R.I.P. Betty Friedan

What the hell??

"Unlike "Buy a Bear a Beer" Day in Montana, this city-sponsored vaginal rejuvenation surgery includes, but is not limited to,

* Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz from Jindalee and a port from Benjamin
* Ask-no-wine-questions, tell-no-wine-lies April & Sara's "Infinite Refills of Geelong" program
* Bread, cheese, and fruit courtesy of Gelson's
* More songs about incompetent midwives spun by activist-prankster Reverend Roy Lee Gittens
* Non-tedious vinformation vinsanity via the two-13 intrazed by ripeness technician Julian Davies
* Floral and hardship by archeo-ethno-pharmacologist Liz Garo
* Aztecan hip flasks & DNA-rich celebrity socks for multiple-choice wine questions answered with arm, hammer, or sickle
* The whole life-affirming lot for the beer-bellied cryster price of 20 dollars U."
-----------------------------------------------

Bread cheese and fruit courtesy of Gelson's! I'm THERE! Has anyone been to one of these? Clearly, the emphasis is on drinking loads of wine and getting randy rather than swirling, sniffing, and sipping. I have to admit I'm a little frightened by this event. Anything named "vaginal rejuvination surgery..."? No amount of wine and cheese from Gelsons will make me find any humor in that, no matter how coyly put. Whatever happened to the feminine mystique? And sadly enough, speaking of...(see recent post above)

weekend roundup

Friday night I traveled downtown to the Natural History Museum for the opening of Sonic Scenery. It was neat but I'm not sure if the $10 for the musical narrative was worth it. It was nice to listen on my own iPod rather than a rental, but I feel that they should have opened up more rooms for the exhibit allowing the music to breathe a bit more. The two main rooms were Dioramas featuring animals in their natural environments from Africa and America (not to be confused with the new Dior calfskin iPod holder) .

The performances were very good particularly Matmos (there's nothing like seeing groups of indie kids with headphones on spacing out in a museum to a live performance by Matmos). I would give the exhibition itself 45 minutes at the most. Which was perfect because next up was a stop at the Mountain Bar in Chinatown. This bar is small, dark, comfy, and clean - perfect! Not so crowded and the drinks are affordable. This guy ordered a dirty martini and it looked like a little glass of (dirty) heaven. The bartenders are supercute and nice and the music was good. I'll be heading here much more often. On my way out we walked past Firecracker which was going OFF. A DJ was set up in the street and people were out there dancing despite the chilly weather. Saturday I traveled back to Chinatown for the New Years parade. Bought some of that good Chinese green tea for 3.25 (100 bags). The market I found it in had all different kinds of ginseng. I'll need to do some research on the effects of different kinds of root now that I know where to find it.

Saturday night was a music video shoot for the new Charletans single set to drop in early April. The party was at Little Radio downtown on Long Beach Blvd. For the longest time I thought they were actually in Long Beach, it's good to know they're not so far away. :-) Tonight is a party for KCRW staffers at Zanzibar in Santa Monica. Liza, Jason, and Raul will be spinning so it should be fun. I'm a little tired from weekend craziness so who knows if I'll wind up going. peace for now...

TONIGHT - First Fridays at the NHM

"Listen up! The Natural History Museum invites you to bring your iPod to the opening of Sonic Scenery and be among the first to experience our new audio exhibit of gallery soundtracks. Don your headphones and wander the Museum after hours listening to new collections-inspired compositions by The Sun Ra Arkestra, Ozomatli, Autolux, Nels Cline, Matmos, Jon Hassell, Nobody, Stephen Hartke, Languis, and David J. Pause and plug in to musicians and DJs performing "silent sets" heard only by headphone. At 8pm, join Sonic Scenery artist Jon Hassell, Dublab founder Mark "frosty" McNeill, KCRWs Edward Goldman, and moderator Hope Tschopik Schneider in a discussion of the future of sound in space. After your tour, relax in the Museum's Grand Foyer as Reef Project (AKA Thee-O) spins an iPod DJ set spanning the history of ambient music from Erik Satie to Brian Eno."

I love how in an attempt to make the venue (or *ahem* NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM) hip they're calling it the NHM. All snidery aside it looks like a great event. I have my iPod but forgot to bring a cable with me to work. I'd much rather pay $10 for a podcast I'll never listen to again to be able to listen to it with my own gear than $3 rentals. Looking forward.

COACHELLA Lineup Announced

Saturday April 29th:

Depeche Mode, Franz Ferdinand, Sigur Ros, Common, Damian Marley, Atmosphere, Carl Cox, My Morning Jacket, Ladytron , Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Tosca, Cat Power, Animal Collective, HARD-fi, Derrick Carter, Devendra Banhart, She Wants Revenge, The Walkmen, The Juan Maclean, Audio Bullys, Lady Sovereign, Deerhoof, The Duke Spirit, Editors, stellastarr, Lyrics Born, Matt Costa, The New Amsterdams, The Zutons, Platinum Piped Pipers, White Rose Movement, Chris Liberator, Colette, Imogen Heap, Joey Beltram, Hybrid, Wolfmother, The Like, Living Things, Nine Black Alps, The Section Quartet, Infadels, Youth Group, Shy FX & T Power, Infusion.

Sunday April 30th:

Tool, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Bloc Party, Paul Oakenfold, Scissor Sisters, Matisyahu, TV on the Radio, Sleater-Kinne , Mogwai, Coheed and Cambria, Gnarls Barkley, Coldcut, Phoenix, Digable Planets, Amadou & Mariam, Little Louie Vega, Mylo (DJ Set), Seu Jorge, Wolf Parade, The Go! Team, Kaskade, Metric, Art Brut, Dungen, The Dears, Jamie Lidell, The Magic Numbers, Los Amigos Invisibles, Jazzanova, Michael Mayer, Mates of State, Gilles Peterson, Gabriel & Dresden, The Subways, Minus the Bear, Be Your Own Pet, Giant Drag, Kristina Sky, The Octopus Project.

------------------------
I think this is a fantastic lineup! It's so diverse that they can't go wrong. My only complaint is that once again they biffed on the Sunday night headlining act...TOOL?? C'mon! They could do way better than that. Nine Inch Nails were a let down last year...I sense a pattern happening here. Anyways can't wait!!!

TONIGHT - The Like @ Cinespace, Sergio Mendes Release Party @

CINESPACE TUES (tonight)!

SHE WANTS REVENGE LISTENING PARTY
ANDY GREENWALD'S MISS MISERY BOOK READING AFTER PARTY
guest bands THE LIKE and ARMY NAVY

guest dj JUNIOR SANCHEZ

rsvp@iheartcomix.com

The last time I went to Cinespace it was for Lady Sovreign and the opening act was so horrible I downed two martinis and fled the dance floor, while my friend sent a rage-riddled email to the promoters of the party at 3am. Hopefully this time won't be as dissapointing with bands The Like and Army Navy. Junior Sanchez though? Hopefully the promoters are back from Sundance and ready to rage rather than offhandedly feisting big names on a tough-love enamoured crowd. We shall see...

Also, check out



Steppin' Out, Hollywood
@ Red Buddha Lounge

Sergio Mendes' New Release features Production and Appearances by some of todays hottest Hip Hop, R&B, and Neo-Soul artists including Will.I.Am, Q-Tip, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Pharoah Monch, Chali Tuna of Jurassic 5, Black Thought of The Roots, John Legend and More.....

Guest DJ's
Damon Bell (Jhramatic/Live Mechanics)
Ice (7th Letter/Wilshire District)

Sponsored by Live Mechanics

With Resident DJ's
Jun
Daz
Cid Hernandez

Event Information:
10:00 PM - 2:00 AM
21+
cover: FREE
music: classic hip hop, soul, reggae, broken beat

Venue Information:
Red Buddha Lounge
6423 Yucca St
Hollywood, CA

This release is amazing. KCRW is giving it loads of airplay, especially the first and last tracks. Sergio Mendez is amazing and this should be a good event. I've never been to the Red Buddha Lounge, wonder what that's all about. It sounds like the type of place that was cool in 2001 when "lounge music" and "nu jazz" were populi.

TONIGHT - The Editors @ Spaceland

Tonight go see The Editors! They are amazing and it's going to be a good show. I would be there if I wern't working late...booo! Good thing they're playing again tomorrow night @ Cinespace. Anyways check it after the show tonight is Beauty Bar:

MON JAN 16TH
Big Blackhawk presents:
SWEET SPIT: A Hard Rock Disco!
@ BEAUTY BAR
1628 n cahuenga blvd
guest dj set by:
DJ FRANKI CHAN
Plus residents:
BIG BLACKHAWK
RYKEN THE IMMOLATOR
PIROGI
DAVE
**$1 DRINKS FOR THE FIRST HOUR!**
**RIDE YOUR BIKE AND GET AN EXTRA HOUR OF $1 DRINKS!**
**FREE METAL CD STACK GIVE AWAY!**
doors 10pm
FREE
www.bigblackhawk.com

going digital

I've been spending a lot of time moving my DJ setup from the analog arena to the digital one. Having DJ'ed with vinyl for the longest time, I've been slowly making the transition to playing with all mp3's. It's going to rock but is taking more time than I thought. Besides devising a system to digitze, manage, and store files, there's also the aspect of choosing which program is the best to work with. Final Scratch seems like a crutch for those who don't want to go all-digital (don't get me wrong, I love playing vinyl - the warm quality of the sound from original recs- , the texture under your hands is the best thing in the world). I was reluctant to go for the CD-Js because it seems like a costly step out of the way towards playing directly from the 'puter. About two years ago my friend told me about Ableton Live, which gives you the ability to play music in real-time through a seperate MIDI controller. I finally got myself a copy and am loving it. Granted it has a bit of a learning curve but is very functional and a quality program. I'm using Cubase along with a preamp (the Inspire 1394) to digitize my vinyl. Cubase LE is kind of crappy, so I'm in the process of bringing it directly into Live. I'm working on a really fun mix and Live is giving me the ability to cue, sync, and add effects without any problem. So far pretty kosher.

The Most Jealous Liquor

Tequila bars! Has anyone been to Scorpion? The review at LA.com make it seem above par for your typical tequila joint (http://www.la.com/nightlife/barspubslounges/lscorpion/43735). I'm also wondering about these organic bars everyone is talking about. The theory is that you can cozy up to a bar and enjoy "freshly squeezed" (i hate that term for some reason), organic juices in your cocktail or as a garnish. I've heard great things and they're supposed to be the next big thing, but where can I find one? I totally understand that detoxing is the new blog this month, but can't we have some fun?? maybe organic booze is next up...

people who need to go away (#1)

Ok i'm trying not to be the disparaging type but Ben Gibbard?? is he ever going to go away?? is he driving anyone else totally crazy or is it just me??

Longcut tonight @ Cinespace

If you missed Longcut last night at the Silverlake Lounge, make sure to check them out tonight @ Cinespace. For some reason the real audio files on their website aren't working but you can check out some of their music at their myspace profile: http://www.myspace.com/thelongcut . It's pretty good and reminds me of the alt-rock scene in the 90's. i don't know much about that scene so i'm not even going to try and pretend - i spent most of the late 90's wearing big pants and dancing frenetically in warehouses. i could give you a run-down on rave history but scratch my head at the mere mention of a shoegazer. Anyways the band *sounds* good, and that's all that matters, eh?

vine bar tonight

This Monday, Jan 9th, Club Fiasco and Filter Magazine Present

WE ARE SCIENTISTS "With Love and Squalor"
Record Release Party
tons of free sh*t to give away, so come and get it!

Anne Lee and Dirty Preston's BDay bash!!!
In honor of this occasion, we are having Karaoke upstairs until midnite.
Are you stoked?

Resident DJs
Filip aka Turbotito (Ima Robot)
Hurricane Anne Lee (PrinceHouse)

Special guest DJs
Blake (Moving Units)
Chris Holmes

VINE BAR
1235 VINE ST. @ HOLLYWOOD

New Hotspot!!!

Whats up! I'm forgoing the standard blogger post "sorry I haven't written in awhille and here's why..." to give you this link to a new hot spot in LA that no one is talking about but apparently everyone is going to. Teddy's...what's up with the place? I'm out to get the scoop. Tonight I'm off to Gyu-Kaku for dinner in Beverly Hills. It's a Korean restaurant where you can cook your own meat, seafood, and the like at your table. I'm a semi-vegan so good luck to me, right?? Hey the Soju cocktails are always something to look forward to.

Tonight - Res and Cinespace Tuesdays

The RES shorts are back with new music videos featuring Röyksopp, Bright Eyes, and the White Stripes, short films by directors Neil Blomkamp, and a short from the legend himself Michel Gondry. RES will also be announcing the Jury and Audience Choice awards for its 9th Annual RESFEST. If you're into independent film you should be checking out the monthy screenings and the annual RESFEST which showcases the best up-and-coming work. It's attended by creatives from all industries. The afterparties are decent - don't expect something amazing unless there's a special screening of a particular film. That's when they pull out the stops and it really goes off.

Lady Sovereign is performing live tonight at Cinespace. Opening will be Bedtime for Toys. Lady S gets a lot of crap about being similar to M.I.A. or Lil' Kim, both accusations of which are ridiculous because she's more of a subblow/grime act and is short but def taller than 4'11". The party is also the Beck remix album release party...of course, another Beck related event. We'll be drinking Beck cola and receiving free copies of Beck magazine. Hopefully I'll have some good sightings this time around. I know, I know, it's been awhille - xo

SATURDAY NIGHT

HUH WHAT?!

Paper Magazine party

it's called Hipster Heaven...what is that supposed to mean? sounds typecast to me. Paper mag is so cool though...what happened there? I guess they can do whatever they want - the homies @ Paper know EVERYONE.

TRENT DJS AT URB RELEASE PARTY

TONIGHT - THANKSGIVENDS

Cease and Desist record release party

Cease and Desist RELEASE PARTY
Morgan Page will be DJ'ing on Nov. 23rd at Zanzibar in Santa Monica. The first 15 people to the door get free copies of the CD. Those that print out the MySpace bulletin can score a copy as well.

Beautiful Decay issue M release party

> Los Angeles Beautiful/Decay Issue M Release Party
>
> rsvp only/rsvp to: stephen@radiolovesyou.com
>
> Live performance by:
> Chris Holmes w/ Tamara and Jane Anne
> Justin Sterling (Radio)
> DJ Damon Bell (Live Mechanics/HVW8)
> Willow The Gaslamp Killer (MHE/Sound in Color)
>
> Free Sparks for the first hour/
> Free Giftbags for the first 100 people
>
> Saturday November 19 2005
> Time: 10pm - 2am
> Location: Mountain Bar
> 475 Gin Ling Way
> LA, CA 90012 (Chinatown)
> Age: 21 +
>
> Map
>
>
> sponsors: greyone.com, livemechanics.com, sparks.com

Tonight: Benefit for Breast Cancer

I'm going to this before the Lounge 111 event. The DJ is going to be good. I forgot his name but he's the son of Don Tiki (Taboo Records) and often DJ's and promotes for the Spyder @ Avalon. He plays cool music - Interpol, LCD, Chin Chin Up, Gang of Four. I'm dismissing the term "red carpet' for this event because that term is so frivolous here in LA, but it's an amazing cause so I'm in. Check out the sponsor! it's all about publications going online. Talk about versatile

Don't Go...

to Star Shoes on Thursday night. Unless you want to relive the de-glamourized suburban version of Party Monster. Or if you like drum and bass circa 1995. Just kidding, sort of. It's a great spot but Thursdays...why so wierd? whhyy?

tonight, oh tonight

November 18, 2005
Doors at 9:30pm
BP Hall at Walt Disney Concert Hall
111 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Featuring
James Lavelle (UNKLE)
Steve Spacek & Troubleman
DJ Nobody
Music Director: Jason Bentley (KCRW)

Admittance is subject to capacity.
Parking is available directly beneath Walt Disney Concert Hall. Enter on Second Street.
Parking: $8 beginning at 5:00 p.m.

--------------------------------

This party is going to be insane. You need to RSVP to get in at lounge111@laphil.org

So last night was a music industry party at Hollywood and Highland. The Billboard Music Conference was this week, so loads of people are in town and the party went off proper. Recognized in the crowd: attorneys (Sony, Miramax), music supervisors (Nip/Tuck, The Shield, MTV Films) publishers (Bug Music, Windswept - who threw the party), a jock from Sirius, and loads of musicians. Many labels were representin too -notably Enrique from Paper Bag records, Nate the licensing head of Stones Throw, and the guys from Ghostly International. Tall Paul was there and PS is really cute in person. Or was it the vodka goggles? Anyways the location is proper - Loggia at the Highlands. The most incredible view of LA I've seen yet. Check it out. The spot is cheesey on the weekends but good to check out the view.

Bands like it when you Yell "Yar"

Check out Seattle's Minus the Bear. They're an excellent indie band with some electronic sensibility - without being as annoyingly mush mush as Death Cab can get.

also wednesday

KCRW presents an evening of music, fashion and art at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles Thursday November 10th to benefit the American Red Cross. KCRW supported musicians Jim Bianco, The Chapin Sisters, Chris and Thomas, and Indie 103.1 Vagenius will be performing. the evening will conclude with a special guest Dj set from Angel Alanis.

Free Obey t- shirts for the first 100 people and other giveaways from Saks Fifth Avenue, Laemmle Theatres, The Giesha House, The Bungalow and more.

There will also be noted artists from the LA art scene displying their work including gary baseman, daniel peacock, james jean and catia chien. $10, doors open at 8 pm.

Wednesday night

SHANA & KIRAN--
QUANGO MUSIC GROUP RECORDING ARTISTS--
UNVEIL ‘THE MATING GAME’ AT THE HOUSE OF BLUES IN LOS ANGELES
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9

DEBUT ALBUM DUE OUT MARCH 7, 2006

From the label that gave the American music audience their first glimpse of
emerging electronic artists like Zero 7, Kruder & Dorfmeister, Talvin Singh and
Koop, Quango Music Group will present their newest discovery, SHANA & KIRAN,
Wednesday, November 9 at the House of Blues in West Hollywood, CA.

Backed by a full band, including 2 DJs, a guitarist, bassist, keyboardist
and harp player, SHANA & KIRAN--who is Shana Halligan (vocals/songwriter)
and Kiran Shahani (producer, composer, programming)--will perform an
assortment of new material from their upcoming debut The Mating Game, set
for release March 7, 2006.
SHANA & KIRAN’s sound is natural and fluid with Halligan’s melodic sweetness
and sultry vocals over Shahani’s experimental pop beats and masterful
programming.

The House of Blues is located at 8430 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA.
Doors open at 7:30. SHANA & KIRAN perform at 8:00.
18+. Tickets are $13 and are on sale now.

Saturday night was amazing. I highly reccomend checking out the new Orenda Fink release on Saddle Creek. The lead singer is from Azure Ray and just rocks it. The bassist - Stephanie - is amazing too. She told me that she's from LA and has been playing the bass for 10 years. she's got a dope bass clef tatoo on her shoulder. i really want to start playing an instrument again - so inspiring! anyways it was one of those shows I was hesitant about at first but wound up having a great time. A few guys from The Faint were there (also on Saddle Creek) and after the show we all went down to the Little Joy bar for drinks. Man is that place a dive. But it's not repulsively divey - just dirty (you should have seen the dirty martini the bartender made me) . the show was an early one so when we got to the bar it was dead. grabbed a table, played some pool...fun times.

Tomorrow night - Orenda Fink and...BOOTIE LA

Check out Orenda Fink tommorow night at The Echo.

"Invisible Ones, Orenda Fink's debut solo album, relates a human journey from inward to outward, crossing boundaries of self and culture to find reconciliation with guilt, betrayal, tragedy, and regret. Orenda weaves empathetic tales of struggle with compositions that by turns haunt and offer clarity. Invisible Ones is haunted by ghosts from the earth’s four corners. It is troubled but ultimately optimistic. It is enigmatic and soulful. It is best heard with eyes closed."

What? Anyways afterwards is Bootie LA - "LA's first monthy bootleg party". I may stick around after Orenda Fink to see what it's all about. But check out this flyer:



Dude, mash ups! It's like, drum and bass remixes of r&b needle drops, but way cooler!

Firecracker - tonight

FIRECRACKER!
This Friday >>> November 4th

Celebrating the release of
Real Music For Real People (BBE Records)

We welcome very special guest:
DJ LANGUAGE
(NegroClash/BBE)
http://www.djlanguage.com

PLUS... Live in the Jazz Lounge:
KILLSONIC
http://www.killsonic.org

Alongside Firecracker Residents:
ALFRED HAWKINS | ERIC COLEMAN | PRAISE ONE | KING WO | KUTMAH | AZUL

SPINNING THE FINEST SELECTIONS IN FUNK, SOUL, HIP-HOP, JAZZ, HOUSE & MORE...

@
THE GRAND STAR
943 N. BROADWAY (@ COLLEGE)
CHINATOWN, DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES

9:30 PM - 2:00 AM 21 & UP
$5 BEFORE 11 PM
http://www.firecracker.mu

Spread the word...

Meet the Yuppies #1: "Good Thing They're Plastic!"

" Picture a nice resturant at lunch, I'm interviewing two women for a certain cosmetic line. Everyone's dressed in business atire and these two women look like Anna-Nicole. They are smokeing Salem Menthol cigs, one after another and talking about how qualified they are for the job, when suddenly, one of their cigarettes catches a red acrylic fingernail on fire!! She casually reaches over and dips her finger in the water glass, "Good thing they're plastic!" And continued on as if nothing happened.

She didn't get the job."

- L.C., Cleveland OH


(Note: this one isn't Extreme Yuppie but still hilarious. If you have a story to tell about a yuppie encounter, shoot it to nicole@cifani.com and I'll post it. - nc.)

tomorrow night - loose tooth

tonight - screening of URB 100

I don't know what's up with this film - haven't heard much about it, and why would a magazine put it's name in the title of a film? Anyways the party for the screening looks good.

LOL!!!!

Sunday - Halloween benefit for the Trevor Project

Boo-Over! Sunday

Also tonight

Malcolm Venville photog exhibit!

This one's tomorrow, at Equator Books on Abbot Kinney. The book store rocks - and is totally cute like the one on Vermont in Los Feliz. Why are books so expensive these days? Is it because reading is coming back in style?

LA Weekly art party

After work tomorrow check out LA Weekly's art show. It's at Track 16 @ Bergamot Station, featuring art by numerous artists including Shepard Fairey, FAILE, Winston Smith, Cobrasnake, Glenn Bach, Brian Bress and more. Check the flyer at the link above for more info.

Tonight - Morgan Page at 310 Lounge

Check out Morgan Page tonight at the 310 Lounge. From what I hear he's debuting an ill setup. House music all night long!!

www.310lounge.com/

Argyle is itchy

Two nights ago I went to a party for soundArt, a non-profit organization that brings music lessons to inner-city schools that can't afford to have a music program ((www.soundart.org). It's a great organization and the people are fantastic. I highly reccomend getting involved with this organization if you can. Anyways, the party was held at the Argyle Hotel on Sunset. Now, all "partying for the poor" aside, the Argyle is a strange place to do-it to-it. It's wierd when people working in music try to dress up and have manners ( I tried for about 35 seconds). The bar is nice. Loads of wood paneling, leather, and fabulous views. It reminded me of Boston...very unlike LA. Is there a hip place to throw a party like this without feeling like you need to adopt a wierd ass "glide" to walk across the room? Maybe I'm going to too many warehouse parties. honestly, where is the fine line between a classy event and a stuffy one?

Bastide?

What is up with this place? I know it's a fabulous restaurant, but does anyone really go there to party??

this week

Tuesday night - She Wants Revenge is playing @ the Troubadour. Not sure if I'll be making it but we shall see. Wednesday night - The Like @ El Ray. They're a female band hailing from LA who are super cute and super talented (Do you like that last sentence? It seems apppropriate). Also on Wednesday nigh is Imogen Heap (of Frou Frou - the big song from Garden State). Wow, beautiful vocals with a breakbeat bassline?? This song was two steps away from a rave. Anyways she's playing at 9 along with singer/songwriter Josh Radin. Josh is an interesting chap and you'll be hearing more about him in the future. Check out www.joshuaradin.com or look up his profile on myspace. So Imogen Heap and Radin just finished the nationwide Hotel Cafe tour. The Hotel Cafe is located in LA on the Cauhenga crawl. Recently renovated, they're known for singer songwriter types and used to be a tiny hole-in-the-wall. Alas, they're blowing up. Look for the lost ragammufin-types outside smoking cigarettes in the rain.

more to come...

James Lavelle tonight at Avalon

Tonight check out James Lavelle at the Avalon. You may know Lavelle of famed production duo U.N.K.L.E., often heard played by KCRW DJ Jason Bentley on Metropolis. I saw him DJ at the Spyder Club last year. He fuses rock, electronic, progressive, and break beat delivering something for everyone. The Avalon crowd can be a little sketch so wear a crash helmet if you're sensitive to meeting people with dilated pupils waving things that glow in the dark. He's playing with James Holden, alongside Basic LA's Justin Gourley and John Do.

Last night was fun. We passed on Ashley Simpsons' record release party at the O Bar to chow at Leelas Thai in Silverlake. The food is incredible and reasonably priced. Make sure to bring your own booze, as they don't have a liquor license. They'll uncork your libation of choice for a tiny fee of $1 per person, so there's something in it for everyone.

Rondo Brothers, Sons and Daughters, Basic, Oh My

three kick ass shows tonight! The first one is The Rondo Brothers, who are playing at the Echo and are great - the best way to describe their style is hawaiian hip hop. No joke! They're tons of fun. The second show is Sons and Daughters at Spaceland, who totally rocked out on KCRW yesterday morning. I dig them because they've got their own sound, unlike Interpol Jr. For late night it's Basic at King King. All three resident DJ's will be manning the decks, so it's bound to be a good party. These guys throw it down every other Friday and manage to keep the house music fresh and fun. Yeah yeah!!


http://www.rondobrothers.com/
http://www.sonsanddaughtersloveyou.com/
http://www.basicpromotions.com/

The Go! Team - Tonight

Check out the Go! Team tonight at the Troub. I don't have much to say about them. But I think I've got passes to the VIP room if ya need 'em.

Today in history...

everyone is a DJ. and everyone has a blog.

She Wants Revenge - SPIN Band of the day

I haven't decided if I like this LA band yet. The EP sounds like an Interpol rip off. Maybe I just need to see them live...

October 25th at the Troubadour Los Angeles

keep an ear out for Morgan Page - "Cease and Desist"

House music producer and famed remixer Morgan Page is delivering an underground remix album called "Cease and Desist". To understanding, this record will be the first complete white album in dance music history. I've heard bits and pieces and it's serious. I've also heard that he's working out a hush-hush remix for a pop star we all know "pieces" of - but you didn't hear that from me. ;)


With a true nod to the digital revolution, Morgan delivers 9 bootleg remixes that are being spun by everyone from John Digweed to to the influentials at KCRW. There's also an exclusive live set coming up, which will be amazing considering all the new material he's made in the last year. Page rarely plays live, but when he does it's well worth the wait. Details to come.

Tonight: LCD Soundsystem at Avalon

YEA! Tonight is the LCD Soundsystem with The Juan Maclean at Avalon. I've been looking forward to this one for months. James Murphy of DFA Records is great. Check out the song "Losing My Edge" - this was the breakthrough single a few years back. It's a song about him getting older and not succeeding in the biz after trying for 20 years. Ha! After the show w'ere going to Stones Throw's night at Star Shoes. Their DJ's play the best funk and soul in the city. Get there early.

Tonight: The BBC Sessions @ The Vanguard

DJ, radio jock and musical tastemaker Gilles Peterson plays at The Vanguard with performances by Peanut Butter Wolf, Dwele, The Rebirth, and more. I heard Madlib is going to make an appearance too. LA is full of suprise appearances, although when Beck does it it's hardly suprising. (My new favorite- "suprise cover art ....by Beck!!" from the new KCRW Sounds Eclectico compilation) What's up with the new Vanguard, is it any good? I'm wary of "super clubs". They're sort of circa 2001 if you know what I mean. Saturday nights, Dim Mak hosts a dope party in the VIP area. Look for the cobrasnake poster on the hidden door located on the side of the building. All wariness of the venue aside, this is going to be amazing. Gilles Peterson is at the forefront of everything that's cool, classic, and legendary. Go to this show!!!

check out the new iPod

It's amazing - photos, video, music, podcasts, and the promise of televison (don't know how they're going to pull that one off)...but what else do you need??

http://www.apple.com/ipod/ipod.html

(photo courtesy of justjared.blogspot.com)

Zox - the band, not the energy drink

So last night I went to a showcase at the Viper Room. It was a very post-MTV sort of crowd. You know, the type of kids who are shiny but have that telltale ragged edge from experiencing one too many warehouse raves and melancholy shoegazer shows in the 90's. Hence the music was an excellent pairing, similar to a crisp chardonnay alongside a nice white piece of fish. Now that we've pushed teen angst-rock through the mainstream, I feel that there's a college jam band revival on the horizon. I mean think about it - how many 19 year olds want to go see Dave Mattews Band AGAIN? AND pay gazillions of dollars for tickets, parking, and underage consumption (if you can't get away with tailgating pre-game, err rather pre-show).
Zox is the solution. Shiny, jam worthy (yes -there's a guy on the electric violin), and accessible. Heralding from Providence, Rhode Island, I think we're going to be hearing more from these guys. And the industry knows it too - I saw many an agent and A&R person skulking around the outskirts of the crowd. Don't think I didn't see you.

party party

i dj'ed a work party friday night and it totally went off. for the first time i dj'ed from the iPod. Initially I had a few reservations about the lack of technical ability but most of the songs I had in mind didn't need to be beatmatched - so it worked out great. The only downside is not being able to cue up. You need to know your music library well.

here are a few tracks from my playlist:


King Curtis "Memphis Soul Stew"
Ben Mullins "Big Chill"
Jamie Lidell "When I Come Back Around"
Fussible "Tiguana Makes me Happy"
Jeremy Ellis "Take Your Time"
DangerDoom "Old School feat. Talib Kweli"
Diamond Nights "Attractive"
Putsch 79 "Track 3"
Tegan and Sara "walking with the ghost (morgan page remix)"
Joy Division "love will tear us apart"
The Like "what I say and what I mean"
Grand National "playing in the distance (eliot james remix)"
Victor "go on do it"
Maximo Park "The coast is always changing"
Queen "another one bites the dust"

The Small Stakes - the works of Jason Munn

For interesting illustration done for various bands from Teenage Fanclub to Sufjan Stevens, check out:

http://www.thesmallstakes.com

His work is very modern, minimal and soft. Art created for the sake of art, rather than art created for the sake of a flyer, if ya knowhadimean.
He puts up new posters every week and they sell out quickly, so don't sleep.

plasma speakers

I don't get it...does the picture change??

Master Chorale - Nov. 6 at Walt Disney Music Hall

Rio Sangre is the first operetic suite from composer Don Davis. Davis is notably known for scoring the music for the Matrix trilogy. This will be the worldwide debut of the performance.

Read more by clicking the link above or copying and pasting below:

http://www.lamc.org/concerts/0506/051106_transform.html

looks very intriguing.

vegetarian friendly restaurants in LA

Ill Lit tonight

Wed. Oct 5th at the HOTEL CAFE (www.hotelcafe.com)
1623 1/2 N. Cahuenga Blvd.
all ages
$7
w/ AM
show starts at 8pm.

Jon Brion discog.

Here's a feature that Pitchfork did on Jon Brion.

http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/features/weekly/05-09-06-cinematic-treatment.shtml

Interview Magazine (no link available)

Check out this month's issue of Interview. Fiona Apple interviews Kanye West - they discuss the possibility of doing a few songs with Jon Brion on Friday night at Largo!! Jon Brion is a music producer, whose work ranges from scoring I Heart Huckabees to producing Fiona Apple's album and co-producing Kanye's latest. He does an amazing solo performance every Friday night at the Largo club in LA, in Fairfax Village just south of Melrose. You need to get there early and call ahead if you want a table as it fills up early. Fiona mentioned she has performed there a few times, why hasn't anyone told me!? How fun - it's a tiny venue and would be totally worthwhile.

cool shows this week...

So I haven't been writing in a little while, due to a few days of hibernation. so anyways the point is i'm back and here are some cool shows this week to check out...

TONIGHT - Four Tet and Jamie Lydell @ The Echo - I think it's sold out, but who knows you may have a chance if you go down there. Also Vagenius is playing at The Monmarte. I'm not too down with them but it looks like a good party.

TOMORROW- Neil Cavanagh @ Tangiers (www.myspace.com/neilcavanagh)

FRIDAY - Richard Swift, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and The National @ The Troubadour

It's going to be a good week..

TOTALLY Michael

This guy...this is the guy. the strange synth pop parties where everyone dresses in bizarre goth costumes and dances in a circle throwing confetti in the air...he must draw his following from them. except "totally" michael prefers to dress as a bumblebee.

Click the link above...or copy and paste below.

http://www.totallymichael.com

Catfish Haven

Another band whose style interprets that delta-bluesy motif. Except they're from the midwest.

The Noisettes

So I arrived to The Echo early last night to make sure my posse got in without any problems. I decided to go to the ladies room, and walked in on a girl doing sit-ups in the handicapped stall? She was on a sleeping bag so I'm wondering um ok is she supposed to be here? As The Noisettes took the stage, I realized that the lead singer was the girl I walked in on. Shew! Anyways this band is really great. They've been opening up for The Kills and Bloc Party on the tour but I missed them Tuesday night. It's a girl and two guys who have this punky. funky cutesy rock and roll demeanor unlike anything I've ever heard before. I can't wait for the album to drop next year....I have to say the The Rakes and The Noisettes are my two favorite bands of the moment. Check them out!

http://www.blogotheque.net/article.php3?id_article=811

Tom Vek tonight

This show is going to be amazing. The Noisettes are opening, yay!
OH and Mobius Band was incredible. The acoustics in the HOB are fantastic - so much better than the Palladium. Matsiyahu was a pleasant suprise. To be honest, when I first heard that he's an orthodox Jew and a rastafarian, I was a little put-off. But the set was really good. He's got a fab stage presence and his musicians are really talented. If you visit House of Blues in LA, make sure to check out the Foundacion Room. It’s the VIP room and is utterly insane. It’s filled with hand-carved wood on the ceilings, doors, and furniture, and the walls are covered in handstiched quilts that have ornate beading and mirrors in them. It’s Indian and Middle Eastern inspired, kinda like the Spyder Room but nowhere near as lame. Even the private access elevator is ridiculous. The staff waits on you – they lead you to the bathroom and check in on you. There’s one small main room and lots of small private ones that are seriously OTT. You need membership for regular access, which costs like 2K a year!

Anyways...Tom Vek!

mobius band tonight @ house of blues

The Rakes!!!

So the Bloc Party/Kills show was amazing. It was sold-out, but one of our girls managed to wrangle VIP tickets from the tour manager at the last minute. The usual suspects were in attendence - Danny Masterson (with his sister), Trishelle from R.W. Vegas, and the random assortment of industry folk. The Kills were incredible (as usual), although the crowd seemed a little apprehensive - typical for what mainstream does with an insanely good and off the cuff rock duo. All eyes were on the band but no one was rocking out. When Bloc Party went out everyone went nuts and a softer, more pop-ish mosh pit circa 1991 started in front. Matt and Kele rocked out for the 45 minute set. At the afterparty we spotted Hillary Duff, the boys from Good Charlotte, Devon Aoki, Davey from AFI, Doug from Best Week Ever, and a few others as Cinespace packed the joint. Dim Mak bands Neon Blonde played (and the lead vocalist is a BOY in case anyone was wondering! Hello), United States of Electronica I missed because I was too busy chatting up Matt from Bloc Party but the highlight of the night was certainly The Rakes. Keep an eye out for this band. They are fantastic and amazing to watch.

Tonight is Mobius Band and ....Matsiyahu (WTF?) at the House of Blues. Yes Yes Can't wait!

it's finally here!!! The Kills, Bloc Party, The Rakes, James Murphy!! I just may implode.

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 20th
@ THE HOLLYWOOD PALLADIUM
BLOC PARTY
THE KILLS
THE NOISETTES
DJ STEVE AOKI KID MILLIONAIRE


@ CINESPACE
For CINESPACE TUESDAYS
Presented by Dim Mak Records, I Heart Comix, Jason Stewart, thecobrasnake.com, Filter Magazine
Official Bloc Party Afterparty
Official The Kills Afterparty
Official Interpol Afterparty
THE RAKES
USE
NEON BLONDE

Tom Vek

I've been following Tom Vek for over a year now, ever since he signed to Tim Lee's Tummy Touch label. I have a feeling this guy is going to blow up when his album drops next month -seriously. His brit-rock style is funky and fun without being overtly irritatingly obvious like all the other bands we're pretending to love (am I getting cynical?). Check him out, especially if you're in NYC for CMJ.

September Tour Dates (in the U.S.)

17th NYC Tribeca Grand
20th Chicago Schubas
22nd San Francisco Popscene
23rd LA Echo

fametracker.com

Maybe the fog hanging over Los Angeles otherwise known as the 'industry' has gotten to me, or maybe this is really, really funny. You decide.

The Music Genome Project

"A company called Pandora (formerly Savage Beast) has launched an Internet radio
service designed to deliver a personalized music stream based on the listener's
favorite music's "DNA."

The service uses the Music Genome technology, built around a database of
thousands of songs "analyzed using up to 400 distinct musical characteristics by
a trained music analyst." According to Pandora, "these attributes capture the
many significant qualities that are relevant to understanding the musical
preferences of listeners." " - from Radio Internet News Daily

At first I thought this was a joke - how could it be possible to map songs, with their complex nature and ranging styles?Pandora attempted this near-impossible feat by taking songs and analysing them using various criteria including harmony, melody, and rhythm. They then compile the data to create a custom "station", relaying recommended songs for listeners based on this data. Pretty cool!

the illest band

Check out Breakestra, this band is incredible. I haven't the priveledge of seeing them live but I hear the set is amazing. From what I understand, they're on Stones Throw Records but the new release is coming out in October on Ubiquity, and is dope, dope, DOPE!

Labor Day weekend in LA

We work 5 days a week, 365 days a year, and have one day off for Labor. Discuss.

http://myspace.com/arthurfest
http://www.kkjz.org/events/blues_events/pages/blues_festival.shtml

the Loft comes to LA

David Mancuso, who played a seminal role in DJ and dance culture in the 60's by hosting underground dance parties at his loft in NYC, has finally brought the party to LA. Will a tour shortly follow? Maybe an original series on HBO?

Bloc Party on Conan O'Brien Thursday night!

new releases (NYT- subscription req'd)

Tons of new releases this week. Kanye, Death Cab for Cutie, and Herbie Hancock (!?). Right now I'm listening to Sons and Daughters, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and The Duke Spirit. I still can't get rid of The National's new record. Soo good.

also this weekend

Sunset Junction - a music/cultural/mobbish festival happening this weekend in Silverlake, the uber-gentrified part of LA.

tonight in LA

music, art, amazing dj's, booze...looking forward to this one!

Kompakt Total 6 - out today

Yay, I'm so excited this is out. A good collection of songs from one of the finest minimal techno labels out there. Let's see how it does..

Six Feet Under soundtrack

It looks really good. The Sia "Breathe Me" single isn't on there, I'm wondering why. It's blowin up everywhere after they played it during the finale of the season episode on Sunday. Personally I think it needs to go away - it's been out for such a long time - driving me crazy.

For real???

Amazing. Just amazing.

Post Secret

This is amazing, if a little disturbing. People mail in their secrets on the back of a postcard...

Freestyle: The Art of Rhyme

Last night was a screening of "Freestyle" at the Fairfax silent movie theatre, as well as magazine release party for Beautiful Decay. Freestyle was released in 2000 but is still an excellent film to see if you love or want to learn more about hip hop. Kevin Fitzgerald (the director) was at the screening and let us know that he's releasing a directors cut pretty soon with tons of cool features - keep an eye out for that towards the end of the year. The film focuses more on the LA scene, highlighting events like The Good Life and Project Blowed. For a more concise history of hip hop culture you should check out "Can't Stop Won't Stop" by Jeff Chang - gives a broader, more in-depth history (in all fairness -that only a book can do).

Irony is Back

Just so you know

Class Action - Apple iPod Settlement

As you may or may not know, Apple faced a class-action lawsuit by those who had enough with the faulty iPod business. If you own a first, second, or third gen iPod with a faulty battery, you can file a claim to receive 50% of the amount you spent replacing the battery or $50 in store credit. Which is lame because the cost of replacing the battery is 99.00 not including shipping -they still won't cover the whole cost of replacing the faulty product. Sigh.... (see above link for more info)

and by the way

The Cabana Club is not all that. The "pool" is this concrete hole of green water that doesn't have anyplace to sit near. It takes forever to get in even if they're expecting you and takes a dog's year to get a drink. Overall - It's great to be outdoors, but there are spots way cooler than this one.

last night or more appropriately heir soir

So last night was insane. Melissa and I went to the Viceroy in Santa Monica for drinks, only to stumble into a private Courvosier tasting that was happening at the pool. We ponied up cabana-side, sipping XO and having a great dinner of crabcakes and shrimp thingies. We then traveled down the street to 1217 where an restaurant/industry event was happening. The owners and designers of Sushi Roku, Boa, Mood were there, along with KCRW DJ Jason Bentley on the decks. In a champagne induced haze I'm always attracted to those spinning platters, so of course I wandered over. He was wondering why no one was on the dance floor so I suggested playing some Killers. He says "good idea" and plays that remix of Mr. Brightside by Jacques Le Cont. The few people who were on the dancefloor immediately scattered. Whoops! We hung out much longer than the 11 o'clock curfew we set on the evening, but hey whateva! it was worth it.

Dodger Stadium, 1967

Check out this image by Ed Ruscha of the Dodger Stadium

SPIN's band of the day

Mobius Band's new release is getting so much hype. It's an excellent record, fusing alt rock with electronic sensibilities. Although I wish they would branch out more with the percussion and get a little crazier - but that's just my broken beat background talking. I'm looking forward to seeing them perform live in LA towards the end of September. Check them out at http://www.myspace.com/mobiusband .

Jennifer Garner's playlist

I think we should hook this lady up with some music.

Jamie Lidell "Multiply" (Warp Records)

You need to hear this record. The PR spin indicates that Lidell is fusing electronic with classic funk and soul elements. It's really a soul record, with hints of electronic music thrown in (try 'When I Come Back Around", "Multiply"). This record is significant because it's Lidell's newest release on Warp - it's marketed to the hard-core electronic kids. The electronic reviews are awakening to funk, soul, blues and other organics - which I think is going to spark an epidemic in production within the electronic realm. His live performance is supposed to be amazing. Check out the feature in this month's The Wire. Lidell mentions how lame live electronic shows are he doesn't want to watch producers up there "checking their e-mail" - I couldn't agree more.

Tropicana

Many of the reasons why I love Los Angeles can be summed up in two words - Roosevelt Hotel. It's such a great spot to hang al fresca during this hot and humid week. Granted, I could dip in my pool like on Wednesday - but can I crane my neck to watch David Spade pick up chicks or cruise the next faux-Libertine? I don't think so.

Almost like Mapquest - but the real deal

Amazing - but a little scary given the status of the Patriot Act. It's almost a little too big brother for my liking.

La Mision

So ironically enough I traveled to Mexico for the 4th. Several of us traveled to La Mision which is 30 miles south of Rosarito in Baja. We ate loads of cheap lobster - 3 for $15! - and washed it down with trays of delicious margaritas. Besides eating and drinking a ton, it was very relaxing and nice to get out of crazy LA (athough we definitely let out a sigh of relief after crossing the border back into the U.S.). Pictures coming soon...

Adventures in Hollywood

So this past week was crazy - lots a-crackin on the left coast. Firstly, I moved on Sunday - to a one-bedroom in the Miracle Mile neighborhood. I love it! And the neighbors are so friendly.

Monday night, the girls and I went to Cinespace for a Music for Robots party. Good bands, chocolate cake, a great scene. Tuesday night was pilates, then Wednesday went to "Toontime with the RZA" at the LA Film Fest which was great. We got free seat cushions from Target which I snagged for my apartment - nothing like product placement in your own home.

Thursday was The Red Garter, my new favorite dive on the west side at the Santa Monica/Venice border. God bless velvet wallpaper and Ms. Pacman! Friday was ye olde tour of Hollywood - we went to the Reebok Concept Store launch party, Tokio, Louis XIV show @ Avalon, The Concorde, and Star Shoes...no celebrity sightings, only a beefy orangy guy telling me that if I don't know who Brent Bolthouse is, there's no way to get into the Spyder Room. Saturday night I threw a barbecue then we went to Daddy's and Star Shoes again. Star Shoes on Saturday night is amazing - it's Stones Throw's night and they most definitely hold it down. Yesterday I played some v-ball at Del Rey beach...thank goodness summer is here-

Wooster Collective is amazing

More stickers, culture, art, and culture-jamming...

http://www.woostercollective.com

Remixes and whatnot

Recovering from a long holiday weekend, and wondering about the scorching amount of "remixed, remastered, and re-interpreted" albums that are currently hitting the market. What does this say about music these days - remix culture is prevalent, there's no good music out now so we need to revive the past, or a little bit of both?

Shows

Saw Sharon Jones and the Daptones last night at The Knitting Factory - she's amazing! Check out the cover of "This Land is Your Land", and "My Man is a Mean Man". Soul music is back baby - big time! Also caught BoyGirl perform on Tuesday night @ Monroes which was good in a kitsch-pop sort of way - and Thievery Corporation last Friday which was amazing, despite the replacement of the lead vocalist who took her own life a short time ago. As for right now, it's Friday night and I've got a glass of red and am wearing my PJ's - what's better than that?

Coachella weekend

Back from Coachella! What a weekend. Saw lots of great acts, took in lots of beautiful scenery and sandy desert air. I have to say my favorite shows were The Futureheads, Bloc Party, MIA, and The Arcade Fire. Also really enjoyed The Kills, Wilco, Bloc Party, and New Order. Coldplay was good but we think Chris Martin had a few too many before hitting the stage. And a fight broke out during the show! Not exactly fight-inducing music, but whatever...the drummer from Bloc Party is my new hero!