Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Matador 21 Lineup Finally Announced


Julie Christie, the rumors are true...

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Live Music Options: 6/28/10 - 7/4/10

Tame Impala Play the Echo and Silverlake Lounge This Week

A few updates since I originally posted this last week...

Monday 6/28/10
[Pick of the Week] Rainbow Arabia / Gary Wilson & the Blind Dates / Tame Impala / Weave! @ The Echo (Free) - Rainbow Arabia saved the best for last. Tame Impala's one of the biggest buzz bands right now (good psychedelic music from Australia). Gary Wilson was name checked in Beck's biggest hit, "Like my man Gary Wilson." And it's free.
[Recommended] Line and Circle / The Minor Canon / HT Heartache / Wet & Reckless @ Silverlake Lounge (Free) - Another very solid night of free music. The Minor Canon's one of my favorite local bands. Wet & Reckless is the relatively new band featuring Jess from the Movies.
We Barbarians / Rumspringa / Kissing Cousins / Stone Darling @ Spaceland (Free)
Concrete Blond / Flametal / Shok @ The Music Box ($30)
One Eskimo / Lady Danville @ Largo ($25)
Buzz or Howl / Daryl Shaun @ Echo Curio
Steel Panther @ Key Club ($20)
Phil Alvin Trio / Pookey Lafarge / Frank Fairfield @ Redwood
Cold Mold / Vulture / Fuckass / Treasure Mammal / Jamuel Saxton @ Pehrspace ($5)
Diego Garcia of Elefant @ Viper Room ($12)

Tuesday 6/29/10
[Pick of the Night] The Parson Red Heads / Wheelhouse / Ghost Kings / Goldenboy @ Spaceland ($7) - I haven't had a chance to see The Parson Red Heads doing any of their new music yet, and that needs to be rectified. Wheelhouse is the new band from Brian Whelan (bass player in the Broken West).
[Recommended] Tame Impala / White Arrows @ Silverlake Lounge (early show = $10; late show = sold out) – Early show at 7:00 PM with Bowery Beasts and late show at 10:30 with White Arrows; I'm very interested in seeing Tame Impala.
Blitzen Trapper / The Moondoggies @ El Rey ($18) - I'm a big fan of the Moondoggies first record, but they're always touring as support. I need to see these guys...
Johnny O’Donnell’s Pratfall Effect / Mack Winston & the Reflections / Dante vs. Zombies @ The Echo ($7)
The Gracious Few / Royal Bliss @ Troubadour ($25) – If you liked Live and Candlebox, then this show is for you.
Taking Back Sunday @ the Wiltern ($26)
Million Kids / The Gears / Sylvia Juncosa / Comprehend @ Redwood
The Submarines @ Detroit Bar ($10)
Jesse Cook @ Club Nokia ($22 - $42)
Sam Bradley @ Hotel Café ($10)
Glacier Hiking / The Daylights @ The Roxy ($10)
Saint Vitus / Crowned By Fire / Stone Axe @ Viper Room ($20)

Wednesday 6/30/10
[Pick of the Night] Dr. Dog @ Hotel Cafe (Sold Out) - This was another late addition to the calendar. Get there early, it's a 7:00 PM show.
[Recommended] Damien Jurado / Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground / Tenlons Fort Shelter Fund @ Spaceland ($12) - Damien Jurado's a very talented singer-songwriter.
Low End Theory: Vapor Mache @ Airliner ($10)
Hot Hot Heat / Voxhaul Broadcast / The Union Line @ Bootleg ($12)
Asura / Shlohmo @ Origami (Free) – 7:00 PM
Oona / Bullet and Snowfox / Big Moves @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Shake / Shout & Soul @ Redwood
Skeetox @ The Roxy ($20)
John Lefler @ Hotel Café

Thursday 7/1/10
[Pick of the Night] Sloan @ House of Blues Sunset ($30) - The ticket price is a bit steep, but if you can swing it...
[Recommended] Dum Dum Girls / Crocodiles / Dunes / Soft Healer @ The Echo ($12) - All you C-86 fanatics should give them a listen.
[Recommended] Devo @ Hollywood Park ($8 before 9:00 PM, $15 after) - Hang with the horsie set and then watch Devo at 10:30 PM.
Pinback Presents: The Rob & Zach Show @ Detroit Bar ($15) - Pinback's never been the most dynamic live act, but I'm fond of their albums.
Year Long Disaster / Solare / Waxy @ Spaceland ($8) - Dave Davies' son keeps laying down the heavy tunes.
See Spot / The Bohunks / The Debonaires @ Troubadour ($12)
The Foreign Resort / Tigers Can Bite You / Dreamtiger / Space Waves @ Silverlake Lounge ($8) - The Cure meets Sonic Youth outta Denmark?
Saint Motel / Kitten @ Hammer Museum (Free)
Gary Jules @ Hotel Café ($10)
Batwings Catwings @ Echo Curio
Tiny Little / Ostrich Eyes / Disciple of Saturn / Plasma Center @ The Smell ($5)
The Preservation @ Redwood

Friday 7/2/10
[Pick of the Night] - Le Switch / The World Record / Les Blanks @ The Grandstar at 943 N. Broadway ($5) - Three great local bands.
[Recommended] Dam-Funk / Master Blazter / Peanut Butter Wolf / MC Eiht @ Troubadour ($15) - Stones Throw
Jane's Addiction @ the Roxy (Ticket Info TBA)
Rademacher / Fields @ Casey's Pub (Free)
Fishbone @ Hollywood Park ($8 before 9:00 PM, $15 after) - Hang with the horsie set and then watch Fishbone at 10:30 PM.
Mates of State / Free Energy / Nick Thune @ The Echo ($15) - I saw Free Energy at the Echo not too long ago and wasn't crazy about them, but everybody seems to think I was wrong?
Wallpaper @ Spaceland ($8)
July 4th Fireworks Spectacular with Vince Gill @ Hollywood Bowl ($12 - $156)
CocoRosie / Cibelle @ Orpheum Theatre ($28)
The Entrance Band / The Growlers / Voices Voices @ The Smell ($12)
The Guilty Hearts / The Slighted @ Redwood
Jordin Sparks @ Grove of Anaheim ($15 - $25)
Cinder Cone @ Vacation Vinyl (Free) – 7:00 PM
The Foreign Resort @ Origami (Free) – 7:00 PM

Saturday 7/3/10
Hootenanny: Chuck Berry / Jerry Lee Lewis / Nick 13 from Tiger Army / Old 97’s / Shooter Jennings @ Oak Canyon Ranch ($42 - $105) - Who wouldn't want to see Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee Lewis?
[Recommended] KXLU Summer Party: Pizza! / Moses Campbell / Rare Grooves / Voice on Tape / Ostrich Eyes / Heller Keller / Protect Me / Nouns / Sober Two Year Olds / Forts / Moriel Berger @ Pehrspace - Intriguing lineup.
[Recommended] Baths / Daedelus / El Ten Eleven / Matthewdavid @ Troubadour ($12) - Anticon
Mates of State / Free Energy / Nick Thune @ The Echo ($15) - Night two.
Dum Dum Girls / Crocodiles @ Detroit Bar ($10) - If you missed them at the Echo on Thursday.
Dead Man's Bones @ Eagle Rock Center for the Arts ($25)
Stevenson Ranch Davidians @ Casey's Pub
Love Revisited / Hot As Balls / Quincy Blaque Trio @ Spaceland ($12) – Love Revisited is Johnny Echols with some of the same Baby Lemonade guys who backed up Arthur Lee in his later days. I saw Echols not that long after Lee died.
July 4th Fireworks Spectacular with Vince Gill @ Hollywood Bowl ($12 - $156)
Blectum from Blechdom / Captain Ahab / Foot Village / E&E @ The Smell ($5)
Roxy Jones @ Echo Curio – Afternoon show
Mammoth Life / Cave Country / Tommy Santee Klaws @ Echo Curio
MOTO / Midnight Creeps / Spurts @ Redwood
The Janks @ Hotel Café

Sunday 7/4/10
[Pick of the Night] July 4th Fireworks Spectacular with Vince Gill @ Hollywood Bowl ($12 - $156) - I've spent a couple of 4th of Julys at the Bowl seeing the fireworks.
[Recommended] Magic Bullets / The Tartans @ The Echo ($5) - For the indie fans looking for something to do. Watch out for all the neighborhood fireworks that night.
Las Sangronas Y El Cabron / Stella Pace / Sin Remedio / Desmadre En Krisis / Social Concern / Angustia @ The Smell ($5)

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Recently Announced Live Shows

Nokia Theatre LA Live
7/18/10 - 7/19/10: Tool (Friday at 10 AM)
10/30/10: Lady Antebellum (presale now password = HONEY; public on sale Friday at 10 AM)

Club Nokia
7/18/10: Ludacris / Ray J / New Boys (presale Friday at 10 AM, password = BENEFIT; Saturday at 10 AM)
8/15/10: Matisyahu (presale now, password = CROWN; Friday at 10 AM)
8/25/10: T-Pain (presale now, password = BARTENDER; on sale Friday at 10 AM)

Citizens Business Bank Arena (Ontario)
8/19/10: Bob Dylan / John Mellencamp (presale Friday at 10 AM, password = Riley; on sale Saturday at 10 AM)

El Rey Theatre
10/11/10: Teenage Fanclub (now)

The Music Box
9/15/10: The Walkmen / Japandroids (presale Friday at 10 AM, password = LISBON; on sale Saturday at 10 AM)
9/24/10 - 9/25/10: Rancid (presale Friday at 10 AM, password = BENEFIT; on sale Saturday at 10 AM)
10/2/10: Matt & Kim (now)
10/14/10: The Morning Benders (presale Friday at 10 AM, password = BIGECHO; Saturday at 10 AM)
10/19/10: Superchunk (now)

Spaceland
9/2/10: Ty Segall / Grass Widow / Garotas Suecas (now at Ticketweb)
9/7/10: Crooked Fingers / The Mynabirds (now)
9/9/10 - 9/10/10: Dax Riggs (now)

Echoplex
8/14/10: Hercules and Love Affair (now)
10/10/10: Tom Tom Club (now)

Bootleg
8/5/10: Everest (now at in ticketing)
8/11/10: The Joy Formidable (now)

Gibson Amphitheatre
8/12/10: Meat Loaf (Saturday at 1 PM)
9/9/10: Gary Allan / Jack Ingram (Saturday at 10 AM)
11/6/10: Cheech & Chong (Friday at 4:20 PM)

Hollywood Palladum
8/12/10: Coheed and Cambria (Friday at 10 AM)

Auto Club Speedway in Fontana
9/25/10: Epicenter 2010 - Kiss / Eminem / Bush / Papa Roach / B.o.B. / Travis Barker / The Knux / New Politics (presale Thursday at 10 AM, password = 2KROQEpicenter; Saturday at 10 AM)
9/26/10: Epicenter 2010 - Blink 182 / Rise Against / Thirty Seconds to Mars / Bad Religion / A Day to Remember / Suicidal Tendencies (presale Thursday at 10 AM, password = 2KROQEpicenter; Saturday at 10 AM)

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Aquarium Drunkard Presents: L'Aventure


Just a quick heads up to click over to Aquarium Drunkard for his tribute to Television's Adventure. The sampler (a follow up to his RAM on LA compilation) features eight local LA artists tackling tracks from the revered New York City band's second album. The highlight comes six songs in with Imaad Wasif's (w/Lykke Li) take on "The Fire." For me, Television has always been about the guitar work of Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd and Wasif's inspired playing respectfully honors them. Local Natives and Deadly Syndrome come in right behind Wasif...

AD's asking that if you dig it, and can afford to part with some scratch, to donate to the Silverlake Conservatory of Music.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Live Music Options: 6/21/10 - 6/27/10

Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings Come to the Wiltern on Saturday


This week's a little slow, then things pick up on Friday and Saturday.
Monday 6/21/10
[Pick of the Night] Line and Circle / Sweaters / Bright Papers Werewolves (tribute to GBV) / Rafter @ Silverlake Lounge (Free) – Line and Circle continues their Monday night residency.
We Barbarians / Red Cortez / LA Ghost / Pacific Hurt @ Spaceland (Free) – We Barbarians continue their Monday night residency.
Gogol Bordello / Fake Problems / El-Haru Kuroi @ Mayan Theatre ($35) – Gypsy punks.
Rainbow Arabia / Abe Vigoda / Aska / Demo Team @ The Echo (Free) – Rainbow Arabia continues their Monday night residency. Good chance to see Abe Vigoda for free.
Miley Cyrus @ House of Blues Sunset Strip ($100) – Does her new risqué appearance excite you?
Athlete / Carney @ Troubadour ($18) – Guests on Morning Becomes Eclectic this morning.
Desktop Rulers / Nightmare and the City @ Bootleg ($8)
Totally Serious / Witt / Rats / Snuffaluffagus @ Echo Curio
Spin the Bottle @ The Roxy ($20)
Steel Panther @ Key Club ($20)
Phil Alvin Trio / A.K. and the Kalashnilovs @ Redwood
Ni Sensae / Shearing Pinx / NASA Space Universe / Bad Party @ Pehrspace
Coup Pigeons / Queen Victoria / Warm Climate / Faraday Trippers @ Synchronicity

Tuesday 6/22/10
[Pick of the Night] The Brian Jonestown Massacre / Federale @ The Music Box ($22.50) – Anton and his crew of degenerates. You never quite know what you’re going to get with the live show (I’ve seen some amazing shows and some embarrassing shows), but it looks like Matt Hollywood and Joel Gion have been touring, so that’s the classic lineup that you want to see.
Peggy Sue / Pepper Rabbit @ Spaceland ($10) – Girl group from Brighton from the same scene that brought you Mumford & Sons.
Stars / Dead Child Star @ Troubadour (Sold Out) – Popular Canadian indie poppers.
Gogol Bordello / El-Haru Kuroi @ Mayan Theatre ($35) – Night two for the gypsy punks.
Adam Arcuragi / Charlie Wadhams / The Spies @ Silverlake Lounge ($8) – I’m a fan of Charlie Wadhams, but not familiar with the other artists.
Seasons / Tenlons Fort / Death to Anders / Magick Orckids @ The Echo (Free) – Good local, free lineup.
Space Waves (Mazzy Star Tribute) @ Bootleg
Nude Beach @ Echo Curio
Manhattan Murder Mystery @ Vacation Vinyl (Free) – 7:00 PM
Robert Randolph @ Grammy Museum ($15)
Jo Hamilton @ Hotel Café
Million Kids / Decry / Doggy Style / The Stains @ Redwood
Bebe Buell @ The Roxy ($12)
Blue Rodeo @ The Mint ($23)
Spider / Devin and Ross and Gary / Living Sacrifice @ Synchronicity
Gemma Ray @ Origami (Free) – 7:00 PM

Wednesday 6/23/10
[Pick of the Night] Josh Ritter & Royal City Band / Carolina Chocolate Drops @ The Music Box ($25) – I remember seeing Josh Ritter at King King with Band of Horses. I saw Carolina Chocolate Drops at Stagecoach a couple of years ago, they’re an old time-y Carolina string band.
Stars / Dead Child Star @ Troubadour (Sold Out) – Night two for the Canadians.
Future Islands @ Detroit Bar ($10) – Interesting Thrill Jockey band.
Hot Hot Heat / Eulogies / Links @ Bootleg ($12) – Hot Hot Heat’s Wednesday night residency continues.
Matmos / So Percussion / Lexie Mountain Boys @ Echo ($22)
Olin and the Moon / The Devil Whale / Vanish Valley @ Silverlake Lounge ($8) – Finally saw Olin and the Moon at the Henry Clay People record release show. They’re a little bit like a polished version of Wiskey Biscuit.
Low End Theory: Abstract Rude / Musab / DJ Drez @ Airliner ($10) – Continues to be an influential night that gets tons of national press.
No Babies / Hawney Troof / Tearist / Signals @ Echo Curio
Emery Avenue @ The Glass House ($15)
Lucy Woodward @ Hotel Café
Brennen Leigh @ Redwood
Boyce Avenue @ The Roxy ($12)
Sarah Borges & the Broken Singles @ The Mint ($15)
Ashes Divide / Abandoned Pools @ Viper Room ($15)
Jordan Knecht / Emily Lace / Black Church / The True Drone @ Synchronicity
Robert Randolph @ Amoeba (Free) – 6:00 PM
David Bickel “Creepiosity” @ Largo ($20)

Thursday 6/24/10
[Pick of the Night] Carlene Carter / Dave Alvin / Exene Cervenka / Syd Straw / Tony Gilkyson / Seaspin / The Damn Sons @ The Echo ($20) – Benefit for the Musicares Nashville Flood Relief Fund
Fitz and the Tantrums / Ben Lovett / The Damselles @ Spaceland ($10) – I caught Fitz last weekend. The band’s good and I really liked the backup singer.
Future Islands @ Amoeba (Free) – 7:00 PM
Eli “Paperboy” Reed & the True Lovers @ the Roxy ($12) – I saw him at Spaceland a couple of years back. He’s got some decent skills. Straight forward soul.
Every Avenue / Sing It Loud / The Secret Handshake / There for Tomorrow @ Troubadour ($15)
Fat Freddy’s Drop @ The Music Box ($20)
The Psychedelic Furs / She Wants Revenge @ the Wiltern ($25 - $30)
Family of the Year / The Steelwells @ Bootleg
The Studiofix / Radio Freq / Mad Planet / Little Lemon @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Woah Hunx / Cerebral Ballzy / Juiceboxxx / Kid Static @ The Smell ($5)
Learning Music @ Echo Curio
The Pharmacy / Moonhearts @ Redwood – Some pretty good lo-fi indie rock.
Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute @ Key Club ($18)
Kate Miller Heidke @ Hotel Café
Will Bernard @ the Mint ($18)
Eugene & the 1914 / Wild Pack of Canaries @ Prospector in Long Beach

Friday 6/25/10
[Pick of the Night] Ty Segall / Sonny & the Sunsets / Moonhearts / Wounded Lion @ Spaceland ($10) – Ty Segall is a blogger favorite. I heard Sonny & the Sunsets recent show at Spaceland was really good.
[Recommended] Black Francis @ The Mint ($20) – Solo acoustic show
[Recommended] Jon Brion and Friends @ Largo ($25)
Grease Sing-A-Long @ Hollywood Bowl ($7 - $72)
Electric Daisy Carnival: Deadmau5 / / Moby / Basement Jaxx / Infected Mushroom / Z-Trip / BT / / Armand Van Helden / Spank Rock / Travis x A-Trak / Swedish House Mafia / Kaskade / Dirty South @ Exposition Park and LA Memorial Coliseum ($65 or $129 for both days)
Moses Campbell / Aerial Stereo / Record Year / Watercolor Paintings @ Pehrspace
The Rescues / Garrison Starr @ Troubadour ($12)
Van’s Warped Tour 2010: The All-American Rejects / Motion City Soundtrack /
Alkaline Trio / Sum 41 @ Home Depot Center ($33)
Grupo Fantasma / Boogaloo Assassins @ El Rey ($17)
Head Like a Kite / Smoosh @ Bootleg ($10)
Joe Pug / Jim Hanft / Sonny Pete @ the Echo ($12) – Early show at 7:00 PM
Roy Book Binder @ McCabe’s ($15)
Black Elephant / Rare Grooves / Dirt Dress / Tomorrow’s Tulips @ The Smell ($5)
Lemuria / The Monthlies / Roman Candles @ Echo Curio
Andy Clockwise / Brother Sal @ Hotel Café
Drugstore Fanatics / Miss Derringer @ Viper Room ($15)
Warren G @ Key Club ($22)
Psychedelic Furs / She Wants Revenge @ Grove of Anaheim ($25)
Eddie Levert / Dennis Edwards / Johnny Gill @ Club Nokia
Travie McCoy @ Echoplex ($15)
The Love Me Nots / The Mighty Kegsman / The VooDuo / Decapibot / The Stupidity @ Redwood
Slim Cessna’s Auto Club @ the Mint ($15)

Saturday 6/26/10
[Pick of the Week] Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings / The Heavy @ The Wiltern ($23 - $28) – For the real soul fans. I saw Sharon Jones at Amoeba a couple of years ago and she was fantastic (great band too).
[Recommended] Everest @ One Colorado in Old Town Pasadena (Free) – KCRW show at 7:30 PM; One of my favorite local bands for free.
[Recommended] Lou Barlow / Sarah Jaffe @ Bootleg ($12) – Saw him recently at Spaceland, he still brings it.
[Recommended] A Place To Bury Strangers / Light Pollution / Useless Keys @ Spaceland ($12) – I saw them at the Viper Room a couple of years ago, and it was better than their recorded material.
[Recommended] Black Francis@ The Mint ($20) – Solo acoustic show
[Recommended] Jon Brion and Friends @ Largo ($25)
Harlem / Voxhaul Broadcast / We Barbarians @ Detroit Bar ($10) – Harlem will be at the Echo on July 9th.
Future Islands / xbxrx / Cold Mold / Batwings Catwings @ The Smell ($5) – Good lineup.
LA Record 100 Kick Off Party: Abe Vigoda / Dublab DJs @ Nomad Gallery (Free)
Electric Daisy Carnival: Armin Van Buuren / Above & Beyond / Will.I.Am / Groove
Armada / Sasha / Boys Noize / MSTRKRFT / Duck Sauce / LA Riots / Andy C / LTJ Bukem @ Exposition Park and LA Memorial Coliseum ($75 or $129 for both days)
Dead Man’s Bones @ Eagle Rock Center for the Arts ($22) – Ryan Gosling’s band.
Slant / Terminal VI / King Washington @ Troubadour ($12)
ABBA Fest @ Hollywood Bowl ($12 - $87)
Ska in the Park: Fishbone / Bid and the Kids Table / Chris Murray Combo / Mustard Plug @ Fox Theater Pomona ($21)
Danzig / All Shall Perish / Toxic Holocaust @ Club Nokia ($30)
Backstreet Boys @ Gibson Amphitheatre ($20 - $125)
Greg Brown @ McCabe’s (Sold Out)
Gabriel Sullivan / Maquiladora / Alina Cutrono / The Fragile Gang @ Echo Curio
DJ Quik @ Key Club ($35)
Bowery Beasts @ Origami Vinyl (Free) – 7:00 PM
Elevaters @ Hotel Café
Maren Parusel / Lysa Flores @ Redwood
Kid Infinity / Blasting Concept / Heart Throb Char-Man / The Gimps @ 3 of Clubs
Fuxa / LSD & the Search for God @ Prospector in Long Beach

Sunday 6/27/10
[Pick of the Night] Jonathan Wilson / Farmer Dave Scher @ McCabe’s ($10) – Like being in Jonathan Wilson’s living room.
Dead Man’s Bones @ Eagle Rock Center for the Arts ($22) – Ryan Gosling’s band.
Goldfrapp / Buena Vista Social Club / tUnE-yArDs @ Hollywood Bowl ($12 - $131)
Neil Hamburger @ Spaceland ($8)
The Growlers / The Entrance Band @ Detroit Bar
Fuxa / LSD & the Search for God / Suki Ewers @ The Echo ($8)
Van’s Warped Tour 2010: The All-American Rejects / Motion City Soundtrack /
Alkaline Trio / Sum 41 @ Ventura County Fairgrounds ($31)
Your Town Follies w/ Stefan Hayes @ Largo ($35)
Holy Rolling Empire / The Sea of Cortez / The Atlantic Line @ Echo Curio ($5)
The Webb Sisters @ Hotel Café ($20)
Dan Janish / Chris Laterzo & Buffalo Robe / Vanish Alley @ The Echo (Free) – Early show at 5:00 PM
Diego Garcia of Elefant @ Viper Room ($10)

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Beach Boys Tribute This Saturday



I forgot to mention this Beach Boys tribute in my weekly post. Presented by When You Awake with proceeds benefit Sweet Relief. Many great bands will be appearing, see the poster for details.

In honor of the event, here are ten lesser known Beach Boys' songs (I don't think any of them were released as singles) I'd love to hear tackled at the tribute:

1) “Only With You” from Holland: I’m a sucker for Dennis Wilson’s songs. He was a hard living guy who struggled with alcohol and had extremely questionable taste in friends but then he’d write some of the tenderest ballads. In other hands, these lyrics might come off as being corny or cliché, but the vulnerability in his vocal performance totally sells it. Not as beloved as “Forever,” but well worth repeated listenings.
2) “She’s Goin’ Bald” from Smiley Smile: This might be the weirdest, most sinister of all Beach Boys’ songs. It starts off innocently enough, but then about 50 seconds in, starts to get weird. The band incorporates an Eltro pitch shifter (pretty groundbreaking in a pre-digital world – Kubrick used around the same time for HAL in 2001) on an otherwise innocuous “Sha Na Na” harmony section then gets really creepy with “she drew a comb across her scalp…” But then the band/song returns to normal and they finish out the song like it started.
3) “I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times” from Pet Sounds: One of Brian’s most personal and moving songs. Co-written with Tony Asher.
4) “Feel Flows” from Surf’s Up: Don’t sleep on Carl Wilson’s integral contributions to the Beach Boys. The reverse echo on Carl’s vocals sort of makes the song for me. You probably remember it from Cameron Crowe’s film, Almost Famous.
5) “Hold On Dear Brother” from Carl & the Passions – So Tough: For this record, The Beach Boys added two South Africans, drummer Ricky Fataar (to replace the injured Dennis Wilson) and singer/guitarist Blondie Chaplin (to fill in for the mostly absent Brian Wilson). Fataar and Chaplin wrote this country rock gem with Chaplin singing lead vocal. On a side note, I’ve been getting back into Blondie’s first solo album lately too.
6) “Aren’t You Glad” from Wild Honey: It’s impossible for me to be in a bad mood when I hear this song. Fantastic, upbeat love song written by Brian and Mike Love. Vocal duties shared by Mike, Brian and Carl.
7) “All I Wanna Do” from Sunflower: As completely unlikable Mike Love is, he did have some great contributions to the Beach Boys. This is one of them. That’s Mike on lead vocals, the song was co-written by Mike and Brian.
8) “Wake the World” from Friends: I can’t even tell you how often I wake up on weekend mornings with this song in my head (and it usually means I’m going to have a great day). It was apparently the first song Al Jardine and Brian wrote together and Carl and Brian share singing duties.
9) “Girl Don’t Tell Me” from Summer Days (and Summer Nights!): Brian’s attempt to write a Beatles song. The Shins covered this the last time I saw them and the Vivian Girls recently released it as a B side.
10) “Baby Blue” from L.A. (Light Album): I wanted to highlight another underappreciated album (although this one’s very hit or miss), so I picked this Dennis Wilson track. This is another soft, piano driven song featuring Dennis and Carl on vocals. It was co-written by Gregg Jakobson and Karen Lamm.

Recently Announced Live Shows

Dean Wareham's Dusting Off His Galaxie 500 Songs at the Troubadour
Greek Theatre
8/6/10: Silversun Pickups / Against Me! / The Henry Clay People (presale now, password = KROQROYAL or LAKESET; on sale Saturday at 10 AM)

Troubadour
9/18/10: The Riverdales (Friday at 1:00 PM)
11/11/10: Dean Wareham plays Galaxie 500 (now)

Echoplex
7/29/10: Nite Jewel / Memoryhouse (now at Ticketweb)
10/1/10: School of Seven Bells / Active Child (TBD)
11/16/10: Legendary Pink Dots (Saturday at 10 AM)

The Music Box
8/20/10: Hepcat (Saturday at 10 AM)
9/17/10: Local Natives / The Love Language / The Union Line (presale on Thursday at 10 AM, password = AIRPLANES; on sale Friday at 10 AM)
11/29/10: The Books (Saturday at 10 AM)

Gibson Amphitheatre
8/1/10: The Wiggles (Friday at 10 AM)
10/12/10: Alice in Chains / Deftones / Mastodon (presale Thursday at 10 AM, password = KROQDIAMOND; on sale Saturday at 10 AM)

Staples Center
12/5/10: Roger Waters’ The Wall (Monday at 10 AM)

Hollywood Palladium
9/22/10: The xx (Friday at 10 AM)
9/28/10: The Black Keys (Friday at 10 AM)

Walt Disney Concert Hall
8/13/10: Lewis Black (Friday at 10 AM)

Club Nokia
9/16/10 – 9/17/10: Primus / Mariachi El Bronx (presale now, password = RACECAR; Friday at 10 AM)
9/19/10: Screeching Weasel / The Dollyrots (presale now, password = COOLKIDS; Friday at 10 AM)

Spaceland
7/1/10: Year Long Disaster / Solare / Waxy (now at Ticketweb)
7/2/10: Wallpaper (now)
7/20/10: Le Butcherettes (now)
9/2/10: Ty Segall / Grass Widow / Garotas Suecas (Saturday at 10 AM)
10/13/10: Bettie Serveert (now)

The Echo
Mondays in July: Mississippi Man
7/20/10: Secret History / Sweater Girls / Waterlaso (now at Ticketweb)
8/19/10: Jogger (now)
9/8/10: The Gories / Haunted George (now)

Largo
7/8/10, 7/15/10, 7/22/10, 7/29/10: Benji Hughes (now)
8/16/10: Amos Lee (now)

McCabe’s
7/17/10: Shelby Lynne late show (now)

Bootleg Theater
Mondays in July: The Outline
7/15/10: Wakey!Wakey! (now)
7/22/10: Maps and Atlases / Cults (now)
11/16/10: Tunng (now)

Silverlake Lounge
Mondays in July: Yellow Red Sparks

Detroit Bar
9/3/10: Cold Cave (now at Ticketweb)
10/2/10: School of Seven Bells (now)
11/18/10: The Legendary Pink Dots (now)

Monday, June 14, 2010

Live Music Options: 6/14/10 - 6/20/10

Janelle Monae Plays the Greek on Sunday
It was a good week last week. The Henry Clay People packed them in at Spaceland for their record release show on Tuesday (a lot of fun and a suprisingly long set of mostly originals - T. Rex and Bruce Springsteen did slip in). Karen Elson proved she's talented on Wednesday night.
Highlights this week include the Woodsist Festival and intimate shows with Billy Joe Shaver, Bert Jansch and Thurston Moore. Plus summer must be here, the Bowl and Greek are blowing up....
Monday 6/14/10
[Pick of the Night] Line and Circle / Square on Square / Willoughby / Buddy @ Silverlake Lounge (Free) – Line and Circle continues their Monday night residency. Strong lineup tonight. Get there early to see Buddy at 9:00 PM and stay through Willoughby at Midnight.
[Recommended] Dr. John @ Grammy Museum (Sold Out) – Living legend alert.
Rainbow Arabia / Former Ghosts / 60 Watt Kid / Afghan Raiders @ The Echo (Free) – Rainbow Arabia continue their residency.
We Barbarians / The Union Line / The Fling / Sucker for Pumps @ Spaceland (Free) – We Barbarians continue their residency.
Nodzz / Dunes / Animal Style / Neverever @ Synchronicity
Thou / Graf Orlock / Harassor / Moloch @ The Smell ($6) – F Yeah Fest presents this show.
Thou / Moloch @ Vacation Vinyl (Free) – 7:00 PM
Chief / Haim / Grouplove @ Troubadour ($12) – Buzz Bands has a post on these guys today.
The Benson Interruption @ Largo
The Myronics Crime / Mason Lindhal / Michael Saalman @ Pehrspace
The Lady Tigra / Thomas Nicholas Band @ Viper Room ($10)

Tuesday 6/15/10
[Pick of the Night] Thurston Moore / Spectre Folk @ Synchronicity – Sonic Youth’s main man does an acoustic 12 string show at a small gallery space.
[Recommended] Woodsist Festival: Real Estate / Woods / Kurt Vile / Abe Vigoda / Art Museums / The Mantles / Nodzzz / Sun Araw / All Saints Day / The Baths @ The Echo & Echoplex ($12) – A festival from the influential lo-fi label
Abandoned Pools / Vanaprasta / Chasing Kings @ Spaceland ($10) – Presented by our pals at Buzz Bands.
Sting with Royal Philharmonic Orchestra @ Hollywood Bowl ($30 - $210) – Lease Event
Melody Gardot / Federico Aubele @ El Rey ($32)
The Prids / Kissing Cousins / Tasso / The Soft Tags @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
My Education / Nohow On @ Bootleg ($15)
Alaskas / Haunted Horses / Back to the Future the Ride / Dunes @ The Smell ($5)
The Rooftop Vigilantes / French Exit / Horse Marriage @ Echo Curio
Andy McKee @ the Mint ($15)
Jay Brannan @ the Roxy ($15)
Purple Melon / Laura Saggers @ Viper Room (Free)
Mike Posner @ Key Club ($60)
Justin Currie / Jaymes Reunion / Jane Carrey @ Troubadour ($20)
Murderdolls @ The Glass House ($15)
Kimberly Caldwell @ Hotel Café
Alex Bleeker / Julian Lynch / Ducktails @ Origami Vinyl (Free) – 5:00 PM
Georgia Anne Muldrown & Declaime (aka Dudley Perkins) @ Amoeba (Free) – 7:00 PM set

Wednesday 6/16/10
[Pick of the Night] Junip / Ferraby Lionheart @ Eagle Rock Center for the Arts ($17) – Junip is Jose Gonzalez , Elias Araya, Tobias Winterkorn.
[Recommended] Everest @ Amoeba (Free) – 7:00 PM set; Also appearing at the Troubadour on Friday
[Recommended] Shellshag / Signals / Stoned at Heart / Rare Grooves @ Spaceland ($10) – Kind of a noisey, DIY night for Spaceland. Shellshag’s a boy girl duo from Brooklyn.
Low End Theory: Strangeloop / Shlohmo / Teebs / Timeboy @ Airliner ($10)
Hot Hot Heat / Eastern Conference Champions / The Janks @ Bootleg ($12) – Hot Hot Heat continues their Wednesday night residency.
Local H / Left Brain Heart / Morning Teleportation @ Troubadour ($15)
Chicago / Doobie Brothers @ Gibson Amphitheatre ($40 - $150)
Bret Easton Ellis “Imperial Bedrooms” with Jerry Stahl and Joseph Mattson @ Largo
Dub Club: David Rodigan / Downbeat the Ruler @ Echoplex ($10 - $15)
Lunar Youth / The Ivy Walls / Actress @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Pedestrian @ Hotel Café
Andy McKee @ the Mint ($15)
Chiddy Bang / The Pack / 2 AM Club @ The Glass House ($12)
Matt Pond PA / Wintersleep @ Detroit Bar ($12)
The Damn Sons / Brandon Mccullouch and the Deadbirds @ 3 of Clubs
Julian Lynch / Tan Dollar / Queen Victoria / Speculator @ Synchronicity

Thursday 6/17/10

[Pick of the Night] Vato Negro / Skinwalker / Unfact / Technology @ The Echo ($10) – Vato Negro is Juan from The Mars Volta. The other bands feature members of Jesus Lizard, The Locust and RX Bandits.
Loch Lomond / Hey Marseilles @ Bootleg ($10)
Fitz and the Tantrums / Music For Animals / Henry Wolfe @ Spaceland ($10) – Fitz and the Tantrums continues their Monday night residency.
Matt Pond PA / Wintersleep / Lunar Youth @ Troubadour ($15)
GBH / Outernational / The Bombpops @ The Music Box ($20)
Run Run Run / Holy Rolling Empire / Kozmonaut / Whitman @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Jenny Owen Youngs @ Hotel Café
Rooney / Young Veins / Black Gold @ House of Blues Anaheim
Bikos / Hot TV / The Modlins @ Pehrspace
Falcon Eddy / Abe Marber / Night Control @ Echo Curio
Alborosie @ The Roxy ($25)
Video Games Live @ Nokia Theatre ($25 - $75)
Murderdolls @ Key Club ($13)
50 Cent Haircut / Qualia / Briar Rose @ 3 of Clubs
Sun Araw / Matt Carlson / Brother Raven / Metal Rouge @ Synchronicity

Friday 6/18/10
[Pick of the Week] The Whigs / Everest / Thousand Dozen Gloves @ Troubadour ($15) – The Whigs put on a great live show. Everest is one of my favorite local bands. No brainer.
[Recommended] Citay / Slang Chickens / My Pet Saddle @ Spaceland ($10) – I dig kicking back and listening to their guitar sounds like a hippie.
[Recommended] Division Day @ Origami Vinyl (Free) – 7:00 PM set; Great way to kick off your night before heading to the Troub, Echo, Echoplex, Bootleg or Spaceland.
Freestyle Fellowship (Aceyalone, Myka 9, Self Jupiter) / Busdriver / Nocando @ Echoplex ($17) -
Pantha Du Prince / Delphic @ The Echo ($12) – Recent recipient of Best New Music on Pitchfork.
Active Child / Rocco Deluca @ Bootleg ($10) – Interesting bill. Active Child’s gotten some love from Pitchfork.
The Cool Kids / Kidz in the Hall / Donnis @ The Glass House ($10 RSVP / $20) – I saw the Cool Kids at SXSW one year. Pretty enjoyable.
Opening Night at the Bowl honoring Donna Summer, the Carpenters and Jean-Yves Thibaudet @ Hollywood Bowl ($17 - $156)
Freestyle Explosion: Stevie B / Shannon / Company B @ Gibson Amphitheatre ($20 - $50)
Jim Lauderdale @ McCabe’s ($15)
Totally Serious / Witt / Snuffaluffagus @ The Smell ($5)
Hi Ho Silver Oh / Tenlon’s Fort / Olentangy John / Judson & Mary @ Echo Curio
Gemma Ray / Wheels on Fire / Dirt Dress @ Redwood
Russell Taylor @ the Roxy ($20)
Yogi / Janet Robin / Brother Sal @ Hotel Café
The Whispers @ Grove of Anaheim
City of Progress @ Vacation Vinyl (Free) – 7:00 PM
Religious Girls / Pregnant / Shinta @ Synchronicity

Saturday 6/19/10
[Pick of the Night] Billy Joe Shaver / Eilen Jewell / Dave Gleason @ Redwood – Some serious outlaw country. Billy Joe Shaver’s a legend, but don’t go after him with a knife or he’ll shoot you (in self defense). He’s been acquitted for that shooting, so catch him out on the road.
[Recommended] Beach Boys Tribute @ 3110 North Broadway ($16) - See separate post
[Recommended] Make Music Pasadena: Matt & Kim / The Antlers / Warpaint / Breakestra / The Growlers / Voxhaul Broadcast / Big Whup / Moses Campbell @ Pasadena - Dear Festival: You might consider putting the date of the event somewhere on your page.... [they've since updated their site with the date]. Good lineup and you can't beat free. I think LA should have more free outdoor music festivals, so please support them when the occur.
PacSun Beach Party: Circa Survive / Minus the Bear / Ra Ra Riot / Yelawolf @ 1550 Pacific Coast Hwy (Free if you pick up a ticket at a PacSun store)
Brazzaville / The Chromium Heart @ Spaceland ($10) – I remember back when David Brown was still in Beck’s band.
Jamie Lidell / Alex B @ El Rey ($22) – Blue-eyed soul.
The Like / Infantree / Tijuana Panthers @ Troubadour ($12)
21st Annual Mariachi USA Festival @ Hollywood Bowl ($30 - $172) – Lease event
Rooney / The Young Veins / Black Gold @ The Music Box ($20)
Imogen Heap / Geese / Ben Christopher @ The Greek Theater ($25 - $35)
The Blasters @ the Echo ($14) – Early show at 6:00 PM
The Paul F. Tompkins Show @ Largo ($25)
Portugal. The Man / The Builders and Butchers @ House of Blues Anaheim
Jackshit @ McCabe’s ($15)
Elevaters / Coby Brown / Lelia Broussard @ Hotel Café
Religious Girls / Pregnant / Magick Orchids @ The Smell ($5)
Gypsyhawk / Lungbutter / Professor / Tap This @ Echo Curio
Julio Iglesias @ Grove of Anaheim
Jin Akanishi @ Club Nokia ($35 - $150)
Meho Plaza @ Vacation Vinyl (Free) – 7:00 PM
Obscurer / Warm Climate / Dubumba @ Pehrspace
Ovideo @ Origami Vinyl (Free) – 7:00 PM

Sunday 6/20/10
[Pick of the Night] Erykah Badu / Lupe Fiasco / Janelle Monae @ Greek Theatre ($39 - $101) – Really good lineup. Get there early for Janelle Monae, she’s a spitfire.
[Recommended] Bert Jansch / Pegi Young @ Largo ($30) – Jansch is another living legend (and one of the most influential acoustic guitarists ever). I was excited to pick up the first Pentangle record at the flea market two weekends ago.
PacSun Beach Party: B.O.B. / Matt & Kim / Neon Trees @ 1550 Pacific Coast Hwy (Free if you pick up a ticket at a PacSun store)
Baaba Maal / Playing For Change / Yeasayer / Tinariwen / Fool’s Gold @ Hollywood Bowl ($12 - $131) – Bowl show, so take in your wine, beer, dope and brie. I’m most interested in seeing Tinariwen.
The Warlocks / The Meek / Green Eyes @ The Echo ($10)
So Many Wizards / The Blank Tapes / Moses Campbell @ McCabe’s ($10)
Café Kids: Priscilla Ahn / Tom Freund @ Hotel Café – Another venue jumping on the Kidrockers bandwagon; Early kids show starting at 2:00 PM
Rick Shea / The Famous Volcanos / Kasey Anderson @ The Echo (Free) – Early show at 5:00 PM
Chrome Wings / Italic Indians / Barr / Protect Me @ Echo Curio
Ross Sea Party / Geographer / Jump Jump Dance Dance @ Spaceland ($5)
Thrones / Hot Victory / Festa L’Animale / Demoralize @ The Smell ($5)
Druglords of the Avenues / Goldiggers @ Redwood
Athlete @ Detroit Bar
Jin Akanishi @ Club Nokia ($35 - $150)
Raymond Byron / Ohioan / Rafter @ Synchronicity

Friday, June 11, 2010

Exploring Cover Art: Lowell George's Thanks I'll Eat It Here


Libraries of books have been written on this subject, but that’s not going to stop me. In a new (whenever the mood strikes me) series, I’m going to explore my relationship with album cover art….

As we rapidly accelerate into a digital only world, I’m worried bands are going to put even less thought into their album cover artwork. Being a lifelong music collector, album covers have often influenced my purchasing decision. When I was in junior high, I might have never discovered the Dead Kennedys if it weren’t for that twisted image on the front of Plastic Surgery Disasters.

But it can work both ways. For years I’d see copies of Little Feat records and quickly go right past them. I had no idea what the music sounded like, but based on the cover art, I was confident that it sucked (admittedly a very superficial rush to judgment). But fairly recently all that changed. For the first time in ages, I heard Lowell George’s “20 Million Things” on the radio and it clicked. I immediately picked up George’s Thanks I’ll Eat It Here and have subsequently bought several early (Lowell George fronted) Little Feat records.

The man responsible for the Thanks I’ll Eat It Here cover as well as those Little Feat covers is Neon Park. Park’s first “big” album art job was doing the cover for the Mothers of Invention’s Weasels Ripped My Flesh (Lowell George was the rhythm guitarist). It was controversial at the time and has since become an iconic cover.

After George left Mothers of Invention, he formed Little Feat. He didn’t use Neon Park for the first Little Feat record, but used him thereafter. Park’s designs were frequently inspired by other images (for example, Weasels Ripped My Flesh was inspired by a Man’s Life cover; Sailin’ Shoes by Fragonard’s “The Swing” and Dixie Chicken by a lipstick ad).

The jarring thing about this collaboration is that there’s no obvious relationship between Park’s art and George’s music (other than occasional humor in George’s lyric). In very basic terms it’s surrealism, social commentary and bright vs. soulful, laid back and pastoral. The background of the cover for Thanks I’ll Eat It Here is inspired by Manet’s “The Lunch on the Grass.” In place of the family figures in Manet’s painting, Park inserted Marlene Dietrich, Fidel Castro and Bob Dylan (and they’ve got a copy of Allen Ginsberg’s Howl lying open beside them).

It all gives me a little cognitive dissonance. What do you guys think? Do you like?

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Follow YSTS on Twitter


Finally got around to setting up a Twitter account last night. Expect drunken ramblings that lack an appropriate filter...
Follow me here: @yousetthescene

Recently Announced Live Shows


Autolux Have Some Shows Coming Up
Hollywood Palladium
9/30/10: Spoon / Cold Cave (presale now, password = KROQNUFFIN; on sale Friday at 10 AM) [conflict alert – same night as Pavement, Sonic Youth and No Age at the Bowl]

The Music Box
10/12/10: Eels (Friday at 10 AM)
10/15/10: Four Tet (now)
11/2/10: Two Door Cinema Club (Saturday at 10 AM)

El Rey
9/16/10: Menomena / Suckers (Saturday at 10 AM)
9/18/10: Autolux / Gold Panda (Friday at 10 AM)
10/13/10: The Corin Tucker Band (now)

Spaceland
Mondays in July: Summer Darling
7/16/10: Happy Birthday / Residual Echoes (now at Ticketweb)
8/18/10: Star Anna & the Laughing Dogs (now)
8/19/10: Woven Bones (now)
8/20/10: Ha Ha Tonka (now)

Troubadour
10/1/10: Fountains of Wayne (Thursday at 1:00 PM)

Citizens Business Bank Arena
10/24/10: Justin Beiber (Saturday at 10 AM)

Staples Center
10/25/10: Justin Beiber (Saturday at 10 AM)

Honda Center
10/27/10: Justin Beiber (Saturday at 10 AM)

LA Tennis Center at UCLA
7/23/10: Keith Urban / The Avett Brothers (Friday at 10 AM)

Club Nokia
8/5/10: Hillsong Live with Reuben Morgan (Friday at 10 AM)
10/6/10: 4Troops (Friday at 10 AM)

Nokia Theatre
8/8/10: Camila (Friday at 10 AM)

Greek Theatre
9/21/10: Furthur [Phil Lesh & Bob Weir] (presale now, password = RIPPLE; Saturday at 10 AM)

OC Fair
7/31/10: Sublime with Rose / The Dirty Heads (presale now, password = KROQSWR; on sale Saturday at 10 AM)

Verizon Wireless
7/29/10: Aerosmith (Saturday at 10 AM)

The Wiltern
10/15/10: Miike Snow (Saturday at 10 AM)
12/3/10: Margaret Cho (Friday at 10 AM)

The Glass House
8/6/10: The Donnas (Thursday at Noon)
9/17/10: Autolux / Gold Panda (Friday at Noon)
9/18/10: Nekromantix / The Howlers (Friday at Noon)

Monday, June 07, 2010

Live Music Options: 6/7/10 - 6/13/10

Karen Elson Plays Spaceland on Wednesday


Once again it's an embarrassment of riches for local live music fans. Thoughts with Daniel Lanois for a speedy recovery...
Monday 6/7/10
[Pick of the Night] Andrew Bird @ Largo ($30) – Tickets still remain for the intimate performance.
[Recommended] Delta Spirit @ Amoeba (Free) – 7:00 PM show; Their new record comes out tomorrow and it’s worth checking out.
[Recommended] Thao and Mirah w/ Most of All / The Sweet Hurt @ Bootleg ($15) – I like Thao and I like the Sweet Hurt but don’t know much about Mirah.
[Recommended] Herbie Hancock @ Grammy Museum ($25)
[Recommended] Quadron / Suckers / Hot Hot Heat (according to Buzz Bands) @ Bardot (Free w/ RSVP) - I heard Quadron on KCRW the other day and it sounded really good. They're a Danish soul band that sounds pretty legit.
Rainbow Arabia / Secret Circuit / Japanther / Pizza! @ The Echo (Free) – Rainbow Arabia is the resident and at the Echo in June. Tribal-electro-dance music. I was confused by one of their first shows at Spaceland but I’ve heard they’ve gotten a lot better.
We Barbarians / Ezra Furman and the Harpoons / Tijuana Panthers / The Romany Rye @ Spaceland (Free) – We Barbarians is the Monday night band at Spaceland. They used to be in the Colour.
Line and Circle / Evan Voytas / Kid Is Qual / Bikelock @ Silverlake Lounge (Free) – Line and Circle is doing the residency at the Silverlake Lounge.
MC Chris / MC Lars with YTCracker / Math the Band @ Troubadour ($14)
Guy Sebastian @ Hotel Café
Pu$$y Cow / Prizzy Prizzy Please / Oh Barracuda / The Ex-Gentlemen @ Echo Curio
Nora Keyes / No Babies / John Thill / Whitman / BYODeath @ Pehrspace
Subhumans / Cross Stitched Eyes / A-Heads @ Alex’s Bar ($12) – Early show at 5:00 PM
Insane Clown Posse / Kottonmouth Kings @ Grove of Anaheim
National Sunday Law @ Vacation Vinyl (Free) – 7:00 PM
Denny White and the Steelwells @ Detroit Bar (Free)

Tuesday 6/8/10
[Pick of the Week] The Henry Clay People / Olin and the Moon / The Hectors @ Spaceland ($10) – The Henry Clay People’s record release show. See my post with the ticket giveaway.
Health / Best Coast / Indian Jewelry / Gold Panda @ Echoplex ($14) – Like a Smell show, but 2 ½ miles to the Northwest.
Andrew Bird Presents: Alpha Consumer and Special Guests @ Largo – Alpha Consumer is Andrew Bird’s guitarist. Bird will also be performing along with other music and comedy guests.
The Good Life / The Parson Red Heads / Jake Bellows @ The Glass House ($14) – Tim Kasher from Cursive’s other band.
Suckers @ Amoeba (Free) – 7:00 PM; Brooklyn band on Frenchkiss.
Jaguar Love @ Cinespace – Fat Possum band. Also at Thesex and Alex’s Bar later this week.
Bushwalla / Pigeon John / Andree Belle @ Troubadour ($12)
Blake Mills @ Bordello ($8) – Ex-Dawes.
All Wrong and the Plans Change / Rip Dreamer @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Kelda @ Hotel Café
Grace Potter @ The Roxy ($13.50)
Automatique / The Shakers / Hillbilly Herald / Still Standing / New Liberty @ Viper Room (Free)
Boz Skaggs @ Grove of Anaheim
The Young Veins @ Origami (Free) – 7:00 PM
Headhunter / Pinch @ the Echo ($10)

Wednesday 6/9/10
[Pick of the Night] Karen Elson / Neverever / Cobra Lilies @ Spaceland ($14) – Karen Elson is a model who is married to Jack White (but stay with me). While White produced her debut record she’s a veteran singer (as a member of the Citizens’ Band and Mildred and the Mice). The record’s a little schizophrenic, drawing from Nashville and Harry Smith collections and occasionally bringing in more modern elements. It’s well worth checking out, see some footage of her performing on her website.
[Recommended] Themselves / Talkdemonic / Baths @ The Echo ($12) – Anticon crew.
The Good Life / The Parson Red Heads / Gavin Castleton @ Troubadour ($15)
Low End Theory: Native Instruments Special Event @ Airliner ($10)
Hot Hot Heat / Eulogies / Rabbits Rabbits Rabbits @ Bootleg ($12) – Hot Hot Heat’s also playing a free show in Pasadena on Saturday night.
Twilight Sleep / Lookbook / Static of the Gods @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Sage Francis / Free Moral Agents @ The Glass House ($17) – New record on Anti features collabs with Tim Rutili, Chris Walla, Mark Linkous, Jason Lytle and others.
Holy Fuck @ Origami (Free) – 7:00 PM – Critically acclaimed electro out of Toronto. Also at the Troubadour on Thursday.
Jaguar Love / Repeater @ Alex’s Bar ($8)
Crash Test Dummies @ Hotel Café
Fischerspooner / LA Riots @ House of Blues Anaheim
Diana Ross @ Nokia Theatre

Thursday 6/10/10
[Pick of the Night] Fitz and the Tantrums / AB & the Sea / Sonny & the Sunsets @ Spaceland ($10) – Fitz and the Tantrums are doing a Thursday night residency. The real draw tonight (for me anyway) is San Francisco’s (almost) supergroup Sonny & the Sunsets. Kelley Stoltz is in the band! According to their Myspace page, they play “busted beach-pop” but pre-date a lot of these other bands doing the same thing. They’re Pitchfork approved (got an 8.0) and are playing the Pitchfork Music Festival.
[Recommended] The Sadies / The Loons / Sean Wheeler & Zander Schloss @ The Echo ($12) – Veteran rockers. Gary Louris has produced their last two albums.
Holy Fuck / Nice Nice @ Troubadour ($15) Critical darlings.
Chasing Kings / Gamble House / Francisco the Man @ 3 of Clubs (Free)
The Nerdist featuring Craig Ferguson @ Largo
Angie Mattson / The Scarlet Furies / The Coals @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Jesse Malin / Chris Shiflett and the Dead Peasants @ Bootleg ($12) – Shiflett’s in the Foo Fighters.
Amber Rubarth @ Hotel Café
All Leather / Narhwal Party / Rats Eyes / Kill the Capulets @ The Smell ($5)
Scion Metal Show: Yob / Acrassicauda @ The Roxy (Free w/ RSVP)
Wayne “The Train” Hancock @ the Mint ($15)
LA Guns @ Key Club ($18)
Denis Leary @ Club Nokia – Is he still so damned angry?

Friday 6/11/10
[Pick of the Night] Ink-N-Iron Festival: Merle Haggard / Reverend Horton Heat / Wayne the Train Hancock / Mariachi El Bronx @ Queen Mary Events Park ($35 / $70 for all three days)
– I’m not that into ink or iron, but I’m super into Merle Haggard.
[Recommended] Dr. John @ Canyon Club in Agoura Hills ($30) – Old Mac Rebbenack. If you’re watching Treme at all, then you know who this guy is. Coincidentally, I started to really explore New Orleans sounds about a year ago. Dr. John’s one of the most important guys to study. Pick up Gris-Gris for starters. He’ll be at the Grammy museum on Monday the 14th.
[Recommended] Karen Elson @ McCabe’s ($15) – If you miss her at Spaceland on
Wednesday night.
[Recommended] Delorean / Wait.Think.Fast @ The Echo ($10) – Spanish band on the Matador Records offshoot, True Panther. Recent coverboys on XLR8R and Pitchfork darlings. This is about the closest thing to dance music I can listen to.
[Recommended] Helen Stellar / 22-20s / The Pink Noise @ Spaceland ($7) – Back after their recent Monday night residency.
Dirt Dress / Ghostporn / Grand Lake @ Pehrspace – Our buddies at Aquarium Drunkard are big Dirt Dress fans.
Good Old War / Yukon Blonde / Audra Mae @ Troubadour ($12)
The Glitch Mob / Free the Robots / Deru @ The Music Box ($25)
Henry Rollins @ Largo ($15) – First of three nights. I saw him with Rollins band and I’ve seen him do his spoken word thing. Night one of three.
Cranky George @ Bootleg ($10)
Gregory Alan Isakov @ Hotel Café
Wonder Girls / 2PM @ House of Blues Sunset
Deathday Party / Former Ghosts / Blessure Grave / Bestial Mouths @ The Smell ($5)
Iglu & Hartly @ The Roxy ($15)
Exodus @ Key Club ($23)
Cranky George / Sons of August @ Bootleg ($10)
Jesse Malin / Chris Shiflett and the Dead Peasants @ Alex’s Bar ($10)
Basia @ Club Nokia
Jaguar Love / All Leather / Memory / Batwings Catwings @ Thesex ($7) – Night three in town.

Saturday 6/12/10
[Pick of the Night] Tortoise / Dasboton @ Troubadour ($25) – I still have some pretty vivid memories of being blown away by Tortoise back at a mid-90’s show in Lawrence, KS. They’re responsible for a lifelong love of the vibraphone.
[Recommended] The Tartans / Catwalk / Sea Lions / The Avocados @ The Smell ($5) – Yay records night at the Smell. Jangly, twee-ish stuff out of Ventura. Worth a look if you’re not tuned into it yet.
Rose’s Pawn Shop / Old Man Markley @ Spaceland ($8) - Record release show for the local folk/bluegrass/Americana band.
Murs / Nocando @ House of Blues Sunset ($20)
Hot Hot Heat @ One Colorado in Old Town Pasadena (Free) – KCRW show starting at 7:30 PM
MewithoutYou / David Bazan / Rubik @ The Music Box ($17.50)
Mayer Hawthorne & the County @ Getty Museum (Free) – Bonnaroo and the Getty in the same week.
Playboy Jazz Festival: Chick Corea / Sax for Stax / Kurt Elling / Marcus Miller Band / Pete Escovedo Orchestra @ Hollywood Bowl ($20 - $150) – Lease Event
Ink-N-Iron Festival: X / Stiff Little Fingers / Hep Cat / The Bronx / The Aggrolites / The Dreadnoughts / Swingin’ Utters @ Queen Mary Events Park ($35 / $70 for all three days)
Henry Rollins @ Largo (Sold Out) – Night two of three.
Michael Nhat / Big Whup / Moses Campbell @ Origami (Free) – 7:00 PM
Fitz and the Tantrums @ Detroit Bar ($10) – For folks down in the OC.
Super 70’s Soul Jam: The Stylistics / Chi-Lites / Bloodstone / Ray Goodman & Brown / Harold Melvin’s Bluenotes / New Birth / Friends of Distinction / The Persuaders @ Greek Theatre ($30 - $125)
Greg Laswell / Brian Wright / Yellow Red Sparks / Elevaters @ Hotel Café
The Kris Special / My Flag Is on Fire / Oblio’s Arrow @ Echo Curio
Which One’s Pink? Perform Dark Side of the Moon @ Key Club ($15)
Mode 7 @ the Glass House ($15)
Miyavi @ Club Nokia ($30 - $40)

Sunday 6/13/10
[Pick of the Night] Leslie & the Badgers / Eleni Mandell @ McCabe’s ($10) – Two sweet singing ladies.
Playboy Jazz Festival: George Benson / The Manhattan Transfer / Bobby Hutcherson / Salif Keita / Robert Randolph @ Hollywood Bowl ($20 - $150) – Lease Event
Ink-N-Iron Festival: Mad Sin / Restless / Klingonz @ Queen Mary Events Park ($35 / $70 for all three days)
Beth Hart / Garrison Starr @ Echoplex ($17)
Henry Rollins @ Largo ($15)
Telephone Hat / Nicole Kidman / Carlee Hendrix & the Whole Earth Catalog @ Echo Curio
Drake Bell @ the Roxy ($20)

Friday, June 04, 2010

Ticket Giveaway - The Henry Clay People at Spaceland



Just in time to soundtrack your summer barbeque is the third long player from Glendale's finest citizens, The Henry Clay People. Somewhere on the Golden Coast comes out next Tuesday (June 8th) via TBD Records (home to Radiohead and Autolux amongst others) and delivers 11 guitar rock anthems. The record's a natural musical progression that pushes them farther from their early, indie/Pavement sound (although I do hear a little bit of "Major Leagues" in "Two Lives At the End of the Night") and more in a bluesy/Stones direction (Jordan Huddock's piano highlights that vibe on a few tracks).


But this is classic rock'n' roll drinking music, and the band's got a record release party scheduled for Tuesday night at Spaceland (CDs and vinyls will be available for sale). It's the last chance you're going to get to see them for a while (at least until Fall), as they're heading out on the road with Silversun Pickups and Against Me!.


To win tickets to this record release show email me [dukeufo at gmail] with the name of your favorite place to drink in LA. Please put "Henry Clay Person" in the subject line. The contest closes Tuesday at Noon.


Openers:




Buy tickets:


Download "Slow Burn":








Wednesday, June 02, 2010

Recent Concert Announcements

Belle and Sebastian Play the Palladium in October


Hollywood Palladium
10/3/10: Belle and Sebastian (Friday at 10:00 AM)
Fox Theater
10/16/10: The National / Owen Pallett (Presale Friday at 10 AM, password = VIOLET; on sale Saturday at 10 AM)

The Music Box
7/23/10: Robyn / Kelis / Far East Movement (Friday at 10 AM)
10/15/10: Four Tet (Saturday at 10 AM)

Spaceland
7/27/10: Miniature Tigers / Spinto Band (now at Ticketweb)

The Wiltern
9/24/10: The Dirty Projectors (now)
9/30/10 - 10/2/10: Cheaper to Keep Her (now)
10/16/10: Ron White (Friday at 10 AM)

Troubadour
8/10/10: Kele (of Bloc Party) (Friday at 1:00 PM)
9/22/10: The Do (now)
9/30/10: Jon Spencer Blues Explosion

The Glass House
8/14/10: Street Dogs (Friday at Noon)

Greek Theatre
8/20/10: Rufus Wainwright / Martha Wainwright (presale Thursday at 10 AM, password = EYE; Saturday at 10 AM)
9/8/10: David Gray / Ray LaMontagne (presale Thursday at 10 AM, password = DGRL; Saturday at 10 AM)
9/10/10; Sheryl Crow / Colbie Caillat (presale Thursday at 10 AM, password = TUESDAY; Saturday at 10 AM)
10/2/10 – 10/3/10: Dane Cook (presale Thursday at 10 AM, password = CASHEW; Saturday at 10 AM)

Club Nokia
7/10/10: The Dan Band (presale now, password = HANGOVER; Friday at 10 AM)
7/16/10: Lords of Acid / My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult (presale now, password = ACID; Friday at 10 AM)
8/3/10: Hillsong Live (Friday at 10 AM)
11/26/10 – 11/27/10: Yo Gabba Gabba! Live (Friday at 10 AM)

El Rey
7/20/10: Leela James (Saturday at 10 AM)
10/9/10: Street Dogs / Devils Brigade (Saturday at 10 AM)