Friday, February 29, 2008
We were away for part of this week so we missed some things, but did manage to visit the Echo last night for Mezzanine Owls' 7" release show out now through JAXART. It was a great night. And great nights usually spawn great reviews and the presence of great attendees (members of Colorforms, B.R.A.M., Henry Clay, The Front/The Useless Keys, Correatown, Charlie Wadhams, Electrocute, and bloggers galore). There were also quite a few industry peeps checking out Mez before South by, one of whom had the audacity of asking us who we were there to see. We, of course, gave our standard answer in "Bands, what bands? We're here for The Echo Burger and to hit on that girl who always hands out Dewar's $3 flyers at the door." Seriously, though... Not even the dozens of people who approached the Owls after the show to give them the obligatory "great show"/handshake routine know how good they actually are.
Amnion performs on "Demolisten" (with some special guests) tonight for the big Leap Year show. Donita Sparks celebrates the release of her new album Transmiticate at Safari Sam's with 400 Blows and Ninja Academy. Spindrift, Spirit Army, Moonrats, and Restaurant at Spaceland. Buddy opens for Tilly and the Wall at The Echo. The Health Club, Daniel Ahearn, and Queen Kwong at the Curio. And Pizza! at L'KEG... Saturday, The Ditty Bops play a sold out show at McCabe's. Aceyalone and Crown City Rockers hit the mic at Temple Bar. In Waves open for Holy Fuck and A Place To Bury Strangers. Huge lineup at T's with Seasons, Bedroom Walls, I Make This Sound, Kind Hearts and Coronets, and boxViolet. The Chinese Stars, 400 Blows, and Die Princess Die at Old Towne Pub... Spaceland celebrates 13 years on Sunday with a huge lineup starting at noon including 400 Blows, Wiskey Biscuit, Earlimart, Radar Bros., The Movies, The Tyde, Let's Go Sailing, and many others. Kristin Hersh plays an intimate show at McCabe's. Colorforms and Alex & Sam at Tangier. Midnight Movies open for Spectrum at The Echo.
Pizza! - "Houses" (MP3)
Aceyalone - "Sound Gun" (MP3)
Kristin Hersh - "Day Glow" (MP3)
Monday, February 25, 2008
Saturday was simply one of the greatest nights we've ever been apart of... Dancing, hugging, singing, clapping, cuddling, kissing, holding hands, and, yes, some fainting, all we know is that there's going to be a baby boom nine months from Saturday night.
Avi Buffalo - We'll probably do so many shows with this band they'll get sick of us soon. But it's going to be oh so fun watching them become one of the best bands in Los Angeles. Believe it.
Phoenix and the Turtle - More enchanting and grandiose than ever before. They're already probably the best band in all of San Bernardino County and it's only a matter of time before Los Angeles takes notice. But we're positive if their MySpace read "Sheffield, UK" instead of "Yucaipa, CA" they'd already be on the cover of Rolling Stone by now.
The Special Guests - Between covers of The Beatles ("Real Love"), M.I.A. ("Paper Planes"), Otis Redding ("These Arms of Mine"), and Sunday school hymns ("I Don't Know About Tomorrow"), they gave a us a new song or two, all of which were equally faint-inducing.
Amnion - If you can imagine what joy, hope, and gentility would be like in musical form, that would only be a fraction of what this band is about. We congratulate them on the release of their debut album and for making everyone want to call their Mothers to tell them "I love you."
Special thanks to Pauline, Meredith, and everyone at pehrspace for being so great when we were running so late. It is always a pleasure to spend a night with you... Thanks to DJ Boy Without Oringe for interlacing Tycho and Prefuse 73 with locals Ema and the Ghosts and Lukas Haas just like we dreamed. And, of course, to everyone who came out on a beautifully rainy night and being so supportive in times of crisis... Photos up.
Monthly residencies come to a sad end. We're sure you've heard by now how good they have been so you might want to take a light nap for a long night out. Also tonight, Solare, The Valley Arena, and Exit Music lead a stellar local lineup at the Troubadour. Ex-wife Sarah Silverman discusses our failed marriage at Largo. The inseparable Dorian Wood, Killsonic, and Liz Pappademas huddle up at The Bordello. And The Shys take over the last Monday at the Silverlake Lounge... Correatown returns from a month-long trip of the U.S. to play The Bordello on Tuesday. Anna Waronker plays a rare date at Largo. The Pity Party and Softlightes hit up PYPU down at the Prospector. And You Me and Iowa, The Natural Disasters, and Blanket bring it to The Scene... On Wednesday, Castledoor opens for British Sea Power at The Echo. "The Office's" B.J. Novak does some post-strike stand-up at Largo. The Oohlas open for Stellastarr* at the Troubadour. 8mm, Black Black, Miniature Tigers, and Edison Gem play the Knitting Factory. The Icarus Line at La Cita. And My Pet Saddle do Moscow... Thursday, Mezzanine Owls celebrate the release of their new 7" at The Echo with friends The Mae Shi, Eagle and Talon, and Frankel. The Kids of Widney High has a CD release show at Amoeba. Janet, Ms. Jackson if you're nasty, does an in-store at Virgin Mega (locals should avoid Hollywood & Highland at all cost). Novatunes launch party at the Knitting Factory with Meiko, Lowstars, AM, and others. The Flying Tourbillon Orchestra, The French Semester, and Marvelous Toy order up the bbq special down at The Prospector. Metromix launch party with Diplo on deck. And Meredith Meyer sings songs at Crane's...
In other news: The Airborne Toxic Event is scheduled to perform on Last Call with Carson Daly on 4/22. We totally need your autograph now, boys and girl.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Last night was really fun. That was kind of predictable though. So predictable that we actually pre-posted "Last night was really fun" a few days ago. Seriously, though, who knew pretzels could bring so many great people together?... Friends of Dennis Wilson were more psychedelic shoegazer than we last remember them a year ago (and that's a good thing). Wait Think Fast's new songs are beautiful and the new band is coming together quite nicely. Summer Darling is simply one of the best bands in Los Angeles that people need to hear more of. Seriously, Los Angeles, you are missing out. And, temporarily returning to a 3-piece for the next few shows, The Monolators once again finished off the night pummeling through their set in record time. Special shout out to Ben from CGT (sorry, we simply don't have the courage to refer you by the name "Mouse") for breaking his cherry with his first show and for being pretty much the coolest person in the room. It only gets better after the first time... Next one is 4/17. Photos up.
The Transmissions are tonight's guests on Demolisten. Foot Foot celebrates the release of their new album at pehrspace with Divisadero and others. No Age opens for Liars at the El Rey. Anavan and Bad Dudes at The Smell. Astra Heights and Something For Rockets open for The Lovemakers (who seriously need to move to L.A. already). The Gray Kid and Piel play Spaceland. Jon Brion returns for a few nights... Saturday, if you simply can't make it to our show at pehr, go see the incomparable Paul Roessler play a super-rare show at The Cocaine (!). Henry Clay and The Year Zero down at the Prospector. Gliss at Vertigo's. Buddy and James Combs play El Cid. My Pet Saddle and Sabrosa Purr open for The Redwalls at the Knit. And Ladyparty IV at the Bang Theater with special guest performer Nellie McKay... Neil Hamburger and Tom Green tickle funny bones at Spaceland on Sunday. Another great lineup at All Star Lanes with No Little Kindness, Teddy's Cheer Club, and Seasons.
We're really excited for Saturday's show. Hopefully you can make it.
The Lovemakers - "Naturally Lonely (Radio edit)" (MP3)
Paul Roessler - "Dance of The Severed Parts" (MP3)
Piel - "Psychic Radio" (MP3)
Thursday, February 21, 2008
We are, oh, so pleased to be presenting the Amnion CD release show for their debut album AmenNamO. It has been a long journey for the band, a journey that will culminate in an evening of music with friends, both new and old, at pehrspace on February 23rd. We hope that you may take part in this gathering for we think it will be a night to remember.
February 23, 2008
Los Angeles Loves... AmenNamO
AMNION CD release
PHOENIX AND THE TURTLE
AVI BUFFALO
and very special guests
pehrspace
325 Glendale Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026 | Map
All Ages / $5 Donation / 9pm
Amnion - "1LOVe" (MP3)
Phoenix and the Turtle - "It's Not You It's Me" (MP3)
Avi Buffalo - "Distaste and Interest" (MP3)
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
These kids don't play like kids.
When we were in high school, we played in a hardcore punk band for the same reason everyone plays in a hardcore punk band: Three-chord songs are easy and personal hygiene is stupid. So if we ever went head to head in a battle of the bands with the likes of Avi Buffalo, whose "well-groomed" musicianship and songwriting are far beyond their teenage years, we would have first complained that it's totally unfair that one could write songs with as many hooks and chord changes as they do. Then we would have protested the credibility of anyone 16 years old even imagining a song as good as "Where's Your Dirty Mind?"... or "Suns"... or "Truth Sets In".
Then we would have gotten our three-chord loving asses handed to us.
We first saw Avi Buffalo as a member of the South Bay pop/folk troupe Boris Smile but only recently became aware of his own band, consisting of Joel Jasper (guitar), Rebecca Coleman (keyboards), Andrew Celik (bass), and Sheridan Riley (drums). Being this young, there's a little bit of the "adorable" factor with the band, both sonically and aesthetically. Though, considering the level of depth and sophistication to their writing, it's more "charming" than "cute" in a way that should make fans of Death Cab, Rilo Kiley, and Built to Spill quite excited.
And how excited are we? So excited we had to have them for two our biggest shows ever at pehrspace (2/23) and Mr. T's Bowl (3/22), something we haven't done in awhile... But you should get on the bandwagon before that -- we got shotgun.
Some recent photos posted here.
Avi Buffalo - "Where's Your Dirty Mind?" (MP3)
Avi Buffalo - "Suns" (MP3)
Avi Buffalo - "Truth Sets In" (MP3)
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Get ready for a new bi-monthly at The Scene called "Rock with a Twist".
Hosted by The Monolators and co-presented by C to the G to the T, we're excited to be apart of such a fun and yummy idea to get great bands together for a night. Leave it to Mary Monolator (the Betty Crocker of indie rock) to come up with having free homemade pretzels with various kinds of dipping sauces for everyone to enjoy with their brewski (or in our case a warm glass of non-fat organic soy milk). As if we needed a reason to go out and see the likes of Summer Darling, Wait Think Fast, Friends of Dennis Wilson (Monolators' friends from Detroit Rock City filling in last-minute for Shirley Rolls), and The Monolators for free, they've gone and put the icing on the cake (or the mustard on the pretzel). Hope to see you there.
February 21, 2008
Los Angeles Loves... Rock with a Twist
featuring:
SUMMER DARLING
WAIT THINK FAST
FRIENDS OF DENNIS WILSON
and THE MONOLATORS
DJ BOY WITHOUT ORINGE
The Scene
806 E. Colorado St.
Glendale, CA 91205 | Map
21+ / FREE / 9pm
Wait Think Fast - "Lightning" (MP3)
Summer Darling - "Barren Womb" (MP3)
Monday, February 18, 2008
This is going to be a busy week so no cute stories today... Ok, just one.
James Wilsey, the legendary master of clean tone and guitar moans, celebrates the release of his new album El Dorado at Safari Sam's on Tuesday. Known mostly for his work on Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game", but more importantly with The Avengers (opening for the Sex Pistols' infamous last show at Winterland), The Mysteries, and recently Miss Derringer, Mr. Wilsey has been a looong-time favorite of ours -- especially when he relocated to Los Angeles ten years ago. The new album is terrific (listen to "Untamed" on his MySpace).
Residencies continue, but be sure to also support The Health Club, The Youngs, and weyou. at The Bordello or Anni Rossi, Ema and the Ghosts, and others at pehrspace. Also, tonight is Robert Francis' last night of his residency as he's had to cancel the final night to go on tour with Missy Higgins... Meiko is the guest on MBE on Tuesday. Another round of "Let's Independent" at Boardner's. Sara Lov opens for Keren Ann/Dean & Britta at the El Rey. Amazing lineup of Pocahaunted, Magic Lantern, Mountain Party, and Headdress at Echo Curio. Redcar/Sierra Swan at Largo. And Jesca Hoop opens for Van Hunt at the Temple Bar... And, on Thursday, check out the benefit for Qui's Matt Cronk (who recently suffered multiple strokes) and Manny's Wetanddry Studios featuring performances by The Icarus Line, Darker My Love, Hit Me Back, Tweak Bird, and Crystal Antlers.
We're also helping with two shows this week on 2/21 at The Scene and 2/23 at pehrspace. We'll post about them in a sec.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Those not aware that last night was the final show for The Front missed an incredible performance from the band. Absolutely incredible. Photos from the show and others this past week have been posted. Look for video by the "Dear LA" crew to be posted soon. Joshua Lanes has some nice words that wrapped up the night.
Anyone having to mend a broken heart have got a three-day weekend to do so... Tonight, the Hotel Cafe put together a wonderful cast of L.A.'s finest ladies with Carina Round, Emma Burgess, Emily Wells, and Calamity Magnet. Foreign Born opens for St. Vincent at the Echoplex. Stellar hip-hop lineup at the Mansion with Fatlip, Boom Bip and Styles of Beyond. Golden State and Gene Loves Jezebel at Viper. Shadow, Chemist, and Koala at The Wiltern... Saturday, 826 Benefit at Largo with the suddenly everywhere Zooey Deschanel. The Hotel Cafe counters with a big benefit of their own for Schoolhouse. Aloe Blacc rocks the mic at the Temple Bar. Los Super Elegantes starts off a wild party at Echoplex... On No-School-Tomorrow-Sunday, Har Mar's presence is requested at Spaceland playing on Electrocute's not-free-on-this-night residency. Hit up another round of Alex & Sam at Tangier where they're taking cover requests. The Bass Sessions party scheduled for the Mansion has been moved to the Fonda.
Sounds fun.
Emily Wells - "Mt. Washington" (MP3)
Fatlip - "Today's Your Day (Whachagonedu)" (featuring Chali 2na) (MP3)
Har Mar Superstar - "Brand New Day" (MP3)
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Valentine's Day is all about love and occasionally... forbidden love. We've been the secret admirers of many a Los Angeleno so let this be the day to prove it. Close your eyes, this might get messy...
Pleasant People of Henry Clay,
You make everyone giddy and giggle and, yes, google up the name "Henry Clay". Your signature front kicks on the downbeat are miraculous, especially when they come dangerously close to those crashing about to renditions of songs we all love. We will love you long past your current weekly tenure.
Forever,
Your Secret Admirers
Merriest Monolators,
Masters of the midnight hour... always singing songs whilst most of the city sleeps. Though you do make the wide-eyed dance with glee while you sing of eagles fighting zebras and strawberry roans. Your happiness is our happiness.
Love,
Your Secret Admirers
Kindest Castledoor,
How much fun we had with you skipping down Silver Lake stairways and driveways, singing and laughing. Soon, others will see what we have seen when you, how do you put it, YouTube that bitch.
Love always,
Les Voyeurs
Oh Captain Ahab,
Your flare for nudity and dance causes much pleasure in our pants.
Love,
Thine Bitches
My Fair Lady of Space Mtn,
It has been forever and a year since our last embrace.
Shall we shed another tear until we are face to face?
Yours Always,
Those Who Adore You
Heavenly Happy Hollows,
We have long fantasized of a day when we would be in the presence of a fine lady and two perfect gentlemen thrashing and rolling about in the precise and harmonious furor for which you command. You are a dream. A dream above all dreams.
Love always,
Your Secret Admirers
Mystical Light of Amnion,
Oh, how you enchant us with your wondrous ways.
And what big surprises there will be in the coming days...
Forever and ever,
Your Friends and Followers
Dearest Arlo,
The kindest soundman in all the land.
Playing vintage punk and jazz in between bands.
Greeting everyone with a shake of the hand.
You have no idea (we're),
Your biggest fans
Sir Rademacher,
Why do you tease us so with these occasional visits? Have we not been accommodating enough for a more permanent stay? We implore thee, make haste for a fixtured residence. And we will be forever yours.
Two Hundred Miles Away,
Southerly
Sweetest of Sweet Hurt,
Everywhere we go, you are there.
Please forever know, we still care.
Sincerely always,
Your Oldest Friends
Dearest Airborne Toxic Event,
We will always remember our first time together but each night with you seems equally unforgettable. It is an honor to be in the same history in which you are now making.
Truly,
Thy Humble Servants
Fine Fellows of The Front,
Tonight may be the last night we will ever see you but we will always have the memories of drinking spirits together while talking of things of vanity and such.
Forever Yours,
Front Fans Fo' Life
Limited time downloads just for Valentine's Day...
Becky Stark - "What Is Love" (MP3)
Bodies of Water - "Love Will Call You By Name" (MP3)
Captain Ahab - "Make You Love Me" (MP3)
Castledoor - "Magnetic Forces" (MP3)
Chris Holmes - "Holding Out For Love" (MP3)
Dead Rock West - "Burning House Of Love" (MP3)
Emma Burgess - "Your Love" (MP3)
Ferraby Lionheart - "Something to Love" (MP3)
Gliss - "I Want You" (MP3)
Holly Palmer - "Girl in Lust" (MP3)
Inara George - "Fools In Love" (MP3)
Jacob Golden - "Love You" (MP3)
Kate Earl - "Someone To Love" (MP3)
Meiko - "Reasons to Love You" (MP3)
The Bird & the Bee - "I'm A Broken Heart" (MP3)
The Ditty Bops - "Bye Bye Love" (MP3)
Sylvie Lewis - "Valentine's Day" (MP3)
The Starvations - "Last Night I Had A Nightmare We Got Married" (MP3)
Tenlons Fort - "I Don't Have to Love" (MP3)
Tsar - "The Love Explosion" (MP3)
Also, check out other Valentine's Day-related events/stuff out...
The Bird & the Bee E-card
A Fine Frenzy E-card
The Raveonettes Valentine's Day Playlist
Mellowdrone V-Day Flickr Gallery
The Entrance Band V-Day show @ the Silverlake Lounge
Feast on My Heart @ Cha Cha and playlist
Valentine's Day @ the Shortstop
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
The Front will play their last show ever tomorrow at The Prospector. So any Front fans already suffering from a broken heart on Valentine's Day should definitely keep away from sharp objects.
Chris Checkman is homeless and we're trying to figure out what we can do to help the man out. He recently started blogging on MySpace (thank you, Allah) and, agree or disagree with his opinions, actions, or his entire being, we still think the guy deserves a place to hang his hat. Even if he could take the dead hour slot at some radio station, that would keep him off the streets at night. Checkman fans unite, dammit.
Eskimohunter is looking for a keyboardist. Listen to the band and only contact them if you get what they're doing. Those without an impressive wardrobe of white apparel need not apply. Tighty whities don't count.
Princeton is looking for a new drummer. While Tiger Alumni are preferred, graduates of any Ivy League school will be considered. Junior College transfers with GPAs less than a 4.2 will be laughed at.
Jon Brion finally started an official MySpace a few months ago. So you can finally geek out about how much of a genius he is or how much he's inspired you as a musician or how much you would like to work with him... Yeah, all that and he won't even comment back.
Alex & Sam's Sunday residency has been extended through March. Last week, we do believe we spotted members of Cat Hair Ensemble, HoneyHoney, The Breakups, and The Sweet Hurt in attendance as well as The Tainster, vying for video blogger of the year. A&S also recently launched a new website with several free downloads.
The Mormons broke up again (or did they?)...
Metromix continues its aggressive push to compete with L.A. Weekly for hipster readership with the launch of its print edition out on stands (strategically) today. The online version of Metromix launched last summer is owned by the Tribune Co., which of course is the parent company of the L.A. Times... Now, boys and girls, play nice. We all know what happened last time.
Kristin Hersh will be including excerpts from her soon-to-be-published memoir "Paradoxical Undressing" in her weekly e-newsletter (distributed every Wednesday).
We'll probably see all of four of you at The Echo tonight. It's going to be handclap-tastic.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
2008 is all about the EP. They're like the Hannah Montana Obama of recorded material. So how lucky are we to have two of L.A.'s finest celebrating the release of their respective EPs on the same night? I Make This Sound's Staring at Yourself and The Breakups' Eat Your Heart Out might not get the attention of a Graduation vs. Curtis, especially since both bands are habitual bedfellows in L.A.'s popscene, not to mention literally joined at the hip (the 'hip' being keyboardist Jillinda Palmer). But Kanye and Fiddy only wish they could battle it out over EPs this good.
It would be in good taste to not stop the music.
Notes: IMTS poster artwork by the Ivan Minsloff. A few copies will be available the night of the show. The Breakups poster design by The Breakups... Those who attended Monday's Echo show should see a full reunion on Wednesday because two days is too long to be apart.
February 13, 2008
I MAKE THIS SOUND EP release
THE BREAKUPS EP release
LE SWITCH
AMATEURS
The Echo
1822 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026 | Map
9pm / Free / 21+
I Make This Sound - "One, Two, Three!" (MP3)
The Breakups - "After The Fact" (MP3)
Monday, February 11, 2008
It's not even Valentine's Day yet, but boy did we get some lovin' this past weekend. We're a bit dizzy from it all but all we know is that it's Monday again and apparently we need to post some kind of update...
The Monday residencies started off great last week -- expect some surprise guests for Henry Clay People's "all covers" night, which you can probably guess from all the happy comments Joey is leaving everywhere that it's going to be amazing. But the residencies get some competition with an unbelievable lineup at All Star with 400 Blows, Crystal Antlers, and the L.A. debut of The Night Marchers featuring members of Rocket from the Crypt and Hot Snakes. Then there's the equally fantastic lineup of HEALTH, Dinosaurs with Horns, and Everybody at pehrspace. Expect some mind/fist bruising for those shows... I Make This Sound/The Breakups EP releases at The Echo on Wednesday. Ferraby Lionheart tickles the upright at the Hotel Cafe on 2/13 while Dave Palmer tickles the upright at Largo. Big name stuff: Rufus Wainwright (2/12), Talkdemonic (2/12), Rhett Miller (2/12), Rhys Darby (2/12), Willie Nelson (2/13), Aretha Frankling (2/14, 2/15), Jill Scott (2/14).
Other notes: Correatown reports that $400 in donations was made out to Bicycle Kitchen at the show a few weeks back. Cheers to everyone involved. That's way more than the monthly payments we make for our new Hummer H3... Nice set of questions answered by The Pity Party... Good guest DJ set by Graham Lathrop of Robert Francis's band today on Revolver. Especially the Link Wray nod. Go see Robert Francis on Mondays at the SLL and read about him here... And this review just made us cry.
Friday, February 08, 2008
First of all, congratulations to Summer Darling on a wonderful EP release show last night at Charlie O's. The evening was also highlighted with great performances by Twilight Sleep and You Me & Iowa and celebrated with a room full of friends and fans including members of Wait Think Fast, The Monolators, Kissing Cousins, Silversun Pickups, and Nico Stai (some of whom joined Summer Darling for a tambourine-filled rendition of "Little Armenia").
So we all know a few Brits (Kooks, Brand New Heavies, Furries, Editors) are in town this weekend but do be sure to also put some locals on your to-do list:
Amnion plays a last-minute show at Spaceland tonight. Peter Case leads the big Yep Roc showcase at The Mint. And Bad Dudes, Rumspringa, and Halloween Swim Team sniff The Smell... Take a trip down to the South Bay on Saturday with The Happy Hollows and Free Moral Agents at The Prospector, The Airborne Toxic Event at the Detroit Bar, and Death to Anders at the Que Sera. Meanwhile, some South Bay bands are returning the favor with Crystal Antlers (who according to the 3,238 MySpace bulletins today, got their gear stolen the other night) playing The Scene and Foot Foot playing Echo Curio... On Sunday, get in line early for Alex & Sam's residency when they welcome the lovely Liz Pappademas. Electrocute invites the great Lady Tigra and B.R.A.M. to Spaceland. Oliver Future and Angie Mattson play the Hotel Cafe. And be sure to check out the always-fun $ucka Free $undays for Writer and Original Colonies.
Death to Anders - "Camera Lens" (MP3)
Foot Foot - "Shasta Heavy" (MP3)
Liz Pappademas - "Soldier's Girls" (MP3)
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
The almighty Aquarium Drunkard presents a great lineup at the Silverlake Lounge tonight. The almighty Willoughby performs at Tangier with the wonderful Bukka Allen (back home where he belongs). Miranda Lee Richards returns from her tour with Tim Finn for another round of Marathon Live... Tomorrow, be sure to hit up the Summer Darling release show. Otherwise, head out to "The Last American Valentine" book release party at the Found with performances by We Barbarians, Gliss, and members of Cold War Kids. A very intriguing lineup of Ceci Bastida, Free Moral Agents, and others at The Bordello. And Lilys and Magic Mirror at The Echo.
Times review of The Entrance Band's acoustic show last Sunday here and Rickie Lee Jones' residency kickoff here... Gran Ronde write up here. Results for L.A. Record's "Best of" poll are now available. Congrats to The Happy Hollows and B.R.M.C... Nice write-up on Miss Derringer... New transplant to Los Angeles Greg Laswell already off to tour... Warner Bros. Records wants Chronic.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
It's been four long years since their debut album I Know You -- I Never Knew You, but the wait is finally over. Summer Darling celebrates the release of their new digital EP Health of Others on Thursday (2/7) at Charlie O's. Its the first of a trilogy of EPs that will culminate in one album due at the end of the year. For the release show, however, the band won't have CDs or vinyl for sale. Instead they'll save you the trouble of ripping them to your iPod and have all the EP tracks -- as well as some exclusive bonus material -- in one custom made Summer Darling flash drive. Pretty awesome, we think. And so will be this night...
"Health of Others" is now available on iTunes and Emusic.
February 7, 2008
SUMMER DARLING EP release show
TWILIGHT SLEEP
YOU ME & IOWA
Charlie O's (at the Alexandria Hotel)
501 S. Spring St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013 | Map
9pm / 21+ / Free
Summer Darling - "Barren Womb" (MP3)
Monday, February 04, 2008
Thanks to everyone who made it out on Friday. Really fun night and all the bands were fantastic. Photos up at the usual spot.
Stopped by Club Bang just to support Gran Ronde's EP release party on Saturday. Don't really do the 18+ club scene anymore (and neither should anyone 21+) so we instantly felt like a chaperone at a high school dance, circa 1986 "Pretty in Pink". It was pretty fun actually, making sure kids weren't spiking the fruit punch bowl or smoking in the boys roo. Gran Ronde's party for all us old chaperones will be held at The Bordello on 2/6... Speaking of EPs, we spot 285 L.A. bands celebrating the release of an EP this month and we're only slightly exaggerating. Gran Ronde (2/6), Summer Darling (2/7), I Make This Sound (2/13), The Breakups (2/13), and The Henry Clay People (February residency) are all getting in the extended play action. And let's not forget the LP releases (which are basically double EPs) from Amnion, James Wilsey, The Harpeth Trace, and Foot Foot. And of course there's Mezzanine Owls' 7" single release on 2/28 which are like mini-EPs.
Tons of great bands playing multi-weeks this month: Rickie Lee Jones, The Henry Clay People, The Pity Party, The Entrance Band, The Watkins Family Hour, Robert Francis, We Barbarians, Alex & Sam/Dustin Boyer, The Weather Underground, Electrocute, Pop Noir, Macy Gray, and Nellie McKay.
We're helping with a few shows this month, 2/21 at The Scene for the debut of "Rock with a Twist" co-presented with CGT and 2/23 at pehrspace, the CD release show for Amnion. Details coming soon but these are going to be awesome.
Gran Ronde - "Wisdom" (Live at The Roxy)
Saturday, February 02, 2008
A certain record label executive recently asked us who we thought was going to be the breakout star of 2008. A flood of band names raced through our mind, but as we were about to get to the obvious ones of Castledoor, Airborne, or Hollows, we surprised even ourselves and blurted out, "Alex & Sam."
"Alex & Sam?", they replied. "Who's that?"
They obviously weren't at Tangier on November 18th 2007. That night was the coming out party of one of the most delightful new groups to emerge out of the Los Angeles music scene in recent years. They showcased a charming collection of jazz-inflected pop/folk original tunes that combine the classic feel of Cole Porter and Hoagy Carmichael with the poetic sophistication of Nick Drake and Elliott Smith. And it was lovely.
The packed audience of friends and bystanders witnessed something special that night. Something perfect and effortless. Something smart and refined. Something likely to be huge in 2008.
Alex & Sam have the Sunday residency at Tangier in February for The Fold. Early arrival is strongly suggested. Ms. Sam Sidley recently successfully auditioned for "American Idol," which of course caused a spike to their MySpace page (as if their shows weren't crowded enough). Purchase advance tickets here... New EP "Sounds Like This" available at shows and through their MySpace.
Photos from the Tangier show here.
Alex & Sam - "Found Our Way" (MP3)
Alex & Sam - "See You Through" (MP3)
Friday, February 01, 2008
With all our ramblings out of the way and one big farewell to January with a huge show at Spaceland last night, we're finally ready to start the new year with the first weekend of febrrum, the month of purification. So let us cleanse our souls or soles and get out to see some shows...
Tonight: Bodies of Water, creators of our favorite album in 2007, kicks off the new year with a show at The Echo with Castaneda. The album was recently re-released through Secretly Canadian and a new album through the label will be out this summer. Autolux and HEALTH get noisy at the El Rey. A-Trak and Kid Sister do First Fridays at the Natural History Museum. 400 Blows make their 2008 debut at Relax Bar. Biirdie, My Pet Saddle, HT Heartache, and Sons and Lovers do Spaceland. Ima Robot will sell out the Detroit Bar (like last time). Matt Costa begins a two-night affair at the Troubadour. Nellie McKay begins a two-week affair at Largo. The almighty Los Lobos play Royce Hall. Mika Miko and Nasa Space Universe do a boat party in Long Beach. And, yeah, then there's our show at Mr. T's Bowl... Saturday, The Deadly Syndrome headline at The Scene. Cheb i Sabbah celebrates the release of his new lovely album Devotion, just released on Six Degrees, at Temple Bar. Mere Mortals, Xu Xu Fang, and The Black Kites get psychedelic at Spaceland. The Transmissions and Springtime is Wartime lead the way at Mr. T's Bowl. BT's scheduled appearance at the Vanguard on Saturday has been postponed. There has been a lot of controversy regarding the kidnapping of his daughter -- if it was real or a way to promote his new album. Yeah, the whole thing is pretty ugly, but she was then suddenly found a few weeks ago amidst all the hoax rumors, followed by the postponement of several shows. Hmm... Arthur Magazine begins their Sunday Evening series at McCabe's with The Entrance Band, White Rainbow, and Winter Flowers. Alex and Sam, creators of our favorite EP of 2007, begins their February residency at Tangier. Early arrival is suggested. You'll see.
Bodies of Water - "I Guess We'll Forget the Sound, I Guess, I Guess" (MP3)
Cheb i Sabbah - "Jai Bhavani" (MP3)
Black Kites - "All Wrong" (MP3)
