Friday, July 31, 2009
Way too busy to even go into details how busy we are. But we will say congrats to Sean Carnage on celebrating 4 years of show domination last Monday at Women. The photo above was taken at approximately 2am Tuesday morning, which pretty much epitomizes the awesomeness of Carnage nights. Sean takes a month-long hiatus before returning to pehrspace in September with a show you won't want to miss.
Listen up for Deep Sea Diver on "Demolisten" tonight. Later, chec out Busdriver opens for Deerhoof at the Echoplex. Upsilon Acrux opens for Horse the Band at the Center for the Arts in Eagle Rock. ANAVAN and Dazzler kick off their tour together at The Echo. Chief, Michael Runion, and Mini Mansions at The Bootleg. Foot Foot, Moses Campbell, and others at pehrspace. Jogger, Former Ghosts, and others at The Smell. Jon Brion at g'net. LA Riots at the Avalon. Nora Keyes, Tommy Santee Klaws and others at L'KEG. Sangre Sangre celebrates the release of their new record at The Scene. And the launch of Discotheque at Club 740 with Don Rimini, Destructo, Acid Girls, Classixx, and others.
Saturday, Ferraby Lionheart returns to town with a show at the Hotel Cafe. Alexandra Hope does an in-store at Origami. Jujubeats is back at Oak Canyon Ranch. Priscilla Ahn at the Troubadour. The Polyamorous Affair celebrates the release of their new record at Loft 265. Wendy and Lisa at g'net. Best Coast, Pearl Harbour, and others at The Smell. And Blackbird & the Feather'd People with friends at the Redwood.
Sunday, Grant Langston and others at Grand Ole Echo. Evan Way, The Blank Tapes, Spirit Vine, and others at the Air Conditioned Lounge. Ancestors, Upsilon Acrux, and others at The Smell. And Fred Armisen does Comedy Death-Ray at g'net.
Complete calendar listing here.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Congrats to Vaudeville on celebrating the release of their new and sadly their last record Devil's Knocking at pehrspace on Friday. The band does one final show in Baldwin Park on 8/1 before calling it quits so that lead singer/guitarist Daniel Woods can head off to graduate school. The record is available 7/28 through Otik Records/JAXART.
July residencies of course come to an end this week. They've been great all month. Also tonight, Castledoor opens for Starlight Mints at the Troubadour. Donovan Leitch at g'net. Jarvis Cocker at the Wiltern. 60-Watt Kid, Shirley Rolls, Mikki and the Mauses and others at Carnage Mondays. Meho Plaza, Blue Jungle, Shark Toys, and others at The Airliner. And Tiny Vipers, Lazarus, Night Canopy, and others at Echo Curio.
Tuesday, listen up for our old friend Regina Spektor on "Morning Becomes Eclectic" before playing later at the El Rey with Little Joy. Jesca Hoop plays another show at the Hotel Cafe for a long while as she's set to record a new record in the UK. Useless Keys opens for Band of Skulls. Obi Best and Willoughby at the bootleg. Claire Holley, Jen Mandel, and others at Room 5. And be sure to check out Silversun Pickups on Letterman later Tuesday.
Wednesday, Shepard Fairey is the guest on MBE (he also spins at the New Tales to Tell: A Tribute to Love and Rockets record release at Space 15 Twenty. The Movies, Seasons, and others at The BordelCrystal Antlers, Mika Miko, and Audacity at Alex's Bar. Emily Wells and [Post-foetus] open for Themselves at Spaceland. DâM-FunK and Thavius Beck at The Airliner. Adam Marsland’s Chaos Band, The Janks, Fat City Reprise, and others at The Echo. Heard of Elephants at Sync. Pollyn and Lemonwilde at the Good Hurt. Spirit Vine, Blue Jungle, and others at Mountain Bar. And Aimee Bobruck, Ainjel Emme, Amy Raasch, and others at Genghis Cohen Cantina.
Thursday, Gram Rabbit, Oliver Future, and others at The Troubadour. HoneyHoney, Lal Meri, Juliette Commagere, and Liz Pappademas at the Roxy. Steve Reynolds, Nightfur, and others at the Hotel Cafe. Kevin Greenspon, Prayola, and others at Echo Curio. Barrio Tiger, Angus Khan, and others at The Echo. Ariana Delawari at Space 15 Twenty. Tommy Santee Klaws, Aimee Bobruk, Liz Pappademas, and others at Hyperion Tavern. Infinite Body, Mikki and the Mauses, and others at The Smell. Woah Hunx, Manhattan Murder Mystery, and others at L'KEG. Gaby Moreno at Cafe Muse. And stay up late to watch Regina Spektor on Conan O'Brien.
Full calendar listing here.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Last night's show at Echo Curio was a perfectly pleasant end to a week of great shows. Thanks to everyone for coming out and to Echo Curio for hosting. Carla Werner plays a full-band show on Monday at Spaceland with her buddy from down under Andy Clockwise. For those who missed last night's performance, you'll want to see this -- she hasn't performed with a full band in Los Angeles in many a year. Phoenix and the Turtle and The Nocturnes don't have any shows coming up in the immediate future but the two seemed to like playing together so look for them to partner up again sometime soon.
Listen up for the always thrilling Thriller on "Demolisten" tonight. Van Dyke Parks and Inara George at McCabe's. The Glitch Mob, Nosaj Thing, and Daddy Kev at the Roxy. Ceci Bastida and Brother Reade open for Girl Talk at the Fox Theater in Pomona. IO Echo opens for La Roux at the Troubadour. Mike Watt, The Hangmen, Barrio Tiger and others at the Redwood. Vaudeville celebrates the release of their new record Devil's Knocking at pehrspace with Jack Wilson, Jr., Seasons, and Superhumanoids. Sana Shenai, Julia Holter, The Year Is the Membrane, and Dak at Echo Curio. Best Coast, Tender Skulls, Pearl Harbour, Lately Blu Blu, and Norse Horse at L'KEG. Golden State and others at Spaceland. And The Soft Pack at La Cita.
Saturday, Cut Chemist and We are the World do the Getty. The Monolators, Avi Buffalo, One Trick Pony, and The Voyeurs at HM157. Seasons, Marvelous Toy, and Eliza Rickman at Echo Curio. Baseck, Tleilaxu Music Machine, Realicide, and others at The Cocaine. And Glass Candy, Acid Girls, Franki Chan, and Paul Devro celebrate a Mid Summer Bash party at Lot 613.
Sunday, Dengue Fever opens for Grace Jones and Of Montreal at the Hollywood Bowl. Smiths/Morrissey night at The Echo. We Are Good Friends, Therapy Session, Harry Merry, and others at The Scene. Harvey Sid Fisher opens for The Metal Shakespeare Company at Spaceland.
Full calendar listing here.
Barrio Tiger - "Let's Play Dumb" (MP3)
Marvelous Toy - "The City Is A Washing Machine" (MP3)
Dengue Fever - "Hold My Hips" (MP3)
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Twelve years ago this month we started using the name la-underground to help bands around town. Meaning, before picking a name, we were even more anonymous than we are now. Obviously, celebrating such a non-momentous occasion is the exact opposite of how we like to do things, which makes this show all the more intriguing since the gathering of these bands is good cause to celebrate.
We've known Carla Werner for a little while now, first seeing her in her native Australia in 2002 on one of our yearly scouting trips abroad. That year, she lent her voice to the Paul Oakenfold dance hit "Southern Sun" and was later signed to Columbia Records where she released her debut record Departure in 2003 -- which we still think is highly underrated. After touring around the world with the likes of The Jayhawks, The Thorns (Matthew Sweet, Pete Droge, and Shawn Mullins), and Damien Rice she went through the usual record label fallout which culminated with her independently-released Pure Things in Wild Places in 2006. After not hearing any news for awhile, she contacted us last year about a semi-permanent move to Los Angeles and a desire to start playing out again. Hence, this is Carla Werner's first solo show in L.A. in four years, aka reason #1 to celebrate.
Reason numero dos is our favorite band from Riverside and if we have our way, Phoenix and the Turtle will be one of the biggest bands out of this scene in the next few years. They're wrapping up their second record now and are likely to start playing more in town to help promote it. This is good news for all of us since while they've built a good fanbase out on the East-Eastside, L.A. is still another world for them. But there's something that we love about this band's measured pace in building their audience (intentional or not). Overnight sensations never last. Maybe they should change their name to The Tortoise and the Hare. Slow and steady wins the race.
In 2007, we obtained a copy of The Nocturnes' beautiful "Wellington" EP, which coincidentally was recorded in New Zealand (Carla Werner's motherland). This led to the acquisition of their recently released debut record A Year of Spring, one of our favorite albums of 2008. The depth of their songwriting and the evocativeness of Emma Ruth Rundle's vocals can quite fairly be filed into the top-level categories of PJ Harvey, Blonde Redhead, and Dead Can Dance. "Paper Hands," "The Sea Will Keep You Save," and "The Color" are absolute knee-bucklers and yet three more reasons to celebrate this show.
We're quite happy to be presenting this little show at one of the best venues in town to see little shows, Echo Curio. We've now explained a few reasons for going as your attendance would be the reason for all reasons to put on this show. Hope to see you there.
July 23, 2009
Los Angeles Loves...
CARLA WERNER
PHOENIX AND THE TURTLE
THE NOCTURNES
Echo Curio
1519 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026 | Map
All Ages / 9pm / $5
Carla Werner - "Into the Night" (MP3) Limited time download
Phoenix and the Turtle - "Judy You're Not Yourself Today" (MP3) Limited time download
The Nocturnes - "Paper Hands" (MP3) Limited time download
The Nocturnes - "The Sea will Keep You Safe"
First, thanks to all those who came out on Tuesday for a great night of music and thanks to the bands for letting us be apart of it. And just in case you didn't already know... Two Guns' new self-titled record is available through iTunes and through their MySpace. It features appearances by Kay Hanley and Sarah Ellquist and Daniel de Blanke of Robotanists. Summer Darling is just wrapping up their new album which will be released on Origami in the coming months (too excited for this.) Tuesday's show marked the return of Todd Spitzer on drums who's been in Portland for the last few months. Downtown/Union recently released their debut album Aurora Ahora and just wrapped up a brief tour with Rademacher and I Make This Sound. As a two-piece they were pretty badass. As a quartet they're unstoppable. Seattle's Elba head back up north where they're set to release their self-titled debut album at the High Dive on 8/1. Thanks again to everyone involved with the show. And thanks to the city of Long Beach for being so radicalawesome.
Earlier this week, we stopped by Sync for the L.A. debut of Chicago's Pit Er Pat as a duo. We hear the band are semi-permanent residents to Los Angeles so they fit in quite nicely in the Goa rock movement currently inhabited by the likes of Hecuba, Rainbow^Arabia, and Gangi (all of whom were in attendance). We believe they played mostly new songs (setlist was "Summer Rose," "Chavez Ravine" "Flexible Entertainer," "Water," "Darkroom," "Heartbeat," and "Grace"), all of which sounded quite good. They open for Matteah Baim at Space 15 Twenty tonight. Lucky Dragons opened the show where they continue to manifest some of the most brilliant sound manipulation trickery in town. The band head off to Europe tomorrow to make new friends for a few months but are due back on 9/13 at The Smell.
Happy Birthday to Bryce Martin, formerly of Die Princess Die now of Memory, who celebrated turning 18 (he's legal now ladies) at "Marathon Live" last night. After only a handful of shows, they've already proven they're one of the best new bands we've seen in the last year. You'll be hearing more from them soon. Well, maybe. Their drummer moved to New York, of all places. We also caught St. St. (get it, Saint Street?) play their L.A. debut show earlier in the evening. Fans of Two Sheds, The Be Good Tanyas, Chapin Sisters, and the like should check them out tonight at Hyperion Tavern (playing with My Imaginary Friends and Marvelous Toy).
Now that we've promoted two other shows going on tonight, we should mention that we're presenting a show ourselves at Echo Curio. Please consider it on your evening travels.
Pictured above is Bo Bory of Downtown/Union at The Prospector holding a heart in his hand and although he looks pissed that's just his rock star scowl. And in the background is Jeff Electric giving the crowd a rare glimpse of his well-oiled sixpack.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
So months ago we had this silly idea for anniversary shows this month. It included presenting 12 shows to celebrate 12 years of la-underground. We soon came to grips with reality a day later when we thought we'd actually have to present 12 shows. Rather quickly, 12 shows was pared down to three and with the fall of Mr. T's Bowl, three shows became two. After a huge sigh of relief, we're happily presenting two shows the size of 12, beginning tonight at ye ol' Prospector in Long Beach.
First of all, we love The Prospector. It's easily the most relaxing venue to see a show in all of Southern California as it might be the closest thing to Frontierland that we got in these parts (well, discounting Disneyland). With its old-time feel and neighborly patronage, we always feel right at home at The Prospector. Plus, since it's Tuesday, we're getting down there early for today's special, Chicken Fried Steak. But that's just a sidenote to the real reason for making the trek to the LBC.
Tonight's lineup was put together by the awesome folks at Automatic Midnight Productions and we just jumped on at the mere mention of Two Guns, Summer Darling, and Downtown/Union. We haven't seen Elba, who are on tour from Seattle, but you know they have to be in top form tonight to be on equal measure with this lineup.
We surely hope to see all two of our Long Beach readers tonight!
July 21, 2009
Los Angeles Loves...
TWO GUNS
SUMMER DARLING
DOWNTOWN/UNION
ELBA
The Prospector
2400 E. 7th Street
Long Beach, CA 90804 | Map
21+ / 9pm / $5
Two Guns - "One Direction" (MP3) Limited time download
Summer Darling - "Ride This Wave Of Good Feeling" (MP3) Limited time download
Downtown/Union - "Do What You Do" (MP3) Limited time download
Elba - "Trillion" (MP3) Limited time download
Monday, July 20, 2009
Word is that the Knitting Factory is closing its Hollywood location for another part of town. We've said since the KF's arrival in 2000 that the Hollywood & Highland location was a mistake and even though it started with such great promise (Sigur Ros, Petra Haden benefit, and that amazing night with Calexico and Neko Case), it became increasingly difficult to regularly draw locals to one of the biggest tourist traps in the entire country. And perhaps due to the costs of running a club in said tourist trap, the KF soon started to move away from its noise punk/indie rock origins, the music that got everyone excited that they were coming to L.A. in the first place. The beginning of the end was probably in 2004 when the institution known for showcasing the best in underground music became host to the debut performance of Ashlee Simpson. Admittedly, we covered that show just to see who she was, and to no surprise, the whole event (it was shot for her MTV reality show) was a bit of an embarrassment. In any case, everyone knows the Knitting Factory brand belongs somewhere downtown, but understandably back in 2000, no one went downtown unless you wanted a divebar or a dimebag. Of course, now we all know that downtown is turning into a haven for hipsters wanting to pretend their living in Greenwich Village so surely the Knit will make the appropriate move. Let's hope they make the right one.
Ok, so... Monday residencies, please. If not, Lucy Walsh, Brandi Shearer, Natalie Warner, and others at the Hotel Cafe.
We're presenting a show on Tuesday down in Long Beach at The Prospector with Two Guns, Summer Darling, Downtown/Union, and Elba. More on that in a sec. Elsewhere, Susan Marshall, Miranda Lee Richards, and others at the Hotel Cafe. The Ditty Bops at the Steve Allen Theatre. Susanna Hoffs & Matthew Sweet at the GRAMMY Museum. And Matt Vasquez, The Parson Red Heads, and others at Spaceland....
Wednesday, listen up to "Morning Becomes Eclectic" for a performance by Lal Meri (featuring Rosey and Carmen Rizzo). David Garza at The Mint. David Ryan Harris continues his residency at the Hotel Cafe. Dita Von Teese gets naked at the Avalon. Rache Goodrich at the Knitting Factory. Mellowdrone and Jesca Hoop open for Elbow at the Wiltern. Voxhaul Broadcast and Union Line at Pershing. Daedelus and Free the Robots at Low End Theory. Delta Mirror, LACO$TE, and others at Silver Factory Studios. Nite Jewel, Twisted Wires, and others at The Cocaine. Manhattan Murder Myster, The Health Club and others at The Bordello. And No Doubt begins some dates at the Gibson...
Thursday, we're presenting a little anniversary show of sorts at Echo Curio with our friends Carla Werner, Phoenix and the Turtle, and The Nocturnes. But there's also Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros and Eskimohunter at the Hammer. Jesca Hoop returns to the Hotel Cafe. Robert Francis, Rumpsringa, and HAIM at the Roxy. The Pharcyde at the Key Club. Nina Academy and Judgement Day at the Bootleg. NODZZ, Shark Toys, Woah Hunx, and others at Mr. T's. Marvelous Toy, My Imaginary Friends, and others at Hyperion Tavern. Spirit Animal, Tigers Can Bit You, Robotanists, and others at Spaceland. And Wavves, Made in Mexico, PROTECTME, and Showgirls at The Smell.
Full calendar listing here.
Pictured above is Kevin Litrow of the great 60-Watt Kid who played a late night set at Silver Factory Studios on Friday. 60-Watt Kid perform every Monday at Sean Carnage's Mondays at Women this month.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Our casual Friday just got way too casual. In other words, we've spent the last few hours looking up the origin of the phrase dilly dally.
Great shows this past week. Congrats to The Polyamorous Affair on the release of their new record Bolshevik Disco, released Tuesday on Manimal Vinyl. The band semi-celebrated its release that night opening for Love Grenades (official release party is 8/1). Love Grenades, incidentally, played a bit of a bon voyage show as they head out on a mini-Euro tour playing festivals and meeting with record labels. They return 8/7 opening for Elefant at the Music Box.
One highlight this weekend is the GRAMMY Museum's salute to the Jazz Bakery on Sunday with special performances by Kenny Burrell, Hubert Laws, Alan Bergman, Alan Broadbent Trio, Tierney Sutton, Bill Henderson, and Mike Melvoin. The Jazz Bakery closed its on May 31st but looks to reopen sometime later this year and proceeds from this concert will go toward finding another location.
B.R.A.M. is tonight's guest on "Demolisten." A few of our oldest friends Three Mile Pilot play the Echoplex tonight. Mika Miko, Audacity, The Widow Babies, and UV Lights at The Smell. VOICEsVOICEs and others at pehrspace. Jon Brion at g'net. The Donnas, Woah Hunx and others at the Troubadour. Kim Fowley’s Hollywood Sexual Underground at the Redwood. Mike Watt + The Missingmen at Harold's. The Meeting Places, Railcars, 60-Watt Kid, Halloween Swim Team, White Leopards, Magick Orchids, and others at Silver Factory Studios. Lords of Altamont at the Good Hurt. Miss Derringer opens for Girl in a Coma at Alex's Bar. Demi Lovato, who we met recently and honestly didn't know who she was, at Club Nokia. Devin the Dude at the Knitting Factory. Ex-girlfriend Tori Amos at the Greek.
Saturday, be sure to check out Beach Dazed, Bloomfest, and Calendar Girl Music Festival for all-day affairs. Elsewhere, Lauren Dukoff celebrates the release of her new book "Family" at Space 15 Twenty. Metric at the Golden Bear Theatre at Six Flags. Azure Ray and others at the Glass House. Olin & the Moon, Avi Buffalo, and Mississippi Man at the Unknown. Thee Makeout Party! and others at Five Star Bar. Miss Derringer and Killola open for Girl in a Coma at the Knitting Factory. Trespassers William return to L.A. for a show also at the Knitting Factory. Har Mar Superstar, Brother Reade, Blank Blue, and Woah Hunx at Three Clubs. Graveyard, Night Horse, and Wake Up Lucid at the Bootleg. Light, Mack Winston and the Reflections, and others at pehrspace. The Donnas at Alex's. Men and Hey Willpower at Echoplex. Living Suns, Gestapo Khazi and others at Silver Factory Studios. And The Fling and Writer at The Prospector.
Sunday, Awol One celebrates the release of his new record Owl Hours at the Knitting Factory with Shapeshifters, 2Mex and others. The GRAMMY Museum celebratesJim Bianco, Buddy, Holly Conlan, and others at the Hotel Cafe. Dead Western, Featherbeard, and Private Beach at Echo Curio. Links, Evan Voytas, and Django James & the Midnight Squires. Christmas Island, Meth Teeth, familyblankets, and others at The Hickey Underworld. And Alice Peacock and Malissa Moreno at McCabe's.
Full calendar listing here.
Pictured above is a little taste of what you might see tonight if you go to pehrspace.
Trespassers William - "Weakening" (MP3)
Brother Reade - "Life Ain't Easy for Ya'll" (MP3)
Evan Voytas - "The Yellow World Of '83" (MP3)
Monday, July 13, 2009
Congrats to Stella Im Hultberg on her new collection of work "Memento Mori" (pictured above). As predicted, a huge crowd showed up for the opening reception on Friday, meaning everything was pretty much sold before we could get through the door. Oh well, next time... The exhibit continues through 8/7.
Get out there for Monday residencies. Also tonight, Collie Ryan, Mia Doi Todd, and Erica Hyska at Yoga Records. VOICEsVOICEs, Little Red Radio, and others at the Dragonfly. Chantal Kreviazuk, Elizaveta, and Naomi Sreimer at The Echo. Woah Hunx and others at The Smell... Tuesday, Bleu A Watched Pot record release at the Hotel Cafe with Mike Viola, Laura Veirs and others. Love Grenades and The Polyamorous Affair at La Cita. Foreign Born and The Veils down at the Detroit. Katie Costello at Saint Rocke. The Soft Hands, French Miami, and Apes of Wrath at The Prospector. Ivy Walls, Blue Jungle, and others at The Bordello. And a big album listening party for E Sharpe at the Roosevelt with DJ sets by Devendra Banhart, SoKo, Chris Holmes, and Ana Calderone... Wednesday, listen up for Foreign Born on "Morning Becomes Eclectic." Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros celebrate the release of their debut record at Amoeba. Fol Chen and 60-Watt Kid at Pershing Square. Xu Xu Fang and Jonneine Zapata at Marathon Live. Evan Way and others at Echo Curio. Rachael Cantu opens for Luluc at the Bootleg. Mere Mortals and Actress at the Silverlake Lounge. And Spirit Vine opens for The Datsuns at The Echo... Listen up for Tori Amos on "Morning Becomes Eclectic" on Thursday. Then it gets busy: Foreign Born and Warpaint at the Hammer. The Germs, The Mae Shi, and Spider Problem at the El Rey. The triumphant return of The Zeros with The Muffs, and others at the Troubadour. Gillian Welch at g'net. The Flying Tourbillon Orchestra, The Monolators, French Miami, and Kissing Cousins at The Echo. Rainbow^Arabia opens for The Very Best at Echoplex. Kate Earl, Rachel Goodrich, and others at the Hotel Cafe. Free Moral Agents and Blank Blue at The Que Sera. The Spires, The French Semester, and Tall Tales at Echo Curio. La Santa Cecilia at Eastside Luv. And thenewno2 at the GRAMMY Museum.
Full calendar listing here.
Happy belated birthdays last weekend to Anna Waronker, Vanina Alfaro (Odd Modern), Annie Stela, Leisha Hailey (Uh Huh Her), and Jacqueline Santillan (Wait.Think.Fast.). Celebrating birthdays this week: Mark Sovel, Michelle Lewis, Vice Cooler (Hawnay Troof), Devon Williams, The Jesse Knight, and Stewart Copeland (the nicest member of The Police).
Saturday, July 11, 2009
More sad news to report in the world of local music as we learned a few days ago that Danielle Baquet-Long, the lady behind the wonderful sound collage project Chubby Wolf, passed away at the age of 26.
We regretfully never saw Chubby Wolf perform or her other project with husband Will Long called Celer, but her self-released album L'histoire was one of our favorite records released last year. It was a sleeper of a record in more ways than one. With its beautifully subtle and stark tonal echoes, tracks like "Lay the Voices to Rest, Dear Mist" and "Perceptual Constancy of Ripples" can turn any sleepless night into a dreamworld of blissful peace. Moreover, ambient "experimental" records like these only get attention when coming out of regions that incite soundtracks to glacial movement (aka Iceland), which is quite literally the polar opposite of Southern California. But we're not posting this to simply recognize the music she gave us, but to understand she still had so much more to give.
Our deepest condolences to Will Long and her friends and family.
Los Angeles loved Danielle Baquet-Long.
Purchase Chubby Wolf's 2008 record L'histoire here. Listen/download music from Chubby Wolf's latest EP "Meandering Pupa" here.
Photo above from the Chubby Wolf MySpace.
Chubby Wolf - "Feigned Indifference" (MP3) Limited time download
Friday, July 10, 2009
To put it mildly, the last few weeks have been filled with nothing but heartache with so many Angelenos being lost including one we'll post about tomorrow if we can muster the strength and another who is permanently leaving us tomorrow for Austin (the city, not some dude named Austin, which would be equally devastating but much less damaging to our heart considering dudes named Austin are probably fighters and gosh knows we ain't fighters, we're lovers, so if she wants to run off with Mr. Mixed Martial Artist Champion we ain't gonna fight over it, but don't come running back to us when your perfect marriage turns into another Lifetime movie on spousal abuse and you need us to come "take care of him" because that ain't gonna happen, no siree.) Damn you, Austin, you're gonna make murderers out of us, aren't you?
This weekend's Echo Park Community Festival takes the place of what would have been the 32nd Annual Lotus Festival this weekend at Echo Park Lake. As Echo Parkers have already heard, there sadly will be no festival of the lotus this year and no dragon boats to race due to financial issues. Instead, this rather interesting community-driven festival has been organized and will feature performances by Electric Skychurch, The Parson Red Heads, LA Ladies Choir, Moonrats, and many others. Seeing Electric Skychurch on this lineup in this family-friendly non-Mojave Desert environment with attendees presumably not high on shrooms should be one for the books. This also could be the first and last of this festival if the Lotus returns next year so make these memories count...
Also tonight, The Widow Babies perform on KXLU's "Demolisten" and later play The Smell with NASA Space Universe, Audacity, and The Amazements. Sara Lov, Two Sheds, and others at The Mint. The Press Fire! celebrate the release of their new EP at Bow & Sparrow. Static Static has a record relase of their own at Show Cave. The Lords of Altamont, Demonica & the Darklings, and others at the Redwood. Jon Brion at g'net. Buddyhead presents Seaspin, Dalmacio von Diamond & the Enochian Keys, and Hesta Prynn at Spaceland. Stella Im Hultberg opening at thinkspace. Spider Problem, Megalosaurus, and Mikki & the Mauses at pehrspace. And Dirt Dress, TraPs Ps, The Health Club, and Starving Daughters at The Scene.
Saturday, Aushua celebrates the release of their new EP at the Detroit Bar. The Happy Hollows, The Valley Arena, and Katie the Pest at The Prospector. Lucky Dragons, Foot Village, and others at The Smell. Vaudeville, The Damselles, and Cobra Lilies play a free show at Spaceland. Earthless opens for Tortoise at the Troubadour. Spider Problem, Crescendo, and others at pehrspace. Mandy Moore at g'net. And Almost Better Than Sex returns to the Hudson/Gotham in Pomona.
Sunday, the great Alejandro Escovedo performs at McCabe's while Johnette Napolitano makes another rare appearance at the Hotel Cafe. "Systemics" group show (curated by Divisadero's Pauline Lay) at pehrspace with performances by Ema and the Ghosts and Red Maids. Jenny Lewis opens for Ray LaMontagne at the Hollywood Bowl. Kim Lenz does an in-store at Amoeba. The Summer Cats and The Tartans at PTP. Puppy Dog, Kill Kill Kill, and others at The Smell. And Manhattan Murder Mystery, BYOB Death, and others at $ucka Free.
Full calendar listing here.
Spider Problem - "Not Down" (MP3)
Electric Skychurch - "Silver Froth" (MP3)
The Press Fire! - "Hard to Break, You Know" (MP3)
Thursday, July 09, 2009
You might have guessed by our recent trip up north that we didn't just go up there for shits and giggles (aka BBQs and fireworks). Or just to see The Strange Boys who we've probably seen twenty-five too many times in the last few months. No, actually, our trip northward was due to being bit by the lovebug for the ATL's The Coathangers.
After catching a bit of their first L.A. show last year at The Smell and subsequently purchasing their self-titled 2007 record, we were immediately smitten with their catchy riot grrl punk rock. And, surely, all fans of Bratmobile, Longstocking, and Team Dresch are yearning for the kind of fun sing-along ranting choruses found in songs like "Wreckless Boy," "Nestle in My Boobies," and "Don't Touch My Shit!"
Their latest record Scramble (released earlier this year on Suicide Squeeze), incorporates more interesting keyboard-driven melodies into their overlapping sis-boom-bah vocals and counter-melodic rhythms, which makes for a stronger collection of songs. "Stomp Stomp Stompin'," "Arthritis Sux", and "Toomerhead" are all great but there's something about "Pussywillow" and "143" that make us smile ear to ear -- although for the latter it's fairly obvious with lyrics like "I think it's so much better that we never met, Now there's nothing to regret, I love you."
Yes, Los Angeles does have bands that sound like The Coathangers (Eagle and Talon, WEAVE!, and of course Mika Miko to name a few), but there's nothing wrong with flirting with a few southern belles once in awhile. And, yeah, we'll probably be over them by the morning, but until then... Los Angeles loves The Coathangers.
The Coathangers finish up their tour with The Strange Boys this week. Go see them.
The Coathangers on MySpace.
Photos from recent shows here.
The Coathangers - "Stop Stomp Stompin'" (MP3) from the new album "Scramble" out now on Suicide Squeeze
Purchase here
The Coathangers - "Don't Touch My Shit!" (MP3) from the debut album "The Coathangers"
Purchase here
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
We were running around Los Angeles last night, doing that silly thing where we jump from club to club and then Tweet about how cool we are for doing so, when we came to a screeching halt at the traffic light next to Dangerbird and saw the new work-in-progress mural that Jeff Castelaz just posted about yesterday (pictured above). We haven't posted anything about his family's tragedy because quite frankly it makes us weep just typing that "C" word, but you should read about the whole inspiring story here. Then when you're done crying and calling loved ones you haven't spoken to in a year, go here and donate what you can.
Tonight, Army/Navy celebrates the release of their new "Saints" 7" at Spaceland tonight. We picked one up at Origami the second we heard it was limited edition. Honestly, if bands want people to buy stuff, just put limited edition somewhere in the packaging and you'll probably sell 15-30% more than you normally would. Actually, don't do that. We have a mortgage to pay off.
Also tonight, Blank Blue celebrates their new digital EP "Combine" at Low End Theory with Andy Votel. Love Grenades, Avi Buffalo and others at Viper. Mika Miko, Ty Segall, Charlie & the Moonhearts, and Shark Toys at The Smell. Rootbeer, U-N-I, and others at The Echo. The Watkins Family Hour at g'net. Foot Ox, Bri White, and Stephen Steinbrink at Hickey Underworld. Very Be Careful continues their residency at Mucho Wednesdays. The Monthlies, The Faraway Places and others at the Silverlake Lounge.
Tomorrow, Eulogies performs on "Morning Becomes Eclectic." Corridor performs on KXLU around 5pm. Joan Baez and Tift Merritt do a free show on the Santa Monica Pier at 7pm. Gillian Welce at g'net. Everest and Red Cortez at the Hammer. theSTART, Bloodcat Love, Useless Keys, and others at the Roxy. Kay Hanley, The Dollyrots, and The Janks at Viper. And Golden State and others at the Troubadour.
Goodness, that's all on the westside. Whatever will the eastsiders do? Well, Steve Wynn & the Miracle Three and The Urinals at The Echo. Dusty Rhodes & the River Band, Olin & the Moon and others at Echoplex. The Minor Canon, His Orchestra, and Courtenay Green at the Silverlake Lounge. Cat Hair Ensemble and others at Hyperion Tavern. And we must not forget all the Downtown Artwalk festivities.
Full calendar listing here.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
We haven't done this in awhile but what the hey...
Monday residencies: Andy Clockwise residency launch at Spaceland was filled with Aussie ex-pats, Silver Lake bandmates of Aussie ex-pats, and an unusual amount of well-dressed and very tall starlet slash models who probably just got lost on the way to Les Deux... Japanese Motors brought out the OC/Long Beach scene in full force but one band was a no-show (dammit)... Last American Buffalo's first show of their residency didn't have problems bringing in a good-sized crowd themselves. Their new band lineup sounds great.
In record news: Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros debut record Up From Below is available now through iTunes (out next week everywhere). It is magnificent... HEALTH's highly-anticipated new record Get Color comes out 9/8 but you can pre-order it now and get some limited edition goodies. The band is also doing some clever promos for those who buy the record at stores in September. Check their blog for details... Blank Blue's new digital EP "Combine" is out today on Ubiquity, available exclusively on the label website. Release show is tomorrow at Low End Theory... Lisa Germano's new record Magic Neighbor is due in September. Without even hearing it, this record will be in our Top 10 of 2009... The Press Fire's new EP "ES SLASH TEE" is out today on Slanty Shanty. Release show is Friday at Bow & Sparrow... Sangre Sangre's debut record Around Here, We're All Ghosts: Vol. 1 is out 7/31 on White Drugs. Record release show at The Scene that day... The Active Set is giving away their self-titled EP away for free (or donation) on their website. Any donations will go toward the production of their new record...
In tour/concert news: Shonen Knife returns to Los Angeles, playing The Echo on 11/2 with Ty Segall... Nosaj Thing is set to go on tour with The Glitch Mob in the coming weeks and will also open for Fever Ray at the Music Box on 10/7. Makeup date for the Drift record release that got shut down by the LAFD back in June will be 7/15 at Low End Theory... Ferraby Lionheart, who's apparently been in Nashville for the last few months recording a new album, returns to town on 8/1 at the Hotel Cafe... Fool's Gold go on tour with Metronomy in October but don't ask us why they aren't slated for the 10/9 date at the Roxy... Mika Miko and Audacity head out on tour on 7/14. Upon returning, Mika Miko opens for Mannequin Man on 9/1 at The Echo and Teenage Jesus and the Jerks on 10/7 at the El Rey... Tweak Bird go on out tour with TOOL in July, which is amazing. Even more amazing is that they're scheduled to play The Smell with Monotonix and ANAVAN on 9/16... The Homosexuals return to town opening for Pinback at the El Rey on 11/14.... This year's Twilight Dance Series hosts its biggest lineup yet with Patti Smith, Joan Baez, Squirrel Nut Zippers, and many others scheduled throughout the summerlong event... Joshua Tree Roots Music Festival is scheduled for 10/10 & 11... Also, we added a ton of new shows recently to the calendar so go there for more stuff.
We hope you enjoyed this news break. You may now return to your summer vacation.
Bob Mitchell, longtime organist at the Silent Movie Theatre, passed away on the 4th of July at the age of 96. Chances are if you've ever been to see one of the many silver screen classics at the Theatre or at various silent film revival nights around town, you've seen Mr. Mitchell on organ or piano accompanying the films. As regular attendees of SMT/Cinefamily and just huge fans of the man who's been a cherished local icon for nearly a century, we will miss him dearly. There will be a short memorial service for Mr. Mitchell at the Silent Movie Theatre on Wednesday prior to the 8pm screening of Greta Garbo's Love.
Los Angeles loved Bob Mitchell.
Photo by Deadwrite.
Monday, July 06, 2009
Thanks to NorCal for once again being such hospitable hosts this past weekend, especially to the boys and girls of Grand Fanali who presented such a great lineup at Nickel City in San Jose on Friday with The Strange Boys, The Coathangers, Nodzzz, and others. Nickel City is a great nickel arcade that has a backroom set up for children's birthday parties but has more recently been hosting indie rock shows. How they were able to book Friday's show along with upcoming nights with Azure Ray, Mika Miko/Audacity, Girl in a Coma/Miss Derringer, and Three Mile Pilot/Optiganally Yours in a room not much bigger than pehrspace is pretty fantastic, not to mention an indication that there are simply not enough all-ages venues in San Jose (the third largest city in California and the 10th largest in the United States). Local bands booking at the Nickel on weekends could very well get a visit by us. That's not a hint. We're telling you outright to play shows there.
Ok, so July. What's up?..
Residencies/Multi-night shows: Gillian Welch, 60-Watt Kid, Very Be Careful (review of last week's show here), Andy Clockwise, Last American Buffalo, Japanese Motors, Pistolero/Sederra, Bleu, David Ryan Harris, Jon Brion, Bill Harvey, Rachel Goodrich, Damion Suomi, Watts Ensemble, The Steelwells, Michelle Featherstone...
Release shows: Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Army Navy, Aushua, Blank Blue, Awol One, Gina Villalobos, The Press Fire!, Bleu, Kim Divine, Vaudeville, Static Static, Sangre Sangre, Horse the Band, LMFAO, B Foundation, Jake La Botz...
Festivals/Big Events: Echo Park Community Festival, Also I Like To Rock, "Systemics" group show, Mayhem Festival, Almost Better Than Sex, Fresh Squeezed, East Hollywood Music Festival, Shakespeare LA, LA Shorts Fest, New Original Works Fest, and of course the big MJ Memorial Concert...
And we're doing some shows this month as well. 7/21 at The Prospector and 7/23 Echo Curio. Keep those in mind when planning your July.
Also, we missed some birthdays at the end of June and last week, didn't we Lisa Germano, Greg Hetson (Bad Religion), Andy Bollas (8-bit), Pauline Lay (Divisadero), Andy Siara (Henry Clay People), Justin Gage (Aquarium Drunkard), Jennifer Goodridge (Seaspin), Dan Rossiter (Summer Darling), Jose Galvez (Ozma), Noah Green (ex-Henry Clay People), Sam Farrar (Phantom Planet), Ariel Pink, Jason Schwartzman, Theresa Wayman (Warpaint), and Esa-Pekka Salonen? Happy Birthdays this week to Travis Keller and Schuyler Fisk.
Pictured above is the lovely Stephanie Luke of The Coathangers in San Jose.
Friday, July 03, 2009
Don't worry, we'll keep this extra quick since we know you're all already either well out of Los Angeles on vacation or chillin' by the pool with the grandkids (yes, we assume our readership of four consists of persons over 65. Hi, Mom.).
Raves to all the June residency bands, the benefit shows for Pablove and Jennifer Tefft, and release parties for Leslie and the Badgers and The Gaslamp Killer.
Prepare to be blown away by ANAVAN on "Demolisten" tonight. Later, check out what might be the last official "First Fridays" at Mr. T's with Seasons, One Trick Pony, VOICEsVOICEs, Ema and the Ghosts, and others. Killsonic, Vanaprasta, and others at the Troubadour. Dead Ponies, Carnage Asada, The Fay Wrays, and others at The Blvd. The Wallburds, Dirt Dress, and Tall Hands at Silver Factory Studios. And the triumphant return of Club Rhonda... On 4th of July Saturday there are two good festivals to hit up with New Weird America and Desert Fest. And Dawes open for Deer Tick at Spaceland... On Sunday, Jail Weddings, The Coathangers, Bipolar Bear, and others at The Smell. Avi Buffalo, Shiloe, and The Shade at Silver Factory Studios. Tall Hands and Tijuana Panthers at Silver Factory Studios. Penelope Fortier and Joel Virgil open for Emilie Simon at the Bootleg. Fishtank Ensemble and others at Echo Curio. 8mm, Pollyn, and others at Viper. And DCFC, Tegan & Sara, and New Pornographers at the Bowl.
Full calendar listing here.
Pictured above is the lovely crowd at this week's Mucho Wednesdays with July's resident band Very Be Careful.
Dirt Dress - "Hoping for the Best"
