Friday, February 27, 2009

Local Rock Photo Exhibition


Still looking for something to do tonight? These photographers are fixtures on the local scene......

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Sinking Radio: Radar Bros. "Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey"


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

Each week, the hosts play an official You Set the Scene pick. My pick for tomorrow's show is the Radar Bros.' cover of Paul McCartney's "Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey." The track comes a cool new release from Aquarium Drunkard/Autumn Tone Records. The record features 11 Los Angeles artists paying homage to my favorite McCartney solo record, RAM.  

Also featured on the compilation are You Set the Scene favorites: Le Switch, The Broken West, Amnion, Frankel, Parson Red Heads and Earlimart. Lots of fun stuff on the compilation, but my favorite has to be the Radar Bros. Jim Putnam totally nailed it. The cover maintains the spirit of the original, but showcases the Radar Bros. talent as well.

The compilation's totally free (they recommend donating to No More Landmines) and will be available starting Monday from the Aquarium Drunkard. If you don't own the original record, pick that up too. 

Tune in to Sinking Radio tomorrow to check it out.


Recently Announced Shows

Orpheum Theatre:
5/16/09: Mogwai (on sale Saturday)

Glass House in Pomona:
4/13/09: Jenny Lewis (on sale Saturday at Noon)
4/14/09: TV on the Radio (on sale Saturday at Noon)
4/15/09: Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band (on sale Saturday at Noon)
4/16/09: The Black Keys (on sale Saturday at Noon)

Nokia Theater LA Live:
4/10/09: Leonard Cohen (AmEx presale starts 3/2/09; reguar onsale is 3/9/09 at 10 AM)

Club Nokia:
4/4/09: Puscifer (Friday at 10:00 AM)

El Rey:
5/20/09: The Walkmen (on sale Saturday)

The Echo:
3/20/09: Four Tet / Jon Hopkins

The Echoplex:
3/26/09: These Arms are Snakes / Tera Melos (now at Ticketweb)

Spaceland:
Monday Night Residency in May: Gangi
4/1/09: White Denim (now at Ticketweb)
5/21/09: Ghost (now at Ticketweb)

The Wiltern:
5/3/09: Chris Cornell (Friday at 7:00 AM)
5/7/09: Lebowski Fest (on sale 3/6/09)
11/6/09: Ian Anderson (on sale Saturday)

Avalon:
5/23/09: Fischerspooner (Friday at 10:00 AM)

Hollywood Palladium:
5/9/09: Keane / Helio Sequence (Friday at 10:00 AM)

Troubadour:
4/17/09: The Cast of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia performing the songs from the Season 4 finale “The Nightman Cometh” (on sale Friday)
5/29/09: Black Moth Super Rainbow / School of Seven Bells (on sale Friday)

Largo:
4/11/09: Marc Olson & Gary Louris (call club for tickets)

The Fonda:
The Avett Brothers / Magnolia Electric Co. (on sale Saturday)

The Forum:
7/11/09: Rise Against / Rancid (presale Friday at 10AM, password – APPEALTOKROQ; regular on sale is Saturday)

Monday, February 23, 2009

Live Music Options: 2/23/09 - 3/1/09

Clues Perform at Spaceland on Thursday



There are a lot of enticing shows this week. Last week I had a great time at The Minor Canon and Le Switch at Spaceland. Then on Wednesday I saw Andrew Bird at the Orpheum. He is a little precious, but damn he's a talented performer. Sounded great too...

Monday 2/23/09
[Recommended] Le Switch / Radar Bros. / Andy Clockwise / The Faraway Places @ Spaceland (Free) – The last night of Le Switch’s residency. They’ve been running a little ahead of schedule, so make sure you get there no later than 10:00 PM if you hope to see the Radar Bros.
Holloys / Avi Buffalo / His Orchestra @ the Echo (Free) – Many local bloggers are recently embracing Avi Buffalo. I still haven’t seen him.
Local Natives / Voxhaul Broadcast / Union Line / Love Grenades / You Me & Iowa @ Silverlake Lounge (Free)
The Jake Labotz Band @ Redwood Bar & Grill
826LA Presents: Vaudeville @ Echoplex ($12)
40 Years of Steve Algee @ Largo ($20)

Tuesday 2/24/09
[Recommended] French Kicks / The Broken West / Army Navy @ Troubadour ($15) – I’m a big fan of the Broken West. Check out their recent video on Youtube.
[Recommended] AA Bondy / Brian Wright / Mike Bloom / Robert Francis @ Hotel Café ($14) – AA Bondy goes on early (I’m guessing around 9PM).
Modest Mouse / Mimicking Birds / Japanese Motors @ Hollywood Palladium ($35) – I’ve never been able to call myself a Modest Mouse fan, but maybe you are?
Mike Stinson / Dave Gleason @ Redwood Bar & Grill – Good local country lineup.
Miranda Lee Richards / He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister / Square on Square / The Quarter After @ Spaceland ($10) – The last night of Miranda Lee Richards’ residency.
Kinky / Mexican Dubwiser @ the Fonda ($20)
Shelley Short / Novi Split / Telematique @ Echo Curio
Finger Bang! – Margaret Cho @ Largo ($25)
Ollin / Mentiritas / Killsonic @ The Echo ($8)
Zach Lupetin & the Dustbowl Revival / The Shivers / Ema & the Ghosts / Blake Mills @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Nico Vega / The Yelling @ The Roxy

Wednesday 2/25/09
[Recommended] Low End Theory Club: Daedelus / Nosaj Thing / Knxwledge @ Airliner
Club NME: Dead Confederate / Transfer / Heavy Young Heathens @ Spaceland ($12) – Dead Confederate’s gotten some good buzz. They’re a heavy, Southern rock influenced band from Georgia.
A Tribute to Scott Walker: John Doe / David J. & Michael Berg / Ann Magnuson & Kristian Hoffman / Rob Dickinson / Jason Faulkner / Weave! @ Bordello ($12) – In conjunction with the opening of the Scott Walker documentary (opening this Friday at the Nuart).
Sarah Silverman @ Largo ($25)
Links / Mississippi Man / The Capshuns @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
The Guggenheim Groto / Austin Hartley-Leonard @ Hotel Café
IO Echo / We Are the Fury @ the Roxy
Ben Taylor / Schuyler Fisk @ Troubadour ($15)
Babyland / The Sweet Kill / Anavan @ Viper Room ($10)

Thursday 2/26/09
[Recommended] Clues / Black Cheeto @ Spaceland ($10) – Clues is a new band featuring Alden Penner (of the Unicorns) and Brendan Reed (ex-Arcade Fire). Their debut album comes out this May on Constellation Records. Supposedly they put on an exciting live show, so I’d get there early.
MP3: Perfect Fit
[Recommended] The Movies / This Century @ Space 1520 (Free) – I love seeing the Movies. This is that new retail space at 1520 Cahuenga.
[Recommended] AC Newman / Dent May @ Troubadour ($15) – I’m not crazy about the latest AC Newman record, but I love his first one (and the New Pornographers).
[Recommended] David Pajo / The Growlers / Tristeza / M. Sord @ Bordello ($15) – I’m a huge Slint fan.
Animal Collective / Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti / Zach Cowie @ The Fonda (Sold Out)
HEALTH / Abe Vigoda / Captain Ahab @ The Echo ($12)
Quetzel Guerrero and the Warriors @ Redwood Bar & Grill (Free)
Tenacious D @ Club Nokia ($50 - $150) – Benefit for the 24th Street Theatre
Big Head Todd & the Monsters @ House of Blues Sunset ($24)
Ghost to Falco / Gowns / Gamble House @ Echo Curio
Colin Hay @ Largo ($28)
Black Sun Empire @ Echoplex ($10) – Drum and Bass night
Wounded Lion / Tijuana Panthers / Guilty Hearts / Girls / Farewell Flight @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Joe Pug / Justin Young @ Hotel Café
Chelsea Girls / Sweethead @ the Roxy
Silk Flowers / City Center / tik///tik / Former Ghosts @ The Smell ($5)

Friday 2/27/09
[Recommended] Everest / The Parson Red Heads / Two Sheds @ The Echo ($10) – Great bill. I’m a huge Everest fan.
[Recommended] Kool Keith, Dr. Octagon vs. Dr. Doom / Hopsin and Kutmasta Kurt @ El Rey ($20) – I’m a big Kool Keith fan.
[Recommended] Jon Brion & Friends @ Largo ($25) – I’m finally going to check out the new Largo space.
Animal Collective / Silk Flowers @ Troubadour (Sold Out)
Mike Watt & the Secondmen / Lee Renaldo / The Nichemakers / Ron English’s Electric Illuminati @ Spaceland ($12)
Goblin Cock / Warship / Angus Khan @ Knitting Factory ($10) – Rob Crow’s joke metal band.
Inara George and Greg Kurston of Bird & the Bee / DJ Chris Douridas @ Home on Riverside (Free)
Hank III with Assjack / Those Poor Bastards @ the Roxy ($21.50)
The Angry Samoans / Johnny Madcap & the Distractions @ Knitting Factory
Matt Wertz @ House of Blues Sunset ($13.50)
Lisa Williams @ Club Nokia ($36 - $100)
Mad Gregs / Monstro @ Echo Curio
Julie Fowlis / Lucy Kaplansky @ McCabe’s ($20)
Dorian Wood / Red Maids / Marshweed @ Pehrspace
Dirty Eyes / We Should Be Dead / brewhemoth @ Relax Bar
Toby Lightman / Waz @ Hotel Café
Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys @ Redwood Bar & Grill
NASA Space Universe / Moment Trigger / The Amazements / Knight Rider @ the Smell ($5)

Saturday 2/28/09
[Recommended] Ra Ra Riot / Cut Off Your Hands / Telekinesis @ El Rey ($16) – Good lineup.
The Submarines / The Morning Benders @ Troubadour ($12) – All over those iPhone commercials.
Pizza! / Big Whup / Fol Chen @ Echo Curio
Hungry Beat Dance Party @ Pehrspace
Anavan / The Press Fire / Faav! @ Mountain Bar (Free)
Faun Fables / Voco @ Spaceland ($10)
Jim White / John Doe @ Largo ($20)
Phlegethon / Sirhan Sirhan @ Relax Bar
Old Lova’s Club / Dylan Trees @ Home on Riverside (Free)
Michelle Featherstone @ Hotel Café
Rumble King @ Redwood Bar & Grill
Martha Wainwright @ the Getty (Sold Out)
Emergency Ensemble / Mi Ami / Extra Life / Thank You @ The Smell ($5)
Pussycat Dolls Lounge @ Viper Room ($25)

Sunday 3/1/09
[Recommended] The Parson Red Heads/ Flashing Red Lights / The World Record / One Trick Pony @ Air Conditioned Supper Club at 625 Lincoln Blvd in Venice ($6) - New monthly night in Venice.
Tribute to Chris Darrow: Akron Family / Ben Harper / Howlin Rain @ McCabe’s (Sold Out)
Part Time Punks: Tyvek / Weave! @ the Echo ($5)
Busta Rhymes / U.N.I. @ Club Nokia ($35)
Guitarded / Moment Trigger / Hi My Name Is Ryan / Uggamugga / Creekbird @ The Smell ($5)
Molly Jensen / Holly Conlan @ Hotel Café

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Recently Announced LA Area Shows


Troubadour:
The Rakes on 4/1/09 (Saturday)
Kimya Dawson on 4/14/09 (now)
Mr. Brownstone – Guns ‘n Roses tribute band featuring members of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah on 4/16/09 (Tuesday)
Iron & Wine on 5/9/09 (Friday)
The Thermals on 5/27/09 (Saturday)

Masonic Hall at Hollywood Forever Cemetary:
Iron & Wine on 5/8/09 (Friday at Ticketweb)

Hollywood Bowl
Eric Clapton / Steve Winwood on 6/30/09 (Sunday)

El Rey:
Gavin DeGraw on 4/1/09 (Saturday)
Alexi Murdoch on 4/8/09 (Saturday)
Au Revoir Simone on 6/11/09 (Saturday)
IAMX on 6/12/09 (Saturday)
Bat for Lashes on 6/16/09 (Friday)
Rodriguez on 6/27/09 (Saturday)

Spaceland:
The Henry Clay People – Monday night free residency in April
White Denim on 4/1/09 (now at Ticketweb)
Damien Jurado on 5/3/09 (now at Ticketweb)
Langhorne Slim on 5/30/09 (now at Ticketweb)

McCabe’s:
Ramblin’ Jack Elliott on 4/17/09 & 4/18/09 (now through venue)
Richard Buckner on 4/19/09 (now through venue)
The Ditty Bops on 4/26/09 (now through venue)

Home Depot Center:
Coldplay / Amadou & Mariam on 7/18/09 (presale starts Friday, password = VIVALAKROQ; Saturday)

Monday, February 16, 2009

Live Music Options: 2/16/09 - 2/22/09

The Minor Canon Play Spaceland Monday (photo by Tracy Nunnery)


Monday 2/16/09
[Recommended] Le Switch / The Minor Canon / The Breakups / Swim Party @ Spaceland (Free) – Last week the electricity went out during Blank Blue’s set, so Le Switch made the best of it by playing a few songs acoustic in the middle of the floor. It was a really nice, memorable moment, but hopefully the lights stay on this week. One of my favorite local bands, The Minor Canon is in the 10:00 PM slot. Swim Party’s a good band up from San Diego.
Holloys / Rainbow Arabia / Pit Er Pat @ The Echo (Free) – What I’ve heard on Myspace sounds pretty good. I saw one of Rainbow Arabia’s first show and was very confused by them, but they’ve gotten some good press from Pitchfork.
Local Natives / Eastern Conference Champions / Army Navy / Paperplanes @ Silverlake Lounge (Free) – Local Natives have been packing them in at the Silverlake Lounge.
Tamarama / Steve Carlson @ Hotel Café
Foot Village / E&E / Puppy Dog / Man’s Assassination Man / Vampire Pussy @ Pehrspace ($5)
The Jake Labotz Band @ The Redwood Bar
Jane's Addiction / Dot Hacker @ Echoplex (Sold Out) 

Tuesday 2/17/09
Miranda Lee Richards / The Chapin Sisters / The Moon Upstairs / Big Search @ Spaceland ($10) – I really liked the Moon Upstairs last record.
Juana Molina / Laura Gibson / Luke Top @ Troubadour ($12) - LA Weekly pick
Murder City Devils / Brother Reade / Silverghost @ The Fonda (Sold Out)
Ben Lee / Mandy Moore @ Largo ($25) – Mandy Moore’s trying to re-invent herself (and event married Ryan Adams)
Mike Stinson / Dave Gleason @ Redwood Bar & Grill – Good country lineup.
The Soul of John Black @ The Mint ($12)
Horse the Band / Neon Navajo / Graf Orlock @ The Smell ($5)
David Piltch / Van Dyke Parks and Co. @ Largo Little Room – Van Dyke in the little room?
Nutty / Double Naught Spy Car @ the Echo ($5)
Where’s Moo / Recycled Air / Audra Mae / Decca Tree @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Jill Hennessy / Charlie Wadhams @ Hotel Café
Mishka / K’Naan @ The Roxy
Joey Cape of Lagwagon / Chris Schifflet of Foo Fighters / Jon Snodgrass of Drag the River / Limbeck @ Knitting Factory

Wednesday 2/18/09
[Recommended] Andrew Bird / Loney Dear @ Orpheum Theatre (Sold Out) – I like his records, but his talent really comes through in the live setting.
Club NME: The Mystery Jets / Low Flying Owls @ Spaceland ($17) – Should be a big night with the Brits.
Murder City Devils / Tweak Bird / Silverghost @ The Fonda (Sold Out) – I like seeing Tweak Bird.
Sioux City Pete & the Beggars / Simon Stokes @ Redwood Bar & Grill - LA Weekly pick
As Tall as Lions / Audrye Sessions / The Diamond Light @ Troubadour (Free for 21+)
Jessica Fichot / Meemies / Adam Arcuragi @ Bordello ($8)
Tatsuya Nakatani & Michael Doneda / I Heart Lung / Nick deWitt / Destroyer of Brains @ The Smell
Archways / Crash Encore / MFA @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Austin Hartley-Leonard / Brian Wright & the Waco Tragedies / Joe Firstman @ Hotel Café
Manhattan Murder Mystery / The Health Club / Downtown Union / Go West Young Man / The Widows / Automatique / Secret Alphabet @ The Scene
Casxio @ Boardner’s
Scion House Party: Rusko / Congorock / AC Slater @ the Roxy
Low End Theory Club: Terminus / Illum Sphere / Jonny Dub @ Airliner

Thursday 2/19/09
[Recommended] Eleni Mandell / Whispertown 2000 / Useless Keys @ the Echo ($10) – Eleni Mandell’s super talented.
BlackBlack / Alexandra Hope / Corridor / VoicesVoices @ Spaceland ($8) – This is a Manimal Vinyl night.
Duncan Shiek @ Vista Theatre ($37.50)
Quetzal Guerrero & the Warriors @ Redwood Bar & Grill
Andre Williams @ Alex’s Bar in Long Beach
Joan Baez @ Royce Hall
Heather Porcaro @ Largo Little Room
The Watkins Family Hour @ Largo ($25)
Living Suns / Lemonwilde / Wake Up Lucid @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Wynonna @ Club Nokia ($45 - $65)
Annuals / Jessica Lea Mayfield / What Laura Says @ Troubadour ($14)
Tonic / Gin Blossoms @ House of Blues Sunset ($30)
M. Barkley Green’s Working Jazz Trio @ Home (Free)
Jim Bianco / Angela McCluskey and Lily Hayden @ Hotel Café
Blue Rodeo @ The Mint ($20)

Friday 2/20/09
[Recommended] Jon Brion @ Largo ($25)
Thurston Moore / The Haters / Dead Machines / Hive Mind / Randy Yau / David Scott Stone @ The Smell ($8) – Seeing Thurston Moore solo is a very painful experience for me, but perhaps not you?
Sara Lov / Manuok / Horse Stories @ Home (Free)
Murder By Death / The Builders and the Butchers / Fake Problems @ Troubadour ($15)
Split Lip Rayfield / Sarah Gayle Meech @ Spaceland ($14) – I like Sarah Gayle Meech
Mike Stinson @ Cinema Bar in Culver City
Ryan Lindsey / Andy Clockwise and Ragsy / The Widows @ Hotel Café
Broken Spindles @ the Echo ($10) – The Faint’s bassist.
The Franks / Mega Wand / Kill Kill Kill Bestial Mouths @ Pehrspace
Libby Lavella @ Largo Little Room
The Game / Clyde Carson / Nipsey Hussle @ Club Nokia (Sold Out)
Musink: Reverend Horton Heat / Nekromantix / Manic Hispanic @ OC Fair & Event Center ($25)
The Gears / Prima Donna / Standard & Poor @ Redwood Bar
Dropkick Murphys / H20 / Civet @ Hollywood Palladium
Dada / Malbec / The Ruse @ House of Blues Sunset
Blue Rodeo @ McCabe’s ($20)
Donavon Frankenreiter / Gary Jules @ The Roxy

Saturday 2/21/09 
[Recommended] Bobb Bruno / vosotros / Keenhouse @ Betalevel in Chinatown - EP release party for Bobb Bruno. 
Grails / James Blackshaw @ Spaceland ($10) – Some serious musicians.
Dave Rawlings Machine @ Largo ($30)
Nelson Sings Nilsson @ Largo Little Room ($15) – Sean Nelson from Harvey Danger pays tribute to Harry Nilsson - he’s sold out shows up in Seattle.
Lisa Hannigan / Gavin Glass @ Troubadour ($15) – She was that great voice on that first Damien Rice record.
Gowns / Dawn Kasper / Vaudeville @ Pehrspace
Kid Infinity / Bastidas @ The Smell ($5)
Leftover Cuties / Andrea Wasse @ Hotel Café
Musink: Atreyu / Story of the Year / Scott Russo @ OC Fair & Event Center ($25)
Joshua Radin / Meiko / Jesse Harris @ the Fonda ($22)
9th Annual Brazilian Carnaval @ Hollywood Palladium
Smokey’s Roudup @ McCabe’s
Pussycat Dolls Lounge @ Viper Room ($25)

Sunday 2/22/09
[Recommended] KidRockers: The Broken West / Whispertown 2000 @ The Echo ($12) – Adults must be accompanied by kids and vice versa. Early show at 1:00 PM.
Part Time Punks: Arthur Russell Tribute Night – Hecuba / Julia Holter @ the Echo ($5)
Smokey Hormels Roundup @ Redwood Bar & Grill – Smokey Hormel was part of Beck’s best lineup.
Haim / D Henry Fenton @ Hotel Café
VoicesVoices @ The Smell ($5)
The Derailers / The Palominos / Mike Stinson / Dave Gleason @ Redwood Bar & Grill
Neil Hamburger / Kidneys / The Imaginary Bear and Barney Puppet Show @ Spaceland ($8)
Alex and Sam @ Home (Free)
Brooks and Dunn @ Gibson Amphitheatre
Musink: Danzig / Throwdown / Winds of Plague @ OC Fair and Event Center ($25)
Reverend Horton Heat / Manic Hispanic / Charlie and the Valentine Killers @ House of Blues Sunset
The Dillards @ McCabe’s ($20)
Yacht w/ DJ Pube$ / Destructo @ the Roxy

Friday, February 13, 2009

Sinking Radio: Phosphorescent "Reasons to Quit"


I'll be very brief today since it's very late (I saw the Henry Clay People at the Fonda) and I have to get up early. This is my weekly reminder to tune in to Sinking Radio on Little Radio this Friday from Noon to 2:00 PM. 

Each week the show features an official You Set the Scene pick. My pick for this week's show is "Reasons to Quit" by Phosphorescent. The song comes from Phosphorescent's new love letter to Willie Nelson, To Willie From Phossy, which is a reference to Willie Nelson's classic album, To Lefty From Willie

As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, I've been on a crazy Merle Haggard kick this year. While the record's a tribute to Willie, this song was actually written by the Hag and featured on the Willie/Merle collaboration, Pancho and Lefty

To Willie is a must listen for younger fans of Willie Nelson. On a side note, it features some lovely pedal steel guitar from Ricky Ray Jackson (Brothers and Sisters, Lomita) who has previously appeared on the Sinking Radio program. Hope you dig it.....

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Recently Announced LA Area Shows

The Mayan:
Cornelius / Deerhoof on 5/14/09 (presale now, password = MILO; Saturday at 10:00 AM)

El Rey:
PJ Harvey & John Parish on 3/23/09 (presale Friday at 10:00 AM; Saturday at 10:00 AM)
Jeff Beck on 4/21/09 – 4/22/09 (presale Friday at 10:00 AM, password = YARDBIRDS; Saturday at 10:00 AM)

Hollywood Palladium:
The Decemberists on 5/19/09 (on sale Friday at 10:00 AM)

Largo:
Stone Gossard & Friends on 3/11/09 & 3/12/09 (call the club)

Staples Center:
Keith Urban / Sugarland on 7/19/09 (presale now, password = ESCAPE; Sunday at 10:00 AM)

The Forum:
Kings of Leon on 8/22/09 (presale Friday at 10:00 AM, password = KROQONFIRE; Saturday at 10:00 AM)

Club Nokia:
Jodeci on 3/4/09 (presale now, password = FOREVER; Friday at 10:00 AM)

Nokia Theatre:
Denis Leary on 4/4/09 (Saturday at 10:00 AM)

The Fonda:
Ladytron / The Faint on 4/26/09 & 4/27/09 (Friday at 10:00 AM)

The Echo:
Illinois / Kenan Bell on 3/26/09 (on sale now at Ticketweb)
Golem featuring Sway Machinery on 3/18/09 (on sale now at Ticketweb)

Echoplex:
Jane’s Addiction on 2/16/09 (sign up through Jane’s Addiction’s website)

The Glass House:
Del tha Funky Homosapien on 4/9/09 (Friday at 10:00 AM)
Cornelius / Deerhoof on 5/16/09 (Saturday at 10:00 AM)

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Ticket Giveaway - The Music Tapes This Sunday

If you were a big Elephant 6 fan (guilty) then you're probably familiar with Julian Koster. Koster, the front man of The Music Tapes, was responsible for a lot of the interesting, odd instrumentation that added psychedelic elements to Neutral Milk Hotel and Olivia Tremor Control's music. 

Koster is eccentric; his voice has a warbliness to it that's interpreted as either honest and childlike, or off key. On top of that, the singing saw takes front and center in much of the Music Tapes' music. Their most recent album, Music Tapes for Clouds and Tornadoes, is lo-fi and weird - a definite love it or hate it record. 

I've got three pairs of tickets to give away for The Music Tapes appearance at the Echoplex this Sunday. Opening the show will be Nana Grizol and Brian Dewan. To win a pair of tickets, email me [dukeufo at gmail] with the name of your favorite Elephant 6 band (or record). Please put "Music Tapes" in the subject line. The contest closes Friday at Noon. 

KCRW Showcase at SXSW

Details are starting to emerge regarding SXSW. KCRW recently announced their evening showcase:

Where: Buffalo Billiard's
When: Wednesday, March 18th
Who: Ida Maria / School of Seven Bells / Port O'Brien / Angus and Julia Stone / Other Lives / Boat People

KCRW will have a big presence this year. Jason Bentley will be broadcasting live from SXSW on March 19th and 20th and Anne Litt will be in town to interview bands. They're also one of the radio sponsors for Filter's day time parties. Some of the bands that will appear at Filter's party are: Razorlight, NASA, Wild Light, Other Lives, Rye Rye, Hockey and Black Gold.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Ticket Giveaway for The Soft Pack on Friday


I've got a few tickets to give away for the Soft Pack show this Friday at the Echo. Opening the show is Tijuana Panthers.
To win these tickets, email me [dukeufo at gmail] with the name of your favorite Muslim. The contest closes Friday at Noon. Please put "Soft Pack" in the subject line of your email.

Monday, February 09, 2009

Live Music Options: 2/9/09 - 2/15/09


I finally got out of the house last week. I started the week with Le Swith and The World Record at Spaceland - both were really good (Whispertown 2000? - not so much). Then a good night at the Echo for the Fruit Bats (with a guest appearance by James Mercer of the Shins). And Saturday was a really unusual night at Spaceland. Country music legend Charlie Louvin, power outages and a guest appearance by Lucinda Williams - more on that later.
Monday 2/9/09
[Recommended] Le Switch / Vaudeville / Blank Blue / Les Blanks @ Spaceland (Free) – I had a great time last week. There was a good turnout too. Get there early to see Les Blanks. They go on at 9:00.
Local Natives / Meeting Places / Dusty Rhodes and the River Band / Marvelous Toy @ Silverlake Lounge (Free) – If you like to hit up all the free residencies, this is the best lineup for the Local Natives residency.
Holloys / Sabertooth Tiger / Red Exiles / California Party Girls @ the Echo (Free)
The Mae Shi / Hungry Ghost / Sad Horse / Residual Echoes @ the Smell ($5)
The Jake Labotz Band @ Redwood Bar & Grill
Big Digits Birth! / Showgirls @ Pehrspace
Eddie Kowalczyk / Kelly Dalton @ Hotel Café
Golden State @ Viper Room ($8)

Tuesday 2/10/09
[Recommended] The Parson Red Heads / Light FM / The Spires / French Semester @ The Echo (Free)
Cat Power / Fool’s Gold @ Avalon ($33)
Mike Stinson / Dave Gleason @ Redwood Bar & Grill
Miranda Lee Richards / Lower Heaven / Whispering Pines / Nick Jago @ Spaceland ($10)
Greg Dulli and Mark Lanegan @ Troubadour ($20)
Mad Planet / The Strange Familiar / The Surrender @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Gary Jules and the Group Rules / Serena Ryder @ Hotel Café
Dukes of Daville @ Viper Room

Wednesday 2/11/09
[Recommended] The newno2 @ Key Club ($12) - Dhani Harrison’s band. They’re on the Coachella bill too.
Club NME: Sweethead / Run through the Desert / Pedestrian @ Spaceland ($10) – Featuring Troy Van Leeuwen from Queens of the Stone Age
Cat Power / The Entrance Band @ Avalon ($33)
Orenda Fink / Stefanie Drootin / Whispertown 2000 / Deep Sea Diver @ Bordello ($10)
Cradle of Filth / Satyricon / Septicflesh @ The Fonda ($29)
The Whitest Kuds U Know @ El Rey ($20)
Styx @ House of Blues Sunset ($60)
Michael Miller @ Crane’s
Death By Stereo / Los Creepers / The Darlings @ Knitting Factory
Aushua / Little Red Radio / Republic of Letters / Tommy & the High Pilots @ Knitting Factory Alterknit
Marco Benevento / Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey @ Largo ($25)
Low End Theory Club: Customer Service / Flynn Adam / Boogie Blind / Lorn @ Airliner
The Mighty Diamonds @ Echoplex ($15)
Free Moral Agents / Blank Blue / Fim @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Austin Hartley-Leonard @ Hotel Café
PROTECT ME / Au / Naima Earth / The Keyishe @ The Smell ($5)
Set Your Goals @ Troubadour ($12)
Evil Nine @ Viper Room

Thursday 2/12/09
[Recommended] The Airborne Toxic Event / The Henry Clay People / Rademacher @ The Fonda ($20) – Great chance to see local bands in a different context. Most of the east and west coast shows are sold out.
[Recommended] The Happy Hollows / Crooked Cowboys & the Freshwater Indians / The Movies / Anni Rossi / Jillian Hank Leigh / Whitman @ the Echo (Free before 8PM, $5 after) – Good free lineup.
Deathday Party / Bobb Bruno / Entropy Density @ the Smell ($5) – I like Bobb Bruno, but I’m not familiar with the other bands.
Lemon Sun / Rumspringa / Voxhaul Broadcast / Restavrant @ Troubadour ($10)
Dirty Sweet / Night Horse / Sea of Air @ Spaceland ($8)
Elefante @ House of Blues Sunset ($27)
Sweet Talk Radio @ Hotel Café - Anya Marina has cancelled.
Evan Miller / Marble Sky / Earn / Humn Hands / Pedestrian Deposit @ Echo Curio
William Joseph @ Largo ($25)
Jonneine Zapata / Leslie and the Badgers / Band of Annuals @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Cola Cola Band / Shiloe / The Monthlies @ The Scene

Friday 2/13/09
[Recommended] The Soft Pack / Tijuana Panthers @ The Echo ($8) – Check back in later this week, I’ve got some tickets to give away for this show.
[Recommended] Jon Brion & Friends @ Largo ($25)
Prince Paul / Peanut Butter Wolf / Egyptian Lover / Dam-funk / Mayer Hawthorne @ the Echoplex ($15)
Terry Reid @ McCabe’s ($20) – The would be singer for Led Zeppelin.
Don Caballero / sBach / DD/MM/YYYY @ Spaceland ($14) – sBach features Spencer Heim from Hella.
LL Cool J / Izzo @ Club Nokia ($45)
Demetri Martin @ The Fonda (Sold Out)
Marble Sky / Evan Miller / Concern / Rale / Infinite Body / Monsturo @ The Smell ($5)
Patti Austin – Avant Gershwin @ Walt Disney Concert Hall ($36 - $97)
Susan Tedeschi / James Hunter @ House of Blues Sunset ($23.50)
The Sand People / Si, Claro / The Bros / Cole Moldy @ Echo Curio
The Appleseed Cast / Buckfast Superbee / Klum @ Knitting Factory
Jack Wilson Jr. / The Spires / The Voyeurs / Franklin for Short @ Pehrspace
Sorcerer / Fetus Eaters vs. Flattbush / Internal Corrosion / Chingalera / Yidhra / Secret Wars @ Relax Bar
Alisan Porter / Bonnie Mckee @ Hotel Café
Motorcycle Boy / Crazy Squeeze / Cat Party @ Redwood Bar & Grill
Drag the River @ the Scene
ALO @ Troubadour ($20)
Pussycat Dolls Lounge @ Viper Room ($25)

Saturday 2/14/09
[Recommended] Jim Freek’s Valentine’s Bash: Thee Makeout Party / Peachfuzz / The Thingz @ Redwood Bar & Grill – Should be a fun night.
The Gourds @ The Mint ($12)
Sparks @ Royce Hall ($30 - $40)
The Beat Junkies / J. Rocc / Babu / Rhettmatic / Mr. Choc @ Echoplex ($10) – Late show at 10:30 PM
Extreme Animals / Anavan / I.E. / Puppy Dog / The Tleilaxu Music Machine / Faav @ The Smell ($5)
Xzibit @ Key Club ($30)
The Dirty Diamond @ Trouabadour ($12)
Yo Majesty / Natalie “The Floacist” Stewart @ Echoplex ($14) – Early show
Kenny (Babyface) Edmonds @ Club Nokia ($50 - $80)
Mint Condition / JAMaL @ El Rey ($28)
The Next of Kin / Olin and the Moon / Los Olvidados @ Echo Curio
Golden Boots / Eagle Winged Palace @ Knitting Factory Alterknit
Rickie Lee Jones & the Vaudevillians @ Largo ($28)
David Lindley @ McCabe’s ($20)
Gil Mantera’s Party Dream @ Spaceland ($12)
The Brendan Hines / The Fresh / Karma / Andrew Deerin @ Hotel Café
Andrew Legacy / Dirty Nasty / Beardo @ the Roxy ($15)
Thursday / Four Year Strong / Bring Me the Horizon / Pierce the Veil / Cancer Bats @ Hollywood Palladium
Horrorpops @ Avalon
Northern Sky / The Hectors @ the Scene
Pussycat Dolls Lounge @ Viper Room ($25)

Sunday 2/15/09
[Recommended] The Music Tapes / Nana Grizol / Brian Dewan @ Echoplex ($12) – I’ve got some tickets to give away for this one too.
[Recommended] Under Covered: Marvelous Toy / The Flying Tourbillon Orchestra / Radars to the Sky / Death to Anders @ All Star Lanes in Eagle Rock ($7) - See LA bands cover other LA bands. The show starts at 8:00 PM and is presented by Radio Free Silver Lake and The Eagle Rock Bowling and Drinking Club. Sounds like an interesting evening.
Brunch Americana: The Gourds @ Redwood Bar & Grill
Grand Ole Echo: Ted Russell Kamp / Mike Stinson / Dead Rock West @ The Echo (Free) – Starts at 4:00 PM
The Northstar Session @ Hotel Café
Part Time Punks: Smiths & Morrissey Night ($5)
The Fab Four @ Club Nokia ($27 - $33)
David Lindley @ McCabe’s ($20)
Saint Motel / Craft Club / The Airlines / Hello Vegas @ Spaceland (Free)

Thursday, February 05, 2009

Sinking Radio - Andrew Bird's "Fitz and the Dizyspells"



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

Each week, the show features an official You Set the Scene pick of the week. My pick for this week's show is Andrew Bird's "Fitz and the Dizyspells." Bird's one of those freaky, classically trained musicians who has been playing since he was four. Although he's been releasing records for over a decade, I didn't discover him until 2007's Armchair Apocrypha. Even then, I had to see him live to grasp what a fantastic musician he is. 

After making music for so long, it's great to see Bird getting the recognition he deserves (he plays a sold out show at the Orpheum on the 18th) . His songs aren't super accessible - they're heavy (in the Kundera way) and if you grew up going to public schools (like me) you'll need a dictionary to understand a lot of the lyrics. As a slave to popular music, I'm not overly familiar with most of his influences, but I can still tell that he's just an incredibly talented and original songwriter. 

Recent Concert Announcements

Lily Allen at the Wiltern on 4/2/09


Los Angeles Sports Arena:
Bruce Springsteen on 4/16/09 (Saturday at 10AM)

Staples Center:
Taylor Swift / Kellie Pickler on 5/22/09 (presale now, password = FIFTEEN; Friday at 10AM)

Largo:
Neil Halstead on 3/10/09 (now, call club)
Rhett Miller on 3/26/09 (now, call club)

The Echo:
Plants and Animals on 3/12/09 (now at Ticketweb)

The Wiltern:
Lily Allen on 4/2/09 (Saturday at 10AM)

Spaceland:
Grails / James Blackshaw on 2/21/09 (now at Ticketweb)
Cursive on 3/12/09 (now at Ticketweb)
The Spinto Band / Maps & Atlases on 3/24/09 (now at Ticketweb)
Monotonix / The Mae Shi on 4/10/09 (now at Ticketweb)
Blind Pilot on 4/11/09 (now at Ticketweb)
Bob Log III on 4/28/09 (now at Ticketweb)
Obits featuring the Lights on 5/22/09 (Saturday at Noon at Ticketweb)

Troubadour:
Asobi Seksu on 3/14/09 (now)
The Tallest Man on Earth on 3/26/09 (now)
Pelican / Wolves in the Throne Room / Tombs on 3/27/09 (Saturday)
Dan Deacon on 4/22/09 (now)
The Flatlanders on 5/30/09 (now)

Nokia Theatre:
The Whispers on 3/14/09 (09 (presale now, password = HOT923; Friday at 10AM)

Club Nokia:
Tenacious D on 2/26/09 (now)
Pendulum on 3/14/09 (presale now, password = PROPANE; Friday at 10AM)
Rakim y Ken-y (presale now, password = ROYALTY; Friday at 10AM)

The Greek Theatre:
Flight of the Conchords / Arj Barker on 5/24/09 (presale now, password = SUGALUMPS; Saturday at 10AM)

El Rey:
The Whitest Kids U Know on 2/11/09 (now)

The Fonda:
Travis on 4/11/09 (now)

Wednesday, February 04, 2009

10 Observations About the Fruit Bats Show at the Echo

I neglected to bring my camera (as usual) but had a good time at the Fruit Bats show last night at the Echo. Unfortunately I'm way too busy to write a real review, but here are some observations/facts. I apologize ahead of time for engaging in gossip about who attended the show....

1) Eric Johnson is now a hippie - he grew his hair out way past his shoulders.
2) If you stand in the front row at a show and spend the entire time staring at your phone and texting people, you're an asshole.
3) The new Fruit Bats songs reflect Eric Johnson's new found hippiedom. The songs were less poppy and many featured prominent pedal steel. I approve and can't wait to hear the recorded versions.
4) The old Fruit Bats songs have gotten completely new arrangements for this tour. I'm not sure I completely approve, but it was fun to hear.
5) Eric Johnson has moved to Los Angeles - two days ago to be exact.
6) Eric Johnson is (still) tight with James Mercer of the Shins Mercer. Mercer joined the band on stage for a pretty enjoyable cover of Neil Young's "Helpless."
7) The Fruit Bats covered Dylan's "You Ain't Goin' Nowhere" - using the Byrds arrangement.
8) The Grammys are happening this week and Radiohead is in town to perform (members of their entourage were in attendance at last night's show).
9) Brian Joseph Burton (aka Danger Mouse) and James Mercer apparently know each other and spent a lot of time chatting at last night's show. Which begs the question - what might a Shins/Danger Mouse collaboration sound like?
10) If you're a smaller touring artist who wants to sell merch, sell the shirts for a reasonable price (the Fruit Bats were selling them for $10), make a tour exclusive CD and put in some face/autograph time after the show.

Monday, February 02, 2009

Live Music Options: 2/2/09 - 2/8/09

Charlie Louvin Plays Spaceland on Saturday



With the exception of Benji Hughes (who was very entertaining) and Merle Haggard (see previous post) there hasn't been much live music for me so far in 2009. That's going to change this week....

Monday 2/2/09
[Recommended] Le Switch / Whispertown 2000 / Wrong Way Driver / The World Record @ Spaceland (Free) – You should know by now that Le Switch is one of my favorite local bands. They’re doing the Monday night residency all month at Spaceland. Get there early to see The World Record.
Holloys / Bobb Bruno / David Scott Stone / Buzzard @ the Echo (Free) – I’m a fan of Bobb Bruno, but not familiar with the other bands.
Local Natives / The Outline / Lemon Sun / Aushua @ Silverlake Lounge (Free) – I’m familiar with Aushua, but not the other bands.
Gang Gang Dance / Haunted Graffiti / Nite Jewel @ The Smell ($7) – A big night at the Smell.
Nightmares on Wax @ Echoplex ($20)
DeVotchka @ Viper Room (Sold Out)
The Jake Labotz Band @ Redwood Bar & Grill
60 Watt Kid / Billygoat / Voices Voices / Pizza! @ Echo Curio
Moment Trigger Tour Kick-off @ Pehrspace
Raining Jane / Makepeace Brothers / Lindsay Mac @ Hotel Café
My Imaginary Friends @ the Mint (Free)
Crooked Fingers / So Many Wizards @ Bordello ($12)

Tuesday 2/3/09
[Recommended] The Fruit Bats / Sera Cahoone / Luke Top @ The Echo ($15) – I’m a big fan of the Fruit Bats. Enter to win the tickets I’m giving away.
[Recommended] Mike Stinson / Dave Gleason @ Redwood Bar & Grill – Good local country lineup. You can also see these two guys back up Charlie Louvin this Saturday at Spaceland.
[Recommended] Miranda Lee Richards / The Shore / Magic Mirror / Exitmusic @ Spaceland ($10) – Good lineup.
Meshuggah @ House of Blues Sunset ($18.50)
Rachel Cantu / Monster / Evan Voytas @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Eric Garcetti Fundraiser: Greg Laswell / Jim Bianco / Whispertown 2000 @ Hotel Cafe
Bushwall @ the Mint ($8)
Razorlight @ the Troubadour (Sold Out)
Midnite Theory @ Viper Room ($10)
Little Boots @ Cinespace (RSVP to Dim Mak for $5 entry)

Wednesday 2/4/09
[Recommended] The Soft Pack / Crocodiles @ the Echo ($8) – Early show at 8:00 PM. The band formerly known as the Muslims.
Club NME: Little Boots @ Spaceland ($10) – An attractive British girl playing disco. There’s a lot of hype behind this right now.
Matt & Kim / The Mae Shi / The Underground Railroad to Candyland @ the Troubadour ($10) – I’ve seen Matt & Kim and The Mae Shi.
Castledoor / Overview / Zoro / Safety @ Bordello ($8)
Eagles of Death Metal / The Living Things @ The Fonda ($20) – I’ve seen Eagles of Death Metal before.
The Dirty Dozen Brass Band @ the Mint ($27)
Pig Destroyer / Trash Talk @ Knitting Factory
Auhua / Drew Danburry @ Knitting Factory Alterknit
Aziz Ansari @ Largo ($25)
Low End Theory Club: Divinci / DJ T-Lo / Flynn Adam @ Airliner
No Culture with Tim Sweeney @ the Echo ($5) – Late show at 10:00 PM
Tartufi / Glasser / Dame Satan @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Austin Hartley-Leonard / Joshua James with Lex Land @ Hotel Cafe
Rick Holmstrom @ Redwood Bar & Grill
An Evening with Al Dimeola’s World Sinfonia Tour @ the Roxy
No Babies / Anni Rossi / Whitman / Nicole Kidman / Realicide @ the Smell ($5)
Solange @ Viper Room ($35)

Thursday 2/5/09
Merle Haggard @ Grove of Anaheim ($40 - $65) – I’m bad about ignoring the OC, but figured I had to put this one in the listings. He’s a true legend.
[Recommended] Dave Rawlings & Gillian Welch @ Largo ($30)
The Freeks / Davis / Sasquatch / Sassy @ Spaceland ($8) – Members of Nebula, Earthless, Fu Manchu make up these bands…
Nappy Roots @ Key Club ($18)
Pilar Diaz / Wait.Think.Fast / La Santa Cecilia @ Bordell ($10)
Black Math Horseman / 16 / Intronaut / Giant Squid / Bastard Noise @ Knitting Factory
The Yelling / The Union Line @ the Roxy ($7) - Nico Vega cancelled.
NOFX @ The Fonda ($25)
Underminer / The Logan / Third String / Seven Dirty Words @ Relax Bar
Andy Friedman / Horse Thieves / City of Progress @ Silverlake Lounge ($10)
Emily Wells / Charlotte Martin / El Ten Eleven / Tartufi @ Hotel Café
Chauncey Jacks @ the Mint ($8)
Drew Danburry / Kevin Greenspon / No Paws (No Lions) / Ancient Crux @ The Smell ($5)
Circa Survive @ Troubadour (Sold Out)
Iglu & Hartly / Casxio / Hello Vegas @ Viper Room ($5)

Friday 2/6/09
[Recommended] Jon Brion @ Largo ($25)
Oliver Future / Gliss / Rami Dearest @ Spaceland ($8) – The return of Oliver Future.
Angela Correa / Birdie Busch / The Idyllists @ Hotel Café – I like Angela Correa.
Fucked Up / Mika Miko / Underground Railroad to Candyland / Trash Talk @ Echoplex ($13)
The Bird and the Bee / Jukebox the Ghost @ Museum of Natural History
Les Blanks / Seasons / Spirit Vine / The French Semester / The Van Pelts @ Mr. T’s Bowl ($3) – I like Les Blanks.
Divisadero / My Pet Saddle / Death to Anders / Dirt Dress @ Pehrspace – Presented by Elaine Layabout
Lady Sovereign @ The Echo ($10)
NOFX @ The Fonda ($25)
Grupo Fantasma / Upground / Mexican Dubwiser @ Knitting Factory
Sangre Sangre / Desert Diamonds / F Scott and His Band / Tim Gray Music @ Relax Bar
Boogaloo Assassins @ the Mint ($12)
I See Hawks in LA / Merle Jagger @ Redwood Bar & Grill
Moses Campbell / Pangea / God Equals Genocide / Watercolor Paintings / The Widow Babies @ The Smell ($5)
Sex Cobra @ Troubadour ($12)
Pussycat Dolls Lounge @ Viper Room ($25)
The Master Musicians of Jajouka @ Royce Hall ($26 - $48) - "Described by Mick Jagger as 'one of the most musically inspiring groups in the world,' the Jajoukas were originally discovered by William Burroughs and Paul Bowles in the 1950s, and introduced to the Western world by the late Rolling Stones guitarist Brian Jones, who recorded their otherworldly sounds on a pilgrimage to Jajouka in 1968. "

Saturday 2/7/09
[Recommended] Charlie Louvin / Mike Stinson / Frank Fairfield @ Spaceland ($17) – Seeing Charlie Louvin at last year’s Stagecoach was one of the highlights for me. He’s a living legend and the Louvin Brothers have been covered by pretty much everybody who is important in country music. Don’t miss this opportunity.
Benji Hughes / Jonathan Wilson @ Home Restaurant (Free) - This is at the new Home down on Riverside (not the old Home on Hillhurst).
Fiction Family @ Largo ($25)
Fol Chen / Karin Tatoyan / Avi Buffalo @ Pehrspace – Fol Chen’s celebrating the release of their new record on Asthmatic Kitty.
Scott Weiland / The Color Turning @ The Fonda ($30)
Ne-Yo @ Club Nokia (Sold Out)
Tom Chapin & the Chapin Sisters @ McCabe’s ($20)
Drew Bannbury / K. Greenspon / Watercolor Paintings / Anni Ross / Stellaluna @ Echo Curio
It’s Casual / Pegataur / The Funeral Pyre / Crackula / Biblical Proof of UFOs @ Relax Bar
VooDoo Glow Skulls / The Toasters / Buck-O-Nine / Deals Gone Bad @ Knitting Factory
Victoria @ Home (Free)
Jim Hanft / Lisa Donnelly / Amy Kuney / Irina Bjorklund @ Hotel Café
Tim Reynolds and TR3 @ the Mint ($20)
Chelsea Girls @ the Roxy
Good for Cows / Ninja Academy / Totally Serious / We Be the Echo / Clevis @ the Echo ($5)
Carney / his orchestra / Glare of Rockets @ Troubadour ($10)
Pussycat Dolls Lounge @ Viper Room ($25)

Sunday 2/8/09
Ne-Yo @ Club Nokia (Sold Out)
Suki Ewers / Dallas Don and the Echo Park Players / Patria Jacobs @ Spaceland (Free)
NOFX @ The Fonda ($25)
TSOL / D.I. / Black President / The Stranger @ Echoplex ($17)
Matinee Kids Show: Tom Chapin @ McCabe’s ($15) – 11:00 AM show
Hume / Adam Arcuragi / Dameon Lee / Pillows @ Echo Curio
Alex and Sam @ Home (Free)
Cocktown Mens Choir + Minstrel Show @ Hotel Café
Part Time Punks @ the Echo ($5)

Ticket Giveaway - Fruit Bats at the Echo on 2/3/09


I've got two pairs of tickets to give away for the Fruit Bats show this Tuesday at the Echo. Opening the show will be Sera Cahoone and Luke Top.
The Fruit Bats have been on a bit of an extended three year hiatus. This is mostly the result of the main man, Eric Johnson, being a part of the Shins for the past couple of years. Fortunately for us he's written some songs, put a band together and he's out on the road for a West Coast tour. I'm a huge fan of their last record, Spelled in Bones and Mouthfuls was pretty great too.
To win these tickets, email me [dukeufo at g m a i l] and describe your favorite thing about Chicago. The contest closes Tuesday at Noon. Please put "Fruit Bats" in the subject line.