Friday, December 19, 2008
We're literally running out the door right now and only have time to do the weekend thing although it was so good to see all the bands at the Que Sera on Wednesday and the Troubadour last night. We took a few photos...
Tonight: CGT's Fiend Folio 2 at Echo Curio. The Entrance Band, Blank Blue, and The Underground Railroad to Candyland at Eagle Rock Center for the Arts. Darker My Love at the Echoplex. Andy Caldwell at ECCO. Ozomatli and Ceci Bastida at the House of Blues. Earlimart, The Deadly Syndrome, and The Union Line down at the Slidebar. Jon Brion/Dave Palmer & Dave Rawlings at g'net. Free Moral Agents, The Broken Remotes and others at Redwood. Ragsy celebrates the release of a new EP at the Hotel Cafe. VOICEsVOICEs, Voice on Tape, and others at The Smell... Saturday: Whispertown 2000 holiday show at the Relax Bar. Prefuse 73, Blank Blue, and The Gaslamp Killer at Dakota Lounge. Warpaint, Nosaj Thing, and others at Space 15 Twenty. X, New York Dolls, and Cracker at Club Nokia. A.M., Thee Makeout Party, Wet Cassette, and others at The Smell. Davin Givhan, Learning Music, Eugene, and others at pehrspace... Sunday: Huge Buddyhead party at the Hotel Cafe. Daedelus, Busdriver, The Entrance Band, The Mae Shi, Fool's Gold, Rumpsringa, Haim, and others at Echoplex. Summer Darling, Correatown, Vaudeville, and The Terrapin at Spaceland. Abe Vigoda at PTP. Emily Kokal at The Bordello. Benefit for Downtown Women's Center with boxViolet and others at The Smell.
We'll be in NY tomorrow but we promise not to love it. We'll miss you, Los Angeles.
The Underground Railroad to Candyland - "Square Ball" (MP3)
Darker My Love - "Summer is Here" (MP3)
Earlimart - "Hymn And Her" (MP3)
The Whispertown 2000 - "Done With Love" (MP3)
Summer Darling - "Barren Womb" (MP3)
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Around this time of the year, we know you're being inundated with 'last this' and 'last that,' as in "Last show of 2008" or "Last chance to see us live" or in our case, "Last Wednesday Update" forever until 2009...
On Monday, we made the rounds hitting every residency, but started off the night with boxViolet at The Bordello. The band has come a long way in just a year since switching permanently to a duo and this show was one of the best we've ever seen them perform. Their recent recordings are primed for more mainstream listeners, surely, although that Splashdown meets Venus Hum meets Garbage thing they're doing is hard to deny. Plus, their computer-programmed light show makes bands with rope lights look only slightly better than Lite-Brite. The Bordello doesn't allow photography anymore so sorry no pics, but you can see photos from the last few years here. They play at The Breakfast Club on Thursday and The Que Sera on Friday... After making quick stops by Carnage's night and The Echo (good to see you LACO$TE and BlackBlack -- and Ahearn), we took in a few songs from The Movies at Spaceland and also picked up the new album since all three of the previous CDR versions of the record we bought skipped on our favorite song ("Monumental Live"). In any case, we wonder if they know they're coming up on their 10th anniversary as a band. Think our first time seeing them was January 2000 -- according to our old calendars. It was the dawn of the new millennium and The Movies were one of a handful of new Silver Lake bands people were talking about. Mr. James was and still is a performance genius, that is obvious. Harnessing that genius onto a record, however, always seemed to be the hard part. Until now. Based On A True Story is easily one of the best records of the year but knowing James to be a perfectionist, he's still probably not satisfied with how good it is. That's the scary part. Yes, don't let all those spinning jumps, high leg kicks, and air boxing hide the fact that this guy knows how to write a great pop song. Now, if he could just hone that skill into burning CDs that don't skip...
Tonight is our first chance to Christmas shop and we'll be doing so somewhere around the vicinity of the Que Sera since someone at the club went so far as to set up a lineup trap for us.
In other news: Lenka's prematurely scheduled show at the Troubadour on 2/27 has been canceled. Look for Lenka and fellow Aussie turned Angeleno Missy Higgins to minuet in March... We were at the Kárin Tatoyan show last night (to confirm she's still awesome) and a little birdie handed us the new Bird and the Bee record. We already had a copy and we're sure everyone else does too, but we thank you mysterious lady. "Polite Dance Song", "Ray Gun", and "Love Letter to Japan" are so hot 100 right now... The band looks familiar but that curtain is like famous.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Great weekend started with the homecoming show of Anavan on Friday. The band went on a month-long tour of Europe (brilliantly documented on their MySpace blog), ending with a final show in front of a lovely crowd at MotionLA. We love this band. At one point, we put down that stupid camera and just declared war on the dancefloor. That's how much we love Anavan. It was also nice to see members of The Press Fire! and Monolators within moshing distance of each other after their previous encounter earlier this year... Saturday, after a little holiday soiree at the Monolator house, we all headed to get our sweater on at Echoplex. Great crowd. E. Sharpe we love you... Sunday afternoon at the Montalbán hosted Little Red Radio, The Monolators, and Fol Chen. Later, Toys for Tots benefit with The Voyeurs, The Damselles, and others was good fun. And we ended our night at The Smell for the triumphant return of former PRS HLTN, MTHRFCKRS!! Michael Ray-Von's new punk band Okie Dokie and then later Alex's Bar, but just missed our ex-girlfriend Deep Sea Diver due to the mysterious effect of rain drops causing cars to crash into each other. In any case, good to see so many friends out and about all weekend...
Happy belated birthday to Koga. Happy birthdays this week go to Joey Siara (The Henry Clay People), Steve Aoki, Matt Eckel (Jack Wilson, Jr.).
Tonight: Tune into GTFU for a special pre-holiday gathering with special guest Daniel Ahearn along with the regular crew. Then off to the December residencies, yeah! Also, Sean Carnage, oh yeah! Funny or Die presents a very special show with very special surprise guests at g'net tonight. boxViolet, Golden Ratio, and others at The Bordello. Meiko and friends play at Room 5. Meiko also appears on Last Call with Carson Daly later tonight (taped last Thursday)... Kárin Tatoyan, War Tapes, EXITMUSIC, and Seasons at Spaceland on Tuesday. Spirit Vine, Vum, Gods Gang, and Native Fauna at The Echo. The Underground Railroad to Candyland, The Soft Hands, and Fast Dragon at The Prospector. The Randies, Automatique, and others at Mr. T's Bowl. Meredith Meyer at Crane's. Imaad Wasif opens for Mercury Rev at the El Rey. Gary Jules residency at the Hotel Cafe. Semi-local girl Missy Higgins, Joshua Radin, Robert Francis at the Anaheim House of Blues. Steve Aoki and Uffie celebrate birthdays at Cinespace. And The Dan Band appears on Last Call with Carson Daly (also taped last Thursday)... On Wednesday, Flying Lotus and The Long Lost get all dressed up at Low End Theory. Daniel Ahearn, Correatown, and EXITMUSIC at Que Sera. Annie Stela and others at the Hotel Cafe. Ladytron (DJ set) and Destructo at Viper. And boy bands Metallica, Lamb of God, and The Sword show off their new dance moves with two shows at The Forum... On Thursday, listen up for Juliette Commagere on Morning Becomes Eclectic and later performs at the Troubadour with Obi Best and Wait Think Fast. Dogweed and BollWeevil's on deck Spaceland on Ice (Free). Warpaint opens for Amazing Baby. Emily Wells at the Hotel Cafe. The Mormons, Bastidas, The Health Club, and Family Tree Analog at The Smell. The Henry Clay People, War Tapes, and The Secret 6 at The Prospector. Sarah and Sean Watkins at g'net. And Ozomatli have two nights at the House of Blues.
In other news: Only a few more shows before Tangier closes its doors at the end of the month. We're not certain of the circumstances of its closure but we certainly have enjoyed the times while it was around. Some of the best shows we ever helped with were at the club including our dear friends Kate Earl, one of the first Chapin Sisters shows, Amy Cooper, a pre-Submarines Blake Hazard (we still bug her about going solo again) and others for Tom Brosseau's residency in 2004; and a few other great shows that we are very proud to have taken part in. As far as we remember, Dead Rock West was the first band to have a residency there and if you're counting they were also one of the first bands to have a residency at the Hotel Cafe and Largo (back then known as Starbelly). The Haden Triplets did an amazing residency there in 2004, which might still be the best residency we've ever seen. The backroom had been used as a storage room prior to a performance space and it still smelled musty and damp like a wine cellar. Actually, it was more like a cave since there was absolutely no lighting in the room except for like one spotlight for the stage (which was of course where the soundbooth is now) and maybe some floor lighting that probably The Fold had something to do with since people kept tripping over things. In any case, goodbye Tangier. We'll miss thee... Please, no one outbid us. This is our one chance for love.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Before we get to the weekend stuff, this is more important...
Jillinda Palmer of the great bands I Make This Sound, The Breakups, The Henry Clay People, The Damselles, etc. recently had her accordion stolen. Yes, musicians getting stuff stolen from them is a common occurrence but let us please point out a few facts in this particular case. First of all, Ms. Jillinda is not only one of the most talented musicians in town, she's also incredibly giving and kind (like more giving and kind than the average giving and kind person) and therefore pretty much loved by everyone in the city of Los Angeles. Secondly, she is awesome. Thirdly, we didn't even know she played accordion which only substantiates item one and two. In conclusion, whoever took this accordion (red-colored Ariston) probably had no idea about the person they it took from and now you know a little bit. Please consider returning the item as soon as possible. She's offering a $50 award but if you're reading this we'll add another $50 since we know the economy is tough right now. We love you but you should know stealing from good people is fucked up.
So, this is our last weekend in Los Angeles for 2008 before we head out of town. Thank goodness pretty much everyone we know booked a show...
Tonight, Phantom Planet play supposedly their last show ever at the Troubadour. We briefly interviewed the band in 1998 after seeing them for the umpteenth time at the Whisky. However we or anyone might feel about how much they've changed over the years, we've always thought highly of their songwriting, especially their early power pop days (favorite song being "Recently Distressed," of course). Our favorite PP show ever and one of the Top 5 shows we've ever seen was their show at the Dragonfly with Rilo Kiley and Mash Notes. To this day, that show makes us tear up just thinking about (sigh, things were so different back then). Alas, we wish the Phantom boys good luck with future projects and we're sure there will be some surprises for tonight's show. We love you.
Also tonight, Halloween Swim Team guest on "Demolisten". Later, Radars to the Sky celebrate the release of their new Spaceland Recordings live album at Spaceland with The Hectors and others. The Aquabats (who like PP formed in 1994 and are still going strong), Dusty Rhodes and the River Band, and Suburban Legends at the Music Box. Babyland, Not The Government and others at The Smell. Pastilla, Blue Jungle, and PROTECTME play the re-opening of L'KEG. Anavan return from a seemingly year-long tour for a show at MotionLA. The Transmissions, Manhattan Murder Mystery, and others at pehrspace. Shiloe, Tigers Can Bite You, and others at Echo Curio. Run Run Run and Von Iva at The Echo. Jon Brion/Dave Rawlings in separate rooms at g'net. Francisco the Man at the Redwood. Venus Infers at eVocal. Mike Ness at the El Rey. Los Lobos at the House of Blues. And the Hotel Cafe has its annual Holiday benefit shows all weekend with all the usual supsects.
Saturday, Sweater Fest with The Deadly Syndrome, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Happy Hollows, Castledoor, The Pity Party, and Amnion at Echoplex is going to be fun. Also enjoyable will be pehr Space(craft) Faire at pehrspace with The Tartans, Catwalk, Sea Lions, Watercolor Paintings, and Oki Dogs (starts at 5pm). Toys for Tots benefit at Dragonfly Dulou with The Henry Clay People, The Damselles, and Adeline and the Feelin' Fines (11am show). One of the best book stores in America, {open} celebrates its 5th anniversary with Free Moral Agents, Greater California, and other very special guests. Pizza!, VOICEsVOICEs, Voice on Tape, and others at The Smell. Devon Williams and The Meeting Places open for 18th Dye at The Echo. Lower Heaven, Restaurant, and others at The Prospector. Sarah Silverman at g'net. Aushua, Voxhaul Broadcast, and Tall Hands at La Cave. Blank Blue and Kutmah at Poo-Bah. And supposedly KROQ is doing some Christmas show or something over at the Gibson.
Sunday, another Toys of Tots/Midnight Mission benefit slash record release party for Plastic Snow at Echoplex with Aaron Espinoza, Pierre de Reeder, The Voyeurs, The Damselles, Letting Up Despite Great Faults, Tandemoro, and The Dandelion Council. 1st Annual Christmas with Bessie show at Edgar Varela with renditions of the blues great coming from the likes of Killsonic, Bodies of Water, Eagle and Talon, Cobra Lilies, Master/Slave, Cat Hair Ensemble, Ema and the Ghosts, and many others. Little Red Radio, The Monolators, and Fol Chen at Ricardo Montalban Theatre. Slang Chickens and The Franks at PTP. The Fling, Deep Sea Diver, and So Many Wizards at Alex's Bar. And again with this KROQ thing at Gibson. What's going on over there?
See you soon. Please.
Phantom Planet - "Recently Distressed" (MP3)
The Aquabats - "Martian Girl" (MP3)
The Tartans - "Your Favorite Song" (MP3)
The Damselles - "Blue"
Thursday, December 11, 2008
So, yeah, WATW plays at Echoplex tonight. We really have no interest in seeing a band like CSS on their own but when a band we're kinda sorta obsessed with is opening we suck it up and make the $20 sacrifice and so should you. After which, we'll be continuing our scientific research on the addictive effect of braised pork in corn tortillas. If you would like to take part in this important study, bring a bib, some wet wipes, and an ASG.
Also tonight, Rumspringa and Holloys make for an intriguing soundtrack to your mixed pairs ice dancing routine at Pershing Square. Murs, who performed on MBE on Tuesday, does the El Rey. Automatic Drawing and Collisions at Spaceland. Low vs. Diamond, IO Echo and Barcelona at the Troubadour. The lovely Heather Reid at g'net. And of course another dose of Downtown Art Walk.
In other news: Congrats to Robotanists on the release of their new EP "Close Down the Woods." Be sure to pick up a copy at shows or online... Any news of Remy Zero doing a reunion gig even if it's in Cambodia (!?) is good news. Sort of... Rivers could very well be the best viral marketing vlogger we've seen this year... Just heard Harcourt got a new writing gig. Meanwhile, we've been hearing that Bentley has been quite listenable his first few weeks on the job. And, sure enough, we caught something from Juliette Commagere's new album this morning. Some say that we've been unkind to Bentley in the past, but these are usually people who weren't in Los Angeles some fifteen years ago to witness the aftermath he created after he ditched KXLU for KCRW/KROQ. But, yes, let bygones be bygones as they say... Great Northern's new album Remind Me Where The Light Is hits stores 4/21 through Eenie Meenie... Oh and be sure to wish Mary Monolator and Jon Brion a happy birthday. They both turn 18 today. Street legal, holla.
Here's our weekly feature of a bunch of videos to compensate for our lack of witty words to write dot com...
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
These guys make all those dance rock bands who think jumping around to the beat with those stupid grins on their faces look like fucking idiots.
It's taken almost half a year to get over the initial shock of discovering We Are the World. Nearly six months of traveling to the darkest of intimate performance spaces to the most underground gay bars in town. And though we are still at a loss as to how to describe this band to our four readers, we do think it's time to declare our love for them. For not only does Los Angeles love We Are the World, we're also hereby confirming them as the best new band of the year.
With a show that rivals anything we've seen on Broadway, the Vegas Strip, and perhaps even the most perverse clubs in Bangkok, We Are the World is by far one of the most visually stunning and musically provocative groups to come out of Los Angeles in years. While their Cirque du So'electro burlesque-apade routines might not be anything new to L.A.'s hip and über-chic dance scene elite, those kids on main street who think music has become a one-dimensional art form better brace themselves.
Singer Megan Gold and programmer/percussionist Robbie Williamson unleash an industrial darkwave of gritty operatic movements while the god and goddess known as Sir Ryan Heffington and Ms. Nina McNeely slither and stomp through some seductively raw dance floor theatrics. And even as overwrought and wordy as that might read, that really doesn't even come close to describing how breathtaking their performances can be. All we can say is that Los Angeles has been waiting a long time for a band like this and the day is finally here.
We Are the World... indeed.
Photo by Jeaneen Lund. Photos from the last few months here. We Are the World opens for CSS at Echoplex on 12/11.
We Are the World - "Clay Stones" (MP3) Limited time download
We Are the World - "Why Can't I Be You" (The Cure cover off the new album "Perfect As Cats: A Tribute to The Cure", available through Manimal Vinyl) (MP3) Limited time download
Monday, December 08, 2008
Congrats to Ema and the Ghosts for making hearts a flutter singing songs from her new EP "Boy in the Milkbox" at pehrspace on Saturday. She didn't sing our favorite song "Little Pink River" and it's nowhere to be found on this new EP (doubleyouteeeff!?) but she did sing our new second favorite song "Salvation" (so good!). Be sure to pick up the EP (only available at shows). Ema and the Ghosts performs at the "1st Annual Christmas with Bessie" concert this Sunday at Edgar Varela Fine Arts. Also, raves to Jon Carling (poster artwork) and Dan Grayson (stage lighting, as seen above) for making the night extra special for Ema. Photos from the show are up.
Happy belateds to Erica Electra (Hearts of Palm UK) and Sara Bareilles who celebrated birthdays over the weekend. Celebrating birthdays this week: Brandi Emma, Mary Monolator, and Jon Brion (all of whom could form some rad supergroup, god willing).
Residencies tonight should bring out people in droves. Also check out birthday girl/Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles on Leno tonight... Tuesday, Robotanists celebrate the release of their new EP "Close Down the Woods" at Spaceland. Check One Tuesday with The Polyamorous Affair, Casxio, Light, and others at Echoplex. Gary Jules continues his Hotel Cafe residency. Moonrats open for Wilderness at The Echo. The Victorians, Avi Buffalo, and French Miami at The Prospector. Common signs autographs at Virgin Megastore. And k.d. lang and Mandy Moore sing songs at the Troubadour to benefit Live Arts Group... Wednesday, Indie 103.1's "Wreck the Halls" with The Pretenders, Bloc Party, CSS, Black Kids, and no local bands at Club Nokia. El Ten Eleven and Obi Best open for Kassin + 2 at the Hotel Cafe. War Tapes and Eulogies open for Longwave at the Troubadour. Franklin For Short, Cartographers, and others at the Silverlake Lounge. Divisible at The Bordello. And "Zappa Plays Zappa" do a few nights at the Roxy... Thursday, Heather Reid and Paul Doucette back at g'net. Boomkat and The Lady Tigra open for Po'Girl at the Viper Room. Kanye, T.I., and Busta Rhymes headline Power 106's "Cali Christmas" at the Gibson. Murs at the El Rey.
Friday, December 05, 2008
We have to admit being a bit more conservative on the show going this past week although that changes this weekend with quite a few things we're excited to check out...
Listen up for The Starlite Desperation on "Demolisten" tonight. Robert Francis, Dawes, and The Romany Rye at Spaceland. The Spires, Franklin For Short, and Frankel at pehrspace. The Bronx and Crystal Antlers at The Echo. The Submarines, Patrick Park, and Free the Robots at Echoplex. We Are the World, VOICEsVOICEs, Penelope Fortier, and Light at Tangier. Mike Ness at the El Rey. Seasons "First Friday" at Mr. T's Bowl with Correatown, Thailand, and others. Jon Brion/Dave Palmer & Dave Rawlings split rooms at g'net. And Spider Problem, Stab City and others at Silver Factory Studios... Saturday, we're hanging out with friends at pehrspace. Elsewhere, Old Bank District Holiday Block Party with The Like, Whispertown 2000, Restaurant, Rumspringa, and Dawes. Aimee Mann's 3rd Annual Christmas Show at The Wiltern. Repeater, War Tapes, Seaspin, and others at The Scene. Shiloe, Rocking Horse People, Ojos Rojos, and others at Old Towne Pub. The Antarcticans, Bizzart, Halloween Swim Team and others at The Smell. Woven celebrates the release of their new album Designer Codes at Hangar51 with Ninja Academy and others (note venue change). The Entrance Band at Dakota Lounge. White Leopards, Lucky Dragons and others at Echo Curio. And the Zero Film Festival wraps up with a monstrous lineup including Love Grenades, Voxhaul Broadcast, We Are the World, Death to Anders, and Local Natives. Damn, that's all Saturday?... Sunday, Little Joy spreads the joy at the Troubadour. Meiko at Saint Rocke. The Weepies at the Hotel Cafe. The Henry Clay People, The Monolators, and The Valley Arena at Alex's Bar. The Minor Canon, Summer Darling, and Le Switch at The Que Sera. Free Moral Agents and Jesus Makes the Shotgun Sound at PTP. Michto Pelo at Liquid Kitty. Captain Ahab and others at The Smell. Blackbird at The Standard Hotel (Hollywood). And Cinefamily presents a special screening of Secondhand Sureshots at the Silent Movie Theatre plus performances from some of the participants.
Frankel - "Don't Leave" (MP3)
Rumspringa - "Shak'em Loose Tonight" (MP3)
Woven - "Soundtrack To A Chance Meeting" (MP3)
Thursday, December 04, 2008
It's confirmed. We're truly, madly, deeply in love with School of Seven Bells. We already proclaimed our love last year (and before that with On!Air!Library! and their other side projects A Cloud Mireya, Night of the Gifts, and so on). But goodness, they've really refined their sound over the past year and seem more cohesive as a three-piece. Unfortunately, they didn't play our favorite song, but we'll be in NYC in a few weeks so they have a chance to make it up to us soon. Check out their session on KCRW recorded 12/3.
Get your ice skate on tonight when "Spaceland on Ice" kicks off the season with Shirley Rolls and Downtown/Union. Starts early at 7pm so you can still hit up the strip clubs afterward. Also tonight: Long Beach Loop is back again with an all-lady lineup. Or stay home and watch a rerun of The Airborne Toxic Event on Conan O'Brien tonight.
In other news: Goodbye to longtime local folk legend Odetta who passed away on 12/2. Her shows at McCabe's throughout the years were always must-see events and we were always in awe of the woman's presence. We'll miss you, dear Lady... You can now relive GueriLA-Fest 2008 everyday with a new photo book by Michael Octavius Poirier with additional photos by Bettina Chavez, both of "Demolisten" fame. Perfect for the gift-giving season, this coffee table treasure will no doubt have L.A. music scene lovers reminiscing that glorious October day when six bands and some fans made love... Nice of Rolling Stone to get on the Laurel Canyon bandwagon sooner than later... Congrats to our old friends T-Bone Burnett, Charlie Haden, Ry Cooder, Beck, Sara Bareilles, Katy Perry, Morgan Page, Sam Sparro, Mraz, OneRepublic,
Blah, blah, blah videos...
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Ema and the Ghosts is/are celebrating the release of a new EP entitled Boy in the Milkbox on Saturday. She's been planning this night for months -- actually before the release of her last EP back in August -- so you know she's excited. We recently conducted an in-depth interview with Ema and her Ghosts regarding the secret details involving this special evening:
la-underground: Hello, Ema.
Ema: Hi.
lau: So, what's up with this show coming up?
Ema: I'm so excited! All my favorite bands are playing. The Karabal Nightlife, The Sweet Hurt, the debut of Gunferty, and The Monolators are playing all songs that I requested. Plus, lots of surprises! You're going to be there, right?
lau: Probably not.
Ema: I hate you.
The brutal honesty of that conversation alone should have tugged at your heart enough to get you rushing to pehrspace right this very minute. But sorry, you're just going to have to camp outside the venue like the rest of us until Saturday.
December 6, 2008
Los Angeles Loves...
EMA AND THE GHOSTS EP release
THE MONOLATORS
THE KARABAL NIGHTLIFE
THE SWEET HURT
GUNFERTY
pehrspace
325 Glendale Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026 | Map
All Ages / $5 / 9pm
BYOB
Ema and the Ghosts - "Alligator" (MP3)
The Monolators - "Santa Claus Vs. Dave Matthews" (MP3)
The Karabal Nightlife - "Sea of Sleep" (MP3)
The Sweet Hurt - "Lost Again" (MP3)
The Karabal Nightlife - Groupee.com Session
Monday, December 01, 2008
We needed to get away the past few days and we did, but we hope everyone had a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving weekend. We'll be spending Christmas on the East Coast this year since we've been asked to exhibit some graphic design/photo stuff over there and maybe get some bands to play it or just DJ ourselves. Hopefully we can make it happen but, regardless, we're looking forward to spending time with friends and family over yonder.
December is supposed to be a wind-down-the-year month but it looks like that will not be the case this time around...
Residencies this month include The Movies, Manimal Vinyl nights at The Echo, Mike Stinson & Dave Gleason, Ladyfingers, Sean Carnage Mondays (tonight with No Age), Gary Jules, Jon Brion/Dave Palmer, Everybody, and Hotel Cafe nights at Room 5... Release shows include Radars to the Sky, Ema and the Ghosts, Robotanists, Plastic Snow, Jen and Abby, Ragsy, Selena Garcia... Also of note: 1st Annual Zero Film Festival; Spaceland on Ice at Pershing begins 12/4; X/New York Dolls/Cracker at Club Nokia (12/20); pehr Spacecraft Faire (12/13); CGT's Fiend Folio II at Echo Curio (12/19); a ton of holiday benefit shows and several fun New Year's events. Most everything has been posted on the calendar.
We're helping with one show this month at pehrspace this Saturday. Ema and the Ghosts asked us to give her EP release show with The Monolators, The Karabal Nightlife, The Sweet Hurt, and Gunferty a little push. Yeah, as if that lineup needs our help. Well, whatever Ema wants, Ema gets.
In other news: Phantom Planet have announced their Troubadour show on 12/12 will be their last show ever. We'll probably post something about this closer to the show, but for long-time PP fans you might want to get tickets on eBay because the show is already sold out... Temple Bar is now Dakota Live Music Lounge. Its official launch party was on Saturday and look out for upcoming shows with Shiny Toy Guns, Quetzal, and others... Listen for Afternoons' new single "Saturday Morning (after the funeral)" on tonight's episode of "Gossip Girl" then go see them live on Wednesday... HEALTH, Flying Lotus, Abe Vigoda, The Mae Shi, No Age, Jenny Lewis, and She & Him are among several locals nominated for Pitchfork's 2008 Readers Poll.
