About: Olin Monty
Olin Monty is a wicked singer, riding around town with his 1973 Les Paul and Vintage Marshall. Although his name is Olin, you are welcome to call him "Sir" or "Master" as needed. Some people have felt Olin is sarcastic, but he does not understand from where this delusional belief stems.
He is an avid Lakers and Kobe Bryant fan (yeah, that's right). He is a very average to below average baller in his own right, but makes up for it by being a SAG actor. Huh?
Olin proudly submits Food, Music, and Politics articles for LA Cityzine, and fears his food reviews will eventually make him fat. He is also an avid myspace addict so find him at www.myspace.com/olin. Olin has a facebook too, but he doesn't care about it.
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The Whigs are Rock and Roll the old fashioned way. In fact, they are often categorized alongside “Garage Rock” bands, proving their sound must have been culled from a raw, basic place in the human psyche and wrenched straight from the gut. Often drawing comparisons to such reputed acts as The Replacements, Guided by Voices, and My Morning Jacket, the band lives up to its reputation.
Since debuting in 2005, the trio of Parker Gispert (Vocals, Guitar, keys), Tim Deaux (Bass, Vocals), and Julian Dorio (Drums) have received critical acclaim from much of the major entertainment press (Re: Rolling Stone, Spin, and the usual heavyweights). However, the band staying true to their rock and punk roots has toured relentlessly to break their name. With their new release, Mission Control, (ATO Records) The Whigs have geared up to take their troubadour spirit across the United States and into Europe. Meanwhile, they have managed both to make appearances on the David Letterman Show, and humorously take the time to hold a birthday celebration at Chuck E. Cheese’s when time permitted.
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Tags: Interviews · bands
Sunday nights on the Sunset Strip do not live up to the hype of their heyday many moons ago, but nonetheless, L.A.’s own funk/rock outfit Casxio managed to put on an energetic set at the Key Club. The band hit the stage on time, a shocker in and of itself, and then proceeded to deliver a healthy and concise set of the “Casxio sound.”
For those not already in the know from their previous LA Cityzine interview, Casxio (pronounced Ka-see-oh), was one of our “Get to Know LA Bands” features. Surely, a band described in print, or experienced via MP3, deserves a look in a live setting.
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Tags: Entertainment · Reviews · shows
Many bands tout the label of “Indie,” but few bands capture the spirit and musicianship as well as The Boxing Lesson. Originally hailing from Los Angeles, primary songwriter and guitarist Paul Waclawsky took his act from the L.A. grind to the wide open spaces (and open minds) of the musical oasis of Austin, Texas. There, joining forces with Jake Mitchell (Drums, Samples) and Jaylinn Davidson (Vocals, Synths), they have formed a musical chemistry evoking the beautiful psychedelic soundscapes of Pink Floyd and King Crimson, while unabashedly rooting themselves in the modern rock n’ roll in the vein of groups like Catherine Wheel, Hum, and the Silversun Pickups.
On their latest release “Wild Streaks and Windy Days” the trio takes the spacey rock sensibilities of Brian Eno and uses them to create lush synth backdrops with classic guitar and drum work taking the reigns. The rich lyrical offerings and strong musicianship quickly draw listeners in, while Paul Waclawsky’s voice alludes to the rich tones of Matthew Bellamy (Muse) and Rob Dickinson (Catherine Wheel). Listeners looking for a new, easily accessible Indie sound would be well advised to visit the Boxing Lesson on MySpace or purchase their music on CD Baby or iTunes.
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Tags: Interviews · bands
Times have changed and Angelenos have found new trends to chase. They always do, and that’s how things proudly work around here. Chalk it up to politics, fashion, or headline news, but these days its Middle Eastern cuisine at the center of all the rage. Enter the Pita Kitchen in the heart of Sherman Oaks.
Located right on the southwest corner of Ventura Blvd and Van Nuys Blvd, behind the giant newsstand with the huge blue awning, the Pita Kitchen delivers THE most authentic flavors of the Middle East this side of the Red Sea, at prices too low to imagine. If generous portions (re: wow!) of healthy meats, delicious Hummus, Babaganoush (try saying that five times fast!), and Salad dishes are your thing, then start salivating. This spot will appeal to food connoisseurs just as much as fashion conscious Beverly Blvd. Ladies with Chihuahuas in their purses (lest she favors patronizing the doggy bakery across the street). The Pita Kitchen is hearty, healthy, and can’t miss.
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Tags: Restaurants · Reviews
