New bits: Tefft benefit, Robert Francis, Sunset Jctn.
Kevin Bronson on
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The Honorary Title has filled the last open slot in the “Kick Out the Clots: A Benefit for Jennifer Tefft” show at the Echo and Echoplex on Thursday night. I’ve updated the original post with the new set times.
‣ Done, gone: Now that his long-in-the-works deal with Atlantic Records is officially done, Robert Francis has plotted a busy summer – a European trip ends Saturday with a festival gig in the Netherlands; he plays the Roxy on July 23; and he sets off in August for a 15-date tour with Priscilla Ahn. But what of the 21-year-old’s highly anticipated follow-up to 2007’s “One by One?” We might see it this fall, says one of his reps, “subject to change.” Here, keep your ears warm: Download Francis’ “Little Girl.”
‣ Jens Lekman has the swine flu?
‣ Sunset Junction update: One of our very favorite husband-wife teams, the Submarines, has been added the lineup for Sunset Junction, and so have psych-rockers Night Horse. Three spots on the rock stage remain unfilled for the Aug. 22-23 street fair, which will be headlined by Built to Spill and Conor Oberst & the Mystic Valley Band. [Previously.]
‣ Speaking of: Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros would be perfect for one of those slots, yes? “Up From Below,” their debut, is out July 14, and the ensemble plays the “Also I Like to Rock” night July 23 at the Hammer Museum before embarking on an 10-date tour through Aug. 9. Just sayin’.
‣ Human nature? Everything you need to know about KROQ listeners – given a choice, the evening of Michael Jackson’s death, between hearing the pop star’s “Smooth Criminal” and Alien Ant Farm’s cover of the song, callers to the station opted for the cover.
Also: The documentary I wrote about back in February, “Scott Walker: 30 Century Man,” is finally out on DVD. … The Pixies go Hollywood? … Not to whine, but, man, a Happy Hollows album sure would be nice.
Agreed on Edward Sharpe!
Figures, with regard to KROQ – there was a moment around 5PM the eve of his death when I turned on the radio while driving up La Brea where it seemed every station was playing a Michael Jackson or Jackson 5 tune. It gave me goosebumps to hear this, was really very moving. I started “flipping the dial” to see if they really ALL were, yes… with the exception of a country station, 98.7 and of course KROQ.