[Auckland, New Zealand-based writer Keith Shackleton, an occasional contributor to Buzz Bands LA, is a native of the U.K. who was around for The Beat – known as The English Beat in the U.S. – and all the other music he discusses in this essay:] By Keith Shackleton Late-’70s British post-punk music can be characterized by […]
Of great shows big and small: ‣ With a new album “Wit’s End” on the way in April, singer-songwriter Cass McCombs plays the Center for the Arts in Eagle Rock, joined by Big Search and Frank Fairfield. ‣ Har Mar Superstar and Marijuana Deathsquads wind up their residency at the Satellite – and it’s been […]
[Huge weekend ahead. And that’s even before I decide how to commemorate Quincy Jones’ 77th birthday on Sunday.] Tonight: Great pairing at the Troubadour – local trio the Happy Hollows, slowly gaining attention after the re-release of “Spells” early this year on Autumn Tone, headline, and the Veils [pictured], the U.K. quartet whose 2009 album […]
[Birthday candles Sunday for both Ry Cooder and Sly Stone on what will be a very busy weekend …] Tonight: Van Nuys-based imprint Hopeless/Sub City Records has been doing good things for years with its charity outreach, and its eight annual Take Action Tour, with DoSomething.org as this year’s beneficiary (the group will get three […]
I was a sucker for Yellowcard’s 2003 breakout album, “Ocean Avenue,” and when they followed it up in ’05 with “Lights and Sounds” I figured them for long-running success. Maybe their next album, “Paper Walls,” didn’t advance their teen-angst aesthetic enough, or maybe the kids found a newer model, but the band is now on […]
