Art Brut plays the Music Box @ the Fonda

Sorry, a bit of a late start, but here is the hot tip calendar for November. Lots of
good stuff the month, so go nuts.

Mon 11/05/07 Shout Out Louds Music Box @ Fonda
Tue 11/06/07 Stars of Track and Field The Roxy Theatre
Tue 11/06-7/07 Architecture In Helsinki Troubadour
Tue 11/06/07 Ween Ventura Theatre
Wed 11/07/07 Art Brut , The Hold Steady Music Box @ Fonda
Wed 11/07/07 The Hives The Avalon
Thu 11/08/07 David Allan Coe Knitting Factory Hollywood
Thu 11/08/07 Gov't Mule Music Box @ Fonda

Grace Potter
Thu 11/08/07 Grace Potter and the Nocturnals Music Box @ Fonda
Thu 11/08-9/07 Of Montreal The Avalon
Thu 11/08/07 Amy LaVere Hotel Cafe
Thu 11/08/07 Mason Jennings Troubadour
Thu 11/08/07 Psychedelic Cowboys, Dan Janisch Taix Lounge
Fri 11/09/07 Loudon Wainwright III El Rey Theatre
Fri 11/09/07 She Wants Revenge Music Box @ Fonda
Fri 11/09/07 Ben Harper Orpheum Theatre
Sat 11/10/07 Jake La Botz Fret House
Sat 11/10/07 Evanescence Greek Theatre
Sat 11/10/07 Jens Lekman Troubadour
Sun 11/11/07 Merle Jagger Safari Sam's
Feist photo
Mon 11/12/07 Feist, Spoon Gibson Amph. At Univ. CityWalk
Tue 11/13/07 KT Tunstall The Avalon
Tue 11/13/07 Willy Mason The Avalon
Wed 11/14/07 The Broken West Bordello
Wed 11/14/07 Back Door Slam Viper Room
Fri 11/16/07 Neko Case Walt Disney Concert Hall
Fri 11/16/07 ELIZA GILKYSON McCabe's
Fri 11/16/07 Welldiggers Banquet, Old Bull, Los Duggans, Sh*tkickers Molly Malone’s
Sat 11/17/07 I See Hawks in LA Cinema Bar
Sat 11/17/07 Jim Bianco Bordello
Sun 11/18/07 Nickel Creek House Of Blues
Fri 11/23-25/07 Social Distortion House Of Blues -West Hollywood
Sat 11/24-25/07 Band Of Horses The Avalon
Iron and wine photo
Wed 11/28/07 Iron & Wine Orpheum Theatre
Thu 11/29/07 Cafe Tacuba Gibson Amph. At Univ. CityWalk
Fri 11/30/07 The Bravery Canyon Club
Fri 11/30/07 Ghostland Observatory Music Box @ Fonda
Fri 11/30/07 CAKE Orpheum Theatre
Dec 5 2007 Jake La Botz, Patty Blee, Sally Jaye Cinema Bar

Posted by at 12:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Veronique is very unique

This year's Halloween Treat is brought to you by local talent Veronique. Go to her myspace page to play Vampire Surprise, a hilarious Halloween song packed full of double entendre and wordplay. She calls it Gothic Comedy and plans on releasing a full-length Halloween album of polka music next year with many other artists included. Check it out, if you dare. And have a Haunted Halloween!

Posted by at 12:11 AM | Permalink

Charlie Louvin plays the Mint Thursday, 10/04/07

Well it started out slow this month, but overall there seems to be a lot to chose from musically around LA. It is either very indy or very big name, like Springsteen and the Dixie Chicks, who are playing the first concerts at the new Nokia Theatre at the L. A. Live project across from Staples Center. For sure highlights this month will be Charlie Louvin at the Mint, Emmylou Harris at the Cerritos Center, Kelly Willis at Safari Sams and Broken Social Scene at the Orpheum Theatre. So throw a dart, take a chance, experience something new. But whatever you do, don't throw a dart at me!

Mon 10/01/07 Monte Negro House Of Blues
Mon 10/01/07 The Black Angels Troubadour
Tue 10/02/07 The Weakerthans El Rey Theatre
Tue 10/02/07 Nick Lowe Safari Sam's
Tue 10/02/07 They Might Be Giants Ventura Theatre
Tue 10/02/07 RONNIE MACKS BARNDANCE w/Lonesome Spurs, David Serby, Lauren Hart, Maureena El Cid
Wed 10/03/07 Ryan Bingham King King
Wed 10/03/07 Bob Schneider Hotel Cafe
Wed 10/03/07 They Might Be Giants The Avalon
Thu 10/04/07 Charlie Louvin and friends The Mint

Jimmie Dale Gilmore
Fri 10/05/07 Jimmie Dale Gilmore Getty Center
Fri 10/05/07 Lee Rocker Knitting Factory Hollywood
Fri 10/05/07 Jim Bianco Hotel Cafe
Sat 10/06/07 2:00P Granada Hills Street Fair w/MerleJagger, RanchoDeluxe, DaveGleason, DJCowboyNick Chatsworth Street btwn Zelzah & Encino
Sat 10/06/07 "LA Weekly Detour Music Festival" 1st & Main Streets
Sat 10/06/07 Big Sandy & His Fly Rite Boys Arcadia Blues Club
Sat 10/06/07 Kottonmouth Kings Key Club
Sun 10/07/07 12:30P TarFest Sunday in the Park Music The La Brea Tar Pits Park
Sun 10/07/07 The Shins Greek Theatre
Mon 10/08/07 Holly Golightly Echo
Wed 10/10/07 Emmylou Harris Cerritos Center for the Perf. Arts
Thu 10/11/07 The Tragically Hip House Of Blues West Hollywood
Thu 10/11/07 The Subdudes Safari Sam's
Thu 10/11/07 Annie Lennox Wilshire Theatre Beverly Hills
Fri 10/12/07 Hacienda Brothers, Mother Truckers, Mike Stinson the Mint
Sat 10/13/07 The Australian Pink Floyd Show Greek Theatre
Sun 10/14/07 North Mississippi Allstars Lancaster Performing Arts Center
Mon 10/15/07 P.J. Harvey Orpheum Theatre
Mon 10/15/07 Rilo Kiley Santa Monica Civic Auditorium
Tue 10/16/07 Black Francis (aka Frank Black) Safari Sam's
Tue 10/16/07 Sara Tavares The Roxy Theatre
Thu 10/18/07 Dixie Chicks Nokia Theatre L.A. Live
Fri 10/19/07 Southern Culture On The Skids Echo
Fri 10/19/07 Junior Brown Key Club
Sat 10/20/07 Dixie Chicks Nokia Theatre L.A. Live
Sat 10/20/07 Eagles Nokia Theatre L.A. Live
Sat 10/20/07 Silversun Pickups The Wiltern
Mon 10/22/07 The Fiery Furnaces Troubadour
Tue 10/23/07 Interpol The Forum
Tue 10/23/07 Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (B.R.M.C.) The Wiltern

Kelly Willis at Austin City Limits Music Festival in September
Wed 10/24/07 Kelly Willis Safari Sam's
Wed 10/24/07 Earlimart Troubadour
Sat 10/27/07 David Kilgour Echo
Sun 10/28/07 John Doe McCabe’s
Sun 10/28/07 Roky Erickson El Rey Theatre
Tue 10/30/07 Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band Los Angeles Mem. Sports Arena
Tue 10/30/07 Broken Social Scene Orpheum Theatre

Regina Spektor sings her heart out at ACL
Tue 10/30/07 Regina Spektor The Wiltern
Tue 10/30/07 Shelby Lynne Ivar Theatre
Wed 10/31/07 Ted Leo and The Pharmacists The Wiltern
Wed 10/31/07 The Pogues The Wiltern
Thu 11/01/07 The Pogues The Wiltern
Fri 11/02/07 Bob Schneider Hotel Cafe

Posted by at 11:04 PM | Permalink

Arcade Fire performs at the Hollywood Bowl tonight

So in case you were wondering who the best bands at ACL were this year, I'm not going to tell you. As I only saw 32 of the 130 acts performing, so any best of statements would be pure hyperbole. But what I can tell you is that some of the bands I saw are worth checking out, and many are playing as soon as tonight in Los Angeles.

Starting with Arcade Fire and Damien Rice, tonight at the Hollywood Bowl and the Greek respectively. The Fire played the Greek recently and to a highly approving audience and are touring to support the critically acclaimed Neon Bible. LCD Soundsystem is opening at the Bowl and were also at ACL. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah finish out their three-night stand at the Troubadour tonight. Paolo Nutini plays Friday night at the Wiltern.

Other bands playing soon are Louis XIV at the Troubadour this Saturday, and the Arctic Monkeys at the Palladium on Sept. 25 and St. Vincent opens for the National Sept. 28 at the Wiltern. Kelly Willis plays Safari Sams on October 24 and Regina Spektor sings her heart out October 30 at The Wiltern. DeVotchKa plays with the Black Angels that same day at Barnsdall Art Park. Ghostland Observatory plays the Fonda Novemeber 30.

Bands to look for in the future are Amy LaVere, Trent Summar and Amos Lee.

All the photo galleries from Austin are now up. A wrap up of after shows is coming Friday. You can see the galleries here, here, and here.

Posted by at 5:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Here you go, what you should go out and see so I'll be jealous........

Okkervil River will play the Troubadour

September Music lineup

Day Date Band Venue
Sun 09/02/07 "The Summer Strummer Festival" Bergamot Station
Dead Rock West, Dusty Rhodes, Lonesome Spurs, many others

Sun 09/02/07 Honeydripper Allstars, Jimmy Reed Highway, Little Richard,
Omar & The Howlers, The Robert Cray Band Long Beach Blues Festival

Tue 09/04/07 Okkervil River Troubadour

Wed 09/05/07 Ollabelle Hotel Cafe

Wed 09/05/07 Ben Kweller Echo

Wed-Sun 09/05/07 Lucinda Williams El Rey Theatre

Wed 09/05/07 "B.B. King Blues Festival 2007" Hollywood Bowl
James Hunter Robert Randolph & The Family Band

Thu 09/06/07 Willy Mason Hotel Cafe

Fri 09/07/07 The Broken West The Roxy Theatre

Sat 09/08/07 Bebel Gilberto The Avalon

Sat 09/08/07 Dinosaur Jr. The Wiltern

Sat 09/08/07 Kaskade Vanguard Theatre

Sun 09/09/07 "KCRW'S World Festival" Hollywood Bowl

Sun 09/09/07 I SEE HAWKS IN LA, Merle Jagger (acoustic) Peter Strauss Ranch

Sun 09/09/07 Jake La Botz Liquid Kitty

Britt Daniel of Spoon
Mon-Wed 09/10-12/07 Spoon Music Box @ Fonda

Tue-Wed 09/11-12/07 Brandi Carlile House Of Blues West Hollywood

Thu 09/13/07 The Blasters House Of Blues

Thu 09/13/07 Camper Van Beethoven Music Box @ Fonda

Sun 09/14/07 Jim Bianco, Kathrin Shorr, Anders Parker, Buchanan, Beth Thornley Hotel Cafe

Sun 09/14/07 Dick Dale Malibu Inn

Sun 09/15/07 Jake La Botz -2nd Annual TATTOO ACROSS AMERICA TOUR kickoff Shamrock Social Club

Sat 09/15/07 Julieta Venegas, Los Amigos Invisibles Greek Theatre

Sat 09/15/07 Pink Martini Hollywood Bowl

Sat 09/15/07 Jake La Botz Shamrock Social Club

Sun 09/16/07 Pink Martini Hollywood Bowl

Tue 09/18/07 Clap Your Hands Say Yeah Troubadour

Wed 09/19/07 The New Pornographers Music Box @ Fonda

Wed, Thurs 09/19-20/07 Clap Your Hands Say Yeah Troubadour

Thurs 09/20/07 Triple Chicken Foot Hyperion Tavern

Thu 09/20/07 Damien Rice Greek Theatre

Fri 09/21/07 Jim Bianco & friends Hotel Cafe

Fri 09/21/07 The B-52's Los Angeles County Fair

Thu 09/20/07 Arcade Fire Hollywood Bowl

Fri 09/21/07 Cat Power & Dirty Delta Blues The Avalon

Tue 09/25/07 Arctic Monkeys Hollywood Palladium

Fri 09/28/07 Josh Rouse El Rey

Fri 09/28/07 Angel City Outcasts The Roxy Theatre

Fri 09/28/07 Skeeter Truck The Roxy Theatre

Fri 09/28/07 The Legendary Shack Shakers The Roxy Theatre

Sat 09/29/07 The Black Angels Barnsdall Art Park

Sat 09/29/07 Ottmar Liebert Greek Theatre

Sun 09/30/07 GRAND OLE ECHO: Mike Stinson, Dave Gleason, Jason Moore & the High Society the Echo

Tue 10/02/07 The Weakerthans El Rey Theatre

Wed 10/03/07 Ryan Bingham CD release party King King

Posted by at 3:38 PM | Permalink

Here is some good stuff for the rest of August:

Fri 08/17/07 The Sprague Brothers Safari Sam's
Sat 08/18/07 Ben Harper Sunset Junction Street Fair
Sat 08/18/07 Blonde Redhead Sunset Junction Street Fair
Wed 08/22/07 Dave Brubeck Hollywood Bowl
Wed 08/22/07 Madeleine Peyroux Hollywood Bowl
Wed 08/22/07 Brave Combo Safari Sam's
Wed 08/22/07 Yeah Yeah Yeahs Mayan Theatre
Thu 08/23/07 Daniel Johnston Music Box @ Fonda
Fri 08/24/07 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Hollywood Bowl
Sat 08/25/07 John Doe, Dead Rock West Safari Sam's
Sat 08/25/07 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Hollywood Bowl
Sun 08/26/07 Brazilian Girls Hollywood Bowl
Sun 08/26/07 Macy Gray, Zap Mama Hollywood Bowl
Sun 08/26/07 Grupo Fantasma Veteran's Park Culver City
Tue 08/28/07 Crowded House Greek Theatre
Tue 08/28/07 Pete Yorn Greek Theatre
Fri 08/31/07 Miranda Lambert Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

Posted by at 8:27 AM | Permalink

Pete Yorn plays the Greek Theatre Aug. 28

Here you, the dog days of summer, local, guaranteed or your money back list of local music around Los Angeles for August.

Thu 08/02/07 Reel Big Fish / Less Than Jake The Wiltern
Thu 08/02/07 The Tossers Troubadour
Fri 08/03/07 VHS or Beta Troubadour
Sat 08/04/07 Tift Merritt McCabe's Guitar Shop
Sun 08/05/07 5:00PM GRAND OLE ECHO w/Stonehoney, The Echo
Tracy Huffman, Leslie & the Badgers, The Hi-Ho's
Sun 08/05/07 Poncho Sanchez Starlight Bowl
Mon 08/06/07 Dusty Rhodes Troubadour
Wed 08/08/07 Old Crow Medicine Show The Avalon
Thu 08/09/07 Vieux Farka Toure Skirball Cultural Center
Fri 08/10/07 Vieux Farka Toure Dwntn. Grand Performances
Sun 08/10/07 50 Cent Haircut, Pillybilly Nights, the Weary Boys Molly Malone's
Sat 08/11/07 Mark Olson Hotel Cafe
Sun 08/11/07 5:00PM GRAND OLE ECHO The Echo
w/Mike Stinson, Jake La Botz, Sarah Stanley; Mike Freas
Mon 08/13/07 Fountains Of Wayne Greek Theatre
Mon 08/13/07 Squeeze Greek Theatre
Tue 08/14/07 The Magic Numbers El Rey Theatre
Thu 08/16/07 Tony Bennett Greek Theatre
Thu 08/16/07 Patti Smith Santa Monica Pier

Fri 08/17/07 The Sprague Brothers Safari Sam's
Sat 08/18/07 Ben Harper Sunset Junction Street Fair
Sat 08/18/07 Blonde Redhead Sunset Junction Street Fair
Wed 08/22/07 Dave Brubeck Hollywood Bowl
Wed 08/22/07 Madeleine Peyroux Hollywood Bowl
Wed 08/22/07 Brave Combo Safari Sam's
Wed 08/22/07 Yeah Yeah Yeahs Mayan Theatre
Thu 08/23/07 Daniel Johnston Music Box @ Fonda
Fri 08/24/07 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Hollywood Bowl
Sat 08/25/07 John Doe, Dead Rock West Safari Sam's
Sat 08/25/07 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Hollywood Bowl
Sun 08/26/07 Brazilian Girls Hollywood Bowl
Sun 08/26/07 Macy Gray, Zap Mama Hollywood Bowl
Sun 08/26/07 Grupo Fantasma Veteran's Park Culver City
Tue 08/28/07 Crowded House Greek Theatre
Tue 08/28/07 Pete Yorn Greek Theatre
Fri 08/31/07 Miranda Lambert Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

Posted by at 12:50 PM | Permalink

Fur Dixon and Steve Werner

FUR DIXON AND STEVE WERNER
July, 8 2007 at 2007 Free Summer Concerts at Peter Strauss Ranch
Mulholland Highway, Agoura Hills, California

This Van Nuys couple shares details from their lives via some dang good old time music and the setting can't be beat. Get out their and support our Valleyites in a wonderful outdoor setting.

The show is from 3 till 5 pm. 2 sets of Fur and Steve plus friends! Also. there will be an open jam session at 2pm prior to the show. Bring your instruments!

Directions to the Peter Strauss Ranch: From either the greater Los Angeles area or the greater Ventura/Camarillo area, take the Ventura Freeway (101) to the Kanan Road exit. Go south on Kanan Road 2.8 miles to Troutdale Road. Turn left on Troutdale Road and go two blocks to Mulholland Highway. Turn left on Mulholland Highway then make an immediate right under the arch into the Peter Strauss Ranch parking lot. Walk back across the bridge on Mulholland Highway and enter the main gate into the ranch. Free Parking. http://www.nps.gov/archive/samo/maps/peter.htm

Posted by at 8:46 AM | Permalink

The Hootenanny at Oak Canyon Ranch will be worth the trip this year, with acts like Wayne Hancock, The Blasters, John Doe, Big Sandy, Lee Rocker, Mojo Nixon, Dave Alvin and the Squirrel Nut Zippers. Social Distortion is holding down the headlining position, as they have done so many times in the past. Yeehaw!

Posted by at 8:11 AM | Permalink

Riders in the Sky

Once again time for the "If I could go out every night" list of music. Call ahead for showtimes and have fun.

Date Artist Venue

07/01/07 Elvis Perkins, Joan Armatrading Ford Amphitheatre

07/01/07 Stonehoney, Travis Howard, Brook Lee Catastrophe, Patty Blee Band, Foster Timms Hotel Cafe

07/01/07 Rosie Flores Safari Sam's

07/02/03/04/07 Riders In The Sky Hollywood Bowl

07/03/07 I See Hawks in LA, the Chapin Sisters The Echo

07/03/07 Ronnie Mack's Barndance w/Rosie Flores, Carlos Guitarlos, Dale Peterson, El Cid

07/06/07 Cheatin Kind Safari Sam's

07/06/07 Custom Made Scare, Groovy Rednecks Safari Sam's

07/06/07 Speedbuggy USA Safari Sam's

07/07/07 Laurel Canyon Ramblers Ford Amphitheatre

07/07/07 Hootenanny: Social Distortion, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Dave Alvin, Supersuckers Oak Canyon Ranch, Orange County

07/08/07 Second Sunday Songbirds Handmade Galleries, Sherman Oaks

07/08/07 3:00 pm Fur Dixon and Steve Werner at Peter Strauss Ranch Agoura Hills

07/09/07 Pistolera, I See Hawks in LA Bordello

07/10/07 Travis Howard, Nicole Gordon Band, Mojo Monkeys, Patty Blee Band Molly Malone's

07/14/07 Cari Lee & Her Saddle-Ites Safari Sam's

07/14/07 Lucky Stars, Royal Deuces, Smith Ranch Boys Safari Sam's

07/15/07 "KCRW'S World Festival" w Cafe Tacuba, Groove Armada Hollywood Bowl
07/15/07 Grand Ole Echo: I See Hawks in LA, Ol Californio, ChristinaOrtega, TripleChknFt The Echo

07/17/07 S.C.B.A.'s Bluegrass Fur Dixon and Steve Werner Braemar Country Club

07/18/07 The Polyphonic Spree El Rey Theatre

07/18/07 Eisley, Gomez, The Fray Greek Theatre

07/19/07 Ryan Adams Wilshire Theatre Beverly Hills

07/22/07 Hot Hot Heat, Snow Patrol Greek Theatre

07/22/07 John Wesley Harding McCabe's Guitar Shop

07/22/07 Swing dance w/Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys the Derby

07/22/07 Hank III w/Assjack the Roxy

07/25/07 Jesse Sykes & the Sweet Hereafter Bordello

07/26/07 Lyle Lovett / k.d. lang Greek Theatre

07/26/07 Big Sandy & His Fly Rite Boys Summer Sunset Music Festival, Culver City

07/28/07 The Ditty Bops Henry Fonda

07/28/07 West Coast Country Night w/West of Texas, others Que Sera

07/28/07 Circe Link, Dale Watson Safari Sam's

07/29/07 Young Dubliners Warner Center Park

Posted by at 10:53 AM | Permalink

Lonesome Spurs, photo by Judson McKelvey

Alright guys, here is the list you've been asking for. It is the official "If I could go out anytime I felt like it" list of shows in the central Los Angeles area. These shows are a cross section of music happening the rest of June, with an emphasis on Americana and folk. Pick one or more, enjoy. Your mileage may vary, past results are no guarantee of future performances.

Date Artist Venue Comment

Wed 06/27/07 Lonesome Spurs, 29 Mules Ireland's 32 Watching Lynda Kay on kickbass Samsonite is a thing to behold. Come on down for a great free show!
Van Nuys, CA

Wed 06/27/07 Ray Wylie Hubbard The Mint (CANCELLED)

Thu 06/28/07 The Ventures Santa Monica Pier The Ventures on the Pier? Do I have to say more?
Santa Monica,CA

Fri 06/29/07 Alison Krauss + Union Station feat. Jerry Douglas Greek Theatre She sounds great in this venue
Los Angeles,CA

Fri 06/29/07 Richard Cheese & Lounge Against The Machine The Derby If you have to ask, better check iTunes first.
Los Angeles,CA

Fri 06/29/07 50 Cent Haircut The Mint They've been described as "Like the Kinks reborn as honky-tonk hillbillies"
Los Angeles,CA

Fri 06/29/07 Feist The Wiltern Really cool English postpunk with a new record
Los Angeles,CA

Sat 06/30/07 "The True Colors Tour" w Cyndi Lauper, Deborah Harry, Erasure, Just to see how this shakes out
Margaret Cho, The Dresden Dolls Greek Theatre
Los Angeles,CA

Sun 07/01/07 Elvis Perkins Ford Amphitheatre Really good singer/songwriter
Los Angeles,CA

Sun 07/01/07 Rosie Flores Safari Sam's Rosie is the real deal
Los Angeles,CA

Posted by at 9:50 AM | Permalink

\
Mark Stuart of the Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash

The Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash are set to play Cozy's in Sherman Oaks Saturday, April 21 at 9:45pm.

The band founded by Mark Stuart a decade ago is no joke or tribute band. They play some fierce country music and were given the thumbs up by the Man in Black himself. Their latest album, "Mile Markers", is full of road music with songs like "Austin Night", "The Road to Bakersfield", and "California Sky." It is a rockin' country cd, with tons of energy and the juice to please many palates.

Stuart formed the band in San Diego and has spent a fair amount of time around the borders between Mexico, California and Texas. This should be a great show. Joe Bob says check it out.

Posted by at 9:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Patty Griffin plays the Wiltern. Photo by David Sprague

When Patty Griffin was 12-years-old, she discovered she liked singing more than anything else. But being one of seven children, and the youngest at that, she had to resort to going in the closet and singing into the clothes, as to not bother her siblings. Now, some thirty years later, no one seems bothered by her singing at all at the Wiltern theatre, where she performed a near flawless set and received a strong reception Tuesday night.

The band was tight, Griffin, with her red curls, black cocktail dress and blue stockings was striking, and the sound system nearly perfect, echoing the clean production values of her most recent album, "Children Running Through."

Relying mostly on songs from "Children", and her most recent album, "Impossible Dreams", Griffin took the appreciative crowd on a musical journey through gospel, blues, folk and country genres.

From the soul-filled sound of "Stay On The Ride" , Griffin seamlessly sings a folky "Trapeze", then without missing a beat plays the countrified "Useless Desires", bridging three genres in her first four songs. Emmy Lou Harris performs a duet with Griffin on the recorded version "Trapeze," which alone makes "Children" worth buying.

During "Burgundy Shoes" an overhead spot mimics the sunlight that she sings of when getting on a bus with her mother in her home state of Maine when she was four-years-old. During "First Song" her commanding and enticing voice is so enchanting, the only sound that can heard from the audience is a shoe squeak on the floor. This was the most well-behaved crowd that I can remember in Los Angeles, with nary a conversation interrupting the beauty of any of Griffin's songs. The people were clearly in love.

"When It Don't Come Easy" seemed a little sparse, without the benefit of backup singers and a horn section on the recorded version. But whatever energy was lacking here was made up for on the very next song, "No Bad News", one of the best quick strummers I've ever heard. And the crowd, so polite on earlier, quiet songs, comes alive as Griffin stomps in high heels. She certainly seems to be having a good time and I'm sorry to hear the song end.

Acknowledging her bent toward the melancholic, Griffin tells story about a fellow songwriter challenging her to write something besides a sad song. The result, a love song called "Heavenly Day" is really about her dog watching the trees sway and has a strong Patsy Cline flavor. This might be as "up" as she gets, but forgiving her penchant for down songs is so easy because of the beauty of her voice.

After performing "Up to the Mountain", a gospel song about MLK's famous speech, Griffin says "I have the best job in the world." After the last song of the set, some guy throws up a pair of boxer shorts on stage. Griffin jokes about that happening all the time and holds up the undies to the crowd's amusement.

Charming and effusive, Griffin finishes up three encores with "I'm Getting Ready to Go". The crowd wants more,but it is time for her to go, so a standing ovation was in order. Griffin, ever the gracious performer, applauds them back.
If you haven't already, pickup a Patty Griffin cd, any one of which will blow you away.

Griffin with band

Posted by at 6:39 PM | Permalink

Austin singer/songwriter is schedded to play the Wiltern March 13 in what is guaranteed to be one of the best shows of the season. Her new album, "Children running through" is the best reviewed record of the year according to metacritic.com. Tickets still available. To hear some of her style, go here or here. We will be reviewing this show, watch this space.

Posted by at 11:58 PM | Permalink

Camera Obscura

A few years ago a pipe going through an exterior wall in the Daily News studio left a tiny crack, forming a small lens through which the photo department was treated to a projected image of the outdoors on our portrait cove. An accidental camera obscura, where we get the modern day name for the device that renders images. It was upside down and backwards, but remarkably detailed. Also it was an image with no sound, kind of like how flashbacks are sometimes shown in movies.

Such is the music of Camera Obscura, who played a sold-out show at the El Rey Theatre Sunday night, playing songs mostly from their latest album. Their music, inspired by 60's pop as done by Petula Clark and Lesley Gore, definitely has a throwback quality. Think "Downtown" and "You don't own me" and you will know what I'm talking about. Their sometimes motown, sometimes country, always perfect pop is full of hooks and keeps listeners putting their cd players on repeat, especially for their latest release Let's Get Out of This Country.

They opened up with "Come back Margaret" and the crowd claps along in the middle in perfect time and unison. Clearly a lot of fans familiar with the music at this show.

Next up is the waltz "The False Contender" which has the oompa pa oompa pa of what could be the soundtrack of a video flashback of a time one spent on a merry go round in one's youth. Not necessarily the happiest time, but a memorable one.

"Lemon Juice and Paper Cuts" shows what we could be listening to if radio hadn't been completely programmed by conglomerate mega owners.

"Keep it clean" is a bit of a throwback to an innocent time, before rappers were talking about killing cops. But although the music of this group is often poppy and upbeat, the lyrics are often somewhat downcast and melancholy.

"Suspended from Class" reminds a friend of Jackson Brown and throws in some Dire Straits-style guitar for good measure. Fans of this song should check out the band Calexico as the trumpet that adds that a little trumpet adds that little bit of musical season salt is infused through that band's style.

"Dory Previn" is seemingly played at a Paris, Texas speed, kind of like a 45-rpm played at 32-rpm. Since it basically a country song, this can be forgiven, but one wonders if the band is a little tired, this being the last show of their current tour.

They then come to life with "Lloyd, I'm Ready to Be Heartbroken" where once again the trumpet adds a kick and this song proves that twee pop can be taken seriously. The song is about as perfect as a song can be.

"Country Mile" has 99% of the venue mesmerized with it excellent use of lilting synth. Traceyanne Campbell invites members of the audience to come up to help out as a clapping section on "I Need All the Friends I Can Get." When they do an admirable job she hugs each and every one of the nine as they get down off the stage.

They close the regular set with "Eighties Fan" and "Razzle Dazzle Rose" makes for the perfect ender/encore, as it does on their current record.

"We're always surprised when so many people show up to see us" lead singer Campbell said during the show. They shouldn't be. With so many of us experiencing that yearning for a past that probably never was as good or innocent as we imagine it, this band gives us that feeling in the hear and now.

Posted by at 1:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Austin's Bob Schneider is set to play the Key Club Saturday. The prolific songwriter, with over a 1000 songs to chose from, is basing this tour on the new album called "The Californian."

Schneider has a reputation for his live shows being unique. This one should be no different. Pun intended. HIs sound ranges from angry folk to good rockin'.

"It's going to be a combination of the acoustic show and a full band show. I'll be playing keyboards and guitar and we'll be using drum machines and showing video where the venue will allow us to do so. It'll be more of an event, instead of the usual bar band affair, " says Schneider.

"I really feel great about touring this time around because I'm really psyched about doing something different in terms of what people are used to seeing. We always put on unique shows, they are never the same, even from night to night, but I think the regulars will be pleasantly surprised with how much new material they are going to hear. We'll definitely be going places musically and visually that we have not gone to before."

If you want to get a feel for Schneider's music, he has one of the better musician's websites around, complete with an interview and samples of the new album. Check it out at:
http://www.bobschneidermusic.com/

Schneider is playing this tour as a trio, with Bruce Hughes and Jeff Plankenhorn. Kelly Dalton and Elliot Morris opening, doors at 7pm.

Posted by at 8:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In what promises to be a great night of music, local multi-instrumentalist Ted Russell Kamp will join Shooter Jennings, Gina Villalobos, Mike Stinson and the Snakehandlers at a show Friday, Feb. 2nd at the Derby in Los Feliz.

The occasion is a cd release party for Ted's Divisadero, just out on Jan. 30. What makes Kamp different is his acumen on twelve different instruments, including accordion, mandolin, trombone, lap steel, Hammond organ, and of course, bass and guitar. The music starts at 8pm.

Posted by at 1:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Completing a three-night Hollywood tour, the Reverend Horton Heat turned in a rousing set at the Troubadour recently.

With the dead-steady bass playing by Jimbo as an anchor, Heat wove Americana guitar riffs of all sorts around it and get the crowd tapping and slamming most of the night. There is something about his brand of punkabilly that brings out the moshers, which adds to the energy up till the point when a fight breaks out. But Troub security removes the troublemakers in two shakes and the Reverend just keeps smiling.

Heat plays a cover of Johnny Cash's Folsom Prison Blues that proves both the Man in Black's greatness and the Heat's at the same time.

Saying that as part of his shtik lately he has been taking requests from the audience, Heat listens to what gets called out. Somebody requests a slow country song and he explains that he just can't do that, but acquiesces with a rockabilly version of Greensleeves that needs to be recorded if it hasn't been already. The hollow body guitar really adds to the renaissance era piece. Other older song requests compel him to relate "I've written over a 100 songs and killed over a billion brain cells doing it, and if I could take ten minutes and look up some lyrics on an iPod I might could play it." But barring that, he states there are no rules in rock and roll and that is why we got stuck with heavy metal pop ballad.

Jr. Brown, looking sort of like Al Gore in a cowboy hat and suit, opened with an excellent set that included a tribute to guitar great Albert King and a sampling of surf music. And of course his trademark steel guitar sound and country licks.

Quite a night.

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My Morning Jacket Wiltern Theatre Saturday, January 6, 2006
One of the benefits of going to music festivals like the Austin City Limits Music Festival is that you can sample bands and know which ones to hit for a full concert the next time they play Los Angeles.

Such is the case recently with My Morning Jacket, who played at the Wiltern Theatre Saturday night. I knew a few of their songs and decided to check them out for a full show. Especially after a recent viewing of the film "Elizabethtown" where the band plays the part of the fictitious band Ruckus. And give a blazing rendition of "Freebird" that literally catches the room on fire.

My Morning Jacket (MMJ to fans) have reinvented southern rock, with reggae influences here and there and even a little Pink Floyd. Their updated sound would certainly make Lynrd Skynrd proud, and lead man Jim James singing through his hair transports one back to the Seventies in a good way. They remind me of some southern band I saw back then, just can't place them.

A couple beside me discuss the band. He tells her that Louisville is "one of the coolest towns ever, man. That is where they make the bats." "LOUISVILLE SLUGGERS!" she replies, being very proud of herself for knowing this bit of not so arcane knowledge.

The band begins playing behind a translucent screen with a forest scene on it, giant guitar players' shadows projected by back lighting. And the band begins to kick into head-bobbing, left-foot forward guitar charging right away.
Three racks of 5 or 6 guitars on each line the outside of the stage, a signal of things to come. Many, many guitar changes and sounds.

One of the highlights is "Off the Record", a reggae-tinged rocker where the metal band hair flinging is in full fledge among the band and crowd. Another good song features a Pink Floyd guitar sound, very Dark Side of the Wall if you know what I mean. Suddenly it is 1975 again, and they even throw in a little wailing saxophone to bring it home.

Front man Jim James has one of the best "whooo hooos" vocals in the business and incorporates it on nearly every echo-enhanced vocal in the set. It is especially effective in "Wordless Chorus."

Encores veer dangerously close to annoying jam band territory, but one of the songs "Mahgeetah", make up for it.

Overall the band gave their all and them some, no one left disappointed and some overfull of the great sounds the band cranks out.

What was the name of that Southern rock band again? Oh yeah, it was either .38 Special, or Molly Hatchet or Blackfoot. I will never know for sure. But My Morning Jacket has reminded me why I liked that sound so much and proved their still is life in the genre.

-David Sprague

Jim James in silhouette

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It must takes a real man to belly up to the bar and order a Lemoncello, the mildy potent fru-fru liqueur Danny DeVito got crocked on the other night before his slurred outing Wednesday on TV's tiresome hen party "The View."

The booze didn't make DeVito any more interesting or entertaining then he has never been (although he was good in a movie I've now entirely forgotten -- oh yes, "L.A. Confidential").

But it did get us thinking about cars. Why? Jeff Beck, the only famous rock guitarist worth bothering with, told me he wouldn't mind owning a Z4, the Beamer rag top which has become the Beetle of Bevery Hills. Beck is a legend in his spare time - he spends most of his time away from music working on cars and, believe it or not, gardening. His is a life well spent, no matter what you think of English gardening.

Anyway, since I've spent decades copping Jeff's licks, I decided to cop his car, too. Until, that is, a closely trusted associate of mine, a fomer member of San Francisco's doomed late '70s/early '80s punk-rock group the Offs, told me in no uncertain terms that the Z4 was a "chick car."

And if I break down and buy one, and was spotted driving along the street - even while listening to something as ballsy as Jeff Beck's "Truth" or "Rough & Ready" albums at full volume - people would automatically think I was either a nouveau-riche interior decorator on shore leave from the Pacific Design Center or someone borrowing his sister's Z4.

All I know is DeVito was out drinking Limoncello's with George Clooney. And nobody can accuse George Clooney of being a fru-fru liqueur-sipper, although that is evidently what he is.

And Jeff Beck doesn't play the guitar like someone who would be caught dead in a chick car or would be seen sipping girly drinks served over ice in a little glass, probably with a straw and a cherry.

So, yeah, we'd be happy to drive a Z4 no matter what anybody thinks. But as for drinks, hold the Limoncellos. We'll stick to Stella and Ketel One.

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The Duhks of Manitoba, Canada are flying into Los Angeles for a show at the Hotel Cafe Thursday, Nov. 30.

They bring with them their mix of genres, including soul, folk, gospel, old-time country and yes, a little bit of Irish dance music. Their sophomore recording "Migrations" is a collection of acoustic songs covering everything from materialism to revolutionaries. Check it out.

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Dirk Dirksen died last week. Most people have no idea who he was. But for anyone playing music on the San Francisco club scene of the late '70s, he was someone to be tolerated and (much later) greatly appreciated. Dirksen was the impresario of the Mabuhay Gardens on Brodway in North Beach, the city's first punk rock palace. It was a real flea pit. It stunk of stale beer and burnt popcorn. I had a bunch of very good times there over the years.

Dirk, a squat man with a moustache who looked like he was born looking 50 years old, introduced (and booked) the acts. One night he brought on stage a band called the Offs. In a scene of mommy's boys, ex-Grateful Dead fanciers and trust-fund Eurotrash, the Offs were the real thing. Even their guitars had track marks. They were nice guys but they lived it. One or two are even still alive today.

Anyway, Dirksen ambled on stage: "OK, here they are. But we're going to have to wait a while because the Offs are still upstairs waiting for the drugs to take effect." And so on. Dirk was very funny.

At the end of the night, he'd clear the joint with a barrage of insults: "Ok, scum, go back to the streets, crawl back to gutters. Start the tape." And the soundman would hit a button and the sobering, syrupy treacle of Mantovani would begin.

The place cleared out.

Dirksen was a character.

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I think two of the greatest inventions of my lifetime are Court TV and YouTube.

They both perform similar services. Court TV can be an endlessly fascinating diversion, allowing viewers to watch the often intriguing minutia of a criminal trial while educating them in the ways of the legal system. When I first fell in with the channel, it was just after the 1994 earthquake and a horrible serial killer was being tried for a series of gruesome slayings in Gainesville, Fla. It was endlessly interesting and compulsively watchable. Horrible but fascinating.

YouTube is equally good. I've unearthed incredible clips on the site of Chicago blues players, British trip-hop acts and jazz. African music, reggae and New Orleans r&b and funk. Snippets of concerts I actually attended - like Jimi Hendrix's two dates at the Royal Albert Hall, Blind Faith in Hyde Park, and the Gang of Four at the American Indian Center in San Francisco.

They were the sort of gigs you don't forget, but when you come across a clip, the memories really flood back.

We should only hope lawyers don't ruin this fantastic resource by demanding these and other bits of archival footage on YouTube be removed.

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With the floodgates open and waves of new music available online at sites like MySpace, consumers need lifeguards more than ever before. In other words, they need to be directed towards the good stuff before they drown in the polluted surf. There's so much junk to swim through before you find land.

So nothing's really changed. Rather than spend day after day slogging through the garage-rock dreams of the musically inept, music lovers are doing the right thing -- paying attention to their friends and taking suggestions for interesting finds. Just like they always did.

Another plus of the social networking sites is they are hard to corrupt. Nobody can accuse MySpace of trying to pull a fast one by force-feeding K-Fed or some other banal act on the public. Instead, kids send links to each other, helping to highlight intriguing music.

It's the way things are supposed to work in a democracy.

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Splitlip Rayfield brings its manic speed bluegrass to the Troubador Saturday night. If you never seen a gas tank bass guitar, this will be probably your only chance. The Wichita, Kansas-based outfit could be described as one part punkabilly, one part country, and one part too-much fun. In any case they are not to be missed. Get hip to the 'Lip. 10pm.

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If you've never seen Pink Martini, it is time. Playing Saturday night at the Wiltern, the band will mesmerize you with songs in six languages. The 12-piece band is a sight and sound to behold. They've sold out Disney Hall twice in the past few years, and the Wiltern will be another great venue for the Portland, Oregon-based lounge extravaganza to explode.

“We’re kind of like musical archaeologists, bringing melodies and rhythms from different parts of the world together to create something which is modern,� says founder and pianist Thomas M. Lauderdale. “It’s like an urban musical travelogue...and I think as citizens of the world and in a sense as musical ambassadors for the United States, we must always strive to study the languages, customs, and histories of other countries. We’re very much an American band, but we spend a lot of time abroad, in Europe, in Turkey, in Lebanon and therefore have the opportunity to demonstrate that Americans are indeed serious about engaging in a dialogue with the rest of the world.�

“One of our goals is to make music which has broad appeal to people, no matter who they are or where they come from. We play the same set of music wherever we go, whether it’s in a small farming community in Oregon or in France or Turkey or with a symphony orchestra. Music should be like a wonderful dinner party. I don't want to always sit next to people who share my opinions. I think each of us wants a hugely diverse tapestry of influences in our lives. That’s what makes life much more interesting. Every day becomes an adventure."

“My hope is that we’re creating exquisite musical wallpaper which can be turned up or down, and played on almost any occasion, from background music to a love affair to vacuuming around the house,� Lauderdale says. “I think our music allows people to dance and sing again with its beautiful melodies and beautiful lyrics. It is entirely romantic and expresses hope and eternal optimism, all the while recognizing that there is a great amount of sadness in the world.�

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Shelby Lynne is at the El Rey tonight in what should be a great show. Opening is the Watson Twins. Doors at 7pm, $24.

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Need a spooky soundtrack to your Halloween? Try the Doomed channel at Soma, an internet based set of radio stations in San Francisco. Streaming audio can be played through your iTunes or Windows Media player.

Of course they have other way cool streams as well, such as Space Station Soma, Grove Salad and Special Agent. Check it out.

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Those looking to go out this weekend will find some eclectic choices. Beginning with local favorites, Reel Big Fish playing the Avalon in Hollywood tonight. Their high energy ska/punk is sure to please.

Another show tonight that promises to be great is John Prine at the Wilshire Ebell. Opening for him is Jim James of My Morning Jacket.

Saturday, just in time for Halloween, The Cramps play the House of Blues in West Hollywood. Take your darkest mood and dress it up.

Sunday, if you want to see a band with one of the coolest videos ever, head out to the Troubadour in West Hollywood to catch OK Go. Their video is below. You won't believe what these guys do on treadmills. In one take, no less.

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Those of you lucky enough to catch Jake La Botz kick off his nationwide tour of tattoo parlors a couple of weeks ago know that he is the real deal when comes to the blues. He has a special talent of blending traditional blues, a little bit of country and a dash of gospel.

An amazing voice combined with some slick pickin' makes a Jake show special. The Chicago native brings that area's blues, combines them with some of the south's gospel and some other worldliness and spits it out for your delight.

La Botz is promoting his fourth cd "Graveyard Jones" named after a tattoo of a skeleton he has on his right forearm and a track on the disc. It is a very solid effort that stands up to repeated listenings. You can listen to tracks from this and two other albums of his on his website.

He kind of wrote an apt self-description in one of his songs. "My mother says the devil lives in my throat. A demon in my guitar" goes the lyrics of one of his better numbers. He sings another song about riding a Greyhound bus called "Riding the dog" while playing slide guitar with a deep socket. All this with the sound of the tattoo gun buzzing in the background.

You'll have another chance to experience this ambience when he returns with a Welcome Home show at True Tattoo, 1628 N. Cahuenga Blvd. in Hollywood. The show, perhaps coincidentally, is on the second day of the dead, Nov. 2nd at 7p.m. See ya there.

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Hello music lovers everywhere. This blog will be all about music; local, touring, recorded, whatever. The goal is help readers navigate the LA music scene with an emphasis on bands residing in the area.

But we won't be limited by geographics. There are far too many great acts touring that make stops in Los Angeles, one of the homes of the contemporary music business. The bottom line is if it is good, and I know about it, we will try and get it out there to attract people's attention. Reviews and upcoming show tips will appear.

Ideas for features, tips, upcoming event notices will always be welcome, but this being a side venture to a full-time job no promises of publication can be made. There are plenty of resources for information out there and this space will just be one of them. You can send feedback and information to me here.

Continue reading "Welcome to Vinyl Word" »

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