Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Stopped by Dead Man's Bones' video release show for "Dead Hearts" last night at a sold-out Silent Movie Theatre. The video was somewhat nervously introduced by the band's two frontmen Zach Shields and Ryan Gosling (as if they weren't aware they'd be asked so many questions by the night's regular proprietor Jerry Beck) who both also directed the video with help by sculpture artist Arthur Ganson and set direction by Jed Hathaway. Seems like the band could present every song on this new record (out now) in a similar cinematic fashion as every song lends itself to creative visualizations (something we all probably wish Tom Waits did with Mule Variations). There are rumors that the band plans to tour using local children's choirs in each city for the ghostly voices that haunt their songs, which is pretty ingenious and perfect for the Halloween season. This whole project is actually pretty brilliant (we've been listening to the record non-stop for weeks) and, if anything, it finally puts to rest that Hollywood bands don't just come in pre-packaged Keanu/Leto containers. Dead Man's Bones perform at the Regent Theatre on 10/30, presented by Little Radio.
Tonight, Sheila Nicholls celebrates the release of her new record Songs From the Bardo at the Hotel Cafe. Old-school Nicholls fans should love the record, which has all the familiar political-minded eclecticisms she's been performing in town for over a decade. Joining her will be our ex-girlfriend Catherine Feeny who's in town promoting her new fantastic record People in the Hole, which she self-released a few weeks back. Also on this great lineup are the lovely Chapin Sisters who launch their First Wednesday residency at the club. We've known the Chapins since their very first shows in town (we might have booked one or two of them) so we love that we get to see them at a regular spot every month for the next few months. They recently finished a new record so we'll assume they'll be debuting some songs from it tonight. Sounds like a lock.
Also tonight, Thavius Beck celebrates the release of his new record Dialogue, which you might have caught us bumping on the way to the Crane's last night. We believe the record was supposed to come out next week on Mush Records but it's now not coming until 1/26 so this release show is a bit premature, but we're pretty sure everyone at Low End Theory tonight won't mind too much. "Go!," "Hardcore," "Sheepish" are the early go-to tracks for showing off your new Thunder 9500's... Nosaj Thing opens for Fever Ray at the Music Box (maybe he'll stop by LET after?). Mika Miko opens for Teenage Jesus and the Jerks at the El Rey. Toy Robots and Lowlight joint record release at Crane's. Cricket and the 2:19 begins their residency at TAIX. Robyn Hitchcock plays The Little Room of g'net with special guests Gillian Welch, David Rawlings, and others. Kissing Cousins opens for Hot Toddies and The Foxes at the Silverlake Lounge. Slang Chickens opens for Kid Congo Powers and the Pink Monkey Bird down at Alex's. Duhkha, Narwhal Party, Stab City, and Not The Government at L'KEG. And the big Linda Perhacs show at Redcat.
Full calendar listing here.
In other news: Everyone's favorite punk rock drum corps Foot Village premiered their new video for the title track off their new album Anti-Magic. They go on another Euro tour in November... The prettiest member of The Press Fire!, Ms. Merisa, officially announced her departure from the band this week to pursue other creative projects. No word on how this effects Friday's scheduled show at The Smell but you should go anyway... In other band breakup news, The Guilty Hearts play their last show ever at the Redwood Bar on Saturday... If you missed the JoYo performance this morning on MBE, check it out here... Finally, raise your hands if you're excited about "The Office" wedding episode tomorrow. We apologize for being softies but this preview is killing us. Nice touch with the Powter track too (Drootin?).
