Live Music Options: 12/27/10 - 1/2/11

Giant Drag Play The Satellite (f/k/a Spaceland) on Wednesday

I hope everyday had a splendid Christmas. Hard to believe it's almost 2011. All these New Year's Eve events this year make me glad I'm off the market and able to enjoy a quiet night enjoying a nice meal with my lady...

Monday 12/27/10

[Pick of the Night] Feel Free / Run-On Sunshine / Devon Williams / Black Elephant @ The Smell ($5)

[Recommended] Full Frontal / Franco Near Death / Health Club / Programmed For Pleasure @ The Satellite [f/k/a Spaceland] (Free)

The Long Tangles / Garland / Michelle Vidal / Jack Diamond @ Silverlake Lounge (Free)

Captain Ahab / Nicole Kidman / Kevin Greenspon / Trudgers @ Pehrspace

FMLY Fest @ Various Locations ($5) – See FMLY’s website for more information

Tuesday 12/28/10

[Pick of the Night] Marvelous Toy / Manhattan Murder Mystery / College Kids @ LaBrie’s (Free)

[Recommended] Freestyle Fellowship / The A-Team / Nocando / Medusa / Flash Bang Grenada / 2Mex / Dibia$e @ Echoplex ($15)

Greenhorse / Go Motion / Elcassette @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)

The Black Beverly Heels / Million Kids / Dirty Santas @ Redwood Bar

Wednesday 12/29/10

[Pick of the Night] Giant Drag / White Arrows / Sisu @ The Satellite [f/k/a Spaceland] ($10) – Good pre-NYE lineup.

David Archuletta @ Grove of Anaheim ($33 - $43)

Low End Theory: Eprom / Mezzo @ Airliner ($10)

Inclined / Kings Road / John Goraj @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)

MKNG FRNDZ / Ghost Mom / Cold Showers / Dance Troupe MGM Grand @ The Smell ($5)

Eprom / Mezzo @ Airliner ($10)

Samiam / Tiltwheel @ Alex’s Bar ($10)

Thursday 12/30/10

[Pick of the Night] The Duke Spirit / Crash Kings / Free Lions @ The Roxy ($23.50)

The Growlers / Grand Elegance / Gantez Warrior @ The Echo ($12) – Should be a big crowd to see the Growlers.

Terminal Twilight / The Present Moment @ The Satellite [f/k/a Spaceland]

War @ Grove of Anaheim ($35 - $45)

Repeater / Adam Bones / The Danvilles / Verna Beware @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)

Luna Is Honey vs. Tremellow / Narwhal Party vs. Gestapo Khazi / Peter Pants vs. Traps, Ps / Mock Duck vs. THErapist @ The Smell ($5)

Friday 12/31/10

[Pick of the Night] Lucinda Williams / Jackshit @ The Viper Room ($100) – I love Lucinda.

[Recommended] The Raveonettes / Autolux @ The Standard Hollywood ($50) – Two great bands for one kind of expensive price.

[Recommended] The Warlocks / The Meek / Black Flamingo / Chelsea Wolfe / Lantvrn @ The Smell – Probably the most affordable thing to do tonight.

Nite Jewel / Kenan Bell @ The Echo ($15)

NOFX / Dead To Me / Old Man Markley @ The Wiltern ($23 - $53)

Camp Freddy @ The Roxy ($60) – For $214 it’s all you can drink

The Pharcyde / The Lowkeys @ Key Club ($30 - $1,600) – In their defense, the $1,600 package includes eight tickets and four bottles of liquor.

Royal Crown Revue @ The Mint ($37)

Donavon Frankenreiter / Sugar Ray @ Grove of Anaheim ($72)

Giant NYE: ATB / Gabriel & Dresden / Dresden and Johnston / Francis Preve @ Hollywood Palladium ($75 - $1,225)

Hard NYE: Mr. Oizo / Brodinkski / DJ Falcon / Congorock / Harvard Bass / Destructo / Sean Perry @ The Music Box ($60 - $2,000)

Together As One: Major Lazer / Diplo / Rusko / Laidback Luke @ LA Memorial Coliseum & Sports Arena ($90 - $150)

John Digweed @ The Avalon

Bootie LA: Lady Tigra @ Echoplex ($10 before 10 PM, $20 after)

Mayer Hawthorne (DJ Set) / Classixx / Jason Bentley / Raul Campos @ Viceroy Hotel ($200 / $250 at door) – Includes open bar and hors d’oeuvres

Kristin Chenoweth @ Walt Disney Concert Hall ($69 - $186)  

Gene Taylor Blues Band featuring Dave Alvin, Johnny Bazz, Bill Bateman / Frank Fairfield @ Redwood Bar

The Aggrolites / Stranger @ House of Blues Anaheim ($55)

Cum on 2011: Steel Panther @ House of Blues Sunset ($49)

Saturday 1/1/11

Unwritten Law / Big B / Majority Lost / The Darlings / Sozay @ The Roxy ($26)

Sunday 1/2/11

I didn't see much worth mentioning..?

Recent Concert Announcements

The Music Box

2/6/11: Cat Power (Wednesday at 10 AM)

2/11/11: The Aquabats (Wednesday at 10 AM)

The Satellite (f/ka/ Club Spaceland)

1/26/11: Typhoon / Brainstorm (now at Ticketweb)

1/29/11: Darwin Deez / Fol Chen (now at Ticketweb)

Fridays in February: Har Mar Superstar with Marijuana Deathsquads

3/12/11: Revolver / Hey Rosetta (now at Ticketfly)

Echoplex [Ticketweb]

2/26/11: Death / RTX / Sic Alps (now)

3/4/11: Autolux (now)

3/26/11: Men (now)

The Echo [Ticketweb]

2/17/11: Lucero (now)

3/22/11: The Strange Boys / Natural Child (now)

Gibson Amphitheatre

2/11/11: Love Affair 2011 – Heatwave, Rose Royce, Blue Magic, GQ, Evelyn Champagne King, The Moments, Barbara Mason, Billy Paul, The Floaters (Wednesday at 10 AM)

Hollywood Palladium

5/28/11: My Chemical Romance (now)

El Rey

2/9/11: Meat Beat Manifesto / Not Breathing (now)

2/12/11: Jackie Green (now)

3/10/11: Dance Gavin Dance / iwrestledabearonce / In Fear and Faith (now)

Hotel Café [venue]

Wednesdays in January: Anna Nalick

1/21/11: Meiko (now)

1/31/11: Sierra Swan / Heather Porcaro / Linda Perry (now)

2/15/11: Mountain Man (now)

2/19/11: LA Guns

Live Music Options: 12/20/2010 - 12/26/2010

John Carpenter - This Guy Will Rock You Harder Than You'd Guess By Looking At Him

Good shows for the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday before Christmas...

Monday 12/20/10

[Pick of the Night] Middle Brother / Cass McCombs / Mountain Man / Guards / Blake Mills  / John McCauley of Deer Tick @ Troubadour ($15) – Middle Brother is John McCauley of Deer Tick, Matt Vasquez of Delta Spirit and Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes. Benefit for Invisible Children. Pretty damn good lineup.

[Recommended] Fool’s Gold / Shadow Shadow Shade / Evan Voytas / Rumspringa @

The Echo (Free) – Should be packed so you might want to get there early.

[Recommended] Sweaters  / Wet and Reckless / Allah Las / Puddin Tang @ The Satellite [f/k/a Spaceland] (Free) – It’s been a popular residency.

The Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show @ Walt Disney Concert Hall ($36 - $96)

Midnight Magic / Olugbenga / The Captain / Nomi @ Bardot (Free w/ RSVP)

Sarah Silverman / Dax Shepard / Jeffrey Ross / Chelsea Peretti @ Largo ($25)

The Chances / Quazar and the Bamboozled / Jason Diaz / The Hunting Accident @ Silverlake Lounge (Free)

Agent Ribbons / The Moor / Rachel Fannan / So Much Fun @ Bootleg ($7)

Michael Nhat / Fantastica Bastidas / Voice on Tape / So Many Wizards @ Pehrspace

Tuesday 12/21/10

[Pick of The Night] Buzz Bands Holiday Show: Lonely Trees / Rabbits Rabbits Rabbits / John Carpenter / Non Ultra Joy @ The Echo ($5) – Pablove benefit some good bands. John Carpner’s one of my favorite new artists. Rabbits Rabbits Rabbits features members of the Mezzanine Owls.

[Recommended] Dum Dum Girls / Abe Vigoda / Protect Me / Glass Actor @ Echoplex ($15) – Check yo ponytail. No, you check your’s.

[Recommended] Threes and Nines / Charlie Wadhams / Ariana Delawari @ Bootleg ($8) – You gotta check out Charlie Wadhams.
Marvelous Toy / Seasons / Cody the Band / Nightfur @ LaBrie's (Free)
Foo Figthers @ Undisclosed Location (Free w/ RSVP - if chosen)

The Manhattan Transfer Christmas Show @ Walt Disney Concert Hall ($36 - $96)

The Watkins Family Christmas Show @ Largo ($25) – Do you like bluegrass music?

Dead Country / Halsted / High Pilots @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)

Bell Biv DeVoe @ House of Blues Sunset ($25) – That girl is poison…

Black Beverly Heels / Barrio Tiger / The Stitched Lips @ Redwood Bar

Wednesday 12/22/10

[Pick of the Night] Odd Future @ The Roxy ($12) – Hottest shit in (underage) hip hop right now. I admittedly wouldn’t mind seeing these guys.

Tricky / Nocando @ Troubadour ($25)

Low End Theory: Awol One / Elephant & Castle @ Airliner ($10)

Beauty Shop Holiday Benefit: Zooey Deschanel / The Chapin Sisters @ Largo (Sold Out)

Matu / Brit Lauren / Deltom / Sanglorians @ Silverlake Lounge ($7)

Winds of Plague / After the Burial / War of Ages / Thick as Blood / Upon a Burning Body @ The Glass House ($23)

Christmas Live! @ Nokia Theatre LA Live (Free) – Song and dance numbers

The Crazy Squeeze / Long Neck Goose / The Blackerby’s / Red Roses @ Redwood Bar

Thursday 12/23/10

[Pick of the Night] Tommy Santee Klaws / Manhattan Murder Mystery / Holy Vessels / Barrie Rose @ The Smell ($5)

The Growlers / Grand Elegance / Gantez Warrior @ Detroit Bar ($12)

Winds of Plague / As Blood Runs Black / The Great Commission / Burning the Masses @ The Glass House ($23)

Eileen Ivers: An Irish Christmas @ Walt Disney Concert Hall ($36 - $95)

Olive Juice @ Silverlake Lounge ($5)

Rosie Flores Band / Danny B Harvey / Karling Abbeygate @ Redwood Bar

Friday 12/24/10

[Pick of the Night] Anti Xmas Show: 2Mex and Life Rexall Are Smartyr / Deeskee / Awol One / Existereo / Cadalack Ron @ Grand Star Jazz Club ($15)

Saturday 12/25/10

Merry Christmas (if you’re into that sort of thing)

Sunday 12/26/10

[Pick of the Night] Uncle Jamm’s Army Reunion @ Grove of Anaheim ($40 - $45) – Tribute to Rodger featuring Kool Moe Dee & the Egyptian Lover
[Recommended] FMLY Fest @ Various Locations ($5) - See FMLY's website for more information

Part Time Punks @ The Echo ($5) – Rough Trade records night.

The Splinters / Las Sangronas Y El Cabron / Anus Kings / The Outskirts @ The Smell ($5)

Kasio Antaxia / Love of Ivy / The Ambient Light @ Redwood Bar

My Favorite New Music Releases of 2010 (Top 20)

A big thanks to all these artists for putting out great music this year. I had a lot of fun listening to music this year...

20)  Jamey Johnson: The Guitar Song (Mercury) – I was initially interested in this for the packaging. It’s a 3LP set with the first disc on black vinyl, the second disc on half white/half black vinyl and the third disc on white vinyl. It’s shitkicker music, but ambitious shitkicker music in the tradition of Merle Haggard. Across 25 songs, Johnson shows his tender side, his sense of humor and his pissed off blue collar, ex-Marine, Southerner side. Points off for being the co-writer of “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” (although he made more in the hour it took him to write that than I’ve made all year). 

19)  Aloha: Home Acres (Polyvinyl) – They’re such an underrated band. It’s layered, emotional indie rock. Click through to listen on Polyvinyl’s band page.

18)  Pernice Brothers: Goodbye, Killer (Ashmont) – I still like Joe Pernice’s wordplay. Who else writes a song called “Bechamel?” Highlights are “The Great Depression” and “Something For You.” 
MP3: Jacqueline Susann

17)  The Moondoggies: Tidelands (Hardly Art) – This one’s not as loose and carefree as their debut, but it is quality roots rock that’s been growing on me since its release.
MP3: It’s a Shame, It’s a Pity

16) Futurebirds: Hampton’s Lullaby (Autumn Tone) – Tasty Americana with no pretense. Aquarium Drunkard’s got some downloads HERE.

15)  Roky Erickson: True Love Cast Out All Evil (Anti-) – This is the best thing Erickson’s done since 1967. A lot of the credit has to go to his backing band, Okkervil River. “Goodbye Sweet Dreams” is the standout track. Left click HERE to stream tracks from Anti-

14)  Dungen: Skit I Allt (Mexican Summer) – Swedish psych mang. This one’s a little mellow and free. Tame Impala may be getting all the attention right now, but I still like Dungen better.  

13) Sleigh Bells: Treats (Mom & Pop Music) – For people who know me, this is probably the most surprising inclusion on this list. They push everything to the point of complete distortion but keep it fun. Their eyesore of a website is the visual equivalent of their music, yet somehow it works (the music, not the website).  

12) Le Switch: The Rest of Me Is Space (Self-released) - These local guys were also #3 on my LA best of list. Stream the whole album HERE.
MP3: All About Heart

11) The Soft Pack: The Soft Pack (Kemado) – A 33 minute blast of simple, hooky rock ‘n’ roll songs. No affectation – just fun.  The vocals are high in the mix and his voice is sort of a cross between Julian Casablancas and Jonathan Richman. I guess they live in LA now, I still think of them as a San Diego band, so I left them off mine. Highlights are “More or Less” and “C’Mon.” Stream songs HERE.

10) Surfer Blood: Astro Coast (Kanine) –The easiest (and most reductive) way to describe them is Weezer meets the Shins. The vocals are processed and buried in the mix but come through clean on the choruses. The occasional bit of tropical percussion creeps through from time to time. Bonus points for the David Lynch and Twin Peaks references. Highlights are “Swim” and “Harmonix.”

9) Menomena: Mines (Barsuk) – This record is a bit depressing, so I don’t listen to it as much as some of the other stuff on this list. It’s chaotic, unpredictable and has quick time signature changes. Menomena once again prove there’s a place for saxophone in indie rock.
MP3: Five Little Rooms

8) The Besnard Lakes: The Besnard Lakes Are the Roaring Night (Jagjaguwar) – They build songs like nobody else. Swirling guitars, falsettos and intense as shit. See them live because it’s always a highlight of the year.
MP3: Albatross  

7) Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings: I Learned the Hard Way (Daptone) – Retro soul done so well. Great voice, great band and really good songs add up to repeat listening.

6)  The Black Keys: Brothers (Nonesuch) – It’s blues rock so you’ll hear some copped riffs. On this record you might also hear some Tom Jones, T. Rex and Cold War Kids.

5)  Radar Brothers: The Illustrated Garden (Merge) – This was #2 on my local list. It might be my most listened to record of the year.

4)  Aloe Blacc: Good Things (Stones Throw) – This was #1 on my local list. Like a lost Bill Withers’ record from 1973.

3)  Deerhunter: Halcyon Digest (4AD) – This guy should not be allowed to sequence his own records. It starts out slow and then really hits its stride around track five. “Helicopter” and “Desire Lines” are two personal favorites.
MP3: Revival

2)  Kelley Stoltz: To Dreamers (Sub Pop) – I just enjoy the shit out of Kelley Stoltz’s music. Hipsters would probably rather listen to the other band he plays with, Sonny & the Sunsets (and they’re pretty good too) but I love this. Maybe I love the 1960s too much?  
MP3: I Don’t Get That

1) Phosphorescent: Here’s to Taking It Easy (Dead Oceans) – On wax their laid back grooves make them seem like a modern day Willie Nelson. But live, his superb band completely annihilated the Troubadour earlier this year. There’s tons of beautiful pedal steel on this record. Highlights include “Tell Me Baby (Have You Had Enough)” and “The Mermaid Parade.”
MP3: The Mermaid Parade

Recent Concert Announcements

El Rey

1/23/11: Wanda Jackson with the Third Man house band featuring Jack White on guitar (Friday at 10 AM)

1/28/11: Danial Lanois’ Black Dub (Saturday at 10 AM)

3/3/11: Emilie Autumn (Saturday at 10 AM)

The Satellite (f/ka/ Club Spaceland)

Mondays in February: Red Cortez (Free)

1/7/11: Melvins set (current line-up performing songs from Colossus of Destiny); Lysol and Eggnog records in their entirety [now at Ticketweb]

1/14/11: Melvins 1983 (Buzz, Dale and Mike Dillard); Melvins set (current line-up performing normal set) and Houdini in its entirety [now at Ticketweb]

1/18/11: Fiend Without a Face / West End Motel / Bleu / Taylor Locke (now at Ticketfly)

1/21/11: Melvins Lite (Buzz & Dale only); Melvins set (current line-up performing normal set) and Bullhead in its entirety [now at Ticketweb]

 1/28/11: Melvins set (current line-up performing normal set) and Stoner Witch in its entirety [now at Ticketweb]

2/19/11: Admiral Radley (now at Ticketfly)

The Viper Room [Ticketweb]

12/31/10: Lucinda Williams / Jackshit (now)

The Echo [Ticketweb]

12/31/10: Nite Jewel / Kenan Bell (now)

2/11/11: Smith Westerns (now)

3/24/11: Wye Oak / Callers (now)

4/6/11: Akron/Family (now)

Echoplex [Ticketweb]

1/13/11: Captain Beefheart Symposium (now)  

1/17/11: Screaming Females / La Sera (now)

The Roxy

12/22/10: Odd Future (now)

1/28/11: Free Energy (now)

2/9/11: Friendly Fires (now)

Troubadour [Ticketfly]

2/18/11 – 2/21/11: Cake (Thursday at 1:00 PM)

2/25/11: Max Bemis (Thursday at Noon)

Staples Center

2/23/11: Linkin Park / The Prodigy (Saturday at 10 AM)

Nokia Theatre LA Live

2/9/11: Sarah McLachlan (Friday at 10 AM)

2/25/11: Lucero (Friday at 10 AM) 

5/8/11: Yanni (Friday at 10 AM)

5/15/11: Moody Blues (Friday at 10 AM)

Club Nokia

4/12/11: All Time Low / Yellowcard (Friday at 10 AM)

Hollywood Palladium

4/6/11: A Day To Remember (Friday at 10 AM)

5/27/11: My Chemical Romance (Friday at 10 AM)

Gibson Amphitheatre

2/3/11: Luis Miguel (now)

2/19/11: Enrique Iglesias (Friday at 10 AM)

The Wiltern

2/25/11: Pendulum (Friday at 10 AM)

Live Music Options: 12/13/10 - 12/19/10

Monday 12/13/10

[Pick of the Night] Sweaters / Dead Trees / El Sportivo / Kilimanjaro @ The Satellite [f/k/a Spaceland] (Free) – I heard last week’s show was packed. According to the LA Weekly, Dead Trees has served as Little Joy’s backup band. El Sportivo is headed up by Lewis Pesacov of Fool’s Gold and Foreign Born.

[Recommended] Princeton / Therapies Son / Sea of Cortez / Hands @ The Echo (Free) – Iamsound is curating this residency at the Echo. I know Buzz Bands is really into Hands.

Stornoway / The Head & the Heart @ Troubadour ($12) – English folkies with a new album out on 4AD.

Belle Brigade / Sonos / Bodega Girls @ Bardot (Free w/ RSVP) – The Belle Brigade are all over the place – playing the Echo on Thursday and doing a residency at The Satellite next month.

The Chances / The Stamps / La Font / Eviltwins @ Silverlake Lounge (Free)

The Rescues / Garrison Starr @ Hotel Café

Michael Buble @ Staples Center

Captain Ahab / Laco$te / Oscillator / I.E. @ Pehrspace

Phil Alvin and Friends @ Redwood Bar

Tuesday 12/14/10

[Pick of the Night] Tame Impala @ Echoplex (Sold Out) - Star Death and White Dwarfs cancelled. I saw Tame Impala at a half empty Echo earlier this year and thought they were just OK. It came off a lot more Dungen-inspired in the live setting. 

[Recommended] Off! @ Vacation Vinyl (Free) – 7:00 PM; Record release show for the Keith Morris/Steven McDonald/Dimitri Coats/Mario Rubalcaba super group. 

[Recommended] Los Lobos @ Grammy Museum (Sold Out) – Way more than just “La Bamba”
[Recommended] Marvelous Toy / The Mid Cities / The Hectors / Risers @ LaBrie's in Glendale (Free) - Marvelous Toy is Jordan from the Henry Clay People and The Mid Cities features Jonathan Price (also in HCP).

Andrew Jackson Jihad / Royal Monsters / Joyce Manor @ Troubadour ($12)

Art of Elysium Benefit: Rain Phoenix / Emily Kokal / Cameron McGill / GHP Band @ Largo ($35)

Honeyhoney / Coyol / The Mots Nouveaux @ Bootleg ($10)

The Outdoors / Masks / Dilly Dilly @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)

The Rescues / The Civil Wars / Ladies Gun Club @ Hotel Café

Black Beverly Heels / Ingenue / Deadbeat Vultures @ Redwood

The White Buffalo @ Detroit Bar ($10)

Wednesday 12/15/10

[Pick of the Night] Low Christmas / Charlie Parr @ The Satellite [f/k/a Spaceland] ($14) – All those bots and shit that are trying to tell you about upcoming shows are pretty awful. A lot of them have “Christmas” as a band and most of them have “Charlie Parker” as the support. Parker died 55 years ago you dipshits.
[Recommended] The Bronx / Film School @ Mr. T's Bowl (Free w/ RSVP) - Another late addition to the concert calendar. 

[Recommended] Badly Drawn Boy / Justin Jones @ Troubadour (Sold Out) – Never know what you’ll get with a Badly Drawn Boy show.

[Recommended] Horse Feathers / Y La Bamba / Hi Ho Silver Oh @ The Echo – Pretty good folky, mellow stuff.
School of Seven Bells @ American Rag [150 S. La Brea] (Free) - Full acoustic set starting at 8:00 PM 

Low End Theory: Sub Swara / Sugarpill @ Airliner ($10)

X-Mas with X @ House of Blues Sunset ($30) – I never got that into X.

Screening: Let’s Spend the Night Together – Confessions of Rock’s Greatest Groupies @ Bootleg ($10) – Q&A with Pamela Des Barres and Michel Overman

Adam Lambert / The Canyons @ The Music Box ($40)

Troy Von Balthazar / J. Irvin Dally / Johnny O’Donnell @ Bootleg ($10)

The Apple Sisters @ Largo ($25)

The Judds @ Nokia Theatre LA Live ($35 - $150)

Space Waves / The Killbirds / Molino @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)

Adam Schlesinger / Mike Viola / Debate Team / Oak & Gorski @ Hotel Café ($15) – Fountains of Wayne frontman.

The White Buffalo / Ari Shine @ The Mint ($15)

Thursday 12/16/10

[Pick of the Night] John Grant / Chapin Sisters @ The Autry ($17) – I never got into Grant’s other band (the Czars) but do like what I’ve heard off of this solo record.

[Recommended] Badly Drawn Boy / Justin Jones @ Troubadour ($3

[Recommended] Busdriver / Blu / Jonwayne / Black Crystal Wolf Kids @ Echoplex ($10) – I like Busdriver’s unusual flow.

Lord Huron / Funeral Party / Lesands / Belle Brigade @ the Echo ($8) – A whole lotta buzzy local bands on one bill. I’ve only seen one of these bands so far.

Incan Abraham / Wazu / Surfwich / Fim @ Silverlake Lounge ($8) – I’ve heard good things about Incan Abraham.

Head Like a Kite / Big Light / Alex.Fin / Kill Kill Kill @ The Satellite [f/k/a Spaceland] ($8)

John C. Reilly’s Roots Revue @ Largo ($25)

Mark & Brian Christmas Show: Billy Idol / Mark & Brian All Star Band (Frampton, Michael Anthony, Jason Bonham and more) @ Nokia Theatre LA Live ($40 - $70)

Adam Lambert / The Canyons @ Club Nokia (Sold Out)

Brian McKnight @ Grove of Anaheim ($35 - $55)

Leo Rondeau / The Vaquetones @ Redwood Bar

Louis Prima Jr. @ Viper Room ($20)

LA Guns @ Key Club ($20)

Kenseth Thibideu / So Many Wizards / Eugene and the 1914 @ Alex’s Bar ($7)

Friday 12/17/10

[Pick of the Week] Off! / Thee Oh Sees / Nobunny / White Shit @ TheSex (Free) – Off! Is hardcore done really well by serious veterans. I’ve heard Nobunny puts on a great show too.  

[Recommended] Jon Brion @ Largo ($25)

[Recommended] Light FM / Future Ghost / Dante vs. Zombies @ The Satellite [f/k/a Spaceland] ($7)

Jessica 6 / Torches in Trees / Seasons @ The Echo

Hotel Café 10^th Anniversary: The Weepies / Butch Walker / Meiko / Cary Brothers / Bleu / Buddy and many more @ Hotel Café

Peaches Christ Superstar featuring Chilly Gonzalez @ Orpheum Theatre ($30)

The Dan Band @ Club Nokia ($20 - $30)

As Tall As Lions / The Diamond Light @ Troubadour (Sold Out)

Rob Halford / Warbringer @ The Wiltern ($30 - $65) – Somebody’s hell bent for leather.

Kottonmouth Kings @ Grove of Anaheim ($33)

Jef Brown / BTTW / Jonathan Silberman / Beep! / Corey Marc Fogel @ The Smell ($5)

The Zeros / Crazy Squeeze / Stitched Lips / Dirty Eyes @ Redwood Bar

Camp Freddy @ the Roxy

8mm / Terminal Vi @ Viper Room ($15)

Dash Jacket @ Origami Vinyl (Free) – 7:00 PM

Son Fish / Sneaky Snake / The Stairs @ Vacation Vinyl (Free) – 7:00 PM

X-Mas with X @ House of Blues Anaheim ($42)

New Fidelity / Paperplanes @ Alex’s Bar ($5)

Saturday 12/18/10

[Pick of the Night] Stevie Wonder / Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds / Janelle Monae /

Melanie Fiona @ Nokia Theatre LA Live ($55 - $150) – I’ve always wanted to see Stevie Wonder. Janelle Monae puts on a great show.

Sic Alps / Wounded Lion / TRMRS @ The Satellite [f/k/a Spaceland] ($10)

Hotel Café 10^th Anniversary: Tyler Hilton / Angel Taylor / Nina Storey and many more @ Hotel Café ($10)

The Damselles and the TC4 @ Casey's Pub (Free) - Christmas singalong.
Ozomatli / Chali 2na / La Santa Cecilia @ Club Nokia ($23 - $40)

As Tall As Lions / The Diamond Light @ Troubadour (Sold Out)

Moses Campbell @ The Smell ($5)

Paul F. Tompkins Show @ Largo (Sold Out)

Bela Fleck & the Flecktones @ Orpheum Theatre ($35 - $48)

Killing Joke / Lumerians @ The Wiltern ($42)

DJ Pauly D @ Grove of Anaheim ($33) – Normally I don’t list DJs, but how much would they have to pay me to attend?

The Superbees / Hellbound Hayride / LA Ghost / The Hitchhikers / Los Creepers @ Redwood Bar

DJ Quik @ Key Club ($35)

Philip Seymour Hoffman @ Origami (Free) – 7:00 PM; the band, not the actor

The Vandals @ House of Blues Anaheim ($24)

Thee Midnighters @ Gibson ($30 - $80)

Ghost of the Robot / Electric Gold / Sanglorians @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club ($15) – Ghost of the Robot is James (Spike from Buffy) Marsters’ band.

Sunday 12/19/10

[Pick of the Night] Los Lobos @ House of Blues Sunset ($40) – Local legends.

Monsters of Accordion: Jason Webley / Corn Mo / Renee De La Prade / Petrojvic Blasting Co @ Troubadour ($12)

Dave Koz @ Nokia Theatre LA Live ($50 - $125)

Crom / It’s Casual / Green and Wood / Cactus Pricks @ The Echo ($8) – Early show at 4:00 PM; Nothing says holiday party like…Crom. Crom has some of the most creative merch I’ve seen in a while.

Slits Tribute featuring covers by members of Weave, Swahili Blonde and Rainbow Arabia (performing Cut) @ the Echo ($5)

A Fine Frenzy Christmas Show @ Largo ($20)

Jeffertittis’s Nile / Guy Blakeslee (of Entrance Band) / The Cervine Furs / Li Daiguo @ Bootleg ($10)

Rob Halford / Philm / Warbringer @ Grove of Anaheim ($44)

Dash Jacket / The Lovely Bad Things / Black Elephant / School Nights @ The Smell ($5)

TRMRS @ Pehrspace

Top 10 Local (Los Angeles) Releases of 2010

It was another great year to be a local music fan. The diversity of music in this town is pretty staggering. A few of these releases will pop up on national top 10 lists while a few others will probably only be on my own.....

10) Glasser: Ring (True Panther) – If you see a lot of local bands, then you’ve seen dramatic singing paired with weird outfits and extreme electronic beats (is it Har Mar’s fault?). For the record I like Har Mar, but a lot of the more tribal stuff makes me want to tear my eyes out and jam pencils into my eardrums. Glasser’s record teases at some of these elements, but falls solidly on the good side of the spectrum.

MP3: Mirrorage

9) Local Natives: Gorilla Manor (French Kiss) –Somebody had to form a band that sounded like 1/3 Grizzly Bear, 1/3 Fleet Foxes and 1/3 Vampire Weekend – might as well be them. Nice harmonies. My only real knock is that some of the songs could have been tightened up a bit (but you could say the same thing about Fleet Foxes), overall a very solid debut.

MP3: Sun Hands

8) Flying Lotus: Cosmogramma (Warp) – I’m not really a fusion fan or beats guy, so this isn’t really in my wheelhouse. But this is the kinda thing that I like to put on when I’m working (just what every artist wants to be – background music). Very few lyrics in there to get in the way, but plenty of textures to hold up on repeated listens. 

7) John Carpenter: Fairy Tales Forgotten (self-released) – On this record, he’s got a little bit of a weird, almost sinister Shudder to Think vibe. His live show can be significantly more rocking and blues heavy. Either way, he’s an artist I’m keeping my eye on. Stream Album

6) Warpaint: The Fool (Rough Trade) – When you follow a band through its early evolution and lineup changes, you’re never quite sure what their debut record’s going to be like and how they’ll be received on the international stage. With Warpaint, it was even better than expected on both counts. Atmospheric and moody afterparty jams.

MP3: Undertow

5) The Henry Clay People: Somewhere On the Golden Coast (TBD Records) – Longtime followers of the band were expecting more new songs (especially with the outtakes floating around out there) but as the first nationally distributed album, it’s a good representation of the band. They’re not concerned with changing the world, just helping you temporarily escape from it and I think Paul Westerberg would approve of that sentiment.

4) Off!: First Four EPs (Vice) – This has so much energy it transports back in time to seventh grade when I first got into punk and hardcore. The Circle Jerks were always a favorite so it’s appropriate that Keith Morris is involved. At the age of 55, Morris’ intensity puts all you youngsters to shame.

3) Le Switch: The Rest of Me Is Space (self-released) - The band tweaked their lineup, making more of a straight rock ‘n’ roll album this time around. I’ve always appreciated the honesty and way Aaron Kyle lays it all on the line when he sings. I volunteered to write press materials for this, so you probably already knew I was a fan.

MP3: Call Out

2) Radar Brothers: The Illustrated Garden (Merge) – I was excited when the band met me at Verdugo Bar to gauge my interest in working on their press materials and even more excited after I took the record home and listened to it. They’ve been my favorite LA band for 12 years and this is their best release since 2002’s And the Surrounding Mountains. It’s got such a rich, warm, comforting sound – quite possibly my most listened to record of the year.

Download "Horses Warriors" (click through to Merge)

1) Aloe Blacc: Good Things (Stones Throw) – If you’re a fan of old school soul, Aloe Blacc’s the real deal. He’s an insanely talented singer and it comes off so effortless. He blows away all the other local, neo-soul singers I’ve seen. His “Femme Fatale” cover might be my least favorite song on the record, but it’s probably a good entry point if you’re not a big soul fan. 

MP3: Dark End of the Street (not from the album)

Recently Announced Live Shows

Elephant 6 Holiday Surprise Tour Is Coming to the Satellite in February

Long Beach Performing Arts Center

3/8/11: Jackson Browne solo acoustic tour (now)

The Music Box

2/16/11: Beach House (Thursday at 10 AM)

The Satellite [f/k/a Club Spaceland] (tix at Ticketfly)

1/13/11: Fu Manchu / Dusted Angel

1/20/11: Young Prisms / Melted Toys (now)
1/27/11: The Blow (now at Ticketweb)

3/4/11: Elephant 6 Holiday Surprise Tour [lots of E6 band members play the songs of Olivia Tremor Control, Elf Power, Neutral Milk Hotel and more] (now)

3/6/11: Broken Records (now)

3/18/11: The Ex (Friday at Noon)

Largo (tix at Laughstub.com)

2/2/11: Love Jones (now)

2/11/11 – 2/12/11: Martha Wainwright sings Piaf (now)

2/16/11 – 2/19/11: Henry Rollins Turns 50 (now)

2/21/11: West Memphis Three Benefit (now)

Echo (tix at Ticketweb)

Mondays in January: Cannoneers of the New Command

Tuesdays in January: Olin and the Moon

Wednesdays in January: Foster the People

1/6/11: Zongo Junction / Turkuaz (now)

1/28/11: Les Savy Fav (now)

2/4/11: Tennis / Lord Huron (now)

2/5/11: Forgetters / Street Eaters (Friday at 3 PM)

2/9/11: Mona (now)

2/20/11: Man Or Astro-Man? (now)

2/22/11: Versus (now)

2/25/11: How To Dress Well (now)

3/23/11: O’Death (now)

Echoplex

1/27/11: Monotonix / Ty Segall (Friday at 3 PM)

2/3/11: The Sweet / Fancy Space People (TBD)

2/4/11: Olafur Arnalds (now)

3/22/11: The Strange Boys / Natural Child (Friday at 3 PM)

The Standard Hollywood

12/31/10: Autolux / The Raveonettes ($57 tix now at inticketing)

Bootleg Theater (tix at inticketing)

2/4/11: 400 Blows (now)

2/12/11: Ana Tijoux (now)

The Music Box

1/30/11: Against Me! / Cheap Girls / Fences (Friday at 10 AM)

3/11/11: Yann Tiersen (Friday at 10 AM)

Staples Center

3/1/11: Hillsong United (Friday at 10 AM)

8/27/11 – 8/28/11: Taylor Swift / NEEDTOBREATHE (Friday at 10 AM)

El Rey

2/2/11: the church (Saturday at 10 AM)

2/15/11: Todd Snider / Elizabeth Cook (Saturday at 10 AM)

Troubadour (tix at Ticketfly)

1/11/11: P.J. Morton (Thursday at 1 PM)

2/3/11: Bobby Long (Saturday at 1 PM)

Gibson Amphitheatre

1/29/11: Luis Miguel (Friday at 1:00 PM)

3/9/11: Eric Clapton / Los Lobos (Monday at 10:00 AM)

Honda Center

7/6/11: New Kids on the Block / Backstreet Boys (Saturday at Noon)



Live Music Options: 12/6/10 - 12/12/10

Warpaint Play Two Sold Out Shows at the Troubadour (photo: Lauren Dukoff)

Where did the year go? Solid week of shows and lots of holiday celebrations...

Monday 12/6/10

[Pick of the Night] The Greenhornes / Hacienda @ Troubadour ($15) – I always liked the Greenhornes, but haven’t heard the new record. This is their first full length in eight years. Maybe Jack Lawrence and Patrick Keeler got too used to touring in style with the Raconteurs?

[Recommended] Grouplove / The 88 @ Bardot (Free w/ RSVP) – The Monday nights at Bardot have been pulling in a lot of the up and comers.

[Recommended] Sweaters / Big Search / Bowery Beasts / Whispering Pines @ The Satellite [f/k/a Spaceland] (Free) – Sweaters are doing the Monday night residency in December.

IO Echo / Haim / White Arrows @ The Echo (Free) – Iamsound is curing the Monday night residency at the Echo this month. The poster promises “Special Guests.”

The Chances / Kissing Cousins / Summer Twins / Strelka @ Silverlake Lounge (Free) – The Chances are doing the Monday night residency (and this is their first show I believe). The band features Michael Runion from the Elected.

The Rescues @ Hotel Café

Tuesday 12/7/10

[Pick of the Night] Rob Crow (Pinback) / Kenseth Thibadeau (Three Mile Pilot) / Parents @ The Satellite [f/k/a Spaceland] ($10) – I haven’t followed everything Rob Crow has done, but I have followed him in Pinback, Three Mile Pilot, Goblin Cock, Ladies and solo.

[Recommended] Jonathan Richman / Gail Davies @ Troubadour ($20) – That first record is a classic.

[Recommended] Gangi / The Delta Mirror / White Sea / Tape Deck Mountain @ Bootleg ($8) – Good linup.

Neil Sedaka @ Walt Disney Concert Hall ($46 - $116)

Passion Pit / Mister Heavenly / We Barbarians / Pepper Rabbit @ Hollywood Palladium ($46) – People seem really excited that Michael Cera’s playing with Mister Heavenly.

Peter Asher @ Grammy Museum (Sold Out) – This guy has done it all in the biz – musician, actor, record producer, artist manager, club owner, scenester, 

Kitten / Red Cortez / The Sea of Cortez @ The Echo ($8) – Y’all like ogling young girls? Shame on you. Apparently this girl’s 15.

Big Freedia / Pipes / Tawnay  Troof / Rusty Lazer @ Echoplex ($10) – Y’all like N’Orleans Sissy bounce?

Maniac / Casey Neill / Oh Darling @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)

Eastern Conference Champions / Beautiful Small Machines / Housewife / Graffiti 6 @ Hotel Café

Black Beverly Heels / The Hi-Z’s / Inazuma @ Redwood

Reckless Kelly @ The Mint ($18)

The Lonely Wild @ LaBrie’s

Wednesday 12/8/10

[Pick of the Night] Jonathan Richman / Gail Davies @ Troubadour ($20) – The first record’s a classic and the next couple are pretty damn good too.

[Recommended] Delta Spirit / Darker My Love / The Fling @ The Music Box ($23) – A couple of strong live acts.

[Recommended] Smokey Hormel & Friends / The Dime Bags @ The Redwood – Smokey Hormel was in my favorite version of Beck’s touring band. This is his Western swing band.

Millionyoung / Teen Daze / The Great Mundane @ The Satellite [f/k/a Spaceland] ($10) – Some good buzz for these Chillwave bros outta Florida (Millionyoung) and Vancouver (Teen Daze). Teen Daze’s remix of Local Natives got a lot of circulation.

Natalie Cole @ Walt Disney Concert Hall ($46 - $91)

Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band / The Globes @ The Echo ($10) – From the Dead Oceans label.

Topher Mohr / Harlan @ Bootleg ($8)

Western States Motel / Maren Parusel / Pacific Hurt / Ivan and Alyosha / Kazai Rex @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)

Lucy Woodward / So & So / Andy Davis @ Hotel Café

Kitten @ Sainte Rocke in Hermosa

Clint Black @ Grove of Anaheim ($55 - $65)

Low End Theory: Omid / Devonwho / Yuk @ Airliner ($10)

Brad @ The Roxy ($21)

Thursday 12/9/10

[Pick of the Night] Happy Hollows / Epic Ruins / Computer Jay @ The Satellite [f/k/a Spaceland] ($10) – Always a lot of energy at a Happy Hollows’ show. If you want to see

[Recommended] Le Switch / The Lonely Wild / Paul Chesne Band @ Redwood

[Recommended] Hanni El Khatib / Vanaprasta / Rumspringa / Hot Panda @ The Echo ($7) – Another good local lineup. Check out what Jeff Weiss wrote about them at the LA Times.

[Recommended] Jonathan Richman @ Detroit Bar ($15)

Curren$y / Nipsey Hussle / Dom Kennedy @ El Rey ($25) – For the hip-hop fans.

Blind Guardian / Holy Grail / Seven Kingdoms @ The Music Box ($33) – Do you like German metal?

Bedouin Soundclash / Moneybrother @ Troubadour ($15)

Bleu / Taylor Locke & the Roughs @ Hotel Café

Aimee Mann’s Christmas Show @ Largo (Sold Out) – Special guests include: Michael Penn, Patton Oswalt, Paul F. Tompkins, Ben Gibbard, Zooey Deschanel, Rich Zimmer

Henry Rollins Rare Cuts and Conversation @ Echoplex ($45)

The Janks / The Shivers @ Bootleg ($10)

The Damn Sons / Wiley Crow / Paige Stark / Volapike @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)

Honor Society @ The Roxy ($21)

The Bad Plus @ The Mint ($30)

Friday 12/10/10

[Pick of the Night] Warpaint / Aska / Dr. Dreidel @ Troubadour (Sold Out) – The Warpaint record’s pretty chilled out, but I like it.

[Recommended] White Arrows / Superhumanoids / Gliss / Modern Time Machines / Twilight Sleep / Vanaprasta / Stone Darling / Future Ghost / Light FM / Holloys / The Franks / Hands @ The Glass House ($12) – They’re calling this Silverlake in Pomona, shouldn’t that be Silver Lake in Pomona?

Deadbolt / Speedbuggy / Groovy Rednecks @ The Satellite [f/k/a Spaceland] ($10) – For you goth, roots, garage, rockabilly fans.

The Dandy Warhols / Blue Giant @ Club Nokia ($28)

The Bird and the Bee @ The Skybar (Free w/ RSVP)

Kina Grannis / Imaginary Friend @ El Rey ($17)

Mike Doughty @ Bootleg ($22)

Andrea Bocelli @ Staples Center ($75 - $375)

NEEDTOBREATHE / The Daylights @ The Music Box ($25)

Aimee Mann’s Christmas Show @ Largo (Sold Out) – Special guests include: Michael Penn, Patton Oswalt, Paul F. Tompkins, Ben Gibbard, Zooey Deschanel, Rich Zimmer

Anais Mitchell & The Hadestown Orchestra / NEeMA @ McCabe’s ($16) – Featuring Thao Nguyen, Sean Hayes, John Elliott

Above & Beyond @ Hollywood Palladium ($69)

MNDR / Tearist / Bodega Girls @ The Echo ($10)

ParallaxScroll / Protect Me / Crazy Band @ The Smell ($5)

Truly Lover Trio / Mars Attacks @ Redwood

Daniel Hart / Flesh, the Racist Crayon / Hi Ho Silver Oh / Kitchen Hips @ Pehrspace

Camp Freddy @ The Roxy ($26.50)

The Bad Plus @ The Mint ($30)

Wildildlife @ Vacation (Free) – 7:00 PM

Ivan and Alyosha / Holly Conlan / The Lonely Wild @ Central Social Aid and Pleasure Club ($10)

Saturday 12/11/10

[Pick of the Night] No Age / Soft Pack / Off! / Big Freedia / Dangers / Crystal Antlers / Tijuana Panthers / La Sera / Lovely Bad Things @ The Glass House and Alladin Jr. ($12) – Good linup out in Pomona. Soft Pack put out one of my favorite records of the year.

[Recommended] The Deadly Syndrome / Polls / The Pity Party / Signals / Rabbits Rabbits Rabbits @ Echoplex ($15) – The Deadly Syndrome’s annual holiday sweater festival.

[Recommended] Madlib / J-Rocc / Flying Lotus / Blank Blue / Mia Doi Todd / DJ Nobody @ The Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever ($35)

[Recommended] Big Business / Totimoshi / Hot Fog @ The Satellite [f/k/a Spaceland] ($10) - Heaviness

Peter Hook Presents Unknown Pleasures @ The Music Box ($22) – Show has a 10:00 PM curfew, starts at 7:00 PM; Do you like Joy Division?

KROQ Christmas Show: The Smashing Pumpkins / Socal Distortion / My Chemical Romance / Bad Religion / Jimmy Eat World / Cake / A Day to Remember / The Dirty Heads / Anberlin / Switchfoot @ Gibson Amphitheatre (Sold Out) – I haven’t seen any of these bands in 15 years. I’m old.

People Under the Stairs @ El Rey ($19)

The Fuxedos / Elephant Parallax @ Bootleg ($10)  

The Black Crowes @ Hollywood Palladium ($63)

Rockdrive 2010: Aqualung / Cary Brothers / John West / Angel Taylor / Rocco Deluca / Lady Danville @ Troubadour ($20)

Aimee Mann’s Christmas Show @ Largo (Sold Out) – Special guests include: Michael Penn, Patton Oswalt, Paul F. Tompkins, Ben Gibbard, Zooey Deschanel, Rich Zimmer

Too Short @ Grove of Anaheim ($25 - $36)

Manhattan Murder Mystery / Spirit Vine / The Schoenberg Knife Fight Ensemble @ The Smell ($5)

Dan Hicks & the Hot Licks @ McCabe’s (8:00 PM is Sold Out; $26.50 for 10:00 PM)

Prima Donna @ Redwood

Abjeez @ The Roxy ($33)

The Abyssinians @ Detroit Bar ($17.50)

Infantree @ Origami (Free) – 6:00 PM

Adolescents / The Crowd / White Flag / Half Astro @ Alex’s Bar ($12)

Sunday 12/12/10

[Pick of the Week] KROQ Christmas Show: Phoenix / Vampire Weekend / Brandon Flowers / The Black Keys / The Temper Trap / Neon Trees / Florence & the Machine / Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros / Broken Bells @ Gibson Amphitheatre (Sold Out) – I’ve never seen (and wouldn’t mind seeing) Phoenix, Vampire Weekend and the Black Keys. I’ve seen Edward Sharpe, the Shins and the Killers and don’t really need to see them again. Not overly familiar with the other bands.

[Recommended] Warpaint / Cc: / Drug Cabin @ Troubadour (Sold Out)

Donald Glover + Childish Gambino @ El Rey ($17)

Night Beats / Stranger in the Family @ The Satellite [f/k/a Spaceland] ($7)

Aimee Mann’s Christmas Show @ Largo (Sold Out) – Special guests include: Michael Penn, Patton Oswalt, Paul F. Tompkins, Ben Gibbard, Zooey Deschanel, Rich Zimmer

Marie Digby @ Hotel Café

George Thorogood @ Grove of Anaheim ($38 - $50)

Physical Forms @ Origami (Free) – 6:00 PM