Feed Your Head

Feed Your Head presents Seasons Final January Residency at The Echo

2012-01-26T21:45:00.000-08:00

I have been having the time of my life at the Seasons residency this month, so I'm especially proud to be presenting the final show of the series. This Monday, January 30th, they continue to present some of the best bands in town that should cap off this run in grand style. We have been mutual supporters for a bunch of years now and this feels right. It's also the first show I've ever presented at The Echo and I'm especially proud of that too.

I understand that there may be more that 11 present and former band members on stage at any given moment. The program will undoubtedly cover all four EPs and even more. I;m going to miss these nights.

Joining them will be Robotanists, who have quite a following themselves, Paulie Pesh, who honored me by playing my 3rd Anniversary of this blog show at Lot 1 last May and Little Red Lung, who so enchanted me at Hotel Cafe a few weeks ago (Read this). This show has a lot of potential. You don't want to miss it.

whrabbit

Hot Fun In The Summer Time

2012-01-24T23:02:00.000-08:00

As I was assigned to bring the beach chairs for the evening of Summer by Seasons (seen above), I got to The Echo before the first band even started. A large cardboard sun was hanging over the stage and a sun hat sat at the lip of the stage, indicative of the season being honored here on Monday, January 23. Walking in I spotted the night's presenter, Lord Growing of The 704 Blog chatting with Stephen Sigl and his cousin and Happy Casualties bandmate, Brittany Sigl as Downtown Union set up to open the night.

And open it, did they ever. This was clearly one of the best sets I've seen from this band (including the one they did for me at Feed Your Head night last November). The playing was tighter and more forceful, Bo Bory's vocals were spot on, perfectly miked, and the songs sounded better than ever. Most came from their latest CD, Deal Gone Wrong, including "Honey Bee" and the title tune which show the band's real growth in songwriting. Great hooks, aggressive hard rock arrangements, interesting lyrics combine to make Downtown Union seem like they're really on fire right now. Even Jack Gibson of Tenlons Fort joined them for this set, banging on a tambourine. It illustrated for me, again, why I firmly believe there's a new energy and drive alive in the music community since the beginning of the year.

I haven't seen The Health Club in about a year, but I remember being pretty dazzled by them. Although lead singer Gerard Fortich admitted he wasn't feeling too well as they began, there was no sign of illness in his performance. With real style and panache he performed gallantly for the audience, swaying and with such expressive vocals, his catchy songs urge the crowd into dancing mode. Katya Arce's steady and solidly powerful bass demonstrated, both here and later in Manhattan Murder Mystery, why she's one of the community's most respected bass players. I immediately asked them to play for me next month at Lot 1.

I think I would find Seasons a very special band even if I didn't have strong personal feelings for all of its members. Listening to their back story in the fine documentary Pass The Music only elevated my respect for them as I learned they really forged their sound out of view and unaware of the current local music movement that was in it's infancy. I told John and Ray this when we spoke in the 'green room' before their set and said it most certainly has led to their unique and original sound. Though they trip from genre to genre, it's the common thread of psychedelia that binds all their music together creating a genre all their own.

Bringing out the beach balls for their set, the audience (me included) wouldn't let up with balls flying all over the place for most of their set. It was summer after all. The songs on the EP, Summer, are among the finest they have ever written, and to hear them played with some freshened up arrangements, just made them stand out all the more. "The Weight" impressed me right from the first time I ever heard it. I think it was at Mr. T's Bowl a couple of years ago and I thought, then and there, that it was one of the best songs I've heard come out of this scene. And to hear it with fresh arrangements, only increased it's power. It's a beauty! And "The Sea" has always been one of their surest crowd pleasers, coaxing frozen audiences to break out into dancing frenzy. A beautiful set, with the band reaching nine members or more on this occasion.

What else can I say about Manhattan Murder Mystery beyond that they just keep getting better and better every time I see them. They seem perfectly poised to break out big time, if they don't just internally combust from too much talent. They whipped the audience into unbridled revelry (as they are wont to do) with mostly new material, ending in a finale with more people on the stage than in the audience. It was a pure Bacchanalian moment.

I know that Matthew Teardrop would eschew this notion, but not only is his remarkable songwriting getting more incredible, it's even becoming sophisticated. It still retains the strong sense that it's improvisational, and could burst out in any direction at any moment. It's unpretentious, heartfelt and downtrodden. Full of fatalistic hope and impossible dreams, always looking below the surface. But there's a cohesiveness creeping into his compositions and it is bringing out the best in this band. A wild and undisciplined set that was nonetheless brilliant.

I got home very late.

whrabbit

PASS THE MUSIC

2012-01-22T22:00:00.000-08:00

That was one hell of a Saturday night at the premiere of the documentary, Pass The Music at the Bootleg Theatre last night. Making sure to get there early enough not to miss a minute of the film, I was not alone in that judgement. The place was already crawling with our local music celebrities, ready to celebrate this loving and accurate picture of the scene that was happening on Los Angeles' east side from 2008 to 2010. It's very specific to those years, making it's value as a relevant document, that much more important.

All the participating musicians relate their early struggles and the exuberance of the local music scene that urged them on. It's also interesting to note that many of these artists have also continued to grow and have been through a lot of changes since the film was made. The scene is ever-evolving. The atmosphere was more than festive even before the film began as the place filled up quickly. I heard there was quite a line outside at one point and I'm sure they must have had to turn people away.

Filmmakers Ryan Maples and Jason Tovar took turns introducing the movie, and it began. What a nostalgic trip that was filled with more emotion than I thought it would have. Although numerous bands comment on their careers, the film focuses primarily on five local bands, all but one, still with us.

Seasons are a great way to start and I loved hearing them relate how they began in a garage and how they crafted their sound, kind of in a vacuum, not really being aware of any 'scene' at the time. This is what makes them sound so special, inspired and certainly unique. The performance clips are a tribute to the band and sound quite like they do live. "Mouse" took the great picture on the right at The Bordello.

The Happy Hollows followed, allowing us into their rehearsal process. That was like a gift and one of the film's most charming moments comes from this sequence watching the facial expressions of Chris Hernandez as he watches Sara Negahdari and Chris Mahoney teaching him how to drum. Sarah's natural ebullience just pours out of the screen and their on-stage clips are as electrifying as one would expect.

The Henry Clay People pull back the curtain on two brothers in the same band who manage not to kill each other. And then when they get on stage all seems right and they pour out these intense emotions into exuberant stage performances. O.K. the occasional argument breaks out, but even then they hold it together. Joey Siara and Andy Siara share their struggles with the push and pull of trying to break out nationally. We get nice swaths of their performances around the east side.

The attempt to navigate life in two different worlds simultaneously is the overriding theme of the Radars To The Sky segment. (That photo is by Travis Woods of Web In Front) Andrew Spitzer fills in some fascinating biographical details concerning the dogged attempts to make a music career, balancing duties of family and how to make a living and still find time for music. It's the dilemma all of these musicians face and I have to say, they face that reality with a determination that makes me admire them all that much more. The clips of the band, when Seamus Simpson and Kate Spitzer were still playing with them, were super-nostalgic...and sounded really really good too. But I'm looking forward to whatever direction they take.

And then there's The Movies. This segment dealt with what you do when your lead singer may be insane. Certainly the live performance clips showed a band with an amazing power, led by the mighty baritone of Timothy James and his thrashing about, spinning in mid-air tricks that were a part of the unpredictability of his performances. The writing partnership with Jessica Gelt is shown, wart and all, to have been challenging. But the music lives on and still sounds incredibly solid. And this band has certainly had an impact on many other local bands.

Everybody from Silversun Pickups to The Monolators to Earlimart to Everest are represented along with about 30 more. Each observation heartfelt and enlightening. They reach out to the community at large as well, acknowledging the photographers, videographers, graphic artists and the bloggers who want to get some attention for these bands.

The astute observations of Kevin Bronson of Buzzbands dot the film and place the scene in an historical context. Joe Fielder of Radio Free Silver Lake talked about what his aims are for the site and made me feel prouder than ever to be associated with it. Ashley Jex explains the lay of the land, how all the clubs are so close you can easily take in more than one on any given night. How that feeds into the sense of community. Everyone amplifying the notion that: "Hey, there's really something kind of special going on here". "Mouse" says it best when he says he didn't set out to be a music writer, but the local music scene just pulled him in and it became necessary. That was exactly my feeling when I started this blog in 2008. I didn't have a choice, it was something I had to do, just to pay back all that this music community has given me.

Following the film were a bunch of musical performances by Seasons sounding as good as ever, Judson in a really effective solo acoustic set, Radars To The Sky with a startling, good line up, Tenlons Fort in his final performance before heading easterly, making it poignant, and Movies Tribute Bands. Manhattan Murder Mystery were scheduled to go on at 1, but, c'mon, I had to get up and do the Low Down and I had to wander out and get a bus. I'm sure the party went on and on and on...Besides I'll see Manhattan Murder Mystery on Monday at The Echo.

Anyway, congratulations and thanks to the team of Maples and Tovar and all their crew for a precious slice of history we can hold in our hands forever.

whrabbit

Jason Simon as Old Testament at Harvard & Stone

2012-01-20T21:15:00.000-08:00

I had a really good time at Harvard & Stone last night (Thursday, January 19) when I wandered over there to see Dead Meadow's lead singer, Jason Simon, performing with a project, begun as a solo act, which has blossomed into a four-person band called Old Testament. (Photo on right by Allison Jana Sautkulis) I'd never been to this establishment before, but being located on Hollywood Boulevard near Western, it had a lot of old-style Hollywood charm, a bar populated with friendly and helpful bartenders, and an overall comfortable ambiance. Actually it opened less than a year ago.

Grabbing a beer, I had about 45 minutes to kill till the band went on. Standing by the bar, admiring the layout and keeping a good view of the stage, I began to notice that the DJ was playing "Ruby Tuesday" by The Stones, a version of "Season of the Witch" (I think Donovan), even "Crimson and Clover" by Tommy James and The Shondells. When "Happy Together" by The Turtles started up, I'd had just about enough of someone fucking with my head. I mean, these are all the songs I listened to in High School in my bedroom on WBZ radio from Boston, when I was about 15 or 16, and just beginning my unbridled passion for rock and roll. It seemed like someone had pulled a play list out of my head.

I introduced myself to the DJ and told him this. To let him know I hadn't just fallen out of some time machine, I mentioned that I write blogs covering the current local music scene and the evening was making me feel like I'm living in some parallel universe. Well that really got him started and I heard "I Had Too Much To Dream Last Night" by The Prunes. When he played "Somebody To Love" by Jefferson Airplane, I felt like I had been turned inside out and my brains must have been spilling out all over the floor for all to see.

I got to chat a moment with Jason, but he soon had to head for the stage. The music he writes as a solo or for Old Testament is different, stylistically, from Dead Meadow, but the familiar undercurrent of his Indian raga influence can still be heard. I love the droning, almost somnambulant quality of the music of Dead Meadow, but here, it takes the shape of more classically structured songwriting in an acoustic format.

The skills that are displayed in all the Dead Meadow material is here as well. Uncommonly good melodies are paired with the torrent of words Jason writes. Sometimes the lyrics just come out in a tumble, one on top of the other, sung in a voice as if in a trance, making the listener lean forward to hear all of the carefully enunciated musings. The style is familiar to anyone who knows '60s psychedelic music, but it still sounds fresh and is totally engrossing. I look forward to becoming more familiar with these songs.

The crowd was an eager and willing audience, and many seemed quite familiar with the material and that helped make the set quite special. The second band was called Boy Scout Jamboree, made up of members of Spindrift, but unfortunately it was already getting late and a work night as well. And if I hadn't run into Christian Biel, I would have left then, but we hung out for a while. I was glad to run into a familiar face and catch up (as fellow bus riders, we occasionally are on the same bus or train) and share what was a pretty remarkable evening. Harvard a & Stone passed the test and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good spot in Hollywood to hear good music.

whrabbit

It Might As Well Be Spring

2012-01-17T20:21:00.000-08:00

Spring was sprung loose at The Echo on Monday night as Seasons pulled out the songs from the first of their four EPs, released in April, 2009. What with the birds hanging over head and chirping coming out of the speakers (I knew there'd be birds) the lily festooned stage set reeked a bit of Easter, but that would be appropriate. Thanks to Vince Wong for the great photo.

This was another killer line up for this already extraordinary residency, with four of the city's best bands all in one place. I made extra sure not to be late for this one, and within minutes of arriving, George Glass took over the stage. It's been too long since I've seen this band and that was made clear when I was bowled over by how good they were. They sounded tighter than ever and the new songs were a treat to hear. I especially love "AM Radio" which has super-hit appeal written all over it. Some super aggressive playing on the post-punkier numbers had the crowd cheering. This set alone would have made the night a success.

I was surprised at the number of people who told me they hadn't seen The Lonely Wild, and as they began, I stood back and watched them seduce an entire audience in minutes. With "Right Side of the Road" they open their set with every band member braying loudly, mouths wide open in an assault of full-throated harmony. Just as quickly the song narrows down to simple boy/girl harmonies and Andrew and Jessi gently toss vocal duties back and forth. I always enjoy hearing their standard set, but tonight they threw in a few new songs that were excellent and as I looked around I could see the audience was sitting firmly in the palm of their hand.

Things were getting pretty festive by the time Seasons climbed on stage. After two amazing sets by two excellent bands, the audience was already as pliant as could be and ready to embrace the headliner as the twitter and chirp of Spring birds led into "India". As this EP is almost three years old and the instrumental make up of Seasons has evolved, new arrangements were required to embrace their new sound and the transfusion made all the songs sound new again.

As they advanced through the set, playing "Empty Spaceships", "Song That You Know" and the others, the crowd became more and more enthused, until a Seasons mosh pit opened up on the floor in front of the stage. Guest musicians took turns on stage and the party atmosphere was in high gear with random acts of dancing breaking out.

Lastly, Death To Anders came on to try to level off the evening, but the crowd was still reeling as Rob Danson weaved his way through his dark tales of misfits and malcontents. Kind of like this crowd. His vocals were as gnarled and expressive as always and I realized I had heard an amazing array of voices over the course of the night. All different, all unique, and so characteristic of the rich profusion of talented singers all around us in this city. It makes me feel really lucky to be here to appreciate it. Go, Seasons, go! Can't wait for next week, presented by The 704. The photo of Rob, above, by Vanessa Lynn beautifully sums up the feel of the evening.

whrabbit

Marvelous Toy Release "Not Moving"

2012-01-16T17:01:00.000-08:00

On Friday, January 13, I headed over to Bootleg Bar to attend the Release Show Marvelous Toy were holding for their long-awaited CD, Not Moving. There's been a lot of positive buzz preceding this record and it does not disappoint.

Actually it was a show for Ozma, the re-formed Pasadena band, that flooded the place with fans and created two separate, distinct audiences. One for Marvelous Toy and Socialistics (Andy Siara and Claire Mckeown) and the other, an Ozma crowd. I was glad I arrived early to have a chance to catch up with friends before Andy Siara of The Henry Clay People took to the stage in an incarnation called Socialistics . Basically it is Andy on guitar and voice, accompanied by Claire on harmonies and tambourine. That's it, and it was a nice surprise. Andy's expressive vocals combined with Claire's beautifully trained voice made some lovely sounds and when they were joined for the final number by Andy's brother, Joey Siara, I couldn't believe what I was hearing. It sounded kind of like The Everly Brothers with a female accompanist, and showed a side of the brother's talent that the hyper-kinetic The Henry Clay People doesn't allow. Good job.

I haven't seen Marvelous Toy since they played one of the Radio Free Silver Lake Tuesdays at LaBrie's months. It was great to see them all together playing in what amounted to a greatest hits of Marvelous Toy set. Not Moving contains such perfected versions of songs we've been hearing throughout this band's career, as produced by Raymond Richards, these are powerful and urgent sounding recordings and this night's live show was full of that energy. Once again one could appreciate the classic sounding Americana, honky-tonk vibe that pervades Jordan Hudock's writing.

I especially love it when the brothers' Hudock, Jordan and Cody (photo at right by David Miller) are both playing keys and pounding away with a proficiency and accuracy that is astonishing, the effect is sublime. Can't imagine what it must have been like to grow up in a house with these two around. I was particularly happy to hear "Cities In My State", "Waiting For the Fire", "I Have To Write This Over" and "I Missed So Much" in such lively renditions. Wonderful support from Ny Lee and Franck Fiser. Afterward, as the Ozma crowd moved in, I stepped out.

Just have to note how beautiful I think the song, "The Subway Driver" is on the CD. Gorgeous and very moving. This is the album Marvelous Toy fans have been waiting for.

whrabbit

Chilly Scenes of Winter

2012-01-10T08:18:00.000-08:00

Seasons moved into Winter for their second residency on Jan 9 at The Echo as they journey through a year (plus some) in a month. Last week's stage design of pumpkins, dried leaves and bare trees was replaced by twinkling snowflakes, icicles and a frosty blue and white color scheme. Web in Front presented the evening and the line up was incredible, beginning with Judson, who played a flat out rocking set that was as aggressive as I ever seen from them, and it was dynamic. With a lineup that includes John Seasons and Kaitlin Wolfberg from Seasons and Sheridan Riley (of Avi Buffalo and Tenlons Fort) Judson and Mary lead the band through powerful versions of "People Grow Up So Slow" and "William Jenning Bryan" that sounded so strong and sure that it took the audience by surprise. Me included. Passionate vocals from Judson shows the band just getting better and better, and the combined violins of Mary and Kaitlin give the music a real majesty.

Tenlons Fort moved me, shook me up and ejected me into the stratosphere with a set that deserved to be on anybody's 'best of...' list. After Saturday's indelible performance at Lot 1 for my Feed Your Head show, I didn't think they could sound any better. I was wrong. With just John Seasons on bass, Will Courtney on guitar and Sheridan Riley on drums (I asked her if her arms would hold out) Jack Gibson was in as fine a voice as I have ever heard and the songs sounded more beautiful than ever before. Is this superlative enough? In the rush and excitement of the evening I asked Jack about a specific song which I think he said was composed for a film. It had Berlin in the title I believe and it was a total stunner. I melted into the floor as I listened, each note taking me further into that deeper space, that ordinary music can't accomplish. It's solid bass lines were of a depth and power that I can only compare to Pinback, with its similar direct injection into my music-soul. I don't think I recovered from that one song all night.

Leaving Seasons to try to match that level of perfection, they rose to the occasion honorably. Playing their EP, Winter, in it's entirety, it was a reminder of just how good those songs are. The whole band seemed to be playing at the peak of their powers and it was one of their best sets ever. And I should know, I've seen about 25 of their shows. Ending with a couple of extra songs, "Sign of the Beat" was a particularly apt choice for the last song. Just a quick mention of how the addition of Kaitlin Wolfberg's violin during the past year has had an amazing impact on the consolidation of their sound, and her contribution can't be underestimated.

After a brief break, Kind Heart & Coronets returned to the stage of The Echo after a six year break. Lead Asa Ferry explained that various medical emergencies had sidelined three of the band's members, but they were forging ahead with some substitutions. This made for a somewhat raggedy performance, but I was reminded of why I liked this band six years ago. The songs are well crafted and interesting and, in spite of the musicians unfamiliarity with some of the material, they pulled off a really interesting and rewarding set. Who knows what heights they could reach once they patch themselves together again.

What a great way to spend a Monday night. Here we are, only two weeks into the new year and I think I've already seen three of the best shows of the year. What's going on?!! There was a palpable excitement in the crowd, like everyone discovering their favorite new toy all at the same time. Even Donovan was there. Albeit as a lifesize cardboard cutout. Looking remarkable for his age, it was good to see him out and about...and to see that he appreciates the new music as well. Congratulations to Travis Woods of Web In Front for hosting such a superb show.

whrabbit

Fifth Lot 1 Feed Your Head Show

2012-01-09T19:25:00.000-08:00

A big thanks to everyone who came out to play and perform at last Saturday's Feed Your Head Show at Lot 1, especially Jack Gibson of Tenlons Fort who really put together the bill for me. He did such an outstanding job, and set the bar so high, I may have trouble reaching it in the future.

First up was Will Courtney, who I hadn't seen before, so I was duly impressed with his wonderful singing and songwriting. Jack told me his mother is a gospel singer who encouraged and nurtured her son's musical talents. The combination of pristine vocals and complex writing shows the strong musical heritage that is behind him.

Next was a solo set (mostly) by Avi (at right) of Avi Buffalo that highlighted some of his newest songs, which are in stark contrast to the experimental direction he was forging last year with his noise compositions. He's returned to the more straightforward (if you could ever call his curlicue melodies straightforward) character of his earlier work. One song in particular struck me with its probing lyrics and haunting atmosphere, which reminded me of the Andy Warhol Factory/New York/Avant-garde rock circa 1970. Joined by other musicians for his final two songs, he rocked Lot 1 hard.

Tenlons Fort is presently made up of Jack, John Seasons on bass, Sheridan Riley on drums and Will Courtney on guitar and backing vocals. This newest lineup puts new spins on familiar material and makes the new material their own. Jack was in great voice and his natural, unforced style makes other singers appear to be working too hard. Special mention must be made of Sheridan Riley's impeccable drumming, for the variety and nuance she displays is to be envied. The whole audience seemed to notice.

The Wildbunch closed the night with a set of rock and roll that could not be resisted. Their remarkable drummer has an equally impressive voice, with which he led a couple of songs. The lead singer has an appropriately gravelly vocal style, suiting the band's name, and Avi stepped in on second guitar, adding twinkle and shine to already bright melodies. Their set was a revelation in that it just kept getting better and better. By the end, I was ready to be peeled off the ceiling.

Wonderful friends, the wonderful Lot 1 and great sound by Sean Guerin made for a night I won't forget.

Thank you all.

whrabbit

First Show of the New Year

2012-01-02T05:11:00.000-08:00

Mark your calendars...next Saturday:
whrabbit

Here We Go Again

2011-12-01T12:39:00.001-08:00

Time for the next installment of Feed Your Head Presents at Lot 1 and I'm super excited to be presenting Seasons in maybe their last show of the year (or not. Actually they're on the Manhattan Murder Mystery residency showcase at The Satellite on Dec 12) before they premiere their new EP, Fall, in January. They've been good friends to me for a long time now, so let's come out and show them a good time. Azalia Snail intrigued me when I saw her perform at a party a few years ago and her unique and hypnotic style will amaze you. She's performing with Dan West. The Happy Casualties are another band I've been close to for a while and their ramshackle rock and roll is always a welcome addition to a night of partying. The band N O W are a recommendation of Azalia's, so I trust her judgement and look forward to hearing what they're about.

Thanks to Eileen Leslie and the whole Lot 1 team for making my dream of sponsoring shows a reality. Let's celebrate Christmas early!!!

whrabbit

Black Friday Show

2011-11-25T09:15:00.000-08:00

Rebecca Balin's group "My Friends Are Great" is presenting a show at The Satellite featuring Walking Sleep, Shirley Rolls and A Surprise Special Guest Tonight, November 25. Included are games and activities insuring this will be a great time, followed by a dance party to take you into Saturday. I know it's a tough night for competing shows, so maybe this is a night for club-hopping.

whrabbit

The Third Feed Your Head Night

2011-11-01T08:18:00.001-07:00

I'm back with another edition of my monthly showcase at Lot 1 this coming Saturday, November 5.

I'm so happy to be able to present the Record Release Party for Deal Gone Wrong by Downtown/Union this Saturday night. Bo Bory is another one of those local musicians I first got to know just as another member of the audience at lots and lots of shows I went to back when I first started attending local clubs. Like Rob Danson and Matthew Teardrop, I didn't even know they had bands when we first struck up a friendship, listening to our favorite local bands at places like The Echo or Spaceland or Boardner's, we got to know each other just by going to a lot of shows.

It's a very different experience to get to know a band even before you know they're a band. Los Angeles is probably one of the few places that can happen, at least on this scale, and I see it would be foolish not to take advantage of it. Now, a few short years later, I'm hosting shows for these bands and that feels great! Bo is really excited about this album, so come on out and listen to their new songs with me.

Torches (formerly: Torches In Trees) are one of my very favorite local bands and everyone who sees them walks away agreeing. They played at my Third Anniversary show last May at Lot 1, and I remember how many new fans they won over that night. Jump on the bandwagon now because this band has real potential to explode.

Ever since Aaron Kyle disbanded Le Switch, I've been trying to see his new venture, Geronimo Getty, but keep missing his shows. So I figured I'd fix that by booking him for this night.

Steve Sigl is another musician I met long before I ever heard his band, The Happy Casualties, so when he formed this offshoot group, Schoenberg Knife Fight Ensemble, I was intrigued and impressed by how different they are. On Saturday we'll get the dramatic and intense performance from lead singer, John Rickel, which will provide a powerful conclusion to the evenings festivities. This should be fun!

whrabbit

DeVotchKa at Bootleg Bar - October 5, 2011

2011-10-06T08:45:00.000-07:00

Wow, they did it again. DeVotchka completely mesmerized for the entire length of their set last night, Wednesday, October 5 at Bootleg Bar. It was a more fleshed out version of their great performance last weekend at The Greek (opening for Elbow) that ran over an hour. Fans lucky enough to have scored tickets for the show packed the club and the wide range of the band's appeal was apparent from the variety of manners on display. Some decided to push their way through the crowd to plant themselves right in front of you when the band began, while others immediately pulled out their cell phones and opened them up in your face.

Once the music got going, none of that mattered, as the high spirits and enthusiasm are totally infectious and their musical talents are overwhelming. Beginning with Nick Urata's voice, which is an instrument of such extraordinary grace and power. His control is awesome. It's so great to be up front and watch the way he carefully enunciates each word, making every lyric understandable. Tom Hagerman is an absolute demon on the violin which he plays hard and furiously while never hitting a wrong note. Shawn King is a wizard of the drums which he can play in so many styles, he's a perfect fit for the multi-faceted compositions they write. Jeanie Schroder, who hugs her double bass, dances with her sousaphone, and plays flute is another charismatic performer in a band of charismatic musicians. The look of unabashed pleasure on her face makes you believe she's having the time of her life.

They played much from 100 Lovers, but also included songs from their past, including some I didn't know, all of which were poured into a program of such variety and passionate playing, the whole crowd was affected. There aren't many bands that can inspire such devotion from their fans, but DeVotchka deserve it. I'm proud to have seen them five times so far.

Those rowdy ruffians, The Parson Red Heads, pushed Viva Voce off the bill this Friday, October 7 at The Satellite in order to headline. (Actually Viva Voce had to cancel and I'm making this up.) Back in town for another show, The Parson Red Heads have made good on their promise to come back and play here as often as possible, so it's less heartbreaking that they don't live here anymore. Usually joined by assorted former members who still live here, their shows always have a nice 'reunion' feel, and on this date they're joined by Last American Buffalo and Death To Anders, who only jumped on the bill a few days ago. This is a good bet for a pleasurable Friday night.

whrabbit

Feed Your Head Night at Lot 1

2011-10-04T17:20:00.000-07:00

I'm very pleased to have George Glass as headliners at my second Lot 1 show this Saturday, October 8. Ever since I saw Nick Ceglio performing with Death To Anders a few years ago at one of the RFSL "Let's Independent!" nights at Boardner's where he got to play some of his own compositions (one where he was noodling around on the floor playing with knobs, buttons and pedals), I have noticed how good his musical instincts and songwriting abilities are.

Still as much as I enjoy Death To Anders and Nick's contribution to their 2008 sound, I was not prepared for how good George Glass was right from the start. Now, a couple of years later, they've taken off on their own, releasing a wonderful CD and delivering some of the best local sets, repeatedly. Looking forward to hearing anything new they may have up their collective sleeves.

What else can I say about Radars To The Sky except that Andrew and Kate and the rest of the band have become good friends to me and the way the band keeps expanding and contracting, and meeting each challenge creatively, puts me in awe of their adaptability. Radars have become a new animal over the last couple of months and I can't wait to see what shape they have assumed.

Andrew Spitzer is a lawyer in his 'real' life and now that I just got off jury duty, I can see how he might operate in a courtroom. Much like his stage persona, he probably lulls a courtroom/audience into a complaisant comfort and then zings them with a power and passion that he keeps hidden until just the right moment. Good courtroom technique, good rock star technique. Who'd have thought...

Nick brought Doña Nicha onto the bill and listening to some of their song selections, I an very impressed. They play a dreamy, hypnotic lo-fi trance rock that actually cuts loose occasionally to create a kind of ebb and flow that is alternately beautiful and jolting.

I've known Sarah Clothier for a while now but never had the opportunity to hear her band The pickUp Sticks until she expressed interest to me about playing one more show before she has her baby in November. After hearing the garage/punk indie rock band she plays in, I realized they would be a perfect fit to open the night. It will be a treat to hear their music live.

So come out, if you're not colliding with culture on this Saturday, and join me for some fun at Lot 1.

whrabbit

Elbow and DeVotchKa at The Greek - October 1, 2011

2011-10-02T21:06:00.000-07:00

I've always had amazing luck every time I see Elbow in that, I always manage to be right down front, and Guy Garvey, as one of the most giving and friendly performers around, leaning out over the crowd, seems to be striving to connect with each audience member. This was just how it was on April 8, 2006, when I saw them at Avalon, for the first time, and that was how it was again last night, Saturday, October 1, 2011. at The Greek. I felt so lucky to be in the pit to really get to enjoy that unique audience connection this band always achieves.

The evening began with me taking my seat in the Terrace (before getting into the pit) where I was able to enjoy the riviting performance by DeVotchKa, who wowed the crowd with their free-wheeling gypsy/punk take on Eastern European music. Gloriously sung by Nick Urata, whose voice is one of the wonders of the world to me, his recordings only capture a part of his full, gigantic voice. The rest of he band is so talented, from the astonishing violin virtuoso, Tom Hagerman, and Jeanie Schroder, whether on her xmas light-festooned sousaphone or the flute, to Shawn King on percussion and trumpet. They were augmented with an additional trumpet as well, enlarging their sound. They could have gone on much longer, but made way for the headliners.

Elbow took off right out of the gate with "The Birds", the opening track from their new album which sets the bar so high that the rest of the album has trouble competing, I'd be remiss if I didn't say that I haven't been overly impressed with their latest album, Build a Rocket Boys, but this song is one of their best ever and to hear the rest of it live made all the difference. And this song does seem like the epitome of the perfect Elbow song, with it relentless driving beat, and highly orchestrated industrial strength sound overlayed by the smooth and effortless vocals of Guy Garvey.

It was a set list distinguished with unusual choices, like the quiet, lyrical numbers "Great Expectations" "Weather To Fly" and "Puncture Repair". And the way the set was interspersed with liberal doses of material from Leaders Of The Free World and especially The Seldom Seen Kid made the whole show a series of high points. The power of "Starlings", where the whole band mans blaring trumpets, while lights blasted the stage. Great care is always taken with their visual presentation as well. "The Bones of You"was beautifully done, and the haunting, hypnotic "Mirrorball" still weaves it's spell with the lighting effects that make you feel like you're standing in the center of a rotating globe. Guy carefully instructed the crowd on their part in "Grounds For Divorce" before launching into the song proper, but his attention to detail resulted in a highly spirited rendition of the song including a very willing audience, which had him beaming as he pounded away on the two drums provided him for this number.

"Lippy Kids" is a song that begins with a far off whistle that's overtaken by a lurching beat so that Guy can prompt the audience to wave their arms back and forth in time to the beat as he reaches out like he wants to touch each person that's in front of him. He does that at every concert. Talk about a fully engaged performer.

The rest of the band left the stage for the unbelievably moving "Puncture Repair" leaving only Craig Potter on piano followed immediately by "The River" from the new album for a pair of stunning duets between piano and Guy Garvey's passionate vocals. I was moved to tears.

The night ended with a three song encore capped by an electrifying version of "Station Approach" followed by the anthemic "One Day Like This" which sends the audience out on a high the likes of which I've only seen a few times. The art of the strong, charismatic lead singer is alive and well represented by these two bands. As well as these two singers have been recorded, they only hint at the immeasurable range and power of their live sound. This was a evening for the annals of history.

whrabbit

Here We Go Again

2011-10-01T10:00:00.001-07:00

Feed Your Head's second monthly show at Lot 1 is coming on Saturday, October 8 at 8PM (music starts at 9):

whrabbit

An Incredible Weekend Of Music

2011-09-06T20:26:00.000-07:00

I may have missed the FYF FEST, but I had a weekend festival of my own at the Lot 1 on Saturday night and at Bootleg Bar on Sunday. I was hoping for the best on Saturday as I inaugurated the first Saturday of the monthly series of shows I hope to present at Lot 1 from now on, and into the future. I was flying by the seat of my pants, but as soon as Omar Velasco began his set, I relaxed and saw this was off to a good start. When I first heard Omar at Judson McKinney's residency at The Central back on August 2nd, I was instantly a fan, and I remember running up to him afterward and blathering some compliments at him and practically begging him to come play my first show.

Omar Velasco is one of the most remarkable talents that nobody knows about yet, so it is always going to be a source of pride to me that he led off with the first set on the first night of my Feed Your Head nights at Lot 1. It was a perfect start to a really swell night of music that pulled in a respectable crowd, in spite of the competition, so I was pleased. Those who were lucky enough to get there early were as impressed as I have been by Omar Velasco, who has one of the best voices around, with striking vocal control, that is matched by his varied and accomplished songwriting skills. When you hear his EP, See Lion Run, you will be equally impressed with how he has filled out his sound for the recording, adding layers of feeling and mood through orchestration.

There was a bit of a break as we resolved sound issues for Dirt Bird, but once they got underway, Lot 1 was gently lifted off-earth for a trip around the universe, bouyed by the ethereal and dreamlike vocals of Claire Mckeown and Athena LeGrand, aided by their harmonium, keyboard and drum. I had been longing to hear this band ever since Claire sent me their EP, Summer Night Hours, which I reviewed at Radio Free Silver Lake, but I don't think I was adequately prepared for the group hypnosis they perpetrated on the audience.

From the moment they began, a hush fell over the room, punctuated only by the vigorous applause each song received. Ordinarily each voice is individually miked, but our spare set up on Saturday required Claire and Athena to share a mike, but I think it worked out beautifully as their distance from the mike created an almost church-like echo quality that suited the songs well. Perfect for what they aptly self-describe as "sacred music for secular people", they manage to be creatively bold and daring while keeping the audience soothed and comfortable. These ladies are after my heart. I'm especially glad that Dirt Bird is set for a show at Hotel Cafe tonight (to make up for the cancelled Sunset Junction/Hotel Cafe sponsored show). I'll be at the front on the line.

Death To Anders was the headliner for the show and Rob Danson (Zoe-Ruth Erwin's photo at right) took the opportunity to play a lot of new music, which is incredibly good (the four-track sampler I got from him is proof of that). He'd promised a laid back, slightly restrained set to match the rest of the program, but what we got was a powerfully good performance, full of the throbbing intensity and dense storytelling we've come to expect from him. His song "Odessa" is a real winner.

Judson McKinney rounded out the evening with another perfect sounding set, after a week which has included three or four other shows around town for them. And their hard work is paying off with an ever-growing base of fans and and a performance style that is simultaneously relaxed and beautifully structured. Sheridan Riley's drumming displayed her usual polish (and this after playing with Avi Buffalo at FYF earlier in the day), John Seasons provides thundering bass support and the duets between Judson and Mary and her violin were as stunning as ever. All in all, the wide variety and quality of the musical acts made the evening a complete success for me.

The following night was the Torches video release party at Bootleg Bar presented by Radio Free Silver Lake and with another fabulous line up of bands. Summer Twins began with a strong set of indie alt/country which was tightly played and sung with passion and energy. A rousing good opening. Seasons are trying to lay low for a little while, but no one will let them. They showed up to support their good friends in Torches and went the extra distance by introducing a few new songs. All of them good.

On the back patio to chat with friends, the party took off to a point where, I'm embarrassed to admit, when I returned to the Bar, the video was already over. Torches played one of the loudest and most emphatic sets I've ever seen from them and it was like watching a band get bigger right before your eyes. I've since seen the video and it is a wonderfully imaginative take on dental hygiene and bondage...I think. (Note the Volkswagon in the photo at right, which plays a supporting role in the video)

Usually the last band plays to a dwindling audience as people wander toward the exits. Not so with Naive Thieves. Once they began, there was no way to tear yourself away. They are so good and play such catchy and intelligent rock that the whole crowd was transported. I seemed to be one of the few people there who had seen them before, so it was fun to see everyone flabbergasted by this group. With a twangy/surfy '60s sound they twist the audience around their finger making us willing to follow them anywhere.

When I saw them back at the beginning of August at Lot 1, I was equally impressed and chatted with them, getting their EP, Le Sheik Rhat, and hoping to see them again. Since listening to the album and becoming familiar with the songs, it only increased my appreciation for what their doing. Naive Thieves is a band with a future, make no mistake. I think I experienced acute musical perfection this weekend.

whrabbit

Re-Reminder: Torches Have A Show Sunday

2011-08-31T20:34:00.000-07:00

O.K., So I read Jed's terrific interview with Torches (In Trees) over at Radio Free Silver Lake, and I realized I had been resisting the notion that they would change their name from Torches In Trees to, simply, Torches, but I can see the logic in it now. Not only is it streamlined, but it's also a reflection of their history.

If I'm not mistaken, there were five band members the first couple of times I saw Torches In Trees, back in Dec. of '08 at Mr. T's Bowl and January of '09 at the old Hollywood Knitting Factory, and I loved them then. The CD I got at the time lists five musicians. By the end of 2009, I think they were down to four, and now there are three. Ordinarily, the addition and subtraction of band members can have a profound negative or positive effect. And I've seen both.

With Torches, it has had a solidifying effect. Their music has become more focused while maintaining that psychedelic edge that I fell in love with at the beginning. I was totally impressed with their earlier performances, but now I find them life-affirming and moving. The music is that beautiful. Individually and collectively, Azad, Eric and Bridgette mean a lot to me.

That is why I'm so happy that Radio Free Silver Lake is hosting the video release party for their first video at Bootleg Bar on Sunday. And there's no work the next day because of Labor Day, so no excuses.

whrabbit

Feed Your Head Begins Monthly Shows

2011-08-29T19:57:00.000-07:00

I wanted to wait to write this column until the flyer was done. Taking a bunch of disparate elements and collaging them into a psychedelic poster was more time consuming than I anticipated but here it is:

I jumped at the chance to begin presenting my own shows when Eileen at Lot 1 asked if I wanted to. Having enjoyed doing the weekly Free Tuesdays at LaBrie's for six months with Radio Free Silver Lake, I was glad to have the chance to learn how to do it from the ground up.

First up is Death To Anders as headliners, which is entirely appropriate as Rob Danson was one of the first musicians I got to know, back at Boardner's, which he sang a song about the other day...I think. Together with Dirt Bird, who's pedigree goes back through other vocally powerful bands, Shadow Shadow Shade, back through Irving, who I also saw over and over, these two bands represent my early years in the music scene, say 2007, 2008.

Judson McKinney has been such a strong addition to L.A.'s music, that he and Mary and his band are one of the greatest finds of the past year. And he always surrounds himself with a lot of my favorite musicians. Omar Velasco was introduced to me through Judson at his residency at The Central in August and I was immediately struck by the quality of the songwriting and his strong and disciplined voice. I asked him a day later to be a part of this show. They represent how vibrant the music scene still is and point the way to the future.

Come on out to Lot 1 on Saturday night, September 3, and enjoy some of the finest this town has to offer.

whrabbit

Sunset Junction...It's a Wrap

2011-08-24T19:19:00.000-07:00

Being a late-comer to the local rock and roll scene (After six years, maybe I have to stop calling myself that), I only attended my first Sunset Junction in 2006. It was already a paying event, so I wasn't even aware it had ever been free. I didn't know it's history, nor had I ever been much of a participant in community affairs for a couple of decades.

For the first year of my music journey, I really wandered alone around the fringes, allowing one band to lead me to another and one show to open up the door to more shows. Until the Sunset Junction of August 2006 I was going to between 4 to 7 shows each month, but this was the first festival I had gone to since Woodstock, and at that point I was desperate to hear as many new local bands as I could find. I was following Earlimart, Irving and Great Northern around at that time (in fact, the three bands were on the same bill at El Cid on May 20, 2006, a fantastic show) and they were the first local bands I became obsessed with. I had worked up the courage to go up to them after their sets and say 'hello, I like your music', but I was too intimidated by their talent to allow the conversation to go much further.

So, I went to the 2006 Sunset Junction on Saturday, Aug. 26 to see Great Northern. The weather was perfect, the crowd was sparse and friendly during the day, spray tents were set up to combat the relentless sun, the beer was refreshing and the music was sublime. I'd also quit cigarettes a couple of weeks before, and I was really starting to notice the positive health effects. Everything conspired to make a perfect day. One after another band took the Bates Stage and each one impressed me. The Minor Canon, The Little Ones, Monsters Are Waiting and Lavender Diamond all won me over and I was ecstatic. Becky Stark made me feel like I'd fallen down the rabbit hole and awakened in a Disney-inspired, fevered acid dream. I took a break, ate some food and watched The Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (who didn't do much for me) and then Eels, who completely blew me away.

After that experience my concert-going shot up to nearly a dozen a month, and continued to escalate to my normal 3-5 shows a week over the next year. And I (almost) never missed another Sunset Junction...until this year. By 2007, I was starting to meet musicians so some of the bands had members I'd met and was beginning to know, so I was glad to see Division Day, The Pity Party, The Parson Red Heads, The Broken West and Sea Wolf.

Things started to really escalate once I began this blog in May, 2008, after realizing my passions were shifting and my future belonged to the music world. I wanted to be able to participate and give something back, and it was one of the best decisions of my life. By the time of the 2008 Festival it became, basically, just hanging around with friends, and the bands were Bodies of Water, Castledoor, The Happy Hollows, Radars To the Sky and one of the headliners, Menomena. Another great time that ended up going late into the night as I sat in the balcony at El Cid with members of Walking Sleep (at the time called The Flying Tourbillion Orchestra) watching Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros at one in the morning. Unforgettable.

In 2009, I skipped Sunset Junction because I was presenting my first FEED YOUR HEAD show for the EP release of Summer by Seasons at Pehrspace on Saturday August 22, 2009, so I had to miss the Festival. By the time I went back to it last year, things had changed. It was getting bigger and more crowded and frankly, too spread out. I ran between the two stages at the far ends and managed to see Moses Campbell, Pollyn, Andy Clockwise, Eastern Conference Champions and Everest. All bands killed it and it was a lot of fun, I even managed to go back on Sunday and see Leslie Stevens and the Badgers and Red Cortez, but something had changed.

But for it to go down this way was disappointing. Whatever the quibbles and complaints of residents, the apparent mismanagement at the top of the organization and the city's thinly veiled contempt for the event itself, all combined to bring the end of an era. I'd be surprised to see it ever rise again, and at least we have many alternative and interesting attractions that involve street fairs and music. I'm still sorry to see it ended. It was, especially in those first years I went, a rare and gratifying opportunity to rub shoulders with many of the different communities that make up this fabulous city of ours. The chance to just relax in the sunshine and be overwhelmed by wonderful bands.

People are scrambling all around to try to find venues and theatres for the stranded bands to play in, and I applaud their efforts. I only hope the musicians are the last ones to suffer any hardship because of this. Anyway let's look forward and I'll see you at The Eagle Rock Music Festival and Street Fair.

Late Update: There is a mad scramble to play weekend shows all over town, particularly on the east side. Kevin Bronson is doing a fantastic job of getting the information out there. Keep checking Buzzbands for the latest news.

whrabbit

Torches Video Release Party

2011-08-23T08:55:00.000-07:00

Here's the flyer for what promises to be a very special night:

As a member of the Radio Free Silver Lake community, I am super happy to be helping to host the evening. Following Torches In Trees around over the past two plus years, I first saw them in December, 2008 at Mr. T's Bowl at an Is Good Music show and again on January 17, 2009 at The Knitting Factory which really clinched it for me. Their dreamy, hypnotic, trance-inducing music always leaves me in a better place than when they begin their set. I've been a die-hard fan ever since and have only seen this band get better and better. Azad Chiekosman is a veritable fountain of songwriting talent as they keep turning out new songs each time I see them. And it's especially fun to see them win over whole new groups of fans every show they play.

whabbit

Oh Shit!

2011-08-22T13:25:00.000-07:00

According to the latest reports on Monday, August 22 at 1:15PM, this year's Sunset Junction is cancelled for the moment. There will be another meeting on Wednesday to see if the Festival committee has been able to come up with the additional $141,000 in fees required by the city.

I'll post more when I know more...

whrabbit

The Happy Holllows are back at The Satellite

2011-08-18T08:06:00.000-07:00

Come on out tonight and see The Happy Hollows as they return to the local stage with a new drummer. Also on the bill, Dirt Dress, Pek Pek and Gentle Hands. This will be an enormously entertaining evening.

Just to make it a little easier, Radio Free Silver Lake is having a Ticket Giveaway right here.

whrabbit

Tonight with Califone and Death To Anders

2011-08-14T09:14:00.000-07:00

Here's a good show for you:

If I finish all my work today I will treat myself and go.

whrabbit

LA Weekly Locals Only presents Family of the Year and Seasons tonight

2011-08-11T08:23:00.000-07:00

You don't want to miss this show as Seasons are about to take some time off to complete their new album. Family of the Year are the headliner and Golden State and Heartstop round out the bill at The Roxy. There's even a ticket giveaway over at Radio Free Silver Lake.

whrabbit

News...And The Rest

2011-08-10T22:16:00.000-07:00

Apart from learning today from Wisconsin that the Nazi...er...tea party is going to dictate the future (mis)direction of this country, and that undisclosed campaign donations are going to spell the end of representative democracy in this nation, I'm trying to stay positive and hope, against much evidence, that this society will evolve and not devolve.

I've got to get my mind off this, so let's talk music. Over the last couple of weeks I've seen a bunch of bands and musicians new to me and, as usual, it gets my mind to racing over all the extraordinary music coming at me from all directions.

Why is it that both times in my lifetime when the greatest societal upheaval has occurred, I have taken my refuge in music, specifically rock music. The times now are so similar to the 1960s, when the country seemed irretrievably split, that once again, music restores my optimism and gives me hope.

As a teenager, while the world seemed hurtling toward oblivion, I was about to graduate high school and head to college and I should have been filled with fear of the unknown and concern over my worthiness, but instead, I couldn't wait to leave the comfort of home and get out of my hometown and head to the city and the future.

Music brought people together then with it's healing power and it's happening again...at least for me it is. The Henry Clay People played the last night of "Also I Like To Rock", on July 28, at the Hammer Museum and that was great, but the chance to see Lady Danville for the first time made the evening really special. Their vocal harmonies, which brought them together in the first place, are sublime and the music is smartly written.

Then on Saturday, July 30, I saw Saint Sea Hat perform some flawless and tuneful indie pop/punk in a passionate set at Pehrspace for the Seasons video release party. The video for "...Of Our Discontent" is as remarkable as the song itself, being a surrealistic tale of a girl with built in speakers. It manages to be both sad and repellent at the same time. Wet and Reckless also played a dynamite set that night. I heard that night went on till the very wee hours of the morning.

Feed Your Head helped present the first LA Underground and Supergoodmusic residency of Judson at The Central in Santa Monica on Tuesday, August 2. Judson was wonderful, of course, accompanied by a superb set of musicians, including Mary, but I have to say the find of the night was Omar Velasco (shown above) who performed a moving and hypnotic set. I was with Cody Hudock and a friend in the outer bar area and we heard a familiar song in the distance. It was Paul McCartney's "Mother Nature's Son" and it sounded so good we thought it might be an outtake of the original song.

Wandering into the separate performance space, we were treated to a set of pretty dazzling solo acoustic songs by Omar Velasco, who is a very accomplished singer/songwriter who I hadn't known about. Exquisitely sung, but a strong voice, accompanying himself on guitar each song sounded like a little gem and I eagerly bought his EP after he finished. I'm happy to report that he will be playing at my first show that Feed Your Head will be presenting monthly at Lot 1 Cafe, beginning on September 3. Headliners are Death To Anders.

On Friday, August 5, Radio Free Silver Lake presented a show at Lot 1 Cafe starring The Spires, who played a set of totally fantastic music that was infectious and had the place hopping. Again I was blown away by a band I'd never heard of before, Naive Thieves, who play a kind of surfy/power pop, with a strong lead singer, reminiscent of The Californian, but different enough in it's upbeat swagger to create space for both bands. Besides no one does surfy/creepy like The Californian. I picked up their EP, Le Sheik Rhat, and it's obvious Naive Thieves know what they're doing. Very self-assured and well produced, the record is a winner.

Sorry to have gone so political at the beginning, but Jeez! Anyway, here are some of the reasons music makes life worth going on and living.

whrabbit

Family of the Year and Seasons at The Roxy

2011-08-10T08:47:00.000-07:00

Hey folks, forget the horror of Wisconsin recall election results and come on out for a great show on the Sunset Strip tomorrow night, doors at 8:

whrabbit

Radars To The Sky Destroy Earth On Saturday!

2011-08-04T08:01:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, August 6, the earth beneath The Satellite will burst open (see above), spewing out Torches In Trees, The Lonely Wild, Goldenspell and Radars To The Sky, along with skyscrapers, jets and, of course, molten lava. This is one hell of a program of heavy-hitters and up-and-coming rock stars, with the headliner who play their last show with their current line up. Details to be announced that night.

Radio Free Silver Lake is proud to present this showcase, which will also offer DJ-ing by Travis Woods of Web In Front, and be sure to get there around 9 to hear Torches In Trees kick off the evening.

whrabbit

Tonight, Tonight

2011-08-02T08:30:00.000-07:00

Won't you try to come to the West Side to join me in welcoming Judson to the first night of his residency at The Central Social Aid and Drinking Club in Santa Monica. I know it's a bit of a trek, but if I can bus it, you can drive it. Tonight's bill includes Mark David Ashworth, Muralismo, Blue Green Grey and Omar Velasco and Feed Your Head is one of tonight's hosts, along with the sponsors of the whole month, Supergoodmusic and LA Undergound.

whrabbit

July Listening Habits

2011-08-01T22:00:00.000-07:00

July saw the ascension of a pre-release copy of Beirut's newest, The Rip Tide (set for release on Pompeii Records on August 30) to top the lists, following the pattern set by the previous number one; Okkervil River's I Am Very Far. It's been three years since Beirut released The Flying Club Cup and I was hugely surprised and pleased by the latest. It looks like they perform these bays as a band of only five, but they still achieve that full orchestral sound that has been the hallmark of the previous releases. I'm hooked.

I Am Very Far continues to keep me playing all the other Okkervil River albums. Particularly fond of the Black Sheep Boy album which is from early in their career, but new to me.

The other new releases include Release the Sunbird by Zach Rogue of Rogue Wave, who performed the new material at an impressive set at Hotel Cafe last week (July 28) and the incredible new Rademacher album, Baby Hawk Part I of III, which I gave a rave review to here, and I haven't changed my mind. Claire Mckeown released her own band's gorgeously choral Summer Night Hours, by Dirt Bird, (also reviewed at Radio Free Silver Lake, here) and I suspect it will figure in my August listening.

I bought the Blu-Ray disk of Topsy-Turvy and that is why the soundtrack showed up.

Week of July 22 - 28, 2011

1. Beirut - The Rip Tide (Pompeii Records)

2. Dirt Bird - Summer Night Hours EP (self release)

3. Rademacher - Baby Hawk Part I of III (self release)

4. Rupa & the April Fishes - Extraordinary Rendition (Cumbancha)

5. Release the Sunbird - Come Back To Us (Brush Fire Records)

6. Rogue Wave - Permalight (Brush Fire Records)

7. Okkervil River - I Am Very Far (Jagjaguwar)

8. Okkervil River - Black Sheep Boy (Jagjaguwar)

9. Chad VanGaalen - Diaper Island (Sub Pop)

10. Topsy-Turvy - original soundtrack (Sony Classical)

Week of July 15 - 21, 2011

1. Beirut - The Rip Tide (Pompeii Records) pre-release

2. Rademacher - Baby Hawk Part I of III EP (self release)

3. Okkervil River - I Am Very Far (Jagjaguwar)

4. Okkervil River - Black Sheep Boy (Jagjaguwar)

5. Chad VanGaalen - Diaper Island (Sub Pop)

6. Topsy-Turvy - original soundtrack (Sony Classical)

7. Blitzen Trapper - Destroyer of the Void (Sub Pop)

8. DeVotchKa - A Mad and Faithful Telling (ANTI)

9. Elbow - Build a Rocket Boys (Polydor)

10. Low - C'mon (Sub Pop)

Week of July 8 - 14, 2011:

1. Beirut - The Rip Tide (Pompeii Records) pre-release)

2. Beirut - The Flying Club Cup (Ba Da Bing)

3. Okkervil River -I Am Very Far (Jagjaguwar)

4. Okkervil River - Black Sheep Boy (Jagjaguwar)

5. Elbow - Build a Rocket Boys (Polydor)

6. Tenlons Fort - Shelters (self release)

7. Elbow - Leaders Of The Free World (Polydor)

8. Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues (Sub Pop)

9. Torches In Trees - Torches EP (self release)

10. Rademacher - Baby Hawk Part I of III EP (self release)

Week of July 1 - 7, 2011:

1. Okkervil River - I Am Very Far (Jagjaguwar)

2. Torches In Trees - Torches EP (self release)

3. Chad VanGaalen - Diaper Island (Sub Pop)

4. Low - C'mon (Sub Pop)

5. Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues (Sub Pop)

6. The Belle Brigade - The Belle Brigade (Reprise Records)

7. Chad VanGaalen - Skelliconnection (Sub Pop)

8. Chad VanGaalen - Soft Airplane (Sub Pop)

9. Okkervil River - The Stand Ins (Jagjaguwar)

10. Beirut - The Flying Club Cup (Ba Da Bing

whrabbit

Judson Residency at The Central

2011-07-28T07:55:00.000-07:00

I'm pleased to announce Judson's residency at The Central Social Aid and Drinking Club in Santa Monica beginning next Tuesday, August 2nd and continuing each Tuesday for free for the rest of the month. With supporting bands like Cody The Band, The Californian and The Lonely Wild, there's enough good music to lure you out to the West Side each and every week.

Watching Judson McKinney grow and mature as an artist over the last year has been one of the great gratifications of the recent music scene, as he has scooped up some of the best local musicians, who clammor to play with him. This residency is brought to you by the fine folks at Supergoodmusic and LA Underground.

Judson is also playing a free show tonight at Pershing Square on a bill with Aaron Kyle's new band, Geronimo Getty.

whrabbit

What I Listened To Through June 2011

2011-07-27T20:45:00.000-07:00

O.K., I'm back. I've got to come to terms with the fact I'll never be able to write as much as I want to. At least not at this point in my life. Maybe later. If I could make myself sit down at the computer and just pound out something...anything, on a daily basis, then I might be satisfied.

First the future: In the immediate, I'm anxious for the Buzzbands sponsored ALSO I LIKE TO ROCK series finale at the Hammer Museum with The Henry Clay People and Lady Danville tomorrow night (Thursday, July 28). Then on Saturday I have to miss Alpine Decline's final L.A. performance at LA Eco Village to attend Seasons' video release party at Pehrspace. But I haven't been to Pehrspace for a while and I always have a great time there, so there I'll be.

I went to see Releasing the Sunbird play their first show last night (Tues, July 26) at Hotel Cafe, and this new band from Zach Rogue of Rogue Wave is nice, mellow offshoot of that band's style, with the vocals becoming a male/female duet between Zach and Kate Long, whose voices are beautifully in tune with each other.

I want to get my June listening up and I'll put up July next...

Week of June 24 - 30, 2011

1. Okkervil River - I Am Very Far (Jagjaguwar)

2. Okkervil River - Black Sheep Boy (Jagjaguwar)

3. Chad VanGaalen - Diaper Island (Sub Pop)

4. Okkervil River - The Stage Names (Jagjaguwar)

5. Torches In Trees - Torches (self release)

6. Elbow - Build A Rocket Boys (Polydor)

7. Low - C'mon (Sub Pop)

8. Duniven - I Have To Try For Her (self release)

9. Torches In Trees - Torches EP (self release)

10. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs (Merge Records)

Week of June 17 -23, 2011:

1. Okkervil River - I Am Very Far (Jagjaguwar)

2. The Lonely Wild - Dead End 45 (self release)

3. Chad VanGaalen - Diaper Island (Sub Pop)

4. Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues (Sub Pop)

5. Tommy Santee Klaws - Rakes (self release)

6. The Belle Brigade - The Belle Brigade (Reprise Records)

7. DeVotchKa - 100 Lovers (ANTI)

8. Seasons - 14 song compilation (self release)

9. Low - C'mon (Sub Pop)

10. Chad VanGaalen - Skelliconnection (Sub Pop)

Week of June 10 - 16, 2011:

1. Okkervil River - I Am Very Far (Jagjaguwar)

2. The Belle Brigade - The Belle Brigade (Reprise Records)

3. Chad VanGaalen - Diaper Island (Sub Pop)

4. Low - C'mon (Sub Pop)

5. Chad VanGaalen - Skelliconnection (Sub Pop)

6. Chad VanGaalen - Soft Airplane (Sub Pop)

7. Okkervil River - The Stage Names (Jagjaguwar)

8. Duniven - I Have To Try For Her (self release)

9. Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues (Sub Pop)

10. Avi Zahner-Isenberg - Homemade EP (self release)

whrabbit

Upcoming Radio Free Silver Lake Show

2011-07-26T13:52:00.001-07:00

Here comes one of the shows of the year.
A bunch of my favorite bands and Travis as DJ. What more could you ask for?

This also serves as a notice that I am still here. Having enjoyed a little hiatus from posting, I intend to get back at it, post haste (as they say).

whrabbit

What I Listened To June 3 - 9, 2011

2011-07-01T08:30:00.000-07:00

1. Okkervil River - I Am Very Far (Jagjaguwar)

2. Chad VanGaalen - Diaper Island (Sub Pop)

3. Duniven - I Have To Try For Her (self release)

4. The Belle Brigade - The Belle Brigade (Reprise Records)

5. Low - C'mon (Sub Pop)

6. Chad VanGaalen - Skelliconnection (Sub Pop)

7. Okkervil River - The Stage Names (Jagjaguwar)

8. Chad VanGaalen - Soft Airplane (Sub Pop)

9. Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues (Sub Pop)

10. Torches In Trees - Torches EP (self Release)

Okkervil River's I Am Very Far continues to be the leader of the pack because I love songs that grow more interesting the more you listen to them. And I wanted to have the songs burned into my brain by the time of their June 23rd concert at The Wiltern.

My obsession with Chad VanGaalen and his album Diaper Island has led me back through his earlier catalog, Soft Airplane and Skelliconnection. Interesting to hear his development as an artist, where he seems to go backwards by abandoning a lot of the technical aspects of his music, arriving at a place where the simplicity of the songwriting is matched by an elementary approach to recording. Sometimes it's just a guitar or banjo and two harmonizing voices. The result is is amazingly poignant and emotional.

Since this was the first week of the Duniven residency at Silver Lake Lounge, I spent time with his album, I Have To Try For Her, to compare the live renditions of his songs to their recorded counterparts. The comparison was highly favorable, even satisfying.

The Belle Brigade have definitely produced one of the brightest and cleanest sounding records of the year and now their off across country opening for K.D. Lang. Not bad. The rest of the list is more Low, Fleet Foxes and Torches In Trees.

whrabbit

Duniven Residency - The Last Night

2011-06-25T18:06:00.000-07:00

Please come out and join me as Duniven concludes a hugely successful residency run at Silver Lake Lounge on Monday night, June 27. They have managed to draw large crowds to each of their shows and this ought to be the biggest yet with a bill that includes Woolen and The Bixby Knolls, along with Broadcast Station. We at Radio Free Silver Lake could not be more proud to have been a part of this showcase as presenters. Duniven has worked his heart out to make these events stand out against some formidable competition this month and he has been rewarded with an ever-expanding and satisfied fan base.

whrabbit

June...So Far

2011-06-14T22:00:00.000-07:00

I've seen some terrific bands so far this month, beginning with a fine set of new and older tunes by Alpine Decline (right) at 3 of Clubs back on June 1st. They opened the first show Radio Free Silver Lake held at LaBrie's last November when we began our Free Tuesday run, and they sent me an LP and a CD of their last album, Visualizations, which I was uncommonly fond of. That album begins with a hollow ringing sound, like some dial tone from outer space, that blanches your mind until a throbbing guitar and drumbeat pierce the eerie sound and a song forms from the wall of sound. And it's a good song that hooks you and you want to hear again.

Speaking with Pauline Mu and Jonathan Zeitlin of Alpine Decline before the show, they told me they already have a brand new album ready for release, and I can't wait. The songs they played from it were instantly likeable so I'll look forward to that. Unfortunately they came on last and quite late, and after two real bland bands, I was tired and left before they were finished. I hope to see them again soon.

Have to mention the two weeks (so far) of the Duniven residency that Radio Free Silver Lake is hosting (in the interest of full disclosure) over at Silver Lake Lounge every Monday this month. These shows have been so entertaining, and so well attended, it's difficult not to feel proud of the programs that Duniven has pulled together. Week one (June 6) featured a really powerful and deeply felt performance by Light FM. They sounded great. Followed by a typically hearty, rocking performance by Wet and Reckless. Duniven was hypnotic from the get go, pounding out song after song in a tightly controlled set that highlighted all the best of the band. Duniven's soulful and electrifying stage presence fronts a band of many equals. They seem very in tune with each other as a band and play off that well. Ceci Castelblanco adds tremendous vocal support that makes the music soar at times. (She was especially well miked at the second show on June 13th).

On the subject of the June 13th show, I walked in as the first band was playing. It was Harley of Red Cortez with a different band called The Petting Zoo. What began as a rather ordinary set ended up being one from which I had to peel myself off the ceiling. I probably saw about five songs and the last three were so powerful, and so good, I was amazed. You know how when the music is so good your breathe becomes labored? That was this. Fronting a band of seven other musicians, Harley brought his unique vocal style to a whole different sounding song. This was sweeping, loud, orchestral rock as fine as I think I've ever heard, with a cello (played by Brian) and two trumpets augmenting the usual assortment of guitars, bass and drums. The fact that this was their first performance was all that much more amazing. Among the musicians was the familiar face of Wendy Wang.

I found out they have another performance next Monday, June 20, but I don't know where...yet. I still can't attend because I want to be at the Duniven show again as a supporter. But I spoke to Harley after the show and made sure to let him know just how impressive this was. WOW, that's just a great example of how exciting discovering new music can be. Look for The Petting Zoo.

The other show was the fantastic The Belle Brigade, in a show at The Satellite last Friday, June 10th. Typical Friday night date crowd and I only knew one other person there, but we enjoyed the show immensely. He summed it up best when he said he always walks out of the club a foot off the ground. And I agree. Their energy and enthusiasm never fail to overwhelm the audience whenever they play. It was a wonderful performance and sets them off on a tour of the east coast, mid west and Canada. I got the chance to wish both Ethan and Barbara a safe trip.

The opener I saw was John Gold (on poster at right) and he performed a very fine set of gravelly, baritone sung rock and roll. And apart from the terrific vocals he also offered some poignant and pointed lyrics that I found interesting, wrapped in melodies I would like to hear again. I was very happy with that discovery.

whrabbit

What I Listened To May 27 - June 2, 2011

2011-06-12T23:00:00.000-07:00

1. Okkervil River - I Am Very Far (Jagjaguwar)

2. Chad VanGaalen - Diaper Island (Sub Pop)

3. The Belle Brigade - The Belle Brigade (Reprise Records)

4. Duniven - I Have To Try For Her (self release)

5. Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues (Sub Pop)

6. Low - C'mon (Sub Pop)

7. Torches In Trees - Torches EP (self release)

8. Chad VanGaalen - Skelliconnection (Sub Pop)

9. DeVotchKa - 100 Lovers (ANTI)

10. Eastern Conference Champions - Speak-Ahh (RockHampton Records)

I was caught competely off guard by the new album from Okkervil River. I don't know how often I've played a CD 15 times in one week, but that was the case with I Am Very Far. It may also be the best album title of the year. I've seen the band a few times over the years but it was a show two years ago at the Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever Cemetery where Will Sheff gave a small scale acoustic performance that was so magical and awe-inspiring that I've been a die-hard fan ever since that night. I read somewhere someone describing him as a lyric writer who writes like a novelist, and I couldn't agree more. His writing is so evocative and richly detailed, (the lyric book is huge) that one can get lost in the swirl of stories that he tells. There are at least four great songs here, starting with the first song, "The Valley" which, if it doesn't make you rock out then you haven't got a pulse, "Rider" "We Need A Myth" and "Show Yourself" has one of the most haunting orchestrations I've heard. Some of the songs are fully orchestrated masterworks which include strings and horns and (here's where I veered from facts and claimed this as a Canadian band, when they are actually, originally from Austin, Texas, but now claim Brooklyn as their home...sorry) Anyway, those are the songs that jumped out right away, and I'm sure I will come to appreciate all of them over the years. This album is a keeper. Whereas I loved the earlier album, The Stage Names, I wasn't all that fond of the last one, The Stand Ins, but I Am Very Far surpasses all their previous efforts. I am now so happy I bought a ticket to see them at The Wiltern on June 23.

Chad VanGaalen had to compete strongly to measure up, but amazingly, I still play Diaper Island all the time too. Unfortunately, he's doing a small tour of the east coast and Canada, and then taking off for Europe for the rest of the summer. Damn! I want to see him again. He'll hopefully hit the west coast in the fall. I'm sure as a Sub Pop artist, they'll want him to play L.A. Again, I'm touting the Canadians, but if you've seen him live, you'll understand why.

Still marvellng over The Belle Brigade album, which is so professional and such a complete cycle of songs, it's just a beautifully put together record. Congratulations to Reprise for having the foresight to sign them. It perfectly captures the energy and proficiency of all their live performances...and their glorious harmonies.

Duniven is currently playing every Monday night at Silver Lake Lounge for Radio Free Silver Lake, and even if he weren't, I would still be listening to his album. It's that good. Solid songwriting, good variety, clean and straighforward instrumentation, in a classic American style featuring some strong two-part harmonies. I can listen to this repeatedly.

Fleet Foxes and Low are two beautiful albums that continue to make a mark as do DeVotchka and Eastern Conference Champions. Torches In Trees EP, Torches, is a stunner and Chad VanGaalen's early, Skelliconnection is new to me, though the video for the song, "Red Hot Drops" is one of the things that got me into him in the first place, like four years ago.

whrabbit

May Shows Wrapup

2011-06-07T20:25:00.000-07:00

Apart from Feed Your Head's third anniversary party on May 9th, I had a great time at The Happy Casualties CD release show at Lot 1 Cafe on Friday the 13th. The night began with Manhattan Murder Mystery's Matthew Teardrop (at right) doing a solo gig, and it was very instructive to hear his music in this simplified form. The lyrics often sound like some post-midnight conversation in a bar, sometimes confessional, sometimes confrontational, and in a solo setting they become even more personal. Were it not for the earnestness and honesty contained in his words it might come off a aimless self-pity, but instead, one senses a yearning for something better. The whole set made me feel privy to a certain level of Matthew's songwriting process.

Richard Sax Ross is a one man band who performs a cross between street musician, elevator music and lounge-lizard razzle-dazzle. His electric performance impressed everyone who took the time to pay attention, and I'd like to see more of this. Some amazing saxophone playing. Randolph Williams, of One Trick Pony, performed a small intimate set as Remote Consoller, with just a few friends and it was another chance to bask in his warm, honey-toned vocals. But this was The Happy Casualties night, as they were releasing a 16-track CD, Sons of the New West (album cover at right), and they took the stage and played a potent set of numbers from the album. Steven Sigl's cousin Brittany is singing harmony vocals and her presence adds a whole new dimension to the sound. I've seen them a few times, with a few different band members, but I think this line up is the best of all. The new material is wonderfully cohesive and this is borne out by repeated listenings of the album.

The next night I missed The Henry Clay People for the second night in a row because I had a ticket to see Lord Huron at The Troubadour, and I'd had it for months. I really enjoy following bands I like that start out small and suddenly get the heat turned up on them to see how they handle it and what happens next. Lord Huron (at right) only surfaced a few short months ago and already have developed a substantial following. Good write ups from Brand X and Buzzbands didn't hurt plus a free show at Origami and they just took off. South by Southwest seems to have been particularly good exposure as well and they came back to town to now play The Troubadour, and I didn't want to miss it. Performing with accompaniment by The Calder Quartet on a few numbers, their already full, rich sound only became fuller and richer. And they still appear to be having the time of their lives which makes this band so infectious.

Chris Douridas of KCRW hosts School Nights! at Bardot in Hollywood and I had only attended one before, but the show Monday, May 16 was such a winner I want to go back soon. Hands were the surprise headliner, announced at the last minute, and along with Gardens & Villa and Obi Best they delivered one hell of a strong show in a gorgeous environment. It was a cool and blustery night, like we've had so often this winter, but I braved the elements to get there and dressed warmly cause I know, basically, you're outdoors at this club, being on the roof and all. Cody the Band was there, as was Hunter from Walking Sleep, so I didn't feel 'alone in Hollywood' at all.

I had seen Obi Best at a Radio Free Silver Lake LaBrie's show, and had been so entranced by the dreamy, kinetic, swaying music, it felt like a drink of cool water in a hot desert. But on this night, Barbara Gruska of The Belle Brigade was back behind the drums of this band and, together with Wendy Wang, Obi Best turned in some of the finest three-part group harmonies I've ever heard. Alex Lilly also premiered her new Obi Best video for the song "Tropical Fish", which was lovely, and tossed copies of her latest EP out to crowd members who correctly answered her questions. Hunter got one of them. Also that night, Gardens & Villa impressed with a solid set of crowd-pleasing indie rock, and then Hands rocked the place with their electronic/indie rock combination. One thing about these programs at Bardot is that they tend to run into the wee hours of the morning.

The Belle Brigade electrified a big crowd at Amoeba on Wednesday, May 18. Just two days before, I'd seen Barbara playing drums for Obi Best, as detailed above, and chatted with her and her brother, Ethan at the club. The store filled up pretty quickly as 7 o'clock approached. There's been enough buzz on this band that they're starting to be hard to see (their Friday show at McCabe's that week was sold out).

They're so relentlessly sunny and upbeat, you'd want to slap them silly, if they weren't so god-damned talented. They tear into their songs with the ferocity of a dog with a new bone. Their potent combination of indie/folk rock and alt/country seasonings make me think of everyone from Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young to The New Pornographers, with Fleetwood Mac in between. It's power pop of the highest order.

I've already reviewed the two show with Tommy Santee Klaws that I saw in May here , one of them being at Silver Lake Jubilee, which I reviewed at Radio Free Silver Lake. Another enjoyable set was Walking Sleep's first show ever at Hotel Cafe (photo from The Satellite on right) on Saturday night, May 28. As that is just a ten minute walk from my house, I couldn't resist the chance to go see them so close to home. My weekends can often be taken up by the L.A. Show Low Down that I publish for Radio Free Silver Lake every Monday morning, but it was a nice respite to stop working and wander over for a fine set of music. Even as The Flying Tourbillon Orchestra, this band has always impressed me with their tight and very professional on-stage commitment. As Walking Sleep they've taken a step forward and seem to be writing the best songs of their career right now and I look forward to their next record.

whrabbit

What I Listened To May 20 - 26, 2011

2011-06-07T00:20:00.000-07:00

1. Chad VanGaalen - Diaper Island (Sub Pop)

2. The Belle Brigade - The Belle Brigade (Reprise Records)

3. Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues (Sub Pop)

4. Low - C'mon (Sub Pop)

5. Duniven - I Have To Try For Her (self release)

6. Tommy Santee Klaws - Rakes (self release)

7. Torches In Trees - Torches EP (self release)

8. DeVotchKa - 100 Lovers (ANTI)

9. Eastern Conference Champions - Speak-Ahh (RockHampton Records)

10. Avi Zahner-Isenberg - Homemade EP (self release)

Still obsessed with Chad VanGaalen and his wonderful new CD. I really thought that the Low album would hold the number one position for a very long time, but with such great new material coming out, those predictions are out the window. There'll be a new number one next week again! The haunting poignance of Chad VanGaalen's vocals are matched by the delicate, yet solidly grounded melodies he writes. With simple arrangements, that are often no more than a guitar or banjo, a drum and two harmony vocals, he achieves an aching beauty so often on this album that it's hard to believe there's also so much variety. His lyrics are odd and decidedly quirky, but reveal real truths.

Jump on The Belle Brigade juggernaut if you want to see a band break into the big time fast. Their brand of perfect indie pop is so infectious, every person I play it for becomes an instant fan. Superb recording technology doesn't hurt either, as this record packs a powerful punch.

Fleet Foxes and Low are still riding high as I revel in having seen the former recently and the latter later in the year. The Duniven album, I Need To Try For Her, has a staying power that is only growing, in anticipation of the upcoming June residency Radio Free Silver Lake is hosting over at Silver Lake Lounge.

Tommy Santee Klaws (Rakes), Torches In Trees (Torches) and DeVotchKa (100 Lovers) are three bands who have given electrifying performances lately that I've been lucky enough to witness. And Eastern Conference Champions have released quite an impressive album with Speak Ahh!.

whrabbit

An Interview With Duniven

2011-06-02T21:07:00.000-07:00

We made an appointment to meet at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, which turned out to be just the right decision. I've never been into the bars of this beautifully restored Hollywood landmark, (but I did have to vote once for a presidential election in the ballroom where the first Academy Awards were held). I had been listening to and enjoying an advance copy of Duniven's CD, I Need To Try For Her, and with the prospect of an upcoming Radio Free Silver Lake/The Fold sponsorship of a Silver Lake Lounge residency in June, it seemed the appropriate time to reach out and sit and chat.

I met Patrick (who, for the sake of simplicity, is known musically as Duniven) for the first time when he came into the lobby of the Roosevelt and we headed into one of the bars in the lobby. He told me how happy he was that Radio Free Silver Lake had agreed to help present his residency, and that he had talked to Joe through emails, but that I was the first Radio Free Silver Laker he'd met in person. I let him know how much I like his album.

Not wishing to retread over areas Joe dealt with in his interview, I asked him about the time between disbanding The Capshuns and going to work on completely new material, with a far more personal edge to it. Plagued by sinusitis for years, he submitted to corrective surgery and the recovery time was somewhat lengthy, but creatively inspirational.

Determined to get away from the "Brit-pop" label mentioned in nearly every piece written about The Capshuns, he decided he needed to relocate his songwriting to a more internal place, to make his music a more personal expression. While recuperating from his surgery, he was listening to lots of artists whose best work was usually written from a point in their lives where they were at their most vulnerable.

Feeling rather vulnerable himself, he decided to try writing about 'the girl that got away', someone from earlier in his life for whom he harbored strong feelings that were never acted upon. 'The road not taken' and all that. It unleashed a torrent of emotions and resulted in the most personal and poignant writing of his career. He wrote about his regrets and his yearnings in regard to this one girl, from many angles and perspectives, ending up with around 20 songs. Choosing the best for inclusion on his album, he began assembling a new band to help him realize his compositions. (Photo above by Gaylord Hill, as it appears on the I Need To Try For Her CD cover.

This quest is detailed in Joe Fielder's interview with Duniven at Radio Free Silver Lake. Just to briefly recap: bassist Dan Komin came from The Capshuns, Chris Vargas is a drummer he had admired in other bands, who was anxious to team up with Duniven. Shea Branham is a guitarist of such skill and presence Patrick would not take no for an answer when he was asked to join the band. Jason Borger plays keys and is a hugely respected musician and has his own band, Jerry Borge who will play the first show June 6 and Ceci Castelblanco adds gorgeous vocal harmonies to Duniven's music.

I haven't done many, but this was the easiest interview I have given, and credit must go to Duniven for his ability and desire to be honest and direct. I even got a recommendation for a saline sinus spray. I've admired his talent, now I admire the person. We said goodbye as I was given a solid copy of his new album, I already know I like it. I look forward to his weekly shows this month, every Monday at Silver Lake Lounge. I outlined the various bills at Radio Free Silver Lake. See you at a show.

whrabbit

What I Listened To May 13 - 19, 2011

2011-05-30T09:00:00.000-07:00

1. Chad VanGaalen - Diaper Island (Sub Pop)

2. Low - C'mon (Sub Pop)

3. Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues (Sub Pop)

4. Torches In Trees - Torches EP (self release)

5. DeVotchKa - 100 Lovers (ANTI)

6. Lord Huron - Mighty (self release)

7. Pinback - Offcell EP (Absolutely Kosher)

8. Low - Trust (Krank Records)

9. Obi Best - Sentimental Education EP (self release)

10. The Belle Brigade - The Belle Brigade (Reprise Records)

Chad VanGaalen first popped onto my radar back in 'o6, when I was in my infancy as a new rock and roll fan (part II). I saw a couple of his music videos, for "Clinically Dead" and "Red Hot Drops", back then and was very impressed with, not only his songwriting, but with his artwork as well. I saw him back in October '06 at Avalon opening for Band of Horses, and though the audience was pretty restless, I was able to focus on Chad and see how serious he was about his music. For some reason, I still didn't pick up any of his albums back then. Because he only ventures out infrequently from his home in Canada, he kind of moved to the back burner for me, until I saw he was coming to Spaceland in 2009.

At that time I picked up his last album, Soft Airplane, and I fell head over heels in love with it. The combination of amazing songwriting, his expressive and plaintive vocal style, and the simple orchestrations, with the sophistication of a lot of computer sounds, totally intrigued me and I played the album over and over. I was completely overwhelmed by his live show and reviewed his Spaceland concert back in 2009 here.

On that basis alone, I picked up his newest CD, Diaper Island, almost the day it came out and I think it's even better than the last one. If there's a more beautiful song this year than "Sara", I need to hear it.

The other new album is the debut of The Belle Brigade, who gave a fabulous account of themselves at Amoeba that week. Released by Reprise, it's about as professional a recording as I've ever heard and showcases all the bands strong points. It's upbeat, uptempo and filled with magnificent songwriting. Stay away if don't like a happy band, because these kids are exploding with joy, and who can blame them with the press they're getting.

Pinback's Offcell EP is back on the list because they played such a magnificent version of the complex and eight minute "Grey Machine" at their concert in the 10th. Lord Huron also blazed back owing to their super show at The Troubadour on the 14th. The rest you know.

whrabbit

What I Listened To May 6 - 12, 2011

2011-05-24T19:38:00.000-07:00

1. Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues (Sub Pop)

2. Fleet Foxes - Sun Giant E (Sub Pop)

3. Torches In Trees - Torches EP (self release)

4. Low - C'mon (Sub Pop)

5. Kenseth Thibideau - Repetition (Temporary Residence)

6. Elbow - Build A Rocket Boys (Polydor)

7. Eastern Conference Champions - Speak-Ahh (RockHampton Records)

8. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes (Sub Pop)

9. Calexico - Garden Ruin (Quarterstick Records)

10. DeVotchKa - 100 Lovers (ANTI)

Guess what, this was the week leading up to the Fleet Foxes show at the Palladium and the aftermath as well. Sorry. It was an incredible show and they were fantastic and it sent me back through all their recordings (that I have). Torches In Trees played my anniversary show, and gave out these terrific EP's that night, featuring new recordings along with some previously recorded favorites. They so wowed the audience that I think they picked up some new, permanent fans.

Sorry if I look Like a Sub Pop publicist this week but I can't help it. Low's C'mon comes in next, followed by Kenseth Thibideau who totally won over the audience at the Pinback show at El Rey that week. His Repetition os a beautiful album. Elbow slides a little, but Eastern Conference Champions maintain a strong hold on my listening habits.

Calexico were still enchanting me after their Cinco de Mayo show, and another band that utilizes some of the same mariachi musicians, DeVotchKa, won't let me go either.

whrabbit

Tommy Santee Klaws (Twice)

2011-05-23T21:29:00.000-07:00

I had the good fortune of seeing Tommy Santee Klaws twice during the past week, and since I haven't seen them since the release of their CD, Rakes, last November, I was taken aback, all over again, by the breathtaking quality of this band. On Thursday, May 19, I headed to The Echo to see this band that I've been following for a few years now, and to see a couple of new videos they were premiering this night.

After meeting up with Tommy and the band, spending some time catching up, Donna Jo took the stage and announced the first video, directed and animated by Walt Gorecki for the wonderful song, "In Formation". It was so stunning it brought tears to my eyes with it's wistful images of animal heads against a ruddy brown/red background, and the minute the lyrics, "they sing in form-a-tion" began, the screen was swarmed by fireflies buzzing this way and that. The projection was a little over the size of the screen, causing the fireflies to flood the ceiling and side walls creating a dream-like and environmental experience.

Tommy Santee Klaws took the stage (above) and overwhelmed with a beauty and power I was unprepared for. Without a full time drummer, the percussion was handled by Sam and Donna and I must say the homemade quality fit very well with the overall sound. Singing many of the songs from Rakes, they sounded somewhat more dynamic than usual. The contribution of Jason Boles on mandolin can not be discounted, for his lilting musical presence could be felt in every song. They have also added a violinist in Chrysanthe Tan, who adds not only a classical sound to the mix, but even an occasional vocal. Then balance was perfect and the vocals pristine, and the whole set was a slice of magic. The final video by Donna Jo featured Tommy as an unlikely gnome...but it worked. She cast a delightful spell.

Naturally, I had to attend their set at Silver Lake Junction the following weekend and was I ever glad I did. There I got to see an ever expanding crowd fall under the spell of this band. I saw a lot of bands at The Junction, but I don't think I saw as well a though out or so meticulously performed set all weekend. And the audience couldn't help but feel this was something special. I was so happy to see this many people so moved by this music. Watching a young band like this completely win over an audience is such a privilege to witness.

Adding Danny Banes to the vocals made the band as vocally powerful as I've ever seen them. That, and the miking made them seem like more of a vocal band than I've ever heard. They sped through their set of short songs in record time and had the audience in the palm of their hand. What a great show. They posed for the picture above after their set that afternoon. They are, without question, one of the finest bands around right now.

whrabbit

What I Listened To April 29 - May 5, 2011

2011-05-21T12:15:00.000-07:00

1. Low - C'mon (Sub Pop)

2. Eastern Conference Champions - Speak-Ahh (RockHampton Records)

3. Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues (Sub Pop)

4. Elbow - Build A Rocket Boys (Polydor)

5. Calexico - Garden Ruin (Quarterstick Records)

6. Paulie Pesh - Shining Stars EP (self release)

7. Paul Simon - So Beautiful Or So What (Concord Music Group)

8. DeVotchKa - 100 Lovers (ANTI)

9. The Lonely Wild - Dead End EP (self Release)

10. Jefferson Airplane - Surrealistic Pillow (RCA)

C'mon by Low is still obsessing me and I still play if continuously, even after three weeks. I just can't get enough of it. Serious competition was provided by the terrific new CD from Eastern Conference Champions, Speak-Ahh, making it's second appearance on the list, which jumped up to almost knock off Low. Balancing their high-energy output with thoughtful, introspective songs has created an album of surprising variety.

Fleet Foxes released their long-awaited new album on May 3 and Helplessness Blues fulfilled all the early promise this band has shown. Strong songwriting continues to be a hallmark of Fleet Foxes, and it's matched by a superb production from the Sub Pop label. I only had this record for three days, and it still landed in third place as I try to burn it into my brain before their show at the Hollywood Palladium on the 7th. Elbow drops to fourth position, while Calexico's Garden Ruin album from 2006 warmed me up for their Cinco de Mayo show at Echoplex.

Paulie Pesh, Paul Simon, DeVotchKa and The Lonely Wild are all bands and musicians I've seen recently and each one has a good album to go with it. The Paul Simon album, So Beautiful Or So What, really is a remarkable achievement in that it's so startling and vibrant and alive. As Bronson said to me recently, there have been an amazing number of great albums released this year...and it's not even June.

Going backwards, I bought a new CD of Surrealistic Pillow by Jefferson Airplane. Actually the 2003 pressing, but I never had it before. I'd been living with the Gold CD that RCA issued in the early '90s and finally it wouldn't play anymore. To complete the history, I should say this was my favorite rock and roll album of all time for a long time, fuck The Beatles, fuck Bob Dylan...this was IT for me. O.K., maybe I've mellowed a bit since then, but this is just brilliant music and has it even stood the test of time, in spite of it's primitive sound. I burned my way through three copies on vinyl during the sixties, seventies and eighties, so this is the fifth copy of this I've owned!

whrabbit

Calexico Celebrate Cinco de Mayo At Echoplex 5/5/11

2011-05-20T09:20:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed the Cinco de Mayo celebration at Echoplex on May 5, 2011, and although I got plenty of great Mariachi music, it was also a Calexico show (photos above and below by Kappi), and the chance to see this band in a venue like Echoplex was an experience to treasure. I've only seen them at the El Rey or The Fonda before and as great as those shows were, here I got to get up close and really watch the phenomenal camaraderie this band has with all of their guest musicians. At times there were as many as nine or ten performers on stage. And the sound was tremendous.

I arrived during the opening set by Mariachi Luz de Luna and, together with the balloons and streamers, they immersed you in the spirit of celebration right away. The audience was already bouncing like crazy and the festive atmosphere was intoxicating, as were the drinks.

When Calexico took their places, they filled the stage, not just with musicians and their instruments, but with energy and passion that makes them seem fresh and brand new. Playing a lot of material from their last album, Carried To Dust, they made the album sound a lot better to me. When I went back and listened to it, I think I had underrated it before. And as I've said before, Joey Burns is one of the finest singers I've ever seen.

Augmented by a three piece brass ensemble and a string ensemble and a harp player, the musicianship was simply overwhelming and there was no way to resist. I chatted with other audience members and we were all in agreement, that it was pretty special to see them in this more intimate environment. I just had to write about this show before it got away from me.

whrabbit

What I Listened To April 22 - 28, 2011

2011-05-19T19:53:00.000-07:00

1. Low - C'mon (Sub Pop)

2. Elbow - Build A Rocket Boys (Polydor)

3. EELS with Strings - Live at Town Hall (Vagrant Records)

4. A Hawk and A Hacksaw - Cervantine (LM Dupli-cation)

5. Eastern Conference Champions - Speak AHH (Rockhampton Records)

6. Paulie Pesh - Shining Stars EP (self release)

7. Paul Simon - So Beautiful Or So What (Concord Music Group)

8. DeVotchKa - 100 Lovers (ANTI)

9. The Lonely Wild - Dead End EP (self release)

10. Low - Trust (Krank Records)

Low wraps themselves around my top ten for this week. The Low album, C'mon, is, I believe, a game changer for this band. It ought to catapult them into the major leagues...again. The earlier album from the band, Trust, wraps up the end of the list. The Elbow album, though not as smashing as their last two albums, still has some good things on it. The new Hawk and A Hacksaw CD, Cervantine, is interesting, intellectual and slightly dull, but I gave it a few spins.

On the other hand, the new CD by Eastern Conference Champions is a real winner. This band give electrifying live performances, but they translate to disc with all the energy and musical proficiency well displayed for all to hear. Paulie Pesh played my anniversary show, (how they fit seven musicians on that stage is amazing) and I'd been given their CD and find it a nice, tight recording with some fine singing. Still high from the Paul Simon concert, I'm still enjoying the record. And the DeVotchKa album and The Lonely Wild 45 are just plain wonderful.

O.K., that's all I got for now.

whrabbit

Pinback and Kenseth Thibideau at El Rey (5/10/11)

2011-05-18T23:00:00.000-07:00

I just love going to a concert and watching a band that nobody knows about absolutely take over an audience and win their hearts and minds in a few minutes. I saw this happen twice last week. First at the show held to commemorate Feed Your Head's third anniversary, I saw a lot of friends who had never seen Torches In Trees before, just hypnotized by the dreamy atmosphere and the solid musicianship of this band.

The next night, May 10, 2011, I was at El Rey. This was and the 13th time I've seen Pinback and I knew that, as they are between albums, it would be easy to get up close. It was a really nice crowd and sparse enough that you could move around. I made sure to get there early because Kenseth Thibideau was opening, and he opened for Rob Crow last December at The Satellite. Of course, anyone who is a fan of Pinback is going to be immediately taken with the deep, thumping sound that defines Kenseth Thibideau's music, but it would be for nothing were it not for the beautiful melodies he weaves into the deep fabric.

I was so taken by his set at The Satellite that I bought his CD, Repetition, from him and have been listening to it ever since. This was the chance to see him now that I know the songs. That's always something of a test for a band and he came through with flying colors. I think the entire audience became fans of his that night.

He has an amazing cinematic sense which makes the full compositions he writes extremely visual in nature. I looked around at one point and everyone was lost in a movie in their head, as the music was so evocative there was no way to avoid getting lost in it. This is good writing.

I was sure to tell Kenseth that, in that audience, he had really won a lot of people over. He was surprised and pleased to hear that and I realized that on stage, there's no accurate way to gage an audiences response. You need to let a band knbow when they blow you away.

Pinback were wonderful as usual. They have gotten so tight as a live band, they can play anything from their entire, huge catalog. Ending with a perfect rendition of "Grey Machine" capped off a perfect night. This is the last cut on their EP Offcell from 2003, which is also one of their most complex and shape-shifting songs ever, and to hear it performed so flawlessly, live, with every sound effect seemingly in place. I was overwhelmed. Another wonderful show.

whrabbit

What I Listened To April 15 - 21, 2011

2011-05-13T09:30:00.000-07:00

1. Low - C'mon (Sub Pop Records)

2. Elbow - Build A Rocket Boys ( Polydor)

3. Paul Simon - So Beautiful Or So What (Concord Music Group)

4. EELS with Strings - Live at Town Hall (Vagrant Records)

5. DeVotchKa - 100 Lovers (ANTI)

6. The Lonely Wild - Dead End 45 record (self release)

7. Low - Trust (Krank Records)

8. Duniven - I Need To Try For Her (self release)

9. Cody the Band - Cody the Band EP (self release)

10. Pepper Rabbit - Beauregard (Kanine Records)

The first three albums on this list took over and hogged the spotlight. Low has got to be among the albums of the year. I was lucky enough to be at Spaceland last December when they introduced this album, C'mon, in order and complete. I remember thinking at the time that this was going to be an incredible album...and I was right. I've loved past Low releases, like The Great Destroyer, but this is probably their most accessible record yet and maybe their most beautiful ever. I'll detail individual songs later, but let me just say "I'm Nothing But Heart" has the cumulative power of "Give Peace A Chance" by John Lennon or "My Sweet Lord" by George Harrison and yet achieves a beauty all it's own. Maybe my favorite song of the year. And I play it endlessly.

Elbow are already one of my favorite bands, but the new album, Build A Rocket Boys, is challenging. The first song, "The Birds", is one of the most bombastic, perfect Elbow song I've ever heard and the rest of the album can't help but be a disappointment. It struggles and struggles but can't ever quite come up to the level of the first song. But an inferior Elbow album can match the best of many other bands, so I'll be content. It's just that their last two albums have been so brilliant.

The new Paul Simon record is surprisingly energetic and sprightly, and coupled with the opportunity to see him live, I went through something of a Paul Simon resurgence over the past few weeks. His new material slips easily into his prolific catalog of songs.

After that, there's the Low album Trust, which I hadn't owned until I picked it up on this week and although it sounds sparer that later albums, it's still a charmer. And to get ready for the show with Cody the Band, I spun their terrific early EP a few times. Very nice.

whrabbit

Thank You, Thank You

2011-05-10T16:04:00.000-07:00

What a great time I had at my anniversary show last night. It would never have occurred to me three years ago when I started this blog that within that time I would be well regarded enough to warrant a bunch of bands happily putting on a show for me. It's pretty humbling. A huge thank you to Eileen Leslie and the staff at Lot 1 Cafe for letting us take over, Another thank you to the wonderful bands that all played so well: Torches In Trees, Judson, Avi Zahner Isenberg and Pauie Pesh; and a big thanks to John Seasons, who got much of this talent to play.

Among the highlights:

Torches In Trees opened the show with a set that, although marred by sound issues during the first number, once the vocals were more clearly heard, they sounded just fine to me. In fact, so much so, that people hearing them for the first time were blown away. There's nothing like looking around at all your friends with their mouths hanging open, and when I catch their eye, they mouth to me, "This band is GREAT!" and all I can say is "I know, I know".

Not only does Azad Cheikosman (at right at Coachella) and the band write beautifully constructed songs that are varied and never repetitious, but the three band members are so perfectly attuned to one another that it's hard to remember that they started as a band of five. Eric Fabbro is an absolute maniac on the drums and Bridgette Moody (also in the photo) contributes the thundering bass lines while singing pitch-perfect harmony that blends into the mix like another instrument.

Judson sang with Sheridan Riley on drums and John Seasons on bass, a strong set, dedicating a song to Mary, and holding the audience in the palm of his hand. Avi Zahner Isenberg continued to explore the outer reaches of our collective sonic boundaries and left the audience limp, in awe, and simply dazed. Sheridan Riley showed a lot of diversity in the way she kept her drums right in the middle of the mix, especially impressive when compared to her knowing drumming during the performance with Judson. And Paulie Pesh crowded the stage with at least eight musicians producing an enormous sound and beautiful music that brought the evening to an exciting close.

I hope everyone had as good a time as I did, and another thank you to all who came out to help celebrate a terrific milestone for me.

whrabbit

Tonight! Tonight!

2011-05-09T08:52:00.000-07:00

Tonight's the night. Won't you try?

whrabbit

3rd Anniversary Show - May 9, 2011

2011-05-02T19:00:00.000-07:00

I'm proud to announce the 3rd anniversary show for this blog at Lot 1 Cafe on Monday, May 9. It's very hard to believe it's already been three years, while it's hard to believe it's only been three years.

When I started Feed Your Head I really had no idea where I was going to go with it. I didn't know if anyone would be interested, if I'd burn out real quick, or it would just get swamped in an ocean of music bloggers. Well, actually, it released a whole new creative outlet for me, and once I started writing, I didn't want to stop.

After less that one year at it, Joe Fielder asked me to join Radio Free Silver Lake and take over the Low Down column and now, over two years later, I'm still at it. Rediscovering music at this stage of my life has reaped rewards I could never even have imagined. As much as I love the music, thrill to the new CD's I get, bask in the glowing reverie of live music, it's the friendships that have most touched my soul. That's the gift i treasure most.

As for the show itself, Johnny Seasons and Lot 1 Cafe have put together a bill of superb local musicians. Torches in Trees is one of my favorite, under-hyped local bands who always reduce me to a babbling fan with their hypnotically beautiful music. Judson was one of my favorite finds last year and I am honored to have him on the bill, and he always puts together a solid group of musicians to play with. I have followed Avi Buffalo since they began coming up to Los Angeles from Long Beach to play, so to have Avi Zahner-Isenberg play a solo set is thrilling. Paulie Pesh handed me a CD at the last RFSL weekly show at LaBrie's and it's a really fine collection of songs that I will look forward to hearing live.

Please come out and join me for a wild and celebratory Monday night.

whrabbit

What I Listened To The Two Weeks of April 1 - 14, 2011

2011-05-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

Week of April 1 - 7, 2011:

1. EELS with Strings - Live at Town Hall (Vagrant Records)

2. DeVotchKa - 100 Lovers (ANTI)

3. Duniven - I Need To Try For Her (self release)

4. Birds and Batteries - Panorama (Velvet Blue Music)

5. EELS - Electro-Shock Blues (Dreamworks)

6. The Lonely Wild - Dead End 45 record (self release)

7. EELS - Tomorrow Morning (E Works)

8. Helen Stellar - If The Stars Could Speak, They Would Have Your Voice... (self release)

9. The New Pornographers - Together (Matador)

10. Pinback - Summer In Abaddon (Touch and Go Records)

With the tickets for the upcoming August EELS show at El Rey going on sale, I went out and got the EELS with Strings album, Live at Town Hall, and just wallowed in it. What a beautiful record, and I'm ashamed I hadn't gotten it before. It contains a lot of wonderful versions of songs from both Electro-Shock Blues and Blinking Lights and Other Revelations, two of my favorite EELS albums, and with beautiful string arrangement.

Can't stop listening to DeVotchKa as well as their live show remains vivid in my mind. The Duniven album is intriguing enough to keep me coming back to it, and The Lonely Wild 45 record I picked up at their first Tuesday for RFSL at LaBrie's is a wonderful recording featuring five of their songs. Very impressive.

All the others are returning favorites that I've written enough about. Whenever I'm at a loss, I go back to Pinback because it centers my hearing. They're like my tuning fork. In anticipation of seeing them for the 13th time this month, I dragged out one of their very best albums.

week of April 8 - 14, 2011:>

1. EELS with Strings - Live at Town Hall (Vagrant Records)

2. DeVotchKa - 100 Lovers (ANTI)

3. Duniven - I Need To Try For Her (self release)

4. The Lonely Wild - Dead End 45 record (self release)

5. Walking Sleep - Measures (self release)

6. Pepper Rabbit - Beauregard (Kanine Records)

7. The Break Ups - Eat Your Heart Out (self release)

8. Low - C'mon (Sub Pop Records)

9. Jenny O - Home EP (self release)

10. The New Pornographers - Together (Matador)

EELS still number one, Walking Sleep had a residency during this month that made me pull out their recent album, Measures, and The Break Ups, who played a set for our show at LaBrie's one week, have a very arresting CD in Eat Your Heart Out. Almost everything else is a returnee.

The exception being the new album from Low. I just picked it up the last day of this week, but became instantly addicted, so it ended up on the list. C'mon is an impossibly beautiful album and it will figure prominently at the end of the year.

whrabbit

Great April Shows

2011-04-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

The week of April 4-9 was pretty great for hearing some local bands who have been around for a while, but still have the energy, enthusiasm and pleasure of performing that you see in a brand new band. Most have been through line up changes, starts and stops along their career paths, but each seems to have emerged stronger and better than ever.

I may sound like a promoter for The Satellite, but is it my fault that three of the four shows I saw on this week took place there? Starting on Monday, April 4, Walking Sleep (at right) began their month long residency at the aforementioned venue and I wanted to be sure to see at least a couple of their evenings, so I started there. As I walked in The Californian were a couple of songs into their set and the last time I saw them at this venue there was way too muck reverb on John Graney's voice, but on this night it sounded perfect. The Californian seem to have settled into a comfortable five-member unit who consistently play strong sets that scoop up whole new groups of fans every time they perform.

Walking Sleep, as well, have coalesced into as tight a band as they have ever been, including their time as The Flying Tourbillon Orchestra, and their songwriting just keeps getting better. I can't wait to hear their next record. Their set also got me spinning Measures again on my CD player. Their new drummer has worked out well and Sara Radle's contribution to the band just keeps growing, as she also provides the perfect vocal counterpart for Hunter.

The very next night was Radio Free Silver Lake's Free Tuesday at LaBries with The Lonely Wild (at left), Radars To The Sky and The Hectors, who started the night in fine form sounding better than I think I've ever heard them. And their songs are getting prettier and prettier as their jangly guitar sound becomes more hypnotic, especially when matched by the semi-narcoleptic vocals provided by Corrine. I think they're onto something. Radars To The Sky have had their share of personnel changes over the last couple of years, but what they've got now sounds pretty seamless. Kate Spitzer is taking a more prominent role as a vocalist and the interplay between her and husband, Andrew Spitzer, with his fine baritone, makes for some exciting vocal harmonies. Backed up by solid guitar and bass support from Rob Danson and Pete Dibiasio this band has hit their stride. The Lonely Wild wowed the audience with one of their practically perfect sets completely winning over the crowd. Their intricate yet sunny indie/pop is a pleasure to hear and the songwriting is of such variety, they sound like they could tackle any genre.

The following night, April 6, I wandered over to The Satellite where The 704 and Radio Free Silver Lake were jointly hosting a show with Radermacher. Sadly, I arrived too late to see Light FM, who I really wanted to catch, especially since Josiah did such a fantastic job reporting from SXSW for RFSL. But I was so impressed with the Rademacher set, my disappointment melted away listening to this superb band. Mike is such a tremendously talented lead singer, he just scoops up the audience into his hands and doesn't let go. I can see why this band is considered such a mainstay of the local music scene.

I walked back into The Satellite that Saturday, April 9, as One Trick Pony (shown at right) was performing the opening set. Now, I've seen this band a number of times and in any number of configurations, but nothing they've done before prepared me for the power of this amazing set. Randolph Williams III has always impressed me with his fantastically dexterous voice, but tonight, the band sounded like such a solid unit. I was especially heartened, as the last time I spoke with Randy he was at a bit of a crossroads as to what direction he wanted One Trick Pony to go. It sounds like he found his way as the set sounded solid and purposeful. Older songs sounded fresh and lively, new material was enticing.

Death To Anders played next and it's a pleasure to hear this band out and about again. Rob Danson has been branching out into other areas, including short-film scoring, but he seems at home behind his guitar with a band supporting his odd, quirky and singular songwriting/story-telling. Songs that were both familiar and freshly written sounded challenging and poetic. Headliner, Danielson, sounded lively and professional, but after this busy week, I lost steam fast and couldn't stay for their whole set.

The second April Free Tuesday for The Lonely Wild at LaBrie's was another night of solid music. Their new lead girl singer, Jesse Williams, opened with her band, Coyote, who played some pretty and original sounding country flavored indie. The Lonely Wild played a set so good, Jed (of RFSL) leaned over to me at one point and said, "this is why they're the finest band in L.A. right now". It's hard to disagree. Amazing song craft for a band so young. And Judson filled out the bill with his latest accompanists, Sheridan Riley on drums and John Seasons on bass, for a really rocking set that added a sense of urgency to some of Judson's lovely compositions and sharp lyrics. Another successful Radio Free Silver Lake Free Tuesday at LaBrie's.

Out to another Walking Sleep residency at The Satellite on April 18 to see Marvelous Toy, Sara Radle Band and Michael's House, which was actually Avi Zahner (aka: Buffalo), who ended the night exploring weird walls of wailing noise. Sara Radle is the lead female singer in Walking Sleep, but I had never heard the Sara Radle Band, which also included Adam and Ethan from WS, along with some backup from The Damselles at this show, as they kicked off the evening. Sara writes personal indie ballads, with a touch of country, that are pretty sophisticated and interesting, and she even included a cover of Carole King's "Will You Love Me Tomorrow". Marvelous Toy gave a roaring performance with Jordan Hudock really letting loose and giving a show that reminded me how good they were at our LaBrie's residency last December. Again, Walking Sleep had the crowd dancing and bouncing around to their driving, propulsively dynamic sound. Their sets consist of familiar songs freshly arranged and new material that shows their growth in songwriting. I always have a good time seeing this band, and they never fail to give their all to each show. Judging by the two I saw, their residency has been a resounding success.

Paul Simon at The Fonda on Tuesday, April 19th was both a completely contemporary experience as well as a time-warp fantasy, all at the same time. First I heard he was coming out to play a small tour at smaller venues, so when Paul Simon first announced two shows at The Pantages, on Wednesday and Thursday, I thought about it and quickly decided it was too much money to pay for a seat which undoubtedly would be a half mile away (at best... The Pantages is BIG!). But then three weeks ago he announced a sudden, unseated (from the floor) show at The Henry Fonda Music Box Theatre on Tuesday with tickets to go on sale at 10 AM, Saturday, April 2, and at a fair-to-decent price. It took one phone call and two attempts on my laptop that morning to finally secure a single, solitary ticket on the floor. But I was more than happy, because I knew at The Fonda I could get as close as I wanted.

I got to the appointed line at 7:15 and saw it was snaked around the block already...and barely moving...for almost 90 minutes. As 8:30 was approaching, obviously someone inside, Mr. Simon maybe, said, let the damned people in or I won't get to go on until 11 PM!! That is pure speculation, but suddenly the line moved as they threw open the doors and didn't even check anyone's I.D. or tickets. The crowd swarmed the place, but, being The Fonda, I still got down the side and up close for an indelible concert experience.

To be close enough to see every expression and be able to see his hands working his guitar was an honor and a privilege I won't ever forget. I stayed there for almost half of the show but then moved around to enjoy it from different vantage points, even running into RFSL's Jed who explained Paul Simon's significance to him. He has obviously touched many generations, but when he sang a solo acoustic version of "Sounds of Silence" I just about fell apart on The Fonda floor. You see, The Graduate came out in December (1967) of my senior year of high school, and the song had been out for a year before that, so it was among nearly everybody's favorite songs of the period, and to hear it at the other end of my life arc was most moving and actually life-affirming.

He also gave defining performances of big hits like "50 Ways To Leave Your Lover" and "Kodachrome" along with some songs from Graceland, and a brace of material from his most winning new album, So Beautiful Or So What, which I have to say, is really growing on me. Performing with a band of nine, that expanded to 11 at some points, Simon appears to take an audience's adulation in his stride without having much to say between songs. yet he appears fully engaged, in love with what he's doing and all the more youthful-seeming for it. For one who had never seen Paul Simon live before, this was the show to see.

I also must mention the Cody The Band record release party I attended at Silver Lake Lounge on Thursday, April 21, with Downtown/Union and Judson. Cody Hudock, brother of the other talented Hudock we know (I even met their charming mother), is an astonishing pianist and I was at just the right vantage point to appreciate this talent the other night. He nimbly directs his fingers all over the keyboard with hardly a glance in its direction, all the while singing away the complex and complicated, thought provoking lyrics he pens. Is that a family trait? Cody The Band is a tight unit and I love their new recordings. Openers, Downtown/Union performed an energetic set of their thrashing garage/punk/indie rock and the closer, Judson, performing with the same line up as at LaBrie's, was, if anything, even more rocking than on that night and he does it astonishingly well.

whrabbit

What I Listened To In March 2011

2011-04-14T21:00:00.000-07:00

I was woefully neglectful on keeping up my weekly listening tallies, so for the sake of continuity, I will simply put all of March together in one big list and treat April in my usual weekly report. So for March, here's what I played most...

1. DeVotchKa - 100 Lovers (ANTI)

2. Balmorhea - Constellations (Western Vinyl)

3. Duniven - I Need To Try For Her (self release)

4. Pepper Rabbit - Beauregard (Kanine Records)

5. George Glass - George Glass EP (self release)

6. Yann Tiersen - Dust Lane (EMI Import)

7. Jenny O - Home EP (Manimal Vinyl Records)

8. Choir Of Young Believers - This Is For The White In Your Eyes (Ghostly International)

9. Alpine Decline - Visualizations (self release)

10. Iron and Wine - Kiss Each Other Clean (Warner Bros.)

I had no idea I was going to grow so fond of the DeVotchKa record, but the more I listened the more I liked it and then when I saw their show at The Fonda, it quickly rocketed to the CD I played the most last month. And as great as 100 Lovers is, they're twice as good live. I saw Bolmorhea at Echoplex and bought this album, Constellations, in anticipation. It's beautifully orchestrated classical/indie rock, a genre I happen to fall for easily.

I was sent a copy of Duniven's album (so you know), but I really do like it, and am enjoying their pop sensibility that reminds me of The New Pornographers at times. Some great two-part, boy/girl harmonies. Other newcomers are the Yann Tiersen album when I thought I might see him in concert (I didn't) and Jenny O's Home, which I reviewed at Radio Free Silver Lake, and I did see her in concert at her last residency night at Bootleg Theatre in February and was mighty impressed.

Of course I'm still playing Pepper Rabbit, George Glass, Choir Of Young Believers, Alpine Decline and Iron and Wine.

whrabbit

The Day Elizabeth Taylor Died

2011-04-12T08:59:00.000-07:00

The sky above Los Angeles opened up on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 and wept copious tears for hours and hours. The world had woken up that morning to the news of Elizabeth Taylor's death at the age of 79 from congestive heart failure at Cedar-Sinai in Beverly Hills. It was incredible, the day was dark and cold and finally when the rain came, it didn't stop.

It knocked the wind out of my sails because for as long as I can remember there was always Elizabeth Taylor. And for a good number of those years she was, simply, the most beautiful woman on earth, and an actress who was revealing surprising depth as she developed. I was too young to have seen, or appreciated her early triumphs in A Place In The Sun (1951) or Father Of The Bride (1950) but by the time I was ten, Cleopatra was in production and the circus began. It seemed like it was all anybody talked about. And it just kept getting more famous as production dragged on for three years. They kept re-releasing Cat On A Hot Tin Roof (1958), Butterfield 8 (1960), Suddenly Last Summer (1959), Giant (1956) and even Elephant Walk (1954).

When Richard Burton (right) and Rex Harrison (left) were added to the cast, it felt like the best of Broadway was meeting the best of Hollywood. You see, around 1961, Camelot (1960), and it's original cast album, were on everyone's mind and record players (including President Kennedy's) and Richard Burton was already becoming a household name. Everyone loved Rex Harrison from the original cast album of My Fair Lady (1956) because it was the best selling album of all time, not to mention making a star out of Julie Andrews (both left and right). And they were co-starring with the most alluring woman in the world of film, who's beauty was matched by her talent.

Elizabeth Taylor had already been nominated for four remarkable performances as Best Actress at the Academy Awards, (1957 thru 1960). Won one. A feat only matched by Greer Garson in Academy history. And established herself as a serious actress, one who was clearly on the forefront of an adventurous new emotional cinema. Her talent can be easily discerned and enjoyed in Giant (1956), where she can act, using one scale of notes in her scenes with Rock Hudson and use an entirely different scale of notes for her scenes with James Dean. She was intuitive enough an actress to understand that two different styles were required for two very different actors. And she managed to make them both look good, while quietly delivering the very best performance in the whole film. (And she wasn't nominated for this, while her two male co-stars were!)

In spite of the great beauty and high-profile lifestyle, there was always something both rarefied and accessible about her, at the same time. It seems, from what I've heard and read, that for most people who met her, she was at once friendly and unpretentious. When she retired from her film career, she had reached a point where her fame overcame her ability to be believed in just about any film role, she decided to use that fame to be a spokesperson for AIDS research after the death of actor/friend Rock Hudson from the disease. And her work was tireless.

There was a lot to admire here, for a person who could have chosen to take, take, take, all her life, she chose to raise her kids well, develop into an intelligent actress, and devote her later career to a right and just cause. Plus living out a blatant public affair, with Richard Burton, in front of the world's face, and getting condemned by The Vatican...What's not to admire. I was 13 when I was taken to see Cleopatra in Boston during its nine month reserved seat run (and saw it eight times during its initial two year release), but I never felt more proud of her than when Franco Zeffirelli's film of The Taming of the Shrew opening in Boston in March 1967 and, at the first Saturday matinee, I realized that, not only were they great, larger-than-life stars, but fine artists doing Shakespeare as well. Both were currently nominated for Best Actor and Best Actress for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966). They were clearly at the top of their game.

I feel I learned a valuable life lesson from Burton and especially Taylor, who's unabashed lust for life was an inspiration to a shy teen in Massachusetts in the mid-sixties. Trying to live life to the fullest has been a guiding force for me ever since. I've long missed him, now I will miss her too.

whrabbit

More Shows

2011-04-11T08:23:00.000-07:00

I meant to write a follow up to my last column involving the second week of March, but here we are halfway through April, and the time got away from me. Just to recap...DeVotchKa (below) at The Fonda was the show of the month for me.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011, was another edition of Radio Free Silver Lake's Free Tuesdays at LaBrie's featuring George Glass, that attracted a good crowd early to see openers, Wire In the Walls deliver a really enjoyable set. I was impressed with their songwriting and professional performance. Ladycop, from New York, arrived in their vegetable oil-fueled bus and impressed us with their music as well as their alternative transportation methods. George Glass and College Kids polished off the night nicely with their raucous energy (the former) and their thoughtful folk/rock songs (the latter).

Wednesday was the big show at The Echo hosted by The 704 and starring four amazing bands. First up was Pageants, who are led by singer Rebecca Coleman (formerly of Avi Buffalo) who sings with a singular style and loads of self-assurance, songs which are quirky and unpredictable but really pretty. Songwriting duties are handled by all in the band, as Arin and Devin told me, and they seem to tap into each other's sensibilities because the writing appears seamless, as if by one author. They performed as a band of three (drummer Lia Braswell was unable to attend) but had no trouble in completely winning over the crowd who seemed a bit astonished at what they were hearing. Next up the AV Club wowed the crowd with a solidly played set fronted by the superb vocals of their lead singer. I got their EP a couple of weeks ago and it's really quite good and they sound that good live, too. By then I'd hooked up with the Seasons bunch and the partying was in full swing, making the show as much a private party as a concert. So many familiar faces and so many people to chat with. And Seasons delivered a superb set which included their new violin player, I believe her name is Cecelia, and it's clear they have suddenly matured into the perfect blend of instruments and voices. I've known this band for a while now, through its many generations, and I don't think they've ever sounded better. That powerhouse of energy, Moses Campbell, polished off the night in high style, and with Pauline Lay's ferocious violin playing. Lots of violins this week!

I wanted to see Yann Theisen at The Fonda on Friday, March 11, partly because the opening band was Breathe Owl Breathe, who impressed me so much last year at their Bootleg show. Their fine music is composed for guitar, piano and cello with the frequent addition of just about anything that would make noise, complimented by a highly stylized theatrical presentation that made for an enchanting set.

I don't ever seem to be able to be prepared for a concert by DeVotchKa no matter the circumstances. I first encountered them at the Swerve Festival on Sept. 30, 2007 up in Barnsdall Park at the shell and I was pretty impressed. But when I scored a ticket to see them at The Viper Room on February 2, 2009, I don't think I realized how luck I was. They were up close and personal that night and it was a concert forever burned into my memory. I didn't expect to ever see that duplicated in my lifetime. Well they did just that at The Fonda on March 12.

In one of the top shows of the year, DevotchKa played selections from their full catalog, including a lot of new material from 100 Lovers, their terrific new album. The audience was transfixed for the entire set and it flew by in what seemed like minutes, remarkable considering they played over two hours. No matter how good this band is in recordings, they are twice as good in person and Nick Urata has a voice that is way more flexible and strong than is revealed on disk. A magical evening.

The rest of the month was highlighted by the George Glass residency for Radio Free Silver Lake over at LaBrie's featuring great supporting sets by bands like Francisco the Man, Radars To The Sky and Smokers in Love. Tuesdays are becoming quite special.

Other memorable sets came from Space Waves, POLLS and Wilding on March 16 at Silver Lake Lounge, The wildly entertaining, Schoenberg Knife Fight Ensemble at Lot 1 Cafe and Torches In Trees, solid as ever, at The Echo, both on March 18. And, of course, another monthly highlight was the triumphant return of The Parson Red Heads who tore the roof off The Echo on March 25, surrounded by friends and fans. They're gone again already...but they will be back. whrabbit

Balmorhea and Frank Fairfield at Echoplex - March 6, 2011

2011-03-14T23:17:00.000-07:00

I heard some really fine music last week at a few shows after taking five night off. The movement to incorporate classical instruments, particularly strings, into the indie rock ensemble was beautifully illustrated this week by a number of shows I attended.

I had never heard of Balmorhea until they were highlighted in Brand X and I liked the description of their music. This mostly instrumental band from Texas appeared at the Echoplex last Monday, March 7, on a bill with Frank Fairfield, and since it was billed as a partially seated show, I decided to buy a seat and let their music wash over me.

I took a seat near the front as Frank Fairfield ambled on stage to play a set. I've been seeing him for a while now, ever since he was an opening act for Fleet Foxes locally, and on their first national tour in 2008. And I've witnessed the same phenomenon each and every time. He sits down in his unassuming manner, picks up his small guitar, tunes a bit and launches into one of his unearthed, early 20th century compositions and the audience gasps.

No one is ever quite prepared for the authentic sounds that come out of this young man. Though still in his mid twenties he seems to be channeling the heart and soul of musicians from a hundred years ago. He incorporates not only the vocal mannerisms, but many of the small tics and foot stomping, even the sudden bursts of laughter, that usually accompanies such music. And when coupled with his astonishing virtuosity on guitar, violin and banjo, he easily and handily whips the crowd into a near-frenzy, even though most of this audience was seated.

Everyone was caught off-guard, as they always are, by the intensity of his playing and singing. People, myself included, have been quick to label his music as Appalachian or Dust Bowl but, as he reminded us, these instruments are universal. His obvious love of the music he's playing and his desire to entertain and educate comes flooding out over the crowd.

When I Picked up their CD, Constellations, at Amoeba I knew I would like Balmorhea as soon as I heard the echoes of Erik Satie and Ennio Morricone, from his 1970's period (think Bertolucci's 1900 or Terrence Malick's Days of Heaven). As soon as they began you floated away on a cloud of feeling and emotions.

Their music has a bit more punch in a live setting, but still contains the sweeping orchestral sound their string section brings to the mix, creating definitive musical satisfaction. And when four musicians were all pounding away on the giant table xylophone, the repetitious movement came to resemble dance and moved the viewer/listener into a trance state.

Balmorhea's compositions are beautiful and delicate. carefully orchestrated to highlight each instrument, yet always eloquent and well formed. I came away totally in a dream state.

whrabbit

February Listening Pleasure

2011-03-13T23:15:00.000-07:00

week of February 4 - 10, 2011:

1. Lord Huron - Mighty (self release)

2. Lord Huron - Into the Sun (self release)

3. Alpine Decline - Visualizations (self release)

4. The Low Anthem - Oh My God, Charlie Darwin (Nonesuch Records)

5. Pepper Rabbit - Beauregard (Kanine Records)

6. Tommy Santee Klaws - Rakes (self release)

7. Kenseth Thibideau - Repetition (Temporary Residence)

8. Nightfur - Glass Wall EP (self release)

9. George Glass - George Glass EP (self release)

10. Obi Best - Sentimental Education EP (self release)

Fueled by the February 4 set by Lord Huron at The Echo, of which I only saw two songs (had to catch Pageants up the street), I nonetheless gorged myself on their two EPs, Mighty and Into the Sun all week. These albums have real staying power and a sneaky way of burrowing into your subconscious. Alpine Decline's Visualizations continues to hold me captive with their primordial stew of guitar, bass, drums and dreamy voices coupled with their gift for songwriting that is as elemental as it is intellectually stimulating. Definitely above the average. The Low Anthem album is a quirky thing, but I'm enjoying it. The others are returning regulars.

week of February 11 - 17, 2011:

1. Iron and Wine - Kiss Each Other Clean (Warner Bros.)

2. Alpine Decline - Visualizations (self release)

3. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs (Merge Records)

4. Besnard Lakes - The Besnard Lakes Are The Roaring Night (Jagjaguwar)

5. Autolux - Transit Transit (TBD Records)

6. Arcade Fire - Funeral (Merge Records)

7. "The Wind and The Lion" - soundtrack, Jerry Goldsmith (Arista Records)

8. Duniven - Duniven (self release)

9. Tommy Santee Klaws - Rakes (self release)

10. Kenseth Thibideau - Repetition (Temporary Residence)

After letting the Iron and Wine album run it's course, I was surprised to see Kiss Each Other Clean had become number one on the Rolling Stone college listening chart. I'm always surprised when somethng I know shows up on this very commercial list. (I mean that in a negative way.) Kind of how I feel about the fucking Grammys, even though they gave album of the year to Arcade Fire, which caused me to want to hear all their albums again. So I guess I have to thank the Grammys after all.

I was sent a copy of the Dunivan album and it landed at number eight. The lead singer reminds me of Joshua of Eastern Conference Champions or Chris of Telegraph Canyon, and I mean that in a good way. I think there's a good variety of songs here and I can listen to it repeatedly.

I suppose I need to mention why the soundtrack to The Wind and The Lion is on the list. Oddly enough, I did not like the film when I saw it when it first came out in 1975, but my brother bought the album and it gradually became one of my favorite albums. The big double CD which contains the complete chronological score along with the original album presentation supplimented by source music came out last year on Intrada, and it was a dream come true. The music became so much a part of me that, even odder, I have now come around to love the movie as well.

week of February 18 - 24, 2011:

1. Choir of Young Believers - This Is For The White In Your Eyes (Ghostly International)

2. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs (Merge Records)

3. Duniven - Duniven (self release)

4. AV Club - Whale Talk (Manzan LLC.)

5. The New Pornographers - Twin Cities (Matador Records)

6. Arcade Fire - Neon Bible (Merge Records)

7. Count Fleet - Count Fleet EP (self release)

8. Iron and Wine - Kiss Each Other Clean (Warner Bros.)

9. Alpine Decline - Visualizations (self release)

10. Lord Huron - Mighty EP (self release)

The Choir of Young Believers show I saw at Bardot was so stimulating that I became obsessed all over again with their album and played it over and over. Arcade Fire required more and more of my time, which I was happy to give. The Dunivan CD is quite enjoyable, and the AV Club have played a couple of strong sets at Lot 1 Cafe and then at The Echo, one of which was with Count Fleet. The New Pornographers' Twin Cities is simply one of the best CD's I've ever heard, and regulars Iron and Wine, Alpine Decline and Lord Huron round out the list. By the way, did you see, Lord Huron are scheduled for a date at The Troubadour on May 14.

whrabbit

Choir of Young Believers

2011-02-28T08:30:00.000-08:00

I had waited all weekend for an RSVP to the new "School Night" event that goes on every Monday at Bardot in Hollywood sponsored by Chris Douridas of KCRW, mfg and valida, until it arrived at about 6:45 which firmed my resolve not to miss this show with Choir of Young Believers and Princeton on February 21, 2011.

Now, the Bardot in on the roof of the Avalon and requires journeying into the beating heart of the fatally plastic world of Hollywood Clubs. The heart is plastic too...or a digital effect. But my prejudices proved unfounded (as prejudices often do). This was my second venture into Bardot, as I was there a year or so ago for an invitation only blogger party, and like that night, I found the atmosphere and ambiance of the club quite pleasant.

It doesn't hurt that the club, built as it is on the roof of the Avalon, is pretty beautiful, with two bars, indoor rooms and an outdoor patio with a performance stage, so covered with canopies that you only know you're outdoors by the occasional glimpse of a star-filled sky through gaps in the fabric. But the crowd itself was a slightly upscale indie rock audience (those able to afford $12. drinks) but they were attentive and interested in the music and surprisingly unpretentious.

I settled down with my $12. scotch, alone in a big chair, and surveyed the stage area and the room around it. Curious framed paintings adorn the wall by the staircase, mostly of Turner-esque landscapes and reverential portraits of pet dogs, some in odd costumes. It all makes for an interesting head trip.

Spotting who I thought were the band at the other end of the stage, I went up to introduce myself and met Caecilie Trier, who plays cello and sings stunning harmony vocals when called for, and she introduced me to singer/writer/guitarist, Jannis Makrigiannis. When I told them I had been at their Bootleg performance last March and had been a fan ever since, they became curious and we had a great chat about what they're up to now. They were charming, attractive and seemed eager to talk. They stated clearly that this was not the band in full and would just be an acoustic two-piece and I assured them I had known that beforehand.

Choir of Young Believers had me grinning from ear to ear from the first note, when not wiping a tear away from my eye because the music is so moving and so emotionally moving.

It was a great opportunity to hear the compositions in their rawest form, yet they were still excruciatingly beautiful, The two songs they played from the album, This Is For The White In Your Eyes, "Hollow Talk" and "Action/Reaction", were just as entrancing, even without the full band behind them, allowing one to really appreciate each separate element that goes into the music. Jannis' hollow, haunted guitar, his plaintive voice, Caecilie's classic cello and airy vocals combined to made me wonder if they even need a band.

They filled out the set with some covers that Jannis told me were by some of their favorite Scandinavian bands, and some new material. They've been in Los Angeles for a few weeks and are staying through March, then they return home to Copenhagen to begin recording a new album. I had managed to stay right next to the stage for their set and it was so intimate, the surroundings, so pleasant and relaxed that the whole experience resembled a dream

whrabbit

Recent Shows and Thoughts

2011-02-23T23:00:00.000-08:00

Radio Free Silver Lake's third free February Tuesday (Feb. 15) with The Western States Motel was a feast of good music. The last band was going to be Jack Gibson's latest music project, Disaster Speaks. Jack, who splits his time between Austin, Texas and Portland, Oregon and Los Angeles, California is in town for (at least) three shows and has surrounded himself with some fine L.A. musicians, including John Seasons on bass, Bo Bory of Downtown/Union plays guitar and the band just rocks!

I had a nice catch-up with Jack when I got to the venue and he told me how he had just thrown together this band and written a bunch of songs for them to play...like it's no big deal. First up though, was Judson of Judson and Mary with a band assembled to cover parts Mary plays while she's back east. Singing a solo on guitar and harmonica, Judson opened the set with a simple folk song before inviting the band onto the stage where they proceeded to play interesting arrangements of familiar songs. The band was great and Mary's parts were taken by two musicians and the overall effect was pleasing.

The Western States Motel played a mixed set of new and older songs for a nice set, especially considering the sound problem of a faulty keyboard which the band dealt with admirably and professionally, still delivering a fine set of music, after which Disaster Speaks took over.

Jack Gibson has a golden touch as this new band, Disaster Speaks, was like another new, fully-formed east side band. Jesus, how many are there! Delivering a blistering and active program of newly minted songs that all sounded like classics, I was major pleased. Although not a huge crowd, I still think everyone left impressed.

Although tired, I still set out the next night to attend The Ross Sea Party show they invited me to at Silver Lake Lounge. The Californain were also on the bill, so acceptance was a no-brainer. I got there in time to hear most of the set by The Lexingtons, whose dynamic stage show is highlighted by another diminutive powerhouse of a lead performer. Like Samuel Bing of Fol Chen or Avi Buffalo of Avi Buffalo, small stature in no indicator of talent.

>div>The Ross Sea Party performed a strong set of power pop rock that kept me intrigued and wanting more, and The Californian were their usual electrifying selves. The crowd at Silver Lake Lounge was large and festive for a Wednesday night and I couldn't help but notice that if even a mid-week low key show could attract such a crowd, this music scene is certainly showing no signs of flagging.

I'd planned on going to the Friday show at Pehrspace with The Monolators and Disaster Speaks on February 18, but the rain was so intense and only got worse as the night went on that I was glad I stayed home.

I went out Sunday to Lot 1 Cafe instead and that was a night! For many it was a holiday on Monday (Feb. 21), so spirits were high and the place was pretty full for openers, Count Fleet and their attractive brand of indie/blues/rock. Was even given a copy of their CD by Caitlin Dryer and notice that it was produced by Raymond Richards and features such guest musicians as Jordan Hudock of Marvelous Toy/The Henry Clay People and is a nicely polished production.

The version of Disaster Speaks that appeared Sunday night was supplemented by the astonishing Avi Buffalo on guitar, and along with the two other guitars they created a wall of wailing guitars that was even more impressive than their performance on Tuesday. The audience was wowed. It was great to hang out with these guy and as Jack Gibson wends his way back to Texas, I have to admit, I will miss him.

I'd been given the AV Club's CD a week earlier and was mighty impressed so I was looking forward to their set. I have to admit, I was so dazed by Disaster Speaks, that I'm not sure I gave AV Club their due, but I remember enjoying their set

But for me, the night belonged to Torches in Trees, who, once again floored me with their set. Energetic, precise, filled with a variety of songwriting and beautifully performed. Once the vocals were mixed to their proper level the set soared and the audience felt it. One great song followed another great song for a set like a greatest hits sampler. The fullness of sound this three piece manages to put out is incredibly impressive.

whrabbit

January Weekly Top Tens

2011-02-15T09:30:00.000-08:00

As I lay there dying from the flu in January, in my fevered hysteria, I thought, "how will I ever get my best of the year lists done?" Will I ever be able to get out of bed long enough to attend a concert again? Will I ever play another CD? Will I ever be able to do more than just watch travel shows on PBS? ...Will I ever stop talking abour it?

Well, eventually the senses started returning, I listened to some quiet albums, went out to a couple of shows (I really needed to get my concert legs back) and the urge to write followed, getting stronger and stronger.

Between January 14 - 20, 2011, and I listened to just a few albums, but it was the soothing, upbeat sweetness of the music of Lord Huron, on their two EP's, that was really healing and helped to escort me back to the world of music. Beirut's The Flying Club Cup was another piece, which I hadn't played in a while, but the variety and creativity of this album was reassuring and engaging. George Glass picked up the pace a bit for me with their more aggressive rock, but still they fascinate me with the breadth of their range in each song. Rob Crow, Film School and Blitzen Trapper filled out the rest of my listening parameters and I thank all these artists for bringing me back to where I belong.

What I listened To January 21 - 27, 2011:

1. Alpine Decline - Visualizations (self release)

2. Iron and Wine - Kiss Each Other Clean (Warner Bros.)

3. Iron and Wine - Live at Norfolk 6/20/05 (Sub Pop)

4. Nightfur - Glass Wall (self release.

5. The Monolators - Silver Cities/Ruby Double 45 record (self release)

6. Iron and Wine - Around the Well (Sub Pop)

7. George Glass - George Glass (self release)

8. Pepper Rabbit - Beauregard (Kanine Records)

9. Tommy Santee Klaws - Rakes (self release)

10. Seryn - This Is Where We Are (Velvet Blue Music)

I was sent the album by Alpine Decline called Visualizations over the holidays, but it wasn't untill I started playing the CD that accompanied the shipment that I realized just how great this is. It's diffused, spacious sound is anchored by a powerful wall of sonic noise beneath that it sounds like a spaceship taking off, but with some very sweet singing aliens on board. They played the very first night of our Radio Free Silver Lake LaBrie's show but I wasn't familiar with their music. I will pay closer attention next time.

This was the week of the Iron and Wine shows including the one I saw on Wednesday, Jan. 26 so I gorged myself on his recent records. His new album, Kiss Each Other Clean, is challenging and a little remote, but the poetry is beautiful and fascinating in its elaborate construction. In concert it was spectacular, full-bodied and quite hypnotic. 11 musicians filled the stage for most of the show and the sound was perfection. His Live at Norfolk album remains my favorite of his recordings because it's so forcefully played and his stage persona is so ingratiating and unforced that you can listen to it over and over.

The Nightfur album, Glass Wall, is terrifically well recorded and, though more tame than their live renditions, the songs are solid and interesting. The Monolators double 45 they just released, Silver Cities/Ruby is such a treasure, because they are recorded like a real rock band and sound better than ever. Their live energy is apparent on the record, but they take care to showcase all elements of their sound without ever tipping over into the sloppy.

I've written about all the others, but should mention that the Seryn album, This Is Where We Are, was sent to me and I enjoyed hearing it and I will try to see them next time they're in town.

What I Listened To January 27 - February 3, 2011:

1. Alpine Decline - Visualization (self release)

2. The Low Anthem - Oh My God, Charlie Darwin (Nonesuch Records)

3. Iron and Wine - Kiss Each Other Clean (Warner Bros.)

4. Nightfur - Glass Wall (self release)

5. George Glass - George Glass (self release)

6. The Monolators - Silver Cities/Ruby Double 45 record (self release)

7. Three Mile Pilot - The Inevitable Past Is The Future Forgotten (Temporary Residence)

8. Iron and Wine - Live at Norfolk 6/20/05 (Sub Pop)

9. Pepper Rabbit - Beauregard (Kanine Records)

10. Tommy Santee Klaws - Rakes (self release)

Still obsessed with the Alpine Decline album. I find the songs dreamy and seductive and they are good enough for frequent, repeated plays. It's great mood music while riding on the bus as the compositions are highly visual and cinematic.

The Low Anthem blew me away at the Iron and Wine concert in January, so I picked up their Oh My God, Charlie Darwin CD in the folk section at Amoeba, and, though not quite as impactful as their live set, it's still a damned good record.

All the others, you know what I think. Now I'm off to see a bunch of shows.

whrabbit

Heart Broken

2011-02-11T19:43:00.000-08:00

I tried as best I could to get to see Arcade Fire in their secret show at the Ukrainian Culture Center of Los Angeles, but it was pretty hopeless, as work leaked last night and lines of overnight ticket-seekers camped out on Thursday night at the three locations announced. After assurances that the announcement would not be made until 9 AM Friday morning, it was a little disappointing.

The El Rey was one of the locations selling tickets and, as it is close by work, I dashed over around 11:40 AM, as an early lunch hour, to get in line, which was not too long. But after waiting 30 minutes it became clear that there was no hope, as they had wrist-banded as many people as they thought could get tickets and I was well behind that. Dejected, I returned to work.

I would have felt worse if I hadn't even tried, so to those lucky bastards I say, "enjoy your god-damned Arcade Fire concert". This band is, literally, on fire! I'd watch them on the Grammys on Sunday, except that after three minutes of that show I'm ready to throw up.

Got home later and found my DeVotchKa at The Fonda ticket in the mail, so that's some compensation. Also looking forward to this month's Red Cortez residency at The Satellite on Monday nights, especially the two with Everest. And rejoice, because Jack Gibson is returning to town and is going to play our Radio Free Silver Lake Free Tuesday at LaBrie's next Tuesday, February 15. He'll be fronting a new side project band called Disaster Speaks. We've seen him as Tenlons Fort for years, and it's always pretty special.

I had planned to try to see Alpine Decline tonight at Pehrspace, but I was wiped from the work week and the up/down of Arcade Fire (when I got in line at El Rey I actually thought there was a chance) so I didn't. I love the Alpine Decline album they sent me, both vinyl and CD (which I play all the time, great on the bus) and I wanted to see them live again before I write about it, but, another time. They were on the first bill of our LaBrie's series with The Californian on November 2, 2010 and I wish I'd been more familiar with their music then.

whrabbit

Summing Up My Weekly Ten Best Lists For 2010

2011-02-10T21:20:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to wrap up 2010, but it's a tough struggle. It's like the year that won't go away. I have all these Ten Best lists from December (December 2 was the last date to appear on this blog), so I'll put them all together and make one big December list and hope I haven't slighted anybody. I'll deal with January later.

Fed somewhat by the shows I saw that month, the list is as follows.

1. George Glass - George Glass (self release)

Even though they didn't play any shows in town during December, they still ruled the month. I would still list this as one on the best of the year, even if my name were not on the back. I never tire of the songs. I can't wait to have them as our band of the month at Radio Free Silver Lake's Free Tuesdays at LaBrie's in March right after The Western States Motel finish up their fabulous February residency.

2. Pepper Rabbit - Beauregard (Kanine Records)

One of my favorite finds of the year was this band and their terrific blend of European pop and indie rock. Astonishing in live performance.

3. Three Mile Pilot - The Inevitable Past Is The Future Forgotten (Temporary Residence)

One of the most solid recordings of the year, so self-assured and sure-footed. A terrific array of songs in a great variety of styles. That Pinback bass and that Black Heart plaintive wail make a great combination from two legendary artists.

4. Tommy Santee Klaws - Rakes (self release)

This startling and well recorded album of the enchanting music this combine of remarkable musicians make is another year's best and well worth waiting for because this band never sounded so good (except live, of course)

5. Lord Huron - Mighty EP (self release)

The band out of nowhere that have taken their newly adopted home by storm. See these guys live at any one of the local dives before they break big.

6. Kenseth Thibideau - Repetition (Temporary Residence)

Fed by the fact this band opened for Rob Crow at The Satellite on the 7th, only increased my interest and I was rewarded with some of the most breathtaking , cinematic and dense music of the year and a great opening band.

7. Broken Bells - Broken Bells (Columbia Records)

I can't stop going back to this album, I find the songs so hypnotic and addictive

8. Rob Crow -Living Well (Temporary Residence)

His solo concert at The Satellite was a great opportunity to watch and hear what Rob does to those compositions as a solo artist. He promised to play 30 songs as fast as he could, and then he made good on that promise. It was a wonderful compendium of a great career.

9. Lord Huron - Into The Sun (self release)

Again, the recordings are great, but they only hint at the power of this band live.

10. Everest - On Approach (Vapor Records)

Set to play all over town in February, they are another reason for national attention focused on our local scene. They currently play some of the finest sets of their career and you'd be a fool to miss them.

Anyway that takes care of that. Next I have to tackle last year's Best Live Shows and whittling that down from 50 may take some effort.

whrabbit

10 Best Albums of 2010

2011-02-07T22:00:00.000-08:00

10 Best Albums (actually 13):

(Sorry this column is so late but laziness and the flu and more laziness got the better of me. Never fear...here it is.. and only a month late!)

1. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs (Merge Records)

A remarkable achievement for a highly lauded band to come out with a third album that is as fresh and vibrant as anything they've released yet, but also sounds like it just flowed out of them with refreshing ease. It's great to see a band mature and still maintain their creative high. I suspect that, over time, this may well come to be seen as their best album yet. Filled with their familiar themes of alienation, suburban life vs. stardom/the music business, rabid fans, and how to move forward, they waste no words and do not suffer fools gladly. Urgent, intelligent, always melodic and sweeping, and ultimately quite moving. Their live shows at The Shrine in October were exhilerating and electrifying.

2. Blitzen Trapper - Destroyer of the Void (Sub Pop)

Consistently in my top ten for the last two years, they return with what I consider their best album. When I saw them, for the third time, at El Rey in June they covered Destroyer... and it was the best I've ever seen them. Endlessly inventive melodies, some great guitar passages and Eric Earley's expressive and flexible voice guides the music and when blended with their intricate vocal harmonies, the songs soar. This album was impossible to stop playing for months.

3. Everest - On Approach (Vapor Records)

I also had the privilege of hearing this album come to life in concerts over the last two years, first in the composing stages and then , once the album was released, in live versions of the songs that were always the equal, if not superior to, the recorded versions. Solid songcraft has always been a hallmark of this band, and it has only grown stronger, as the songs sound like instant classic folk rock. Russell Pollard's vocals have never sounded this good and so much touring and performing has paid off with the whole band working together as a cohesive unit.

4. Pepper Rabbit - Beauregard (Kanine Records)

A highly original sound coupled with an uncanny gift for haunting melody. Imbued with that vaguely Eastern European flavor favored by artists like Beirut, Gogol Bordello or even Grizzly Bear. I love the air of sad, graceful melancholy, matched with some highly original lyrics, some sounding like nonsense until you listen a few times and realize they are actually deeply felt. Xander Singh has a winsome and lilting voice, backed by rich and varied orchestral flourishes, ranging from clarinet to brass instruments, and propelled by Luc Laurent's fascinating percussion, it all comes together so well showcasing the wide range of song styles they explore.

5. Three Mile Pilot - The Inevitable Past Is The Fututre Forgotten (Temporary Residence)

What can I say about the guys that make this music. They've found the formula to create music that bypasses all my filters and goes directly into my cardio-vascular system, so that it becomes like a heart beat, or breathing, or drinking water when you're thirsty. It is certainly one of the most beautiful albums of the year, put together by some of the creative forces behind The Black Heart Procession and Pinback. I got to see this band about a year and a half ago when they played Echoplex and I'm sure they played some of this new material because I remember being quite impressed with the show.

6. The Besnard Lakes - The Besnard Lakes Are The Roaring Night (Jagjaguwar)

The band that gives lugubrious a good name, their massive sound is epic in it's scope. The unexpected beauty of some of the compositions moved me to tears frequently when I first played this album. It comes in like a transmission from outer space then morphs into solid wall of guitar and bass, pierced by Jace Lasek's eerie falsetto vocals that are soon swallowed up in the throbbing. pulsating beat. It's an amazing amalgam on sounds, blended together beautifully. The layering that occurs on such songs as "Like The Ocean, Like The Innocent, Part 2: The Innocent" and "Land Of Living Skies" is positively tidal in it's pull until you feel like you could disolve in emotion. Live, they recreate the sound faithfully, with audiences swaying back and forth as if in a trance.

7. George Glass - George Glass EP (self release)

A new band that has rapidly ascended to the top tier of local bands. Surprisingly mature work with songs that are as unpredictable as they are unexpectedly beautiful. Nick Ceglio's plaintive yet expressive singing is recorded to really stand at the center of the songs and it gives the whole record a focus. Songs that begin one way, suddenly veer off in unexpected directions, keeping the listener on his toes and showing off Nick's talent as a songwriter. I've been watching this band live for the past year and to hear so professional and crisp a recording from them is a revelation.

8. Broken Bells - Broken Bells (Columbia Records)

As an offshoot to The Shins, James Mercer teamed with Danger Mouse to give his already quirky songs a kind of funky lift that doesn't seem like it should work at first. After you've played the album over and over, you realize, not only does it work, but it reveals a whole other side to Mercer's talent. Sometimes diverging off into orchestral, film sountrack-like flourishes, the music covers a range of styles and emotions. There's a wistfull loneliness that comes through, making for an emotional connection as well. Great to see them live, and at the second concert they performed new material not on this album...so expect more from Broken Bells. I keep going back to this album over and over.

9. Field Music - Field Music (Measure) (Memphis Industries)

I'd only heard a couple of songs by this band before they came to town last year promoting a brand new record, so I picked up Field Music (Measure) at Amoeba and bought a ticket for the Bootleg Theatre. I was instantly hooked by their intelligent industrial Brit-rock that sounds like some of the most inventive and interesting music being made right now. The variety of instruments coupled with their proficiency on each one makes for a rich musical experience. The music is as unpredictable as it is intricate, but it is not easy and requires a certain amount of concentration. There's 20 cuts on the album and it plays like two albums, with a definite break at the eleventh cut where the music becomes more experimental for the remainder. I got to meet both brothers, Peter and David Brewis, at the Bootleg and a couple of days later at their free show at Amoeba, and they were a delight to talk to.

10. Film School - Fission (Hi-Speed Soul)

I was such a fan of this band before this album that Fission came as a real surprise. The unexpected upbeat quality of the music and the use of more group vocals, especially Lorelie, really caught my attention. It's a wonderfully varied collection of songs that really grow on you. Still anchored in that comfortable melancholy, the songs still have a rueful quality, even when they make you want to jump up and dance around the room. Greg Bertens' voice still has that dream-like quality that attracted me to this band in the first place.

11. Avi Buffalo - Avi Buffalo (Sub Pop)

The long-awaited debut album by Long Beach supergroup turned Sub Pop artists was the fulfillment of a year and a half of following this band all over town. They were almost instantly recognized as band of rare talent, and I'm happy to say I saw them close to the beginning. I was so famiiar with the live versions of these song that to hear the versions committed to CD was both thrilling and scary. Would they be as good? In most cases the answer is yes. Nicely recorded there's even room for some of Avi's spectacular noodling on his guitar. Sad to say the group is no longer together but look forward to the next phase of their collective careers.

12. The Californian - Sea of Love EP (self release)

This band just exploded for me. First time I ever saw them was in April last year when they opened for Radio Free Silver Lake's Lost Episode of "Let's Independent!" at El Cid and I was totally blown away. This little EP is only four songs, but each song is among the best individual songs I heard all year. Having now seen then over a half dozen times, and hearing all their unreleased material, boy, does this band ever have a full album in them and I can't wait. John Graney is an arresting and super-charismatic front man and I predict big things.

13. Lord Huron - 2 EP's Into the Sun & Mighty (self releases)

This band suddenly popped up out of nowhere last November and I have tried to see them every time they've played since then. A unique blend of atmosphere-soaked harmony vocals and shimmering guitars, mixed with a Carribean beat. I've never heard anyting quite like it and these two EP's are inseperable. That the band has tons of on stage presense will not hurt them. See them now, before they explode.

The following albums made a big impression as well, but if I stop to talk about each one, this piece will never be published.

Tommy Santee Klaws - Rakes (self release)

Dead Meadow - Three Kings (Zemu Records)

Joanna Newsom - Have One On Me (Drag City)

Helen Stellar - If The Stars Could Speak, They Would Have Your Voice... (self release)

The Album Leaf - A Chorus of Storytellers (Sub Pop)

EELS - Tomorrow Morning (EWorks)

whrabbit

Remarkable Times

2011-02-05T19:30:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited about the local and regional bands that have been getting breaks, playing big shows at major venues, sometimes on a nationwide scale, like The Belle Brigade opening for Grace Potter and the Nocturnals at El Rey last Friday night and Breathe Owl Breathe (at right), opening for Vann Tiersen at The Fonda in March.

Had to get a ticket for Fleet Foxes at Hollywood Palladium in May, in spite of the fact that the venues are getting bigger and bigger since I saw them at The Echo and Spaceland. And, for all the redecoration, I still think the Palladium sounds like a big barn. Especially if you get stuck on the outskirts where the over amped bass totally distorts the sound (see: Grizzly Bear) Actually this will be my fifth time seeing them, and for that I'm grateful.

I went to see Lord Huron turn another crowd into worshipful fans and I could only stay at The Echo for two songs before I had to hightail it over to Lot 1 Cafe and I got there only to hear the last song by Pageants (Rebecca Coleman's new band since leaving Avi Buffalo. And with ex-Buffalo bass player, Arin Fazio.) But what I heard was incredible, with Rebecca now playing guitar, the song had the wonderful oddball songwriting style of an Avi Buffalo song. And the band has a similar twinkling quality. Both Rebecca, and her mom, and Arin were as thrilled to see me as I was to see them, and we had a nice short chat before they sped off back to Long Beach. Ashley Jex hosted. I'll review this in more depth Thursday over at Radio Free Silver Lake.

It's great to be out and about again.

whrabbit

Quite A Night

2011-02-04T09:00:00.000-08:00

If I hadn't been stoned before I got to The Satellite on Thursday night, February 3, then I surely would have been by the end of the set by Useless Keys (see right), whose combination of wall-of-sound dramatics and diffusion were visually matched by a hallucinatory and seizure-inducing light show, that transformed the place into a foggy pit of laser lights and billowing shadows, punctuated by throbbing and pulsating strobes. It was a powerful and impressive presentation.

I was so intrigued by the notion of seeing Great Northern play with remnants of Irving (now: Shadow Shadow Shade) on the same bill, as I saw them together at King King in Hollywood a hundred years ago (actually 2006). It seems a lifetime ago. And now I just got back from seeing them again, and it was quite special.

Web In Front has put together this terrific Thursday night residency with Shadow Shadow Shade and the first line up was killer. In addition to the three aforementioned bands, Wet & Reckless rounded out the night. Unfortunately I have a swirl of concert activity the next night, so I had to duck out early.

But I did get to witness a really riveting performance by some of my earliest contacts in the local indie scene, Great Northern (at right), who, after a few glitches were ironed out during the first two songs, roared to life with a set that was electrifying. I was particularly impressed with a new song on which Rachel Stolte really soared with her voice in a manner that was truly surprising. Now a band of four, the balance seemed right, with the addition of bass and drums contibuting to the wholeness of the sound. It's been such a long time since I've seen them as a band that it was most gratifying. The audience was pretty blown away too, some of whom were seeing them for the first time, and again, it was all swathed in a fabulous atmosphere of fog and lights, perfectly suited to the arctic atmosphere this band is so good at. Even familiar songs like "Houses" sounded sharp and new with their fresh arrangements.

Shadow Shadow Shade emerged from a fog-laden stage with a smashing a cappella intro which suddenly exploded into their massive sound. This amazing live band gives equal weight to each instrument and every voice, making them the most democratic band around. It's also fitting, since each member is an accomplished musician and singer who never hogs the spotlight but is able to blend together like a powerful engine.

I only stayed for part of their set, which sounded as good as I'ver ever heard them. As there are three more Thursdays to come, and with a general ambience that was one of such comfort and familiarity, with Travis of Web In Front DJing from the rear of the room, it would be futile to resist going back for more Shadow Shadow Shade.

whrabbit

Back To Life

2011-02-02T22:10:00.000-08:00

I've regained my concert-lust and have been back out at shows for the last week. It's so easy to become a full-blown addict in just a matter of days. The final night of The Monolators (at right) residency for Radio Free Silver Lake's Free Tuesdays at LaBrie's got me started on January 25, and with opening bands, The World Record and Walking Sleep, giving a couple of powerhouse performances, The Monolators capped off the night by turning the packed house into a frenzied mass of party revellers.

The following night I had to honor my ticket to see Iron and Wine at The Wiltern, but as he's one of my favorite live performers, this was no problem. Great show, reviewed over at Radio Free Silver Lake, today.

Lord Growing's "704" show on Saturday, January 29 was a real fun time and so packed with good people, the atmosphere resembled a big party. Cody The Band confirmed what I had suspected from their set for RFSL at the Tuesday event on December 21st. They are one of the tightest, thoroughly professional yet musically fun bands around these days. Beautiful performance. George Glass played nothing but new songs, but for one, and blazed away in their trademark thrash/beautiful style. This band just grows on me more with each performance and each time I play their album. Vanaprasta blew the walls out of Pehrspace, but in a good way. I've not seen this band nearly enough, but plan to rectify that situation. It was great to hear their dense, raucous songs in so intimate a setting. Manhattan Murder Mystery were, well...Manhattan Murder Mystery. Supposedly Elaine Layabout's final performance with the band (former MMM players have a way of resurfacing periodically...so I'll take a wait and see attitude). They capped the night off wonderfully, rocking the hell out of the place. Congratulations Greg.

On Monday, I was determined I would not miss The Belle Brigade's final night of residency, along with The Fling at The Satellite. Knowing how popular they have rapidly become, I made sure to get there early, and there was already a line. I needed to make it an early night, so I was happy Writer went on at 9:30 and The Belle Brigade (photo by Aaron Redfield) at 10:30. The Belle Brigade were every bit as phenomenal as I remembered from my first exposure on December 16th at The Echo. My god, they have talent oozing from their pores. Ethan and Barbara were kind enough to remember me and I thanked them for their amazing show and congratulated them on their good fortune.

I had to go out the next night for the first The Western States Motel residency Tuesday at Radio Free Silver Lake's Free Tuesdays at LaBrie's. Buried At Sea opened the night with a solid set, well sung and played, which culminated in a fascinating cover of a Joanna Newsome song. The Western States Motel played a nice long set, growing ever more confident and tight during the set. Wonderful new songs, too. WALK finished the night with some terrific diffused and atmospheric music, very beautifully played. Another fantastic show. Next Tuesday, February 8, The Western States Motel play LaBrie's with Pacific Hurt and The Mid Cities.

whrabbit

Knocked Flat By The Flu

2011-01-22T16:00:00.000-08:00

Hello world! I'm back from a trip to the edge of the abyss, and have survived to tell the tale. Never have I had to fight off a flu that so wholly resisted my best efforts and would morph into something new and appalling at each turn, kind of like the Alien. It was a slow slog, just to get to the point where I felt like I wanted to survive.

But slowly, steadily, I began to improve (after finally relenting and going to the doctor), and just the other day, began to consider writing again. But I felt like I came out of a week of fevered hallucinations with a fresh and clearer view of what I'd like to accomplish. I also just watched The Social Network, which is both highly original and inspiring with a script that is perfection.

I'm sorry to have missed a lot of great music during January, especially most of The Monolators' LaBrie's residency for us at Radio Free Silver Lake, but I will be there this week without fail. So let's hear it for 2011, and on with the show...

whrabbit

What I Listened To November 26 - December 2, 2010

2010-12-18T18:30:00.000-08:00

1. George Glass - George Glass (self release)

2. The Books - The Way Out (Temporary Residence)

3. Birds and Batteries - Panorama (Velvet Blue Music)

4. Lord Huron - Mighty EP (self release)

5. Pepper Rabbit - Beauregard (Kanine Records)

6. Tommy Santee Klaws - Rakes (self release)

7. Obi Best - Sentimental Education EP (self release)

8. Lord Huron - Into the Sun EP (self release)

9. Three Mile Pilot - The Inevitable Past Is The Future Forgotten (Temporary Residence)

10. Everest - On Approach (Vapor Records)

George Glass EP assumed it's rightful position as number one, as this has got to be one of the major local releases this year. George Glass have simply fulfilled what everyone who has seen them over the last few months had already known. Maybe the best new band around.

Seeing The Books live was a revelatory experience that left me numb for days. Such performance artistry coupled with a multi-media presentation that was almost overwhelming left one's brain splattered all over the walls of the Henry Fonda Theatre. Thereafter the CD was enjoyed to re-live the visceral expreience of the concert.

Birds and Batteries performance at Origami on Nov. 26, and they were every bit as good as I expected based on this recording. A hugely personable band and with an easy stage manner that sing really solid music in the Southwestern American indie rock style. Think Calexico or Telegraph Canyon.

And the CD's that just don't let go are Lord Huron, who really intrigue me, Pepper Rabbit that just gets better over time, Tommy Santee Klaws' Rakes may be their breakthrough disc, and Three Mile Pilot and Everest are permanent. Obi Best played at one of our Radio Free Silver Lake show and her CD is a refreshing, lilting and serious piece of work, reminding me a little of St. Vincent.

I'll catch up and publish the rest of the year this week while I have time off from work. And the Ten Best lists are coming.

whrabbit

Low - The Christmas Tour, The Satellite - December 15, 2010

2010-12-17T00:45:00.001-08:00

It's been a while since the last Low album and concert tour, so I was glad to have a ticket to this show. Though my enthusiasm level was fairly 'low', I figured this would be an unusual and unique opportunity to see them in as small a venue as The Satellite. But I seriously underestimated the power of Low and my own appreciation of them.

I spoke a brief 'hello' to Alan Sparhawk on my way in, as I got to interview him the last time The Retribution Gospel Choir were in town, he remembered me and shouted back a greeting. I noticed right away the show was sold out and went inside to meet some friends and try to find a space near the front.

Opener Charlie Parr was performing his set of amiable mid-western hippie folk music and he is clearly a good writer and solo performer as he seemed to have most of the attention of the audience. It only increased when Alan joined him onstage for his final song to offer some beautiful vocal harmonies, ending the set with a very positive feeling.

During the break I was surprised how easy it was to get up front and secure a great position a couple of feet from the stage. I'd never had the chance to see Low from such a close vantage point. Twenty-four hours later (with another concert in between) I'm still flying from this show. They are such amazing, consummate performers that even the set list was brilliantly conceived,

It was oddly, personally compelling that they began with "Monkey", since that was the first song I ever heard by them and it had made me an instant fan. Following that with "Silver Rider", also from The Great Destroyer CD, the audience was completely seduced and they were free to do whatever they wanted. "Silver Rider" was so perfectly performed it struck the audience silent and brought tears to my eyes. The uncanny vocal harmonies of Alan Sparhawk and Mimi Parker sound more powerful and sublime when heard live, and I was constantly amazed at what I was hearing.

With the audience seduced into submission, they were able to perform their entire new album, due for release early next year, in order, without the slightest ping of discomfort from a crowd that was clearly in the palm of their hands, although not familiar with the material. And, as they were joined by two additional musicians for the remainder of the set, I was thrilled to see Low grow to a band of five. If this set was any indication, this new album is going to be amazing, and, maybe, one of their best. Very mature, thoughtful and revealing songwriting

The sound was massive and the vocals, for the first time with a third singer, absolutely overwhelming. After finishing up the new album they launched into a set of five or six Christmas songs, including "Blue Christmas" which Mimi sang with astonishing clarity and her stunning vocal pitch. "Little Drummer Boy" never sounded like this before, and a song called
"Santa Is Coming Over", done in the Low style, sounded more like Godzilla was coming over.

I was stunned by this concert and now think Low is one of the greatest live acts on earth.

whrabbit

Rob Crow and Kenseth Thibideau at The Satellite - December 7, 2010

2010-12-13T23:30:00.000-08:00

As I am avowed never to miss a show by Rob Crow or Zach Smith of Pinback, I had to actually miss the first residency night for Marvelous Toy at Radio Free Silver Lake's Free Tuesday show at LaBrie's this week, which was a tough choice to make. But somehow, with all the competition that night, I knew this would not be the most crowded show in town. Since the show was at The Satellite (formerly: Spaceland) I also figured I'd get a chance to track down Rob to chat a little.

Right, on both counts. There were only a few people there, but they were certainly enthusiastic. I wanted to hear the set by Kenseth Thibideau, since he has played with both Three Mile Pilot and with the Pinback touring band, so I assumed I would probably like his music as well.

Accompanied by three other musicians, the band performed a set that instantly appealed to me. The music was just what I expected and pleased me for just that reason. The throbbing bass, the thumping guitars, the methodical, steady drumming, all added up to a Pinback-hybrid that was neither a copy nor derivative, but very much it's own creation. I bought his EP and it is a good recreation of their live sound so I'm very fond of it.

I'd had a chance to chat with Rob Crow, when he was sitting alone selling his merch. I consider myself lucky that he even knows who I am, as his music has become so vital to my existence. Telling him how much I enjoyed the Rob and Zach Show at Detroit Bar in July, he thanked me and asked if I had heard what happened on that tour. He told me how Zach had been called back to San Diego when his wife gave birth prematurely to their first child, and Rob finished the tour alone. I felt doubly lucky to have seen the show when I did.

I asked what he would be performing, and he sheepishly said he was going to try to play 30 songs as fast as he could. I wasn't sure if he was serious until he did just that. I'd never seen him play solo acoustic before and it was thrilling, and he did play 30 songs ranging from songs off his Living Well CD to songs I couldn't recognize.

His voice was sharp and showed it's remarkable flexibility and his guitar playing dazzled me with a variety of techniques. He plowed through one song after another, only breaking when he needed to catch breath or something unexpected threw him, but his stamina and perseverance were something to behold. It's no wonder Rob Crow is one of my favorites.

whrabbit

What I Listened To from November 5 - 25, 2010 (three weeks)

2010-12-04T17:30:00.000-08:00

week of November 5 - 11, 2010:

1. Three Mile Pilot - The Inevitable Past Is The Future Forgotten (Temporary Residence)

2. Film School - Fission (Hi-Speed Soul)

3. Iron And Wine - Norfolk live 6/20/05 (Sub Pop)

4. The Eels - Tomorrow Morning (E Works)

5. Birds and Batteries - Panorama (Velvet Blue Music

6. Blitzen Trapper - Furr (Sub Pop)

7. Andrew Bird - Useless Creatures (Fat Possum)

8. Kelley Stoltz - To Dreamers (Sub Pop)

9. The Californian - Sea of Love EP (self release)

10. Okkervil River - The Stage Names (Jagjaguwar Records)

Three Mile Pilot holds onto the number one position as I dig out old favorites like Iron and Wine's live concert recording, Norfolk 6/20/05, as tickets went on sale for his January gig at The Wiltern, Blitzen Trapper's Furr, and Okkervil River's The Stage Names.

week of November 12 - 18, 2010:

1. Three Mile Pilot - The Inevitable Past Is The Future Forgotten (Temporary Residence)

2. Pepper Rabbit - Beauregard (Kanine Records)

3. George Glass - George Glass (self release)

4. Iron and Wine - Norfolk live 6/20/05 (Sub Pop)

5. Birds And Batteries - Panorama (Velvet Blue Music)

6. Film School - Fission (Hi-Speed Soul)

7. Honey Loving Cells - Honey Loving Cells EP (self release)

8. Blitzen Trapper - Furr (Sub Pop)

9. Blitzen Trapper - Destroyer of the Void (Sub Pop)

10. The Books - The Way Out (Temporary Residence)

Three Mile Pilot stay at number one for one more week. I pulled the Pepper Rabbit CD out to get ready for their show on Nov. 18 at The Echo and discovered a record I hadn't really given it's due. What a beautiful album, full of poignant and moving music, and it's already getting notice as I see the band is set to play at the Hollywood Palladium opening for Passion Pit on Dec. 7. That's big!

I picked up the new George Glass EP on Tuesday at our Radio Free Silver Lake Tuesday show on Nov. 16 at LaBrie's and I am so overwhelmed by it that it jumped to third place even though I only had it for two days before this list. I play it at least twice every time I listen to it. To have heard the songs come to life over the months of seeing their live performances, it was almost shocking how polished and well produced they sound here. Amazing record.

I was also listening to the EP by the band that jumped in to replace The Californian the night John Graney was unable to perform at our previous week's Free Tuesday at LaBrie's, and his friends and band mates came to the rescue. That would be Honey Loving Cells and the EP is a nice showcase for the band that performed a musically sound and invigorating set that night

Most others are repeats from the week before, with the exception of The Books new album, The Way Out, which is most definitely an exception. In preparation for their Fonda show on November 29, I got this adventurous and jaw-droppingly original piece of art. It's difficult enough to defy easy listening so it's something you take in portions, but the rewards are great as it expands your mind.

week of November 19 - 25, 2010

1. Lord Huron - Mighty EP (self release)

2. George Glass - George Glass EP (self release)

3. Lord Huron - Into the Sun EP (self release)

4. Pepper Rabbit - Beauregard (Kanine Records)

5. Tommy Santee Klaws - Rakes (self release)

6. Three Mile Pilot - The Inevitable Past Is The Future Forgotten (Temporary Residence)

7. Film School - Fission (Hi-Speed Soul)

8. The Books - The Way Out (Temporary Residence)

9. The Californian - Sea of Love EP (self release)

10. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs (Merge Records)

Things got totally shaken up this week with new material as I learned about Lord Huron from two shows in a week and grew to love the foggy/hazy vocals blended with a reggae/samba beat. Very solid musicianship, both live and on record. Recently transplanted from Michigan, I intend to support them as much as possible. I picked up a double package of their two EP's, Mighty and Into the Sun, at the Echoplex show and played them non stop.

The George Glass EP is one of the strongest first recordings I've heard from a band and the quality of the songwriting skill is what really comes across on the disc. Nick Ceglio's vocals have always been inriguing and a bit hypnotic, both with Death To Anders and here, but on record there's a power and a modulation to his singing that's often buried live. The sound is so full and rich it's hard to believe they are only a three piece band.

I attended the Tommy Santeee Klaws record release show to support my friends and to get the new CD, Rakes. I have enjoyed every Tommy Santeee Klaws record and CD that I own, but they never sounded like this before. A gorgeous recording. There a fullness and richness to the sound that served to highlight and show off both the vocal and instrumental skills that this band possesses in spades. Now I wish they'd re-record everything they ever did.

Pepper Rabbit's Beauregard is not letting go and becoming quite addictive. Their show at The Echo only reinforced my opinion of them and there's even something vaguely 'holiday season' to the music. Maybe it's the sleigh bells. Anyway it sounds appropriate with Christmas coming. The Books are coming and their aquired-taste compositions are somehow insinuating themselves into my brain. Everything else I've been harping on for weeks.

whrabbit

A November Compilation

2010-12-03T21:30:00.000-08:00

Let me write about a recent musical odyssey that was particularly stimulating for a variety of reasons. First was a six day run beginning with the Pepper Rabbit (at right) show at The Echo on Thursday, November 18, who I have been wanting to see ever since their show there last April. Their swirly, hazy psychedelia with a European flavor is beautifully realized on their CD, Beauregard, and live, they perform faithful reproductions via looping and playback that adds layers of richness to the complex compositions. There's a poignant, rueful sadness to the songs that adds a depth and emotion to the writing, reminding me of Beirut. They had the full audience in the palm of their hands. Truly gorgeous and inspiring music. And now this
extraordinary, young band have a date at Hollywood Palladium opening for Passion Pit on December 7. They're exploding fast, and deservedly so.

I saw a band called Avi Buffalo (Avi at right) on Friday night at Echoplex, and it's no secret that they have been going though some major changes ever since they signed to Sub Pop, but they seemed like a different animal altogether at this, their last concert of the year and their final one before going on an extended hiatus. The past year of touring and the releasing of an album that is destined to be deemed one of the best of the year has taken a toll on the band, and, performing with a number of new members, the set was just not what one expected.

The evening began most promisingly with a band I was really looking forward to, based on the advance buzz, and Lord Huron did not disappoint. Recently transplanted from Michigan to L.A., I was intrigued by the samples I'd heard that were very calypso/reggae in their beat and hazy/fuzzy in the vocals making for a very intoxicating mix. Like sipping a Pina Colada on a hot beach.

In person the vocals were much more up front and the effect was even better since the whole band can really sing. Ben Schneider is the mastermind behind Lord Huron and I don't know any of the band members names, but they were all amazing and even though they told me this was only their eleventh performance as a band they seemed like a total, cohesive unit. I picked up the double package of the two EP's Into The Sun and Mighty. I haven't stopped playing then since.

The less said about the rest of the evening, the better. I've been following Avi Buffalo pretty much since the beginning and seeing only Avi and Sheridan from the original band there, was emotionally wrenching and the performance that night that made me wonder where the band is going. And this would have been a sad conclusion, were it not for what I saw the very next night at HM 157. It's like I saw a band self destruct one night and rise from the ashes triumphant the next.

I didn't intend to miss Tommy Santee Klaws' record release show (at right) at Historical Monument 157 on Saturday night, not only because I'd never been there before, but Avi Buffalo was performing a solo acoustic set under the name, El Dorado, and I needed to see him under completely different circumstances. He appeared in the middle of the evening and only did a couple of songs, but it was enough to convince me he will be fine. The songs were totally unknown to me, were both thoughtful and sad, and especially moving, under the circumstances, and I was transfixed. His voice sounded strong and assured and his guitar playing was, well, astonishing, so I ended up feeling encouraged.

Being my first visit to this venue, I was kind of overwhelmed by the atmosphere and the amazing friendly vibe of the place. The trip out to Lincoln Heights was daunting enough, so walking into the artist-friendly/hippie comfort of this beautiful, slightly dilapidated old Victorian was like sinking into a warm embrace. Due to the inclement weather, the show had been moved inside, which was absolutely packed but maneuverable, and from one room looking into another I watched Amanda Jo Williams perform. The only disconcerting element was the view out the front windows of those twin representative symbols, the American flag and the McDonald's flag flying side by side, patriotism and life-killing food products.

Backed by a full band, she sang her quirky, deadpan folk with equal parts forcefulness and originality. Her reedy voice gains strength from her pungent and surprising lyrics. A fascinating set by one of the most unique artists around. The crowd size necessitated a move out to the front porch for Tommy Santee Klaws' set. It was pretty chilly outside, but the crowd huddled together and Tommy and company performed lots of new material along with familiar hits like "Dead Leaves and Bumblebees".

The move outside perhaps compromised the sound of the set, but nevertheless there was enough compensation in standing under the stars and near-full moon to hear the pearly vocal tones and solid musicianship that stands this band apart from most others. Even without a balanced sound mix, Tommy Santee Klaws still pulled it off.

After that memorable night, I was off to the first show I've been to at Origami Vinyl to see Lord Huron (above), to see if they were really as good as I thought on Friday night. No question, this is another band with all the elements in the right place. I'd had time to digest the two EP's I'd gotten at the Echoplex show and really like the songs, but I love the way the vocals are more forcefully delivered in concert and I think the band plays really well off each other. I enjoyed the unique way Origami has of presenting music with the band in the loft at the rear, way over your head. I had to look almost straight up to see the band, lit from one dramatic light source, with the beamed ceiling providing the background. The sound was great and the experience was unique and is just another great way to see free music in L.A.

Monday, November 22, I ran over to Silver Lake Lounge to catch a set by All Wrong And The Plans Change. Kassia Conway is their way charismatic lead singer and she has the assurance and style to take command of the stage. Her strong voice can be soft or sharp as they play songs that range from hard driving rock to jazz. She reminds one of everyone from The Raveonettes to Dusty Springfield, without seeming redundant.

On Tuesday, November 23 was the fourth Radio Free Silver Lake Free Tuesday at LaBrie's and I'm going to post about the last three of those November residencies over at Radio Free Silver Lake. Meanwhile, I took a couple of days off.

whrabbit

What I Listened To October 29 - November 4, 2010

2010-11-18T19:50:00.000-08:00

1. Three Mile Pilot - The Inevitable Past Is The Future Forgotten (Temporary Residence)

2. Film School - Fission (Hi-Speed Soul)

3. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs (Merge Records)

4. The Eels - Tomorrow Morning (E Works)

5. Birds and Batteries - Panorama (Velvet Blue Music)

6. Blitzen Trapper - Furr (Sub Pop)

7. Andrew Bird - Useless Creatures (Fat Possum)

8. Kelley Stoltz - To Dreamers (Sub Pop)

9. Broken Social Scene - Forgiveness Rock Record (Arts & Crafts)

10. Radars To the Sky - Supra / Infra (self release)

The beauty of the Three Mile Pilot album is that it reveals new pleasures with almost every listening. It's such a departure from their previous work, over ten years ago, and shows such growth and maturity. It's a very special record and fans only had to wait 13 years for it.

Still loving the Film School album which is an easy choice every time I'm, like, in a 'what do I want to hear now' mood. I also had a sudden urge to hear everything by Blitzen Trapper for some reason and Furr came out on top.

The new Andrew Bird CD, Useless Creatures, was first released in the deluxe edition of Noble Beast, which may explain why it sounds like it's part of a separate tangent from Andrew's other albums. I even think it could be filed under classical music, as it's almost exclusively instrumental and the compositions are closer to Debussy and Ravel than to indie rock. That's one of the reasons I love it. It's genre-bending.

whrabbit

What I Listened To October 22 - 28, 2010

2010-11-18T09:00:00.000-08:00

1. Three Mile Pilot - The Inevitable Past Is The Future Forgotten (Temporary Residence)

2. Kelley Stoltz - To Dreamers (Sub Pop)

3. Film School - Fission (Hi-Speed Soul)

4. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs (Merge Records)

5. Broken Social Scene - Forgiveness Rock Record (Arts & Crafts)

6. Radars To the Sky - Supra / Infra (self release)

7. Broken Bells - Broken Bells (Columbia Records)

8. Seven Saturdays - The Snowflakes That Hit Us Became Our Stars (self release)

9. The Black Heart Procession - 1 (Headhunter Records)

10. The Black Heart Procession - 2 (Touch and Go Records)

Three Mile Pilot resumed it's number one position as one of the most addictive records of the year. Did the Kelley Stoltz interview that Monday and enjoyed hearing the material live. Everything else is "same old/same old" with the exception of the re-emergence of Seven Saturdays and their relaxing, contemplative movie score-style music which I find both soothing and stimulating.

As Halloween approached, I gorged myself on the haunted, other-wordly strains of The Black Heart Procession and their first two albums. Also, they will be in town soon to open for The Books at The Fonda in December.

whrabbit

What I'm Listening To October 15 - 21, 2010

2010-11-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

1. Broken Social Scene - Forgiveness Rock Record (Arts & Crafts)

2. Three Mile Pilot - The Inevitable Past Is The Future Forgotten (Temporary Residence)

3. Kelley Stoltz - To Dreamers (Sub Pop)

4. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs (Merge Records)

5. The Eels - Tomorrow Morning (E Works)

6. Film School - Fission (Hi-Speed Soul)

7. Eastern Conference Champions - Santa Fe EP (self release)

8. Birds and Batteries - Panorama (Velvet Blue Music)

9. Autolux - Transit Transit (TBD Records)

10. Radars To the Sky - Supra / Infra (self release)

This was Broken Social Scene week, what with their show at The Wiltern that Tuesday the 19th. I think their new album is one of their best, and certainly easier than their last record, Broken Social Scene, five years ago. Lots of memorable songs that intrigue and entertain. The show was an electrifying two and one quarter hour set that covered all aspects of their career. And the new songs were among the best.

The Three Mile Pilot record is completely addictive. The songs go round and round in my head, even when I'm sleeping. It's definitely not the Three Mile Pilot of the past as this shows such subtantial growth and maturity in the songwriting, displaying what Pall Jenkins and Zach Smith have learned over the years in their respective bands, and there's not a bad song on the album.

Still memorizing the Kelley Stoltz album, To Dreamers, in anticipation of my interview with him on Oct 22. He seems to toil away in his own fashion, regardless of the latest trends and continually comes up with catchy and original stuff.

I want the memory of the Arcade Fire shows to live forever so I'm still indulging in The Suburbs as often as I can. And I'm also spending lots of time with The Eels (like a beautiful film score), Film School (Fission just doesn't let go!), Autolux and Radars To the Sky. Birds and Batteries are coming to Origami Vinyl on Nov. 26 so I'll get to see them for the first time and Eastern Conference Champions are a recent and current obsession of mine who are just great live.

I have to start listening to my favorite albums of the year to begin reassessing and collecting data for the inevitable onslaught of Ten Best Lists about to hit the internet.

whrabbit

What I Listened To October 8 - 14, 2010

2010-11-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

1. Three Mile Pilot - The Inevitable Past Is The Future Forgotten (Temporary Residence)

2. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs (Merge Records)

3. Broken Social Scene - Forgiveness Rock Record (Arts & Crafts)

4. The Eels - Tomorrow Morning (E Works)

5. Arcade Fire - Neon Bible (Merge Records)

6. Birds and Batteries - Panorama (Velvet Blue Music)

7. Broken Bells - Broken Bells (Columbia Records)

8. Kelley Stoltz - To Dreamers (Sub Pop)

9. Film School - Fission (Hi-Speed Soul)

10. Shadow Shadow Shade - Shadow Shadow Shade (Public Records)

I picked up the new album by Three Mile Pilot, popped it into my player and within one minute, knew I was listening to one of my favorite albums of the year. When I saw this band perform at Echoplex over a year ago and they played material which undoubtedly has surfaced on this record I figured the album would be released soon. Even thought this band is the band that, when they broke up in 1999, became part of two of my very favorite bands, Pinback and The Black Heart Procession, I didn't expect to be so enamoured of their music. The Inevitable Past Is The Future Forgotten is a real beauty.

Preparing for their concert, I purchased Forgiveness Rock Record by Broken Social Scene and find this ambitious record to be among their most accessible, with some really compelling songwriting, which The Broken Social Orchestra perform with all the instrumental and vocal variety at their disposal.

The Arcade Fire concert continued to resonate as I played The Suburbs constantly, and Neon Bible a few times, to relive the amazing concert axperience. The Eels played in town this week and I really wanted to be up on their newest material, though their superb concert covered all aspects of E's career. And I like hearing him sing upbeat songs.

Birds and Batteries CD is still surprising me by how many times I want to hear it. It's the same with Broken Bells. Kelley Stoltz and Film School were upcoming concerts that I wanted to be prepared for (since I was going to interview one and had already interviewed the other) and Shadow Shadow Shade is just a damned fine record...so I played these too.

whrabbit

Won't You Try...

2010-10-28T21:00:00.000-07:00

...to attend the first Radio Free Silver Lake residency at LaBrie's on Tuesday night, November 2.

It's going to be a blast. The Californian have put together a remarkable string of line ups for the month, beginning with a band everyone is glad have become a performing entity once more, Death To Anders. Rob Danson takes center stage, and Andrew Spitzer performs with the same passion and dedication he brings to his own band, Radars To the Sky, making a powerful contribution to this tight unit. They have been playing some amazing sets around town over the last few months and this should be another one.

Mezzanine Owls were a local favorite until about a year and a half ago when they went on hiatus. Now Pauline Mu and Jonathan Zeitlin have reemerged as a two-piece under the name, Alpine Decline, and they will grace the stage at LaBrie's as well. Joe Fielder interviewed them at RFSL.

What can I say about The Californian except they are absolutely one of my favorite finds of the year and, appropriately, they were introduced to me by Joe Fielder at the Lost Episode of "Let's Independent!" show last April at El Cid. Their special brand of surfy/creepy music is totally enchanting and the strong songwriting, astonishing playing and spectacular stage presence of the whole band is a sight to behold. Do you understand, I love this band! What I always say to people is about The Californian is, "just wait till you see them".

whrabbit

What I'm Listening To October 1 - 7, 2010

2010-10-28T07:30:00.000-07:00

1. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs (Merge Records)

2. Birds and Batteries - Panorama (Velvet Blue Music)

3. Broken Bells - Broken Bells (Columbia Records)

4. Dead Meadow - Three Kings (Xemu Records)

5. Kelley Stoltz - To Dreamers (Sub Pop)

6. Pavement - Quarantine the Past (Matador Records)

7. Autolux - Transit Transit (TBD Records)

8. Radars To the Sky - Supra / Infra (self release)

9. Film School - Fission (Hi-Speed Soul)

10. Darker My Love - Alive As You Are (Dangerbird Records)

The week of the Arcade Fire shows at The Shrine put The Suburbs back at number one and made it difficult to find time to listen to anything else. But I did. The Dead Meadow show at Echoplex on October 3 put Three Kings back as I can never listen to that album just once, and Broken Bells played The Wiltern this week prompting a few spins of their wonderful album.

Birds and Batteries write songs with a lot of variety and their album continues to have a hold on me. I'm looking forward to their in-store at Origami Vinyl on November 26. All the other albums are ones I've seen performed live recently and that's one of the things I like best about the availability of shows in this city. And that's really a major difference between my relationship with rock and roll in the '60's and '70's and my relationship now. Then, I was lucky to hear one or two of my favorite albums live each year. Now it's rare not to hear every CD I love in person, and often many times. It's added a whole new dimension to my music appreciation.

whrabbit

Radio Free Silver Lake To Start Up Live Shows Again

2010-10-26T19:30:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to announce that Radio Free Silver Lake is back in the Show Business again, and beginning in November, will be presenting a monthly residency every Tuesday at LaBrie's in Glendale (formerly: The Scene).

Joe Fielder is the mastermind behind this, and with the help of Kathryn Pinto and myself, we've managed, somehow, to get the ball rolling. One of our very favorite bands, The Californian, stepped in to be our first 'Band of the Month', and put together this first seductive schedule and sexy poster.

We feature three bands per night, so let's not hear any "Oh, it's so far to go and too late for me to be out on a school/work night" bitching. You could be home by 12:30AM. So let's all go out and support 'my favorite blog' on November 2nd to see The Californian, Death To Anders and Alpine Decline.

Subsequent weeks offer great support by George Glass, The Sweet Hurt, Le Switch and many more. We have a lot of great bands in the pipeline to be future hosts and hope we can make this into a permanent Los Angeles fixture. I'll be there every Tuesday in November, so drop by and say 'hello'.

whrabbit

What I'm Listening To September 24 - 30, 2010

2010-10-25T19:30:00.000-07:00

1. Kelley Stoltz - To Dreamers (Sub Pop)

2. Birds And Batteries - Panorama (Velvet Blue Music)

3. Shadow Shadow Shade - Shadow Shadow Shade (Public Records)

4. Pavement - Quarantine the Past (Matador Records)

5. Autolux - Transit Transit ((TBD Records)

6. Menomena - Mines (Barsuk)

7. The Eels - Tomorrow Morning (E Works)

8. Radars To the Sky - Supra / Infra (self release)

9. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs (Merge Records)

10. Film School - Fission (Hi-Speed Soul)

I was pleased to get an advance copy of To Dreamers by Kelley Stoltz (which was released on October 12) and more pleased that it was such a solid record. I became a fan early on in my 'rebirth through music' phase of life, and saw him on my very first trip to The Echo in May, 2006, when he was promoting his just-released, Below the Branches, also on Sub Pop.

Birds and Batteries came to me through the mail from Velvet Blue Music and a very pleasant surprise it is. Reminding me a little of a Texas band I love, Telegraph Canyon, they cover similar territory of alt/country indie with a lot of chamber pop instrumentals creating a shimmering array of catchy tunes. I like this very much.

The grandly operatic and hard rocking album from Shadow Shadow Shade is superbly produced and shows off the wide variety of musicians involved. And the rest of the list is pretty similar to what I was playing the week before with a lot of Pavement added, on as this was the week of their Hollywood Bowl show. Also was priming myself for the upcoming Arcade Fire and Film School gigs coming the following weeks.

whrabbit

Pehrspace Blow Out On October 15, 2010

2010-10-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

I just can't let this one go by unnoticed. I went out on Friday, 10/15/10, after a long week which included work and four shows in five days, in order to hang out with good friends and just enjoy some good times and good music. I got both in spades.

The opening band was The Shoenberg Knife Fight Ensemble, who in the interest of full disclosure, are actually friends of mine, so, note the prejudice. Steve Sigl, who has another band called The Happy Casualties, started this band up last year as a side project, but they write and perform with such skill they could easily jump to the front ranks of local bands. And after the wonderful set on this night I think they should play with Manhattan Murder Mystery again, and often.

Wonderfully energetic, a charismatic maniac as lead singer, and talented band members made for a rousing set that set the tone for the evening. Dance, jump, dance, jump. The audience ate it up.

Next came the new three-piece line up of Torches in Trees. I have to say, I was concerned what might happen to their sound after two members left and the skeletal remains of the band carried on. Put those fears to rest. They're still one of the hottest new bands in town and their set on this night sent chills up and down my spine. Still anchored by Azad Cheikosman's (somewhere in that blue photo) remarkable vocals and fuzzy, atmospheric guitar, Bridgette Moody's pounding bass and vocal harmonics, and the heart-stopping thunder of Eric Fabbro's drumming, these three produce an enormous sound with a palpable emotional pull. Mixing selections from their 2 EP's New Blood, New Sight and Carnivora, they even managed to throw in some new songs. Call me crazy, but they may sound even better in this configuration.

I was still conscious as Manhattan Murder Mystery took the stage after midnight and ravaged it. The place was packed, most of the room was slam dancing in slow motion, so that it more resembled waves in the ocean as opposed to a street riot. I climbed on a chair at the back so I could look out over the throbbing mass and see the band as they tried to stay upright, while the audience kept encroaching on the stage space.

Matthew Teardrop managed to get some floor time, flat on his back, as the crowd parted like Moses and that Red Sea routine. Amazingly the music survived and no matter how rough around the edges, the songs sounded solid and the new ones are stand outs. There were footprints on the ceiling by the time the crowd dispersed. Seeing Manhattan Murder Mystery again two days later at Silver Lake Lounge under wildly different circumstances (they went on at 9PM, sober, and still transfixed the audience; had to use a shot from this set) I am convinced their enormous talent can survive any storm.

whrabbit

What I Listened To September 17 - 23, 2010

2010-10-14T18:02:00.000-07:00

1. Autolux - Transit Transit (TBD Records)

2. Menomena - Mines (Barsuk)

3. Kelley Stoltz - To Dreamers (Sub Pop)

4. The Eels - Tomorrow Morning (E Works)

5. Jorma Kaukonen - Quah (Grunt Records/RCA)

6. Shadow Shadow Shade - Shadow Shadow Shade (Public Records)

7. Radars To the Sky - Supra / Infra (self release)

8. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs (Merge Records)

9. Eastern Conference Champions - Santa Fe (self release)

10. Family of the Year - Songbook (Washashore Records)

This was the week of the Menomena and Autolux shows at El Rey, so I feasted on Mines and Transit Transit in anticipation of both concerts and I'm glad I did, for it so enhanced the shows for me.

I love the new Kelley Stoltz album, To Dreamers, which is a delightful pop album filled with hummable, danceable tunes, and enough hooks to keep me coming back for more. I was surprised how much I like it.

Shadow Shadow Shade are releasing their first full length CD and the advance copy I have is a wonderful recorded representation of their bombastic, operatic rock. Beautifully done.

The Eels new CD, Tomorrow Morning, requires repeated listenings and a bit of concentration, but once it gets to you, you're hooked. Everything else, you know, except the Family of the Year CD I picked up at their show. Nice alt/country rock.

whrabbit