Live Music Options: 6/20/11 - 6/26/11

Okkervil River Play the Music Box on Thursday

This week I think I'll get out of the house again...

Monday 6/20/11

[Pick of the Night] Henry Wolfe / Jenny O / The Sweet Hurt / Ferraby Lionheart @ Bootleg (Free) – Good enough folky lineup to go early and stay late.

[Recommended] The Californian / She Wants Revenge / The One AM Radio / The Hundred Days @ The Satellite (Free) – Free chance to see She Wants Revenge.

[Recommended] Dante vs. Zombies / White Murder / Cigarette Bums / Halloween Swim Team @ The Echo (Free)

[Recommended] Rush @ Gibson Amphitheatre ($83 - $180) – I’m kind of a greatest hits guy with Rush, but I’d still like to see them at some point.

Lesands / NewVillager / Ximena Sarinana @ Bardot (Free w/ RSVP) – Lesands definitely have the potential to blow up soon, so if you like to see bands on their way up…

Kid Cudi / Chip Tha Ripper @ Nokia Theatre LA Live

Duniven / Gold Paint / Kissing Cousins / Scouts @ Silverlake Lounge (Free)

Britney Spears / Nicki Minaj / Jessie and the Toy Boys / Nervo @ Staples Center ($30 - $350)  - A whole lotta booty on that stage.

Duncan Shiek @ Largo ($25)

Anna Nalick @ Hotel Café

Dunes / Firebrand / Vegetable / Neonates @ The Smell ($5)

Tuesday 6/21/11

[Pick of the Night] Manhattan Murder Mystery / Death To Anders / George Glass / Shirley Rolls @ The Satellite ($8) – The Henry Clay People (among others) won’t shut up about how much they love Manhattan Murder Mystery…

Jaga Jazzist / Choncey Langford @ Troubadour ($20) – 9 piece instrumental band from Norway.

Two Gallants / The Mumlers / Papa @ The Echo ($15) – Saddle Creek veterans.

Tim Minchin @ Largo (Sold Out)

Panic at the Disco / Fun / Funeral Party @ The Wiltern (Sold Out)

Slow Skate / Strange Markings / The Spanish Moss / Other Mountains @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)

Shana Halligan @ Bootleg ($10)

Seasons / C-Horse / Kismet @ Redwood

The Mountain Goats @ Detroit Bar ($17.50)

Incan Abraham @ The Central (Free) – Worth checking out for Westsiders.

Wednesday 6/22/11

[Pick of the Night] My Morning Jacket / Everest @ Pantages (Sold Out) – The new MMJ album is a return to form. And they’ve always been a great live band (if you like some jamming).

[Recommended] Family of the Year / The Lonely Wild / The Union Line @ The Satellite ($8) – Young local band that has shared the stage with Edward Sharpe, Ben Folds. Catchy songs with nice boy/girl harmonies. You might have heard them in an Advil commercial.

[Recommended] Rush @ Gibson Amphitheatre ($83 - $180) – Night two of Rush.

Thao and Mirah @ Detroit Bar ($15)

Pharoahe Monch @ The Roxy ($20) – Underground hip-hop semi-legend.

Early Winters / Nicole Eva Emery / Haroula @ Bootleg ($8) – Barsuk veterans.

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis / Hugh Masekela @ Hollywood

Bowl ($2 - $141)

Bell X1 / Jarrod Gorbel @ Troubadour ($17)

Virgin Islands / Hello Electric / Lustra @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)

Kid Cudi / Chip Tha Ripper @ Nokia Theatre LA Live ($40 - $60)

Dub Club: Horace Andy @ Echoplex ($15)

Adam Green @ Largo ($20) – Show starts at 8 PM

Meiko @ Hotel Café

The Watkins Family Hour @ Largo ($25) – Early show at 8:30 and late show at 10 PM

Low End Theory: Virtual Boy / Nick Hook / DJ Pound / Be Bop @ Airliner ($10)

The Airborne Toxic Event @ Grammy Museum (Sold Out)

Thursday 6/23/11

[Pick of the Week] Okkervil River / Titus Andronicus / NewVillager @ The Wiltern ($23 - $29) – I’m a big Okkervil River fan. The new record is good too.

[Recommended] The Fleshtones / Barrio Tiger / The Happen-Ins @ The Satellite ($12) – The Fleshtones are garage rock revivalists who are contemporaries of the Cramps (meaning they formed in 1976). The Happen-Ins were actually one of my highlights from SXSW – it wasn’t an official showcase, just a locals only show at an eastside dive. They’re all really good musicians who play fun, slightly bluesy/glammy rock ‘n’ roll. Ricky Ray Jackson’s in the band and he’s played with Phosphorescent, Hayes Carll, Brothers and Sisters, etc…

[Recommended] Flying Lotus / Thundercat / Austin Peralta / Teebs and Strangeloop @ The Music Box ($25) – If Thom Yorke had to “f” a guy, I’m guessing it would be Steven Ellison (aka Flying Lotus).

[Recommended] Black Lips / Cerebral Ballzy @ Detroit Bar ($15) – First of three local shows.

Alison Krauss & Union Station Featuring Jerry Douglas / Good Ole War @ Greek Theatre ($35 -$75)

The Kooks / Family of the Year @ Troubadour (Sold Out)

Mana @ Staples Center

The Mountain Goats / Midtown Dickens @ El Rey ($22)

Free The Robots / Diabase / Jonwayne as Darkhorsemen / Bomb Zombies / Labwaste @ The Echo ($12)

Nikka Costa @ The Roxy ($25)

Heavy LA @ Echoplex ($10) – New dubstep weekly with resident DJs 6BLOCC, Nobody and Daddy Kev. Trying to duplicate the success of the Low End Theory I would guess.

Nick Kroll @ Largo ($25)

War Tapes / Dead Sara / The Drowning Men / Last American Buffalo @ Bootleg ($5)

The Downtown Train / Adam Bones / The Naked Walrus @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)

Friday 6/24/11

[Pick of the Night] Black Lips / Cerebral Ballzy / Personal and the Pizzas @ The Music Box ($20) – The new Black Lips’ record is good.

[Recommended] Andre Williams / Jail Weddings / Death Hymn Number 9 @ The Satellite ($12) – Andre Williams is a legend. He had a top 10 hit in 1957 for Fortune Records “Bacon Fat.” He wrote songs for Stevie Wonder, Ike & Tina Turner, Parliament and Funkadelic. His more recent albums have included sleazy rock, soul, and country.

[Recommended] Willie Nelson / Jamey Johnson / Randy Houser / Lee Brice / Brantley Gilbert / Craig Campbell / Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real @ Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario ($36 - $66) – I think I’ve seen Willie enough, but would like to see Jamey Johnson.

[Recommended] Jon Brion @ Largo ($25)

Holly Golightly & the Broke-Offs @ Hotel Café – Early and late show

Middle Class / Kid Congo and the Pink Monkey Birds / Grant Hart / The Urinals @ Echoplex ($18)

Deep Purple / Ernie and the Automatics @ Greek Theatre ($30 - $110)

Grease Sing-A-Long @ Hollywood Bowl ($12 - $82)

Alicia Keys @ Pantages – I saw her sing a song with Prince.

Viza / Outernational / Oh So Wild / Mothership @ Troubadour ($15)

Mana @ Staples Center

Rooney / Voxhaul Broadcast / Maniac @ El Rey ($20)

Men of Soul: Jeffrey Osborne / Peabo Bryson / Freddie Jackson / Howard Hewett @ Nokia Theatre ($38 - $76)

Amy Kuney / John Bobek / Alex Dezen @ Bootleg ($10)

Red Sparowes / Coliseum / Aeges @ Center For the Arts in Eagle Rock ($14)

Too Short @ Grove of Anaheim ($25)

Keren Ann @ McCabe’s ($17.50)

Blackalicious @ Key Club ($20 - $35)

The Queers / The Apers @ Alex’s Bar ($10)

Saturday 6/25/11

[Pick of the Night] Jon Brion @ Largo ($25) – He usually only does this once or twice a month these days…

[Recommended] Tribute to the Movies @ The Satellite ($5) – Featuring performances by Brian and Claire of Shadow Shadow Shade, Sarah and Charlie from The Happy Hollows, Wet and Reckless, Manhattan Murder Mystery, Wrong Way Driver, Light FM, Seasons, Rademacher, Death To Anders and special guests. You kinda sorda had to be a big fan of the Movies to appreciate this, but I was…

[Recommended] Black Lips / Cerebral Ballzy / Personal and the Pizzas @ The Glass House ($15)  

[Recommended] Long Beach Bayou Festival: Keith Frank / Leroy Thomas & the Zydeco Runners / San Diego Cajun Playboys / Billy Lee & Swamp Critters @ Rainbow Lagoon Park in Long Beach ($25 - $65)

Tune-Yards / Sister Crayon @ Troubadour (Sold Out) – I know I’m in the minority here, but tUnE-yArDs makes me puncture my eardrums.

Keren Ann / Chris Garneau @ Luckman Fine Arts Complex at Cal State LA ($20)

Mana @ Staples Center

Too Short @ Key Club ($40)

Musiq Soulchild / Ryan Leslie @ Club Nokia ($40 - $45)

Missing Persons / Pillbox Porno @ The Viper Room ($20)

El Conjunto Nueva Ola / Bam Bam @ Echoplex ($12) – Working the Latin demographic.

Janiva Magness @ McCabe’s ($15)

Dirt Dress / Cosmonauts / Siblings / Traps, Ps @ Pehrspace

Motopony @ One Colorado in Pasadena (Free)

Sunday 6/26/11

[Pick of the Night] Long Beach Bayou Festival: Dr. John / Guitar Shorty / Seville / Keith Frank / Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie / Bonne Musique Zydeco / Bernie Pearl @ Rainbow Lagoon Park Long Beach ($25 - $65)

[Recommended] Frank Fairfield @ Origami (Free) – 6:00 PM

[Recommended] The Dirtbombs @ Alex’s Bar (Free w/ RSVP)

Big In Japan: Yellow Magic Orchestra / Cibo Matto / Buffalo Daughter / Towa Tei @ Hollywood Bowl ($18 -$144)

Neil Hamburger / DJ Dougg Pound / Brendon Walsh / Max Silvestri @ The Satellite ($8)

Sleep / Harvey Milk @ The Wiltern ($27 - $34)  

Mana @ Staples Center

Grand Ole Echo: Jackson Tanner / Funeral Club / Kip Boardman @ The Echo (Free) – Starts at 5:00 PM

Face to Face / Strung Out @ The Glass House ($25)

Mia Doi Todd @ Amoeba (Free) – 5:00 PM

Sarah Jarosz @ McCabe’s (Sold Out)

Peter Murphy @ Detroit Bar ($30) 

Live Music Announcments

Deerhunter Come to the Wiltern in August

The Wiltern

8/9/11: Deerhunter (Friday at 10 AM)

8/11/11: Ellie Goulding (now)

The Music Box

6/23/11: Flying Lotus (now)

The Satellite [Ticketfly]

6/18/11: Nico Stai / Oh Darling (now)

6/19/11: The Mariettea James / Brother Bear Jones (now)

6/21/11: Manhattan Murder Mystery / Death to Anders / George Glass / Shirley Rolls (now)

6/22/11: Family of the Year / The Lonely Wild / The Union Line (now)

6/25/11: Tribute to the Movies (now)

6/26/11: Neil Hamburger (now)

7/31/11: Neil Hamburger (now)

8/7/11: Chris Shiflett and the Dead Peasants / Daniel Ahearn (now)

9/6/11: The Ladybug Transistor / Red Pony Clock / Sea Lions (now)

9/14/11: Bob Log III / Mr. Free and the Satellite Freakout (now)

El Rey Theatre

10/5/11: Peter Bjorn and John (Saturday at 10 AM)

The Smell [Ticketweb]

10/3/11: Peter Bjorn and John (now)

Troubadour [Ticketfly]

10/1/11: Peter Bjorn and John (now)

10/18/11: DragonForce (now)

Los Angeles Ukrainian Culture Center [Ticketweb]

7/27/11: Cold Cave / Austra (now)

San Manuel Amphitheatre

8/20/11: Rock the Bells [check site for specific performers in LA] – Lauryn Hill / Nas / Cypress Hill / Erykah Badu / Black Star / Raekwon + Ghostface / Mobb Deep / Genius GZA / Immortal Technique / Freddie Gibbs / Blu + Exile (presale on 6/3/11; on sale 6/4/11)

Nokia Theatre LA Live

6/11/11 – 6/12/11: R. Kelly / Keyshia Cole (now)

Club Nokia

7/8/11: The Dan Band (Saturday at 10 AM)

9/18/11: James Blake (Saturday at 10 AM)

House of Blues Sunset

5/25/11: Prince (now)

Hotel Café

7/11/11: Thao & Mirah (now)

House of Blues Sunset Strip

9/27/11: Steve Earle (now)

Grammy Museum

6/15/11: Randy Travis (now)

6/20/11: Max Weinberg (now)

6/21/11: Ben Harper (now)

Royce Hall

9/22/11: Sonny Rollins (on sale 7/22/11)

10/26/11: Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock, Jack DeJohnette (on sale 7/22/11)

11/5/11: Earl Scruggs (on sale 7/22/11)

11/12/11: Kenny Burrell with B.B. King and others on sale (7/22/11)

1/21/12: Kathleen Battle (on sale 7/22/11)

1/27/12: Lucinda Williams (on sale 7/22/11)

1/28/12: They Might Be Giants (on sale 7/22/11)

2/10/12: Hugh Masekela (on sale 7/22/11)

2/11/12: Ravi Coltrante Quartet and Geri Allen & the Timeline Band (on sale 7/22/11)

2/16/12: Itzhak Perlman (on sale 7/22/11)

3/9/12: Stew & the Negro Problem (on sale 7/22/11)

3/16/12: Mingus Dynasty (on sale 7/22/11)

3/29/12: Ute Lember with Vogler Quartet and Stefan Malzew (on sale 7/22/11)

4/6/12: Carolina Chocolate Drops (on sale 7/22/11)

4/20/12: Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 (on sale 7/22/11)

4/21/12: Bettye LaVette plus Jon Cleary’s Philthy Phew (on sale 7/22/11)

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)

Live Music Options: 5/10/10 - 5/16/10

Besnard Lakes Visit the Troubadour on Thursday

I only made it out once last week for the Passion of the Weiss show at Spaceland on Saturday night. I caught DaVinci, Pollyn and Freddie Gibbs. Gibbs is the real deal. If you're a fan of seeing rappers at all, give him a look. The beginning of this week is a little slow, but it picks up starting Thursday....

Monday 5/10/10
[Pick of the Night] The Like / The New Fidelity / Bloodbath @ The Echo (Free) – I haven’t heard the new incarnation of the Like, but they’re very photogenic.
Sweethead / Ashes Divide / Normandie / Dead White Underbelly @ Spaceland (Free) – Last week’s show had a few big time celebs in attendance; so if you’re a paparazzi from TMZ or if you’re Midwestern cousin is in town, there’s even more reason to go. Sweethead features Van Leeuwen (guitar in Queens of the Stone Age), Serrina Sims, Norm Block (drums in Mark Lanegan Band, Plexi) and Eddie Nappi (bass in Mark Lanegan Band, Handsome).
War Tapes / The New Room / 1, 2, 3 / Tracy Dean and Jesus @ Silverlake Lounge (Free) – War Tapes is doing the May residency at the SLounge.
Kazai Rex / Latin Meds @ Old Town Pub in Pasadena (Free)
Los Campesinos! / Signals @ The Glass House ($15)
Fang Island @ Amoeba (Free) – 7:00 PM
The Benson Interruption @ Largo
So & So @ Hotel Café
Court Yard Hounds @ Grammy Museum (Sold Out) – Two of the Dixie Chicks.
Let Go of the Rail / State Rec / Guf Trup / California Priest @ Pehrspace

Tuesday 5/11/10
[Pick of the Night] Del the Funky Homosapien @ The Roxy (Free)
[Recommended] Charlie Wadhams Trio @ Hyperion Tavern (Free)
[Recommended] Cue the Moon / Wet & Reckless / Detangler / Very @ Spaceland (Free) - Last minute addition. Wet & Reckless is Jess from the Movies and Very is Brian Cleary from the Movies.
Fuck Buttons / Sun Araw / Infinite Body @ Troubadour ($15) – Noisey electronic music. Fuck Buttons are Pitchfork darlings – both albums have gotten the best new music designation.
Kate Nash / SuperCute! @ El Rey (Sold Out)
Smog Sessions @ The Echo (Free w/ RSVP)
The Nerdist @ Largo ($25)
Roger Steffens’ “Life of Bob Marley” @ Grammy Museum ($10)
Knee High / The Killbirds / The Cooling Time @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Nina Storey / Darrelle London @ Hotel Café
CCR Headcleaner / Back to the Future Ride / Heatrock @ Echo Curio
Roger Clyne @ The Mint ($15)

Wednesday 5/12/10
[Pick of the Night] Low End Theory: Baths / Mary Anne Hobbs @ Airliner ($10)
Johnny Osbourne / The Melodians @ Echoplex ($15)
Evan Voytas / Bell Gardens / Superhumanoids @ The Echo ($7)
Barrio Tiger / Stab City / Stepfather @ Spaceland (Free)
V.V. Brown / Darrelle London @ Troubadour ($15)
The Damn Sons / Rocket @ 3 of Clubs (Free)
Ben Folds and a Piano / Kate Miller-Heidke @ The Music Box ($38)
Diane Birch / AM @ El Rey ($22)
Grant Lee Phillips and Friends @ Largo ($25)
Ojos Rojos / Lantvrn / ExDetectives / Rocking Horse People @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
The Daylights @ Hotel Café
Sierra Leone’s Refugee Allstar @ The Roxy ($19)
White Shit / Shearing Pinx / Nu Sensae / Bipolar Bear @ the Smell ($5)
Woolen / The Nocturnes / Pope Anything @ Echo Curio
Radney Foster @ The Mint ($15)

Thursday 5/13/10
[Pick of the Week] The Besnard Lakes / The Happy Hollows / Infantree @ Troubadour ($12) – Great albums and explosive live show.
[Recommended] Bob Log III / Frank Fairfield @ Echo Curio ($8)
Ninjasonik / Weave! @ Spaceland ($10) – Good chance to see these Brooklyn hipsters before they come back for the M.I.A., N*E*R*D, Flying Lotus, Sleigh Bells show in July.
Mississippi Man / Pepper Rabbit / White Arrows / The Fling @ The Echo ($7)
James Taylor & Carole King @ Hollywood Bowl ($18 - $175) – I don’t sit around and listen to James Taylor much, but Carole King is one of the most important songwriters of all time.
Drake / Mike Posner @ Club Nokia (Sold Out)
Ben Folds and a Piano / Kate Miller-Heidke @ The Music Box ($38)
Jakob Dylan and Three Legs featuring Neko Case and Kelly Hogan / The Felice Brothers / honeyhoney @ The Wiltern ($25 - $45)
James Mulvey / John Carpenter @ Space 1520 (Free)
David Mamet presents “Theatre” @ Largo (call club)
Jamie Drake / Brother Sal @ Hotel Café
Sun Araw / CCR Headcleaner / NASA Space Universe / Moment Trigger @ The Smell ($5)
Crash Kings @ The Roxy ($10)

Friday 5/14/10
[Pick of the Night] Andrew Bird / Simone White @ Largo (Sold Out) – Andrew Bird puts on an extremely compelling live show. It would be interesting to see him at Jon Brion’s home away from hotel.
[Recommended] Flying Lotus (A/V set) / Ras G / Dr. Strangeloop / Kutmah / Jerimiah Jae @ Echoplex ($20) – Flying Lotus is blowing up right now. Pretty much the most critically acclaimed cat going.
Useless Keys / The Delta Mirror / Full Frontal / Sleepy Eyes of Death @ Spaceland ($7)
Turin Brakes / Hard Drugs / Lucy Schwartz @ The Echo ($10)
James Taylor & Carole King @ Hollywood Bowl ($18 - $175) – I don’t sit around and listen to James Taylor much, but Carole King is one of the most important songwriters of all time.
Bajofondo and the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Americas @ Walt Disney Concert Hall ($53 - $80)
Wreck of the Zephyr / Random Patterns / Boomsnake / Lovely Bad Things @ Echo Curio
Ben Folds and a Piano / Kate Miller-Heidke @ House of Blues Anaheim
Klymaxx / Lisa Lisa / JJ Fad @ House of Blues Sunset
Summer Darling / Worker Bee / Golden Years / Wires in the Walls / George Glass @ Pehrspace
Wavefest 2010: Michael McDonald / Chaka Khan / Poncho Sanchez / Mindi Abair @ Greek Theater ($24 - $155)
Dredg / Facing New York / Send the Sages @ Troubadour ($20)
O.A.R. / ALO @ The Wiltern ($15)
Oliver Future / London to Tokyo @ Bootleg ($8)
Justin Young / Chris Pierce / Jeremy Messersmith / Brother Sal @ Hotel Café
Anna Oxygen / The Finches / Key Losers / Ponce De Leon @ The Smell ($5)
LA Font / Unfunky Folks @ Synchronicity

Saturday 5/15/10
[Pick of the Night] Flying Lotus (live band) / Ravi Coltrane / The Gaslamp Killer / Gonjasufi / Matthew David @ Echoplex ($20) – This is the live band version of the Flying Lotus show. Expect a lot of improv and new interpretations of the songs.
[Recommended] Andrew Bird @ Largo (Sold Out)
[Recommended] Le Switch / Les Blanks @ Origami Vinyl (Free) – 7:00 PM show; The bands recently released a split 7” so cruise on down, see some live songs and drink some free beer.
[Recommended] Ricky Gervais @ Nokia Theatre ($40 - $75) – Funny guy.
Jeremy Messersmith / Jeremiah Streeter @ Bootleg ($10) – My friends in Minneapolis tell me he’s a talented singer-songwriter with a strong pop sensibility.
Annuals / The Most Serene Republic / What Laura Says @ Spaceland ($12)
Johann Johannsson @ Silent Movie Theatre ($15) – Icelandic composer.
Usher / Ludacris / Akon / Justin Beiber / Ke$ha / Adam Lambert / Iyaz / B.o.B. @ Staples Center ($40 - $225)
James Taylor & Carole King @ Hollywood Bowl ($18 - $175) – I don’t sit around and listen to James Taylor much, but Carole King is one of the most important songwriters of all time.
Leila Adu / Howardamb / Voice on Tape @ Echo Curio
Patti LuPone @ Walt Disney Concert Hall ($46 - $84)
Torches in Trees / Phoenix and the Turtle / Walk @ Pehrspace
Dredg / Facing New York / Butterscotch@ Troubadour ($20)
a-ha @ Club Nokia (Sold Out)
Nicole Kidman / Essay / Knight Rider @ The Smell ($5)
Stab City @ Redwood Bar
Carney / Red Arrow Messenger @ El Rey ($18)
California Metalfest IV: Fear Factory / Job For a Cowboy / Whitechapel / Dying Fetus @ Fox Theater & Glass House ($40)
Thirty Seconds to Mars / Shiny Toy Guns / Neon Trees / Street Drum Corps @ Greek Theater ($35)
Freedy Johnston / The Sin City Allstars @ The Mint ($15)
Snow & Voices @ Hotel Café

Sunday 5/16/10
[Pick of the Night] The Parson Red Heads / Freddy & Francine / Will Courtney @ McCabe’s ($15) – The Parson Red Heads have been recording, can’t wait to hear the new songs.
[Recommended] Sonny Rollins @ Walt Disney Concert Hall ($46 - $116) – Saxophone legend is an understatement.
[Recommended] Ricky Gervais @ Nokia Theatre ($40 - $75)
Sea Wolf / Patrick Park @ The Autry Museum ($15) – Singer-songwritery BFFs
Gil Mantera’s Party Dream / All Wrong and the Plans Change / Ultraviolet Lights @ Spaceland ($10)
Blue Jungle @ Redwood Bar
Bonfire Madigan / Rachael Cantu / Josh Norton @ Bootleg ($10)
Grand Ole Echo: Dan Janisch / 50 Cent Haircut / William Lee & the Modern Primitives @ The Echo (Free)
Xeno & Oaklander / Epee Du Bois / Frank Alpine @ The Echo ($8)
California Metalfest IV: Bleeding Through / The Faceless / Born of Osiris / Sleeping Giant / Earth Crisis @ Fox Theater and Glass House ($40)
a-ha @ Club Nokia ($20 - $50)
Toots & the Maytals @ Key Club ($28)
Psychic Handbook / E&E / Secret Circuit and Suzanne Kraft @ Synchronicity

Live Music Options: 5/3/10 to 5/9/10

Les Savy Fav Play the Getty on Saturday and the Echoplex on Sunday

Broken Social Scene, Will Oldham, The Hold Steady, Les Savy Fav...pretty good week for local music fans.

Monday 5/3/10
[Pick of the Night] Broken Social Scene / Julie Doiron @ The Music Box (Sold Out) – The new BSS record hasn’t blown me away, but it’s got some jams (and got Best New Music on Pitchfork today). I saw them back in the day at the Silverlake Lounge.
Lupe Fiasco / B.o.B. @ House of Blues Sunset ($43)
Phil Alvin / Frank Fairfield @ Redwood Bar – I still haven’t seen Frank Fairfield live, but want to.
The Hold Steady @ Grammy Museum ($15) – Early show at 7:30 PM; If I was a bigger fan, I’d jump at the opportunity to see this intimate showcase.
Square on Square / Cue the Moon @ The Echo (Free) – Ex-Marjorie Fair. The Like residency will start next week.
Sweethead / The Damn Sons / Slang Chickens / Hocus Pocus @ Spaceland (Free) – Sweethead features Van Leeuwen (guitar in Queens of the Stone Age), Serrina Sims, Norm Block (drums in Mark Lanegan Band, Plexi) and Eddie Nappi (bass in Mark Lanegan Band, Handsome). Hocus Pocus is Dios.
Two Door Cinema Club @ Bardot
Felt Drawings / Ezra Buchla / Halloween Swim Team / White Leopards @ Synchronicity
War Tapes / Jack Ladder / Dimmer / Future Ghost @ Silverlake Lounge (Free)
The Droogs / Jeff “Skunk” Baxter / Valora @ Troubadour ($25 - $50)
The Kin @ Hotel Café
Chris Cornell @ The Roxy (Sold Out)

Tuesday 5/4/10
[Recommended] Broken Social Scene@ Amoeba (Free) – 6:00 PM show; If you got shut out of the Music Box show.
Greg Laswell / Brian Wright @ Troubadour (Sold Out)
Oh Darling / Actress / Until June / Dirt Bird @ Spaceland ($5) – Dirt Bird is Claire and Athena from Shadow Shadow Shade.
Stephen Brower the Silent Majority (Ween Tribute Show) @ Bootleg ($8)
Aziz Ansari @ Largo Little Room (Sold Out)
Coheed and Cambria / Circa Survive / Torche @ Fox Theater Pomona (Sold Out0
Joe Sib’s California Calling @ Largo ($20)
Alex Kemp / Henry Wolfe / El May / Butterfly Child @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Kelly Dalton @ Hotel Café
Daniel Francis Doyle / I.E. / Rare Grooves / The Real Noriegas @ The Smell ($5)
Links / Useless Keys / The Moog @ Viper Room ($15)

Wednesday 5/5/10 (Cinco de Mayo)
[Pick of the Night] Eluvium / Bell Gardens / Benoit Pioulard / Whale Fall @ Bootleg ($10) – Eluvium gets compared to Eno and Fennesz.

[Recommended] Dosh / White Hinterland / The Baths @ The Echo ($10) – Anticon {Sorry I had this on Tuesday on accident}.
[Recommended] David Sedaris @ Royce Hall (Sold Out) – Funny guy.
[Recommended] Janeane Garofalo @ Largo ($20) – Funny gal.
The Hold Steady / The Donkeys / A Decent Animal @ El Rey (Sold Out) – After seeing them, I understand their appeal, but I’m still not a dedicated fan.
Low End Theory: Mochipet / Vladimir Computin / Slayers Club @ Airliner ($10)
Two Door Cinema Club / Funeral Party @ Troubadour (Sold Out) – New Irish band with some pretty good buzz surrounding them.
Pacha Massive / Wait.Think.Fast / Clorofila @ Spaceland ($10) - The most Cinco de Mayo oriented lineup.
Chlorofila @ Amoeba (Free) – 5:00 PM show
Jane's Addiction @ Bardot (Free) - Doors open at 10:00 PM
Widows Gone Wild / I Am Astronaut @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
The Daylights / Jake Newton @ Hotel Café
Fantastica Bastidas / Juan the Mannequin / TRON / Hello My Name Is Red @ The Smell ($5)
Quetzal Guerrero & the Warriors @ Redwood Bar
Nero / Dusk @ The Roxy (Free w/ RSVP to Scion)
Wiz Khalifa / Fashwan / Logic @ Glass House ($15)

Thursday 5/6/10
[Pick of the Night] Flying Lotus @ Amoeba (Free) – 7:00 PM Show
Carlos Varela @ Echoplex ($25 - $35) – The Cuban Bob Dylan?
Spirit Vine / Hocus Pocus / Pet Saddle / Roughed Up Folk @ Spaceland ($5)
Spindrift / Nurses / Magic Mirror @ The Echo ($8)
Cannibal Corpse / Skeletonwitch @ House of Blues Sunset ($21.50)
Green River Ordinance / Matt Hires / Angel Taylor @ Troubadour ($12)
Mississippi Man / The Ferocious Few / Dirt Dress @ 3 of Clubs
Wiz Khalifa / Fashwan / Jasmine Solano @ El Rey (Sold Out)
The Atlantic Line / The Hectors / The Lyon Crowns @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Nicole Simone / Stone Darling @ Bootleg ($8)
Ingrid Michaelson @ Hotel Café (Sold Out)
AJ McLean @ The Roxy ($20)
The Head Cat @ Key Club ($18)
White Buffalo @ Detroit Bar ($12)

Friday 5/7/10
[Pick of the Week] Mastodon / Between the Buried and Me / Baroness / Valient Thorr @ Fox Theater Pomona ($29 - $35) – I’m not the world’s biggest fan of heavy music, but Mastodon and Baroness are two bands that have caught my ear in the past few years. I saw Mastodon at the Troubadour a few years ago and it was really good.
[Recommended] Drivey-By Truckers / The Henry Clay People @ Avalon ($23.50) - Both good live bands, rememeber there's a 10:30 curfew for bands.
[Recommended] Old Californio / I See Hawks in LA @ Redwood Bar – Good country sounds.
[Recommended] Bring the Rock Benefit: Ben Stiller / Josh Homme @ Largo ($35)
[Recommended] The Tallest Man on Earth / Gamble House @ Natural History Museum ($15)
MONO / Twilight Sad @ El Rey ($20) – Japanese post rock.
Peter Gabriel @ Hollywood Bowl ($35 - $200) – With orchestra, no drums or guitars.
Hurricane Bells @ The Echo ($12)
Downtown Union / Seasons / George Glass / Radars to the Sky @ Pehrspace
Voices Voices / Acockalips / Protect Me @ The Smell ($5)
Sissy Spacek / Laco$te / Form A Log / Lazy Magnet / Pedestrian Deposit / Robedoor @ Synchronicity
The Bobs @ McCabe’s ($24.50)
Analog Rebellion / Mansions @ Bootleg ($10)
The Janks / Veil Era / Fim / Woolen @ Spaceland ($8)
Joey Ryan & Kenneth Pattengale @ Hotel Café
Pato Banton @ The Roxy ($22)
Philm / Earthless / Railroad to Alaska @ Detroit Bar (Free)

Saturday 5/8/10
[Pick of the Night] Bonnie “Prince” Billy & The Cairo Gang @ McCabe’s (Sold Out) – Not the greatest performer, but he writes some great songs.
[Recommended] Fucked Up / The Strange Boys / Growlers / Abe Vigoda / Graf Orlock / The Like / Dangers / Audacity / Woah Hunx @ The Glass House ($8) – Fan appreciation show in the spirit of the original F Yeah Festival. Fucked Up has a reputation for putting on an intense live show.
[Recommended] Freddie Gibbs / Pollyn / Davinci / Hanni El Khatib @ Spaceland ($10) – Passion of the Weiss presents another hip hop night at Spaceland.
[Recommended] Les Savy Fav @ the Getty - Early show at 6:00 PM
[Recommended] Warpaint / Priestbird @ Bootleg ($10)
Ane Brune / Olof Arnalds @ Largo ($25)
Los Campesinos! / Signals @ El Rey ($22)
Blue Jungle @ Redwood Bar
Red Sparowes / Fang Island / Jesus Makes the Shotgun Sound @ The Echoplex ($15)
Dante vs. Zombies / Western Hymn / Horse Thieves / Hepa-Titus @ The Smell ($5)
Gwendolyn and the Good Time Gang @ the Echoplex ($10) – Early show at 11 AM.
Akwid / Clorofila @ The Echo (Free w/ RSVP) – Early show at 6:00 PM
Angel City Outcasts / The Royal Highness / Dirty Filthy Mugs @ Troubadour (Free)
Creepshow: Hoobastank / Elliott Yamin / Esthero @ Hotel Café
60 Watt Kid / The Fritz / Centipede East / French Ship @ Echo Curio
Warner Drive @ the Roxy ($10)
Lightning Swords of Death / Huntress / Moab @ 3 of Clubs (Free)

Sunday 5/9/10 (Mother’s Day)
[Pick of the Night] Les Savy Fav / We Barbarians / LA Ghost @ Echoplex ($18) – Les Savy Fav puts on a great live show.
[Recommended] Bonnie “Prince” Billy & The Cairo Gang @ McCabe’s (Sold Out)
[Recommended] Dave Gleason and the Golden Cadillacs / Mojo Monkeys / The Coals @ The Echo (Free) – Early show at 5:00 PM; Gleason’s a talented guy.
Reckless Kelly / Olin & the Moon / Miss Willie Brown @ the Roxy ($15)
Collisions / Verbs / Kid Infinity @ Echo Curio
Bonfire Madigan @ Bootleg ($10)
Alexisonfire / Trash Talk / La Dispute / Therefore I Am @ Troubadour ($15)
Patti LaBelle @ Gibson Amphitheatre

Ten Pitchfork Approved LA Based Artists To See at SXSW

Flying Lotus (aka Steven Ellison)


10 Pitchfork Approved Bands From LA to See at SXSW (official showcases only)

1) No Age on 3/19/10 at 12:15 AM @ Red 7 Patio or on 3/20/10 at 1:00AM @ Barbarella – Their two albums have gotten an 8.0 a 9.2 and their EP got an 8.3. They sort of paved the way for Pitchfork to start paying a lot closer attention to the LA music scene.
2) Flying Lotus at 1:00 AM on 3/17/10 at The Phoenix – The album Los Angeles was #28 on Pitchfork’s best of 2008 and scored a best new music nod.
3) Best Coast on 3/20/10 at 11:00 PM @ Barbarella – They’re one of four LA bands playing Pitchfork’s daytime party on Friday. Their single “When I’m with You” got a best new music designation.
4) Dam-Funk on 3/17/10 at 10:00 PM @ Speakeasy Cabaret or on 3/20/10 at 12:00 AM @ Mohawk Patio – One of the other LA bands playing Pitchfork’s daytime party. Recently got an 8.2 for Toeachizown.
5) Local Natives on 3/18/10 at 11:00 @ Emo’s Main Room or on 3/19/10 at 9:00 PM @ Galaxy Room Backyard – The third LA band playing Pitchfork’s daytime party. Their debut album recently got the best new music designation and an 8.4 rating.
6) Warpaint on 3/17/10 at midnight @ Emo’s Jr. – They have written a ton about them (here’s a 7.0 review of “Billie Holiday”), but they’re the last of the LA bands playing Pitchfork’s day party.
7) Liars at 1:00 AM on 3/19/10 at Antone’s – Their last three records have gotten best new music from Pitchfork.
8) Fool’s Gold on 3/19/10 at 11:15 PM @ Emo’s Main Room – Their debut album got a solid 7.6 and was in the honorable mentions of best of 2009. Their track “Surprise Hotel” got an 8.
9) Abe Vigoda on 3/17/10 at 2:00 PM @ Austin Convention Center or on 3/20/10 at 12:00 AM @ Barbarella – Their EP got a 7.7 and their full length got an 8.3.
10) Active Child on 3/19/10 at @ Latitude 30 – He was the focus of a “rising” profile and his first single got an 8 out of 10.

Top 10 LA Bands to See at SXSW

Everest


Top 10 LA Bands To See at SXSW (Official Showcases Only)

1) Radar Bros. at 9:00 PM on 3/18/10 @ Cedar Street Courtyard – This is the official Merge showcase (so you’re guaranteed to see some other great bands too) and it’s sort of the first official show with their new members. I caught a sneak peek last week at an art space and it sounded great. Their new album comes out the following Tuesday.
2) Everest at 1:00 AM on 3/17/10 @ Maggie Mae’s – Not only are they playing on a showcase with Pegi Young (Neil’s wife) but they’re a great underappreciated LA band. Their new record comes out in early April on Vapor Records.
3) The Henry Clay People at 8:30 PM on 3/18/10 @ Club de Ville – Not only is it an early showcase (so you can run off and catch some other stuff later) but they always put on an energetic, engaging set. Their new record comes out in June on TBD Records (home of Radiohead).
4) Admiral Radley at 8:45 PM on 3/19/10 at the Galaxy Room – Not only is this the first official show for these guys but the members come from other great bands (Aaron and Ariana from Earlimart and Jason and Aaron from Grandaddy).
5) Dengue Fever at 1:00 AM on 3/19/10 @ Encore Patio or at 11:00 PM on 3/20 at Emo’s Main Room – Dengue Fever are talented musicians who play Cambodian pop music.
6) Flying Lotus at 1:00 AM on 3/17/10 at The Phoenix – I’m not the world’s biggest fan of instrumental hip-hop music, but he transcends most of the stuff that’s out there.
7) Liars at 1:00 AM on 3/19/10 at Antone’s – Their music is a little more challenging than what I typically listen to, but I can’t deny its appeal.
8) Avi Buffalo at 11:00 PM at 3/18/10 at Galaxy Room Backyard – They’ve got some songs and they’re signed to Sub Pop but don’t quite have the stage presence yet (but it will come around eventually).
9) Dum Dum Girls at 12:00 AM on 3/18/10 at Galaxy Room Backyard – Of all the new girl groups with sort of questionable musical chops, they’re probably the best. Plus they’re signed to Sub Pop.
10) Off! At 9:45 PM on 3/18/10 at Emo’s Jr. – Keith Morris and Steven McDonald’s new band.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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