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

 

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: 9/14/10 - 9/19/10

A day late and a dollar short. I spent last week checking out a lot of music shrines and cities I'd never visited. Caught some great jazz, Charlie Louvin (hopefully not his last show) and some serious honky tonks. Some good stuff going on this week, unfortunately I'm still frantically playing catchup...

Tuesday 9/14/10
[Pick of the Night] The Tallest Man on Earth / S. Carey @ The Music Box ($18) – Nice, stripped down folk music. Sean Carey’s the drummer from Bon Iver.
Shonen Knife / Neverever / Fantastica Bastidas @ Spaceland ($14) – They’re also playing at 5:00 PM at Amoeba. Hard to believe Naoko will turn 50 this year.
Funeral Party / Deluka / Dahga Bloom @ Bootleg Theatre ($10) –Recently named #47 on NME’s best new bands of 2010.
Omar Rodriguez Lopez Group / Le Butcherettes @ Troubadour (Sold Out)
Mason Jennings @ Largo ($25)
She Saw / The Diet Thrills Foreman / Tremellow @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
A Pretty Mess / The Black Widows / Abactive Ramex @ Redwood Bar
Jan Bell / Will Scott / The Driftwood Singers / Judson and Mary @ Echo Curio
Daughtery @ Grammy Museum (Sold Out)

Wednesday 9/15/10
[Pick of the Night] AA Bondy / JBM / Up Died Sound @ Spaceland ($12) – I heard mixed things about the FYF Fest this year, but a lot of my friends really seemed to enjoy AA Bondy’s set.
[Recommended] The Melvins / Totimoshi @ Troubadour ($18) – Heavy sounds.
The Walkmen / Japandroids / Dan Mangan @ The Music Box ($23)
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club / Jeffertitti’s Nile @ The Glass House ($20)
Low End Theory: Diabia$e / Low Limit / Mike Gao / Blank Blue @ Airliner ($10)
Mason Jennings @ Largo ($25)
Bleu / Mike Viola @ Hotel Café
US Royalty / Chasing Kings / Line and Circle / The Smiles @ Bootleg ($8)
Another Perfect Crime / Thee Nataniel Fregoso and the Bountiful Hearts / EZ Tiger / Ingenue @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Pepper / Shwayze @ Grove of Anaheim
Stab City @ Redwood Bar
Fully Fullwood Band / Robert Ffrench @ Echoplex ($10 before 10 PM, $15 after)

Thursday 9/16/10
[Pick of the Night] Menomena / Suckers / Tu Fawning @ El Rey ($20) – I like the last couple of Menomena records. If you miss TV on the Radio, check them out.
[Recommended] Mark Kozelek @ Largo ($30) – I’ve liked him from the Red House Painters days. Also playing tomorrow night.
Buddy Guy @ Grammy Museum ($20)
AA Bondy / JBM @ Detroit Bar ($12) – If you missed him at Spaceland on Wednesday.
Primus / Mariachi El Bronx @ Club Nokia ($40 - $50)
Radio Moscow / Night Horse / The Shrine / Make Up Sex @ Spaceland ($10)
The Chapin Sisters / The Finches / Hi Ho Silver Oh @ The Echo
Sam Amidon / Miracle Parade / Il Gato @ Bootleg ($10)
Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers / Audra Mae / Roy Jay @ Troubadour ($18)
Lower Heaven / Ben Starshine / Chief Nowhere / Stevenson Ranch Davidians @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Pepper / Shwayze @ Grove of Anaheim
Jennifer Knapp @ The Mint ($20)
Batwings Catwings / Sundelles / Unstoppable Death Machines @ The Smell ($5)
Pillars and Tongues / Metal Rouge / Up Died Sound / Team Brick @ Echo Curio
Hotrod Hillbillies / Badluck Bandits @ Redwood

Friday 9/17/10
[Pick of the Night] The Parson Red Heads / Le Switch / The World Record @ Spaceland ($5 or $2 if you wear all white) – The Parson Red Heads are moving back to Oregon. Wish them well (and see three great bands in one night).
[Recommended] Mark Kozelek @ Largo ($30) – I’ve liked him from the Red House Painters days.
Local Natives / The Love Language / The Union Line @ The Music Box (Sold Out) – The latest breakout LA band.
Autolux / Gold Panda @ The Glass House ($15)

Gamble House / Colleen Green @ Grand Star in Chinatown ($5) - Aquarium Drunkard's night
Pantha Du Prince / The Sight Below @ Echoplex ($14)
Men @ The Echo ($5)

Lobster Fest: Saint Motel / Venus Infers / Spider Problem @ Ports O'Call Village in San Pedro ($9)
Andy Clockwise @ Hotel Café
Daniel Ahearn / Alex & Sam / I Hate You Just Kidding / Nicole Vaughn @ Pehrspace
Primus / Mariachi El Bronx @ Club Nokia ($40 - $50)
Marina and the Diamonds / Young the Giant @ El Rey ($20)
Mystery Jets / Dominant Legs @ Troubadour ($18)
Kathleen Madigan @ Grove of Anaheim
Hanson / A Rocket to the Moon @ House of Blues Sunset ($39)
Eliza Gilkyson @ McCabe’s ($22.50)
Almon Loos / Omar & the Stringpoppers @ Redwood Bar
The Adicts @ Key Club ($25)
Disturbed / Avenged Sevenfold @ Verizon Wireless
yOya / Ana Caravelle @ Origami (Free) – 7:00 PM
Spirit Vine @ 5 Star Bar
The Silver Lake Chorus / Rose Rossi @ Bootleg ($10)
Bare Wires / Plasma Centre @ The Smell ($5)
Smithfield Bargain / Bikos / The Sunshine Factory / Tommy Santee Klaws @ Echo Curio

Saturday 9/18/10
[Pick of the Week] Phoenix / Grizzly Bear / Girls @ Hollywood Bowl (Sold Out) – Phoenix and Girls put out two of my favorite records last year.
[Recommended] The Love Language / Radar Brothers @ Origami Vinyl (Free) – The Love Language at 5:00 PM and Radar Brothers at 7:00. The new Radar Brothers is finally available on hot wax.
Local Natives / The Love Language / The Union Line @ The Music Box (Sold Out) – The latest breakout LA band.
Tyvek / Jeff the Brotherhood / Wounded Lion / Protect Me @ The Smell ($5) - Just got back from Nashville and Memphis and I saw Jeff the Brotherhood stuff everywhere down there.
Autolux / Gold Panda @ El Rey ($22) – Autolux is a good live band.
93.5 Kday’s Frest Fest: Ice Cube / DJ Quik / Tha Dogg Pound / Warren G @ Nokia Theatre ($25 -$85) – Good lineup.
Lobster Fest: Dengue Fever / Fitz & the Tantrums / Gram Rabbit / The Growlers / AWOLNATION / We Barbarians / Leslie & the Badgers @ Ports O'Call Village in San Pedro ($9)

The Riverdales / Kepi Ghoulie / Toys That Kill @ Troubadour ($20)
Old Lumps / Moses Campbell / Hi Ho Silver Oh / Ema and the Ghosts @ Pehrspace
The Paul F. Tompkins Show @ Largo ($25)
Serj Tankian @ Greek Theatre ($35 - $78)
Casxio / The Dance Party / Yellow Alex & the Feelings / SeanShan @ Spaceland ($8)
Heart @ Gibson Amphitheatre ($52 - $117)
Dirty Sweet / The Binges @ Bootleg ($10)
Reel Big Fish @ Grove of Anaheim
Nekromantix / The Howlers / Mutilators / The Grims @ The Glass House ($22)
Elizabeth Cook @ McCabe’s ($15)
Swords of Fatima / New Rome Quartet / Electric Children / Secret Society of the Sonic Six / Art of Bleeding @ Redwood Bar
Lyfe Jennings @ Key Club ($33) – Early and late show
Jack’s 5th Show: Steve Miller Band / The Cult / The Fixx / Night Ranger / Skid Row / Modern English / Sweet @ Verizon Wireless
Spider Problem / Bastidas / Dangerously Sleazy @ Echo Curio

Sunday 9/19/10
[Pick of the Night] Tamaryn / Puro Instinct / Dunes @ The Echo ($8) – These days, getting your music released on Mexican Summer pretty much guarantees every blogger, college radio kid and indie record store employee is going to give it a listen.
[Recommended] Richard Thompson @ Amoeba (Free) – 5:00 PM; Fairport Convention? Anyone?
[Recommended] Japandroids @ Detroit Bar ($12) – Spazzy in a good way.
Lobster Fest: John Doe & Exene Cervenka / The Section Quartet / Miss Derringer / Walking Sleep / Tijuana Panthers @ Ports O'Call Village in San Pedro ($9)

Mia Doi Todd / Henry Wolfe @ Hotel Café
Ozomatli / Calexico / Mexican Institute of Sound @ Hollywood Bowl ($17 - $141) – Interesting lineup.
Screeching Weasel / The Dollyrots @ Club Nokia ($27)
The Emotions / Deniece Williams / Barbara Lewis @ Gibson Amphitheatre ($29 - $102)
Pete Anderson / Gwendolyn / The David Brothers @ the Echo (Free) – 5:00 PM show
Chilly Gonzalez Piano Talk Show @ Largo ($20)
Peter Himmelman @ McCabe’s ($20)
Jonas Brothers / Demi Lovato @ Verizon Wireless
Judgement Day @ Origami (Free) – 7:00 PM
Fiction Company / Black Mercies @ Spaceland (Free)
Candye Kane / Karling Abbeygate / Thomas Yearsleys Exotiki / The Blasters @ Redwood Bar

Recently Announced Live Shows

MGMT (I walked out on these guys at the Echoplex) Play the Greek & Fox in Pomona

Fox Theater Pomona
7/18/10: MGMT (Friday at 10 AM)

The Music Box
5/27/10: Booka Shade (Saturday at 10 AM)
5/31/10: Miike Snow (Friday at 10 AM)

Hollywood Bowl
9/18/10: Phoenix / Grizzly Bear / Girls (presale now, password = SENSATION; on sale Sunday at 10 AM)
9/26/10: Vampire Weekend / Beach House / The Very Best (presale now, password = SENSATION; 5/2/10 at 10 AM)
9/30/10: Pavement / Sonic Youth / No Age (presale now, password = SENSATION; 5/2/10 at 10 AM)

Greek Theatre
6/20/10: Erykah Badu / Janelle Monae (presale now, password = ANKH; Saturday at 10 AM)
7/11/10: Steve Miller Band / Los Lobos (presale now, password = JOKER; Saturday at 10 AM)
7/16/10: MGMT (presale now, password = DELERIUM; Saturday at 10 AM)
7/24/10: Go-Go’s (presale now, password = VALENTINE; Saturday at 10 AM)
8/28/10: Funkfest (presale now, password = MDAY; Saturday at 10 AM)
9/24/10: Willie Nelson (presale now, password = STRANGER, Saturday at 10 AM)
9/25/10: Band of Horses (presale now, password = LAREDO; Saturday at 10 AM)

El Rey Theatre
7/24/10: Pinback (presale Friday at 10 AM, password = AUTUMN; Saturday at 10 AM)

The Orpheum
7/31/10: Joanna Newsom (Saturday at 10 AM)
8/31/10: Melissa Etheridge (Saturday at 10 AM)

Largo
5/14/10 – 5/15/10: Andrew Bird (call club)
6/20/10: Bert Jansch / Pegi Young (call club)

Verizon Wirelss
7/24/10: 311 / The Offspring / Pepper (presale now, password = KROQTHREESOME; on sale Friday at 10 AM)

The Wiltern
7/21/10: Gaslight Anthem (Friday at 10 AM)

Echoplex
9/11/10: Clientele (now at Ticketweb)

Echo
Free Mondays in May – The Like
6/9/10: Themselves / Batths / Talkdemonic (now at Ticketweb)
6/19/10: The Blasters (now)

McCabe’s
6/4/10: Mia Doi Todd (now)

The Bootleg
Wednesdays in June: Hot Hot Heat (on sale now at in ticketing)
7/16/10: Mahjongg (now)

Top 10 Records of 2009

Once again, the big trends in music for the year were completely lost on me. Usually I can easily identify a top album of the year, but this year I struggled.

So here's my top 10 list:

1) Phoenix: Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix – Phoenix crossed over into the mainstream with the most undeniably catchy record of the year. Three of the best singles of the year ("Lisztomania," "1901," and "Lasso") on one album.

Lisztomania - Phoenix

2) The Minor Canon: Emptiness Is Form – If you’re a fan of emotional, lyrically direct songs, this will be right up your alley. The record hits an early peak during “If Wishes Were Horses” when the furious guitar merges with screaming horns and a growing urgency in singer Paul Larson’s voice. Later in the record, the ferocity has faded away. In "Not There" Larson has given up hope on his lost love, but the pain's clearly not going away any time soon. The most overlooked record of the year.

If Wishes Were Horses - The Mi...

3) Frankel: Anonymity Is the New Fame – Michael Orendy’s latest features another batch of great songs. So many publicists lazily slap the Elliott Smith tag onto promo stickers, but “Ticket Machine” actually earns a comparison. With its breathy, double-tracked vocals and complex arrangement, Orendy has a deep respect for Smith’s songcraft. While Orendy draws some sonic inspiration from Smith, his lyrics are less direct and his song meanings more opaque. If you’re into literate pop songs, Frankel’s the real deal.

Ticket Machine - Frankel

4) Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears: Tell ‘Em What Your Name Is! – For me, the biggest musical trend of the year was vintage soul music. Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears were a perfect gateway to the past. As I dove headfirst into the Stax catalog, tracks like "Sugarfoot" and "Big Booty Woman" sounded classic.

Sugarfoot - Black Joe Lewis & ...

5) Rodriguez: Coming From Reality – Kudos to Light in the Attic for digging up another lost classic from Sixto Rodriguez. Originally released in 1971, Coming From Reality is another slightly dangerous, completely anti-establishment record. This time around big string arrangements in songs like "Sandrevan Lullaby-Lifestyles" augment the disappointment conveyed in Rodriguez's lyrics. Powerful stuff.

To Whom It May Concern - Rodri...

6) Girls: Album – It sounds like some lost, late 1970s demos from Elvis Costello and that's perfectly cool with me.

Summertime - Girls

7) Dinosaur Jr.: Farm – I could listen to J. Mascis play guitar all day.

I Want You To Know - Dinosaur ...

8) Phosphorescent: To Willie – A tribute album on my top 10 list? The record came out early in the year and I never got sick of it. Matthew Houck's relaxed vocal style suits Willie Nelson's songs very well. Seeing them having so much fun while performing these songs at SXSW helped.

Walkin' - Phosphorescent

9) Polvo: In Prism – Great to see one of my favorite bands from college back in top form. All the noise bands that hide behind shitty production and lack of skill at your instruments, please pay attention.

Right the Relation - Polvo

10) The xx: xx - I first got into this because it was inoffensive background music that didn't distract me while I was working. But it slowly seeped into my consciousness. Make out music for art school kids.

Basic Space - The xx

Ten more records I was digging on:

Neil Young: Archives - Impressive box set, but the price hurt it a bit.

Death: For the Whole World To See - Great collection of proto-punk from the early 1970s.

BLK JKS: After Robots - Hard to completely wrap your head around what these South Africans are doing, but I keep returning to it.

Silversun Pickups: Swoon - Good kids and so well produced.

Brendan Benson: My Old, Familiar Friend - Great pop songwriter.

Division Day: Visitation - A huge leap forward for the band.

Andrew Bird: Noble Beast - A tad precious, but I just can't deny his talent.

Jason Lytle: Yours Truly, the Commuter - Not unlike Grandaddy, and that's what I wanted from a Lytle solo record.

Sonic Youth: The Eternal - In the middle of their third decade of music making and still putting out great stuff.

Future of the Left: Travels with Myself and Another - Intense post-hardcore. They've got musical chops.

Live Music Options: 12/7/09 - 12/13/09

Willie Nelson Makes Some Southern California Appearances This Week

I only made it out to see two bands last week - Flying Tourbillon Orchestra and The 88. Good times. If you've got kids, you should definitely take them out to the Kidrockers events. It's a little painful to see how awkward bands are with children, but it's fun to see how the kids react.

Lots of legends in town this week: Willie Nelson, Stevie Wonder, Black Francis, Jonathan Richman and Morrissey for starters. There's also a healthy share of buzz bands (Passion Pit, Grooms, Band of Skulls, Zaza, Sic Alps) and as always, tons of cool local bands.

Monday 12/7/09
[Pick of the Night] Mere Mortals / Sky Parade / Threes and Nines / Special Guests @ Spaceland (Free) – According to the LA Weekly, Grand Duchy (featuring Black Francis and Violet Clark) are the special guests. Mere Mortals are doing the Monday night residency this month.
[Recommended] Morrissey / Doll & the Kicks @ Fox Theater Pomona (Sold Out)
[Recommended] Polyamorous Affair / Zaza / Tearist / Laco$te @ The Echo (Free) – This is part of the Manimal Vinyl residency. Zaza’s playing all over town this week.
[Recommended] The Blind Boy Paxton & Frank Fairfield Show @ Redwood Bar
Pizza! / Gull / Gone to Croatoan / Signals @ Pehrspace
Links / Mata Leon / Repeater / Giant State @ Silverlake Lounge (Free) – Links are doing the Monday night residency this month.
Rachel Cantu / Diamonds Under Fire @ Bootleg ($8)
One Eskimo @ Hotel Café ($10)

Tuesday 12/8/09
[Pick of the Night] Willie Nelson @ Club Nokia ($45 - $125) – Living legend
[Recommended] Benefit for Baby Winston Bertrand: Black Francis w/ Flea, members of Pixies, Love & Rockets, She Wants Revenge, Weird Al, Ok Go / Tenacious D / Michael Penn / Grand Duchy/ The 88 @ Echoplex ($25)
[Recommended] Jonathan Richman @ The Mint ($15)
Black Math Horseman / Jesus Makes the Shotgun Sound / National Sunday Law @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Parade of Lights / Army Navy / Evan Voytas / White Arrows @ Spaceland (
Rosie Thomas Xmas Show with Josh Ottum & Special Guests @ Largo ($20)
A Night of the Beats @ Walt Disney Concert Hall ($38 - $106) – Poets like Exene Cervenka, Michael McClure, Kurt Elling and David Meltzer read while Alan Broadbent, Joshua Redman and others play jazz.
Bruce Hornsby & the Range @ House of Blues Sunset
Zaza @ Origami Records (Free) – 7:00 PM show
The French Semester / The Spires / The Monthlies / Seasons @ The Echo ($5)
Horse Stories / Son of the Velvet Rat / The Steelwells / Yellow Red Sparks @ Bootleg ($8)
Meiko @ Hotel Café ($12) – at 10 PM
AM / Sara Lov @ Hotel Café ($10) – From 8 – 10 PM
I See Stars @ Troubadour ($14)

Wednesday 12/9/09
[Pick of the Night] Henry Wolfe / Nik Freitas / Rex Aquarium / Learning Music @ Silverlake Lounge ($8) – The return of Rex Aquarium is a pretty big deal in local music circles.
[Recommended] Jonathan Richman @ The Mint ($15)
[Recommended] Club NME: Zaza / In Waves / Io Echo (DJ Set) @ Spaceland ($8)
[Recommended] Benefit for Baby Winston Bertrand: Host Black Francis / Tim and Eric (music set) / Bob Odenkirk / Brian Posehn / Dave Lovering (magic act) @ Echoplex ($25)
[Recommended] Willie Nelson @ Fred Kavli Theatre in Thousand Oaks ($65 - $85)
[Recommended] Grand Hallway / Cave Country / Buddy / The Good Listeners @ Bootleg ($8) [Recommended] Califone @ Hammer Museum (Free) - Screening of Califone's film All My Friends Are Funeral Singers followed by a live performance. Starts at 8:00 PM.
Bebel Gilberto @ The Fonda ($25)
Low End Theory Club @ Airliner ($10)
Holiday Organ Spectacular @ Walt Disney Concert Hall ($25 - $72)
Sean Paul @ House of Blues Sunset
Good for the Jews with Marc Maron @ Largo ($25)
Spaceland on Ice: Light FM @ Pershing Square (Free) – Show starts at 7PM
Dierks Bentley / Eric Church @ The Wiltern – Go Country’s Christmas concert
JR Richards @ Hotel Café ($12)
The Finches / Foot Ox / Splinter Cake / Whitman @ The Smell
Volbeat @ Troubadour ($15)

Thursday 12/10/09
[Pick of the Night] Morrissey @ Gibson Amphitheatre ($90) – Legend. Tix remain.
[Recommended] Brydan Smith / Grooms / The Northstar Session / Radio Moscow @ Silverlake Lounge ($8) – Presented by Aquarium Drunkard
[Recommended] Jonathan Richman @ The Mint ($15)
The Boxmasters featuring: Billy Bob Thornton @ House of Blues Sunset ($17.50) – Wanna let BBT master your box?
Lemon Sun / Dirty Sweet / The Silent Comedy / Spirit Vine @ Spaceland ($10)
Skinny Puppy / Vvervvolf Grehv / Baseck @ Club Nokia ($30)
Huebel & Scheer Rockettes Christmas Spectacular @ Largo ($20)
Space Waves / Boy Scout Jamboree (Spindrift acoustic) / Happy Prescriptions / Old Toy
Trains @ Mr. T’s Bowl
Live Arts Benefit: Alanis Morissette / Greg Laswell / Miss Willie Brown @ Troubadour ($75)
Deadbolt / Throw Rag / Motochrist / Blagg Dahlia (acoustic set) @ The Echo ($10)
Agent Ribbons / Evan Way / The Finches @ Bootleg ($8)
Jim Bianco @ Hotel Café ($10)
Tape Deck Mountain / All Wrong & the Plans Change / Evan Voytas / The Drowning Men @ 3 of Clubs

Friday 12/11/09
[Pick of the Night] Jon Brion @ Largo ($25) – Wish Jon a happy birthday.
[Recommended] Son Volt / Sera Cahoone @ El Rey ($20)
[Recommended] Tristeza / Lower Heaven / Drew Andrews @ Spaceland ($10)
[Recommended] Magik Markers / Sic Alps / Foot Village / Bipolar Bear @ The Smell ($5) – Big night for the more adventurous.
Zaza @ Vacatopm Records – 7:00 PM
Ice Cube @ House of Blues Sunset ($50)
People Under the Stairs / Kenan Bell @ Detroit Bar ($15)
Band of Skulls / Red Cortez @ Troubadour (Sold Out)
Curtis Peoples / Keaton Simons @ The Mint ($8)
Queen Kwong / Dante vs. Zombies / Echoes De Luxe @ Bootleg ($8)
Camp Freddy @ The Roxy ($20)
Tower of Power / Average White Band @ Club Nokia ($35 - $55)
John Doe @ McCabe’s ($20) – The early show at 8PM is sold out, but there are still tickets for the 10 PM show.
The Capshuns / Bixby Knolls @ The Echo ($5)
Flavors 1990’s Party: DJ Spinna / J. Rocc / DJ Scratch @ The Echoplex ($15)
The Rescues / Brian Wright & the Waco Tragedies @ Hotel Café ($12)
The Christmas Music of Manheim Steamroller @ Nokia Theatre ($50 - $70)

Saturday 12/12/09
[Pick of the Night] Stevie Wonder’s House Full of Toys with the Jonas Brothers and More @ Nokia Theatre ($50 - $150) – Picked because of Stevie, not the Bros.
[Recommended] Princeton / The Parson Red Heads / The Coals @ Spaceland ($8)
Passion Pit / Band of Skulls / Plague Vendor @ Fox Pomona ($25) – Hipster dance party.
KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas: AFI / Rise Against / 30 Seconds to Mars / Three Days Grace / Anberlin / Dead By Sunrise @ Gibson Amphitheatre (Sold Out)
Grooms / 60 Watt Kid / Tempo No Tempo / Professor Calculus @ The Courtyard ($5) - Located at 1670 Beverly Blvd
Pocahaunted / James Ferraro / Mark McGuire / Vodka Soap / Mirror to Mirror @ The Smell ($5)
Todd Snider @ El Rey ($25)
Stand Up Dads: Greg Behrendt / Dana Gould @ Largo ($25)
Mike Watt & His Missingmen / Ladyheat @ Redwood Bar – Local legend.
Grant Lee Phillips / Sara Watkins @ Hotel Café ($15) – From 7 – 10 PM
The Start / Mellowdrone / Shiloe / Cat Party @ Troubadour ($12)
The Rescues / Kate Earl @ Hotel Café ($12) – Starts at 10 PM
Palo Verde / Cinder Cone @ Echo Curio
John Gorka @ McCabe’s ($20)
Hit + Run 4-Year Anniversary: The Gaslamp Killer / Kutmah / Nobody / Abcnt / Farmer Dave Scher (DJ set) @ Echoplex ($10)
Brett Dennen / Grace Potter and the Nocturnals / Robert Francis @ The Wiltern ($25)

Sunday 12/13/09
[Pick of the Night] Letting Up Despite Great Faults / Death Kit / Spirit Animal / Wet & Reckless @ Spaceland (Free)
KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas: Muse / 311 / Phoenix / The Bravery / Slightly Stoopid / Metric @ Gibson Amphitheatre (Sold Out) – Expect a Muse U.S. concert announcement very shortly (with some local favorites as the opener). I would like to see Phoenix and Muse puts on a powerful show.
Benefit for Fran Drescher’s Cancer Movement: Jackson Browne / Olivia Newton John / Inara George / Beth Nielsen @ Million Dollar Theatre ($30 - $100) – I would like to see Jackson Browne.
Aimee Mann Christmas Show @ Largo (Sold Out)
CHURCH / Manhattan Murder Mystery / M31 @ The Smell ($5)
Evangelista / Thrones @ Echoplex ($12)
The Slits / Weave! @ The Echo ($12)
Brittain Ashford / Evan Way / Cricket @ Echo Curio
Dan Crow / J.P. Nightingale @ McCabe’s ($8) – Early show at 11 AM.
Bid D and the Kids Table @ El Rey ($17)
Joe Purdy / Meaghan Smith / Lauren Shera @ Hotel Café

Put the Rock in Slingshot

Phoenix Play Night Two of KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas

Gibson Amphitheatre
12/12/09: KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas – AFI, Rise Against, Alice in Chains, 30 Seconds to Mars, Three Days Grace, Anberlin, Dead By Sunrise (presale Thursday at 10 AM, password = KROQX; on sale Saturday)
12/13/09: KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas – Muse, 311, Slightly Stoopid, Phoenix, the Bravery, Metric, Vampire Weekend, Cage the Elephant, White Rabbits (presale Thursday at 10 AM, password = KROQX; on sale Saturday)

El Rey
12/19/09: Christmas Sweater Party: The Deadly Syndrome / The Pity Party / Eskimohunter / Signals / 400 Blows (on sale now)

Club Nokia
12/5/09: KIIS FM Jingle Ball After Party (Friday at 10AM)
12/21/09: Robin Thicke (Friday at 10 AM)
12/22/09 – 12/23/09: Kid Cudi (Friday at 10 AM)

The Fonda
1/12/10: Vampire Weekend (Friday at Noon)
1/30/10: The Residents (Saturday at 10 AM)

Wilshire Ebell Theatre
3/2/10: Magnetic Fields (Saturday at 10 AM)

Echoplex
2/27/10: Four Tet / Nathan Fake (now at Ticketweb)

Hotel Café
11/23/09: El Perro Del Mar (now through club)

The Mint
12/8/09 – 12/9/09: Jonathan Richman (now)
12/31/09: Dengue Fever / Pollyn (now)

Bootleg
2/10/10: Buffy Saint-Marie (now at InTicketing)

The Roxy
12/17/09: Sea Wolf (now)

Troubadour
2/10/10: Wild Beasts / Still Life Still (on sale Friday)

Long Beach Terrace Theatre
1/9/10: Rufus Wainwright (Friday at 10 AM; presale now, password= TOWN)

Live Music Options: 9/14/09 - 9/20/09

Everest Play the Troubadour on Friday (photo: Dominic DiSaia)

Another week, another crowded live music landscape. This week features lots of great local bands, some of the more promising new national bands and a plethora of established acts.

Monday 9/14/09
[Pick of the Night] Leslie and the Badgers / Ruby Friedman / Correatown / Olin and the Moon @ The Echo (Free) – Night two of their Monday night residency.
Saint Motel / Astra Heights / The Black & White Years / Divisible @ Spaceland (Free) – Night two of their Monday night residency.
The Icarus Line / Ogod / Radio Freq @ Silverlake Lounge (Free)
Joshua James / Cory Chisel @ Troubadour ($12)
Golden Hits / Sweatson Klank / As Is / Warrior Line @ Echo Curio
Doug Benson @ Largo ($20)
Ace Frehley @ Grammy Museum ($10)
The Blind Boy Paxton and Frank Fairfield Show @ Redwood Bar
Dadfag / Computer Lab @ Pehrspace
Josiah Leming @ Hotel Café

Tuesday 9/15/09
[Pick of the Night] Throw Me the Statue / The Brunettes / Devon Williams / Nurses @ The Echo ($10) – Very solid lineup. I thoroughly enjoyed Throw Me the Statue’s first album, but still haven’t heard the new one.
[Recommended] Farmer Dave Scher @ Silent Movie Theater ($13) - Short films and Farmer Dave. His new record's a lot of fun.
Arctic Monkeys / The Like @ Hollywood Palladium (Sold Out)
Yeah Yeah Yeahs / Yacht @ Fox Theater in Pomona (Sold Out)
Vieux Farka Toure / Weave @ Echoplex ($16) – Son of Ali Farka Toure
Sea Wolf @ Detroit Bar in Costa Mesa ($10)
The 88 / Hanne Hukkelberg / Jeremiah Streeter / Simon Lynge @ Spaceland ($10) – The 88 continues its Tuesday night residency. They’re joined tonight by Norwegian singer-songwriter, Hanne Hukkelberg.
The Devil Whale / Novi Split / Young Whiskey @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Broken Nobles / Man’s Assassination, Man / Hiking / The Widow Babies @ the Smell ($5)
Kellie Pickler / Bob DiPiero @ House of Blues Sunset Strip ($12.50)
Spacewaves / Molino / Heavy Water Experiments @ Echo Curio
Darfur Benefit: Keaton Simons / Mandi Perkins @ Knitting Factory ($15)
Ed Helms @ Largo ($25)
Sonos @ Hotel Café
Fanfarlo / The Love Language @ Troubadour ($12)
Stab City / Arctic in the Tropic / Lightning Woodcock / Got What? @ Redwood Bar
Frank Turner @ Amoeba (Free) – 7:00 PM

Wednesday 9/16/09
[Pick of the Night] Phoenix / Metric / The Soft Pack @ Greek Theatre ($45) – The new Phoenix record is very catchy.
[Recommended] Monotonix / Signals / TPF! / PROTECT ME @ The Smell ($10) – Israel’s Monotonix is renowned for its energetic live show.
Chairlift / Glasser / John Maus @ Troubadour ($15) – Part of the same Brooklyn scene that brought you MGMT and Yeasayer. Their song “Bruises” (thanks to the iPod Nano commercial) has over 7.7 million plays on Myspace. If they could just get a penny per stream they’d probably make more money off that than they’ll ever make off of touring.
Club NME: Diane Birch @ Spaceland ($12) – Piano playing singer-songwriter with a Carole King thing going on. See her performance on the Today show the other day.
Sea Wolf / Afternoons / Sara Lov @ Glass House in Pomona ($13) – The former Irving bandmates share a bill.
Pinch / N-Type / Gaslamp Killer @ Roxy (Free with RSVP)
French Semester / Team Abraham / Rademacher / Downtown Union @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Old Californio / Well Digger’s Banquet @ Redwood Bar
Dilated Peoples @ The Keyclub ($23)
The Killers @ Hollywood Bowl (Sold Out)
Dirt Dress / Growlers / Audacity / My Pet Saddle @ Bootleg ($10) – Solid bill of promising new local bands.
Low End Theory: Samiyam / Take / Sacred Lefto @ Airliner ($10)
Richard Cheese & Lounge Against the Machine @ The Fonda ($31 - $77)
Esperanza Spalding / John West @ El Rey ($27)
Oak & Gorski @ Hotel Café

Thursday 9/17/09
[Pick of the Night] Timber Timbre / Minor Canon / The Street and Babe Shadow / What Laura Says @ Silverlake Lounge ($8) – Toronto’s Timber Timbre play sweeping, cinematic music. They’re on the Arts & Crafts label. The Minor Canon’s still one of my favorite local bands. The Street and Babe Shadow is Luke Paquin (Hot Hot Heat) and Paige Stark – named after a T. Rex song.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs / The Breeders / Yacht @ Greek Theatre (Sold Out) - I've seen the Yeah Yeah Yeahs a few times over the years but I've just never been a big fan.
Sea Wolf / Afternoons / Sara Lov @ Troubadour ($14) – Sea Wolf and Afternoons both arose out of the Irving breakup.
The Airborne Toxic Event / The Henry Clay People / Red Cortez @ Fox Theater Pomona ($18) - Still working the record out on the road.
The Drones / Model Actress / Bridezilla @ The Echo ($10) – I’ve heard great things about Australia’s the Drones, but still haven’t seen them.
The Gaslight Anthem / Murder By Death / The Loved Ones / Frank Turner @ The Fonda ($19)
Clean Air Clear Stars Pre-Party: Miranda Lee Richards / The Shine Brothers / Highway / Go Fever @ Spaceland ($8) – The kickoff party for this weekend’s festival out at Pappy and Harriet’s in Pioneertown.
Blink-182 / Weezer / Taking Back Sunday / Asher Roth @ Verizon Wireless in Irvine (Sold Out)
The Broken Meters @ Redwood Bar
Brooke White @ The Glass House in Pomona ($21)
Grant Lee Phillips & Christina Courtin @ Largo ($20)
VOICEs VOICEs / Pistol Pistol / Make Moon @ Mr. T’s Bowl
Every Time I Die @ House of Blues Sunset Strip ($20)
Gary Allan / Peter Brandon @ Club Nokia ($30 - $48)
Bajofondo / Anomie Belle @ Mayan Theatre ($27)
Soulive / The Shady Horns @ El Rey ($22)

Friday 9/18/09
[Pick of the Week] Everest / These United States / The Parson Redheads @ Troubadour ($12) – You’ll remember that I was a huge fan of Everest’s debut album. I’m a big Parson Redheads fan too.
Little Boots / Music Go Music / Yes Giantes @ The Roxy ($20) – Dim Mak presents. Should get the kids dancing.
Jon Brion @ Largo ($25)
The Psychedelic Furs / Happy Mondays / Amusement Parks on Fire @ Club Nokia ($28 - $35)
Meat Puppets / Dead Confederate / Ume @ El Rey ($20)
Night Horse / Sea of Air / Emeralds @ Bootleg ($10) – Heavy tunes.
Hanne Hukkelberg @ Hotel Café – If you miss her at Spaceland on Tuesday (I heard she was very engaging).

Platicines / Funeral Party / Layton / Seven Saturdays @ Spaceland ($8)

Lobster Fest: The Bangkok Five / The Binges / Dilana @ Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro
G. Love & Special Sauce @ House of Blues Anaheaim ($23)
Pink / The Ting Tings @ Staples Center ($50 - $75) - I saw Pink hanging out at Spaceland one night and she's surprisingly hot.
Blink-182 / Fall Out Boy / The All-American Rejects @ Verizon Wireless in Irvine
Saccharine Trust / The Urinals / The Chuck Dukowski Sextet / Saturn / Pipsqueak @ The Smell ($5) – Veteran hardcore bands.
Jake La Botz / Rose’s Pawn Shop @ Redwood Bar
Meho Plaza / Octave Cat / Kill Kill Kill / Blinding Light @ Pehrspace
Robbie Fulks @ McCabe’s ($16)
Gipsy Kings @ Greek Theatre ($40 - $120)
Very Be Careful @ The Mint ($12)
Dragonforce / Sonata Arctica @ House of Blues Sunset Strip ($25) – Completely over the top.
The Absynths / Naima Earth / Family Tree Analog @ Echo Curio
Mod Amish / Marasol @ Mr. T’s Bowl
Bajofondo / Anomie Belle @ The Glass House in Pomona ($15)

Saturday 9/19/09
[Pick of the Night] The Pains of Being Pure at Heart / The Depreciation Guild / Cymbals Eat Guitars @ Troubadour ($15) – I saw these guys at Spaceland earlier this year. Better live than you might expect. Cymbals Eat Guitars are getting a ton of buzz lately too.
The Most Serene Republic / The Grates @ Spaceland ($12) – Most Serene Republic is another well respected Canadian band on the Arts & Crafts label. The Grates are a high energy Australian band who I caught in March at SXSW.
Lobster Fest: Los Straightjackets / Rocket / The Henry Clay People / Dios / Dazzler / Shorty's Kiss Band / Love Grenades / Oliver Future @ Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro
Southern Culture on the Skids / Triple Chicken Foot / Speedbuggy / 5 O’Clock Somewhere @ Echoplex
I See Hawks in LA / Gina Villalobos / Elliot Randall @ Bootleg ($10)
The Psychedelic Furs / Happy Mondays / Amusement Parks on Fire @ House of Blues Anaheim ($33)
Cobra Lillies / Moses Campbell / Tommy Santee Klaws / Amanda Jo Williams @ American Legion in Highland Park ($5)

Chelsea Girls / Killola / Go Betty Go! @ the Roxy ($15)
Big Whup / So Many Wizards / American Gil & the Major Dudes / Voice on Tape @ the Smell ($5)
David Scott Stone / Name of the Moon @ L’Keg Gallery
Every Time I Die / Bring Me the Horizon @ The Glass House in Pomona ($22)
Gipsy Kings @ Greek Theatre ($40 - $120)
The Humpers / The Hangmen / Stab City / Barrio Tiger @ Redwood Bar
Hiking / The Deadly Finns / Devon Williams @ Pehrspace
Pink Martini @ Hollywood Bowl ($15 - $116)
Boomkat @ Hotel Café
Porcupine Trio @ Club Nokia ($28 - $38)
Mason Jennings / Crash Kings @ El Rey ($22)
Echoes de Luxe / Mammal / NewClearChild @ Mr. T’s Bowl
CASPA @ House of Blues Sunset Strip ($20)
Gabby La La / The Ukulady / Kit’N Tenders / Javarnanda / Megan Jacobs @ Echo Curio
Facundo Cabral @ Orpheum ($55 - $113)

Sunday 9/20/09
[Pick of the Night] Frightened Rabbit / The Twilight Sad / We Were Promised Jetpacks @ Knitting Factory ($15) – Three Scottish bands. The first two are pretty good – but haven’t heard the third.
[Recommended] India Calling!: Ravi Shankar Centre Ensemble / Rhythm of Rajasthan / Anoushka Shankar @ Hollywood Bowl ($10 - $98) – I like hearing some Ravi Shankar from time to time.
Mount Eerie / No Kids / Karl Blau / Tara Jane O'Neil @ Center for the Arts in Eagle Rock ($10)

Lobster Fest: The Happy Hollows / Gram Rabbit @ Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro
By Sunlight / Shirley Rolls / Last American Buffalo / Chris Garneau @ Spaceland (Free)
The Avengers / Pansy Division / Paul Collin’s Beat @ The Echo ($15) – Veteran Bay Area punk bands.
Brunch Americana: The Vaquetones / The Palominos / Dave Gleason @ Redwood Bar
Pieta Brown / Dead Rock West @ McCabe’s ($15)