Local Blog Roundup

I don't always have time to read all the local music blogs, but here's what I found interesting today: 

The LA Times talks to Jennifer Tefft about the Satellite (a response to my post from yesterday?)

The LA Times reviews the Wild Flag show last Friday (which I attended and loved their energy)

Merge offers pre-orders of the new Apex Manor record (Ross from the Broken West)

The LA Weekly talks to Allison Anders about her new rock film (curator of the Don't Knock the Rock fest)

RFSL reviews the new Shadow Shadow Shade record and shares some MP3s (they're doing a Thursday night residency at The Satellite in February)

Web In Front has a ticket giveaway for Dawes at the El Rey (my concert pick of the night, get there in time for The Moondoggies)

Rawkblog has a first look at Charlie Wadhams new EP (talented local artist)

Buzz Bands has a free download and details about Sweaters’ new 7-inch single. They’re doing the free residency at the Satellite/Spaceland next month.

Surfing On Steam has details on the new Autulox 7-inch picture disc single.

Losanjealous has a photo set from last week’s Clinic show at the Troub. Guess they are still wearing those surgeon masks.

Buddyhead has an interview with the guy who runs Thesex (where Liars will be playing next week)

Passion of the Weiss has a “round table” to discuss the merits of the new Kanye, which got a perfect score from Pitchfork (I still haven’t listed to the whole thing)

Pitchfork likes the new Lord Huron EP

LA Record finally gets around to reviewing the most recent Henry Clay People record

AD tipped me off that Atlas Sound is offering two free albums via their site, they’re in town for a show at the Echo next Friday.  Album #1 and Album #2

First Bookings For The Satellite Announced

Shadow Shadow Shade Play a Thursday Night Residency in February

The Satellite quietly started selling tickets for the first of its shows today (there's a transition period where Spaceland Productions is still booking a lot of the nights through January and some all the way into March). Check out The Satellite's venue page at Ticketfly for details. Among the notable shows:

12/3 (the first show listed with "The Satellite Presents") - Lower Heaven / Exploding Flowers / Jason Simon
12/9 - The Happy Hollows / Epic Ruins / Computer Jay
12/10 - Deadbolt / Speedbuggy / Groovy Rednecks
12/29 -  Giant Drag
1/15 - Dead Meadow / Speed Buggy / The Carry Ons
Thursdays in February - Shadow Shadow Shade Residency
2/5 - The Muffs

There still seems to be a lot of confusion surrounding the changes over at Spaceland / Satellite (the LA Times posts have been needlessly confusing whereas the Buzz Bands' post was the most informative since Bronson talked to all of the involved parties). I realize most people probably don't care about this, but every time I go out these days, somebody asks me about it.

So here's my attempt at a timeline of the history of Spaceland Productions and 1717 Silver Lake Blvd (if you notice any errors feel free to post in the comments): 

Jeff Wolfram's family owns a bar at 1717 Silver Lake Blvd called "Dreams" (to this day, Dreams still shows up on your credit card receipt when you drink at the bar).  

In 1993, Mitchell Frank approaches the Wolframs to ask if he can start booking events at their bar.

In 1995 Mitchell Frank starts using the name "Spaceland" for nights he books at Dreams. When he forms his music promotion company he calls it "Spaceland Productions."  

Over time, the club at 1717 Silver Lake Blvd. comes to be known as Spaceland (at some point, a transparent sign that says "Spaceland" goes over the "Dreams" sign). Wolfram still owns the bar and your bar reciept still says "Dreams."

Later in the1990's, Frank hands over day to day booking to Liz Garo.

Around 2000, Garo defects to the Knitting Factory Hollywood (RIP) and is replaced by Jennifer Tefft. [For more history check out this LA Weekly article.]

In 2001, Mitchell Frank and Jeff Ellermeyer take over club Nayarit (1.5 miles away from "Club Spaceland") and rename it the Echo, hiring ex-Spaceland booker Liz Garo as the booker. It's almost exactly the same capacity as "Club Spaceland" and the Troubadour.  

From 10/03 - 6/04, Spaceland Productions books the Henry Fonda theater (now the Music Box) until Goldenvoice takes over the venue.  

In 2005 (about the time Goldenvoice replaced Spaceland ) Frank, Garo and Ellermeyer open up the Ex_Plex (now called Echoplex) underneath the Echo. It's about 2.5 times the size of the Echo.

In late 2009 Frank hires Shannon Cornet to replace Jennifer Tefft as booker at "Club Spaceland." Tefft starts booking shows at the Bootleg Theater for the Fold.

In late 2010 Jeff Wolfram parts ways with Spaceland Productions and announces he's hired Jennifer Tefft back as his in-house booker. Since Frank owns the name "Spaceland," Wolfram renames his bar "The Satellite."

Live Music Options: 11/22/10 - 11/28/10

For a holiday week, not too bad...

Monday 11/22/10

[Pick of the Night] Dirt Dress / Them Hills / Zig Zags / Wonder Wheel @ Spaceland / Satellite (Free) – Dirt Dress are doing the Monday night residency at Spaceland in November. Their music has a sort of lo-fi, early Velvet Underground vibe.

Black Apples / Exploding Flowers / Young Hunting / Dream Tapes (Free) – Black Apples are doing the Monday night residency this month at the Echo.

Chasing Kings / All Wrong and the Plans Change / The Smiles / John Isaac Watters / Satellite Sky @ Silverlake Lounge (Free) – Chasing Kings is doing the Monday night residency at the Silverlake Lounge this month.

It’s A School Night: Naked and Famous / Hands @ Bardot (Free w/ RSVP)

Dar Williams @ Hotel Café

My Chemical Romance @ House of Blues Sunset (Sold Out)

GWAR / The Casualties @ The Glass House ($23.50)

Phil Alvin @ Redwood

Stewart Copeland @ The Grammy Museum ($20)

Tig’s for the Giving @ Largo ($20)

Halloween Swim Team / Dreamgoatz / Religious Girls / The Lingonberries @ Pehrspace

Physical Forms @ Origami (Free) – 7:00 PM

Tuesday 11/23/10

[Pick of the Night] Unsane / 400 Blows / 16 / AD @ Spaceland / Satellite ($10) – For those about to rock…400 Blows is a great live band. Unsane brings back some early 90’s memories.
[Recommended] The Californian / The Sweet Hurt / Obi Best @ LaBrie's in Glendale (Free) - Good lineup tonight

RRIICCEE featuring Vincent Gallo @ El Rey ($20)

Midnight Juggernauts / Naked and Famous / Dimaond Rings / Doorly @ Echoplex ($10) – The first night of DJ Franki Chan’s new Check Yo Ponytail night at the Echoplex with party photographers, video projections, DJs, Scion sponsorship and all the other accoutrements

Belleruche / Pollyn @ Bootleg ($10)

Kitten / Dizzy Stilettos / Ingenue @ The Echo ($8)  

Rajas / Sing Orpheus / William and William Inc @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)

Infectious Groove @ House of Blues Sunset ($20)

Barrio Tiger / Symbol Six / Action 45 @ Redwood

Diamond Rings @ Origami (Free)

Wednesday 11/24/10

[Pick of the Night] Black Mountain / Black Angels @ El Rey (Sold Out) – Good retro, psych double bill.

[Recommended] Talib Kweli @ The Roxy (Free show w/ donation of blanket, scarf, gloves, etc) – Great rapper

Matt Costa / Everest @ House of Blues Anaheim ($29)

Low End Theory: Take / Austin Peralta / Strangeloop @ Airliner ($10)

Phathom / Allura @ Troubadour ($12)

Fantasia / Eric Benet / Kandi @ Club Nokia

Mr. Gnome / Cue the Moon / The Red Red River / Dona Nicha @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)

DJ Quik @ Grove of Anaheim ($35)

Attack Attack! @ House of Blues Sunset

Lonesome Shack @ Redwood

The Red River @ Origami (Free) – 7:00 PM

Thursday 11/25/10

Happy Thanksgiving

Friday 11/26/10

[Pick of the Night] Dawes / The Moondoggies / The Romany Rye @ El Rey ($19) – Good lineup. The Moondoggies are a totally underrated band.

[Recommended] Incan Abraham / Fatty Dearest / Shadow Shadow Shade @ Redwood

[Recommended] Weezer / Best Coast @ Gibson Amphitheatre (Sold Out) – Performing Weezer (the Blue Album) in its entirety – great record at the time.

The Bixby Knolls / Slang Chickens / Tricky Sizzler @ Spaceland / Satellite ($8 or $5 w/ donation to LA Mission)

The Queers / Kepi Ghoulie / The Riptides / The Perverts @ Troubadour ($14)

Bonobo / Tokimonsta @ The Music Box ($22.50)

Attack Attack! / Emmure / Pierce the Veil @ Fox Theater Pomona ($20)

Yo Gabba Gabba / Biz Markie @ Nokia Theatre ($35 - $60)

Pretty Lights @ The Wiltern ($30 - $35)

Gestapo Khazi / Tijuana Panthers / FIDLAR / The Hindu Pirates @ The Smell ($5)

DJ Quik @ Key Club ($35)

The Fab Four @ Grove of Anaheim ($30 - $35)

Soulfly @ House of Blues Sunset

Birds & Batteries @ Origami (Free) – 7:00 PM

Saturday 11/27/10

[Pick of the Week] Weezer / Best Coast @ Gibson Amphitheatre (Sold Out) – Perfomring Pinkerton (their best album) in its entirety

Lucero / Drag the River @ Troubadour ($18) – Lucero always puts on a good show.

Yo Gabba Gabba / Biz Markie @ Nokia Theatre ($35 - $60) – Three shows

Dimmu Borgir / Enslaved / Blood Red Throne / Dawn of Ashes @ Fox Theater in Pomona ($23) – Black Metal

OK Go / A Fine Frenzy / Summer Darling @ Club Nokia ($25)

Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe / Breakestra / Super Duper @ El Rey ($22)

The Flower Machine / Jack Fris Radio Choir / Small Star @ Spaceland / Satellite ($5)

Joe Gil @ Hotel Café

Atreyu @ House of Blues Sunset

Darkest Hour @ Glass House ($17)

Doghouse Lords / Sassafrass / Brainspoon / Lightnin Woodcock @ Redwood

Fiction Company @ Origami (Free) – 7:00 PM

La Femme / Coppertone @ Show Cave

Sunday 11/28/10

[Pick of the Night] International Tennis Champions / Paulie Pesh / Farspeaker @ Bootleg ($8)

Neil Hamburger @ Spaceland ($8)

BK Special featuring Bobby Kimmel @ McCabe’s ($15)

Blue Shadows / RumbleKing @ Redwood

Recent Live Music Announcements

The Music Box

2/17/11: Beach House (presale Friday at 10 AM, password = ZEBRA; Saturday at 10 AM)

2/24/11: Best Coast / Wavves (Now)

2/26/11: Josh Ritter & the Royal City Band (Friday at 10 AM)

Gibson Amphitheatre

12/11/10: KROQ Christmas – The Smashing Pumpkins / Social Distortion / My Chemical Romance / Bad Religion / Jimmy Eat World / Cake / A Day to Remember / The Dirty Heads / Anberlin / Switchfoot (Thursday at Noon)

12/12/10: KROQ Christmas – Phoenix / Vampire Weekend / Brandon Flowers / The Black Keys / The Temper Trap / Neon Trees / Florence & the Machine / Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros / Broken Bells (Friday at Noon)

4/12/11: Chris Tomlin (Friday at 10 AM)

El Rey Theatre

12/8/10: The Smoker’s Club Tour (now)

12/12/10: Donald Glover + Childish Gambino (now)

1/15/11: Hello Seahorse (Thursday at 10 AM)

1/29/11: Ian Hunter (presale Thursday at 10 AM, password = HOOPLE; Saturday at 10 AM)

2/5/11: Ryan Bingham (Saturday at 10 AM)

3/9/11: Lykke Li (Now)

3/22/11: City and Colour (presale Friday at 10 AM, password = THEGIRL; Saturday at 10 AM)

Troubadour [through Ticketfly]

1/15/11: Bad Books (Thursday at 1:00 PM)

1/19/11 – 1/21/11: Dashboard Confessional (Thursday at 1:00 PM)

1/27/11: The Get Up Kids (Thursday at 10 AM)

3/4/11: The Concretes (Friday at 1:00 PM)

3/5/11: Baths (Saturday at 1:00 PM)

Largo

12/16/10: John C. Reilly’s Roots Revue (now)

12/22/10:  Zooey Deschanel / The Chapin Sisters (now)

1/14/11: Jimmy Webb / Tom Russell / Jesse Winchester (now)

1/22/11: Suzanne Vega (now)

1/29/11: Patton Oswalt (now)

The Wiltern

2/12/11: The Decemberists / Mountain Man (Friday at 10 AM)

4/1/11: Rebelution (Friday at 10 AM)

5/6/11: Ke$ha (Friday at 10 AM)

Echo [through Ticketweb]

12/2/10: Everest (now)

12/3/10: Atlas Sound (now)

12/16/10: Lord Huron (now)

12/19/10: Crom (now)

1/21/11: Peter Wolf Crier / Retribution Gospel Choir (now)

3/25/11: Say Hi (now)

5/6/11: Spindrift (TBD)

6/26/11: Amusement Parks on Fire (TBD)

Fox Theater Pomona

1/14/11: Thirty Seconds to Mars (Friday at 10 AM)

Staples Center

7/1/11: New Kids on the Block / Backstreet Boys (Monday at 10 AM)

Nokia Theatre LA Live

3/19/11: Espinoza Paz (Saturday at 10 AM)

Bootleg (through InTicketing)

1/29/11: Charlotte Martin (now)

The Glass House

1/28/11: The Get Up Kids (Thursday at 10 AM)

2/27/11: Streetlight Manifesto (Friday at Noon)

Live Music Options: 11/15/10 - 11/21/10

Blonde Redhead Play Three Area Shows



Pretty good week for live music, Tuesday and Friday are particularly packed...

Monday 11/15/10

[Pick of the Night] Dirt Dress / Audacity / Cosmonauts / Tomorrow’s Tulips @ Spaceland / Satellite (Free) – Dirt Dress are doing the Monday night residency at Spaceland in November. Their music has a sort of lo-fi, early Velvet Underground vibe.

[Recommended] Blonde Redhead / Olof Arnalds @ the Glass House ($25) – I’m not crazy about their new record, but a huge fan of the band.

[Recommended] Black Apples / LA Font / Oh Darling / So Many Wizards (Free) – Black Apples are doing the Monday night residency this month at the Echo.

Chasing Kings / The Colourist / Surfwitch / Sea of Cortez @ Silverlake Lounge (Free) – Chasing Kings is doing the Monday night residency at the Silverlake Lounge this month.

It’s A School Night: Spoek Mathambo / Rainbow Arabia / Zuzuka @ Bardot (Free w/ RSVP)

Fred Schneider DJ Set @ Amoeba (Free) – 6:00 PM

Jeff Buckley Tribute to Benefit the Silver Lake Conservatory of Music @ Largo ($25)

The Rocket Summer: Bryce Avary, His Instruments, Your Voices / He Is We @ Troubadour

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

Phil Alvin @ Redwood

El Ten Eleven @ Origami (Free)

Tuesday 11/16/10

[Pick of the Night] Blonde Redhead / Olof Arnalds @ The Music Box ($25) – They’ve always put on a great live show. 

[Recommended] The Thermals / White Fang @ El Rey ($18) – The Thermals put on a good live show.

[Recommended] Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin / The Lonely Forest @ Spaceland / Satellite ($10) – Chris Walla from Death Cab For Cutie produced their latest album – out on Polyvinyl 

[Recommended] Oh No Oh My / Pomegranates / Rabbits Rabbits Rabbits @ Bootleg ($10) – Forgot about these Autinites. Good indie pop.

Greg Dulli / Carina Round @ Troubadour (Sold Out) – Any Afghan Whigs fans?

TV Torso / Kiev / The Wild Complete @ Silverlake Lounge ($8) – TV Torso is guy from Sound Team

Legendary Pink Dots / We Are the World / Black Rainbow @ Echoplex ($20) – 30 years in to their career

GWAR @ House of Blues Sunset ($25)

Har Mar Superstar @ Viper Room ($15)

Freelance Whales / Miniature Tigers @ Detroit Bar ($12) – Also at the Troubadour on Thursday

Wednesday 11/17/10

[Pick of the Night] Bear Hands / Rumspringa / Residual Echoes @ Spaceland / Satellite ($10) – I really enjoyed seeing Bear Hands the last time they played Spaceland. Upbeat, fun, catchy tunes. 

[Recommended] Papercranes / Sister Crayon / Rocket / Frankel @ Bordello ($8) – Papercranes features Rain Phoenix. Frankel features Michael Orendy (one of my favorite local musicians). Frankel goes on early (at 8:30)

[Recommended] Blonde Redhead / Olof Arnalds @ The Music Box ($25) – Night two at the Music Box

The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger (Sean Lennon and Charlotte Muhl) @ Largo

Robyn / Maluca / Natalia Kills @ Club Nokia (Sold Out) 

Low End Theory: Eligh / Truckasaurus / Shigeto @ Airliner ($10) – Heard the fire department shut them down last week, so get there early to ensure entry.

Fitz and the Tantrums / AWOLNATION / Belle Brigade @ El Rey ($19)

Natasha Bedingfield @ Troubadour ($20) – UK pop star

Dub Club @ Echoplex ($5) – The Ethiopian cancelled. 

Ferraby Lionheart / Henry Wolfe / Nightfur @ Bootleg ($8)

Mark Mallman / Put Your Shoes On / Mark Macminn @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)

Kate Miller Heidke @ Hotel Café

Daniel Francis Doyle / Big Whup / Rare Grooves / Fantastica Bastidas! @ The Smell ($5)

The Street & Babe Show / Astra Heights / Amando Jo Williams @ Redwood

Tyler Hilton @ the Roxy

Thursday 11/18/10

[Pick of the Night] John Carpenter / Toby Burke / George Byrne @ Three Clubs (Free) – I’ll say it again, if you haven’t seen John Carpenter yet…

Olin and the Moon / Wires in the Wall / Two Cow Garage @ Spaceland / Satellite ($8)

Freelance Whales / Miniature Tigers @ Troubadour ($15) – Indie pop

Reggie Watts @ Largo ($20)

Joshua Radin / Good Old War / Kelley James @ The Music Box ($25)

Jack’s Mannequin / Something Corporate @ El Rey (Sold Out)

Katherine Jenkins @ The Wiltern ($52 - $62)

Tygers of Wrath / Wake Up Lucid / Buyers Remorse @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)

Dustin Wong / Avocado Happy Hour / Holy Ghost Party @ The Smell ($5)

Hey Monday @ The Glass House ($15)

Willy Porter @ The Mint ($20)

Legendary Pink Dots @ Detroit Bar ($18)

Usher / Trey Songz / Miguel @ Staples Center ($30 - $125)

Kitten / Pepper Rabbit @ Origami (Free)

Pepper Rabbit / Hands / Square on Square / The Silent Comedy @ The Echo ($8)

Lifehouse @ Gibson Amphitheatre

Friday 11/19/10

[Pick of the Night] Wild Flag / Grass Widow / Eux Autres @ Spaceland / Satellite ($12) – Wild Flag is Carrie Brownstein, Mary Timony, Rebecca Cole and Janet Weiss. Sleater-Kinney and Helium fans take note.

[Recommended] Jon Brion @ Largo ($25)

[Recommended] Shadow Shadow Shade @ The Echo ($8)

[Recommended] Tunng / April Smith and the Great Picture Show / The Good Listeners @ Bootleg Theater ($10)

[Recommended] Avi Buffalo / Wildbunch / Lord Huron @ Echoplex ($15)

Hey Monday / The Cartel / The Ready Set / This Century / We Are the In Crowd @ El Rey

Tift Merritt @ Troubadour ($20)  

Black Label Society / Children of Bodom / Clutch @ Hollywood Palladium ($52)

TRMRS @ Pehrspace  

Angel Taylor / Chris Pierce @ Hotel Café

Manic Hispanic / Welt / Punk Is Dead @ Alex’s Bar in Long Beach ($10)

Cosmonauts / Black Elephant / Devon Williams / Dahga Bloom @ The Smell ($5)

People Under the Stairs @ The Glass House ($15)

Curt Smith @ McCabe’s ($20)

Screening: Who Is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin’ About Him)? @ Grammy Museum (Free)

Yukon Blonde / Eulogies @ The Mint ($13)

Whitman / Ezra Buchla @ Origami

QBert @ Amoeba (Free) – 5:00 PM

Dustin Wong @ Vacation (Free)

Richard Thompson featuring Harry Shearer, Judith Owen @ Royce Hall ($28 - $53) – Performing his Cabaret of Souls

CANCELLED Kelis / Hercules and Love Affair DJ Set @ Club Nokia ($35) - THIS WAS CANCELLED

Saturday 11/20/10

[Pick of the Night] Bob Mould / Nico Stai @ Bootleg ($22) – I’ve liked Mould through all his incarnations – Husker Du, Sugar, solo…

[Recommended] Daedelus / The Gaslamp Killer / Free the Robots / Samiyama / Teebs @ House of Blues Sunset ($20)

[Recommended] White Sea / Hello Dragon / Wet and Reckless / Wait.Think.Fast @ Spaceland / Satellite ($8) – Buzz Bands show. White Sea is the female voice from M83's Saturdays = Youth record. A couple of late additions round out the bill.

Clinic / The Fresh & Onlys / The Loons @ Troubadour ($20) - I've seen Clinic a couple of times and it came off so gimmicky. Loved the early records though.

Moving Units / LESANDS / Lexicon Don @ The Glass House ($20)

The Paul F. Tompkins Show @ Largo ($25)

Aziz Ansari @ Orpheum ($25 - $45)

Lukas Nelson / Old Californio / MK and the Gentleman / The Reflectacles @ Viper Room ($15)

AWOL One / Acid Reign / Ecid / Noah 23 / Miche @ Pehrspace

Harvest Beer Festival: Vaud and the Villians / Shannon and the Clams / Last Round Down / The Blasting Company @ Echoplex ($30 includes unlimited craft beer pours) – Noon to 7:00 PM

Demetri Martin @ The Wiltern ($52)

David Guetta @ Palladium ($70)

Lelia Broussard @ Hotel Café

Danzig @ Grove of Anaheim ($38.50)

Pizza! / Alak / Mountshout / Voice On Tape / Chelsea Wolfe @ The Smell ($5)

Moving Units / Lesands / Lexicon Don @ The Glass House ($20)

Judith Owen @ McCabe’s ($15)

Vaud and the Villains @ The Mint ($12)

Whitman / Ezra Buchla @ Origami (Free)

Sunday 11/21/10

[Pick of the Night] Wild Flag / Grass Widow / Catwalk @ Aladdin’s Jr 2 in Pomona ($10) – If you can’t get into the show on Friday night.

The Satin Peaches / Werewolves / Stab City @ Spaceland / Satellite ($8)

Eisley / Ives the Band / Christie Dupree @ El Rey ($20)

Bouncing Souls / Off With Their Heads / Johnny Madcap and the Distractions / Heartsounds @ Troubadour ($22)

Dar Williams @ Hotel Café

Kenny G @ Grove of Anaheim

Richard Ramirez Beatdown / Lightnin Woodcock / Fantastica Bastidas / Sassafras @ The Redwood

Zs / Arrington de Dionyso / Moe! Staiano / Rats / Hiking @ The Smell ($5)

John Wesley Harding / Matt the Electrician @ McCabe’s ($17.50)

RRIICCEE @ Detroit Bar ($15) – Vincent Gallo