Tonight in L.A.: The Cribs, Band of Horses, more

Kevin Bronson on November 9th, 2009

0

[Birthday shout-out to L.A. musician/producer Aaron Embry today. Meanwhile, there is an enormous confluence of concerts for a Monday night — here goes:]

The first time I saw U.K. punk-rockers the Cribs play in Los Angeles, frontman Gary Jarman bloodied himself on the microphone, and it was love at first gush. It’s not likely that Jarman and brothers Ryan and Ross have toned it down any – even with ex-Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr joining them as a fourth member. Their fourth album, the new “Ignore the Ignorant,” adds some songwriting complexities while still keeping the Cribs’ estimable swagger, not to mention their four-pint choruses. The band plays to a sold-out Roxy tonight, with locals the Blood Arm (who’ve been recording new music with producer and ex-Mighty Lemon Drop David Newton) opening. … Band of Horses, whose 2009 tours have taken them from Coachella to Finland to Maui (where they opened for Willie Nelson), plays a one-off at Club Nokia, with Warpaint opening. … Behind her latest album “Ellipse,” Imogen Heap plays to a sold-out Fonda Theatre. … David Gray’s first U.S. tour in several years winds up with a sold-out show at the Orpheum Theatre. … And Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit bring their combustible Southern rock to the Echo. … It’s a fine night for the residencies too – Week 2 of the Happy Hollows’ stand at Spaceland features Casxio, the Widow Babies and the Soft Hands; the Fling and Make Moon join residents Mississippi Man at the Silverlake Lounge; and On Blast and Little Red Radio support Pop Noir at the Detroit Bar. … Also: Best Coast at the Smell; Girlyman and a “secret special guest” at the Bootleg Theater; Transfer at the Viper Room; and Cy Curnin & Nick Harper at the Hotel Cafe.