Follow the synth lines, they will lead you to the Promised Land. Or at least a great warehouse party. That’s what you get with Radio Freq, the L.A. electro trio that just released its debut EP “Alive” (on iTunes and on Coming Home Records). The new project from longtime pals Ben Adams and Cliff Magreta, […]
The “slowcore” music of Hope Sandoval & the Warm Inventions, previewed here in July [and another download below], ought to be perfect for the setting tonight when her ensemble plays a sold-out show at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. … The 88 winds up its Tuesday residency at Spaceland, supported by Quazar and the Bamboozled and […]
[A huge week ahead – and not just because of Wednesday’s Buzz Bands Anniversary Show. After all, it’s National Chimney Week. And it’s Joseph Arthur’s birthday today. Celebrate accordingly with the show of your choice …] Portland six-piece Blitzen Trapper headline the El Rey Theatre behind the release last month of its new “Black River […]
[Here’s the full version of the piece I wrote for LA Weekly on Autolux, in advance of the band’s show tonight at the El Rey Theatre:] There are fans who would go to the end of the earth to hear the new album from Autolux. So when you’re offered a chance to talk to the […]
Samuel Stewart might come from a pop music lineage, but, one year into his apprenticeship on the Los Angeles scene, he’s intensely aware that he must make his own way, and that there’s some serious dues yet to be paid. “I think that’s the danger of being a professional musician’s kid,” the 21-year-old son of […]
[Birthday wishes go out Sunday to Marvin Lee Aday, whom you know as Meat Loaf. Can’t look at the dashboard lights without thinking of him …] Bon Iver fever: It’s quite a weekend for critical darling Justin Vernon [pictured], who as Bon Iver will play a sold-out show tonight at the Wiltern and then follow […]
Has it really been 25 years since “West End Girls?” Pet Shop Boys return to L.A.,” their 1oth album, “Yes”(which came out in April), having certified that Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe are still trying to push the envelope a bit, even if their electro feels a bit safe in an era of Dangerous Kids […]
[Happy birthday to the Boss. Bruce Springsteen turns 60 today, long may he run. Here’s tonight fare:] The Crosby, Stills & Nash show at the Greek Theatre has been postponed to Oct. 3. … Brooklyn’s Amazing Baby [pictured, with download below] – its debut CD “Rewild” has remained in my short stack all year – […]
[Happy birthday, Joan Jett …] People still ask me what the deal is with Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros and whether I believe Alex Ebert’s transformation from dance-rocker to hippie guru. Here’s the story I wrote for the L.A. Times in May [I snapped the photo during the Times shoot] in which Ebert talked […]
[French Invade U.S. No, it’s really happening. The three-night OohLaLA Festival starts Wednesday at the Fonda, and to mark the musical feast, here’s a couple of hors d’oeuvres from Buzz Bands favorites:] [Update: It was just announced that Emilie Simon has canceled her appearance because of “major personal reasons.” Soko will replace her in the […]
