Thursday, April 30, 2009

Ticket Giveaway: Danielson at Spaceland


I've got a few pairs of tickets to give away for next week's Danielson show at Spaceland. Opening the show will be Marvelous Toy and Soul Junk. It's been a couple of years since Danielson's Ships topped many critics best of lists. He's preparing to go back into the studio with this itsy-bitsy, mini-tour (just New York, LA and Philly).
To win these tickets, email me [dukeufo at gmail] with the name of your favorite Mexican restaurant. The contest closes Tuesday at 6:00 PM. Please put "Danielson" in the subject line.
Keep checking in, I'm going to be doing weekly ticket giveaways for the forseeable future.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Austin City Limits Festival Lineup Announced

The Austin City Limits Festival's lineup has been announced. The three-day festival takes place in Zilker Park in Austin, Texas from October 2nd through the 4th. Once you skip past the headliners, it's a pretty good bill. Full lineup HERE.

Headliners include: Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews Band, Beastie Boys, Kings of Leon, Ben Harper, Thievery Corporation and John Legend.

Local bands include: The Henry Clay People, Airborne Toxic Event and the Knux.

Bands I'd watch: The Dead Weather (Jack White's new band), Sonic Youth, Levon Helm Band, Mos Def, Lily Allen, Andrew Bird, Bon Iver, Grizzly Bear, Dr. Dog, The Knux, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears, The Felice Brothers, Daniel Johnston, Rodriguez, School of Seven Bells, The Dodos, Deer Tick, Rebirth Brass Band and The Henry Clay People.

Tickets are $185 for three days (way cheaper than Coachella). Buy tickets HERE.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Silversun Pickups Benefit Show This Thursday


On sale now - right HERE.

Los Angeles Live Music Options: 4/27/09 - 5/2/09

Wye Oak Play the Silverlake Lounge on Thursday

I made it out to Spaceland last Monday for the Henry Clay People and The Whip (who had a mechanical breakdown). Then I spend the rest of the week recovering from Coachella. Some pretty good options this week. Black Lips, Wye Oak and lots of great local bands....
Monday 4/27/09
[Pick of the Night] The Henry Clay People / Young Love / Flying Tourbillon Orchestra / Swim Party @ Spaceland (Free) This will most likely be your last chance to see the Henry Clay People for a while. Now that they’ve got a serious booking agent, they’re playing Coachella, etc. They’ve promised some surprises tonight (including a lot of covers).
[Recommended] Fool’s Gold / John Webster Johns / Leopold and His Fiction / Daedelus @ The Echo (Free) – Fool’s Gold has been packing the Echo during their Monday night residency. This is your last chance to see them for a while. Daedelus is heading out on a European tour later this week.
[Recommended] Dusty Rhodes and the River Band / Olin and the Moon / Leslie and the Badgers / Divisadero @ Silverlake Lounge (Free) – The Monday night residencies have been competitive this month. Your last chance at seeing tDusty Rhodes and the River Band.
Ladytron / The Faint / Crocodiles @ The Fonda ($27)
Jake Labotz Band @ Redwood
I See Hawks in LA @ Echo Curio

Tuesday 4/28/09
[Pick of the Night] Castledoor / The Parson Red Heads / Princeton @ The Echoplex ($7) – Castledoor is celebrating their record release. The Parson Red Heads are celebrating the release of their new 7”. See my interview with the PRH’s drummer HERE.
[Recommended] Tinted Windows / The Broken West @ Troubadour (Sold Out) – I’m a little afraid to hear a supergroup that consists of a Hanson, a Pumpkin, a Fountain of Wayne and Cheap Trick’s drummer. Get there early for The Broken West.
Bob Log III / Willem Maker / Stephen Bower & the Silent Majority @ Spaceland ($12)
Aziz Ansari @ Largo ($25)
Mike Stinson / Dave Gleason @ Redwood Bar
Parasitic Fantasy Band / Lucky Dragons / Metal Rouge @ Echo Curio
The Pinker Tones @ Knitting Factory ($15)
Last American Buffalo @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Poncho Sanchez / Lonnie Jordan @ The Mint ($20)
Pompoir / Stamina Mantis / Blessure Grave / Birth! @ The Smell

Wednesday 4/29/09
[Pick of the Night] Thao with the Get Down Stay Down / Jesca Hoop @ Hotel Café ($12) – Thao is the early show from 7 – 10 PM. Jesca Hoop is after.
[Recommended] Club NME: Oliver Future / Franz Nicolay (of the Hold Steady) / Moneybrother @ Spaceland ($10) – I haven’t seen Oliver Future’s new lineup yet, but I do know it’s smaller.
Low End Theory Club: Zechs Marquise / Blank Blue @ Airliner ($10) – I’m a fan of Blank Blue.
So Many Wizards / Intricate Machines @ Bordello ($8)
Ceci Bastida @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Sarah Silverman @ Largo ($25)
Vienna Teng / Ben Sollee @ The Roxy ($18)
Dalmacio Von Diamond & the Enochian Keys / New Thrill Parade / Bestial Mouths @ The Smell
Ben Lee / Low vs. Diamond / Annie Stela @ Glass House in Pomona ($12)

Thursday 4/30/09
[Pick of the Night] Silversun Pickups / Eulogies @ Echoplex ($25) - If you haven't seen Silversun in a while, I think you'll be very pleasantly surprised. Benefit for childhood cancer. Buy through Ticketweb.
[Recommended] Wye Oak / Buddy / Pomegranates @ Silverlake Lounge ($8) – I was a big fan of Wye Oak’s Merge debut. Buddy’s well worth checking out too.
[Recommended] Jack Wilson Jr. / Les Blanks / The World Record @ Echo Curio – Les Blanks and the World Record are two of my favorite local bands. If you haven’t seen them yet, I highly recommend them.
[Recommended] Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros / Lukas Haas / Soko / Rumspringa @ Regent Theatre ($5) – The Regent Theatre is the new sight of Little Radio. The location is much, much better. Edward Sharpe will be playing the next two weeks as well. I've heard some good buzz.
The Blood Arm / Sweaters @ Bordello ($8)
Xu Xu Fang / Downtown Union / The Voyeurs / VOICEs VOICEs @ the Echo (Free)
Ben Lee / Low vs. Diamond / Annie Stela @ Troubadour ($18)
Ian McLagan & the Bump Band @ the Mint ($20) – Legendary member of the Small Faces and Faces.
Jonneine Zapata / One Eskimo @ Spaceland ($8)
Sweet / LA Guns @ House of Blues Sunset ($17) – Only one original member in Sweet, but “Fox on the Run” is a classic.
Dana Gould with Bob Odenkirk @ Largo Little Room
The Finches / Chen Santa Maria / Dan Friel / Some Dark Holler / Lucky Dragons @ The Smell

Friday 5/1/09
[Pick of the Night] First Fridays: Wolfmother / The Ruby Sons @ Natural History Museum ($9) – Weird lineup, but why not?
[Pick of the Night] The Black Lips / Flowers Forever / Static Static / The Strange Boys @ El Rey ($19) – The Black Lips seem like the band I’d most like to tazer, but they do make some good music.
[Recommended] Useless Keys / Eagle Winged Palace / Winter Gloves @ Spaceland ($8)
Jon Brion @ Largo ($25)
Joe Lally / All Leather / David Scott Stone / PROTECT ME @ the Smell ($5)
Starsailor @ Troubadour ($20)
The Flash Express @ the Echo ($8)
Qween Kwong / Ballerina Black / Go West Young Man @ Echo Curio
Peter Case Benefit: Loudon Wainwright III @ McCabe’s ($50)
Seasons / The Health Club / Manhattan Murder Mystery @ Mr. T’s Bowl
Kill Kill Kill / Chen Santa Maria / Dan Friel / Foot Village @ Pehrspace
One Eskimo @ Hotel Café
Ian McLagan & the Bump Band @ the Mint ($20) – Legendary member of the Small Faces and Faces.
Unwritten Law @ the Roxy ($20)

Saturday 5/2/09
[Pick of the Week] The Black Lips / Flowers Forever / The Strange Boys @ The Glass House in Pomona ($12) – The Black Lips seem like the band I’d most like to tazer, but they do make some good music. The Strange Boys finally seem to be catching on outside of Austin.
Book Signing: Gooseberries by Sterling Andrews @ Book Soup 7:00 PM
Vanessa Micale / Voice on Tape / Black Church / Sleepwalkers Local / Bird By Snow @ Echo Curio
Jennifer Hudson / Robin Thicke @ Nokia Theatre
A.M. / Traps, ps / Audacity @ The Smell ($5)
Kreator / Exodus @ House of Blues Sunset ($30)
Third Day @ Club Nokia ($31 - $76)
Yann Tiersen / Asobi Seksu @ El Rey ($22) – Composer of the score to Amelie.
Peter Case Benefit: Dave Alvin / Stan Ridgway @ McCabe’s (Sold Out)
Abiku / Sex Negatives / Totally Ripped / Moment Trigger @ Pehrspace
Eek A Mouse @ the Roxy ($20)
Black Label Society / Sevendust @ the Wiltern ($40)

Sunday 5/3/09
[Pick of the Night] Part Time Punks: Joe Lally (of Fugazi) / Qui @ The Echo ($5) – As David Yow gets Jesus Lizard back together for some reunion shows, it’s great to see Qui play some shows.
[Recommended] Le Switch / Restaurant / Paul Chesne / Matt Ellis @ Cinema Bar - Cinema Bar's a great dive bar in Culver City. The show starts at 3:30 PM.
[Recommended] Damien Jurado / Laura Gibson @ Spaceland ($12)
Grand Ole Echo: Tony Gilkyson / The Golden Days / Next of Kin / Triple Chicken Foot @ The Echo (Free) – Daytime show at 5:00 PM
Maria Taylor / The Whispertown 2000 / JJAMZ @ Troubadour ($15)
Manic Hispanic / Los Creepers @ El Rey ($17)
Peter Case Benefit: T-Bone Burnett @ McCabe’s (Sold Out)
Chris Cornell @ the Wiltern ($34)

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Coachella - Musings on Sunday

Sunday at Coachella got off to a little bit of a slow start. We headed in to Palm Springs to the first place that popped up when I searched for breakfast on Yelp, Cheeky’s. It was a bit pretentious but ended up being good. If somebody opened up one of those in Silver Lake they could print money. The bacon flight’s a good idea. We spotted Keenen Ivory Wayans for the second time of the weekend.

After eating, we headed to Rancho Mirage to meet some friends who were watching the Lakers game at the Yard House. The named turned out to be a tease when the bartender explained that the police had recently barred them from selling yards of beer.

We ended up with a Lot A parking pass for Sunday. It turns out they charge $20 for Lot A parking. Kind of high, but well worth it (esp after the long ass walk on Saturday). From the parking lot, we could hear Okkervil River finishing up their set. One of the only bands I was excited about seeing on Sunday. Oh well.

Lupe Fiasco was up next on the Coachella stage. Like his record, there were a couple of good moments. Matthew Santos came out for a few songs, including the big hit, “Superstar.”

Being completely lazy and uninspired by the lineup, we stayed in the shade of the VIP area. Peter Bjorn & John came on next. I’m still a big fan of their second and third records, Falling Out and Writer’s Block and enjoyed seeing them at the Roxy a couple of years ago. I put their new record (Living Thing) on last week, and thought they just sounded uninspired and bored with themselves. They seemed even more bored to be performing the songs live. A guest appearance from Lykke Li couldn’t save “Young Folks.” Background music.

At this point we ran into a friend who offered us a couple of catering tickets. If anybody ever offers you catering tickets at Coachella, do not turn them down. The food blows away the shit they sell. They offered up salmon, chicken or vegan and had a fresh salad bar. It’s the best place to see all the bands hanging out too. We saw Public Enemy, Okkervil River and The Knux hanging out. I’ve never been a Yeah Yeah Yeahs fan, but they were playing in the background.

We finished the best meal of the weekend and walked over to the Outdoor Theatre for Paul Weller. I know the first five Jam records pretty well, but I’m not super familiar with The Style Council or the solo records. Weller looked and sounded great. Johnny Marr even came out to help on “A Town Called Malice.”

If I hadn’t just seen My Bloody Valentine play a fantastic show at the El Rey, I would have been way more excited. Much to our surprise, we were able to march up as close as we wanted to the stage. After a couple of rough songs, the sound guy finally got the mix right. The band is so boring to look at, but they sounded great. Hopefully hitting this new creative stride will finally give them the confidence to finish some new material in the studio.

By this time, going in to work early Monday morning was weighing on me. I’d walked out about half way through the Cure’s set when they played Coachella 2004. Coachella 2009 turned out to be no different. The first song was new and I didn’t recognize it. The second song was an intense, dark song from Disintegration. The third song was a decent song off of Pornography, during which we said, if they play a hit next, we’ll stay. Instead they played another new song. “OK, we’ll give them one more.” And they played another new song. As we were walking to the car we heard “Lovesong” and as we drove away we heard “Pictures of You.” They ended up playing an epic set, got fined for going over and eventually got the plug pulled on them. Our loss.

Conclusion: I’m not really a festival guy. Even with free artists wristbands, VIP parking and meal tickets, it was just okay. I still wish I’d seen McCartney though.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Ticket Giveaway/Interview: Brette from The Parson Red Heads







Ever since hearing “Punctual as Usual” a few years ago, I’ve been a fan of the Parson Red Heads. They’re gearing up for the release of, Orangufang, an extremely limited edition 7” available this Tuesday through Jaxart Records. You can pre-order HERE or hit up their show Tuesday night at the Echo (with Castledoor on the bill). I've got a few pairs of tickets to give away. Email me [dukeufo at gmail] with the name of your favorite Parsons' song and your full name to win. Contest closes Tuesday at Noon.

To celebrate the release, here’s an interview with the Parson Red Heads drummer, Brette Marie Way, aka Clicker Parson. I always go for the sort of Tiger Beat style interview and she was a great sport about it.

You Set the Scene: How long have you been playing drums? Are you self-taught?

Brette Marie Way: I have been playing the drums for five years. I've had a drum set for ten years, but mostly they collected dust in my room. And they looked really cool. I am pretty much self taught. I took a beginning snare class about a year ago, and have taken a few random one-time lessons.

YSTS: When I told people in Kansas I was moving to Los Angeles, they reacted like I’d just told them I was moving to Jonestown. Do your old friends from Oregon still talk to you? Or did they completely disown you when you told them you were moving to Los Angeles?

BMW: All of my friends in OR are radical. In fact, almost all of them were in the band at one time or another. It makes going up on tour the best, because it's a big reunion! Last time we toured, we stayed in Portland for four days.

YSTS: Very cool. Any hot tips on places to go, or things to do in Oregon? I have some family up in northern Oregon, but I haven’t been to visit since around the time of the Mount St. Helens’ eruption.

BMW: This is what I say - Oregon is all about rivers and ferns and hiking and lying in the sun. I spent most of my time in Southern Oregon doing these things all summer long. Except that I didn't do ferns.

In Portland, my friends have moss growing in that part of their car that is like rubber lips, where the window rises up out of….Moss! On your car all the time!

I think that Oregon is good if you want to pretend to be a hobbit or an elf. There are also a lot of vegan restaurants.

YSTS: When can we expect a new full length? Will you take it out on the road?

BMW: We are going to make a new full length as soon as we have the money. We have all the songs and more. And we will take it on the road as much as we possibly can. If it were up to me anyway.

YSTS: How’d you and Evan meet? How long have been together? [Brette’s married to the Parsons’ lead singer, Evan.]

BMW: Evan and I met in high school. The first time I saw him was in Mrs. Brock's concert choir class when she said, "We have a new student today," and he walked across the room to the tenor section. We were involved in a lot of clubs and such. He was pretty cute but I totally had a different boyfriend.

We started dating at Lane Community College in Eugene, OR. We have been together for five years, and married for two and a half.

WAIT! The first time I met him was when a bunch of us went to his house for lumch and played a game called "Magic Pantry."

YSTS: I’m not even going to touch that. My friend Sterling gave me this question… what’s in your purse right now, and why?

BMW: Let me look...it's really boring. Keys. Planner. Chapstick. Checks. Change. Boring. If I could choose to put a cool thing in my purse right now it would be a sugar glider, which is like a tiny flying squirrel that you can train to land on your shoulder.

YSTS: What’s your favorite thing about living in Los Angeles?

BMW: I love the music scene! I love that people move here to do hard, artistic things for a living, and then actually do it! I love that I can actually see my favorite bands live and often! I love that people support each other and are kind. And I love that I can respect my friends so much.

YSTS: How about your least favorite?

BMW: I do not like how there are no rivers. Or ferns or moss.

YSTS: Name your five desert island records.

BMW: Joanna Newsom – Ys., The Beatles - Abbey Road, The Kinks - Muswell Hillbillies, Radiohead - OK Computer, Nick Drake - Pink Moon

YSTS: I’m a huge Muswell Hillbillies and Pink Moon fan too. What’s your favorite film about LA?

BMW: L.A. Story

YSTS: Excellent choice. Your favorite book of all time?

BMW: It's a tie! "A High Wind in Jamaica" by Richard Hughes and "Speaker for the Dead" be Orson Scott Card

YSTS: Interesting. I don’t know either one of those. Any Tivo-able TV?

BMW: Evan and I watch Friday Night Lights on the internet.

YSTS: I love Friday Night Lights. Who are some of your favorite LA bands?

BMW: Here’s just a few. In no particular order: The Henry Clay People, Willoughby, Le Switch, Francisco the Man, The Broken West, The World Record, Castledoor, Everest, The Sweet Hurt, Dawes, The Happy Hollows, Idaho Falls, Flashing Red Lights, Princeton, Fool’s Gold

YSTS: Thanks for your time Brette!

MP3: Raymond

Interview with Evan Way of the Parson Red Heads at Classical Geek Theater

Interview with Sam Folles of the Parson Red Heads at Web In Front

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Recently Announced Live Shows


Greek Theatre:
6/12/09: Neko Case / Jason Lytle (presale now, password = KCRW; on sale Saturday)
6/24/09: Emmylou Harris / Patty Griffin / Shawn Colvin / Buddy Miller (presale now, password = GREEK; on sale Saturday)
8/16/09: Los Lonely Boys / Los Lobos (presale now, password = HEAVEN; on sale Saturday)
9/11/09: Bonnie Raitt / Taj Mahal (presale now, password = BONTAJ; on sale Saturday)

Hollywood Bowl
9/24/09: Beastie Boys (presale on now, password = CHECKYOURKROQ; on sale 5/2/09 at 10AM)

The Wiltern
6/22/09 – 6/23/09: Wilco (presale on now through Frontgate; on sale Friday at 10 AM)
6/27/09: The Zombies / The Yardbirds / Spencer Davis Group (on sale Saturday at 10AM)

Spaceland
5/6/09: Danielson (on sale now at Ticketweb)
Saturdays in June: Halloween Jack (on sale now at Ticketweb)
7/3/09: Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head (on sale now at Ticketweb)

El Rey
6/6/09: Gavin Rossdale (presale Friday at 10AM, password = WANDERLUST; on sale Saturday at 10AM)
6/12/09: The Ord (on sale Saturday at 10AM)
7//7/09: The Hold Steady (on sale now)

The Echo
8/4/09: Bowerbirds / Megafaun (on sale now at Ticketweb)

Troubadour
6/30/09: The Enemy U.K. (on sale Saturday)

Club Nokia5/11/09: Steve Martin’s Big Bad Banjo and Conversation with Dave Barry (on sale Friday at 10AM)

Nokia Theatre
7/17/09: Demi Lovato / David Archuleta (presale Friday at 10AM, password = SINGLE; public onsale Saturday at 10AM)

Staples Center
7/13/09: Beyonce (on sale Saturday)
8/9/09: The Jonas Brothers (on sale now)

Honda Center in Anaheim
7/11/09: Beyonce (on sale Saturday)
9/8/09: AC/DC (on sale Saturday)

Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever
5/29/09: Lykke Li (on sale now at Ticketweb)

Echoplex
7/17/09: Three Mile Pilot (on sale now)

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Silversun Pickups Swoon Debuts at Number Seven


Pretty, pretty good.
From Billboard:
Los Angeles-based indie rock band Silversun Pickups scored the only other debut in the top 50 as "Swoon" arrived at No. 7 with a career-high sales week of 43,000. The group's first release, 2006's "Carnavas," peaked at No. 80, and its best sales week came in March 2007 when it sold nearly 10,000.

Surprise Appearance at Last Night's Jeff Beck Show


Would have been great to see. Jeff Beck appears again tonight. No word if Rod Stewart will be in attendance.

From the press release:

For the first time in over 25 years, last night recent Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, Jeff Beck was joined by former band mate and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Rod Stewart for a surprise two song performance at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles. The duo performed their 80's hit remake "People Get Ready" and "I Ain't Superstitious," originally recorded in 1968 during Stewart's tenure as the vocalist in The Jeff Beck Band. Beck and Stewart were visibly moved as the SRO audience cheered as they witnessed this historic reunion.

Photo Credit and Copyright: Ross Halfin

Musings on Coachella - Saturday Edition

I was at the first Coachella in October 1999. I had a hooked-up VIP pass. There was a great communal vibe and I wandered in and out of the performing bands’ trailers. I stood on the side of the main stage and witnessed some fantastic performances. It was my first time seeing Morrissey and he did not disappoint. I went back in 2003, 2004 and 2005. 2005 sucked. I vowed to never return.

In 2007 and 2008 I went to the Stagecoach Festival (which takes place the weekend after Coachella on the same grounds). I had a great time both years. It’s a super laid back vibe and you can actually walk around with a drink in your hand. They even have a barbeque contest with great food. If you have the artist wristband, they shuttle you around on golf carts. I’ve seen legends and I’ve discovered new bands both years. This year the Stagecoach bookers took it in a full-on NASCAR direction, so I decided I’d sit it out.

As I was sitting at my computer watching some of the Coachella coverage last Friday, I felt like I was missing out. I’d been rejuvenated by My Bloody Valentine’s performance the night before at the El Rey, so I decided I was ready to brave Coachella again. When I got offered some free Side Stage wristbands for Saturday and Sunday, I was in.

The drive out on Saturday morning was pleasant. We didn’t have a hotel reservation, but drove by a Motel 6 and decided to check their website for a vacancy. $85/night – not bad for last minute on Coachella weekend. There was absolutely no traffic until we got a few miles from the venue. We used the right lane to bypass all the traffic and went around to the back side of the parking area in about three minutes. Unfortunately they route pedestrians the long way around the grounds. It’s a pretty exhausting 20-25 minute walk with no shade in the 98 degree afternoon desert heat. We headed for some shade in the artist compound. At Stagecoach they have coolers with free beer in the artist compound. At Coachella they have five gallon tanks of Arrowhead water. We ran into a friend who offered us a parking pass for Sunday.

We jumped in a golf cart with a friend who was parked in the vendor parking lot. He had a full mini bar in the back of his car, so we poured drinks into plastic cups and snuck them into the festival. Drive-By Truckers were playing at the Outdoor Theatre, so we went backstage and watched them from the side. They sounded as good as anybody can sound from the side stage. It’s a unique perspective, but not a great place to be a part of a show.

Twenty minutes into DBTs we walked over to the Mojave tent for Dr. Dog. The last couple of Dr. Dog shows left me cold. Toby was sick and didn’t sing much when they played the Hotel Café and the El Rey show was just underwhelming. This show restored my faith. Great band.

The last time I remember seeing Superchunk was at the This Ain’t No Picnic festival in 1999. I was never a Superchunk fanatic, but I followed them in college and still own their first five records. I didn’t have any expectations going in, since they don’t play many shows these days. I was completely caught off guard when they proceeded to blow me away. A steady and reliable band like Superchunk is elevated even higher in an era of completely transparent, blatant, trend-hopping bands. In a sea of bands (and festival attendees) crying for attention, they avoided the rock star clothes, attitude and posing and focused on having a good time. Mac and Laura still look great too. And yes, they closed their set with “Slack Motherfucker.”

I stumbled back to the artist area during Michael Franti and Spearhead. Icky. This line from Wikipedia pretty much sums it up: “Except for occasionally wearing crocs on an airplane or in a restaurant, Franti has been walking through life barefoot since 2000.”

Having never seen TV on the Radio and being a pretty big fan, I had to see them. They were pretty good. That’s as strong of a statement as I’m willing to make. Pretty good. Seeing them didn’t change my opinion of them in any way. Everybody was raving about Tinariwen in the Gobi tent.

Late Friday I finally got around to watching Respect Yourself: The Stax Records Story on DVD. It’s a very informative and interesting documentary and Booker T. Jones features prominently. It was the perfect time to finally see him. Appearing with the Drive By Truckers as his backing band (they also appear on his new record), the band sounded great. Hearing Booker T. do “Green Onions” on his Hammond was one of the highlights of the festival. And put that documentary in your Netflix queue.

We snuck away towards the end of Booker T’s set to see the last song of the Fleet Foxes’ set. I still love those harmonies on “Mykonos.” There was a huge crowd taking it in too.

It was time for a dinner break. We moved through the crowd at Thievery Corporation and I ate some tacos. The food at Coachella is pretty underwhelming. Would it really be that hard to hire the Taco Zone or Kogi people next year?

A lot of people were really excited to see M.I.A. When I saw her at Coachella 2005, I found her mildly amusing. At Coachella 2009, she was just unbearably bad. A “singer” jumping around a bunch of dancers in DayGlo outfits while a backing track plays is not my idea of entertainment. The airhorn siren that blared every 15 seconds didn’t make it any more tolerable. Her records have some undeniably catchy moments, but her live show is a train wreck. Many of you may disagree, it’s okay, we can still be friends.

At this point, we decided we’d put some rock in our slingshot. We headed towards the Mojave tent where Turbonegro and Mastodon were closing out the night. Unfortunately, in order to avoid the crowd, we took the road behind the stages. When we arrived, the backstage areas of all three tents were shut off. Since there was no easy way to get in front of the stage we headed back to the hotel.

Once we got checked in to the hotel, the lights went out. You can see a lot of stars when the lights go out in the desert.

A post on Sunday’s show is coming soon…..

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Lollapalooza 2009 Featuring Silversun and Henry Clay



The Lollapalooza lineup is up (HERE). Lots of LA bands this year: Silversun Pickups, The Henry Clay People, Cold War Kids, No Age, The Knux, Jane's Addiction, Ben Harper and the Relentless 7, The Airborne Toxic Event and Thenewno2. Headliners include Depeche Mode, Tool, The Killers, Beastie Boys and Kings of Leon.

The three-day pass goes for $190 (significantly cheaper than Coachella). VIP can be had for $850 and for the corporate types, private cabanas that hold between 20 and 45 people.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Live Music Options: 4/20/09 - 4/26/09


I made it out to Spaceland last Monday, El Rey on Thursday (My Bloody Valentine!) and Coachella on Saturday and Sunday - more on that later. In the meantime, we've got a slow post-Coachella week. Good time to check out some local artists....
Monday 4/20/09
[Pick of the Night] The Henry Clay People / The Whip / Adeline & the Philistines / Marvelous Toy @ Spaceland (Free) – It should be another packed night at Spaceland. The Henry Clay People put one of the better live shows in town. The Whip are a dancey buzz band out of Manchester. Stick around late for Adeline & the Philistines. The newest lineup features Adeline Park, Aaron Kyle (Le Switch), Seb Bailey (Division Day), and Stevie Treichel (Radar Bros.).
[Recommended] Saint Motel / Aushua / Oliver Future / The Voyeurs @ Troubadour ($7)
Fool’s Gold / Very Be Careful / Jail Weddings / Oliwa and the Pleasure Circus Band @ The Echo (Free) – Fool’s Gold is doing the Monday night residency at the Echo. I’ve heard that they’ve been packed.
Dusty Rhodes and the River Band / Audra Mae / Yellow Red Sparks @ Silverlake Lounge (Free) – Dusty Rhodes and the River Band are doing the Monday night residency at the Silverlake Lounge. They’re local, but spend a lot of time out on the road on bigger tours.
Jake Labotz Band @ Redwood
Squirrel Nut Zippers / Fishtank Ensemble @ El Rey ($25)
Pillow Queens / Vibes / Crocodiles / The Bailouts @ Echo Curio
Bitches / Captain Ahab @ Pehrspace

Tuesday 4/21/09
[Pick of the Night] Heartless Bastards / Maxim Ludwig @ Spaceland ($15)
[Recommended] Jeff Beck / Davy Knowles @ El Rey (Sold Out) – Legend.
Black Math Horseman / Copperthief / Destroy Judas / Sing Orpheus @ Silverlake Lounge ($8) – Heavy shit.
James Pants / Mayer Hawthorne and the County / Dam-Funk / Folerio @ Echoplex ($12) – Stones Throw dance funk.
The Whip @ Cinespace – Buzzy dance rock from Manchester.
The War on Drugs / Slang Chickens / Rademacher @ the Echo ($10)
The Greg Proops Show: Greg Behrendt / Josh Homme @ Largo ($25)
Mike Stinson / Dave Gleason @ Redwood Bar
The Boxer Rebellion / Funeral Party @ Troubadour ($15)

Wednesday 4/22/09
[Pick of the Week] Jeff Beck / Davy Knowles @ El Rey (Sold Out)
[Recommended] The Moon Upstairs / Suki Ewers / Quarter After @ 3 of Clubs – The acoustics aren’t great, but it’s intimate.
Club NME: Jesse James Kingston @ Spaceland ($5)
Hecuba / Rainbow Arabia / Lucky Dragons @ the Echo ($8)
Crooked Cowboys & the Freshwater Indians @ La Cita
Dan Deacon (+ 13 piece ensemble) / Future Islands / Teeth Mountain @ Troubadour (Sold Out)
The Devil Wears Prada @ The Fonda ($20) – Are all the band names really taken?
Joey and Rory @ Largo ($20)
Low End Theory Club: Lazer Sword / DNABeats / Psalm One @ Airliner ($10)
Dub Club: Brigadier Jerry @ Echoplex ($12)
Tristan Prettyman @ Hotel Café

Thursday 4/23/09
[Pick of the Night] Dawes / Amateurs / Mississippi Man @ The Echo ($12)
Casxio / Oh Darling / Vanaprasta / The Nights @ Spaceland ($8)
Comedy is the New Green: Neal Brennan / Dan Levy @ Echoplex ($10)
Joss Stone / Joshua Radin @ Club Nokia ($30 - $40) – I heard a little bit at Coachella. Not my cup of tea.
Black Kids / Mates of State @ The Fonda ($22)
UB40 @ House of Blues ($45)
Weyou / Slingshot Dakota / David Scott Stone / Bobb Bruno / howardAmb @ the Smell ($5)
Random Patterns / Holloys / Tender Skulls @ Echo Curio
Lenka with Greg Laswell @ Largo ($20)
The Breakups / Hair Envelope @ Mr. T’s Bowl
Fishtank Ensemble @ Home (Free)
Chris Robley / Gamble House / From Leaf to Feather / Courtenay Green @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
The Honorable DHC / I See Hawks in LA / 3 Balls of Fire @ Redwood Bar
Angus and Julia Stone / Big Search ($12)

Friday 4/24/09
[Pick of the Night] Pride of Kenya / Cinder Cone / Bobb Bruno @ L’Keg Gallery – I haven’t been to L’Keg yet, but I’m recommending for Bobb Bruno.
Stagecoach: Brad Paisley / Reba / Little Big Town / Charlie Daniels Band / Darius Rucker / Earl Scruggs / Doyle Lawson / Kevin Costner @ Empire Polo Club in Indio ($79 per day or $129 for the weekend) – I’ve gone the past two years, but the full-on Nascar-ization of the festival is keeping me away this time. Who knew that Hootie had reinvented himself as country and Kevin Costner fronts a band? Doyle Lawson is pretty great though.
Jon Brion @ Largo ($25)
Rocket / Scott Russo and the Big Big Bang / Mack Winston & the Reflections @ Spaceland ($10)
CB Brand / Winfred E. Eye / Young Hunting @ The Smell ($5)
Queensryche @ House of Blues ($45)
Al Stewart @ McCabe’s (Sold Out)
Voice on Tape / Gamble House / Billygoat / Yellow Red Sparks @ Pehrspace
I Am Treasure Benefit: Pigeon John @ the Roxy ($15)

Saturday 4/25/09
[Pick of the Night] You Me & Iowa / We Fly By Night / The Hectors / Avi Buffalo @ Spaceland ($10) – Nice, diverse local lineup.
Fiend Folio 3: Blue Jungle / Alma Mayer / Meho Plaza / Roman Candles @ Echo Curio – A Classical Geek Theatre production.
Stagecoach: Kenny Chesney / Kid Rock / Miranda Lambert / Poco / Ricky Skaggs / Ralph Stanley / Dale Watson @ Empire Polo Club in Indio ($79 per day or $129 for the weekend) – I’d check out Miranda Lambert and Ralph Stanley again.
Bobb Bruno / Infinite Body / Frontiers @ The Cocaine
Mandy Moore @ Largo ($25)
Lucky Dragons / Cardiac Party / Stellaluna / Treasure Mammal @ the Smell ($5)
The Go-Go’s / The Upper Crust @ House of Blues (Sold Out)
The Bullet Boys @ Knitting Factory
David Wilcox @ McCabe’s (Sold Out)
Hungry Beat Dance Party @ Pehrspace
Celtic Woman @ Greek Theatre ($55 - $105)
Glen Phillips / AM / Greg Laswell @ Hotel Café
Fastball @ The Mint ($18)

Sunday 4/26/09
[Pick of the Night] Unwigged & Unplugged: An Evening w/ Christopher Guest, Michael McKean & Harry Shearer @ The Wiltern ($50 - $60)
[Recommended] KidRockers: Eulogies / The One AM Radio @ the Echo ($12) – Bring a kid to get in. Starts at 1:00 PM.
[Recommended] The Meeting Places @ All Star Lanes in Eagle Rock
Ladytron / The Faint / Crocodiles @ The Fonda ($27)
Mr. Lif / DJ Statik / Willie Evans Jr. / Grieves @ The Echo ($12) – Early show at 7:00PM
Neil Hamburger / Andy Kindler / Scott Auckerman & BJ Porter @ Spaceland ($8)
Part Time Punks: The Mae Shi / The Widow Babies @ The Echo ($5)
Eddie & the Hot Rods / Prima Donna / Re-Volts / Johnny Madcap & the Distractions @ Knitting Factory ($12)
The Ditty Bops @ McCabe’s (Early show sold out, 9PM show is $20)
Alex and Sam @ Home (Free)
Grouper / Nite Jewel / Earn / Caldera Lakes / VOICEsVOICEs @ The Smell ($5)

Friday, April 17, 2009

Reminder: Record Store Day Is Tomorrow


I'm a total record whore. It's an illness. The missus and I spent a good portion of last weekend buying a new record rack (I recommned the Expedit from Ikea), assembling it, and re-organizing our records. We got the 5 x 5 thinking it would take a while to outgrow, but it's almost full. You do the math....
Which brings us to tomorrow - Record Store day. If you're a vinyl collector, there's really nothing more immediately satisfying than walking into a record store for your fix. I personally prefer a store with a good mix of used and new. There's usually about one new record on my shopping list and about 40 hard-to-find. If I'm able to cross one or two off of my hard-to-find list, I'm a happy man.
Tomorrow you'll be able to get lots of limited edition vinyl. There's too much to mention, but here's a few: Jesus Lizard 7" box set, My Morning Jacket live EP, Tom Waits' live 7", Iron and Wine live CD, Pavement live LP, Dr. Dog 7", Oasis remix LP, Grizzly Bear 7", Sonic Youth/Beck split, Sonic Youth/Jay Reatard split, Wilco DVD, Neil Young's Sugar Mountain, Silversun Pickups' Pikul on 12" (featuring Mel Kadel's excellent cover artwork).
Local stores that I'm the most familiar with:
Amoeba [Hollywood] - It's one of the best stores in the country with great selection of used and new vinyl, CDs, DVDs, games. The used vinyl gets picked over fast, so you have to go a lot (or get really lucky) to find those hard-to-find records on your list. The largest $1 section too. It takes days to explore everything. I usually visit a couple of times a month. Parking is usually a pain. Not a quick in and out.
Freakbeat [Sherman Oaks] - They carry a good selection of new and used vinyl and CDs and limited DVDs. All around, a very manageable store. You can get through most of it in a few hours. They always have the large indie releases, reissues and a few hard-to-find gems. I try to visit once a month. It's can be a quick in and out, or you can linger. A decent sized $1 bin and a great bi-annual sale.
Fingerprints [Long Beach] - If you're in the Long Beach area, Fingerprints is a fantastic store. They've got new and used vinyl and CDs. It's a bit bigger than Freakbeat and they have great in-stores. I don't make it to Long Beach very often, but if I lived there, it would be my go-to store.
Origami [Echo Park] - Brand spanking new addition to Echo Park. They carry a limited selection of new vinyl (mostly indie with selective reissues in other genres). It's a great place to stop in quick for a new release. You can check out all the merch in 30 minutes.
Vacation Vinyl [Los Feliz] - All vinyl store with a very limited used selection. I haven't actually been in yet, but I hear they're a little more specialized, stocking mostly heavy bands.
Record Surplus [West LA] - Large selection of used vinyl, CDs and DVDs. This store's pretty massive and takes four or five hours to get through. They've got a large selection of collectible vinyl. I always find a couple of records on my hard-to-find list (last week I crossed Ike and Tina's Workin' Together and Sneaky Pete's self-titled record off my list). I hit this up at least once a month. They've got a 2nd store loft with all their $1 releases. If you want to start a good country collection head up there with a $20 bill. They're the record store Rudd goes to in Knocked Up.
Rockaway [Silver Lake] - Good selection of used vinyl and CDs mostly catering to the collector market. I don't go in there all that often because they sell so much of their stuff online. It makes sense from the business' perspective, but kind of turns me off as a customer.
Atomic Records [Burbank] - Decent selection of used vinyl (7" too), CDs and DVDs. I usually find something on my hard-to-find list. They seem to take the Goldmine prices pretty seriously. I stop in a couple of times a year.
Rhino [Claremont] - Pomona, Ontario and Claremont aren't as far as you think. I frequently fly out of Ontario and have a ritual of stopping at this store on my way back into town. They've got a good selection of used and new vinyl, CDs and DVDs. It might not be worth the drive out there just for the store, but if you're ever in the neighborhood, it's well worth checking out.
Poo-Bah [Pasadena] - I associate this place with the Dublab crew. I haven't been in for a while, but I remember them having a smallish selection of used and new vinyl and CDs. They focus attention on underground hip-hop.
Fat Beats [Melrose] - They specialize in hip-hop. Haven't been in for a while.
Don's Music [Eagle Rock] - Don has a decent selection of used vinyl. I haven't stopped in for a while.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Recent Live Show Announcements


Echoplex
6/20/09 – 6/21/09: Shellac / Arcwelder (now at Ticketweb)

El Rey
5/15/09: The Aggrolites / Boogaloo Assassins (presale Friday at 10AM with password Coachella; Saturday at 10:00 AM)
6/13/09: JD Souther (on sale now)

The Fonda
5/22/09: The Kills / The Horrors (presale Friday at 10AM with password Coachella; Saturday at 10:00 AM)

Fox Theatre
6/20/09: Wilco (presale Friday at 10AM with password ASHES; on sale Saturday at 10AM)

The Echo
6/10/09: Constantines / Crystal Antlers (now at Ticketweb)
6/12/09: Jay Reatard / Thee Oh Sees
6/17/09: Viva Voce
7/20/09: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart / Girls
7/23/09: Casiotone for the Painfully Alone

Spaceland
5/29/09: Riverboat Gamblers / Miss Derringer (now at Ticketweb)

Troubadour
6/22/09 – 6/23/09: Dinosaur Jr. (on sale 4/17/09)
6/29/09: John Vanderslice (on sale 4/17/09)
7/1/09: Bill Callahan / Bachelorette (on sale now)
7/21/09: John Butler (on sale now)

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Wilco Announce Three SoCal Shows

June 20th @ Fox Theatre in Pomona

June 22nd @ Wiltern

June 23rd @ Wiltern

Presale tickets for the Fox Theatre show go on sale Wednesday (today) at 10:00 AM through Frontgate Tickets. Goldenvoice presale starts Friday at 10:00 AM. Regular onsale happens this Saturday at 10:00 AM through Ticketmaster.

I'll update when I hear about the Wiltern....

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

UPDATE: Tickets On Sale For MBV at El Rey


UPDATE: TICKETS NOW ON SALE AT TICKETMASTER.

This rumor's been floating for the past few months. My Bloody Valentine doing a pre-Coachella warm-up show in LA? First it was the Mayan, but now it will supposedly take place at El Rey on Thursday night. The promoter will apparently first offer them to people who bought Coachella tickets before opening it up to the general population.

Nothing's for sure confirmed, so pencil it in....

Monday, April 13, 2009

Live Music Options: 4/13/09 - 4/19/09

TV on the Radio Play the Glass House and Coachella
Monday 4/13/09
[Pick of the Night] The Henry Clay People / The Broken West / The World Record / Writer @ Spaceland (Free) – They got to capacity early last week and there was a line all night. This is my favorite night for support bands.
[Recommended] Vetiver / Richard Swift @ Eagle Rock Center for the Arts ($12) – I’m a big Richard Swift fan. I wish this was any other night than Monday. The Broken West / World Record at the Henry Clay People’s residency is too tempting.
Fool’s Gold / Glasser / Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros / Sweaters @ The Echo (Free) – Fool’s Gold is doing the Monday night residency at the Echo. I’ve heard good things about Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros.
Jenny Lewis / Dawes @ The Glass House ($22) – She’s a charming performer.
Friendly Fires / Hockey @ Troubadour (Sold Out)
Dusty Rhodes and the River Band / Wake Up Lucid / Wendy Darling @ Silverlake Lounge (Free) – Dusty Rhodes and the River Band are doing the Monday night residency at the Silverlake Lounge.
Jake Labotz Band @ Redwood
Doug Benson @ Largo ($20)
Pehrspace Fundraiser: Moment Trigger / Skull Kiss / The Monolators / Whitman @ Pehrspace

Tuesday 4/14/09
[Pick of the Night] TV on the Radio / Free Moral Agents @ the Glass House ($25) – The Glass House is only about a 35 minute drive from Silver Lake.
[Recommended] The Minor Canon / Rhone Occupation @ the Prospector in Long Beach
Kimya Dawson / Andy Milonakis / Akida Junglefoot Dawson @ Troubdour ($15)
Andy Clockwise / Tyler Steele / Broken Meters / Jack Adams @ Spaceland ($8)
The Polyamorous Affair @ The Echo
[POSTPONED] The Toadies @ El Rey ($22) - THIS SHOW IS POSTPONED
Craig David @ the Mint (Sold Out)
Mike Birbiglia Sleepwalking in LA @ Largo ($30)
Go West Young Man / The Cartographers / Boxviolet @ Mr. T’s Bowl
Pulse Out / Atoms / Former Ghosts @ Silverlake Lounge – Jamie Stewart of Xiu Xiu is a member of Former Ghosts
Mike Stinson / Dave Gleason @ Redwood Bar

Wednesday 4/15/09
[Pick of the Night] Bloc Party / Menomena @ Hollywood Palladium ($25) – I haven’t heard Bloc Party’s recent stuff, but I like Menomena.
[Recommended] Odawas / Sholi / Ojos Rojos / Airlines / White Rhino @ Silverlake Lounge ($8) – I like what I’ve heard from Odawas.
Conor Oberst and the Mystery Valley Band / Deep Sea Diver / Pierre de Reeder @ The Glass House ($25)
Wavves / Fol Chen @ the Echo ($10) – Early show at 7:00 PM. Wavves was one of the must see artists at SXSW that I didn’t see.
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band @ LA Sports Arena ($65 - $95) - This totally slipped my mind, but I guess I'm not the only one...still not sold out.
Club NME: Lemon Sun / Transfer / Holy Rolling Empire @ Spaceland ($10)
Low End Theory: Thavius Beck / Mr. Fantastic @ Airliner
Levi’s Powersliding Event: Matt & Kim @ Santa Monica Pier (Free) – From 3-5PM, food provide by Kogi BBQ truck.
Tristan Prettyman @ Hotel Café
India.Arie @ Club Nokia ($35 - $65)
Mecca Normal / Anna Oxygen / Itai The Kris Special @ Knitting Factory ($10)
Mike Birbiglia Sleepwalking in LA @ Largo ($30)
Paging Beto @ Redwood Bar
Junior Brown @ Key Club ($20)

Thursday 4/16/09
[Pick of the Week] My Bloody Valentine @ El Rey ($38) – Seeing My Bloody Valentine at El Rey would be a pretty fantastic place to see them.
[Recommended] Crystal Antlers / Har Mar Superstar / Slang Chickens @ Eagle Rock Center for the Arts ($6) – Record release party for Crystal Antlers.
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band @ LA Sports Arena ($65 - $95) - This totally slipped my mind, but I guess I'm not the only one...still not sold out.
The Black Keys / Thee Makeout Party @ The Glass House ($25)
Naked Hearts / Correatown / Obi Best / Casey Neill & the Norway Rats @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Born Ruffians @ Spaceland ($12)
Mr. Brownstone (Guns n’ Roses Tribute Band featuring members of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah) / Gram Rabbit @ Troubadour ($18)
Britney Spears @ Staples Center ($40 - $150)
Jesca Hoop @ Hotel Café
The Budos Band / Boogaloo Assassins @ The Echo ($15)
Avenged Sevenfold / Buckcherry @ Nokia Theatre ($40 - $54)
Leslie & the Badgers / The 1921A / One Trick Pony / The Folk Heroes @ Redwood Bar
Glacier Hiking / His Orchestra / Kidd Russell / Fight From Above @ The Roxy ($10)
PROTECTME / Showgirls / Moon Pearl @ the Smell ($5)
The Derek Trucks Band @ The Wiltern
Mims @ Key Club ($22)

Friday 4/17/09
[Pick of the Day] Coachella: Paul McCartney / Franz Ferdinand / Morrissey / Leonard Cohen / Conor Oberst / Beirut / Black Keys / Silversun Pickups / Airborne Toxic Event / Hold Steady / Ryan Bingham @ Empire Polo Club ($99 or $269 for 3-day pass) – This is the strongest day. I recommend: McCartney, Morrissey, Leonard Cohen, Silversun Pickups and Ryan Bingham for starters.
[Recommended] It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia Live @ Troubadour (Sold Out) – Performing songs from last year’s season finale. Funny show.
The Cave Singers / Pocahaunted @ Spaceland ($10)
John Prine / Josh Ritter @ Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills ($40 - $50)
Ramblin’ Jack Elliott @ McCabe’s (Sold Out)
Britney Spears @ Staples Center ($40 - $150)
Fascinoma / The Karabal Nightlife / Nightfur / Kissing Cousins / Lucy Langlas @ Pehrspace
Kylesa / Intronaut / Made Out of Babies / Black Elk @ The Echo ($12)
Ollin @ Redwood Bar
Bitches / Foot Village / Church of the Snake @ the Smell ($5)

Saturday 4/18/09
[Pick of the Day] Coachella: The Killers / M.I.A. / Thievery Corporation / TV on the Radio / Band of Horses / Fleet Foxes / MSTRKRFT / Jenny Lewis / Superchunk / Dr. Dog / Ariel Pink @ Empire Polo Club ($99 or $269 for 3-day pass) – The weakest day for headliners, but you still get three of my favorites: Dr. Dog, TV on the Radio and Fleet Foxes. I recommend Mastodon, Superchunk and Calexico as well.
[Recommended] Abe Vigoda / The Intelligence / The Drones @ Spaceland ($10) – Nice to be able to see them at a place where you can enjoy a bourbon.
[Recommended] It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia Live @ Troubadour (Sold Out) – Performing songs from last year’s season finale.
New Kids on the Block @ Hollywood Palladium ($100)
The Californian @ Home (Free)
Jamie Curtis (of Xiu Xiu) / Former Ghosts / Corey Fogel @ Echo Curio ($8)
Mark Eitzel @ Largo ($20)
Ramblin’ Jack Elliott @ McCabe’s (Sold Out)
Elaine Layabout’s Hella Hipster Hoedown: Leslie and the Badgers / Cobra Lillies / Mississippi Man / Roman Candles @ Pehrspace
Vaginals / American Gil / Laco$te / Moses Campbell @ L’Keg

Sunday 4/19/09
[Pick of the Day] Coachella: The Cure / My Bloody Valentine / Yeah Yeah Yeahs / Lupe Fiasco / Paul Weller / Peter Bjorn and John / The Orb / Public Enemy / Devendra Banhart / Okkervil River / No Age / Vivian Girls / the Knux @ Empire Polo Club ($99 or $269) – If you’re heading out, I recommend My Bloody Valentine, Okkervil River and the Knux.
Danny Fedrici Memorial Fundraiser: Tom Morello / Joe Purdy @ Troubadour (Sold Out)
Evan Way / Garrett Pierce @ Home (Free)
Funeral Dress / Mise En Scene / The Voids / All Out Attack @ Echoplex ($12)
April Hava Shenkman @ Echo Curio
Richard Buckner / The Diamond Light @ McCabe’s ($16)
HellYa! Night: The Epilogues / The Jerxs @ Spaceland (Free)
Part Time Punks @ the Echo
Eleven Hundred Springs / David Serby / West of Texas @ Redwood Bar

Thursday, April 09, 2009

Recently Announced Live Shows


The Fonda:
5/21/09 – The New York Dolls (on sale 4/11/09)
6/23/09 – The Veronicas (on sale 4/10/09)

Spaceland:
5/14/09 – Scout Niblett / The Lovetones (on sale now at Ticketweb)

El Rey:
6/6/09 – Gavin Rossdale (on sale 4/25/09)

Hollywood Bowl:
6/26/09 – Aretha Franklin (presale now, password = SOULQUEEN; on sale 4/11/09)
7/13/09 – Incubus (on sale 4/11/09)

Club Nokia:
4/23/09 – Joss Stone (on sale 4/10/09)
8/6/09 – Alan Parsons Project Live (on sale 4/11/09)

Troubadour:
5/1/09 – Starsailor (on sale now)
6/6/09 – Holy Fuck (on sale now)

Honda Center in Anaheim:
12/10/09 – Metallica (presale 4/10/09 at 10AM, password = METALLIKROQ; on sale 4/11/09)

Gibson Amphitheatre:
7/9/09 – ABC / Berlin / Wang Chung / Heaven 17 / Cutting Crew (on sale 5/1/09)
8/2/09 – Judas Priest / Whitesnake (on sale 4/11/09)

Orpheum:
6/29/09 – Ani DiFranco (on sale 4/11/09)

Monday, April 06, 2009

LA Concert Listings: 4/6/09 - 4/12/09


Last week ended up being pretty busy. I saw the Radar Bros. and Le Switch last Sunday at Kid Rockers at the Echo. If you’ve got a kid (not that I do), I highly recommend the event. Good fun. Then I saw a little bit of Nico Stai on Monday. On Wednesday I braved the crowd for The Pains of Being Pure at Heart and White Denim at Spaceland. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart have some good songs, but they’re not that interesting live. White Denim is fun to see live, but don’t really have great songs yet. On Thursday I hit up the Gooseberries release show at the Eagle Rock Center for the Arts. The acoustics were not good. Hopefully the Vetiver shows sound better.

Monday 4/6/09
[Pick of the Week] The Henry Clay People / Mike Watt & the Missingmen / Ready the Jet / Thee Mighty Angels @ Spaceland (Free) – The Henry Clay People are doing the Monday night residency this month which should be packed every week. Mike Watt (Minutemen, fiREHOSE) should need no introduction. Get there early for Thee Mighty Angels, which features Dave Newton and Brian Reyes (The Little Ones).
The Bird & the Bee / Juliette Commagere @ Echoplex ($15) – The Bird and the Bee have a new record out on Blue Note.
Fool’s Gold / Weave! / Non+ @ The Echo (Free) – Fool’s Gold is doing the Monday night residency at the Echo.
Dusty Rhodes and the River Band / Thee Makeout Party / My Pet Saddle / Living Suns @ Silverlake Lounge (Free) – Dusty Rhodes and the River Band are doing the Monday night residency at the Silverlake Lounge.
Jake Labotz Band @ Redwood
WhiteFang / Rob Walmart @ Echo Curio
Zombelle @ Pehrspace

Tuesday 4/7/09
[Pick of the Night] Clem Snide / Le Switch / The Heligoats @ Spaceland ($10) – Hard to believe that Clem Snide formed 18 years ago. They re-formed recently after the success of Eef Barzelay’s sold career. Get there early for one of my favorite local bands, Le Switch.
The Secret 6 / Deep Sea Diver / Eugene and the 1914 Band / Next of Kin @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Megadeth / Hatebreed / Kill Switch Engage @ Club Nokia ($32 - $72)
Marissa Nadler / Manda Mosher @ Hotel Café
Electrocute / New York Rifles @ Bordello ($8)
Greg Proops / Maria Bamford / Harland Williams @ Echoplex ($10) – Comedy night.
Lily Marlene / John Webster Johns / Fancy Pants @ The Echo (Free)
Mike Stinson / Dave Gleason @ Redwood – Quality, local country lineup.

Wednesday 4/8/09
[Pick of the Night] Local Natives / Unionline / Flying Tourbillion Orchestra / Eastern Conference Champions @ Bordello ($8) – Solid local lineup.
[Recommended] Lower Heaven / Jason Simon of Dead Meadow / The Moon Upstairs / Dissolver @ Silverlake Lounge ($8) – Another solid local lineup.
Club NME: Living Things / Bloodcat Love / White Arrows @ Spaceland ($8)
Jerkagram / Talibam / Infinite Body @ The Smell ($5)
Low End Theory Club: Ras G / Teebs / Dakim @ Airliner
Tall Tales and the Silver Lining / Evan Way / Landon Sea @ L’Keg Gallery
Alexi Murdoch @ El Rey ($20)
White Carriage / Rachel Cantu / The Cartographers @ Echo Curio
Cod Piece / The Bumpers / Barrio Tiger @ Mr. T’s Bowl
Paging Beto @ Redwood
Reckless Kelly @ Troubadour ($18)

Thursday 4/9/09
[Pick of the Night] Spindrift / Restaurant / Whispering Pines / New York Rifles @ Spaceland ($8) – Restaurant puts on a fun live show.
[Recommended] Dengue Fever @ Echoplex ($12) – This is a performance and a screening of Sleepwalking Through the Mekong
Mirah / Tender Forever / Lucky Dragons @ the Echo ($15)
Lila Downs @ Royce Hall ($32 - $54)
Jesca Hoop @ Hotel Café
Yonder Mountain Spring Mountain @ House of Blues Sunset ($17.50)
Talibam! / Jerkagram / Horse Head @ Echo Curio
Stag Hare / Pregnant / 60 Watt Kidd / Bobb Bruno @ The Smell ($5)

Friday 4/10/09
[Pick of the Night] Flying Lotus / Kode 9 @ The Echo ($15) – Flying Lotus got a ton of critical acclaim last year for his record, Los Angeles. He works in the area where hip-hop, downtempo, electronica and video game soundtracks meet.
[Recommended] Monotonix / The Mae Shi / Anavan @ Spaceland ($14) – Monotonix is a heavy, Israeli band renowned for electrifying live shows. Shows where the drummer crowd surfs and the kit ends up offstage in the middle of the audience.
[Recommended] Leonard Cohen @ Nokia Theatre ($64 - $254) - I just looked, and if you're willing to pay $254 (plus fees) you can still get 5th row seats to this show. I haven't been back to the Nokia Theatre since the disappointing Neil Young show, but I heard the Prince show was (at least) equally disappointing.
Amateurs / Jack Wilson Jr. / Correatown / Marvelous Toy @ Pehrspace – Good local lineup.
Seasons / Karin Tatoyan / The Hectors @ the Echo ($5) – Another solid local lineup.
Jon Brion & Friends @ Largo ($25)
Travis / The Republic Tigers ($35) – The two Fonda shows were combined and moved to the Wiltern.
El Ten Eleven / Firs @ Home on Riverside (Free)
Mikki and the Mauses / Non Plus / Randy Randall of No Age @ L’Keg
White Buffalo @ Hotel Café
Dark Star Orchestra @ El Rey ($33)
The Health Club / Coxx / Joyce Manor @ Echo Curio
Brent Weinbach & Friends @ Largo’s Little Room
Chelsea Girls / Aimee Allen / Prima Donna @ The Roxy
Railcars / Former Ghosts / Br’er / Felt Drawings @ the Smell ($5)

Saturday 4/11/09
[Pick of the Night] KXLU Benefit: The Happy Hollows / Devon Williams / Rainbow Arabia / Blank Blue / Foot Village / VOICEs VOICEs / Meho Plaza /@ Regent Theatre ($10) - Can't go wrong with a benefit for KXLU.
[Recommended] Mark Olson & Gary Louris / Teddy Thompson @ Largo ($25) – The former Jayhawks.
[Recommended] Leonard Cohen @ Nokia Theatre ($64 - $254) - I just looked, and if you're willing to pay $254 (plus fees) you can still get 5th row seats to this show. I haven't been back to the Nokia Theatre since the disappointing Neil Young show, but I heard the Prince show was (at least) equally disappointing.
Blind Pilot / Loch Lomond / The F Scott Band @ Spaceland ($12)
Ari Hest / Hana Pestle @ Hotel Café
The Golden Years @ Pehrspace
An Café @ Avalon ($35)
Mike Viola / Tom Brosseau @ Largo’s Little Room
Dark Star Orchestra @ El Rey ($33)
City of Progress / Painted Cakes / Foot Foot @ Echo Curio
Jogger / Halloween Swim Team / Fast Astronauts @ the Smell ($5)
Magalosaurus / Spider Problem / Naima Earth / Capella @ L’Keg Gallery

Sunday 4/12/09
[Pick of the Night] Silversun Pickups / The Deadly Syndrome / The Happy Hollows (Sold Out) - Catch them in a pre-Coachella performance. Probably the smallest type of venue you'll see them in around LA. The new record has at least four more strong radio hits.
[Recommended] Vetiver / Adam Stephens @ Eagle Rock Center for the Arts ($12 or $20 for two nights) – The first of two nights. Richard Swift opens the second.
Part Time Punks @ the Echo ($5)
Headlights / The Love Language / Hello From Reno @ Spaceland ($10)
Eyesofmarch / Secta Erah / Matthew David @ Echo Curio
Lynda Kay / Mike Stinson / Dave Gleason @ Redwood
La Roux @ The Roxy ($12)

Friday, April 03, 2009

Origami Vinyl Opens Today in Echo Park

Today marks the opening of Origami Vinyl in Echo Park [1816 W. Sunset Blvd.]. The store will sell new vinyl (up to 3,000 records in stock), turntables, vinyl supplies and advance tickets for Spaceland Productions shows (Spaceland, Echo, Echoplex). They're celebrating the opening with in-store performances by Wait.Think.Fast and Nico Stai. The LAist has an interview with owner Neil Schield.

Origami is the second vinyl (mostly) record store to open in the area in recent months. It joins Vacation Vinyl which recently opened at 4679 Hollywood Blvd. Vacation was started by the guys behind the Hydra Head record label and the excellent Secret Headquarters comic book shop. My understanding is that they stock a little bit of everything, but focus particularly on non-mainstream, heavy music. They're cool enough to post their entire inventory online HERE. Vacation buys very select used vinyl.

Little Radio will be opening a third vinyl (mostly) record store soon. The store will be located next to the Regent Theatre downtown. Blogdowntown has the scoop HERE. They plan to stock around 2,000 titles.

Before you jump on the bandwagon and open one yourself, consider the economic prospects. I did some back of the envelope, unit economics calculations:

Assumption #1: Conservatively assume that rent/utilities/other expenses are $2,500/month.

Assumption #2: Store is open 63 hours/week and an employee makes $10/hr to work ($10/hr x 63 hrs/wk + 30% payroll taxes/workers comp insurance) and your labor cost is $3,522/month.

Assumption #3: Working capital/inventory/start up costs are $30,000. Investors/debt holders expect at least a 10% return on the investment. Cost of capital is $250/month.

Assumption #4: The average record sells for $15 and the profit margin is 25%. The store makes $3.75 per record sold.

Calculation: In this very simplified/hypothetical scenario, the store needs to sell 1,672 records per month to break even (roughly 55 records per day).

I'm assuming some of the stores will be taking record label cash for listening stations, poster placement, etc. They're also selling some equipment and Origami will be selling concert tickets (which is 100% profit). On the negative, vinyl is non-returnable to distributors. Every piece of vinyl you don't sell hits your bottom line.

Somewhat Unrelated Observation For Aspring Shopkeepers: The hottest retail concept going right now is Game Stop. Profit margins on used products is much more attractive (up to 50%).

Conclusion: It's not going to be easy for these guys. If you want these businesses to survive (and compete with Amoeba and each other), you need to spend your dollars there.

Sinking Radio - BLK JKS' "Lakeside"


I'll keep this brief because I just got back from the Gooseberries release show and I'm exhausted and I mixed champagne with Bud Light with Red Stripe with Tecate with Absinthe with Jim Beam with Remy Martin (in extremely small quantities, but still a very bad idea). 

Tune in to Little Radio tomorrow from Noon to 2:00 PM for the Sinking Radio show. Each week, the show features an official You Set the Scene pick. My pick for tomorrow's show is BLK JKS' "Lakeside." 

BLK JKS is a South African band who recently signed to Secretly Canadian. Their debut EP mixes  Afro-Beat and TV On the Radio influences with interesting sound textures. Produced by Brandon Curtis of Secret Machines, it shows a ton of promise. The band appeared at SXSW, but I missed them. Heard they were cool though. 

If you're the impatient type, check out the MP3 below. Either way, tune in to Sinking Radio tomorrow. 

UPDATE: Recently Announced LA Area Shows

The Vaselines Will Make Their First LA Appearance
I've got some good intel that there will be a secret, pre-Coachella My Bloody Valentine show in the LA area. I'll keep you posted once the details are available....


The Echo:
5/27/09 & 5/28/09 – Jens Lekman (now through Ticketweb)
6/16/09 – 1990’s (on sale 4/8/09 through Ticketweb)
6/19/09 – Art Brut (on sale Saturday at Noon through Ticketweb)

Spaceland:
6/16/09 & 6/17/09 & 6/18/09 – Art Brut (on sale Saturday at Noon through Ticketweb)

Silverlake Lounge:
4/30/09 – Wye Oak (TBD)

El Rey:
5/10/09 - The Vaselines (on sale Saturday at 10AM)
5/29/09 – Butch Walker / The Films (on sale Saturday at 10AM)
5/31/09 - Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan (on sale now)
6/19/09 - Ben Kweller (on sale now)
6/20/09 – mewithoutYou (on sale Saturday at 10AM)

The Wiltern:
6/8/09 – Metric (on sale 4/3/09 at 10 AM through Live Nation)
7/22/09 – Elbow (on sale 4/4/09 at 10 AM through Live Nation)
Rose Bowl:
10/25/09 – U2 / Black Eyed Peas (on sale 4/6/09 at 10 AM – may still be available through U2.com)

Orpheum Theatre:
5/7/09 – Van Morrison performs Astral Weeks (on sale now)

Largo:
4/25/09 – Mandy Moore (call club for tickets)

Club Nokia:
6/26/09 – Bone Thugs N Harmony (on sale 4/3/09)

Verizon Wireless:
8/4/09 – No Doubt / The Sounds / Katy Perry (presale starts Friday at 10 AM, password = FIRSTONKROQ; onsale Saturday at Noon through Live Nation)

Thursday, April 02, 2009

Review of First Quarter Releases - January


I've been negligent in doing my weekly new music posts. So now I'm going to try to tackle the entire first three months of the year.
Here are the releases from January that got the most attention in my world. Personal favorites are in BOLD.




Released on 1/5/09:
Animal Collective: Merriweather Post Pavilion – This will probably be the best reviewed album of the year, but they still make my head feel like it’s going to explode.
Glasvegas: Glasvegas – Scottish anthem rockers. Not bad, but not particularly moving.

Released on 1/19/09:
AC Newman: Get Guilty – The New Pornographer frontman’s second solo record. A few strong songs, but not as immediately appealing as his other solo record.
Andrew Bird: Noble Beast – Oh so precious, but still extremely talented. The first record of the year that I can fully recommend.
Antony and the Johnsons: The Crying Light – An acquired taste (and one that I have yet to acquire)
MP3: Epilepsy Is Dancing
Bon Iver: Blood Bank EP – A couple of good tracks, but not worth the $10 they’re charging for the vinyl. Download the free title track and you should be good.
MP3: Blood Bank
Cut Off Your Hands: You & I – New Zealanders [ed. note: corrected] aping mid-80’s Brits, still haven’t listened to it
MP3: Turn Cold
Matt & Kim: Grand – Enthusiasm counts for something
Titus Andronicus: The Airing of Grievances – Kind of like a noisy, Pogues-inspired version of Bright Eyes
MP3: Titus Andronicus

Released on 1/26/09:
The Bird and the Bee: Ray Guns Are Not Just the Future – Pleasant, slightly loungey pop suitable for a cocktail party
Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears: EP – Four song EP. They’re one of the better new bands, but only pick this up after you’ve already bought and digested the full length (that came out more recently).
Bruce Springsteen: Working On a Dream – I’ve never been a huge fan of the Boss. I’m not even a greatest hits guys, just a few songs here or there.
Cotton Jones: Paranoid Cocoon – Ex-Page France; Pleasant indie rock, but I haven’t heard the whole thing.
MP3: Blood Red Sentimental Blues
Franz Ferdinand: Tonight – I liked their debut album, but haven’t listened to them since.
J. Tillman: Vacilando Territory Blues – He’s Fleet Foxes drummer; haven’t heard this, but the solo stuff I’ve heard is pleasant and along those lines.
Loney Dear: Dear John – Swedish singer-songwriter. The last one had so little bite, I haven’t bothered listening to this one yet.
Mark Olson & Gary Louris: Ready for the Flood – Former Jayhawks reunited. This was on my shopping list, but hasn’t made it home yet.
Of Montreal: Jon Brion remixes EP – Not a big Of Montreal fan.
Volcano Suns: The Bright Orange Years – First time on CD; Peter Prescott formed this band after Mission of Burma went into hibernation. A must have for fans of jangly, mid-80s guitar rock.
MP3: Jak
Volcano Suns: All-Night Lotus Party reissue – If you love The Bright Orange Years, pick this one up next
MP3: White Elephant