Wednesday, February 28, 2007
In the last few months gathering statistics on The Deadly Syndrome we've come to realize a certain quantifiable theme to the general feedback for the band.
Industry analysts have been reporting them to be the best thing since Cold War Kids, which we found to be both amusing but relatively accurate. Others have branded them the second coming of Cold War Kids... if the CWK wrote catchy songs. And still others say that the Syndrome seem to be following a very familiar Cold War Kids-esque rollout, from partnerships with hipster blogs to sold out limited edition (and numbered) product.
We can neither confirm nor deny the non-coincidental parallels to those Kids (we think they sound like The Wrens, actually), but if these focus groups are correct in their analysis, the Syndrome should be expecting their own profit growth in 2007 with stocks showing a 3% rise since their Dim Mak takeover. Three words: Buy buy buy.
The Deadly Syndrome on MySpace.
The Deadly Syndrome - "I Hope I Become A Ghost" (MP3)
Rock Insider presents The Deadly Syndrome at El Cid on 3/9. Also look for them at SXSW before heading back to play Radio Free Silverlake's "Let's Independent" on 3/27
Monday, February 26, 2007
Over ten years ago, we first met Fiona Apple at Spaceland under the worst of circumstances.
Many people have passed on the lore of what happened between she and Clare Danes (and Ben Lee) that night but it was really nothing more than the usual happenings that go on between young men and women (on a sidenote, we were actually there to interview Mary Lou Lord and she can recount that evening's festivites much better than we can -- Lord and Apple used to be on the same label Work Group). In any case, what we learned that night was that Ms. Apple was and is a very emotional being, one who pours herself into everything, not always caring of the consequences both good and bad. And so over the years, we've watched her rant at awards shows, fall on her face tripping over cables, and throw tantrums on stage and yet we're still completely in awe of her. Insecure, neurotic personalities make bad friends but even worse enemies. Even more so, it makes for beautiful songs. She's been writing for a new album and there's been talk about her doing a covers record for awhile given all the standards she's been amazing us with lately. Can't wait for the heartache.
Fiona Apple performs a benefit concert at Largo on 3/9. As of this writing, tables are still available. Admission is $75 and worth every penny.
Fiona Apple - "Never Is A Promise" (MP3)
Fiona Apple - "I Know" (Live at Largo)
Thursday, February 22, 2007
No time to dilly-dally today so let's just give you the scoop...
Insiders are abuzz for Jon Brion's show tonight. Don't bother asking what that means. We're not cool enough to know any insiders nor do we know anything about the word 'abuzz'... The Parson Red Heads celebrate the release of their new album King Giraffe on Saturday at Sea Level. We picked it up early to beat the rush (and so we can bump it on West Sunset tonight, holla.)... Georgie James pops on over for a visit from the East Coast next week with shows at Safari Sam's (2/27) and Spaceland (2/28). And, yes, one half of the band will be doing our little show on Sunday. On a related note, just heard Jacob Golden's song "On A Saturday" was used on the season finale of "The O.C.". We didn't watch it but we were actually around The O.C. last night if that counts for anything. In any case, if you're coming (and you should), get there early... Another night of PYPU is upon us down at the Prospector on 2/27 with the fine lineup of Venus Infers, Forcefield ON, and un:armed. That three bands for three bucks business model is hard to beat... Finally, if you haven't seen this month's residency bands be sure to stop by for this last week of February. Unless, of course, free shows are out of your budget.
The Parson Red Heads - "Punctual As Usual" (MP3)
Georgie James - "Grizzly Jive" (MP3)
Venus Infers - "Vanilla Is (the absence of chocolate)" (MP3)
Jon Brion - "Here We Go"
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Some old friends and some new friends will be gathering together for a night of singing, dancing, and of course cuddling. Get there early to see all the action.
The Fold/la-underground presents:
February 25, 2007
Los Angeles Loves...
THE LOW STANDARDS
GREGORY PAGE (with special guest TOM BROSSEAU)
LAURA BURHENN
THE BATTLE OF LAND AND SEA
JACOB GOLDEN
Tangier
2138 Hillhurst Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
7pm sharp
The Low Standards are the musical side project of Angela Correa (Correatown) and Joanie Mendenhall (The Exfriends) that after only a few shows played and a few songs written have already been attracting some attention, most notably from devotees of that little show "The O.C." The now-legendary Gregory Page plays his first real L.A. show in quite a awhile. Mr. Page, who recently got signed after some new recordings (produced by Jason Mraz) found its way around town, will be joined by Tom Brosseau for a few old time ditties. Laura Burhenn is set to go on another big tour with her band Georgie James (the duo featuring John Davis formerly of Q And Not U) but quite graciously added a solo date to her busy schedule. She's one of our all-time favorites, east coast or west. The Battle of Land Sea and Jacob Golden should always be discussed in the same breath given their ties to each other, which is why we had to get both of them for this evening. If we have kept any secrets from you, these two are it.
The Low Standards - "Girl For All Seasons" (MP3)
Laura Burhenn - "Just For the Night" (MP3)
The Battle of Land and Sea - "Saltwater Queen" (MP3)
Gregory Page - "Waltz For A Drunk Angel"
Jacob Golden - "Zero Integrity"
Friday, February 16, 2007
If you were out this past week, you might have caught us sneaking around performances by The Autumns, David Garza (twice), Fiona Apple (twice), Mirah, The Sharp Ease, The Happy Hollows, Great Northern, Patty Griffin (twice), In Waves, Dave Palmer (twice), Rock Insider's "Indie Schmindie" and Upground. But if you stayed home, well, then you probably didn't see us because we stopped stalking you ages ago. After an event-filled week like that, one might think we'd be too lazy for another. Negro please...
Aimee Mann's going anti on you Valentine-loving fools with two sold out shows at Largo tonight and tomorrow. On our recent outings to Largo (in which Fiona debuted one of the most strangely beautiful love songs we've ever heard), we did get some word on who would be the special guests for these special evenings, but we don't love you that much so you'd best be getting in line right about now... Time to break out those rare Throwing Muses white labels when Kristin Hersh's in-store tour comes through town on 2/17 at Amoeba. Her highness recently released the stunning Learn To Sing Like A Star, which features some of the most jaw-dropping songwriting of her career... The incomparable John Wiese gets noisy over at The Smell on 2/17 with no-shirt dancefloor kings Captain Ahab... Two good CD release shows are happening at the Hotel Cafe with The Low Stars (2/19) and Dead Rock West (2/21) while Kissing Cousins celebrate their CD release show at the Echo on 2/20 with the stellar lineup of Wait Think Fast, Nico Stai, and The Monolators. We don't even have to mention that the show is free since everyone was going to be there anyway, right?... In the ongoing hype battle between Cold War Kids vs. Silversun Pickups, CWK tapes Jimmy Kimmel on 2/21 and plays two sold out shows at the El Rey (2/21) and the Troubadour (2/22) while the Pickups are taping both the Tonight Show (2/19) and Carson Daly (2/20) and opening for Snow Patrol at the Gibson (3/2). Indie elitist contempt is at an all-time high.
Oh, by the way, the east coast is freezing right now. Send them your warm thoughts.
Aimee Mann - "Winter Wonderland" (MP3)
Kristin Hersh - "Winter" (MP3)
John Wiese - "Winter Vacation" (MP3)
Kissing Cousins - "Sillhouettes"
Labels: Winter Wears High Heels
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Can anyone argue that getting told 'I love you' feels better than anything in the world? Maybe coming in a close second would be a warm embrace, but words, specifically those words, are magical. And songs with those words are even more magical. So here are some of L.A.'s best heartbreakers for those with or without a hand to hold... We love you.
Lavender Diamond - "You Broke My Heart" (MP3)
Correatown - "Mercurial Heart" (MP3)
Ferraby Lionheart - "Something to Love" (MP3)
Kate Earl - "Someone To Love" (MP3)
Sierra Swan - "Just Tell Me" (MP3)
Inara George - "Fools in Love" (MP3)
Matt Costa - "Astair" (MP3)
Joshua Radin - "Winter" (MP3)
Sylvie Lewis - "By Heart" (MP3)
Tom Brosseau - "That's When Your Heartaches Begin" (MP3)
Note: MP3s will be deleted on 2/15.
It's A Date:
Astra Heights, The Prayers, Wallpaper Airplanes, Ultra High Frequency @ the Silverlake Lounge
The Gray Kid, The Shys @ Spaceland
Albert Hammond, Jr. @ the Troubadour
Dave Palmer @ Largo
Bodies of Water @ the Scene
Charalambides, Pocohaunted, Veer Right Young Pastor, MV & EE @ the Smell
Common @ the House of Blues
Labels: what is love? baby don't hurt me
Monday, February 12, 2007
Apart from her occassional supporting role for Joshua Radin, our first encounter with Priscilla Ahn was a little show at El Cid about a year ago that pretty much had us convinced there was something more to this lady than a pretty face. Like Radin, she comes to L.A. from the Northeast, but has a charming vocal/songwriting style reminiscent of some familiar New Zealander/Aussies like Bic Runga, Angie Hart, and Merril Bainbridge. The other obvious comparison would be Lisa Hannigan but we're kind of bored of that one -- and she probably is too.
In late 2006, Ms. Ahn quietly released a little EP of tunes showcasing this charming style we speak of and recently it has not-so-quietly wound up on the top of every A&R scout's listening stack. This of course meant we had to purchase our usual excessive amounts and attend one more show before the nose bleed seat era begins. Not only that but she also went out of her way to invite the now-legendary Joey Waronker (who produced the EP) and the-man-in-every-band Gus Seyffert to play.
The prettiness in her voice has nearly reached its apex (with or without the clever use of looping pedals) and she's never been more dorky cute. Audience declarations such as "too adorable" were just as loud as all the giggling to such memorable one-liners as "I just farted". So silly. Pretty girls with pretty voices don't fart.
Priscilla Ahn opens for Alexi Murdoch at the El Rey on 3/2. Her self-titled EP is available on iTunes and through Filter. Non EP track "Lullaby" available for download on her MySpace.
Priscilla Ahn - "Rain" (MP3)
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Well, that was a busy week. What with CD release shows, SXSW official announcements, Ozzfest becoming a freefest, and Van Halen joining Crowded House and The Police on the reunion bandwagon, it finally feels like 2007 is in full gear. This week should be a piece of cake...
The genius that is David Garza shall be re-explored tonight at Largo by most likely all of us who think he's one of the finest singer-songwriters of his generation. We hear he's already in the double double digits in songs prepared for his next opus, which will likely have a familiar cast of tunesmiths known throughout the Largo brotherhood. Don't be surprised if Garza is joined by a few of them for tonight's show, his first in a few months since the injury... Also this evening, The SoftLightes celebrate the release of their sweet new record Say No To Being Cool - Say Yes To Being Happy -- although, admittedly, we probably wouldn't have as much interest in them if it were not for the Dunn/Fogarty half of the band contributing that signature El Ten Eleven sound. ETE, by the way, perform at No Future on 2/16 and at The Scene on 2/17... The goddess that is Patty Griffin returns next week to Los Angeles after a long time away. While this visit is only to promo her magnificent new album Children Running Through, we'll take what we can get. She'll be teasing us with an intimate showcase at the Hotel Cafe on 2/13 before getting back to the bright lights and big venues on 3/13 at the Wiltern... And lastly, those funky post-punky Canucks They Shoot Horses Don't They stop in town on 2/13 at the Knitting Factory. Boo Hoo Hoo Boo will be re-released on KRS on 2/21.
David Garza - "For Keeps" (MP3)
The SoftLightes - "Girlkillsbear" (Lo-Fi-Fnk Remix) (MP3)
El Ten Eleven - "Lorge" (MP3)
They Shoot Horses Don't They - "Emptyhead" (MP3)
Patty Griffin - "Rain"
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
We're not doing a lot in terms of show reviews much anymore since no one really reads such things but we felt we had to say a little something about Tom Brosseau's CD release show was last night at Largo. Not only did he play pretty much every song we love in his repertoire (which is basically every song in his repertoire) but he brought along some of our favorites to celebrate the night in typical Largo fashion.
To say Brosseau has come a long way since playing retirement homes in San Diego is obviously an understatement. But being signed to two record labels, releasing five phenomenal albums, and hanging out with hipster celebrity musicians still hasn't changed the soft-spoken North Dakotan... too much. This time around he invited the likes of Hilary Hahn, John Doe, Sara and Sean Watkins, Benmont Tench, Sam Jones and Gregory Page for a night of country folk jamming in the round that had a crowd of the scene's biggest folk followers (John C. Reilly, members of Winter Flowers to name a few) raving their approval. His duet with Hahn on "Blue Part of the Windshield" will go down as one of most beautifully written songs of the decade.
Tom Brosseau performs a free in-store at Fingerprints records in Long Beach on 2/8 with Sparklehorse.
Tom Brosseau - "Blue Part of the Windshield" (MP3)
Friday, February 02, 2007
Much on the agenda this evening and coming week...
For appetizers head on over to the Getty for an early show with The Watson Twins then we'll be trotting across town to the Echo for TATE and The Deadly Syndrome at the Echo since we owe Mikel a fiver, and for a nightcap, The Monolators put together a good one with I Make This Sound, Repeater, and The Breakups... Tomorrow, 400 Blows and Ninja Academy will completely obliterate the Old Towne Pub... On Tuesday (2/6), Tom Brosseau celebrates the release of his outstanding new album Grand Forks at Largo with special guests John Doe, Gregory Page, Hillary Hahn, and others... February residencies this month include Division Day at Spaceland (Mondays), In Waves at El Cid/Silverlake Lounge (Tuesdays), Eastern Conference Champions (newly transplanted from Philly) at the Silverlake Lounge (Mondays), Simon Dawes at the Echo (Mondays), The Afterhours at Spaceland (Sundays), Northern at the Key Club (Tuesdays), and The Watkins Family Hour at Largo (Thursdays).
The Airborne Toxic Event - "The Girls in Their Summer Dresses" (MP3)
I Make This Sound - "Macaroni Art, For You" (MP3)
400 Blows - "The Sore Thumb" (MP3)
Eastern Conference Champions - "Nice Clean Shirt" (MP3)
Simon Dawes - "Awful Things"
Labels: hi mom
