Tuesday, November 29, 2005
So The Subways hit their first L.A. stage last night, leaving kids sweaty and numerous A&R salivating. Some of the few hundred or so people in attendance seemed eager for this one, waiting quite a bit early and in the cold no less. Good thinking, I say, since as good as their album is, the songs were stronger live and their understanding of stage dynamics was impressive and at times breathtaking. Just watching bassist Charlotte Cooper strut around the stage was exhausting in itself, which is part of the reason we wimped out and missed out on Circus Minor and MTV Advanced Warning hotties Living Things. Also impressive -- or perhaps more so -- was NYC's Group Sounds for taking on the opening slot and actually getting more than two people to dance. That's a rarity, believe me... Saw some other things in November (Styrofoam, Orenda Fink, 8-bit, The Lovemakers, Stars), but details seem to elude us at the moment -- although I must say that the pairing of The Lovemakers and Veruca Salt was a mistake, especially at such a cavernous venue like the Galaxy Theatre in Santa Ana. We also crossed the Mason-Dixon to Pomona once again to see one of our SD fav's Exfriends. We hear the new record is nearly done. And O.C. kids keep an ear out for this new monthly at La Cave called Revolver Project. Last Saturday's lineup with Richard Swift and Languis was brilliant. Just wish we could say the same about the sound system. Ouch... Oh, and if you're smart enough to come early for The Wrens this Saturday come say hi... "I know it's sad but I love L.A."... and Los Angeles loves you.
Group Sounds - "Goodbye" (MP3)
Group Sounds - "Things Fall Apart" (MP3)
Group Sounds - "Uncontrollable Urge" (Devo cover) (MP3)
Group Sounds - Live EP (MP3s/Zip)
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
This is usually the job of the Pimp, but we thought we'd mention a few shows in the coming days. First, a huge show tonight with Monsters Are Waiting, Mighty Six Ninety and Clear Static at Moscow. I assure you, you won't be disappointed. Tomorrow, locals Gabriel Mann (full band) and The Sweet Hurt are playing at Judd and Maggie's CD release (fantastic record) at the Hotel Cafe. After that, hit up Loose Tooth for some Chicks on Speed after-party craziness. Friday, another great lineup of local punk at the Old Towne Pub in Pasadena with The Mormons, The Monolators, Die Princess Die, Mister and Misses Tribute To Ugliness, and Myrobobedroom. Yes, The Mormons and The Monolators just played last Friday together and if you were there you know not to miss this. Don't forget to see Stars at Amoeba at 4pm (note time change). On Saturday, Shiny Toy Guns opens for The Sounds at Element. And on Sunday, the amazing Styrofoam, Dntel, and Alias grace the Knitting Factory main stage. By the way, if you hadn't noticed most dates are now posted on the right-hand panel, courtesy of Upcoming.org. If you want to join our group over there feel free to add your dates. So maybe we'll see you at around town until then Los Angeles loves you.
Monsters Are Waiting - "Christine" (MP3)
Mighty Six Ninety - "Leave This World" (MP3)
Clear Static - "Make Up Sex" (Mount Sims remix) (QT)
Judd and Maggie - "One Year Past" (QT)
Gabriel Mann - "OK Alone" (M3U)
The Sweet Hurt - "M. Misery" (MP3)
The Mormons - "Half Polyster Protection" (MP3)
The Monolators - "We Fell Dead" (MP3)
Die Princess Die - "The Shakes" (MP3)
Shiny Toy Guns - "Le Disko" (MP3)
Dntel - "Last Songs" (QT Video)
