Kevin Bronson on October 6th, 2009

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[A batch of local stuff you should be paying attention to …]

The latest in the (almost) monthly songwriting series from Hello Dragon might be its best yet. “107” paints a sad little picture from downtown L.A. that will bring a smile to the face of anybody who’s surveyed the scene at Bar 107 on any given night. Principals Julie Chadwick and Chris Zerby got an assist on this song from Jeremy Wilkins (programming) and Mike Eisenstein (mixing).

||| Download: “107” (and other songs in the series)

I know I already championed the Happy Hollows’ debut album “Spells,” but to mark its physical release date (today), the L.A. band is serving up another free download. Let’s see, that makes three freebies you can get from the album, which is pretty generous. But the album’s other 11 tracks are killer too. Their set Saturday at the Eagle Rock Music Festival was typical blurry fun, and the trio is doing the November residency at Spaceland.

||| Download: “High Wire” and, previously, “Monster Room” and “Faces”

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Also: That farewell album I previewed last week from You Me & Iowa, “Aquarium,” is now available as a pay-what-you-can download. Here. … And the new Learning Music Monthly album [background], a concept piece about a 1960s rock musician, was produced by Alex Silverman of Alex and Sam and features the work of drummer nonpareil Barbara Gruska. Here’s the single, “Famous.” If you haven’t investigated/subscribed, you’re missing out.

Photo of Hello Dragon by Tess Lotta