Recent Live Show Announcements

Greek Theatre
10/18/09: Monsters of Folk: Jim James, Conor Oberst, M. Ward and Mike Mogis (Saturday at 11 AM; presale now, password = SAYPLEASE)
10/28/09: Regina Spektor (Saturday at 10 AM; presale now, password = FAR)

Hollywood Palladium
9/5/09: Mos Def (Saturday at 10 AM)
10/17/09: Brand New (8/10 at 1:00 PM)
11/4/09: The Pixies perform Doolittle (TBD)

Avalon
9/25/09: Manic Street Preachers (Friday at 10 AM)
10/14/09: Alternative Press Tour (8/8 at 10 AM)
10/19/09: Brazilian Girls (Friday at 10 AM)

Mayan
8/26/09: The Dead Weather (Saturday at 10 AM)

Club Nokia
8/30/09: The Faint / Moving Units (Friday at 10 AM)

Bren Events Center in Irvine
9/15/09: The Killers (Saturday at 10 AM)

The Fonda
9/23/09: Sebastien Tellier (Saturday at 10 AM)
9/24/09: Nouvelle Vague (Saturday at 10 AM)
9/25/09: Electro French Party (Saturday at 10 AM)
10/24/09: Daniel Johnston (Saturday at 10 AM)

Fox Theatre in Pomona
9/25/09: Sonic Youth (Saturday at 10 AM)

El Rey
9/22/09: Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros (Friday at 10 AM)
10/20/09: Brother Ali (Saturday at 10 AM)

The Echo
9/11/09: Vivian Girls (now at Ticketweb)
9/15/09: Throw Me the Statue (now at Ticketweb)
9/16/09: Fanfarlo (now at Ticketweb)
9/22/09: Pink Mountaintops (now at Ticketweb)
10/1/09: Cave Singers (now at Ticketweb)
10/22/09: Thee Oh Sees / The Fresh & Onlys @ the Echo (now at Ticketweb)

Troubadour
9/15/09: Fanfarlo (now)
9/17/09: Sea Wolf / Afternoons (now)
9/19/09: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart (now)

Empire Polo Club in Indio

10/30/09 - 11/1/09: Phish Fest 8 (now)

Updates on Local Bands

I haven't done one of these in a long time. Here's an update on local bands:

Division Day just announced a slew of new tour dates. Their new album, Visitation, comes out on Dangerbird on 8/18/09. It’s going to catch you off guard (in a very good way). Check out their Myspace page for some streams and tour dates. Buy tickets for their September 2nd show at Spaceland HERE. Go to their label site to download a free remix.

Speaking of Dangerbird, Sea Wolf have completed their sophomore album. White Water, White Bloom is set to be released on September 22nd. Pre-order the record and see a slew of tour dates HERE. Buy tickets for their Sept. 17th show at the Troubadour HERE. Looks like the previously announced Spaceland show has been replaced.

Lou Barlow’s got a new solo record, Goodnight Unknown, coming out on October 6th through Merge Records. In addition to playing with Dinosaur Jr., he’ll be the opener too. Check out the tour dates HERE. Buy tickets for the November 5th show at the House of Blues HERE. Download the first MP3: “Gravitate”

Warpaint recently signed with Manimal Vinyl with Exquisite Corpse set to be released on September 22, 2009. Download two MP3: Billie Holiday (Pitchfork gave the track a 7 out of 10)and MP3: Elephants. Josh Klinghoffer is now an official member of the band. You can catch them at Sunset Junction on August 22nd.

Speaking of Sunset Junction, the performance schedule is HERE. Other local bands on the bill are: Gran Ronde, Miss Derringer, War Tapes, Rumspringa, Nico Vega, The Submarines, Love Grenades, Nico Stai, Local Natives, Fool’s Gold, Night Horse and Mika Miko (or Mica Miko – as the SJ website spells it).

Miss Derringer have a new record, Winter Hill, out on Triple X. Pitchfork recently gave it a solid 7.7 out of 10.

Night Horse have three split 7” singles coming out this summer on Tee Pee Records (the first one is already out and the next one comes out 8/4/09). Download MP3: Choose Your Side

Fool’s Gold recently signed with IAMSOUND. Their debut, self-titled record comes out on September 29th. Download MP3: Surprise Hotel (Pitchfork recently gave it an 8 out of 10).

Luke Top, Fool’s Gold’s frontman, recently released a solo record. Friends came out via Slow Death Records. Download MP3: Friends

Members of Foreign Born are also a part of Fool’s Gold. Foreign Born’s new record, Person to Person, continues to get good reviews. It currently rates a 70 on Metacritic. MP3: Vacationing People and MP3: Early Warnings

Labelmates of Foreign Born (Secretly Canadian’s got a great roster), Music Go Music will release their debut full-length, Expressions, on October 6th. Download MP3: Warm In the Shadows

Bedmates of Foreign Born (at least a bedmate of the lead singer), Glasser also got a track review from Pitchfork. “Glad” received a 7 out of 10.

Princeton’s debut full-length, Cocoon of Love, comes out September 29th on Kanine Records. They’ll be opening a slew of shows for Ra Ra Riot to coincide with the release. Follow this link to Pitchfork to download the first single, “Calypso Gold”

Speaking of Pitchfork (as I have like 10 ten times in this roundup), they recently reviewed the new Fol Chen record. Read that HERE. Spin Magazine recently put together a Prince covers record for its subscribers. Fol Chen and Lavender Diamond were featured. Fol Chen is headed to Europe for a September tour. See the dates HERE.

Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros are also touring Europe in support of their debut album, Up From Below. See the dates on their Myspace page. Download MP3: 40 Day Dream (Pitchfork gave the track a 6 out of 10)

Rainbow Arabia released some new music, Kabukimono, yesterday through Manimal Vinyl. Download MP3: Harlem Sunrise

And last, but not least, Aaron and Nikki from Amnion will be appearing on Penn & Teller: Bullshit! this weekend on Showtime. Those two are so nice and positive, they don’t deserve the mean-spiritedness of the show, but they’ve got a great attitude about it. Watch a clip HERE.

I’m sure I’m forgetting a million bands, sorry everybody……..

Silversun Pickups on Letterman Tonight

(photo credit: kevin yoshimitsu)

Just a quick reminder to tune in to Letterman tonight. Silversun Pickups will be making their second appearance on the show.

Still no official LA date, but they seem to have a large gap on their schedule in September and October...

Live Music Options: 7/27/09 - 8/2/09

Malkmus was a bit disappointing on Saturday night. But on to this week....

Monday 7/27/09
[Pick of the Week] Radar Bros. / The Minor Canon / Dragging An Ox Through Water @ Bordello ($5) - Two of my favorite current bands.
[Recommended] Jarvis Cocker / Little Joy @ The Wiltern ($5 if you’re a Citicard member / $35 otherwise)
The Mekons / The Pulsars / Bollweevil @ The Echo ($14) – I had an English professor in college who had a band named after a Mekons song. He gave me a B.
Starlight Mints / JP Inc / Castledoor @ Troubadour ($12) – Starlight Mints are a pretty good band out of Norman, OK.
Andy Clockwise / The Aubreys / Carla Werner / Matt Ellis / Ebony Bones @ Spaceland (Free) – Andy Clockwise has had a very successful residency. Packed every week.
Japanese Motors / Thee Makeout Party / The Blank Tapes / Golddiggers! @ The Echoplex (Free) – Costa Mesa’s Japanese Motors are signed to Vice Records.
Last American Buffalo / The Monthlies / Rio Bravo / Venus Iluminato @ Silverlake Lounge (Free)
Ash Reiter / Pierre de Reeder / The Long Lost @ Bootleg Theater ($8)
No Doubt / Paramore @ Gibson Amphitheatre (Sold Out)
Tiny Vipers / Lazarus / Night Canopy / Dameon Lee @ Echo Curio
60 Watt Kid / Shirley Rolls / Single Mothers / The Seizure / Mikki and the Mauses / Realicide @ Women [1852 Crenshaw Blvd]
Diane Birch / Sweaters / The Morning After Girls @ Hotel Café

Tuesday 7/28/09
[Pick of the Night] Magnolia Electric Co / The Donkeys / Dave Gleason & Old Californio @ The Echo ($12) – Another quality Secretly Canadian band. Get there early for the openers – you won’t be disappointed.
Band of Skulls / Useless Keys / The Filthy Souls @ Spaceland ($10) – Band of Skulls are a British band with some pretty good buzz. They’re appearing at Lollapalooza this year. KCRW approved show.
Glasvegas / Ida Maria @ The Fonda ($22) – Back for about their fourth time this year
Regina Spektor / Little Joy @ El Rey (Sold Out)
Obi Best / Willoughby @ Bootleg Theater ($8)
Ebony Bones @ Cinespace - They drew a huge crowd at Spaceland last night.

The Mighty Boosh @ Amoeba (Free) – 6:00 PM
Jesca Hoop / The Chapin Sisters / Kristy Kruger / The Once Was / Heather Waters @ Hotel Café
Earth, Wind & Fire / Chicago @ Nokia Theatre ($50 - $130)
No Doubt / Paramore @ Gibson Amphitheatre (Sold Out)
Holly Williams @ The Mint ($8)
Greg Proops Chat Show: Colin Hay / Drew Carey @ Largo ($25)
The Nights / Pulse Out / Victim Vision @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Our Lady Peace @ Troubadour (Sold Out)

Wednesday 7/29/09
[Pick of the Night] The Movies / Seasons / Vibe Slayer @ Bordello ($5) – I haven’t seen the new Movies lineup (Tim, Jess and Sperske).
[Recommended] Club NME: Themselves / [Post-Foetus] / Emily Wells @ Spaceland ($12) – Jel and Doseone make up Themselves, a big part of the Anticon crew.
[Recommended] Crystal Antlers / Mika Miko / Audacity @ Alex’s Bar ($8)
[Recommended] Trashcan Sinatras / Brookville @ Troubadour ($18) – Scottish indie fans should be excited about this one.
Low End Theory: Das-Funk / Ras G / Incyde! @ Airliner ($10)
Adam Marsland and His Chaos Band / Fat City Reprise / Golden Years / J.P. Cregan @ The Echo ($8)
Mack Winston & the Reflections / Luke Paquin / John Webster Johns @ Bordello ($7)
Spaceland Under the Stars @ Pershing Square (Free)
Mary Lynn Rajskub / Tig @ Largo ($20)
Family Album / Pierre de Reeder / The Hunting Accident / Blanket @ Mr. T’s Bowl
Watts Ensemble / Firs @ Bootleg Theater ($5)
Brandon Reynolds / Dylan Trees @ Silverlake Lounge ($5)
Spirit Vine / Blue Jungle @ Mountain Bar
Bedouin Soundclash / The Lions / Rootbeer ft. Pigeon John @ the Roxy ($15)

Thursday 7/30/09
[Pick of the Night] Castanets / Warmer Milks @ Spaceland ($10) – Nice, weird Americana lineup.
[Recommended] Thomas Mapfumo and the Blacks Unlimited @ Santa Monica Pier (Free) – Show at 7:00PM – The legend from Zimbabwe.
The Sounds @ the Key Club (Sold Out)
The Wailers perform Exodus @ House of Blues Anaheim
HoneyHoney / Lal Meri / Juliette Commagere @ The Roxy ($15)
Barrio Tiger / Angus Khan / Jessie Deluxe / Thunderdikk @ The Echo ($5)
Rachel Goodrich / The Audreys / Steve Reynolds / Nightfur / John Swardson @ Hotel Café
Floating Action / Generationals / Golden Boots / Eagle Winged Palace @ Detroit Bar in Costa Mesa ($10)
Gram Rabbit / Oliver Future @ Troubadour ($12)
Kevin Greenspon / Prayola / Runners / Megawand / Ancient Crux @ Echo Curio
IPO: The Trainwrecks / X86 / Donat Say Vegas / AM Interstate / One Silver Astronaut / Brandon Schott / Blue Sky Divide / Kevin McGowan @ Knitting Factory
The Watkins Family Hour @ Largo ($25)
Square on Square @ Silverlake Lounge
The Honorable DHC / David Serby / Dave Gleason / Grant Langston @ Redwood
Ratas Del Vaticano / Infinite Body / Mikki and the Mauses / TEARIST @ The Smell ($5)
The Seizure / Strangewaves / Manhattan Murder Mystery / Woah Hunx @ L’Keg Gallery

Friday 7/31/09
[Pick of the Night] Future of the Left / Japandroids / Dead Ponies @ Spaceland ($12) – Future of the Left are a noisy Welsh band with a surprisingly good new record on 4AD. Japandroids are one of the buzziest bands going right now. Their album’s currently got an 84 rating on Metacritic and it just got picked up for re-release by Polyvinyl. Get there early for Dead Ponies – they’re a good local band that I haven’t checked in with for a while.
Deerhoof / Busdriver / Avocet @ The Echoplex ($12) – Maybe this is the reason the Spaceland show isn’t sold out yet?
Anavan / Dazzler @ the Echo ($8)
Jon Brion @ Largo ($25)
Hippiefest: The Turtles / Mountain / Badfinger / Chuck Negron / Felix Cavliere @ Gibson Amphitheatre ($15 - $45)
No Doubt / Paramore @ Verizon Wireless
Floating Action / The Generationals / Golden Boots / The Steelwells @ Hotel Café
Reel Big Fish / The English Beat @ Club Nokia ($28)
Stellastarr* / Wild Light / Mason Proper @ Troubadour ($20)
IPO: The French Semester / We Should Be Dead / The Tearaways / The Mayberrys / Hail Citizen / The Smith Bros. / Strangefinger / Flashing Red Lights @ Knitting Factory
Katie the Pest / Foot Foot / Big Death / Moses Campbell @ Pehrspace
Chief / Michael Runion / Mini Mansions @ Bootleg Theater ($8)
Jogger / Former Ghosts / quangstuh / Michael Nhat @ the Smell ($5)
Jenni Rivera @ Nokia Theatre ($35 - $150)

Saturday 8/1/09
[Pick of the Night] Timonium / Dirt Dress / The Soft Opening @ Pehrspace – Timonium will be covering Slowdive.
Penny-Ante Three Party: Jad Fair and Lumberob / Urinals / Man’s Assassination Man @ Center for the Arts in Eagle Rock ($25 – includes book) – Buy tix in advance HERE.
Ferraby Lionheart / Terra Naomi @ Hotel Café
Priscilla Ahn / Landon Pigg @ Troubadour ($15)
N*E*R*D / Trouble Andrew @ Avalon
The Health Club / Blue Jungle @ Silver Factory Studios
VAMPS / The Exies @ The Wiltern ($5 if Citi cardholder / $30 otherwise)
Company of Thieves @ Spaceland ($10)
Vanaprasta / Rye Douglas Band / Make Moon @ Bootleg Theater ($8)
IPO: Splitsville / Meg & Rebel Heart / The Waking Hours / The Parties / The Happy Endings / Blue Skies for Black Hearts / Jason Karaban / Rollywood @ Knitting Factory
Mint Condition / Lalah Hathaway @ Club Nokia ($30 - $60) – Donny Hathaway’s daughter.
No Doubt / Paramore @ Verizon Wireless
An Evening with Wendy & Lisa @ Largo ($25)
Harry Merry / Best Coast / Pearl Harbour / Native Fauna @ The Smell ($5)
Jenni Rivera @ Nokia Theatre ($35 - $150)

Sunday 8/2/09
[Pick of the Night] Judas Priest / Whitesnake @ Gibson Amphitheatre ($40 - $125) – Doing British Steel in its entirety. Yes, Halford’s back in the band.
[Recommended] Evan Way / The Blank Tapes / Spirit Vine @ Air Conditioned Supper Club in Venice
Ancestors / Nu Sensae / Upsilon Acrux / Random Cuts @ The Smell ($5) – Some heavy shit man.
Grand Ole Echo: Grant Langston / Lisa & Her Kin / The Chris Miller Band @ The Echo (Free) – 5:00 PM
No Doubt / Paramore @ Verizon Wireless
The Hereafter / Jason Soudah / Alicia Witt / Brian Whelen @ Hotel Café
Part Time Punks: Nervous Gender / Loto Ball Show @ The Echo ($8)
Pat Green @ House of Blues Sunset ($28)

East Coast vs. West Coast: Neil Young vs. Bob Dylan

This is a new series here at You Set the Scene where we attempt to settle the age old East Coast vs. West Coast feud. In reality, we’re exploring the New York City metro area vs. the Los Angeles metro area.

In the first post we explored the quintessential band from each area: THE VELVET UNDERGROUND vs. THE BEACH BOYS. Our verdict was The Beach Boys (HERE).

This time around we look at - The (Transplanted) Singer/Songwriter.

BOB DYLAN vs. NEIL YOUNG

Issues:
- Does Bob Dylan belong to New York City?
Robert Zimmerman was born in 1941 in Duluth, Minnesota and got interested in folk music while living in Minneapolis. In 1961 he was drawn to New York City by Woody Guthrie and the Greenwich Village scene. He was already calling himself Bob Dylan by then, but New York City was where he made a name for himself. With the exception of the Nashville records, his early records were recorded at Columbia Studios in NYC. Interestingly, in the late 1970s and early 1980s he recorded most of his records in Los Angeles. It's quite possible that he’s spent more time living in LA than NYC. Today he’s the definition of a rolling stone, spending time in upstate New York, Malibu and touring. But New York City gets him because of those early, formative years. But don't tell Minnesota.

- Does Neil Young belong to Los Angeles?
Neil Young was born in Toronto in 1945. He started playing in bands in high school and dropped out to play the folk clubs. After his short lived band the Mynah Birds fell apart (stupid Rick James) Neil moved to LA in 1966 (still only 20 years old). His first band there was Buffalo Springfield, who recorded three albums in a little over two years. After they broke up, Neil stayed in LA and finally found his voice as a writer and performer. He recorded his first few solo albums there. Throughout the 1970s Young continued to split his time and record between Northern and Southern California. These days we tend associate Neil with Northern California, but he did spend his formative years in LA. So for the purposes of this argument, LA gets Neil. But don't tell Canada.

Popularity: While Bob Dylan’s never had a #1 pop song as a performer (“Like a Rolling Stone” and “Rainy Day Woman #12 & 35” both reached #2), he has sold a shitload of records. Sixteen releases have gone at least platinum and five of his records have reached #1 on the Billboard charts. He’s also won about ten Grammys and a lifetime achievement award, an Oscar and is a member of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame (and at their essence, those are all popularity contests).

As a solo performer, seven of Neil Young's records have gone at least platinum. Only Harvest reached number one on the Billboard charts. Neil's had one song, "Heart of Gold," reach number one on the Billboard singles chart. Funnily enough, in an 1985 interview Dylan said this about the song: "It seemed to me somebody else had taken my thing and had run away with it, you know, and I never got over it. Maybe tomorrow."

Edge: Bob Dylan

But this competition isn’t about mainstream popularity or chart success, so let’s dig a little deeper….

Songwriting: These are two of the most prolific, respected songwriters of all time. By my count, Neil's got ten albums and 85 songs that are pretty fantastic. No slouch either, Dylan's got at least a dozen critically acclaimed records and probably 60 songs that (I think) are pretty fantastic. Dylan also got all those one liners that are ingrained in our culture. Edge: Too close to call

Voice/Musicianship: Both artists have unmistakably unique voices that are a bit of an acquired taste. Dylan can be a chameleon with his. Put some of his country records on the turntable and the average music fan probably wouldn't recognize it as Dylan. Neil's able to use his limited range in a slightly prettier way. While Neil never claims to be a good guitar player, most fans would strongly disagree. Dylan doesn't quite have the same cachet. Edge: Neil Young

Cool Factor: Dylan's cool is more rooted in a beatnik-y, mid to late 1960s thing while Neil's is more rooted in that early to mid-1970s Topanga Canyon vibe. Neither artist has shied away from politics - Dylan with the civil rights movement and Neil Young's "Ohio" was a huge anti-war anthem. They both had periods of uncool too - Dylan's born-again phase and Neil's Republican phase. Neil Young wrote "This Note's For You" and Dylan appeared with Will.i.am in a Pepsi ad (I'll excuse him for Victoria's Secret, but Escalade?). In the end, it's really hard to find anybody who has been as cool for as long as Neil Young. Edge: Neil Young

Influence/Legacy: Both artists will leave behind incredible legacies. They've influenced both directly and indirectly anybody who has picked up a guitar (including each other). Not to discount Neil, but Dylan started earlier and was able to leave a more distinct legacy. There's really no modern substitute for Dylan. Edge: Bob Dylan

Verdict: How do you choose? Dylan's sold more albums, he's an American icon and his influence is undeniable. But as great as his recent songs are, he feels like he belongs to another generation. He's built so many walls around himself and manipulated his image so much, it's hard to feel like you know him. Neil Young's also had an incredible amount of success. He's completely uncompromising, which can be frustrating for his fans, but commands respect. There's so much passion and such a directness in his songwriting that in spite of his prickly nature, fans feel connected with him. Rolling Stone Magazine disagrees with me, but......Neil Young

Reminder: Tune in to Little Radio tomorrow from Noon to 2:00 for the Sinking Radio show. I have requested a recently released (on the Archives set) live version of one of the songs from Neil's first solo record. Often the live versions of the songs from that record beat the studio versions.

Recently Announced Live Shows

Avalon
10/15/09: Yo La Tengo (on sale Saturday)

Greek Theatre
9/17/09: Yeah Yeah Yeahs (presale Thurs at 10 AM, password = ZERO or KROQBLITZ; onsale 7/25/09 at 10 AM)
10/18/09: Monsters of Folk - Jim James, Conor Oberst, M. Ward (presale 7/28; on sale 8/1)

Largo
8/4/09: Moon Zappa (call club)
8/13/09: Sean Lennon and Vincent Gallo: The Ghost of a Saber Toothed Tiger (call the club)
9/3/09: Colin Hay (call club)

The Wiltern
9/24/09: Laura Pausini (Friday)
9/26/09: Billy Squier (Saturday)
10/24/09: Tiger Army (Saturday)

Walt Disney Concert Hall
12/4/09: Airborne Toxic Event (presale starts 8/15, public 8/23)

Troubadour
8/27/09: Ryan Bingham (now)
9/1/09: Mew (Thursday)
9/16/09: Chairlift / Micachu and the Shapes (Saturday)
9/23/09: Amazing Baby / Entrance Band (Thursday)
10/16/09: Federico Aubele (Thursday)
11/6/09: Ludo (Saturday)

Spaceland
8/21/09 – 8/22/09: Benji Hughes (now at Ticketweb)

Fox Theatre
8/25/09: Marilyn Manson (Saturday at 10 AM)

El Rey
9/1/09: The Duke Spirit / Band of Skulls (Saturday at 10 AM)
10/2/09: World Party (Saturday at 10 AM)

The Fonda
9/9/09: David Cook (Saturday at 10 AM)
9/21/09: CocoRosie (Thursday at 10 AM)
9/26/09: Billy Talent (Saturday at 10 AM)
10/2/09: Amadou and Mariam (on sale now)
10/28/09: Joshua Radin / The Watson Twins (Friday at 10 AM)
11/13/09: The Raveonettes (Friday at 10 AM)

Club Nokia
11/7/09: Hanson / Hellogoodbye (Saturday at 10 AM)

Glass House
8/16/09: Clipse / The Cool Kids (Saturday at Noon)
11/14/09: Raveonettes (presale now, password = ravescontrol; on sale 7/24/09 at Noon)

Hollywood Palladium
8/30/09: The Mars Volta (Saturday at 10 AM)

Nokia Theatre
10/24/09: Echo and the Bunnymen (Saturday at 10 AM)

Live Music Options: 7/20/09 - 7/26/09

Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks

Monday 7/20/09
[Pick of the Night] The Pains of Being Pure at Heart / Girls / Champagne Socialists @ the Echo ($14) – The Pains of Being Pure at Heart record is one of my favorite records of the year. If you’re into that post-C86, early Jesus & Mary Chain I think you’ll dig it. They put on a better live show than you’d expect too. I haven’t heard much from Girls, but I know Scott from Surfing on Steam is a big fan.
[Recommended] Andy Clockwise / Pterodactyl / Little Red Radio / The ’87 Stick Up Kids @ Spaceland (Free) – The Andy Clockwise residency is pulling in big crowds each week. I’m curious about Brooklyn’s Pterodactyl (who record for the Jagjaguwar-affiliated Brah Records).
MP3: Pterodactyl – First Daze
Japanese Motors / The Growlers / Sweaters / Grand Elegance @ The Echoplex (Free) – Costa Mesa’s Japanese Motors are signed to Vice Records.
Last American Buffalo / Spirit Vine / Diamond Light / Steelwells @ Silverlake Lounge (Free)
Lucy Walsh / Brandi Shearer @ Hotel Café
xx royalchord xx / Psychic Reality / twisted wires / [Post-foetus] @ the Smell ($5)

Tuesday 7/21/09
[Pick of the Night] Susanna Hoffs & Matthew Sweet @ Grammy Museum ($15) – Doing their covers thing – this time around they cover Big Star, Fleetwood Mac, Mott the Hoople, George Harrison, John Lennon and others…
Micachu & the Shapes / tUnE-YaRdS @ the Echo ($12) – Micachu’s got a new record out on Rough Trade. It’s manic, pretty far out there indie rock. Good stuff if you’re into that sort of thing.
Matt Vasquez (of Delta Spirit) / The Parson Red Heads (acoustic) / The Romany Rye @ Spaceland ($12)
Zodiac Death Valley / Black Apples / Les Blanks / The New Room @ Bordello ($8) – I’m a big Les Blanks fan, but not familiar with the other bands….
The Ditty Bops @ Steve Allen Theater
Counting Crows / Michael Franti & Spearhead
Bringuier Conducts Mussorgsky @ Hollywood Bowl ($1 - $96)
John Butler @ Troubadour (Sold Out)
Clutch @ House of Blues Sunset Strip ($20)
Christina Courtin @ Largo ($20)
The Black Hollies @ Echo Curio
Armada @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Susan Marshall / Miranda Lee Richards @ Hotel Café

Wednesday 7/22/09
[Pick of the Night] Club NME: Noisettes / The Magic Wands / Barracks @ Spaceland ($12) – What I’ve heard from London’s Noisettes is garage-y soul. They seem like they’d be a lot of fun to see live.
[Recommended] The Movies / The Manhattan Murder Mystery / The Health Club / Stab City @ Bordello ($5)
[Recommended] Low End Theory: Daedelus / Free the Robots @ Airliner ($10)
The Weakerthans / Jason Collett @ The Roxy ($15)
David Garza / Raul Pacheco @ The Mint ($12)
Elbow / Mellowdrone / Jesca Hoop @ The Wiltern ($30)
Dead Ponies / Temple of Dagon / The Additives @ Blue Monkey
Boney James / Fourplay @ Hollywood Bowl ($1 - $96)
No Doubt / Paramore @ Gibson Amphitheatre (Sold Out)
Voxhaul Broadcast / Union Line @ Pershing Square (Free) – 7:00 PM
Billy Boy on Poison @ Troubadour ($10)
The Mighty Diamonds @ Echoplex ($15)
Fred Armisen @ Largo ($20)
Water & Bodies / Hotel St. George / Cheetahsaurus / Regrets & Brunettes @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Watts Ensemble / Brian Walsh Trio @ Bootleg Theater ($5)

Thursday 7/23/09
[Pick of the Night] Phillip Glass Ensemble performs to Koyaanisqatsi @ Hollywood Bowl ($1 - $96) – A new arrangement of the very dramatic score.
[Recommended] The Shore / Bolero / Old Californio @ Bordello ($8) – Good lineup. Bolero is Josh Schwartz’s (Further, Beachwood Sparks) band who don’t play around enough.
Pit er Pat / Matteah Baim @ Space 1520 – Experimental, post-rock sounds from Thrill Jockey.
Robert Francis / Rumspringa / Haim @ The Roxy ($10) – Robert Francis recently signed with Atlantic Records.
Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros / Eskimohunter @ Hammer Museum (Free) – Edward Sharpe is Alex Ebert’s (Ima Robot) new-ish, bearded band.

Made in Mexico / PROTECTME / Showgirls @ The Smell ($5) – Wavves had to cancel.

Casiotone for the Painfully Alone / Concern / Former Ghosts @ the Echo ($8) – Tomlab, indie electro band.
Rocco DeLuca @ Pershing Square
Spirit Animal / Robotanists / Tigers Can Bite You @ Spaceland ($8) – I like Tigers Can Bite you, but I’m not familiar with the other bands.
Semi Precious Weapons / Lady Sinatra @ Viper Room ($12)
Eric Hutchinson / Anya Marina @ El Rey ($20)
Rhys Darby @ the Fonda ($27)
The Rescues / Amy Kuney / The Paper Raincoat @ Troubadour ($12)
Carla Werner / Phoenix and the Turtle / The Nocturnes @ Echo Curio
Ninja Academy / Judgement Day @ Bootleg Theater ($8)
Jesca Hoop @ Hotel Café
Squirrel Nut Zippers @ Santa Monica Pier

Friday 7/24/09
[Pick of the Night] De La Soul / Kenan Bell @ The Keyclub ($35) – They made one of my favorite hip hop albums ever. Kenan Bell gets the opening slot and will be out on the road with De La Soul for a couple of weeks.
[Recommended] Sky Saxon Tribute @ Echoplex ($15) – Featuring Billy Corgan, members of the Seeds, Mike Randle (Baby Lemonade) [see more details in the comments section]
Van Dyke Parks and Inara George @ McCabe’s ($23) - Van Dyke's a legend.
24 Hour Party @ Silver Factory Studios ($15) - See details HERE
Mike Watt / The Hangmen / Barrio Tiger @ Redwood Bar – Incredibly intense and focused performer.
The Black Watch @ the Echo ($5)
Semi Precious Weapons @ Viper Room ($12)
Glitch Mob / Nosaj Thng / Daddy Kev @ The Roxy ($20)
The Art of the Song: Jewel / Michael Feinstein @ Hollywood Bowl ($10 - $116)
Girl Talk / Brother Reade / Walter Meego @ Fox Theater in Pomona (Free w/ 1 can of Squirt) - It's a good dance party.
La Roux / IO Echo @ Troubadour (Sold Out)
Matthew David @ Echo Curio
Vaudeville / Seasons / Jack Wilson Jr. @ Pehrspace
Iglu & Hartly @ Detroit Bar ($10)

Saturday 7/25/09
[Pick of the Week] Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks / The Fresh & Onlys / Red Cortez @ Echoplex ($22) – Malk’s first LA appearance in a very long time. Pushed back to the more Rock 'n' Roll hour of 8:30PM.

[Recommended] Cut Chemist / We Are the World @ Getty Center
The Handsome Family / Daniel Knox @ Spaceland ($12)
AM / Pierre de Reeder @ Hotel Café
24 Hour Party @ Silver Factory Studios ($15) - See details HERE
Gilby Clarke / Semi Precious Weapons @ Viper Room ($15)
The Art of the Song: Jewel / Michael Feinstein @ Hollywood Bowl ($10 - $116)
Trapt / Since October / Divide the Day / Inept ($20)
Girlie Girl Catfight Show @ El Rey ($27)
Seasons / Eliza Rickman / Marvelous Toy @ Echo Curio
The Monolators / One Trick Pony @ HM 157

Sunday 7/26/09
[Pick of the Night] Grace Jones / Of Montreal / Dengue Fever @ Hollywood Bowl ($10 - $98) – Should be a real show.
[Recommended] Pam Shaffer / The Blank Tapes / Le Switch (acoustic) @ Echo Curio
The Handsome Family / Daniel Knox @ McCabe’s ($15)
24 Hour Party @ Silver Factory Studios ($15) - See details HERE
George Thorogood & the Destroyers / Jonny Lang @ Greek Theatre
Grand Ole Echo: David Serby / Jaimi Shuey @ The Echo (Free) – 5:00 PM
Aedose / Killjoy / The Broken Remotes @ Viper Room ($10)
The Metal Shakespeare Company / Brent Weinbach / Harvey Sid Fisher @ Spaceland
Part Time Punks: Smiths night @ the Echo
Asher Roth / Kid Cudi @ House of Blues Sunset ($25)

East Coast vs. West Coast (The Beach Boys vs. The Velvet Underground)

The East Coast vs. West Coast feud has been going on forever. The biggest controversy came when I told college friends in the Midwest that I was moving to Los Angeles. I heard a lot of “LA’s a shithole” and “LA sucks” and “Why would you want to move there?” and “LA’s not a real city.” All the cool kids were moving to New York City or Chicago. [On a side note, a number of those cool kids have since relocated to Los Angeles.]

There was also that whole Biggie and Tupac thing. Remember that?

Anyway…I occasionally read New York based blogs (like Pitchfork and Brooklyn Vegan) and sometimes pick up on a weird New York City vs. Southern California bias. In a series of posts I’m going to attempt to get to the bottom of this controversy. I’ll compare bands from each location and eventually, once I’ve exhausted these comparisons, I’ll come to the definitive answer: New York or LA?

To kick things off, I want to compare the quintessential band from each place. It might sound difficult to come up with the quintessential New York band or LA band, but it’s actually quite simple….

THE VELVET UNDERGROUND vs. THE BEACH BOYS

Popularity: The Beach Boys have had 36 Top 40 hits in the U.S. and according to Billboard (factoring in singles and albums) is the top selling American band of all time. The Velvet Underground’s highest chart position was #171 (for The Velvet Underground and Nico). Edge: The Beach Boys

But this competition isn’t about mainstream popularity or chart success, so let’s dig a little deeper….

Songs / Songwriting: These are two of the greatest bands of all time, so both have more than their share of classics. In terms of sheer volume, VU only had four studio albums (ignoring VU the album) and around 60 songs while the Beach Boys had 25 studio albums and a few hundred songs. If you were doing a ratio of good/bad songs, VU would come out the winners (55% of those songs are at least very good). But that's too easy. How many all time classics did Lou Reed/VU write? Do you put "Sweet Jane" on that list? How about "I'm Waiting for the Man"? "There She Goes Again?" It's debatable. How do you even choose a VU best of? - definitely more of an album band. But consider The Beach Boys for a second. "California Girls," "Little Deuce Coupe," "Good Vibrations," and "God Only Knows," only scratches the surface. What about "Heroes and Villains," "Forever," "Feel Flows," "Surf's Up" or "Sail on Sailor" for f's sake? Brian brought in a lot of guest lyricists, but that's not enough to sway me. Edge: The Beach Boys

Musicianship: For only really releasing four studio albums, The Velvet Underground covered a tremendous amount of ground. They were an extremely versatile band able to improvise and move seamlessly between genres. That said, a lot of it was pretty sloppy (especially if you listen to a lot of the live albums). The Beach Boys went about things in a different way. On their best records they had really complex arrangements that were performed by session musicians. And of course Brian Wilson retired from live performances for long stretches of time. Edge: The Velvet Underground (John Cale and Lou Reed was an innovative guitarist)

Production: I'm sure some of you will argue for the charm/simplicity of VU, but Brian Wilson was a master in the studio. Edge: The Beach Boys

Originality: Believe it or not Lou Reed and Brian Wilson were both born in 1942 (Reed's actually a few months older). From their first recorded work, The Velvet Underground were groundbreaking. On the other hand, The Beach Boys started out emulating The Four Freshman and surf music (in their defense, they started a few years before VU). So the obvious answer is VU, right? Hang on a second, what about Pet Sounds? When you blow John Lennon and Paul McCartney's minds you're on to something. So it's closer than some probably care to admit. Edge: The Velvet Underground

Cool Factor: Do you prefer black leather jackets or Hawaiian shirt? OK, it's not quite that simple. The Velvet Underground wrote about trannys, heroin and S&M. The Beach Boys wrote about love, school pride and surfing (I'm ignoring Smile and Wild Honey for simplicity's sake). The Velvet Underground knew Warhol and The Beach Boys knew Manson. Both bands battled the drug demons; are you an LSD guy or a cocaine gal? Edge: The Velvet Underground (the Mike Love factor)

Legacy: In mainstream culture it's the Beach Boys. On the fringe it's The Velvet Underground. Edge: This category's a toss up.

Verdict: The Beach Boys. Like the cities they personify, these bands represent very different ideals. The Velvet Underground is urban, sleek, sophisticated and dangerous while the Beach Boys are all American, sunshine and good times. Dig just a tiny bit beneath the surface and it's all bullshit...

Stay tuned for future installments of East Coast vs. West Coast.

And tune in to LittleRadio.com from Noon to 2:00 PM this Friday for the Sinking Radio show. I've requested a very uncharacteristic Beach Boys' song.

Recently Announced Live Shows

Grizzly Bear Come Back For Another Show

Fox Theater in Pomona
8/18/09: The Flaming Lips / Ghostland Observatory (on sale Saturday)

Hollywood Palladium
9/15/09: Arctic Monkeys (on sale 7/18 at 10 AM)
10/20/09: Grizzly Bear / Beach House (on sale 7/17 at 10 AM)

Troubadour
9/18/09: Everest (on sale 7/16)
9/24/09: Sondre Lerche (on sale 7/16)
9/26/09: Broken Lizard Live (now)
10/3/09: Elvis Perkins in Dearland (now)
10/5/09: School of Seven Bells / Magic Wands (on sale 7/16)

The Echo
8/20/09: J Tillman / Evan Way (now at Ticketweb)

The Echoplex
7/24/09: Sky Saxon Tribute w/ Billy Corgan (now at Ticketweb)
8/14/09: The Henry Clay People / Fol Chen / The Flying Tourbillon Orchestra (now at Ticketweb)

El Rey
9/19/09: Mason Jennings (on sale Saturday)
9/30/09: Datarock (on sale now)
10/22/09: Meshell Ndegeocello (on sale Saturday)
11/28/09: Blitzen Trapper / Wye Oak (on sale Saturday)

Club Nokia
10/14/09: Buju Banton (on sale Friday)
11/1/09: Jamey Johnson and Randy Houser (On sale Saturday)

The Fonda
10/26/09: The Gossip (on sale Saturday)
11/10/09: Mat Kearney (on sale Saturday)

The Wiltern
10/14/09: Moby (on sale 7/17 at 10 AM)
10/17/09: Brandi Carlile (on sale 7/17 at 10 AM)

Gibson Amphitheatre
9/30/09 – 10/1/09: Pearl Jam / Ben Harper (on sale 7/18 at 10 AM)

Spaceland
9/6/09: Nebula (now at Ticketweb)
10/6/09: Robyn Hitchcock & the Venus 3 (now at Ticketweb)
10/30/09: Amy Millan (now at Ticketweb)

The Glass House
8/8/09: Elefant (on sale Friday at Noon)

House of Blues Sunset Strip

8/17/09: Clipse / Cool Kids (on sale 7/18)

Largo
8/8/09: Nels Cline and Jon Brion (call club)
8/22/09: Harvey Danger (call club)
8/29/09: Patton Oswalt (call club)

Live Music Options: 7/13/09 - 7/19/09

The Very Best Play the Echoplex on Thursday

This is one of those weeks where so much seems to be happening on Wednesday and Thursday...

Monday 7/13/09
[Pick of the Night] Last American Buffalo / Avi Buffalo / Evan Way / Greg Jong @ Silverlake Lounge (Free) – Get there by 10 to see Avi Buffalo. Evan Way doesn’t have the show listed on his Myspace page, so I’m not sure if he’s still on the bill.
[Recommended] Andy Clockwise / Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head / Broken Meters / Hey Champ @ Spaceland (Free) – I heard there was a very healthy crowd last week. NPSH has gotta be up there with dumbest band names…
[Recommended] Japanese Motors / Dirt Dress / UV Lights / Correatown @ The Echo (Free) – Costa Mesa’s Japanese Motors are signed to Vice Records. Correatown is worth checking out.
Beyonce @ Staples Center ($150)
Incubus / The Duke Spirit @ Hollywood Bowl (Sold Out)
Doug Benson @ Largo ($20)
Coconut Coolouts / Personal and the Pizzas / The Anasazis / Woah Hunx @ The Smell ($5)

Tuesday 7/14/09
[Pick of the Night] The Datsuns / Sprit Vine @ The Echo ($12) – Hard rockin’ New Zealanders.
[Recommended] Foreign Born / The Veils / Other Girls @ Detroit Bar in Costa Mesa ($12) – Pretty good lineup if you’re down in Costa Mesa.
Avi Buffalo @ Airliner
The Child / Mini Mansions @ Spaceland ($8)
Bleu / Laura Veirs / Adam Bones / Mike Viola @ Hotel Café – Laura Veirs is on Nonesuch Records.
Bravo Beethoven! @ Hollywood Bowl ($1 - $96)
Ivy Walls / Winston & the Telescreen / Blue Jungle @ Bordello ($8)

Wednesday 7/15/09
[Pick of the Night] Club NME: The Veils / Luke Top / Other Girls @ Spaceland ($14) – London’s The Veils have a new record out on Rough Trade. They’re taking a break from their tour with Foreign Born. I haven’t spent a ton of time with it, but like it when it comes on my shuffle. Luke Top is the lead singer of Fool’s Gold, but has a new solo record that’s worth checking out.
[Recommended] Fol Chen / 60 Watt Kid @ Pershing Square (Free) – 7:00 PM
Low End Theory Club: Nosaj Thing @ Airliner ($5)
Xu Xu Fang / Jonneine Zapata / Audra May @ 3 of Clubs
Evan Way / Brittain Ashford / Rejouissance @ Echo Curio
Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros @ Amoeba (Free) – 7:00 PM – The ex-Ima Robot lead singer’s new band is getting some good press notices.
Dub Club: Trinity / Tippa Irie @ Echoplex ($5)
Luluc / Rachael Cantu / Real George @ Bootleg Theater ($8)
Actress @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Ryan Cabrera @ Troubadour

Thursday 7/16/09
[Pick of the Night] The Very Best / Rainbow Arabia / Bersa Discos @ Echoplex – The Very Best got best new music on Pitchfork recently. The band features Esau Mwamwaya and Radioclit. Ezra Koenig from Vampire Weekend appears on the first single. They remixed/covered Vampire Weekend and M.I.A. If you’re into the Afro-pop sounds, check them out.
[Recommended] The Zeros / the Muffs / Prima Donna @ Troubadour ($15) – The Zeros were one of the original LA punk bands (circa 1977).
[Recommended] Foreign Born / Warpaint @ Hammer Museum (Free) – Warpaint just signed to Manimal Vinyl. Foreign Born has a new record out on Secretly Canadian.
[Recommended] Gillian Welch @ Largo ($27)
[Recommended] The Monolators / French Miami / The Flying Tourbillon Orchestra / Kissing Cousins @ the Echo ($5)
Dirty Sweet / Bloodcat Love / White Arrows / Heavy Young Heathens @ Spaceland ($10) – Dirty Sweet are on this year’s solid Lollapalooza lineup.
The Germs / Agent Orange / Spider Problem @ El Rey ($20)
Cowboy Junkies / Son Volt @ The Wiltern ($20 - $35)
Jet / Red Cortez @ Key Club ($20)
Kate Earl @ Hotel Café
Orisha / Healamonster & Tarsier / Firs / Pollyn @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Shannon and the Clams / Half Rats / Pipsqueak / Audacity / Thee Makeout Party @ Mr. T’s Bowl
Bravo Beethoven! @ Hollywood Bowl ($1 - $96)
Spires / French Semester / Tall Tales @ Echo Curio
Joan Jett & the Blackhearts @ Pacific Amphitheatre
American Idols Live @ Staples Center ($60)

Friday 7/17/09
[Pick of the Night] Three Mile Pilot / Optiganally Yours @ Echoplex ($16) – Three Mile Pilot is Zach Smith from Pinback and Pall Jenkins from Black Heart Procession. Optiganlly Your is Rob Crow from Pinback’s band based around the toy organ known as the Optigan.
[Recommended] The Happy Hollows / The Valley Arena @ The Echo ($5)
[Recommended] The Meeting Places @ Silver Factory Studios [915 Mateo St.] – The Meeting Places is Scott McDonald’s band (from Surfing on Steam’s)
Mika Miko / Audacity / The Widow Babies / UV Lights @ The Smell ($5)
Devin the Dude / J-Mo / Da Funkyard / Thrasher and the Gents @ Knitting Factory Main Stage – I know Jeff Weiss is a fan of Devin the Dude, so that should be enough right there.
Jon Brion @ Largo ($25)
The Builders & the Butchers / Illinois / Eastern Conference Champions @ Spaceland ($10)
The Donnas / Hunx and His Punx / Woah Hunx @ Troubadour ($18)
Kim Fowley’s Hollywood Sexual Underground @ Redwood Bar

Tori Amos @ Greek Theatre ($35 - $60)
CEU @ The Roxy ($25)
Kill Kill Kill / Stiletto Formal / The Valley Arena / Single Mothers @ Pehrspace
Bubba Sparxxx / Precise / Judamang / The Bizness @ Knitting Factory Front Stage
Peter Holsapple & Chris Stamey @ McCabe’s ($20)
Faith Hill @ Hollywood Bowl ($50)
Charlie Wilson / Keith Sweat / Jupiter Rising @ Club Nokia ($55 - $85)
The Toadies / Ginger Wildheart / Willowz / Roll the Tanks @ El Rey ($22)
Crater Farmer @ Echo Curio
Ratt / Extreme @ The Wiltern ($10 - $45)
Demi Lovato / David Archuleta @ Nokia Theatre ($40 - $50)

Saturday 7/18/09
[Pick of the Night] RJD2 / Voxtrot / Busdriver / DJDT / KE&HA / [Post-foetus] Alligators / Best Coast / Haim / Pizza! @ Out of Asia ($40) - If I ever read my email I wouldn't have forgotten about this. Out of Asia is located at 3249 S. La Cienega Blvd (in that area between Washington and National).
[Recommended] Cage / Yak Ballz @ El Rey ($18) – The Def Jux artist.
[Recommended] El Bronx / The Boogaloo Assassins / Mas Exitos @ El Chavo’s Parking Lot (Free) – 5:00 PM – El Bronx is the Bronx doing mariachi tunes.
[Recommended] Mississippi Man / Avi Buffalo / Olin and the Moon @ Unknown Theater
Azure Ray / Tim Kasher / Janu and the Whale Sharks @ The Glass House ($15)
So Many Dynamos / Cast Spells / Kinch @ Spaceland ($10)
Graveyard / Night Horse / Wake Up Lucid @ Booleg Theatre ($10)
Meth Teeth / Christmas Island / Pterodactyl / Bipolar Bear / Night Control @ The Smell
Men / Dances with White Girls @ Echoplex ($10)
Girl in a Coma / Miss Derringer / Killola @ Knitting Factory Main Stage
Trespassers William / The Theater Fire @ Knitting Factory Front Stage
Faith Hill @ Hollywood Bowl ($36)
Sleepwalkers Local / Treasure Mammal / +Dog+ / Bavab Bavab @ Echo Curio
Brand New / Dios @ Troubadour (Sold Out)
The Donnas @ Alex’s Bar ($15)

Sunday 7/19/09
[Pick of the Night] Part Time Punks: Psychic Ills / Indian Jewelry @ The Echo ($5)
[Recommended] Brunch Americana: Dave Gleason / David Serby / Chris Sprague & His 18 Wheelers @ Redwood Bar
Grand Ole Echo: Syd Straw / Rich Mahan / The Unlawful Kings @ the Echo (Free) – 5:00 PM
Coldplay @ Verizon Wireless (Sold Out)
Jim Bianco / Brother Sal / Buddy / Holly Conlan / Brendan Hines / Chris Pierce @ Hotel Café
Links / The Yelling / Evan Voytas / Samuel Stewart @ Spaceland (Free)
Keith Urban / Sugarland @ Staples Center ($20 - $88)
Porgy and Bess @ Hollywood Bowl ($10 - $116) Dead Western / Featherbeard / Private Beach @ Echo Curio

Sinking Radio: William Bell's "I Forgot To Be Your Lover"

Here's my weekly reminder to point your internet browser to LittleRadio.com this Friday from Noon to 2:00 PM for the Sinking Radio show. Each week I pick one song for the show and then write about it here.

My pick for this week's show is William Bell's "I Forgot to Be Your Lover." As I've mentioned before, this year I've been trying to really explore the Stax catalog. I didn't grow up on soul or funk, so there have been a lot of great revelations. Some of the stuff is really obvious (like Otis Redding and Isaac Hayes) and some of it's probably obvious to a lot of you, but still pretty fresh to me (Sam & Dave, Albert King, Carla Thomas).

The first time I ever became aware of William Bell was when I got really into the Byrds almost a decade ago. I knew Sweetheart of the Rodeo was predominately covers, and one of the tunes I really loved was "You Don't Miss Your Water." It was pure country soul.

In 2007, I picked up that Stax 50th Anniversary Celebration box set and finally heard Bell's original. As much as I loved that one, another track, "I Forgot To Be Your Lover," had an even stronger impact. In just over two minutes, the track conveys deep levels of regret and sorrow. Bell's performance is devastating.

I highly recommend you pick up The Very Best of William Bell. If you happen to see an original copy of The Soul of a Bell, pick that up for me. I'll pay you back...

Recently Announced Live Shows

Dr. Dog have a song in the trailer for Funny People

El Rey
7/28/09: Regina Spektor (presale Friday at 10 AM, password = LAUGHING; Saturday at 10 AM)
9/17/09: Soulive (Saturday at 10 AM)
9/25/09: Autolux (presale now, password = FUTUREPERFECT; Friday at 10 AM)
10/7/09: Teenage Jesus and the Jerks / Mika Miko / The Urinals / The Lamps (Saturday at 10 AM)
11/13/09: Keller Williams (presale Friday at 10 AM, password = TIEDYE; Saturday at 10 AM)

The Music Box @ Fonda
8/19/09: Daughtry (Saturday at 10 AM)
10/6/09: Dr. Dog (Saturday at 10 AM)

Spaceland
7/22/09: Noisettes / Magic Wands (now at Ticketweb)
7/28/09: Bank of Skulls (now at Ticketweb)
7/29/09: Themselves (now at Ticketweb)
8/9/09: Caroline Weeks (of Bat for Lashes) / Corridor (now at Ticketweb)
8/15/09: Le Switch / Roadside Graves / The World Record (now at Ticketweb)
8/19/09: Max Tundra (now at Ticketweb)
9/2/09: Division Day / Bad Veins (now at Ticketweb)
9/9/09: The Answer (now at Ticketweb)
10/6/09: Robyn Hitchcock and the Venus 3 (now at Tickeweb)
10/7/09: Miike Snow / Jack Penate (now at Ticketweb)

Hollywood Palladium
8/27/09: Franz Ferdinand (Friday at 10 AM)

Avalon
8/1/09: N.E.R.D. / Trouble Andrew (Friday at 10 AM)
9/24/09: The Get Up Kids (Thursday at 1 PM)

Honda Center
8/8/09: Jay-Z / Pitbull ft. Lil’ Jon / Flo-Rida / Sean Paul (now)

The Wiltern
8/22/09: Panda (Friday at 10 AM)
9/12/09: 50 Cent & Robert Green (on sale 7/17/09)

Gibson Amphitheatre
9/4/09: Yuridia and Yahir (Friday at 1 PM)

9/30/09 - 10/1/09 & 10/6/09 - 10/7/09: Pearl Jam (on sale 7/18/09; presale for fan club members begins this Monday)

Greek Theatre
10/23/09: Heart / The Bangles (presale now, password = BARRACUDA; on sale Saturday at 10 AM)

Hollywood Bowl
9/16/09: The Killers (presale Friday at 10 AM, password = KROGFAIRYTALE; on sale Saturday at 10 AM)
9/27/09: Disco Fever: Kool & the Gang / Chic / Village People (presale now, password = DISCOBOWL; on sale Saturday at 10 AM)

Fox Theatre in Pomona
9/22/09: In Flames (presale Friday at 10 AM, password = GROWL; Saturday at 10 AM)
10/31/09: HorrorPops / Nekromantix (presale Friday at 10 AM, password = VOODOO; Saturday at 10 AM)

The Glass House in Pomona
10/14/09: The Streets (Saturday at Noon)

Club Nokia
9/20/09: Placebo (presale now, password = BATTLE; Friday at 10 AM)
10/9/09: Motorhead / Reverend Horton Heat / Chelsea Girls (presale now, password = SPADES; Friday at 10 AM)
10/23/09: Skillet / Hawk Nelson (Friday at 10 AM)
11/28/09: The Black Crowes / Truth & Salvage Co. (Friday at 10 AM)

The Echo
10/4/09: Miike Snow / Jack Penate (now at Ticketweb)

Hotel Café
10/17/09: Glen Tilbrook (now through venue)

Ticket Giveaway: The Rural Alberta Advantage

I've got some tickets to give away to see The Rural Alberta Advantage this Friday at the Echo. These kids got a healthy 8.0 rating today on Pitchfork and All Music called it "an unpretentious collection of amiable indie pop tunes filtered through the wistful lens of a Wes Anderson film."

To win these tickets, email me [dukeufo at gmail] with your favorite thing from Canada. Please put "Rural Alberta" in the subject line and your first and last name in the body of the email. The contest closes Friday at Noon.

MP3: Don't Haunt This Place
MP3: Frank, AB

Live Music Options: 7/6/09 - 7/12/09 (Andrew Bird Ticket Giveaway)

I've got some tickets to give away for Andrew Bird at the Greek Theatre this Friday night. Email me [dukeufo at gmail] with your favorite Andrew Bird lyric. Please include your first and last name in the body of the email and "Andrew Bird" in the subject line.

Solid week for shows....

Monday 7/6/09
[Pick of the Night] Andy Clockwise / Miniature Tigers / The VLA / Globes on Remote @ Spaceland (Free) – This is the LA Weekly’s pick of the night. Read about it HERE. Miniature Tigers have been on tour with LA’s Princeton. Good indie pop stuff.
Japanese Motors / Audacity / My Pet Saddle / Gestapo Khazi @ The Echo (Free) – Costa Mesa’s Japanese Motors are signed to Vice Records.
Last American Buffalo / Eastern Conference Champions / Globes @ Silverlake Lounge (Free)
Tommy Santee Klaws / Marshweed @ Echo Curio
Jackie Tohn @ Hotel Café
Weasel Walter, Aram Shelton, Josh Berman Trio / Pigeon Religion / Adrien Barbobott @ The Smell ($5)

Tuesday 7/7/09
[Pick of the Night] Kitty, Daisy & Lewis / Le Switch / Tandemoro @ the Echo ($12) – London’s Kitty, Daisy & Lewis have an old-timey, 1940’s influenced sound. They’re currently on tour with Coldplay but are in town for an appearance on KCRW. Get there early for Le Switch, who are one of my favorite local bands. Stay late for Tandemoro.
[Recommended] Vieux Farka Toure / Luke Top @ Troubadour ($20) – The son of Ali Farka Toure. Luke Top is the lead singer of Fool’s Gold.
The Hold Steady / El Bronx @ El Rey (Sold Out) – El Bronx is The Bronx doing original Mariachi tunes.
Fishtank Ensemble / Ukelele Loki / Klaus Nomi @ The Bordello ($10)
Yes / Asia @ Gibson Amphitheatre ($30 - $125)
Prokofiev @ Hollywood Bowl ($1 - $96)
The Captains / Birds Beware @ Silverlake Lounge ($7)
Bleu @ Hotel Café
LMFAO @ The Roxy ($20)

Wednesday 7/8/09
[Pick of the Night] The Dirty Projectors / What’s Up? @ Troubadour (Sold Out) – The Dirty Projectors will top a lot of best of lists this year.
[Recommended] Club NME: Army Navy / White Arrows / Thee Mighty Angels @ Spaceland ($5) – Thee Mighty Angels is Dave Newton’s band with Brian Reyes of the Little Ones.
[Recommended] Low End Theory Club: Andy Votel / Blank Blue / Massa @ Airliner ($10)
[Recommended] Love Grenades / Pico vs. Island Trees / Avi Buffalo @ Viper Room ($10) - Lots of labels flying in to see Avi Buffalo these days...
Watts Ensemble / Baby and Guy @ Bootleg Theatre – Inspired by the Jazzy Crime Soundtracks of the 1950s and 60s.
Old 97’s / Rhett Miller / Murry Hammond @ The Fonda ($25) – I’d be there if it was a best of setlist.
Rootbeer / U-N-I / Boombox Ninjas @ The Echo (Free)
Mika Miko / Ty Segall / Charlie & the Moonhearts / Shark Toys @ the Smell ($5)
Sergio Mendes / Eddie Palmieri / Poncho Sanchez @ Hollywood Bowl ($1 - $96)
The Watkins Family Hour @ Largo ($25)
The Monthlies / Purple Crayon / The Faraway Places @ Silverlake Lounge ($7)

Thursday 7/9/09
[Pick of the Night] The Minor Canon / His Orchestra / Courtenay Green @ Silverlake Lounge ($8) – The Minor Canon’s headed out on a West Coast tour. Their new record is one of my favorite records of the year.
[Recommended] Gillian Welch @ Largo ($27)
[Recommended] Everest / Red Cortez @ Hammer Museum (Free) – Everest put out one of my favorite records last year.
[Recommended] The Damselles / You Me and Iowa @ Hotel Café
[Recommended] Tortoise @ Amoeba (Free) – 6:00 PM show
Steve Wynn and the Miracle Three / The Urinals @ The Echo ($10) – I’m a big fan of The Days of Wine and Roses.
Joan Baez / Tift Merritt @ Santa Monica Pier
Cave Country / Sparrows Gate / Quiet Life @ Spaceland ($5)
The Start / Bloodcat Love / Useless Keys @ The Roxy ($12)
Dusty Rhodes and the River Band / These United States / Olin & the Moon @ The Echoplex ($10)
ABC / Berlin / Cutting Crew / Wang Chung @ Gibson Amphitheatre
The Ruse / Goldenstate / Red Letter Agent @ Troubadour ($10)
Bell Plays Bruch @ Hollywood Bowl ($1 - $96)
Chris Botti @ Greek Theatre
Kevin Hearn @ The Mint ($10)
Jake Labotz @ Redwood
Grand Elegance / Psychic Ills / Indian Jewelry @ The Prospector

Friday 7/10/09
[Pick of the Week] Andrew Bird / Ra Ra Riot / Heartless Bastards @ Greek Theatre ($35) – Andrew Bird is amazingly compelling live.
[Recommended] The Rural Alberta Advantage @ The Echo ($10) – Toronto’s RAA just signed to Saddle Creek.
Jon Brion @ Largo ($25)
The Widow Babies / NASA Space Universe / Audacity / The Amazements @ The Smell ($5)
Sara Lov / Two Sheds @ The Mint ($10)
The Ringers / The Yelling / Adam Bones @ Viper Room ($12)

Chelsea Girls @ The Roxy ($15)
The O’Jays / Jerry Butler / The Delfonics @ Gibson Amphitheatre ($20 - $90)
Tyrone Wells / Curtis Peoples @ Troubadour ($18)
VibeSquad / Knowa Knowone / Henry Strange @ Echoplex ($10)
Ultimate Mancini @ Hollywood Bowl ($10 - $116)
New Kids on the Block @ Verizon Wireless
Pete Yorn / The Newno2 @ House of Blues Anaheim

Saturday 7/11/09
[Pick of the Night] Tortoise / Earthless @ Troubadour ($25) – I really like the new Tortoise record.
Aushua / Red Cortez @ Detroit Bar - This is the EP release party for Aushua. They're heading out on a massive, national tour.

Echo Park Community Festival: The Parson Red Heads / LA Ladies Choir with Flea / Electric Skychurch / Moonrats @ Echo Park Lake (Free) - From Noon to 9:00 PM.
Seaspin @ Spaceland
Andy Votel DJ Set @ Amoeba (Free) – 2:00 PM
The Valley Arena / Katie & the Pest / The Happy Hollows @ The Prospector
Rise Against / Rancid @ The Forum ($15 - $40)
Lucky Dragons / Foot Village / Kit / Death Sentence: PANDA / Gowns / Softboiled Eggies / Former Ghosts / The Urxed @ The Smell ($8)
Blue Jungle / The Growlers @ L’Keg Gallery
Gilby Clarke & Friends @ Viper Room ($15)
Michael McDonald / Boz Skaggs @ Greek Theatre ($25 - $105)
Mas Exitos / Domingo Siete @ The Getty (Free)
Mandy Moore @ Largo ($25)
Ultimate Mancini @ Hollywood Bowl ($10 - $116)
Chip Taylor @ McCabe’s ($16)
The Dan Band @ Club Nokia ($20 - $30)
The Screaming Cherry Blossoms / Let Go of the Rail / Screaming Heart Attack @ Echo Curio
Slightly Stoopid / Snoop Dogg @ Verizon Wireless

Sunday 7/12/09
[Pick of the Night] Part Time Punks: Summer Cats / The Tartans @ the Echo ($5) – Late show. Summer Cats are an Australian band on Slumberland Records.
Ray Lamontagne / Jenny Lewis / Blitzen Trapper @ Hollywood Bowl ($10 - $98)

Echo Park Community Festival: Mezklah / Domingo Siete / Ilo Mar / Chuck Dukowski Sextet @ Echo Park Lake (Free) - From Noon to 8:30 PM.

Collie Ryan / Mia Doi Todd / Erica Hyska @ Philosophical Research Society ($10)
Alejandro Escovedo @ McCabe’s (Sold Out)
Kim Lenz @ Amoeba (Free) – 6:00 PM
Loch Lomond @ Spaceland – Loch Lomond’s out on the road with Blitzen Trapper, but had to pick up this show since BT’s at the Bowl.
Johnette Napolitano @ Hotel Café
Oneida / Amps for Christ / Clip’d Beaks @ The Echo – Early show at 2:00 PM
Flexions / Bronze / Puppy Dog / kill kill kill @ the Smell ($5)
Gina Villalobos @ the Echo (Free) – Starts at 5:00 PM
Ema and the Ghosts / Red Maids @ Pehrspace
Wolves in the Throne Room / Minsk / Intronaut @ Knitting Factory ($12)
311 @ Verizon Wireless

Best of 2009 (So Far)

You won't see any of the best reviewed albums of the year on this list. Some of them I'm just not that into (Animal Collective, Grizzly Bear, St. Vincent) and some of them I really haven't spent enough time with (The Dirty Projectors, Japandroids, Sunn O))), Phoenix, Bill Callahan, Amadou & Mariam). So take this for what it is, a chance to talk about what I have been listening to.....

Top 10 (Most Listened T0) Records of 2009 (listed in alphabetical order):

Andrew Bird: Noble Beast (Fat Possum) – I’m generally not a fan of the precious, adult contemporary indie rock that provides the soundtrack for coffee shops around the country. Before I heard Andrew Bird, I assumed he was another one of those. Yes the songs are a little wordy, and the subject matter borders on pretentious, but his amazing talent trumps all that. At the Greek Theatre on July 10th (and I’ve got some tickets to give away).

Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears: Tell ‘Em What Your Name Is (Lost Highway) – These Stax-loving Austinites have released the party record of the year. Joe’s lyrics would probably make nine out of ten politically correct college professors shit their pants, but that’s part of the fun. The arrangements are fleshed out by an eight-piece band (including a horn section). The instrumental “Humpin’” has an organ solo that would make Booker T. smile. Produced by Jim Eno of Spoon. At the Troubadour on 8/31/09.

Dinosaur Jr.: Farm (Jagjaguwar) – As a huge fan of post-Lou Barlow Dinosaur Jr. (Green Mind and Where You Been all the way), I wasn’t that excited when Barlow rejoined the band. I enjoyed the reunion show at Spaceland, but was indifferent to new material. The first comeback record was pretty good, but they really seem to hit their stride on Farm. The highlight of the record is J. Mascis’ guitar (although Murph and Lou sound great too). Even when the songs stretch out to eight minutes, there are enough surprises in the arrangements to keep it cool. Lou contributes two songs too. (Now let’s try to get Lou and Jason Lowenstein to do a Bakesale tour). At the House of Blues Sunset on 11/5/09.

Frankel: Anonymity Is the New Fame (Autumn Tone) – One of the most overlooked/best kept secrets in the LA scene is Frankel. Michael Orendy doesn’t play out much (unless he’s touring with Earlimart) so people tend to quietly discover him on their own. Following up 2007’s excellent Lullaby for the Passerby couldn’t have been easy, but Orendy does it in a big way. The songwriting is timeless and the production sounds like vintage Elliott Smith. Fans of literate singer-songwriters need to pick this up.

Jason Lytle: Your’s Truly, the Commuter (Anti-) – I wasn’t sure what to expect from a Jason Lytle solo record. Fortunately this is (would be) my favorite Grandaddy record since 2000’s The Sophtware Slump. The arrangements are as full as anything Grandaddy ever did and Lytle’s still writing the lyrics. The songs are about dead pets, unfulfilled dreams, going home alone and suicidal kids who love birds. Some of it is a little melancholy but it’s not overwhelming. Some Madison Avenue exec will probably license “It’s the Weekend” for a car commercial by the time I finish typing this.

The Minor Canon: Emptiness Is the New Form (self-released) – This morning I woke up with “The Solution” in my head and it just now went away. Shit, it’s back (and it’s not even one of my favorite songs on the record). Front man Paul Larson has had a rough couple of years and he lays it all down on this record. We’re talking some seriously raw, sad sack shit here. Many of the arrangements start with piano or acoustic guitar, before building to a crescendo of horns, drums and electric guitars. These are the kind of love songs that uber-music fan Rob Fleming spent too much time obsessing over in Nick Hornby’s High Fidelity. At the Silverlake Lounge on 7/9/09.

Phosphorescent: To Willie (Dead Oceans) – Phosphorescent’s tribute to Willie Nelson is the best covers album I’ve heard in a very long time. Matthew Houck’s relaxed vocal delivery serves the songs extremely well. It’s done in a respectful, but not overly reverential way. Great job my friends.

Rodriguez: Coming From Reality (Light In the Attic) – Originally released in 1971, Coming From Reality manages to be totally anti-establishment without being corny. My girlfriend put it best, “Rodriguez is so good, I wonder how I lived so long without him.” Big thanks to the Light In the Attic label for introducing me to this enormously talented, forgotten artist.

Sonic Youth: The Eternal (Matador) – It’s somewhat ironic that Sonic Youth finally left their major label and got their highest chart debut of all time. And deservedly so, it’s a really good record. At the Wiltern on 9/29/09.

Neil Young: Neil Young Archives, Vol. 1 1963-1972 (Reprise) – It’s unfair to include such a massive, expensive ($230 on Blu-Ray through Deep Discount) career retrospective on a best of the year list. This set is so massive that I still haven’t explored all the nuances of it. Fans already own a lot of this stuff, but buying it on a new format makes it a little more palatable. The exercise of sitting down and staring at your television while the songs play forces you to think about and contextualize them. The biggest bummer is that, as you flip trough the photos/lyrics/mementos that accompany the tracks, there’s a small, distracting hiccup in the audio. I’d hold off on this investment until you have a Blu-Ray player.

Other records I’ve spent a chunk of time listening to: Bonnie “Prince” Billy, Silversun Pickups, Iron & Wine, Danger Mouse & Sparklehorse, The Parson Red Heads EP, BLK JKS EP, Le Switch EP