Thursday 04.10.08: THE HIGH SOCIETY / THE TEENAGE FRAMES / ROCKET / BABIL BIJITS

The High Society

with:
The Teenage Frames || Listen
Rocket || Listen
Babil Bijits

Tickets available at the door

Friday 04.04.08: FIRST FRIDAYS with THE WATSON TWINS / CASTLEDOOR @ Natural History Museum

First Fridays – Dinner, Discussion, Music & More

with:
The Watson Twins || Listen
Castledoor

@ Natural History Museum
900 Exposition Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90007

FMI: http://www.nhm.org/firstfridays/

5:30pm – Tour
6:30pm – Discussion
8:00pm – Music

5pm / Adult $9, students (w. ID) $6.50, Members FREE / All Ages

Wednesday 04.02.08: Indie 103.1 presents CLUB NME with TROY THIS / LACO$TE

Troy This

he’s the bastard child of urbanism & digitalism, a mixture of electro soul & amusing pop rock. His music awakes a lot of memories from the “Tape” days & his sex-dosed vocals & original music virtually resurrects moments only Janet Jackson could pull off successfully, like on the TV-Ad-Esque “Hit The Dirt” & Rugrats-theme-like naïve tropical rock “America Dream (Happy Song)” makes the cheesy fashionable again. There’s even a demo titled “Slap Kiss Beautiful Later” that could easily be mistaken for a “Michael Jackson & Darren Hayes” early unreleased duet session! But don’t get carried away with the comparisons here as it’s just merely a point out to a style or an era, ‘Troy This’ music has that ambiance that makes you feel familiar with his tracks when listening to, like you’ve been playing it since you were a kid & that’s rare. – Ohhcrapp.net

with:
Laco$te || Listen

plus DJs Dia & Neil (War Tapes) spinning rock, indie, punk, electro & alternative

Dewar’s Drink Specials: $3 before Midnight, $1 after

Tickets Available at The Door

Tuesday 04.29.08: SHE & HIM featuring ZOOEY DESCHANEL & M. WARD / LAVENDER DIAMOND @ Vista Theatre

She & Him featuring Zooey Deschanel & M. Ward || Listen

She & Him is a story of musical serendipity: Two artists, each renowned in their own creative fields, meet and recognize a certain shared nostalgia. The result is destined to be one of the musical highlights of the year.

Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward first met to record a version of Richard and Linda Thompson’s “When I Get To The Border” for a movie soundtrack. Immediately struck by one another’s talents and finding an instant rapport, Zooey let slip that she wrote her own songs which she recorded alone at home on her computer. Somewhat shy about anyone hearing these musical morsels she eventually sent the demos to Matt who was instantly impressed. They soon reconvened at his Portland studio to begin work.

Embracing the warm sound of early analog recordings, Volume 1 is more than just a showcase for Zooey’s rich and endearing voice; it’s a distinctive and endlessly charming album. The songs themselves give a respectful nod to the likes of Dusty Springfield, Linda Ronstadt and The Zombies while Matt’s production gives them just the right amount of golden era sheen. Whether Zooey’s channeling Ronnie Spector as on “I Was Made For You” or joining Matt in turning The Beatles “I Should Have Known Better” into a seductive hula guitar duet, the results are always captivating.

with:
Lavender Diamond || Listen

@ Vista Theatre
4473 Sunset Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027

Saturday 04.19.08: BODIES OF WATER / ELF POWER / FLOWERS FOREVER

Bodies of Water || Listen

Los Angeles’ Bodies of Water pummels past many more obvious/awesome points of comparison during the course of this preachtastic album– their reverent throat-throng approach evokes a Monotheistic Spree, their anthemic exponential subchoruses harken back to that first New Pornographers record, and their rousing, art-pop-rock-alyptic ambition suggests an Arcade Fire sparked by a burning bush. And after you accept the wall of vocals into your heart, you’ve still got to deal with arrangements equal parts Ennio Morricone, Godspell, classic punk, and Ben-Hur soundtrack. Pretty much relentless, this stuff, helped along in tone by a sleeve photo of a celebrant accidentally busting someone in the face while throwing out a joyous arm. – Pitchfork

with:
Elf Power || Listen
Flowers Forever || Listen

Friday 04.19.08: PRE / THE MAE SHI / MICHAEL VIDAL (of Abe Vigoda)

Pre || Listen

“I sometimes feel I might puke [from] moving so much… but when I feel that, I try to push myself harder,” says Pre singer Akiko Matsuura, discussing her convulsive stage act. “It’s an amazing feeling to push yourself as far as you can go,” adds guitarist John Webb. “When you wake up the morning after a show with cuts, bruises and whiplash, you know that you achieved something special.”

Pre have definitely done so on their debut LP, Epic Fits (Skin Graft). Recorded in a pizza storage unit (“The faster we played, the warmer we stayed!” claims Webb) in their home city of London, the album is like a high-speed escalator in which each track tops the manic energy of the last. As Matsuura breathes Boredoms-style fire, the band rips out blinding post-punk that evokes the Fall at 78 RPM, or Erase Errata in a fist-fight with Lightning Bolt. – Paper Thin Walls

with:
The Mae Shi
Michael Vidal (of Abe Vigoda)

Thursday 04.17.08: THE WESTERN STATES MOTEL / HELLO DRAGON / FLASHING RED LIGHTS / HAPPY STARS

The Western States Motel || Listen

Writing, producing, and recording under the name the Western States Motel, California native Carl Jordan’s work is the musical equivalent of that mint on your pillow at the end of the night: low-key, unexpected, and sweet. Mixing shimmery summer sounds with unlikely introspection, Jordan’s songs call to mind the smooth sounds of bands like the Shins and Grandaddy. The mellow “Rows of Homes” trots along effortlessly, the poppy instrumentals a perfect foil to Jordan’s Stephin Merritt-esque deadpan. – Spin.com

with:
Hello Dragon
Flashing Red Lights
Happy Stars

Tickets available at the door

Tuesday 04.15.08: ROCCO DELUCA / BRYAN SCARY / WYOMING

Rocco DeLuca || Listen

I love a ridiculous amount of bands and have been to more shows than I can keep track of, but it is not often that an artist actually blows me away in their live performance to the extent that Rocco DeLuca and the Burden have. I’ve seen them anywhere from small clubs (their performance at The Fillmore in San Francisco is one of the best live sets I’ve witnessed, ever), to community theatres, to record stores and coffee shops, to a crowd of over 17,000 at the Hollywood Bowl. No matter the setting, they do not disappoint; but I do think they excel and musically are best suited for a club, so I was extremely excited to be able to see them at the House of Blues during what is their first headlining tour.

If you have not heard these guys before, the best I can do to describe their style is to say it is a wonderfully fused combination of rock, blues, jazz and folk. Rocco has a unique, wailing style to his vocals and while I’ve heard him compared to anyone from Robert Plant to Jeff Buckley, he is really his own star in the making. – Billboard Mobile Beat

with:

Brian Scary || Listen
Wyoming

Sunday 04.27.08: NEIL HAMBURGER / ANDY KINDLER / FANCY SPACE PEOPLE / THE FUXEDOS / MACK LINDSAY

Neil Hamburger

If Neil Hamburger wasn’t the Funniest Man in America, why would the record company keep letting him make so many albums? Can’t answer that question, can you? No, it’s beyond dispute, he is the funniest. End of debate. Don’t even mention Jack Kevorkian, Neil is waaaaay, waaaaaaaay more side-splittingly hilarious, and he’s a much bigger bummer. And he’s got a million of ‘em – why, if one of his jokes falls flat or makes you groan or feel like gagging, or say the next 80 or 90 “gags” don’t exactly make you howl with uproarious laughter, just wait, because Neil will pounce with just a killer, killer line that will make you pee in your pants and nudge the guy next to you so he spills his drink (and when he hits you, that’ll be funny too). You’ll be glad you shelled out your money and chose to spend your time, on a Sunday night, no less, with America’s funny man, Neil Hamburger. – LA Weekly

with:
Andy Kindler
Fancy Space People
The Fuxedos
Mack Lindsay

Wednesday 04.09.08: Indie 103.1 presents CLUB NME with SOFTLIGHTES / THE BILLIONAIRES

Softlightes || Listen

Ron Fountenberry is one of those insanely multi-talented human beings. Once his creative mind starts working, something magical happens. Armed with pen and paper wonderful drawings appear. Give him a video camera and a feast for the eyes will erupt. Hand him a musical instrument and wonderful melodies will flow. Ron once was the front man of a band called The Incredible Moses Leroy. Their second and and final album was titled The Incredible Moses Leroy Becomes the SoftLightes. That was 2003. Fast-forward a few years. Ron has found new musical partners, Kristian Dunn, Tim Fogerty and Jeff Hibshman, and together they have become the SoftLightes. Their debut album, Say No To Being Cool – Say Yes To Being Happy, is the technicolored culmination of Ron’s musical evolution. SoftLightes blend joyful pop experiments with a dizzying array of instruments, sounds and textures. Say No To Being Cool – Say Yes To Being Happy is a celebration of child-like wonder, play and beauty. – Insound

with:
The Billionaires

plus DJs Dia & Neil (War Tapes) spinning rock, indie, punk, electro & alternative

Dewar’s Drink Specials: $3 before Midnight, $1 after

Tickets Available at The Door

Monday 04.28.08: Monday Night Residency – JOHNATHAN RICE / NATE GREELY / DAWN LANDES

Johnathan Rice || Listen

“We’re all stuck out in the desert and we’re gonna die”: Right from the jump, Scottish-American Johnathan Rice lets you know that he has moved to L.A., where he composed this classic SoCal singer-songwriter album. Sarcastic, not that hopeful (the protest song protests protest songs), full of coyotes, wildfires and wistful looks back at what might have been, this is an impressive set for anyone, let alone a 24-year-old with just one previous release. He duets with his boo, Jenny Lewis, on “The End of the Affair,” and he channels the Byrds on “What Am I Gonna Do?” before the chiming chords turn into Pixies-ish prickiness. – Blender

with:
Nate Greely
Dawn Landes || Listen

FREE SHOW

Monday 04.21.08: Monday Night Residency – JOHNATHAN RICE / JONATHAN WILSON / JOHNATHAN P SPARAGUS / AMNION

Johnathan Rice || Listen

“We’re all stuck out in the desert and we’re gonna die”: Right from the jump, Scottish-American Johnathan Rice lets you know that he has moved to L.A., where he composed this classic SoCal singer-songwriter album. Sarcastic, not that hopeful (the protest song protests protest songs), full of coyotes, wildfires and wistful looks back at what might have been, this is an impressive set for anyone, let alone a 24-year-old with just one previous release. He duets with his boo, Jenny Lewis, on “The End of the Affair,” and he channels the Byrds on “What Am I Gonna Do?” before the chiming chords turn into Pixies-ish prickiness. – Blender

with:
Jonathan Wilson || Listen
Johnathan P. Sparagus
Amnion || Listen

FREE SHOW

Monday 04.14.08: Monday Night Residency – JOHNATHAN RICE / THE HEAVENLY STATES / WHISPERTOWN2000

Johnathan Rice || Listen

“We’re all stuck out in the desert and we’re gonna die”: Right from the jump, Scottish-American Johnathan Rice lets you know that he has moved to L.A., where he composed this classic SoCal singer-songwriter album. Sarcastic, not that hopeful (the protest song protests protest songs), full of coyotes, wildfires and wistful looks back at what might have been, this is an impressive set for anyone, let alone a 24-year-old with just one previous release. He duets with his boo, Jenny Lewis, on “The End of the Affair,” and he channels the Byrds on “What Am I Gonna Do?” before the chiming chords turn into Pixies-ish prickiness. – Blender

with:
The Heavenly States || Listen
Whispertown2000

FREE SHOW

Monday 04.07.08: Monday Night Residency – JOHNATHAN RICE / NIK FREITAS / PIERRE DE REEDER

Johnathan Rice || Listen

“We’re all stuck out in the desert and we’re gonna die”: Right from the jump, Scottish-American Johnathan Rice lets you know that he has moved to L.A., where he composed this classic SoCal singer-songwriter album. Sarcastic, not that hopeful (the protest song protests protest songs), full of coyotes, wildfires and wistful looks back at what might have been, this is an impressive set for anyone, let alone a 24-year-old with just one previous release. He duets with his boo, Jenny Lewis, on “The End of the Affair,” and he channels the Byrds on “What Am I Gonna Do?” before the chiming chords turn into Pixies-ish prickiness. – Blender

with:
Nik Freitas || Listen
Pierre De Reeder

FREE SHOW

Sunday 04.06.08: Classical Geek Theatre presents RADEMACHER / LE SWITCH / EL OLIO WOLOF / TIGERS CAN BITE YOU

Rademacher || Listen

Some exciting local talent has sprouted recently, ranging from the madcap home-taped micro-hits of Reid May to the icy boy-girl-boy-girl indie drawl of Rademacher. The latter group has been self-releasing EPs since 2004 and building a following on tour sojourns with the Joggers and Man Man, with whom it shares some melodramatic vocal quirks and occasional shambling moments. Though the licks and cadences from its valley elders are impossible to miss, the band still creates a brutally contemporary sound, and its onstage panache recently led Billboard magazine to recognize its “potential to break into the big time.” – SF Weekly

with:
Le Switch || Listen
El Olio Wolof
Tigers Can Bite You || Listen

presented by Classical Geek Theatre

Thursday 04.03.08: Isgoodmusic.com presents – CRAFT CLUB / FISH CIRCUS / NIGHTFUR / MICHAEL MAZOCHI

Craft Club

Perfectly defining the powerful drive and energy of today’s do-it-yourself indie rock spirit,” C.R.A.F.T. Club, a trio based out of Los Angeles, are drawing a lot of attention with their unique style of music and charismatic stage presence. Stephen Smirke’s melodic vocals and guitar collide seamlessly with the electronic-synth bass and lead keyboard harmonies of Clara Ko. Tying it all together is the driving “in-the-pocket” style drums of Will Holliday. Mixing up some of the elements of late sixties British pop, nineties grunge, and 80′s synth pop, C.R.A.F.T. Club have developed a refreshing original style of their own. C.R.A.F.T. Club’s 2007 self-titled debut album on KNA Records was produced by the accredited engineer Jason Wormer, who has worked with the likes of Nine Inch Nails, Neil Young, Beck, Robert Plant, and countless other top acts. – LA Weekly

with:
Nightfur
Michael Mazochi and The Widows
Fish Circus

Presented by www.isgoodmusic.com

Tickets at the Door

Friday 04.04.08: LIGHT FM / THE MUSIC LOVERS / THE FLYING TOURBILLION ORCHESTRA / GOOD ON PAPER

Light FM

Light FM is a huff of cosmic dust from a planet far, far away. Lead by Josiah Mazzaschi, the crackpot mastermind behind the legendary Chicago unit Motorhome, this hypnotic array of perky zingers are fueled by maddening keyboards and gooey electro-pop that combines for a sizzling salvo like The Cars crashing a surprise party for Devo. Light FM’s sparkly new EP Save The Drama is the quintessential fuse of 80′s synth-pop, disassembled and rearranged in the 2007 digital age with all of the glamour and celebrity of the smoking hot stars in Los Angeles as its supernatural backdrop. – The Tripwire

with:
The Music Lovers || Listen
The Flying Tourbillion Orchestra
Good on Paper

Tuesday 04.01.08: ABBOT KINNEY / ROCCO DELUCA / THE MEEMIES

Abbot Kinney

with:
Rocco DeLuca || Listen
The Meemies

Tickets available at The Door

Friday 03.28.08: THE SIXTH CHAMBER / CIRCUS MINOR / THE CHUCK DUKOWSKI SEXTET / INFRARED SUNDAY

The Sixth Chamber

Despite their intricately tangled guitar riffs and pummeling heaviness, the Sixth Chamber are more than just another hard-rock band. The local quartet claim that they’re influenced by Edgar Allan Poe, the Black Panthers’ Bobby Seale, Timothy Leary, defense attorney William Kunstler, Henry Miller, abnormal psychology, shamanism and “consciousness alteration” just as much as they are by psychedelic rock and Black Sabbath. They say they’re inspired by the movies of Roman Polanski — and yet the cover of their new self-titled EP (on Novokkane Recordings) features sensual artwork by imprisoned Charles Manson affiliate Bobby Beausoleil. Clearly, there’s a lot going on with this ambitious group. Sevan Kand howls with a wild-eyed, from-the-mountaintop kind of rock evangelism, firmly supported by drummer Michael Ferrara and bassist Joshua Soto’s mighty bedrock of Led Zep–style rhythms. Guitarist Rahne Pistor slathers “Secret Lovers Land” with a wash of exotic slide guitar and deft psychedelic licks, while Kand croons ominously until the song is swept out to sea on a rising metallic tide. – LA Weekly

with:
Circus Minor
The Chuck Dukowski Sextet || Listen
Infrared Sunday || Listen

Tuesday 03.15.08: VAN STONE / THE RINGERS / VAGGIE SKABS / TAT

Van Stone

PALMDALE’S #3 ROCK BAND IS BACK!!!!

That’s right, Randy Van Stone, the self proclaimed Messiah of Rock-n-Roll has recovered from recovering and is returning to the stage for his first public performance. LIVE! AT SPACELAND CONCERT ARENA! ONE NIGHT ONLY!

But wait there’s more! Due to excessive drug use, homosexual urges, bad attitudes and total lack of willingness to work for no money. Randy Van Stone was forced to fire his entire backing band. After spending weeks scouring the dregs of humanity for his new line-up, Randy was forced to settle for the only people that answered his Craig’s List ad… Taking in some of Palmdale’s most unwanted citizens, Van Stone was reborn from the ashes of bitterness.

On Tuesday March 25th, Randy Van Stone will unleash with out prejudice his new Van Stone line-up: On Lead-Lead Guitar, PFC. Kurt Gibson. On Lead Guitar, (heir to the Peavey Amp fortune) Steavey Peavey. On Lead Bass, Ex-Palmdale High Star QB, Now full time loser JD ATKINS. And on Lead Drums, Jerry Ramoan (by legal threat, we must state that Jerry is in no way related to any of the Ramones.)

Together these men will rise above the naysayers, the disbelievers, the skeptics and the critics. For they have chosen a path of Righteousness in the name of Rock. Defenders for all that still believe in the values of SEX, DRUGS, AND ROCK-N-ROLL. Together these fine men of Palmdale are VAN STONE!!!!

with:
The Ringers
Vaggie Skabs
TAT || Listen

Sunday 03.16.08: THE ATMA / TELACASTERS / THE NOISE CHAPTER / THE TRUTH

The Atma || Listen

with:
Telacasters
The Noise Chapter
The Truth

FREE SHOW

Saturday 04.12.08: Aquarium Drunkard presents SCOUT NIBLETT / HERMAN DUNE / WILDERNESS

Scout Niblett || Listen

In a world swamped with pithy singer-songwriters, flogging the dead horse that is the love song, Scout Niblett is a breath of fresh air. Laced with sugar and lethal toxins, obviously. Like Cat Power’s early material, ‘This Fool Can Die Now’ sits just the right side of the fence that divides individuality and musical accomplishment. Which isn’t to say that she, or any of her accompanying musicians can’t play / sing / whatever. The Concept is Queen, here, though, and usually manifests itself in an array of gripping and unusual lyrics. Well, ‘unusual’, if you want to sit her in a room with KT Tunstall or Kate Nash and do a contrast and compare exercise.

She yelps and howls, unreservedly, un-self-consciously: womanly and wild. Parallels drawn with Kurt Cobain are deserved, if a little unnerving. Entire songs riff around a single lyric and chord change, emotions are drawn out in the most simplistic of manners. ‘This Fool Can Die Now’ is a laidback and charming affair and the presence of the likes of Bonnie Prince Billy on vocal duties lift it from any potential doldrums it occasionally threatens to dwell in. – Contactmusic.com

with:
Herman Dune || Listen
Wilderness

Presented by Aquarium Drunkard

$8 adv, $10 dos

Saturday 03.29.08: HECUBA / RIO EN MEDIO / QUINN WALKER / AVOCET

Hecuba || Listen

Hecuba’s dubbed-out drone-moan is the L.A. version of New York bands like Excepter or Gang Gang Dance: sexier, cleaner, not as gnarled, more open spaces, more vocals, hippie-friendly, less concerned about their record collection, would rather dance to hip-hop than talk about it, not afraid of a little glitter, better filling your lungs than your nostrils, has photo shoots, trims beards. They’re using all the same glitches and squonks and hisses and growls (and most importantly the hoooosss of what is presumably an electronic cuica), and use them to motor Isabelle Albuquerque’s slow-churned pop spiritual. She sometimes sings in tune and sometimes deliciously out of tune, which means it’s polished, but just-not-polished enough to count as neo-no-wave death-disco or whatevs. Ergo, in a sun-beaten Los Angeles parking lot where No Age is Nirvana, Hecuba front the college-radio playlist of the steaming tarmac with their version of PJ Harvey swamp-poppy To Bring You My Love or Suzanne Vega’s quasi-industrial 99.9F°. – Paper Thin Walls

with:
Rio En Medio
Quinn Walker
Avocet

DJ Manimal Vinyl spinning

Wednesday 03.26.08: Indie 103.1 presents CLUB NME with ALBERTA CROSS / ASHER / THE VOOM BLOOMS

Alberta Cross

Laden with vocals ringing with vulnerable androgyny, this London-based bunch offer a glowing treasure chest of quality as opposed to quantity. There’s a lot to be said for leaving ‘em wanting more – and that’s exactly what The Thief And The Heartbreaker does.

Helmed by songwriting duo Petter Ericson Stakee and Terry Wolfers, Alberta Cross are fine purveyors of sun-soaked San Fran sensibilities balanced with a welcome dose of East End edginess – and it’s no surprise they are garnering an ever-growing army of followers. – BBC

with:
Asher
The Voom Blooms

plus DJs Dia & Neil (War Tapes) spinning rock, indie, punk, electro & alternative

Dewar’s Drink Specials: $3 before Midnight, $1 after

Sunday 03.23.08: Rock n’ Roll Prom with ELECTRIC SHADOWS / THE APACHE / THE WEIGHT

Electric Shadows

This NYC band appears to be cut of the same fashionable, no-chops cloth as the many other recent power-pop revivalists. Trouble is that they fucking pull it off big time, so wipe whatever smirk you’ve had building off yer face. “Break the Rules” willingly falls head first into the glam leanings of the genre, and they seem more than at ease letting things go there (look at the sleeve of you have any doubts). “She’s All You Got” is the true hit though, beginning as a spot-on homage to the Only Ones and finishing off as rockin’ as any Real Kids hit. The b-side alone is worth the price of admission. Much, much better than I thought it would be and a must for unashamed power-pop freaks. – MaximumRockNRoll

with:
Apache
The Weight

Tuesday 03.18.08: KROQ presents WYLD STALLYONS / WILD SWEET ORANGE / THE DEAD TREES

Wyld Stallyons

with:
Wild Sweet Orange || Listen
The Dead Tress

Sunday 03.30.08: NEIL HAMBURGER / ANDY DALY (Mad-TV) / THE JUGGOLOS / DEAD SEA SCROLLS

Neil Hamburger

If Neil Hamburger wasn’t the Funniest Man in America, why would the record company keep letting him make so many albums? Can’t answer that question, can you? No, it’s beyond dispute, he is the funniest. End of debate. Don’t even mention Jack Kevorkian, Neil is waaaaay, waaaaaaaay more side-splittingly hilarious, and he’s a much bigger bummer. And he’s got a million of ‘em – why, if one of his jokes falls flat or makes you groan or feel like gagging, or say the next 80 or 90 “gags” don’t exactly make you howl with uproarious laughter, just wait, because Neil will pounce with just a killer, killer line that will make you pee in your pants and nudge the guy next to you so he spills his drink (and when he hits you, that’ll be funny too). You’ll be glad you shelled out your money and chose to spend your time, on a Sunday night, no less, with America’s funny man, Neil Hamburger. – LA Weekly

with:
Andy Daly (“MadTV”)
The Juggolos
Dead Sea Scrolls

Thursday 03.27.08: DANIEL LANOIS “Here Is What Is” premiere and performance with BRIAN BLADE & Special Guests @ VISTA THEATRE

Daniel Lanois || Listen

For the past 30 years, friends and fans have been asking critically-acclaimed singer/songwriter/producer Daniel Lanois for a glimpse into his recording studio and his creative process. In this the 90 minute documentary he finally appeases the requests.

“Here Is What Is” is a sonic journey that captures the art of making a record by one of the most distinctive and celebrated producers of our time. Directed by Adam Vollick, Adam Samuels and Lanois, the film debuted at the 2007 Toronto Film Festival and offers viewers a rare chance to see Lanois at work behind a soundboard. The film opens up with a magical piano performance by Garth Hudson from The Band. Lanois then travels to Shreveport, LA where he joins Brian Blade’s father at the Zion Baptist Church for a roaring rendition of “This May Be The Last Time.” The film also includes footage with Brian Eno, Emmylou Harris, Billy Bob Thornton, and U2.

March 27 marks the LA premeire for “Here Is What Is”. The two showings will each include a live performance from Daniel Lanois featuring Brian Blade. Lanois has won Grammy’s for his work with U2, Bob Dylan and Peter Gabriel, and also worked with Willie Nelson, Brian Eno, Emmylou Harris, Robbie Robertson, Scott Weiland, and many more. These rare performances are not to be missed.

@ Vista Theatre
4473 Sunset Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027

Saturday 03.15.08: FIREBUG / SIERRA SWAN

Firebug

The sultry, smoky vocals of Juliette Tworsey nearly hypnotized the audience with not only the sound, but the stories and images conjured by the lyrics as well. Melodic and at times almost haunting. Juliette can deliver a song that can not only move your emotions, but make you give your own life’s decisions some extra thought.

The depth to the band’s writing skills and fearless approach to originality gives a modern touch to the psychedelic and blues based influences of some of the best 70′s rock music.

Classically trained lead guitarist, Jules Shapiro, offers a clean touch to his atmospheric darker sound that appeals to the guitar hungry metal fans, classic rockers and well-rounded music enthusiasts. – Chicagosrock.com

with:
Sierra Swan
Aaron David Gleason

Friday 03.14.08: YOU ME AND IOWA / PACIFIC OCEAN FIRE / THE DROWNING MEN / THE ANTIQUES

You Me & Iowa || Listen

Featuring a good mix of indie, pop, and dance rock, You, Me, & Iowa stand out from much of the LA indie scene. They make simple, fun, and meaningful rock music that could be adaptable by hipsters, teens, and college kids alike (and everyone else, for that matter). Their short, but impressive six song set featured a mix of songs from their debut EP Bigger Than Boston and a taste of new material from their upcoming, yet to be titled full length. Their lyrics are reminiscent of early Weezer circa Pinkerton with catchy indie pop melodies the likes of Death Cab for Cutie with a hint of prog thrown in to the mix. – Billboard Mobile Beat

with:
Pacific Ocean Fire || Listen
The Drowning Men
The Antiques || Listen

Thursday 03.13.08: MS GARVEY & THE HOOTENANNY ALL STARS / OLD WAR SHIRT / SLINGS / FAMOUS BOB ROKOS

Ms Garvey & The Hootenanny All Stars || Listen

M.S. Garvey has composed over 130 letters (and counting) to President George W. Bush. In the mysterious Courtyard’s inner sanctum and under the watchful gaze of his cat Mr. Pickles, he writes the letters on his human-powered typewriter and mails the originals to the White House. The letters express Garvey’s thoughts on topics from administration policies, the direction of our country and the current wars, to charity, peace and the power of taking baths. Over time, the show has evolved into a collaborative performance piece that defies description, with a rotating cast of accomplished musicians. Garvey, a charismatic presence and expansive performer, proclaims the letters against a sonic backdrop of improvised music that beckons the sounds of old New Orleans, the Kansas plains and the dark bars of Los Angeles. Full of humor, insight and passion, these rare performances are not to be missed.

with:
Old War Shirt (CD Release show)
Slings || Listen
Famous Bob Rokos

Tickets Available at the Door

Thursday 03.06.08: JUNIOR BOYS (DJ set with Jeremy Greenspan) / EDZK / TROY THIS

Junior Boys || Listen

Jeremy Greenspan and Matt Didemus hold to a style that’s danceable but purposefully dry, drawing on the power of electronics to pump steady and never flag. Tracks like So This Is Goodbye’s opener, “Double Shadow,” have an art-disco sheen and flashes of Chic guitar, but all the sonic elements weaving in and out don’t make the end product any warmer. These songs are complicated robots.

But while the slow-swinging, sorrowful “Count Souvenirs” sounds like the kind of music a Miami Vice drug dealer would listen to in his underfurnished beachfront mansion, and while “Caught In A Wave” features synthesizers that sound like faltering tractor beams, Junior Boys’ emphasis on the aloof and mechanical doesn’t diminish their feeling for how humans relate to technology. There’s a sexiness to songs like “First Time,” with its whip-clap beat and bubbly synths, and a sweetness to the conciliatory “Like A Child.” The precision and perfection reflects human aspiration—a striving to be better. – The Onion AV Club

with:
Troy This
EDZK

Friday 03.07.08: First Fridays w/ WHY? & YACHT @ Natural History Museum

First Fridays – Dinner, Discussion, Music & More

with:
WHY? || Listen
Yacht || Listen

plus Dub Lab DJs:
Ale
MatthewDavid

@ Natural History Museum
900 Exposition Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90007

FMI: http://www.nhm.org/firstfridays/

5:30pm – Tour
6:30pm – Discussion
8:00pm – Music

5pm / Adult $9, students (w. ID) $6.50, Members FREE / All Ages

Saturday 03.22.08: SCHOOL OF LANGUAGE (from Field Music) / AMATEURS / WONDERGROUND

School of Language || Listen

Sunderland’s Field Music was known for its exquisitely constructed pop songs, elegantly proportioned compositions that united seeming contradictions in time signature, key, and mood into graceful, memorable wholes. Field Music is on hiatus now—in one memorable interview the Brewis brothers explained that the band was now only a name on a bank account—and with it some of the white-knuckled control. David Brewis’ School of Language is nothing if not free-wheeling and adventurous, careening through pop, funk, soul, and glitchiness. Sea from Shore, his first mostly-solo album, is messy, even sloppy at times, but gleefully so. Hey, it’s a bedroom record… you can’t expect all the corners to be tucked in. – Popmatters

with:
Amateurs || Listen
Wonderground

Friday 03.21.08: TRAVIS MORRISON HELLFIGHTERS / SAY HI / KEVIN DEVINE

Travis Morrison Hellfighters || Listen

Morrison and his Hellfighters bring a tightness and cohesion to All Y’all that the singer avoided on his solo debut, Travistan, but they don’t flinch at the childish vomit-wave that album caught. Morrison still writes lyrics other singers wouldn’t know what to do with, then dresses them in a flea market’s worth of rhythms, synths, fidgety guitars, and electronic bloops. Conflict and ambivalence create new Morrison standards like “East Side Of The River,” his most heart-melting song yet: “If there is someone that you’d rather be, go find him and bring him back, I’ll love him just the same.” Spastic delights like “As We Proceed,” “Hawkins’ Rock,” and “You Make Me Feel Like A Freak” might reassure pickier Dismemberment Plan fans. Even better, All Y’all should help them embrace Morrison for what really defines him—his defiance. – The Onion AV Club

with:
Say Hi || Listen
Kevin Devine

Thursday 03.20.08: FILM SCHOOL / AIRIEL / FAMOUS AMOS / TALL HANDS

Film School || Listen

Like a brother from another mother, San Francisco-based Greg Bertens’ second release as Film School is just similar enough to last year’s self-titled debut to register as family. Hideout finds his band completely overhauled (after a crippling robbery and “creative differences”) and much improved; this end result doesn’t sound like another predictable addition to your nu-wave library. (But file between Echo and Interpol, if you must.) There’s a shambolic fervor with tambourines, and cyclonic guitars, in places that recall Primal Scream’s psychedelic rock. Other tracks drift into expertly crafted space. Hideout excels as mood music, with at least one stellar single (“Two Kinds”) that creates a new and better one than however you felt before. – XLR8R

with:
Airiel || Listen
Famous Amos
Tall Hands || Listen

Wednesday 03.19.08: Indie 103.1 presents CLUB NME w/ THE ANSWER / WOLFKIN / THE TRANSPERSONALS

The Answer || Listen

Meet Irelands The Answer, Cormac Neeson (vocals) Paul Mahon (guitarist) Micky Waters (bassist) and James Heatley (drummer) a band who are finally gutsy enough to take the chops forged by Led Zeppelin, Free, AC/DC and The Black Crows and bring them, air guitar and all, into the 21st century. The first British name to hit the world of classic rock (we are ignoring the Darkness, they don’t count) since it faded out way back when, and boys, I love you for it!

It’s already been called ‘The Best British Rock Debut of the Decade’ by Classic Rock magazine. And, in a world where hype overrules sense, here’s a rare record that outpaces all media hysteria. “Rise” is an album that brings back the frontline to British Blues Rock, it has energy from the start opening up with guaranteed single “Under The Sky” that smacks you in the face and lets you know that they will be here to stay, a powerful, catchy rock song with enough energy to make a grown man cry! – Contactmusic.com

with:
Wolfkin || Listen
The Transpersonals

plus DJs Dia & Neil (War Tapes) spinning rock, indie, punk, electro & alternative

Dewar’s Drink Specials: $3 before Midnight, $1 after

Wednesday 03.12.08: Indie 103.1 presents CLUB NME with THE MINT CHICKS / THE PRAYERS

The Mint Chicks || Listen

The Mint Chicks are almost a throwback Green Day pop-punk outfit but they incorporate the last couple years of other throwback bands’ greatest throwback-nuggets: a little glistening dance-punk here, a little raspy post-punk there… They seem to do it with an appropriate measure of un-ironic candor, despite the drummer’s silly Vanilla Ice haircut/erection rising behind white-rimmed Buddy Holly nerd glasses, and the requisite strutting front man. TRUE, that doesn’t sound very un-ironic, but they “rock hard” in the most convincing fashion. Indeed, it’s a muscle-rippling sonic fuck affair that may leave you unwittingly sore, but then again, I guess those who return know what they want and where they want it (in the ear hole). – Sentimentalist

with:
The Prayers

plus DJs Dia & Neil (War Tapes) spinning rock, indie, punk, electro & alternative

Dewar’s Drink Specials: $3 before Midnight, $1 after

Tickets Available at The Door

Sunday 03.09.08: BIG BUSINESS / RED FANG / THE COPS

Big Business || Listen

Although well known these days for their collaborating with/joining of The Melvins, Los Angeles-based (but Seattle-born) duo Big Business have enough trump cards in their back catalogue to warrant ample praising of their talents when shorn of Buzz ‘n’ Dale.

Here Come The Waterworks is the pair’s second LP following 2005’s well-received Head For The Shallow debut, also on Hydra Head; unlike many of their label of choice’s past releases, this eight-tracker never once wanders into waters classified as contemporary hardcore. Instead, Big Business’ forte is forceful, brutish ‘classic’ rock – i.e. you can nod yr head ‘til it falls from your shoulders, the vocals are clear and epic of tone, and the instrumentation, while powerful, is never disarmingly discordant. It is classic. – Drowned in Sound

with:
Red Fang || Listen
The Cops || Listen

Friday 03.07.08: KCRW presents DIVISION DAY / THE A-SIDES / THE CORAL SEA

Division Day || Listen

Division Day. Were. Awesome. So awesome, in fact, that they could be considered awesome awesome, deserving of far better praise than this meager college rock fan… could ever dish… I dug Division Day the most for unabashedly mixing my favorite things- a preference for Dismemberment Plan-style awk-rawk over the too-obvious Moving Units post-punk-white-boy funk, soft vocals from a dude who can actually sing, (and) a drummer who looks like Dennis Wilson (pre-alcoholic downfall) and plays like him too (if Dennis Wilson were a robot with precision timing)- a real rock nerd would lay out for you why, exactly, you suck so much for missing their show. – OC Weekly

with:
The A-sides || Listen
The Coral Sea || Listen

Tuesday 03.04.08: AMNION / LUKE TOP / LAYER

Amnion || Listen

Amnion is a medical term for the inner-womb in a female human being or animal. This makes Amnion a likely candidate for worst-band-names-of-2008 lists on the grounds that medical terms are off-limits. Then again, their MySpace page bills their genres as “pop/emo/other” and the headline reads, “pop/emo/other=Pope Mother”. Their debut album “AmenNamO”, and website www.WEAREEACHOTHER.com is riddled with dedications and thank-you notes to “all LOVE” their Mothers, so, at least their name has a continuity with their intents. And, like most Mothers, they seem to care about seeing their children grow into healthy, well-adjusted adults. Healthy, well-adjusted adults with a strong sense of Melody, a diverse vocabulary of Dance moves, an appreciation for positive, well-written Lyrics, and a hunger for some damn good Songs. If you miss this chance to see them, count on your friends to drag you to the next one. Their Music is like a Tree growing in that one special place – you know where she is, but the next time you visit, she’s gotten a LOT BIGGER!

with:
Luke Top
Layer

Tickets Available at The Door

Tuesday 03.11.08: THE WOMBATS / AANCHORS AAWEIGH / COCO B’S

The Wombats

Back in 2003 – three young lads, brought together by their love for primary colors and marsupials formed a band. This trio, emerged from the Liverpool music scene with an infectious indie pop sound. This riot of bright colors and energetic tunes would become known as The Wombats.

Five years later and The Wombats are set to release their debut US EP, The Wombats. The first single, Kill The Director, is chock full of nonstop rhythms and electrifying vocals. Delivered in a rush of adrenaline and guitars, it leaves you hyper and jumping for more. – Filter

with:
AAnchors AAweigh || Listen
Coco B’s || Listen

Wednesday 03.05.08: Indie 103.1 presents CLUB NME with HOWLIN RAIN / THE MOON UPSTAIRS / THE HIGH SOCIETY

Howlin Rain || Listen

After leading magnificent Californian psych-rockers Comets On Fire through a decade of uncompromising, speaker-busting cacophony, singer/guitarist Ethan Miller started to display a more melodic tendency with the inception of his Howlin’ Rain side project. Their 2006 debut album was a rollicking, classic-rock delight in the Creedence/Skynyrd mould, packed with southern-boogie verve and big choruses. With Comets On Fire now on hiatus, and golden-touch producer Rick Rubin signing Howlin’ Rain’s second album, it seems like a side project no more. Looking as scruffy as any retro rock-inclined band worth their salt should, Howlin’ Rain have expanded their lineup to five for this first overseas tour, and it was clear Miller has lost no enthusiasm for volume. Bursting off with new songs, the sound is as blusterous as the name implies. – The Guardian

with:
The Moon Upstairs || Listen
The High Society

plus DJs Dia & Neil (War Tapes) spinning rock, indie, punk, electro & alternative

Dewar’s Drink Specials: $3 before Midnight, $1 after

Thursday 03.27.08 – THE DATSUNS / THE BINGES / ANGUS KHAN

The Datsuns || Listen

The Datsuns established themselves in 2002 with their eponymous debut as a rock band in the old fashioned sense of the word. Two years later, ‘Outta Sight / Outta Mind’ provided more of the same and now, continuing the New Zealanders’ biannual release rhythm, ‘Smoke And Mirrors’ cements the trend.

Those who already harbour feelings for the band’s concoction of punchy guitar riffs laced with hints of country and blues harmonies will feel right at home here. There really isn’t much to dampen the spirit – even the odd ‘slow’ song feels as though the vitality of the rest of the album has simply been placed on a tighter leash. Thus the slide guitar of ‘Stuck Here For Days’ or the hairspray and leathers finish of ‘Too Little Fire’ show the same gritted teeth as their louder neighbours. – New-Noise.net

with:
The Binges || Listen
Angus Khan

Saturday 03.08.08: KCRW presents LIAM FINN / THE HEAVENLY STATES / THE FEATURES

Liam Finn || Listen

On his full-length debut, the child of Kiwi pop kingpin Neil Finn (Split Enz, Crowded House) is more a descendant of the scattershot aesthetic that Todd Rundgren perfected on his 1972 masterpiece Something/Anything. Often producing and playing all the instruments, Liam loops hook-happy guitars through syncopated rhythms (“Second Chance,” “Energy Spent”), serves up classic-pop reproductions (the Beach Boys-esque “Lullaby”), and tosses in odds and ends both ridiculous (the honking “Better to Be”) and sublime (the gently folk-rocking “Wise Man”). Skillful if occasionally rickety, Lightning showcases a confident, evolving voice. – Spin

with:
The Heavenly States || Listen
The Features || Listen

*Pela canceled their tour due to injury

Monday 03.31.08: Monday Night Residency – VOXHAUL BROADCAST / LEMON SUN / RUMSPRINGA / THE UNION LINE

Voxhaul Broadcast

After signing with Leftwing/Retone Records early in 2007, Voxhaul decided to take a page from some of their favorite artists and embrace the kinks and mistakes that make live records so great. By harnessing a sound that reflects a range of influences from James Brown and Al Green to The Beatles and Donovan, the group composed tracks with smart lyrics and undeniably catchy beats. In turn, the results of their labor are 8 songs full of raw enthusiasm, echoing the sort of musical honesty that turns even the most pretentious listeners into fans.

with:
Lemon Sun || Listen
Rumspringa
The Union Line

FREE SHOW

Monday 03.24.08: Monday Night Residency – VOXHAUL BROADCAST / EASTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS / LAST AMERICAN BUFFALO / THE GROWLERS

Voxhaul Broadcast

After signing with Leftwing/Retone Records early in 2007, Voxhaul decided to take a page from some of their favorite artists and embrace the kinks and mistakes that make live records so great. By harnessing a sound that reflects a range of influences from James Brown and Al Green to The Beatles and Donovan, the group composed tracks with smart lyrics and undeniably catchy beats. In turn, the results of their labor are 8 songs full of raw enthusiasm, echoing the sort of musical honesty that turns even the most pretentious listeners into fans.

with:
Eastern Conference Champions || Listen
Last American Buffalo || Listen
The Growlers

FREE SHOW

Monday 03.17.08: Monday Night Residency – VOXHAUL BRODACAST / THE PIGEON DETECTIVES / MY PET SADDLE

Voxhaul Broadcast

After signing with Leftwing/Retone Records early in 2007, Voxhaul decided to take a page from some of their favorite artists and embrace the kinks and mistakes that make live records so great. By harnessing a sound that reflects a range of influences from James Brown and Al Green to The Beatles and Donovan, the group composed tracks with smart lyrics and undeniably catchy beats. In turn, the results of their labor are 8 songs full of raw enthusiasm, echoing the sort of musical honesty that turns even the most pretentious listeners into fans.

with:
The Pigeon Detectives || Listen
My Pet Saddle || Listen

FREE SHOW

Monday 03.10.08: Monday Night Residency – VOXHAUL BROADCAST / AUSHUA / YVES KLEIN BLUE / WHITLEY / OLD MAN RIVER / ASH GRUNDWALD / DAN KELLY

Voxhaul Broadcast || Watch

After signing with Leftwing/Retone Records early in 2007, Voxhaul decided to take a page from some of their favorite artists and embrace the kinks and mistakes that make live records so great. By harnessing a sound that reflects a range of influences from James Brown and Al Green to The Beatles and Donovan, the group composed tracks with smart lyrics and undeniably catchy beats. In turn, the results of their labor are 8 songs full of raw enthusiasm, echoing the sort of musical honesty that turns even the most pretentious listeners into fans.

with:
Aushua || Listen

Australian Music Showcase from 7-10:30pm with:

Yves Klein Blue || Listen
Whitley || Listen
Old Man River || Listen
Ash Grunwald || Listen
Dan Kelly || Listen

FREE SHOW

Monday 03.03.08: Monday Night Residency – VOXHAUL BROADCAST / CAVIL AT REST / SAINT MOTEL / WORKING FOR A NUCLEAR FREE CITY

Voxhaul Broadcast

After signing with Leftwing/Retone Records early in 2007, Voxhaul decided to take a page from some of their favorite artists and embrace the kinks and mistakes that make live records so great. By harnessing a sound that reflects a range of influences from James Brown and Al Green to The Beatles and Donovan, the group composed tracks with smart lyrics and undeniably catchy beats. In turn, the results of their labor are 8 songs full of raw enthusiasm, echoing the sort of musical honesty that turns even the most pretentious listeners into fans.

with:
Cavil at Rest || Listen
Saint Motel || Listen
Working for a Nuclear Free City || Listen

FREE SHOW

Sunday 03.02.08: Spaceland 13 year Anniversary Party with THE BLOOD ARM / 400 BLOWS / EARLIMART / RUN RUN RUN / WISKEY BISCUIT / RADAR BROS / OLIVER FUTURE / THE VACATION / THE BROKEN WEST / THE MOVIES / LET’S GO SAILING / THE TYDE & MORE

1:00 – 1:30 – Let’s Go Sailing || Listen
1:50 – 2:20 – The Tyde || Listen
2:40 – 3:10 – The Broken West || Listen
3:30 – 4:00 – Oliver Future || Listen
4:20 – 4:50 – The Movies
5:10 – 5:40 – Radar Bros || Listen
6:00 – 6:30 – Earlimart || Listen
6:50 – 7:20 – Special Guests
7:40 – 8:10 – Wiskey Biscuit
8:30 – 9:00 – 400 Blows || Listen
9:20 – 9:50 – The Blood Arm || Listen
10:10 – 10:40 – Run Run Run || Listen
11:00 – 11:30 – The Vacation

To purchase poster, please visit: http://option-g.com/store/spaceland.htm

Saturday 03.01.08: HOLY FUCK / A PLACE TO BURY STRANGERS / IN WAVES

Holy Fuck || Listen

Founded by Toronto musicians Brian Borcherdt and Graham Walsh in 2004, the band’s basic setup is simple: a ton of drums, keyboards, and electronic noise generators. All of their instrumental music is created through a process of improvisation and refinement, and the lineup is somewhat elastic from show to show, which adds an extra element of unpredictability to the development of each piece.

I felt that their 2005 debut, while it had a few jaw-dropping moments, demonstrated mostly potential, but you can pretty much forget potential on LP. This album is leagues better than the debut, an exciting blend of aggressive rhythm and nuanced, skillfully manipulated noise. The band has developed every song on the record and captured them in raw, live performance (in the case of opener “Super Inuit”, in front of an audience). The result is frequently exhilarating, a cyborg dance party for a broken future that’s closer than you think. – Pitchfork

with:
A Place to Bury Strangers || Listen
In Waves || Listen