Ticket Giveaway: Deer Tick and the Moondoggies

Deer Tick (photo credit: Kendall Pavan)

Still looking for something to do on the 4th of July? I've got some tickets to give away for the Deer Tick show at Spaceland. In case you missed it, Brian Williams of NBC News recently interviewed the guys for his blog.

Opening the show will be Dawes and a band that put out one of my favorite records last year, The Moondoggies.

To win these tickets email me [dukeufo at gmail] with your favorite 4th of July tradition. The contest closes Friday at Noon. Please include your full name and put "Deer Moon" in the subject line.

MP3: The Moondoggies "Changing"

Pablove Benefit Tomorrow

An extra, final incentive to head out to the Echo tomorrow night. All proceeds go to the Pablove Foundation...

Ticket Giveaway: The Strange Boys

I've got a few pairs of tickets to give away for the Strange Boys show this Tuesday at the Echo. RollingStone.com profiled them in their "Our New Favorite Band" column. Opening the show will be Shirley Rolls and the Growlers.

To win these tickets email me [dukeufo at gmail] with your first and last name. Please put "Strange Boys" in the subject line. The contest closes Tuesday at 3:00 PM.

Sinking Radio: The Seeds' "Can't Seem to Make You Mine"

This is my weekly reminder to tune in to LittleRadio.com this Friday from Noon to 2:00 PM for the Sinking Radio program. Each week the hosts spin an official You Set the Scene pick. They're not always winners (in the ears of the hosts) but that doesn't stop me. There's something amusing about hearing three music lovers complain about being forced to listen to Link Wray.

My pick for tomorrow's program is The Seeds' "Can't Seem to Make You Mine." I picked a Seeds' track for the obvious reason, Thursday's passing of lead singer Sky Sunlight Saxon. I picked this particular song, because it's always been a favorite. There's a reason Alex Chilton, Yo La Tengo, The Ramones and Johnny Thunders covered it.

For the uninitiated, The Seeds were a popular Los Angeles-based garage rock band from the mid-1960s. This track and "Pushin' Too Hard" achieved minor chart success. We're currently living in a scene with some pretty laughable/suspect "hippies", but there was no questioning Saxon. He was the real deal. Saxon was a dedicated follower of YaHoWha, and recorded with the YaHoWha 13 in the 1970s.

My first exposure to the Seeds happened in the late 1990s; you discover Nuggets and a whole world of music opens up for you. I was excited when the Seeds started playing shows again in 2002/2003. Not really knowing what to expect, I drove to the Bigfoot Lodge for one of the comeback shows in February 2003. $5 to see a legend in a tiny room? What did I have to lose? Well, Saxon's brain seemed a little (read: a lot) scrambled. One thing that really sticks out from the evening was a long digression about dogs.

On Thursday Jacko and Farrah got all the headlines, but hopefully some of you are discovering Sky for the first time....

Recently Announced Shows - Sonic Youth, Joe Pernice, Flaming Lips, Dodos

Greek Theatre
8/17/09: The Flaming Lips / Ghostland Observatory / Stardeath & White Dwarf (presale now, password = YOSHIMI; on sale Saturday)
9/16/09: Phoenix / Metric (presale now, password = FRANCE; on sale Saturday)

Wiltern
8/15/09: Down (on sale Saturday)
8/20/09: Tracy Chapman (on sale Saturday)
9/11/09: Paolo Nutini (on sale Saturday)
9/29/09: Sonic Youth (presales start Thursday at 10:00 AM; public on sale is Saturday at 10:00 AM)
10/20/09: Snow Patrol / Plain White T’s (fan club presale on now; KROQ is tomorrow at 10:00 AM; public onsale is Saturday at 10:00 AM)

McCabe’s
8/29/09: Joe Pernice (TBD) – solo acoustic along with book reading
10/18/09: John Wesley Harding (now)

El Rey
8/20/09: Jedi Mind Tricks (now)
9/18/09: Meat Puppets / Dead Confederate (on sale Saturday)
9/27/09: The Dodos / The Ruby Suns (on sale Saturday)
11/6/09: Mum (now)

The Music Box @ Fonda
8/27/09: Pete Yorn / Zee Avi (presale now, password = SUMMER; on sale Saturday)
8/28/09: Pete Yorn (on sale Saturday)
10/11/09: Sunny Day Real Estate (presale Friday, password = SUNNYDAY; on sale Saturday)

Mayan
9/17/09: Bajofondo (presale now, password = MARDULCE; on sale Saturday)

Club Nokia
9/18/09: The Psychedelic Furs / The Happy Mondays / Amusement Parks on Fire (presale now, password = HAPPYFURS; on sale Friday)
10/17/09: The Pogues (presale now, password = FAIRYTALE; on sale Friday at 10 AM)

Orpheum
9/25/09: Rodrigo y Gabriela (presale Friday, password = METAL; on sale Saturday)
10/24/09: Kevin Smith (on sale Friday)

Largo
7/9/09: Gillian Welch (call club)
7/11/09: Mandy Moore (call club)
7/16/09: Gillian Welch (call club)

The Echoplex
7/2/09: Benefit for Jennifer Tefft – She Wants Revenge / Black Rebel Motorcycle Club / Great Northern (now at Ticketweb)

Spaceland
10/7/09: Jack Penate / Miike Snow (on sale Friday at Noon)
Mondays in July: Andy Clockwise
Mondays in August: Local Natives

Troubadour
10/1/09: Loney, Dear / Asobi Seksu (now)
10/2/09: Robert Earl Keen (now)
10/7/09: Ingrid Michaelson (on sale Saturday)
11/14/09: The Cat Empire (on sale now)

The Glass House
8/19/09: D12 (Friday at Noon)
8/21/09: Jedi Mind Tricks (now)
9/18/09: Bajofondo (on sale 6/30/09 at Noon)
9/23/09: The Get Up Kids (TBD)
10/10/09 – 10/11/09 Children of Bodom (on sale Saturday at Noon)

Sunset Junction
8/22/09: Conor Oberst / Mary Wilson / Sly & Robbie / Warpaint / Nico Vega / Rumspringa / War Tapes / Miss Derringer / Gran Ronde / Les Nubians (now at Ticketweb)
8/23/09: Built to Spill / Arrested Development / Chris Clark with Arthur Adams / Cody Chesnutt / Nortec Collective: Bostich & Fussible / Fool’s Gold / Local Natives / Nico Stai / Love Grenades (now at Ticketweb)

Ticket Giveaway: Telekinesis This Saturday

I've got a few pairs of tickets to give away for the Telekinesis show this Saturday at the Echoplex. Opening the show will be The Boat People and One Trick Pony.

Telekinesis' self-titled debut album was released this April by Merge Records. Recorded by Chris Walla (Death Cab For Cutie) it's an enjoyable indie rock album that should appeal to fans of bands like Death Cab and Rogue Wave.

To win these tickets email me [dukeufo at Gmail] with the name of the best live band you've seen this year. The contest closes Friday at Noon.

Watch "Awkward Kisser" on You Tube.

Live Music Options: 6/22/09 - 6/28/09

Rodriguez Appears at El Rey on Saturday

Strong week for shows. Unfortunately a lot of them happen on Saturday (and I can't go to any shows on Saturday).

Monday 6/22/09
[Pick of the Night] Dinosaur Jr. / Earthless @ Troubadour ($30) – Not sold out yet - the steep price must have scared some people away.
[Recommended] Elvis Costello @ Amoeba Records (Free) – 8:00 PM show. I have a feeling this might get crowded…
[Recommended] Wilco / Jonathan Wilson @ The Wiltern (Sold Out) – The first of three LA shows. Are you guys digging the new record? Me? Not so much.
[Recommended] Castledoor / Local Natives / The Glass Beef / Music For Animals @ Spaceland (Free) – Castledoor has been packing in big crowds. I heard somewhere that Local Natives will be doing the August Spaceland residency (but don’t quote me on that because things change).
Oliver Future / Capshuns / Horse Thieves / Divisible @ the Echo (Free) – Oliver Future continues their residency.
Incubus @ Echoplex ($20)
Showdown on Sunset: Snoop Dogg / Iron Mike Tyson @ House of Blues Sunset (call for tix)
Vienna Teng @ Largo ($20)
Lemonwilde @ Viper Room ($12)
Caitlin Crosby @ Hotel Café

Tuesday 6/23/09
[Pick of the Night] Wilco / Jonathan Wilson @ The Wiltern ($35) – Night two of three in LA.
[Recommended] Dinosaur Jr. @ Troubadour ($30) – The steep price obviously scared some people away since it’s not sold out yet.
[Recommended] The Boat People / The Parson Red Heads @ On the Rox ($10)
[Recommended] Occidental Brothers / The Blasting Company @ The Echo ($10) – The members are from Chicago and Ghana. Andrew Bird appears on the record (but obviously doesn’t tour with them) and they cover New Order.
Sunset Rubdown / Elfin Saddle / Witchies @ Echoplex ($15) – Spencer Krug from Wolf Parade.
Foreign Born @ Vacation - 6:00 PM - In-store performance to celebrate record release.
George Elias / Paige Stark / Shakey Graves @ Spaceland ($8)
LMFAO @ House of Blues Sunset ($20)
The Picture @ On the Rox – Also playing Spaceland on Wednesday.
The Veronicas / Pretty Wreckless @ The Fonda ($18)
Cryptacize / Wounded Lion / Missincinatti @ Echo Curio
Greg Proops Chat Show: John C. Reilly Mike Viola @ Largo ($25)
New Planets / Hool @ Bordello ($5)
Nataniel Rateliff & the Wheel / The Sweet Sweet Things @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Raining Jane @ Hotel Café

Wednesday 6/24/09
[Pick of the Night] Emmylou Harris / Patty Griffin / Shawn Colvin / Buddy Miller @ Greek Theatre ($25 - $55) – I love Emmylou, but I’m not too sure about wanting to see Colvin? Not sure how the whole night will work….
The Heptones @ Echoplex ($10 adv / $15 dos) – Rocksteady legends
ISIS / Helms Alee / Mammifer @ The Fonda ($20) – Heavy, critical darlings.
Spinnerette / Har Mar Superstar / Woah Hunx @ Troubadour (Sold Out) – Brody Dalle from the Distillers. Produced by her husband, Josh Homme.
Ilo Mar / Laura Steenberge @ Echo Curio
Pete Yorn @ the Roxy ($25)
Found Magazine with the Watson Twins @ Largo ($20)
Club NME: The Picture / Aushua @ Spaceland ($8)
Low End Theory: 16Bit / Alex B / Kutmah @ Airliner ($10)
Matador / Chingalera @ The Blue Monkey
The Choke @ Boardner’s
Trouble & Bass / AC Slater @ The Echo (Free w/ RSVP)
Sing Orpheus / Ovideo / Tasso / Ryan Gregory Tallman @ Silverlake Lounge
Butterfly Boucher / Susie Suh @ Hotel Café
Café Tacvba @ Gibson Amphitheatre ($20)
The Boat People @ the Mint

Thursday 6/25/09
[Pick of the Week] Wilco / Okkervil River @ The Wiltern (Sold Out) – Wilco with Okkervil River is pretty irresistible.
[Recommended] Daedelus / Peanut Butter Wolf / Jogger / Mexicans with Guns @ The Echoplex ($10) – Friends of Friends label launch party.
[Recommended] The Minor Canon / Avi Buffalo / LANDy @ Regent Theatre ($5) [448 S. Main St.] - You already know The Minor Canon is one of my favorite local bands. Avi Buffalo's a young band with a ton of buzz (even Rolling Stone magazine likes them). LANDy's the band fronted by Adam Goldberg.
[Recommended] Les Blanks / The Voyeurs / The Fling / Foma @ the Echo - I'm a big fan of Les Blanks.
Deastro / Telephone Jim Jesus / Headmonster & Tarsier @ Spaceland ($10) – For the electro-pop fans, there’s a lot of buzz surrounding Deastro.
Amanda Palmer / Jenny Owens Young @ Troubadour (Sold Out) – From the Dresden Dolls.
The Bird and the Bee @ Descanso Gardens ($12) – Show at 6:15
Archways / Crash Encore / Catalogue / Drew Andrews @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Terra Naomi @ Hotel Café
Dalmacio Von Diamond & the Enochian Keys / Jesus Makes the Shotgun Sound / Father Murphy / Comprachicos @ the Smell
Third Eye Blind / Low vs. Diamond @ Hollywood Palladium ($40)

Friday 6/26/09
[Pick of the Night] Aretha Franklin @ Hollywood Bowl ($25 - $135) – Soul legend.
Papercuts / Port O’Brien / Sean Bones @ The Echo ($10) – Indie pop.

Fol Chen / Nite Jewel / Battlehooch / D.A.D. / The Beijing Blondes @ PDG Performance Warehouse [2485 Hunter St] ($10)
Jon Brion @ Largo ($25)
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony / Jay Rock @ Club Nokia ($45)
Ida Maria @ Detroit Bar in Costa Meas ($12) – She’s got that hit, “I Like You So Much Better When You’re Naked.”
Electric Daisy Carnival: Thievery Corporation / Paul Oakenfold / STS9 / Boys Noize / Shiny Toy Guns @ LA Coliseum ($55 or $99 for both days)

Mondo Generator / Stop Listening to Bad Music / Nick Oliveri (acoustic) @ Relax Bar
Two Sheds / The Traditionist / Line and Circle / Old Lumps @ Spaceland ($8)
Vans Warped Tour: Bad Religion / NOFX / Anti-Flag / Thrice / Adolescents / Guttermouth / Flipper @ Fairplex Pomona ($35)
Michelle Shocked @ McCabe’s ($22.50)
Hello My Name is Red / My Pet Saddle @ Pehrspace
Ceci Bastida @ Bootleg Theater ($8)
Anavan vs. TPF! / Wet Dreams vs. Neon Navajo / Laco$te vs. I.E. / Not the Government vs/ Bastidas @ The Smell ($5)

Saturday 6/27/09
[Pick of the Night] Rodriguez / Brightblack Morning Light / Glasser @ El Rey ($20) – Big ups to Light in the Attic Records for reissuing Rodriguez’s two early 1970’s albums. They’re two of my favorite reissues of recent years. You need them…
[Recommended] Explosions in the Sky / No Age / Eluvium @ Hollywood Palladium ($20) - I dig the slow building, instrumental rock.
[Recommended] Telekinesis / The Boat People / One Trick Pony @ Echoplex ($10) – Yet another enjoyable indie pop band from Merge Records. I was hoping they’d headline a show on this side of town, but of course I have a conflict.
[Recommended] The Zombies / The Yardbirds / The Spencer Davis Group @ The Wiltern ($20 - $75) – Odessey and Oracle is one of my favorite albums of all time. If you’re a huge fan and haven’t seen the Zombies, they’re definitely worth checking out at least once.
[Recommended] Summershine Pop Festival: St. Christopher / The Tartans / Sea Lions / Catwalk / Bridgess / The Parson Red Heads @ Megasound Studios in Ventura ($10)
ABBA the Music / Super Diamond @ Hollywood Bowl ($12 - $69) – ABBA and Neil Diamond cover bands.
Electric Daisy Carnival: Groove Armada / Paul Van Dyk / David Guetta / Infected Mushroom / Crystal Method / Roger Sanchez / Mark Farina / Simian Mobile Disco / Diplo / Major Lazer / LTJ Bukem @ LA Memorial Coliseum ($75 or $99 for both days)
Halloween Jack / Rocket @ Spaceland ($12) – The Gilby Clarke fronted glam cover band’s residency continues.
Dramarama / Flock of Seagulls / When In Rome / Gene Loves Jezeel @ House of Blues Sunset ($30)
VNV Nation / War Tapes / Ayria @ Club Nokia ($30)
Wendy and Lisa @ Largo ($25)
The Old Ceremony @ Bootleg Theater ($8)
Moses Campbell / Pangea / Apple Orange / Tim Bayona @ The Smell ($5)
Visa / The Dirty Diamond @ Troubadour ($15)

Sunday 6/28/09
[Pick of the Night] Phoenix / Amazing Baby @ The Wiltern (Sold Out) – Veteran French band seems to be making all new fans with their latest…
[Recommended] Kidrockers: Local Natives / Saint Motel @ The Echo ($12) – Adults must be accompanied by a kid. Early show at 1:00 PM
[Recommended] Part Time Punks: St. Christopher / The Tartans / Sea Lions @ The Echo – If you’re not driving out to Ventura, here’s a mini-version of the Summershine fest.
Adele / Etta James and the Roots Band / Janelle Monae @ Hollywood Bowl (call Bowl to check avail) – Be sure to get there early for Janelle Monae.
Rock n’ Roll n’ Rescue: Gliss / Death to Anders / Rainbow Arabia / Army Navy / The Polyamorous Affair / Exitmusic / Bobb Bruno / VOICEs VOICEs @ The Echoplex ($25) – Benefit for Sante D’Or Pet Rescue. Early show starts at 1:30 PM
Cursive / Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band / Box Elders @ El Rey ($17)
Grand Ole Echo: Simon Stokes / 50 Cent Haircut / Hang Jones @ The Echo (Free) – Show starts at 5:00 PM
Warped Tour: Bad Religion / NOFX / 3OH!3 / Less Than Jake @ Seaside Park in Ventura ($35)
DAT Politics / Captain Ahab / Battlehooch / Foot Village @ The Smell ($5)
Neil Hamburger / Imagine the Band @ Spaceland ($8)
Punch Brothers @ Largo ($25) – Ex-Nickel Creek

Sinking Radio: Link Wray's "Fire and Brimstone"

This is my weekly reminder to tune into Sinking Radio Friday from Noon to 2:00 PM on LittleRadio.com. Tomorrow is the show's two year anniversary. Expect guest appearances galore...

Each week, the show features an "official" You Set the Scene pick of the week. My pick for tomorrow's show is Link Wray's "Fire and Brimstone." The reason I picked this song at this time is pretty stupid...I just finished watching Jack White's new band, The Dead Weather on the Late Show. And although White plays drums in the new band, his guitar playing frequently makes me think of Link Wray.

Wray revolutionized electric guitar playing in the late 1950's. Believe it or not, the self-titled album that features "Fire and Brimstone" came out in 1971, when Wray was already in his forties. It's just a completely timeless, ripping blues song.

Hipster fashion victims take note, that Indian look Wray's sporting on the cover of the record isn't some pose. He actually was a Shawnee Indian.

Oddly, this record doesn't seem to be available on iTunes (but is available on Amazon). However, I recommend you pick it up on vinyl if/when you see it. You will not regret it.....

Recently Announced Live Shows

UPDATED: UPDATES ARE IN THIS PURPLE-ISH FONT

Staples
9/23/09: Britney Spears / Ciara (on sale now)

The Echoplex
7/16/09: The Very Best (on sale now)
7/25/09: Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks (on sale now)
7/31/09: Deerhoof (on sale now)

El Rey
11/14/09: Pinback (on sale Saturday)

Club Nokia
8/4/09: The Ting Tings (on sale now)
8/29/09: George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic (on sale Friday)
9/10/09: MUTEMATH (on sale 7/3/09)
10/16/09: KMFDM (on sale Friday)
10/18/09: Butthole Surfers (on sale Friday)

McCabe’s
7/26/09: Mekons (on sale now)

The Echo
7/27/09: Mekons (on sale now)
9/22/09: Pink Mountaintops (on sale now)

Hollywood Bowl
9/16/09: The Killers (on sale TBD)

Fox Theatre in Pomona
9/17/09: The Airborne Toxic Event / The Henry Clay People (presale now, password = WHITENOISE; on sale Saturday)

Nokia Theatre
10/16/09: Jamie Foxx (AmEx presale starts Saturday; public on sale 6/26)

Greek Theatre
8/12/09: Jackson Browne (on sale Saturday)
9/9/09 – 9/10/09: Dave Mathews Band (on sale Friday)
9/12/09: Flogging Molly (presale now, password = IRISH; on sale Saturday)

Troubadour
8/26/09: Dungen / Woods / Kurt Vile (on sale Friday)

Spaceland
8/28/09 - 8/29/09: The Warlocks (on sale now)

Hollywood Palladium
8/19/09: Atmosphere (on sale Friday)

Gibson Amphitheatre
8/13/09: Lil’ Wayne w/ Young Jeezy / Soulja Boy / Drake / Jeremih (CitiCards presale now; on sale Saturday)

The Fonda
10/9/09: Dark Star Orchestra (on sale now)

Verizon Wireless
9/18/09: Blink-182 / Fall Out Boy / The All American Rejects / Chester French (Citi Card presale now; KROQ presale password = KROQ182; on sale Saturday)

House of Blues Sunset
8/15/09: Method Man, Redman, Ghostface (on sale now)

House of Blues Anaheim
8/27/09: Devendra Banhart (presale now, password = DREAM; on sale Saturday)

Live Music Options: 6/15/09 - 6/21/09

Monday 6/15/09
[Pick of the Night] The Lassie Foundation / Amusement Parks on Fire / Magic Mirror / The Broken Remotes @ The Echoplex (Free) – This is a celebration for the anniversary of Bronson’s Buzz Bands blog.
[Recommended] Charlie Wadhams / Joseph Childress / Mia Maestro and Aaron Robinson @ Silverlake Lounge (Free) – Recommended for Wadhams, I’m not familiar with the other artists.
[Recommended] Castledoor / Deep Sea Diver / Gumshoe / Agent Ribbons @ Spaceland (Free) – Castledoor has been packing in the crowd. Deep Sea Diver is heading out on the road for a bunch of dates with Conor Oberst. The band features Jessica Dobson who plays in Beck’s band and who showed up in a couple of responses to my recent contest question “who is your rock star crush?”
Oliver Future / Gliss / Alexandra Hope / Dear or the Doe @ the Echo (Free) – Oliver Future continues their residency.
A Camp / Gentleman Reg / Cat Fur @ Troubadour ($17) – Featuring Nina Persson of the Cardigans
Von Bondies / Bloodcat Love @ Viper Room ($15)
Aures / Exotic Boulders / Ezra Buchla / Znayu @ Echo Curio
Jake Labotz / Ladyfingers @ Redwood
Marshall Crenshaw @ Grammy Museum ($15) - Discussing his music and performing a few acoustic numbers.

Tuesday 6/16/09
[Pick of the Night] Art Brut / Miike Snow / Golden Years @ Spaceland ($15) – The first night of four for Art Brut. KCRW is all over Miike Snow right now.
Bat for Lashes / Hecuba @ El Rey (Sold Out)
LANDy / The French Semester / Spleen @ the Echo ($5) – LANDy is Adam Goldberg’s band.
Osc & Ano / Brack Clowns / Stellarphone / The Frimps / Bastidas / Wrong Way Driver @ Airliner
Headlight / Capillary Action / 60 Watt Kid @ Echo Curio
The Section Quartet w/ Sam Phillips, Grant Lee Phillips @ Largo ($25)
Mississippi Man / Zach Lupetin & the Dustbowl Revival / Leftover Cuties @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Matisyahu / K’naan / Dub Trio @ The Wiltern
By Sunlight / Bright Light Fever / The Voyeurs @ The Prospector in Long Beach

Wednesday 6/17/09
[Pick of the Night] The Dead Weather @ The Roxy (Sold Out) – The Dead Weather is the new band featuring Allison Mosshart of the Kills with Jack White on drums. Doors at 7:00 PM for this show. 
[Recommended] Illa J / Memory9 / Jayceeoh @ Airliner ($10)
[Recommended] Art Brut / Nico Stai / Tall Hands @ Spaceland ($15) – Night two of Art Brut.
[Recommended] Viva Voce / Cut Off Your Hands @ The Echo ($12)
[Recommended] Spindrift / The Moon Upstairs @ Redwood
The Entrance Band / Sleepy Sun / Dios (Malos) / Slang Chickens @ Eagle Rock Center for the Arts ($10)
Captain Ahab / Electrocute / Baad / Hawnay Troof / Michael Vidal @ The Smell ($5)
Scion House Party: Zomby / Joker and MC Nomad / 12th Planet @ the Roxy (Free w/RSVP) - Doors at 10:30 for this show. 
Matador / Chingalera / Yidhra / Dead Ponies / Mortimer Young @ The Blue Monkey
Robotanists / The Lynx Technique / The Rhone Occupation @ Echo Curio
Zap Mama / Jeremy Sole @ El Rey ($30)
Sarah Silverman @ Largo ($25)
Michael Berg / David J / Damien Youth @ Bootleg Theater ($8)
Delete Scenes / So Many Wizards / Constant Collection @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Butterfly Boucher @ Hotel Café
Finch / Halifax @ Troubadour ($15)
Willy Porter and Raining Jane @ Grammy Museum (Free)
The Airborne Toxic Event / Iglu & Harley @ Avalon ($40 - $150) - Buy here
Busdriver @ Amoeba (Free) - 7:00 PM show

Thursday 6/18/09
[Pick of the Night] Busdriver / Nocando / Blank Blue @ Knitting Factory ($12) – I tend to prefer rappers with unusual flows. Check out this week’s LA Weekly for Jeff Weiss’ cover story on Busdriver.
[Recommended] Art Brut / Rumspinga / Voxhaul Broadcast @ Spaceland ($15)
Chairlift / Luke Top / The Frequency @ The Echo ($10) – Chairlift benefited from licensing a song to Apple. They’re part of the same Brooklyn scene that brought you MGMT and Yeasayer.
White Rabbits / The Subjects @ Troubadour ($14) – White Rabbits are signed to Phil Costello’s TBD Records (home of Radiohead).
Dwight Yoakam @ Grammy Museum ($45) - Interview followed by a few acoustic songs.
Gossip Tree / The Lost Patrol / Beat Killers / cheeahsaurus @ The Smell ($5)
Keyshia Cole @ Nokia Theatre
Warpaint @ Amoeba (Free) - 7:00 PM show

Friday 6/19/09
[Pick of the Night] Grizzly Bear / Here We Go Magic @ The Wiltern (Sold Out)
[Recommended] Jay Reatard / Thee Makeout Party / Digital Leather @ Alex’s Bar in
Long Beach ($10)
[Recommended] Bobb Bruno @ L’Keg Gallery
The Queers / The Mansfields / The Hot Toddies / The Atom Age @ Knitting Factory ($15)
Art Brut / The Blood Arm @ The Echo ($15) – Night four moves to the Echo.
Mere Mortals / Lower Heaven / Chief Nowhere / Black Kites @ Spaceland ($8)
Todd Rundgren / Paul Freeman / Rusty Anderson @ Club Nokia ($33 - $40)
Ben Kweller / Local Natives / The Jones Street Station @ El Rey ($19)
Jon Brion @ Largo ($25)
Thieves Like Us / Nightwaves / Esser @ The Echoplex ($10 w/RSVP)
Volts / Shayne Keator / Gossip Tree / Goldiggers @ The Smell ($5)
Opening Night @ The Hollywood Bowl ($17 - $103) – Roger Daltrey, Trisha Yearwood perform and Josh Groban is an inductee.
Ninja Academy / Blastoids / David Liebe / Hart and Adam / Papagan / Unsexxy @ Pehrspace
Lovelikefire / Spleen United / All Wrong and the Plans Change @ Bootleg Theater ($8)
Emily Wells / Andy Clockwise / Olin and the Moon / The Grizzly Owls @ Hotel Café – Andy Clockwise is doing the Spaceland residency next month.

Saturday 6/20/09
[Pick of the Week] Wilco / Jonathan Wilson @ Fox Theater in Pomona (Sold Out) - They’ll be playing three shows at the Wiltern next week. I had tickets to this, but now I have to miss it…
[Recommended] Shellac / Arcwelder @ Echoplex ($15) – Steve Albini
[Recommended] Grizzly Bear / Here We Go Magic @ Troubadour (Sold Out) – I’d much rather see them at the Troubadour than the Wiltern.
[Recommended] PJ Harvey & John Parish @ The Wiltern ($40 - $50)
[Recommended] Seasons / Blue Jungle / I Make This Sound / The Shade / Robotanists @ Mr. T’s Bowl - Good local lineup.
Chairlift / DJ Frosty @ Getty Center Courtyard (Free) – 7:00 PM
[Recommended] Bolero @ Bootleg Theater ($8)
The Queers / The Mansfields / The Hot Toddies @ Alex’s Bar in Long Beach ($15)
Nouvelle Vague @ The Fonda ($25)
Mike Watt / Thee Headliners / Ladyfingers @ Redwood Bar
DJ Quik @ House of Blues ($25)
Halloween Jack / Sabrosa Purr @ Spaceland ($10)
Tom Brosseau / Mike Stinson @ McCabe’s ($12.50)
Mariachi USA Festival @ The Hollywood Bowl ($1 - $150)
El Inganni / Foot Foot / Malcolm Sosa / Soap @ Pehrspace
Jen & Abby / Julie Doiron @ Hotel Café
Oren Lavie / Gary Jules @ The Mint ($15)
Our Brother the Native / Religious Girls / Voice on Tape / Foot Village @ The Smell ($5)
Amusement Parks on Fire / United Spleen @ the Prospector in Long Beach
Dinosaur Jr. @ the Detroit Bar in Costa Mesa ($25) – They’ll be at the Troubadour next week.

Sunday 6/21/09
[Pick of the Night] Femi Kuti and the Positive Force / Santigold / Raphael Saadiq @ The Hollywood Bowl ($10 - $98) – The first good show at the Bowl.
[Recommended] Shellac / Arcwelder @ Echoplex ($15) - Albini
[Recommended] Make Music Pasadena: Juana Molina / Quetzal / Mirah / Red Molly / Whispertown 2000 @ Old Town Pasadena (Free)
The Grand Ole Echo: Steve Casper / Dave Gleason / Nicole Gordon @ The Echo (Free) – 5:00 PM
[Recommended] The Circle Jerks @ The Keyclub ($18)
Venus Infers / Feelings Mutual @ Spaceland (Free)
Amy Correia @ Hotel Café
Chairlift @ Detroit Bar in Costa Mesa ($12)
Part Time Punks @ the Echo ($5)
Captain Ahab / Starfu*ker / Atole / Halloween Swim Team @ the Smell ($5)

The Dead Weather Announce Club Show

See The Dead Weather next Wednesday, June 17th at the Roxy. Tickets go on sale tomorrow at Noon. The band's in town to make a television appearance. If you miss this, you can get tickets for the Wiltern on August 25th or the Glass House on August 27th.

Sinking Radio: Frankel's "Ticket Machine"

This is my weekly reminder to tune in to Sinking Radio this Friday from Noon to 2:00 PM on LittleRadio.com. Each week, the hosts play an official You Set the Scene pick. My pick for this week's show is Frankel's "Ticket Machine."

If you've seen Earlimart in the past year or so, there's a good chance you've seen Michael Orendy playing bass with them. It shouldn't be news to longtime readers of the blog that Orendy records solo stuff under the name Frankel. A few of you might even remember that Frankel's last record, Lullaby for the Passerby, was number four on my list of best local releases of 2007. (Looking back on it, that list holds up surprisingly well, but that's another story.) 

When I heard Orendy had a new record on the way, it immediately went on my list of most anticipated records for 2009. According to the Frankel Myspace page, Anonymity Is the New Fame will finally be available June 23rd on the Aquarium Drunkard's Autumn Tone Records. 

Frankel's first record drew comparisons to Harry Nilsson and Lennon/McCartney, while I compared it to Richard Swift and Andrew Bird. Those influences are muted this time around. The new songs are a little less bouncy pop and a little more fuzzy folk.  

I'm not one of those guys that throws around Elliott Smith comparisons (or "Elliot Smith" as most people still spell it - sorry, it's an anal retentive pet peeve), but the first two tracks on Anonymity Is the New Fame, brought Smith to mind in a very positive way. Subject wise, the lyrics are nothing like Smith's. It's more a case of how the vocals, piano and acoustic guitar are recorded on a few of the songs. 

When you listen, forget my Elliott Smith comparisons. As he proved on Lullaby for the Passerby, Orendy's a very talented songwriter/artist in his own right. It never comes off as emulation, just influence. 

This record will, once again, most likely end up very high on my list of best of 2009.....

Visit Surfing on Steam for a download of another track from the album.

Recently Announced Live Shows

El Rey
10/1/09: The Horrors (on sale Friday at 10)

Club Nokia:
10/15/09: The Streets (presale now, password = SKINMIX; on sale Friday at 10)

Music Box at the Fonda
7/23/09: Rhys Darby (presale Friday at 10, password = INVASION; on sale Saturday at 10)
8/31/09: Bat for Lashes (presale Friday at 10, password = DREAM; on sale Saturday at 10)

The Orpheum
9/5/09: The Avett Brothers (presale Friday at 10, password = CONCORD; on sale Saturday at 10)

Fox Theatre in Pomona
9/1/09: Ween (presale Friday at 10, password = CHOCODOG; on sale Saturday at Noon)

Staples Center
9/22/09: Miley Cyrus (presale now for AmEx holders; on sale Saturday at 10)

Greek Theatre
9/3/09: The Pretenders / Cat Power / Juliette Lewis (on sale Saturday; presale now, password = OHIO)
9/24/09: Pet Shop Boys (on sale Saturday at 10AM; presale now, password = SUBURBIA)

Troubadour
8/15/09: Pissed Jeans / Lamps (on sale 6/17)
8/28/09: Gang Gang Dance (on sale now)
8/29/09: The Minus 5 / The Baseball Project (on sale now)
8/31/09: Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears (on sale Friday)
9/9/09: HEALTH / Pictureplane (on sale Friday)
10/2/09: Robert Earl Keen (on sale now)
10/19/09: Bob Mould Band (on sale now)
10/20/09: Owl City (on sale Saturday)

Spaceland
8/7/09: The Black Heart Procession (now at Ticketweb)

The Echoplex
8/21/09: The Sonics (now at Ticketweb)
8/28/09: Os Mutantes (now at Ticketweb)

The Wiltern
8/4/09: Lykke Li (on sale Saturday)

Gibson Amphitheatre
8/21/09 – 8/25/09: Steely Dan (on sale Saturday; now for AmEx cardholders)
9/25/09: The Temptations / Four Tops (on sale Sunday at 1; now for Citi Cardholders)

Ticket Giveaway: Neko Case & Jason Lytle

This giveaway's so good, I wish I was eligible. I've got a pair of tickets to give away for the Neko Case show this Friday at the Greek Theatre. Jason Lytle (ex-Grandaddy) opens the show.

To win these tickets, email me [dukeufo at gmail] with the name of your rock star crush. Please put "Neko Contest" in the subject line and include your full name. The contest closes Tuesday at 8:00 PM. 

MP3: People Got a Lot of Nerve

photo credit: Jason Creps

Live Music Options: 6/8/09 - 6/14/09

Jason Lytle Plays the Greek Theatre on Friday

I really enjoyed the Minor Canon record release party last Tuesday. Such a great band.

Monday 6/8/09
[Pick of the Night] Castledoor / Hopewell / John Webster Johns / Eastern Conference Champions @ Spaceland (Free) - Castledoor continues their Monday night residency.
[Recommended] Oliver Future / Other Lives @ The Echo (Free) - Oliver Future's residency should get a boost from Other Lives.
[Recommended] Corridor / Paulo Zappoli / Avi Buffalo / Addiquit / Telepathic Liberation Army @ Echoplex (Free) - Avi Buffalo goes on at midnight.
Metric / Sebastien Grainger @ The Wiltern ($20)
Scott H. Biram / Jake Labotz @ Redwood Bar & Grill
No Horses / Old Toy Trains / Linda Draper / Jubilee Singers @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Doug Benson @ Largo ($20)
John Thill / American Gil & the Major Dudes / Stellaluna / Serows / Beckett ‘n Frenz @ The Smell ($5)
Lelia Broussard / Chantal Kreviazuk / Jerry Hannan / Ferras @ Hotel Café
Kinky Katskins / Bamn / Abused Romance / Armada / Beautiful Criminal @ Viper Room

Tuesday 6/9/09
[Pick of the Night] Patrick Wolf / Living Things / Jaguar Love / Plasticines @ The Roxy ($15)
[Recommended] The Lemonheads / Model/Actress @ Spaceland ($18) - The Lemonheads have a new album of covers. I quickly listened to the Townes Van Zandt and Gram Parsons covers, but haven't gotten to the rest of it yet. The two I heard were good.
[Recommended] Camera Obscura / Future Static @ The Glass House ($15)
[Recommended] Sonic Youth Listening Party: Pocahaunted / Shiloe @ Origami Vinyl (Free) - Ignore the Pitchfork review (I always do) and pick this sucker up.... it's good. Some free pizza too.
Sebastien Grainger / Woodhands @ Cinespace ($5 w/RSVP)
Gaslamp Killer / Big Moves / Pollyn @ The Echo ($10)
The Tragically Hip @ Troubadour ($35)
Secret Chiefs 3 / Kayo Dot @ El Rey ($18)
Grizzly Owls / Square on Square / Zenda @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Jeff Buckley CD/DVD Release @ Largo ($45)
Michael Schenker @ Key Club ($25) – Founding member of the Scorpions
Raining Jane / Bushwalla / Macek / Price / Lindsey Ray @ Hotel Café
Your Majesty / Lady Sinatra / Who Rides the Tiger / The Bourbon Saints / Veritas @ Viper Room
Mike Stinson @ Redwood Bar & Grill
Jason Simon / Blank Blue / Hopewell @ the Prospector

Wednesday 6/10/09
Pick of the Night] Constantines / Crystal Antlers / I Was a King @ The Echo ($10)
[Recommended] The Hectors / Tandemoro / Untiil June / Glare of Rockets / Soul Puppet @ Viper Room
Club NME: Rainbow Arabia / Spirit Vine / Voices Voices @ Spaceland ($8) - If you're a Pitchfork and Gorilla vs. Bear follower, you've seen a lot written about the new-ish band from the old Wiskey Biscuit keyboard player....
Peter Murphy @ House of Blues Sunset - Bauhaus vocalist.
Butterfly Boucher / Patrick Park / Susie Suh / Kelli Rudick / Yellow Red Sparks @ Hotel Café
HoneyHoney / 2-Headed Dog / Nicole Atkins @ Largo ($20)
Low End Theory Club: Nosaj Thing @ Airliner ($10)
Municipal Waste / Trap Them @ Knitting Factory
Dub Club @ Echoplex
The Tragically Hip @ Troubadour ($35)
VLA / Mr. Gnome / Chasing Kings @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Bastidas / Animals on Coke / The Shock Deformity and Amputee @ The Smell ($5)
The Neighborhood Bullys @ Redwood Bar & Grill

Thursday 6/11/09
[Pick of the Night] Camera Obscura / Agent Ribbons @ The Fonda ($20)
[Recommended] Iwaad Wassif & Two Part Beast / Hopewell / Jason Simon (from Dead Meadow) / Jonathan Terrell @ Redwood Bar & Grill
Handsome Furs / The Cinnamon Band / The Monolators ($15) - Dan Boeckner from Wolf Parade.
Au Revoir Simone / The Antlers / Princeton / Findlay Brown @ El Rey ($17) - The Antlers have some buzz surrounding them.
The Church / Adam Franklin / Bolts of Melody @ The Roxy ($30)
Children Collide / Bloodcat Love @ Spaceland ($10) - All the Australian bands play Spaceland....
The Tragically Hip @ Troubadour ($35)
She Wants Revenge / Great Northern / Io Echo @ The Glass House ($20)
Testament / Unearth / Lazarus A.D. @ House of Blues Sunset
Random Patterns / Intricate Machines / Ovideo / Star Parts @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
The Rescues / Arrica Rose / Terra Naomi / Anne Heaton / Billy the Kid @ Hotel Café Picture Atlantic / Giant State / The Frail / Red Letter Agent / Monster Eats the Pilot / Thunder From Heaven @ Viper Room
Balkan Beat Box @ Key Club ($20)
Paper Planes / Mike Stinson @ The Prospector

Friday 6/12/09
[Pick of the Week] Neko Case / Jason Lytle @ Greek Theatre ($35)
[Recommended] Jay Reatard / Thee Oh Sees / Earthmen & Strangers @ The Echo ($14) [Recommended] Love Is All / Still Flyin’ / Shark Toys @ Echoplex ($16) - Popular Swedes.
Jon Brion @ Largo ($25)
Saturn / So Cow / Shark Toys / Le Face @ L'Keg Gallery - I've heard good things about So Cow...
[Recommended] Kenan Bell / Robert Francis @ Spaceland ($12) - This show's a benefit for Taco Zone - the hipster-favorite taco truck that sits near the Von's parking lot on Alvarado. Last weekend somebody allegedly threw a molotov cocktail on it (while it was open). That place has saved my ass a couple of times...
Del Tha Funky Homosapien @ House of Blues Sunset
Nikka Costa / JD Webb @ Troubadour ($25)
IAMX / Hypernova @ El Rey ($25)
Saint Motel / Links / Fight From Above / Heavy Hands / Last Exit @ Viper Room
Reik / Jesse Y Joy @ Club Nokia ($51 - $81)
Laura Jansen / Come Gather Round Us / Austin Hartley Leonard / The Dylan Trees / Beth Thornley / Joel Stein @ Hotel Café
TPF! / Dozal Brothers / Neon Navajo / Fast Astronauts @ The Smell
Rival Sons / Sangre Sangre / Death on Wheels @ The Roxy ($12)
Lady Dottie & the Diamonds / Quetzal Guerrero & the Warriors / New Rome Quartet @ Redwood Bar & Grill
Tijuana Panthers / dirt dress / Rad Cloud / no paws (no lions) @ Pehrspace

Saturday 6/13/09
[Pick of the Night] The Felice Brothers / Willy Mason @ Troubadour ($18)
Telepathe / Abe Vigoda / Nite Jewel / Blue Jungle @ The Smell ($5)
Clipse / Pac Div / B.O.B. @ Club Nokia ($23)
The Night Marchers / Japanese Motors / Lamps @ Lot 613 [613 Imperial Street] (Free w/ RSVP) - Free tequila and tacos. No Age and Travis Keller will be DJ'ing.
Playboy Jazz Festival: The Neville Brothers / Jimmy Cobb’s Band / Norman Brown’s Summer Storm / Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings / New Birth Brass Band @ Hollywood Bowl ($20 - $145) – Tons of other bands starting at 2:30. Bill Cosby is the M.C.
Datarock / Casxio / Wallpaper @ Key Club ($15)
[Recommended] Restavrant / Warpaint / Dogweed / Parker Macy Blues / Stanley Lucas Revolution / Brookline @ Spiral Park in Echo Park (Free) - Fun lineup. 1246 W. Court St.
An Evening with Wendy and Lisa @ Largo ($25)
JD Souther / Jill Sobule @ El Rey ($28)
[Recommended] Bolero / Pink Snowflakes @ The Prospector - Bolero is Josh Schwartz's band.
Halloween Jack / The Sweet Kill @ Spaceland ($12) - Halloween Jack is a glam covers band featuring Gilby Clarke. They're doing a Saturday night residency at Spaceland this month.
Reik @ Fox Theater ($40)
Smog Sessions @ Echoplex ($15) – Dubstep night.
Brandon Rogers / Ashleigh Haney / Melineh Kurdian / David Baron / Sara Haze @ Hotel Café
Green Jelly / 45 Grave / Rosemary’s Billygoat / Frankenstein / Radioactive Chickenheads @ Knitting Factory
Agent Orange / Sex Cobra @ Knitting Factory Front Stage
The Dave & Deke Combo @ Redwood Bar & Grill

Sunday 6/14/09
Grand Ole Echo: Mike Stinson / Dogweed / Elliott Randall @ The Echo (Free)
Brunch Americana: The Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash / David Serby / Brennen Leigh @ Redwood Bar & Grill
Useless Keys / Venus Infers / One High Five / Something To Burn / The New Up @ Viper Room
Bat for Lashes @ Lucky Store on 3rd St. Promenade 3:00 - 5:00 PM (Free w/ RSVP) - First come, first served - RSVP required for the performance. Jimmy Tamborello and Jason Bentley will also be DJ'ing.
Kissing Cousins / Restavrant @ Silver Factory Studios - CD release show for Kissing Cousins.
Billy Ray Cyrus @ House of Blues Sunset
Anavan / Daniel Francis Doyle / Math the Band / That Ghost @ The Smell ($5)
The Present / Queens / Julia Holter @ Spaceland ($8)
Naked Hearts / Pwrfl Power / Cap Lori / Alex and Sam @ Hotel Cafe
Part Time Punks @ The Echo (Free)

Sinking Radio: Sonic Youth's "Thunderclap (for Bobby Pyn)"

Here's my weekly reminder to tune in to Sinking Radio on Little Radio Fridays from Noon to 2:00 PM PST. Each week, the show features an You Set the Scene pick of the week. My pick for this week's show is Sonic Youth's "Thunderclap (for Bobby Pyn)."

For the most part, I'm a "middle period" Sonic Youth fan. I love the Sister, Daydream Nation, Goo, Dirty period. For the next several records (read: ten years), I could honestly take or leave them. There are (almost) always great songs on each record, just not a cohesive album.

So now it's 2009 and the band's rapidly approaching its 30th anniversary. They parted ways with their longtime label and signed off with Matador, NYC's biggest indie - and? They've put out another great album. Pretty fantastic that they're having a late in their career resurgence (I quite liked Rather Ripped too).

The new record's got everything fans of the "middle period" love about Sonic Youth: songs displaying Kim Gordon's cool, Kim and Thurston call and response songs, Lee Ranaldo fronted tunes with Thurston Moore guitar freakouts. The song I selected is a tribute to Bobby Pyn a.k.a. Jan Paul Beahm a.k.a Darby Crash.

The Eternal comes out next Tuesday. I recommend you pick it up...

Recently Announced Live Shows

Troubadour
7/16/09: The Zeros / The Muffs (now)
7/18/09: Brand New (on sale 6/11/09 at 1:00 PM)

The Echo
7/21/09: Micachu & the Shapes (now at Ticketweb)
7/28/09: Magnolia Electric Co. / The Donkeys (now at Ticketweb)
8/28/09 Ted Leo and the Pharmacists (now at Ticketweb)

Spaceland
7/17/09: The Builders and the Butchers / Illinois (now at Ticketweb)
7/29/09: Themselves (now at Ticketweb)
7/30/09: Castanets / Warmer Milks (now at Ticketweb)
7/31/09: Future of the Left / Japandroids (now at Ticketweb)
9/5/09: Sea Wolf / Sara Love (now at Ticketweb)

The Echoplex
8/27/09: Conor Oberst & the Mystic Valley Band (Saturday at 10:00 AM at Ticketweb)

Greek Theatre
8/9/09: Rodney Atkins / Jack Ingram / Eli Young Band (on sale Saturday; presale now, password = GREEK)
8/18/09: Elvis Costello / Lucinda Williams (on sale Saturday at 10AM; presale now, password = SPECTACLE)
10/2/09: Loggins & Messina / Gabe Dixon Band (on sale Saturday; presale now, password = FRIENDS)

Music Box at the Fonda
7/28/09 – 7/29/09: Glasvegas / Ida Maria (on sale Saturday)
9/17/09: The Gaslight Anthem / Murder By Death / Frank Turner (on sale Saturday)
10/14/09: Passion Pit (on sale now)

El Rey
8/19/09: Emiliana Torrini (on sale Saturday)
8/21/09: Los Campesinos! / Girls (on sale Saturday)

The Forum
8/25/09: Green Day / Franz Ferdinand (on sale Saturday)

The Wiltern
8/5/09: Blue October / Switchfoot / Longwave (on sale Friday)
9/25/09: Bon Iver (on sale Friday)
10/23/09: Tiger Army (on sale Friday)

Ford Amphitheatre
6/20/09: Dean & Britta provide musical accompaniment to Warhol’s 16mm films of Nico, Lou Reed, etc..

Nokia Theatre LA Live

9/2/09: Daryl Hall and John Oates (presale now, password = NOKIATHEATRE; regular on sale Monday at 10 AM)