There are a lot of psych-pop revivalists these days who forget the “pop,” instead settling for slight melodies buried in noodling and reverb. Harper Simon’s new single “Bonnie Brae” is not that. The New York-bred, L.A.-based songwriter, moving away from the amiable Americana on his 2009 debut, engages in some sonic crate-digging on his new […]
Best stuff from tonight’s embarrassment of show riches: ‣ The legendary Gang of Four wind up a 13-date U.S. tour tonight at the Music Box behind their new album “C O N T E N T.” Opening are energetic Canadian pop-rockers Hollerado – their one-take video for “Americanarama,” above, has gotten them a bunch of […]
“There are more wishes than stars,” Harper Simon sings plaintively in the new single off last fall’s self-titled debut album. No kidding. Simon’s lovely slice of pop-Americana – which was co-written by novelist Ben Okri – gets an equally gorgeous video treatment from actor/director Joshua Leonard, who gets cameos from the likes of Money Mark, […]
[Fun, festive fundraisers. Cool concerts. Punchy parties. And the Pity Party. This weekend has it all, and I must be quick so I can try to find my godawful-est sweater for the Christmas Sweater Festival on Saturday:] Tonight: Foreign Born [pictured] headlines Spaceland. I hope they use the sleigh bells if they play “Union Hall.” […]
As coming-out parties go, Harper Simon’s could have used an exploding cake or something. The singer-songwriter, celebrating the release of his self-titled debut album on Wednesday night at the Echo, gave a performance that came off as tentative despite his aw-shucks charisma and oh-so-sweet material. The 37-year-old son of pop great Paul Simon seemed a […]
[It’s not Oct. 31, no matter what the first item would lead you to believe, but it is Usher’s birthday. Best wishes, and here’s your deluge of shows tonight …] Canadian duo Junior Boys [pictured, with download below] headline the El Rey Theatre, and don’t be alarmed if you see some costumed crazies along Wilshire […]