Hip-hop in 100-degree heat? That was the story over the weekend when Rock the Bells brought rappers from two generations to the stages at the NOS Events Center in San Bernardino. The highlights were many – Common, KRS-One, J Cole and Kid Cudi among them. Photographer Scott Dudelson shares this gallery of images from his […]
Show picks for your midweek: ‣ Two generations of Grammy-winning singers tonight at the Hollywood Bowl, where Anita Baker – her first album in eight yeras is due in October – and Esperanza Spalding perform. That’s the video for Spalding’s “Radio Song,” above. ‣ Tashaki Miyaki celebrates the release of a new single with a show […]
The Soft Pack, “Tall Boy” – Ever wonder why kids favor “tall boys” when they drink these days? Well, the Soft Pack takes the sad tale of alcohol-filled nights and turns it into the psychedelic tune “Tall Boy,” which beckons people to the dance floor before they actually hit the floor during a bender. Their […]
Remember the first time you played “Spin the Bottle?” Some were more experienced than others, but the anticipation during the game is always innocent and sweet. Act As If‘s Joshua Martinez-directed music for the track “Oh My My” captures that moment perfectly under some soft lighting inside and bright sunshine outside. The L.A. band, whose […]
Ballet and hip-hop? Sure. Directors Ben Fee and Pete Lee make it work in the video for Aesop Rock’s “Cycles to Gehenna,” one of the strongest tracks on the rapper’s strong return “Skelethon” (Rhymesayers). Aesop Rock’s sixth album (and first sine 2007) came out in July, and the imagery and emotion in his prosaic flow […]
By Dani Miskell The Sunset Strip Music Festival fell short of the standard set the previous two years, and by the end of Saturday’s street festival it was apparent that the festivities offered a lot more for party animals than it did music fans. Sure, you had the Strip’s iconic venues and delicious food trucks […]
Chasing Kings’ debut album “Nice Guys” has been simmering on the stove for about a year now, and the big news today is that it will finally be released Oct. 2. It’s an adrenaline-charged stew of pop hooks, shifting tempos and subversive humor from a band that’s paid its dues in Los Angeles and documented […]
Here are some Tuesday touts: ‣ Minneapolis-based Poliça [see “Dark Star” here] bring their ambient electrnoic R&B to the Echoplex, supported by Chicago duo Supreme Cuts. ‣ The Ross Sea Party’s free residency at the Central SAPC charges on, this week featuring sets by the Breakups and Dylan Trees. ‣ Father Tiger – they of […]
Some may recognize Ben Cassorla as the guitarist in Gamble House. Others may have seen him on tour with the Belle Brigade or play in Bryce Dessner’s side project Clogs. His new band Cassorla, also featuring members Ross Garren on keys and harmonica and Brian Carmody on drums, however, has been getting some attention thanks […]
Lafayette, La.-based quartet Brass Bed might have fans going stir-crazy until a follow-up to 2010’s “Melt White” is released, and with good reason. Their forthcoming album “The Secret Will Keep You” won’t be out until 2013. And their new 7-inch single “A Bullet For You” only stokes the fires of anticipation. Due out Sept. 18 […]