Posts in LA Local
If I Were an Early 80s New Wave Punk Band, I’d Reunite at Coachella
While the rest of the world awaits the arrival of the holidays during the month of December, Southern California audiophiles eagerly anticipate information regarding an event less wholesome than Christmas, but undoubtedly more epic than the well-loved holiday. That’s right, kiddos—Coachella lineup season has come to town. Officially, Goldenvoice—the event’s promoters—release the 2008 festival lineup on January 21st. This date, nearly a month away, however, has not hindered hopeful Coachella attendees from speculating who will perform at the acclaimed three-day music festival in Indio, California this upcoming April. Rumors are abound across the Information Super Highway, centering mainly on choice Los Angeles music blogs and the official Coachella message boards. From impossible wish lists (“Say, didn’t Joy Division break up when Ian Curtis killed himself?�) to confirmed performers as verified by ‘the brother-in-law of my mailman’s next-door neighbor’s deceased uncle,’ solid confirmations of potential performers have been nearly non-existent. Smaller artists, as well as some sub-headliners, present promising cases of performing at Coachella ’08, given word-of-mouth confirmations from the artists themselves, or from artist availability on promotion and booking websites. (Possible appearances are slated from Death Cab for Cutie, The Verve, Portishead, Ladytron, and Caribou.) Absent, however, from these officially unconfirmed confirmations, are any clear headliners for the festival. In fact, none of the usual contributors to the Coachella Rumor Mill can discern any of the eventual three ‘big name acts’ who will capstone each day of performances. Usually noted for its promotion of some of the largest names in popular alternative music, as well as its revival of some of the most influential bands in recent musical history, Coachella and Goldenvoice seem to have either missed the boat on 2008’s most anticipated headliners, or have become extremely adept at keeping secrets from the general public. To crush your Yorke-yearning desires before imagination supersedes logic—yes, I’m talking to you, Mr. Diehard Radiohead Fan—a Goldenvoice employee has confirmed that the famed British experimental rockers will NOT be playing Coachella this year, a pity, considering how the band was suspected for several months to be a shoo-in for the 2008 festival’s leading headliner. Nix any hopes of an appearance by The White Stripes, Led Zeppelin, or My Bloody Valentine as well; these bands, too, by process of research and elimination, show no signs of performing in the Palm Desert come April. So, where does this leave Coachella and Goldenvoice promoters to turn? Whom shall grace the coveted Coachella Main Stage closing slot that hot, sweltering weekend in April? What bands will music lovers across the world shell out nearly $350 to see? Two words: TALKING. HEADS. They're so hip, hipsters can't even tell. That’s right, you heard me correctly. The only way that Coachella can regain any ounce of authority and renown in the music festival circuit—especially after losing Radiohead—would be to book the most impossible reunion imaginable. So, Goldenvoice and Co., listen up closely. The following shall be your saving grace. True, David Byrne isn’t exactly loved by his fellow band members; after disbanding officially in 1991, little hope of a legitimate Talking Heads reunion dwindled away with time between Byrne’s expanding ego and bad blood amongst former members. Yet, as of late, all signs seem to be pointing to a highly improbable, but completely believable chance at a Talking Heads 2008 performance at this year’s festival. Not happening, you say? Completely unlikely? Perhaps, but, considering a reunion from both the band and Coachella’s promoters’ stance, Talking Heads would benefit themselves and Goldenvoice quite heavily, should a reunion take place this year. With a recent resurgence in their popularity, the band could pull a large draw—both in attendance and cash flow—keeping all pieces of the Coachella machine (audience included) well-oiled and content. The idea of a Talking Heads reunion has been flittering around the Coachella message board as of late, and to be quite honest, with each passing day and with each potential headliner becoming unconfirmed, the idea suddenly transforms—albeit slowly—from fan-girl fancy to something of a realistic hope. So, if I were the Talking Heads, I’d reunite at Coachella in 2008. Band mate hatred aside, that cold hard cash would be too hard to turn down.
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"Who gives a fuck about an 'Oxford Comma?'" We Do.
Vampire Weekend came to the Echo last night and they killed. These witty preps from NY played a great live set, effectively translating their unique sound onto a live stage with a ton of energy. Long live danceable bass lines, airy island guitars, and diverse rhythms. Oh! and that keyboard! The boys got some chops. Did I mention the wonderful lyrics? Hold on, I think I'm drooling. Indeed, there's a lot of buzz surrounding this band of four Columbia grads - so much that even MTV got an interview with Ezra, Rostam, Christopher, and Chris. The best part about all of this? Vampire Weekend doesn't even release their debut self-titled until January 29th. Granted, their notorious "Blue-CDR" of recorded full length promos was leaked and has been floating around the internet for awhile. But, that's a lot of hype for a band with no official LP. So, why all the buzz? Answer: Gloriously catchy tunes, excellent live shows, and a fresh sound. Say all you want about Paul Simon's Graceland, early Talking Heads, and African tribal music/drums. These kids can play fantastically well, and desearve the attention. Here's a video of "Mansard Roof": Pick of the set: "Oxford Comma." Vampire Weekend is out 1/29/08 on XL.
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Los Campesinos! (Yes the exclamation point is part of their name)
Some of my favorite concerts are those by new bands who are still truly humble and grateful to their audiences, Los Campesinos!'s show at the Echoplex on Nov. 27 was just that. Their set was short (but not too short), energetic, and...well as fun as you'd expect a band named Los Campesinos! to be. It was really refreshing to see how truly excited they were to play on the West Coast "in Hollywood" as they kept repeating to the audience in between their songs, and it showed in the energy they put into each of their songs. Some songs I'd recommend would be "We throw parties, you throw knives", "Don't tell me to do the math(s)", and "You!Me!Dancing!". Their opening band was The Most Serene Republic who were excellent despite their slightly creepy lead singer...
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Incredible Concert Over Winter Break
I never thought I would dislike having almost an entire month off from term papers, exams, useless discussion periods, and extreme amounts of reading. Then, I learned about Concrete Frequency. Concrete Frequency is a multimedia concert being presented at the Walt Disney Concert Hall this January (all on dates when I will be shivering with cold in the Midwest instead of basking in the glow of incredible music and the golden rays that shine from the Walt Disney Concert Hall). The performance features classical music, film footage of the city, and raw performances from people such as Zooey Deschanel, Sean Lennon, and Daniel Rossen (of the really cool indie band Grizzly Bear). The music in this concert is supposed to be a ripped-down-to-the-core expose of music about the artists' feelings, experiences, and attitudes towards the city. It is in several parts, Concrete Frequency I, II and III, that are spaced out over the first few weekends of January. This concert would be an experience unlike any other- fusing together media, 8mm film, the philharmonic orchestra, incredible composers, and ethereal vocalists. As William Miller in Almost Famous would say, this concert is going to be "incendiary." For real. So, basically, I need 300 dollars to fly back to Los Angeles for the weekend. and a place to stay. It would be totally worth it.
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Rock & Roll & Mamograms
I love boobies. I mean, who doesn’t? Unfortunately for those of us who have them (or are avid fans of them), breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Keep a Breast Foundation is teaming up with local LA music community, Kiss or Kill, to present a month of concerts aimed at raising awareness and money to go towards breast cancer research. Kiss or Kill, a collective of local bands, has been bringing cheap, community-driven punk shows to the LA music scene every week for the last 5 years. This month they go pink, with every show featuring female artists and musicians (reminiscent of their former monthly “All Grrrrl Rock Riot!�). Proceeds from all the shows, as well as a limited release compilation album featuring all of the participating bands will go to benefit the Keep a Breast Foundation. Additionally, each of the women (including members of Bang Sugar Bang, the Mullhollands, Underwater City People, and more) will be having a plaster form made of their torsos to be customized by artists and auctioned off to raise consciousness and funding for research and treatment at an event in early November. Kiss or Kill is every Wednesday night at El Cid. Be sure to buy a "Boobies!" shirt! (Seriously, they exist!) Check out this promotional video from the accompanying photo shoot with Jessy Plume and Love Rebellion
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Keep M690 in mind . . .
M690 Sometimes labels screw bands over . . . and sometimes bands that started in the U.S. get to come back. While their latest single "Keeping You In Mind" isn't out in the U.S. quite yet (I don't think it will be until later this year>July?> shows then too-see myspace page below), Mighty Six Ninety is definitely worth a listen. I guess you could say (hear- ha) Morrissey is an influence. But I promise the single is still great (not that Morrissey isn't great, just that too many bands sound like Morrissey right now, this one is one of the better ones). Okay, I went to all their shows last summer and am in love with the drummer. So embrace these "UK" kids (just the label is British), buy their cool hipster vinyls online, and then go emote with them at Moscow. And remember, the Brits know best when it comes to pop (and indie music) . . . fun fun fun remix of "keeping you in mind" LISTEN HERE mightysixninety's myspace (**DISCLAIMER**I used to actually know all of this information for certain, but I really don't anymore, so depend on myspace release dates, not mine)
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Electrico @ Senor Charlies
An indie rock band that hails from the tiny island nation of Singapore, sings in English, is well received in its home country, and that will be performing right here in California? And all for 7 bucks? No way! Electrico is nothing short of a sensation in Singapore with at least two #1 hits on its local station, and having made history by being the first home-grown band to be nominated for Favorite Singaporean Artist at the 2005 MTV Asia Awards. Singaporeans have been notoriously harsh on their local music talent, often choosing to snub their fellow citizens in favor of bigger names from abroad. So, if nothing else, I'll be dropping by their gig on Thursday just because I'm so intrigued by their sheer popularity in Singapore. Check back for my review of the event, or find out for yourselves if you can't wait! March 22, Thursday, 9pm $7 cover at the door Senor Charlies Sports Bar & Grill 9803 Santa Fe Springs Road Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 (562) 906-0144 Contact the USC Singapore Students Association for transport arrangements.
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Ceci n'est pas une pipe.
I generally wouldn't consider myself an 'arty' person, being unable to sketch out any figure even vaguely resembling any object that belongs in the physical realm of reality. And I am most definitely incapable of distinguishing a Raphael from a Picasso, much less a Dali from a Magritte. So imagine my consternation when I learned that I had to visit an art exhibit at LACMA with my class, attendance absolutely compulsory. I proceeded to take everything that happened on Thursday as a sign from the gods that I should feign fatal illness--even sudden death and swift resurrection, if need be--in order to avoid that dreaded trip. A broken nail, a wrong order of coffee at Trojan Grounds, our ride that refused to shift into reverse gear... believe me, I tried. But I ended up at LACMA with my classmates anyway, along with throngs of other college students. (LACMA held a College Night on February 8, which offered free entrance to all college students from 8-10 pm along with a reception in their central court. Free food!) Large motifs of pipes and a man in a bowler hat greeted us everywhere, and before I knew it, I was slapped with a "See it at LACMA!" sticker and ushered into a room. I'd been curious to find out what, if anything, lay behind that ubiquitous pipe and its enigmatic tagline, "This is not a pipe." What could it possibly mean? That the picture of a pipe, which clearly appeared to be a regular tobacco pipe, was not representative of a pipe? That it was a tobacco pipe, but not a plumber's pipe? That it wasn't a pipe, just because the artist labeled it so? Was it making a statement about meaning, labeling, impression, visualization... what was it about? As it turned out, the answer surprised--no, delighted--me, and sent tingly sensations down my spine! Who'd have thought that I, the biggest art-moron on earth, would have found something of such intense interest in an art museum? The picture of a pipe is not a pipe, precisely because it is a picture of a pipe. It is nothing more than a visual representation of the object itself. And... ...? So where's the punchline in that, I hear you asking. But that's exactly what Plato said about art, that it's an imitation of reality! And Aristotle! And Kant! And there was even an exhibit of Foucault's paper on Magritte's pipe! Do you sense how excited the philosophy-geek in me is! Viewing an art exhibit could actually be an intellectual experience for me, instead of the stumbling-about-in-the-dark-like-an-ignoramus that I'd anticipated! For the rest of you who're interested in the very art of it, however, here's a brief overview. The exhibition features not only Magritte's works, but those of other modern artists that have been influenced by, or referenced his works. The layout is pretty cool as well, as the works by other artists (such as Martin Kippenberger, Andy Warhol, Vija Celmins, etc.) are interspersed among Magritte's, so you can visualize their similarities with the pieces placed side-by-side. The exhibition also follows Magritte through his various changes in artistic style and content, ranging from his Surrealist works, which saw him juxtaposing random and often contradictory elements that defied the conventions of reality, to his later method of meshing together less-random objects in an attempt to highlight the relationship between them. He also explored the relationship between seemingly conflicting words and images, challenged traditional ideas of "good" painting during his vache period, and questioned social influences on the subject of individualism and identity. No, it wasn't too bad after all, was it? In fact, it was even worth that half a minute of indignity when three of us had to hop out of the backseat to push the car out of the driveway of a parking structure, with the rest of the world watching and judging us for the stupid college kids that we were. Lessons learnt:
  1. Don't fear the unknown! Plunge headlong into the unknown!
  2. Figure out how to drive stick before venturing out into the menacing streets of LA in your friend's car.
Caught the irony/contradiction? Good. (Sidenote: eighth blackbird played at the Leo S. Bing Theater on Jan 31. If you're interested in finding out how music can, too, be Surrealist, check it out at their website!)

Magritte and Contemporary Art The Treachery of Images Los Angeles County Museum of Art November 19 - March 4

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Heart-melting Ice @ Pershing Square
skate You only get so many days out of the year to ice skate outside in downtown Los Angeles, so why wouldn't you? Can't you just picture yourself and your date circling around each other while David Brighton's Bowie, a David Bowie impersonator, serenades you sweetly? (December 22 only!) bowie Even if bad cover bands are not your idea of winter romance, and I don't know why they wouldn't be, you can always make the trip on any other winter's night. I think I'd like to get as many friends as possible to join me for a night skate under skyscrapers. It would be just like being at home, except with more smog and taller buildings. Sure, you could go during the day, but I think you really need those night lights to make it all worth your while. Afterwards, warm up (or cool down, depending on your skating intensity) with a fine beverage at your local downtown bar or cafe. The hours and information are here: http://www.laparks.org/pershingsquare/contents.htm
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Featured Artist: Jennifer James Wright
I'm pleased to introduce LA-based, Santa Fe-bound painter and printmaker Jennifer James Wright. She has a knack for creating whimsical and expressive illustrations that expose a childlike, literary reality. I asked her about her favorite music artists and their significance. She said, "Music is pretty crucial when I'm trying to get into the creative frame of mind--moments where one idea bursts into a million, and that creative way of thinking completely takes over for a bit." Of her own perspective about "elevated" art, Wright says, "Smart design/art is what really catches me. When I can immediately recognize a smart solution in some sort of art piece, that's what really sinks in, or what I'd consider 'elevated.'" Ogle on the Bandwidth front page, or hit up Wright's site for more.
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