriter Robert Francis’ residency. This is probably the strongest bill of the month. Anni Rossi’s 4AD debut comes out in early March.
MP3: Anni Rossi’s “Ecology”
[Recommended] Rocco DeLuca / Marvelous Toy / The Petrojvic Blasting Co. / Pawnshop Kings @ Spaceland (Free) – The last night of Rocco’s residency. He’s been packing them in every week.
Olin and the Moon / Damn Sons / Evan Way / Taylor Goldsmith @ Silverlake Lounge (Free)
826LA Presents Tiny Vaudeville: Pop Levi @ Echoplex ($10) - Vaudeville show with a bunch of actors, comedians, etc.
Rooftop Vigilantes / Douglas Armour / Pharoahs / The Faraway Places @ Echo Curio
Whitman / John Thill / Voice on Tape / Clark 8 @ Pehrspace
Gabriella Cilmi / Amy Correia / Ian Hopkinson / Asa @ Hotel Café
The Jake Labotz Band @ Redwood Bar & Grill

Tuesday 1/27/09
[Recommended] The Voyeurs / The Monolators / Les Blanks / Go West Young Man @ the Echo (Free for 21 +) – Strong local lineup. This is the record release party for the Voyeurs.
[Recommended] Mike Stinson / Dave Gleason @ Redwood Bar & Grill – Great local country bill.
Sara Lov / Hands / BRAM / Yearbook Pictures @ Spaceland ($12) – This is the last night of Sara Lov’s Tuesday night residency. She’s a talented singer.

Rainbow Arabia / Hecuba / We Are the World / Secret Circuit @ Airliner

Metronomy / Futurecop @ Temporary Spaces (Free w/RSVP to Iheartcomix)
Io Echo / Zaza / Jjamz @ Echoplex
Margaret Cho @ Largo ($25)
Rhone Occupation / Ballerina Black / Satellite Crush @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
The Honorary Title / Coby Brown / Stephanie Schneiderman / Mike Bloom @ Hotel Café
Puppy Dog / Rooftop Vigilantes / 4 Da Kids / The Widow Babies @ the Smell ($5)
Imarobot @ the Roxy

Wednesday 1/28/09
[Recommended] Brian Wilson @ The Wiltern ($40 - $90) – My understanding is that the set list will resemble what he played at the Hollywood Bowl this summer.
[Recommended] Club NME: Benji Hughes / Other Lives / Vincent and Mr. Green @ Spaceland ($8) – I’ve heard great things about both Benji Hughes and Other Lives.
[Recommended] The Soft Pack / The A.M. @ The Echo ($8) - This is an early show with a club night going on later. The Soft Pack is the buzz band formerly known as the Muslims. They recently signed with Kemado Records. If you can’t make it tonight, they’re playing the 4th and 13th as well.
Jimmy Webb @ Largo ($30) – Extremely successful songwriter (“Wichita Lineman,” “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” and “Up, Up and Away”).
No Culture: Guns N Bombs / Goddollars @ the Echo (Free before 11 PM)
Amy Ray @ Troubadour ($18)
French Semester / Moving Picture Show / Tigers Can Bite You / Divisadero @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
City and Colour / William Elliott Whitmore @ El Rey (Sold Out)
A Tribute to Ray Brown @ Walt Disney Concert Hall ($36 - $99)
Lovers / The Cartographers / Rachel Cantu @ Echo Curio
Low End Theory: The Glitch Mob / Mary Anne Hobbs @ Airliner ($10)
His Orchestra / Superhumanoids / Manhattan Murder Mystery / Ethan Gold @ Bordello ($8)
The Rescues / Tony Lucca / Amy Speace / Jessica Sonner / Billy the Kid @ Hotel Café
The Clumsy Lovers / The Deserters / Dave Gleason @ The Mint ($10)
Captain Sean Wheeler / Zander Schloss @ Redwood Bar & Grill
We Are the Fury / Giant State @ Viper Room ($12)

Thursday 1/29/09
Wale with UCB / Blu & Exile @ Key Club ($20) – Wale’s record was in Jeff Weiss’ top 10 for 2008.
RTX / Night Horse / Green & Wood / The High Saints @ Airliner ($8) – Tee Pee Records presents
Nickel Eye (featuring Nikolai Fraiture of the Strokes) / Low vs. Diamond / The Shys @ Troubadour ($13)
The Baja Bugs / The Wallburds @ Spaceland ($8) - The Baja Bugs are a Beatles cover band.
Pepper / Shwayze / The Supervillians @ Club Nokia ($25)
Yard Dog Road Shows @ El Rey ($20)
Disturbed / Sevendust @ Hollywood Palladium ($40)
Valerie / Anorak @ the Echoplex ($10)
The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band / Simon Stokes @ Knitting Factory ($10)
Sara Watkins / Tom Brosseau @ Largo Little Room
Wake Up Lucid / The May Fire / Divisible @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Lelia Broussard / Holly Conlan / The Deadbirds / Dead Rock West / Samantha Mollen @ Hotel Café
Quetzal Guerrero / The Warriors @ Redwood Bar & Grill
The Morning After Girls / Zaza / The Pacific @ Viper Room ($10)

Friday 1/30/09
[Recommended] Jon Brion @ Largo ($25) – One set only
[Recommended] Eleni Mandell / Theresa Anderson / Greg Laswell / Jim Bianco / Andy Clockwise @ Hotel Café – People are really digging Theresa Anderson.
Adele / James Morrison @ The Wiltern (Sold Out) - Adele’s nominated for four Grammys.
NASA Space Universe / Okie Dokie / God Equals Genocide / Sheeep / Teen Beer @ The Smell ($5)
Thriving Ivory / Barcelona / The Record Life @ Troubadour ($15)
Infinity / LoveLikeFire / Shiloe @ Spaceland ($12) – Infinity’s a female fronted Journey cover band.
MP3: Shiloe’s “Gone”
Tyrone Wells @ El Rey ($19)
Blood / GPKism / Vamp Star @ Knitting Factory ($25)
Pam Shaffer / The Victorians @ Pehrspace
The Wretched / Internal Corrosion / Demonia / Mutants of War / Deathriders @ Relax Bar
Lowen & Navarro @ The Mint ($20)
Levi Dexter / Hot Rod Lincoln @ Redwood Bar & Grill
Lucy Lawless @ the Roxy
Pussy Cat Dolls Lounge @ Viper Room ($25)

Saturday 1/31/09
[Recommended] Patton Oswalt and Friends @ Largo ($25) – Funny man.
The Black Heart Procession / The Mumlers / Warpaint @ Spaceland ($15)
Katy Perry / The Daylights @ The Wiltern (Sold Out) – Perry’s a Grammy nominee.
Stan Ridgway @ McCabe’s ($17.50)
DJ Quik @ Key Club ($30)
Hungry Beat (Dance Party) @ Pehrspace – Indie pop dance night.
Michael Franti and Spearhead / The Aggrolites @ Club Nokia ($28 - $38)
Three Bad Jacks / Paging Beto / Hellbound Eddie's Trainwreck Trio / Booze Bombs @ Troubadour ($15)
Hotel Café Gospel Show @ Hotel Café
It’s Casual / Weight / Progeria / Eat the Living @ Relax Bar
Masuimi Max’s Hard on for Trouble @ Redwood Bar & Grill
Lucy Lawless @ the Roxy
Babyland / Former Ghosts @ The Smell ($5)
Pussy Cat Dolls Lounge @ Viper Room ($25)

Sunday 2/1/09
[Recommended] Rock Against HD: Fol Chen / Radars to the Sky / Light FM @ Spaceland ($10) – Good night of local music presented by Radio Free Silver Lake
Calvin Johnson / Sharon Cheslow / Devon Williams / Sam McPheeters spoken word @ The Smell ($5) – Calvin Johnson’s an indie legend.
Part Time Punks: Cure Tribute Night @ the Echo ($5)

Sinking Radio - Spoon's "Well-Alright"

This is my weekly reminder to point your internet browser to Little Radio this Friday from Noon to 2:00 PM PST for the Sinking Radio show. 

Each week, the show features an official You Set the Scene pick. My pick for tomorrow's show is "Well-Alright" by Spoon. This track comes from the forthcoming  Dark Was the Night compilation. The 31 track compilation is a benefit for the Red Hot Organization (dedicated to raising awareness of HIV/AIDS) and will be released February 17th on double-CD and triple-vinyl. 

The curators of the compilation, Aaron and Bryce Dessner of the National, did a nice job finding contributors. It's the literate, public radio / Starbucks kind of indie rock (which I often enjoy). In addition to Spoon, it features: Arcade Fire, Feist, Iron & Wine, Bon Iver, Ben Gibbard, Grizzly Bear, The Decemberists, Beirut, Stuart Murdoch, My Morning Jacket, Dave Sitek, Sufjan Stevens, Yo La Tengo, Andrew Bird, Cat Power, Kevin Drew, The New Pornographers, The National, Yeasayer and Kevin Drew. There's also a handful of non-indie rock choices (Kronos Quartet, Buck 65 and Sharon Jones). 

The track choices are a mix of interesting covers, solid originals and unexpected collaborations (Blonde Redhead with Devastations, The Books featuring Jose Gonzalez, etc...).  The long running time means that, for existing fans, there's a lot to dig into. And for your out of touch friends, it will serve as a great crash course on what's happening in music these days. Proceeds benefit a good cause and it's very fairly/reasonably priced (the CD set is $13.98 on Amazon with the vinyl going for $28.48). 

MP3: Dirty Projectors and David Byrne - "Knotty Pine"

My Bloody Valentine at Coachella?

Add them to the list. This rumour is pretty deafening....

Recently Announced Shows in Los Angeles

Lambchop / Radar Bros. @ Largo on 3/7/09 (call the club for tickets)

Rhett Miller @ Largo on 3/26/09 (call the club for tickets)

Fleetwood Mac @ Staples on 5/28/09 (presale at 10:00 AM on Friday, password = DREAMS; on sale Monday)

Animal Collective @ Wiltern on 5/29/09 (tickets on sale Saturday)

The Dead @ the Forum on 5/9/09 (on sale Saturday at 10:00 AM)

Lady Gaga @ Wiltern on 3/13/09 (tickets on sale Thursday)

Ne-Yo @ Club Nokia on 2/8/09 (presale now, password = CLOSER; tickets on sale Friday)

Tricky @ the Fonda on 3/25/09 (tickets on sale Saturday)

John Prine @ Wilshire Theatre on 4/17/09 (tickets on sale Saturday)

Lady Sovereign @ the Echo on 1/30/09 (on sale through Ticketweb on Thursday)

Live Music Options: 1/19/09 - 1/25/09

If you happen to be a Pitchfork writer, this week's shows might make your head explode. Animal Collective, Department of Eagles, Crystal Antlers, No Age, The Mae Shi, Abe Vigoda, The High Places, The Walkmen, Beach House, Truckasauras, Jay Reatard and Sharon Jones all in one week? Oh my!

Monday 1/19/19
[Recommended] Rocco DeLuca / Musee Mecanique / Correatown @ Spaceland (Free) – Last week Daniel Lanois got up on stage to back Rocco and then performed several of his own songs. Make sure you see Correatown this week.
[Recommended] Robert Francis / Lex Land / Amateurs / Avi Buffalo @ the Echo (Free) – I still need to make it out one of these Robert Francis shows.
Olin and the Moon / Mouse Kills Tiger / Gamble House @ Silverlake Lounge (Free)
Black Math Horseman @ Mountain Bar
Magick Orchids / The Health Club / Billygoat @ Echo Curio
Harry Shearer Songs of the Bushmen @ Largo
Narf Records Showcase: American Gil & the Major Dudes / Vaginals / Knight Rider @ Pehrspace
Jake Walden / Zera Vaughn @ Hotel Café
Jake Labotz Band @ Redwood Bar & Grill
Weyou / Aymeric Haina / Vosotros @ The Scene
The Chealsea Smiles @ Viper Room
High Places / Glasser @ Kerckhoff Grand Saloon at UCLA

Tuesday 1/20/09
[Recommended] Crystal Antlers / Ancestors / Magic Lantern / Slang Chickens @ the Smell ($5) – Two of the better local psych-y metal bands.
[Recommended] Sara Lov / Willoughby / The One AM Radio / Evan Way @ Spaceland ($12) – Solid local lineup.
[Recommended] Mike Stinson / Dave Gleason @ Redwood Bar & Grill – For the country fans.
The Walkmen / Beach House / Johnny and the Moon @ The Fonda ($18) – Very surprised this isn’t sold out yet.
Castledoor / Earl Greyhound / He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister @ the Echoplex (Free before 10:30 PM, $5 after)
Stab City / Off with Their Heads / Pu$$y Cow / Toys that Kill @ Mr. T’s Bowl
Michael Gerald Bauer @ Silverlake Lounge
Coby Brown / Theresa Anderson / Mia Riddle / TJ Stafford @ Hotel Cafe

Wednesday 1/21/09
[Recommended] Club NME: The Ettes / Useless Keys / Tulsa Skull Swingers @ Spaceland ($8)
60 Watt Kid / Bobb Bruno / VOICEs VOICEs / KaiserCartel @ Silverlake Lounge ($7) – I like seeing Bobb Bruno.
Glacier Hiking / Army Navy / Sara Haze / Former Future @ Troubadour ($10) – Army Navy just got a really good review on Pitchfork.
Truckasauras @ Boardner's
Metronomy / The Mae Shi @ El Rey ($15)
Curumin / Money Mark @ the Echo ($10)
Low End Theory Club: Exile “Radio” Record Release Party @ Airliner ($10)
Fountains of Wayne @ Largo ($30) – Acoustic
Mangled Bohemians / Molino / Electric Russia @ Echo Curio
Peachcake / MC Lars / Get Back Loretta / Glare of Rockets @ Knitting Factory
Luna is Honey / Zombellele @ Mr. T’s Bowl
Yami Bolo @ Echoplex ($12)
The Rescues / Josh Kelley / Son Of a Velvet Rat @ Hotel Café
Captain Sean Wheeler & Zander Schloss / Ryan Pitts @ Redwood Bar & Grill
Missing Persons @ Viper Room ($20)

Thursday 1/22/09
High Places / Hecuba / Infinite Body @ The Echo ($10)
Wovenhand / Silver Summit / Blue Giant @ Spaceland ($12)
North Mississippi Allstars / Hill County Revue @ Troubadour ($20)
Fountains of Wayne @ Largo ($30) – Acoustic
Chromeo @ Key Club (Sold Out)
Angel City Outcasts @ Knitting Factory
The Power Cords / The Christopher Walk-Ins / Coca-Cola @ Mr. T’s Bowl
Off with Their Heads @ Relax Bar
Amebix / Book of Black Earth / Doomsday Hour / Bruise Violet @ Echoplex ($15) – early show at 5:30 PM.
Lelia Broussard / Shane Mack and Ashley Arrison @ Hotel Café
Creedle / Van Stone / El Ten Eleven / Falsetto Teeth @ Silverlake Lounge - Creedle features Rob Crow of Pinback.
Quetzal Guerrero & the Warriors @ Redwood Bar & Grill
War Tapes / Love Grenades / Sam Sparro DJ set @ The Roxy
The So So Glos / Ashtray Babies / A.M. / Dylan Doren @ The Smell ($5)

Friday 1/23/09
[Recommended] Jay Reatard / Earthmen and Strangers @ the Echoplex ($14) – I do enjoy Mr. Reatard.
[Recommended] Jon Brion and Friends @ Largo (Sold Out)
Animal Collective @ the Fonda (Sold Out) – I think my head would explode if I sat through an Animal Collective show.
Department of Eagles / The Cave Singers @ Troubadour (Sold Out) – Classify Department of Eagles under bands that I inexplicably don’t like. It would make more sense if I did….
Japanese Motors / The Growlers @ The Echo ($5)

The Hectors / Death to Anders / Divisadero / Tasso @ Highland Park American Legion Hall ($5)
Thorns of Life @ Center for Arts in Eagle Rock – Thorns of Life is Blake Schwarzenbach (Jawbreaker and Jets to Brazil), Aaron Elliot and Daniela Sea (from the L Word)
The Adolescents / The Crowd / White Flag / Los Creepers @ Knitting Factory ($17)
O.A.R. @ Club Nokia ($33)
Chris Pierce / The Elevaters / Chris Joyner @ El Rey ($20)
Monstro / Dragging An Ox Through Water / Eliza Victoria / Traditionist @ Echo Curio
Doug MacLeod / Lawrence Lebo @ McCabe’s ($15)
Headtraffic / Beware of Safety / Ready the Jet! @ Mr. T’s Bowl
Electric Children / Norfolk / Sounds of Noise / Cupids @ Relax Bar
Caitlin Crosby / Chris Pierce @ Hotel Café
Very Be Careful @ the Mint ($12)
Tom VandenAvond / Becky Lee / Drunkfoot @ Redwood Bar & Grill
The Head Cat / Ricky Warwick / Miss Derringer @ the Roxy
Naomi Elizabeth / You’re in Urine / The Tleilaxu Music Machine / Luna is Honey / Pizza! @ The Smell ($5)
Pussycat Dolls Lounge @ Viper Room ($25)

Saturday 1/24/09
Animal Collective / DJ Turquoise Wisdom @ Troubadour (Sold Out)
The Raveonettes / The Soft Pack / DJ Travis Keller @ The Fonda ($20)
Tapes ‘n Tapes / Wild Light / Wavves @ El Rey ($17)
The Kris Special / The Minor Canon / The Peculiar Pretzelmen / Erinn Williams @ Echo Curio
One Trick Pony / Spider Problem / Evan Voytas @ Pehrspace
Sarah Silverman / Nick Swardson @ Largo ($25)
Futurecop / Franki Chan / Thunderheist / We Are the World @ Echoplex ($12)
Fred Eaglesmith / Marvin Etzioni @ McCabe’s ($15)
Wounded Lion / Nothing People / Bad Trips / Bipolar Bear @ Mr. T’s Bowl
Vultures United / She Rides / Strange Fruit / Faith Snakes / Cathedrals @ Relax Bar
Griffin House with Katie Herzig / Ron Pope @ Hotel Café
Zodiac Death Valley @ Redwood Bar
Stress Ape / The Dawns / Laco$te / Nguzunguzu @ The Smell ($5)
Pussycat Dolls Lounge @ Viper Room ($25)

Sunday 1/25/09
[Recommended] Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings / Ivan Milev @ Club Nokia ($30) – Really good stuff.
No Age / Rings / Mika Miko / Abe Vigoda / David Scott Stone / Jennifer the Leopard @ the Smell – Show begins at 1:00 PM. The Smell All-Stars.
Part Time Punks: Anavan @ The Echo ($5)
Brunch Americana: David Serby / Amy Farris / Sarah Gayle Meech @ Redwood Bar & Grill
Truckasauras @ Cinespace
Stab City / Supersonic Jets / Sweater @ Redwood Bar & Grill
Molotov @ El Rey ($37) – Mexican hip-hop
Dreaming Dead / Vomit Entrails / The Cauterized / The Funeral Pyre @ Knitting Factory
The Sunshine Sisters @ McCabe’s ($8) – Matinee show at 11:00 AM
Kris Delmhorst / Jeffrey Foucault @ McCabe’s ($16)
Neil Hamburger / Ron Lynch / Brent Weinbach / Eccentric / Bryson Lang @ Spaceland ($8)
Haim / Alex and Sam / Prism Eye @ Hotel Café
The Karabal Nightlife / Seasons / Odd Modern / Cobra Lilies @ The Scene

New Music Releases: 1/13/09

Very slow week. Things pick up next week....

Noteworthy new releases:
City and Colour
Ravi Coltrane
Late of the Pier
Franz Nicolay – Hold Steady’s keyboardist
Notorious soundtrack – some big hits and some early demos from Notorious B.I.G.
Rokia Traore
The Derek Trucks Band

Reissues:
Bee Gees: Odessa (Rhino) – This is a three disc box set featuring the mono mixes and alternate mixes and demos. If you still only know the Bee Gees from their disco days, do yourself a favor and pick this one up. I’m sure the extra discs are completely unnecessary, but the record’s good enough to warrant the price. The record jumps genres and has some great lyrics (“It makes me laugh, you’ve got no friends” is probably my favorite). This is my favorite Bee Gees record.

Arthur Lee: Arthur Lee (Friday Music) – I’m a huge Love fan and I don’t own this (but I have the better songs). For completists.

Love: Love Live – Whisky a Go-Go 1978 (Friday Music) – I’ve got this one on vinyl. Again – it’s for completists only.

M83: Before Dawn Heals Us (Mute) – vinyl issue

M83: Digital Shades Vol. 1 (Mute) – vinyl and CD issue

M83: Saturdays = Youth (Mute) – vinyl issue

Local Updates

Photo of Charlie Wadhams From His Myspace Page

Local Updates:

Charlie Wadhams has a new EP entitled, In a Goldmine. You can download it at iTunes or pick up a vinyl copy at Amoeba.

Obi Best’s new record, Capades, comes out February 24th on Social Science Recordings. They’ll be hitting road for a national tour (including support dates for The Bird and the Bee) starting next week. Spin recently had some nice things to say about them.

A pretty big chunk of the SXSW bands have been announced. Here are the LA-area bands currently listed. Of the 81 bands listed, I’m pretty familiar with 41 of them. I’m thinking that a handful of these bands aren’t really from LA: Airborne Toxic Event, Dave Alvin, Ancestors, Jim Bianco, Black Math Horseman, Blu, The Bronx, Tom Brosseau, Grecco Buratto, Castledoor, Margaret Cho, Classixx, Crash Kings, Crystal Antlers, The Crystal Method, Dawes, Rocco DeLuca, Dommin, Fol Chen, Foreign Born, Robert Francis, Great Northern, Grouch and Eligh, Murry Hammond, The Happy Hollows, Relentless 7, Austin Hartley-Leonard, HEALTH, HoneyHoney, Iglu and Hartley, IO Echo, The Japanese Motors, Jay Nash, J*Davey, Jeremy Jay, Killola, Greg Laswell, Light FM, Lissie, The Little Ones, Los Super Elegantes, The Mae Shi, Magic Lantern, Magic Wands, Angie Mattson, Meliss FX, Mika Miko, Monte Negro, Myka 9, Terra Naomi, Night Horse, Patrick Park, Pedestrian, Mandi Perkins, Pierre de Reeder, Pocahaunted, Pop Levi, Princeton, The Quarter After, Red Cortez, Rediscover, The Rescues, Robedoor, Roll the Tanks, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Samantha Shelton, The Shys, The Soft Pack, Alyssa Suede, Sun Araw, Maria Taylor, That 1 Guy, 2Mex, U-N-I, Very Be Careful, Lucy Walsh, Emily Wells, Tyrone Wells, Western Keys, Year Long Disaster

The Submarines have a national tour all plotted out (as heard in that iPhone commercial). Here are the dates:

Jan 29 2009 - The Loft at UCSD - La Jolla, California
Jan 30 2009 - Detroit Bar - Costa Mesa, California
Feb 1 2009 - Club Congress - Tucson, Arizona
Feb 3 2009 - Stubb’s BBQ - Austin, Texas
Feb 4 2009 - The Pontiac Garage - Dallas, Texas
Feb 7 2009 - Local 506 -Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Feb 8 2009 - Black Cat Backstage D.C., Washington DC
Feb 9 2009 - Johnny Brenda’s Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Feb 10 2009 - Mercury Lounge New York, New York
Feb 11 2009 - The Bell House Brooklyn, New York
Feb 13 2009 - Middle East Boston, Massachusetts
Feb 14 2009 - Il Motore Montreal, Quebec
Feb 15 2009 - The Drake Hotel Toronto, Ontario
Feb 17 2009 - Schuba’s Tavern Chicago, Illinois
Feb 18 2009 - Triple Rock Social Club Minneapolis, Minnesota
Feb 20 2009 - Hi-Dive Denver, Colorado
Feb 21 2009 - Kilby Court Salt Lake City, Utah
Feb 23 2009 - The Biltmore Cabaret Vancouver, British Columbia
Feb 24 2009 - Chop Suey Seattle, Washington
Feb 25 2009 - Doug Fir Lounge Portland, Oregon
Feb 27 2009 - SLIM’S (Noise Pop 2009) / San Francisco, California
Feb 28 2009 - Troubadour Los Angeles, California

Amateurs have a video for their new song, "Omaha Nights." Peep it HERE.

Guitarist Seamus Simpson and Radars to the Sky are parting ways.

Some wise guy re-imagines Aaron Kyle of Le Switch as the Nuge. Ah, Youtube.

Sinking Radio: Telekinesis "Coast of Carolina"

This is a reminder to tune in to Sinking Radio Friday from Noon to 2:00 PM on Little Radio. It's Todd, Matt and Sylvia's first show of the new year.

Each week on the show they feature an official You Set the Scene pick. My pick for this week's show is "Coast of Carolina" from Telekinesis. I picked this song to get in the spirit of the new year, because when January rolls around, we're all looking for new bands to get behind. 

Telekinesis is another band from Seattle (it's so fertile up there right now) and their self-titled debut record is set to come out April 7th on Merge Records. I haven't heard the full album yet, but this first track is ultra catchy. Telekinesis is hitting the road with Ra Ra Riot in February. Buy tickets to their show at El Rey on 2/28/09 (tickets). 

When it comes to record labels, Merge is one of the only that still gets my attention with each new release because it stays true to its indie roots. 2009 marks the 20th anniversary of Merge. Hopefully you've already ordered your copy of Score! and made plans to attend their five day festival in late July in North Carolina. 

In the spirit of celebrating Merge, here are my top 10 Merge releases of all time:

1) Neutral Milk Hotel: In the Aeroplane Over the Sea

2) Arcade Fire: Funeral

3) Spoon: Kill the Moonlight

4) Radar Bros.: And the Surrounding Mountains

5) Spoon: Girls Can Tell

6) The Broken West: I Can't Go On, I'll Go On

7) Butterglory: Are You Building a Temple in Heaven

8) Superchunk: Foolish

9) Polvo: Cor-crane Secret

10) Spoon: Gimme Fiction

MP3: Coast of Carolina

Indie 103.1 Goes Away

As I drove to work today I had Indie 103.1 on for a bit. They played an exclusive new Prince track. Then I noticed Kevin Bronson's blog "Indie 103.1 signs off. " Very sad indeed. They did a lot to support local music. It sounds like they're going to stick around as an online station.

Message From their site:

Indie 103.1 will cease broadcasting over this frequency effective immediately. Because of changes in the radio industry and the way radio audiences are measured, stations in this market are being forced to play too much Britney, Puffy and alternative music that is neither new nor cutting edge. Due to these challenges, Indie 103.1 was recently faced with only one option --- to play the corporate radio game.

We have decided not to play that game any longer. Rather than changing the sound, spirit, and soul of what has made Indie 103.1 great Indie 103.1 will bid farewell to the terrestrial airwaves and take an alternative course.

This could only be done on the Internet, a place where rules do not apply and where new music thrives; be it grunge, punk, or alternative ? simply put, only the best music.

For those of you with a computer at home or at work, log on to www.indie1031.com and listen to the new Indie 103.1 - which is really the old Indie 103.1, not the version of Indie 103.1 we are removing from the broadcast airwaves.

We thank our listeners and advertisers for their support of the greatest radio station ever conceived, and look forward to continuing to deliver the famed Indie 103.1 music and spirit over the Internet to passionate music listeners around the world.

Recently Announced LA Area Shows

The Black Lips Are Coming (what's scarier? the guns or their look?)

Cold War Kids / Crystal Antlers @ Orpheum on 3/27/09 (presale on now, password = LOYALTY; on sale Friday)

The Black Lips @ El Rey on 5/1/09 (on sale now)

The Black Lips @ Glass House on 5/2/09 (on sale Saturday)

The Soundtrack of Our Lives @ Troubadour on 3/16/09 (on sale now)

Cat Power @ Avalon on 2/10/09 & 2/11/09 (on sale now)

Elvis Perkins in Dearland @ Troubadour on 3/12/09 (on sale Friday)

Busta Rhymes @ Club Nokia on 3/1/09 (presale now, password = MONEY; on sale Friday)

Clues / Loch Lomond @ Spaceland on 2/26/09 (on sale now at Ticketweb)

And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead @ Echoplex on 3/17/09 (on sale now at Ticketweb)

Black Mountain @ Echoplex on 3/21/09 (on sale now at Ticketweb)

Black Kids / Mates of State @ The Fonda on 4/23/09 (on sale now)

Black Kids / Mates of State @ Glasshouse on 4/24/09 (on sale now)

Moving Units @ El Rey on 3/6/09 (presale now, password = HEXES; on sale Friday)

Raul Malo @ House of Blues Sunset on 3/12/09 (on sale Saturday)

Cursive @ Troubadour on 3/13/09 (on sale Friday)

The Pink Floyd Experience @ Orpheum on 3/14/09 (on sale Saturday)

Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds @ Club Nokia on 2/14/09 (on sale Saturday)

Missy Higgins and Justin Nozuka / Lenka @ The Orpheum on 3/21/09 (presale Friday, password = CLEARNIGHT; on sale Saturday)

Les Claypool @ Palladium on 3/7/09 (on sale now)

Lady Gaga / The White Tie Affair / Chester French @ Avalon on 3/13/09 (on sale now)

Live Music Options: 1/12/09 - 1/18/09

Ida Maria Plays Spaceland Monday (and Viper Room on Tuesday)

I stayed in all week last week to fight my cold, yet it still lingers.

Monday 1/12/09
[Recommended] Rocco DeLuca / Ida Maria / HoneyHoney / Jillian Hank Leigh @ Spaceland (Free) – This is Rocco’s residency, but I’d expect a ton of people there to see Ida Maria too. She’s an edgy Norwegian singer-songwriter with a lot of positive press. I heard it was packed last week without Ida Maria, so I’d get there early.
[Recommended] Robert Francis / The Horsethieves / Red Cortez / Evan Way (Parson Red Heads) @ the Echo (Free) – I’ve heard Francis is an incredibly talented singer-songwriter. Tonight’s probably the strongest bill with local favorites Red Cortez and Evan Way from the Parson Red Heads.
Olin and the Moon / My Imaginary Friends / Leslie & the Badgers / The Deserters @ Silverlake Lounge (Free) – I’ve heard good things about Olin and the Moon and Leslie and the Badgers.
Katy Perry / Meiko / Holly Conlan @ Hotel Café (Limited tix at door) – Doors at 7:30 PM.
Todd Barry / Sarah Silverman / Bob Odenkirk @ Largo ($20) - Great comedy lineup.
1st Annual Pomona Rib Cook-off – Hardcore Fest: Jim Merson’s Monster Mash / Nasa Space Universe @ Pehrspace
Michael Ubaldini @ Redwood Bar & Grill

Tuesday 1/13/09
Warpaint / Brother Reade / Crooked Cowboy @ the Echoplex – Warpaint is another local band with a great shot at being the next break out Eastside band.
Ida Maria / Gliss @ Viper Room – Another chance to see Ida Maria.
Sara Lov / Learning Music / Modwheelmood / Pink Mochi @ Spaceland ($12) – I’ve heard good things about Sara Lov (Devics).
[Recommended] Mike Stinson / Dave Gleason @ Redwood Bar & Grill – Mike and Dave continue their Tuesday night residency. Strong country lineup.
Andrew Jackson Jihad / Dan Janish / K Gholie / Roman Candles / Joyce Manor @ Echo Curio
Tom Lennon (Reno 911) / Nick Kroll / Convoy @ Largo ($20)
Coby Brown / Justin Hopkins @ Hotel Café
Living Dead Lights / Krash Karma / Sunset Black / Judge Jackson @ Trobuadour ($5)

Wednesday 1/14/09
[Recommended] Les Blanks / Death to Anders / The Soft Hands @ Three of Clubs – Strong local lineup. I’m a big Les Blanks fan.
Glasvegas / Carl Barat / Angela McKlusky @ Troubadour (Sold Out) – I heard that Glasvegas put on a great show in San Francisco last week.
The Nels Cline Singers @ Largo ($20)
Low End Theory Club: Lipp Service / Alex B / Bass Science @ Airliner
Dam-Funk / Classixx / Goddollars / Ferverss @ The Echo (Free before 11:00 PM) – Dam-Funk is on Stones Throw.
Them Terribles / Ikoma @ Knitting Factory
Club NME @ Spaceland
Shane Walsh / Alex & Sam / James Bowers @ Bordello ($8)
Intergalactic Noise @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
The Rescues / Jay Nash / Brian Wright & the Waco Tragedies @ Hotel Café
Captain Sean Wheeler & Zander Schloss @ Redwood Bar & Grill
Big Whup! / Hello Shark / S. Pineda / Ilo Mar @ the Smell
Crooked X @ Viper Room

Thursday 1/15/09
Glasvegas @ Amoeba (Free) – 7:00 PM
Scion House Party: Yacht / Juan MacLean (DJ Set) / T&T aka Tim Sweeney and Tim Goldsworthy / Classixx @ The Roxy (Free with RSVP) – DFA Records night
3 Inches of Blood / Early Man @ Keyclub ($14) – I like Early Man. Good metal night.
The Entrance Band / Indian Jewelry / The Growlers @ Troubadour ($12)
Cy Coleman Tribute: Nikka Costa / Fiona Apple @ Largo (Sold Out)
Tribe After Tribe / The Thriftstore Allstars / Paul Newsome @ Spaceland ($10)
Studiofix / Double Damn / Black Tales @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Meiko / Lelia Broussard / Keaton Simons / Obi Best @ Hotel Café
Quetzal Guerrero / The Warriors @ Redwood Bar & Grill
Navigator vs. Navigator / Elba / Flaspar / Sprawl Out @ The Smell ($5)

Friday 1/16/09
[Recommended] Jon Brion and Friends @ Largo ($25) – You can’t go wrong with seeing Jon Brion.
[Recommended] Delta Spirit / Everest / The Romany Rye @ El Rey ($16) – I’m obviously a big Everest fan.
[Recommended] Emily Wells / Eleni Mandell / Theresa Anderson / Pedestrian / Big Phony @ Hotel Café – I like Eleni Mandell and Bronson has great things to say about Theresa Anderson. Get there early because Anderson goes on at 7:00 PM.
The Muffs / Dollyrots / Calamity Magnet @ Spaceland ($12)
Community Media Benefit: Ozomatli / Wait.Think.Fast / The Little Bastards @ the Echoplex ($15 or $12 with food donation)
The Chuck Dukowski Sextet / Scarcity of Tanks / Jack Brewer Reunion Band / Autogolpe @ The Smell ($5)
theStart / The Ringers / Bathroom Murders @ Troubadour ($12)
Pennywise / The Vandals / Black President @ Hollywood Palladium (Sold Out)
STS9 / Prefuse 73 @ The Wiltern ($30)
Paul Green School of Rock All Stars @ Knitting Factory (Free)
Marc Broussard @ House of Blues Sunset ($17.50)
Boyz II Men / Jupiter Rising @ Club Nokia ($40 - $60)
Husere Grav / Robedoor / Horse Head / Wagon Tongue / Goliath Birdeater @ Echo Curio
Peter Rowan @ McCabe’s ($20)
Mutilation / Dismantle / Brewhemoth / Internal Corrosion / The Most Powerful Hand / Obliteration of Mankind @ Relax Bar
Wild Weekend / The Dogs / The Bombs @ Redwood Bar & Grill
Pussycat Dolls Lounge @ Viper Room

Saturday 1/17/09
[Recommended] Autolux / Wooden Shjips @ The Fonda ($20)
Theresa Anderson @ Amoeba (Free) – 2:00 PM – She blew some people away at Hotel Café last week.
Paramount Styles / Rademacher / Model Actress @ Spaceland ($10) – Paramount Styles features Scott McCloud from Girls Against Boys.
Fool’s Gold / Visa / Dot Hacker / Sonos @ Troubadour (Free)
The Mormons / Manhattan Murder Mystery / The Primos / The Studiofix @ Pehrspace – I’ve heard good things about the Primos.
Aziz Ansari @ Largo ($25)
Gabriel Mann’s Birthday Show / The Fresh / The Quiet @ Hotel Café
STS9 / The Glitch Mob @ The Wiltern ($30)
Alan Parson Project / Edwin McCain @ House of Blues Sunset ($27.50)
Tim & Eric Show @ Club Nokia ($25 - $35)
Polka DOTDOTDOT / Walk / Brother Mitya / Voice on Tape @ Echo Curio
Bad Manners / Chase Long Beach / The Sheds @ Knitting Factory
The Ditty Bops @ McCabe’s ($20) – 8:00 PM show sold out, tickets remain for 10:30 show
Rebel Rebel / Witchburn / Malfaktor / Silent Sound Room @ Relax Bar
Hundred Days / Victoria / Kingsize / The Pacific @ Bordello ($10)
The Soul of John Black @ The Mint ($12)
Pussycat Dolls Lounge @ Viper Room
Lady Dottie & the Diamonds / Vicky & the Vengents @ Redwood Bar & Grill
Unwritten Law / Authority Zero / Phathom @ The Roxy ($20)
Wild Youth / Daytime Television / The Rozzes / Skinny Tie Band @ The Smell ($5)
Adler’s Appetite @ Keyclub ($20)

Sunday 1/18/09
[Recommended] Blue Diamond Benefit: Hello Dragon / The Hectors / The Breakups / Spider Problem @ Spaceland ($10) – Good local lineup.
Dwarves / The Uprising / Dirty Filthy Mugs @ Knitting Factory ($12)
Adrian Legg / Peppino D’Agostino @ McCabe’s ($20)
Part Time Punks @ The Echo ($5)
The Northstar Session / Adam Ezra / Jenny O / Tenlons Fort / Ryan Smith & Voyage @ Hotel Café
Brunch Americana: Josh Davis / Dale Peterson / Mike Stinson / Dave Gleason @ Redwood Bar & Grill
Eastern Conference Champions @ The Scene
Billy Boy on Poison / Run Devil Run / Love and a .38 / 1921A @ Viper Room

Local Band Updates

Local Roundup:

The Broken West is heading out on the road for a month with AC Newman and others. See the dates HERE.

The Henry Clay People has been added to the massive, six week Airborne Toxic Event tour. See the dates HERE.

Le Switch will be doing Spaceland’s Monday night residency in February.

February 17th will be a big day around LA. Head to your local record store for Abe Vigoda’s new EP, Reviver, as well as Eleni Mandell’s Artificial Fire (MP3: Artificial Fire) and Fol Chen’s Part 1: John Shade, Your Fortune’s Made (MP3: Cable TV and MP3: The Believers).

Bodies of Water have a new video for “Under the Pines.” Spooky.

Silversun Pickups have finished tracking their album and now just need to finish mixing and mastering it.

No Age are selling a limited edition skatedeck. Only 50 are available.

Filter has details about photographer Sterling Andrews’ book of fine art lithographs featuring local bands: Silversun Pickups, Earlimart, Great Northern, The Happy Hollows, Afternoons, The Henry Clay People, Le Switch, The Pity Party, Death to Anders, One Trick Pony, Rademacher and Rogue Wave. Look for it from Eenie Meenie this Spring.

Recently Announced LA Area Shows

Brooding Guitar Guy aka Sun Kil Moon

Sun Kil Moon @ El Rey on 5/27/09 (on sale Saturday)

A.A. Bondy @ Hotel Café on 2/24/09 (on sale now)

Bishop Allen @ Troubadour on 3/23/09 (on sale on 1/15/09)

The Soft Pack @ the Echoplex on 1/28/09 & 2/4/09 & 2/13/09 (on sale now at Ticketweb)

Black Mountain @ Echoplex on 3/21/09 (on sale now at Ticketweb)

The Black Heart Procession @ Spaceland on 1/31/09 (on sale now at Ticketweb)

Efterklang / Peter Broderick @ Spaceland on 3/10/09 (on sale now at Ticketweb)

Chad VanGaalen / Women @ Spaceland on 3/28/09 (on sale now at Ticketweb)

DeVotchKa @ Viper Room on 2/2/09 (on sale now)

NOFX / Youth Brigade @ The Fonda on 2/5/09 (on sale now)

The Pink Floyd Experience @ Orpheum on 3/13/09 (on sale Saturday)

Dark Star Orchestra @ El Rey on 4/10/09 (Friday’s presale password = GRATEFUL; on sale Saturday)

Ne-Yo @ Club Nokia on 2/7/09 (presale password = CLOSER; on sale Friday)

Billy Ray Cyrus @ House of Blues Sunset on 6/14/09 (on sale Saturday)

Dido and Aeneas @ Macgowan Hall Little Theatre on 4/17/09 (on sale Friday)

Nappy Roots @ Key Club on 2/5/09 (on sale now)

Demetri Martin @ the Fonda on 2/13/09 (on sale Saturday)

Millencolin @ El Rey on 3/13/09 (on sale Friday)

Lisa Williams @ Club Nokia on 2/27/09 (on sale Saturday)

Denis Leary & Friends @ Nokia Theatre on 4/4/09 (on sale now)

Musink Tattoo Convention & Music Fest: Rev Horton Heat / Atreyu / Danzig @ OC Fair & Event Center from 2/20/09 – 2/22/09 (presale password = TATTOO)

New Music Releases - 1/6/09 (Glasvegas)

This winter cold has got me down. But the new releases are starting back up again, so here you go….

Records Released on 1/6/09:

Records I’ve Heard:
Glasvegas: Glasvegas (Sony) – These Alan McGee approved Glaswegians appeared on a chunk of top 10 lists last year. Lead singer James Allan’s lyrics are high in the mix, but if you’re anything like me, you still won’t understand what the hell he’s saying. Depressed working class is the best way to describe the lyrics. There’s one song’s about a social worker, another about an absent father, several songs about fighting in the streets – including one about getting stabbed and another about a son dying, one about seasonal affective disorder, one about sectarianism, and one about jealousy after cheating on a girlfriend. Musically, the band gets compared to British Sea Power, U2 and Jesus & Mary Chain. It’s not really my cup of tea, but I can understand the appeal. If you don’t have tickets to their sold out show at the Troubadour on January 14th, you can see them at Amoeba on the 15th.

Other Noteworthy New Releases:
Animal Collective – the anxiously anticipated vinyl is out with the CD to follow in two weeks
The Gourds – very popular in Austin
Robert Earle Keene – a live tribute album

LA Live Music Options: 1/5/09 - 1/11/09

Happy New Year! Spaceland was crazy packed for the Henry Clay People on New Year's Eve. Good times. I also did a road trip to Bakersfield for Merle Haggard's first show back from lung surgery. More about that later......

Monday 1/5/09
Rocco DeLuca / Crash Kings / Jason Diaz @ Spaceland (Free) – Rocco’s doing the Monday night residency at Spaceland this month. He’s from Long Beach and is signed to Kiefer Sutherland’s Ironworks label.
Olin and the Moon / Gypsy River Haunts / Next of Kin / Marvelous Toy @ Silverlake Lounge (Free) – Olin and the Moon is doing the Monday night residency this month at the Silverlake Lounge.
Robert Francis / Andrew from Radars to the Sky / Seasons @ The Echo (Free) – Robert Francis is doing the Monday night residency at the Echo this month. According to Robert Francis’ Myspace page, Pete Yorn will be joining him tonight.
Magic Johnson / Syrup / Foot Village / Bipolar Bear @ The Smell
Gay Beast / Moment / Trigger @ Pehrspace
Songwriter round with Jay Nash, Joey Ryan, Javier Dunn, Lari Sarables / low stars / Juliana Raye @ Hotel Café
The Jake Labotz Band @ Redwood Bar & Grill
Nancy Fullforce / The Most Powerful Hand @ the Scene

Tuesday 1/6/09
[Recommended] Les Blanks / The World Record / One Trick Pony / Amateurs @ The Echo (Free) – Very solid lineup being presented by the Aquarium Drunkard. Les Blanks and The World Record are two of the best, most under-appreciated bands around LA. [Recommended] Eleni Mandell @ Hotel Café ($12) – This is the early show at 8:00 PM
[Recommended] Mike Stinson / Dave Gleason @ Redwood Bar & Grill – Two of the best local country performers.
Sara Lov / Patrick Park @ Spaceland ($12) – Sara Lov of the Devics is doing a Tuesday night residency at Spaceland this month.
All Spots to Black / Alaskan Summer @ Silverlake Lounge
Coby Brown / Theresa Anderson / The Gabe Dixon Band @ Hotel Café
Boomkat @ Viper Room ($10)

Wednesday 1/7/09
[Recommended] David Rawlings / Gillian Welch @ Largo ($30) – Gillian Welch is extremely talented.
Club NME: Ikoma @ Spaceland ($5)
Low End Theory Club @ Airliner ($10)
Guns N Bombs / Cosmic Kids / Acid Girls @ The Echo (Free for 10:30)
Black Apples / Ovideo / Tasso @ Silverlake Lounge ($6)
The Rescues / Steve Reynolds / The Makepeace Brothers / Nina Storey @
Banyan @ The Mint ($13)
Saddle Trash / Shewolves / United Snakes @ the Scene

Thursday 1/8/09
[Recommended] Gangi / Blank Blue / Daedelus / The Gaslamp Killer @ Spaceland ($8)
Pocahaunted / Sun Araw / Dreamcolour @ The Smell ($5)
Free Blood @ La Cita
The Watkins Family Hour @ Largo ($25)
Spaceland on Ice: Wait.Think.Fast @ Perhsing Square (Free) – 7:00 PM – do some ice skating
MP3: Look Alive
Bostich + Fussible @ The Echoplex ($15)
So Many Wizards / Furcast / The Fling @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Jesca Hoop / Lelia Broussard / Saba / Brutus Gets the Girl / Elizaveta @ Hotel Café
Quetzal Guerrero & the Warriors @ Redwood Bar & Grill
Sabrosa Purr / The Yelling / The Pleasant Return / Heavy Young Heathens @ The Roxy
Madlife / 33 Degree / Careful Now @ The Scene
Nico Stai / Links / Weird Dreams @ 3 of Clubs (Free with RSVP to SonicLiving or $5 at door)

Friday 1/9/09
[Recommended] The Little Ones / Plants and Animals @ Museum of Natural History – They keep doing these great lineups at the Museum of Natural History.
[Recommended] Jon Brion & Friends @ Largo – One Set Only
Afternoons / Xu Xu Fang @ Spaceland ($10) – If you’re looking for the next breakout band from Silver Lake, Afternoons is as safe a bet as you could make right now.
Gram Rabbit / Pop Levi @ Troubadour ($12)
One Trick Pony / Fascinoma / Tenlons Fort / Elroy Leroy @ Pehrspace
April Verch @ McCabe’s ($15)
Gort / Snakes Alive / Yidhra / Solar Wimp / Strangled by Strangulation @ Relax Bar
Greg Laswell / Honeyhoney / WAZ / Tiff Jimber / Chloe Leighton @ Hotel Café
The Insect Surfers / The Del Reys / The Counselors / Tijuana Panthers @ Redwood Bar & Grill
Franco Near Death / The New Room / The Transmissions / The Lost Libraries @ The Scene
We Are the World / Teeth / Showgirls / Sister Mantos / Nadia Comaneci / Vim Crony @ the Smell ($5)
Pussycat Dolls @ Viper Room ($25)

Saturday 1/10/09
[Recommended] Afternoons / The Henry Clay People / Lemon Sun / The Flying Tourbillon Orchestra @ Spaceland ($10) – The next big breakout band from Silver Lake? Are you betting on Afternoons or Henry Clay People?
Shitn-A / Halloween Swim Team @ Echo Curio
Greg Proops Chat Show with Andy Richter @ Largo ($25)
Jackshit @ McCabe’s ($15)
Gort / Timimonster / Oaks / Haxan / Are You a Cop / The Actuary @ Relax Bar
Roll the Tanks / Have Mercys @ Silverlake Lounge
Austin Leonard Hartley / Pawn Shop King / Elliot Murphy @ Hotel Café
Angus Khan & BC Tribe @ Redwood Bar & Grill
Rufus @ the Roxy – Early and late show
Crocodiles / Blue Jungle / Nikki Obscure / De Hombres @ The Smell ($5)
Flight From Above / Silent Treatment / Stereofix @ Troubadour
Pussycat Dolls @ Viper Room ($25)

Sunday 1/11/09
[Recommended] Part Time Punks: Thee Mighty Angels / Golden Years / DJ Tim Burgess @ The Echo ($5) – Thee Mighty Angels features Dave Newton from Mighty Lemon Drops
Rebirth Brass Band / Orgone / Check in the Dark @ The Roxy ($20)
Mad Planet / Sumkid and the Milky Way / The Popular Fans @ Spaceland (Free)
Corridor / Voice on Tape / Spirit Photography / Zombelle @ Echo Curio
Peter Alsop @ McCabe’s ($8) – Matinee Kids’ Show at 11:00 AM
Al Kooper @ McCabe’s ($24.50)
Hawnay Troof / All Leather / David Scott Stone / No Hate Seekers @ The Smell
Poleshift / Mojo King / Northern 45 / Arockalypse / Cepheus Monk @ Troubadour ($12)