Reading 'bands'
As I stepped into the classy El Rey Theatre once more this week, I couldn’t help but think of how different it would be from my Balkan Beat Box experience. Upon arrival for a DeVotchKa show, I was anticipating looking at a different type of crowd. However, I found similarities more than differences. For The El Rey, the volume of concert goers never seems to dwindle. No matter what night it is, if it’s a good show, especially one so highly expected to be as DeVotchKa, the crowd will spill past the bar.
Gaining most of their mainstream popularity from scoring the film, Little Miss Sunshine, DeVotchKa had finally been able to reach the masses with their unique take on American punk and folk roots. This four piece band, however, goes far beyond what’s expected of a rock band. Exhibiting their credibility, all multi-instrumentalists flourish together as they weave in and out of Greek, Mariachi, and Slavic notes. I wondered, will Los Angeles embrace them tonight as much as world music lovers or those so called sophiticated hipsters? I was about to find out.
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Tags: Reviews · bands
Does tonight’s line up satisfy you? Take a look.
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Tags: Upcoming events · bands
September 18th, 2008 Written by: Brian · No Comments
Geez, remind me next week to sacrifice a chicken to the Concert Gods because this weeks’ on sale list is, umm, lacking. Frankly, let’s just get to it because the quicker we are done, the quicker we can all get to tracking down a live chicken over the internet (target.com maybe?).
-For you country fans out there, this weekend will prove very fruitful for you. Not only is Merle Haggard coming to Anaheim for a show at the Grove on December 4th (on sale Saturday at noon for $40-$65) but you also get the dynamic duo of Alan Jackson and Trace Adkins (soon to be star of that “An American Carol” movie that I saw a preview of last night and looks, ummm, well, the Zuckers have lost a step) playing the Citizen’s Bank Arena in Ontario on November 23rd. Raise up your hats and give a big yee-haw when tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m.
-A pair of female lead singers are stepping out on their own for some upcoming solo shows. Rilo Kiley songstress Jenny Lewis will play the Orpheum Theater in Downtown LA on October 30 while Dresden Dolls leader Amanda Palmer will headline the Henry Fonda Theater on December 16th. Tickets for both shows go on sale Saturday at 10am and each ticket will be in the $30ish range.
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Tags: Upcoming events · bands
It’s Thursday, all right. Just look at this line up.
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Tags: Upcoming events · bands
September 17th, 2008 Written by: Brian · No Comments
So in an attempt to both lower my blood pressure and make the world a happier, sunnier place, I’ve decided to forgo my usual “music industry is evil/ Sarah Palin/ Economy” rant and instead give you some deep breathing exercises to lead off my Music News post.
Ready?
Here we go:
Deep breath through your mouth.
Breathe in through your nose.
Hold it…
Think about fluffy bunnies and wacky platypus’
Hold it…
Breathe out.
Feel better? Good, let’s start with the music news.
METALLICA ROCKS! (THE CHARTS)
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Tags: News · bands
Tyga
The list of artists playing tonight is legendary. Try and catch one of these shows if you can! Here is your music for tonight:
Tags: Music · Upcoming events · bands
LA.CityZine brings you the plush, melodic rock sounds of Long Beach band, Repeater, as part of our Know Your LA Bands series. Although Long Beach may be well known for a scene bursting of ska and punk bands from the 90’s, two former members of The Main Frame have decided to join forces with others and focus on the other genres that helped pave the way of the 80’s and 90’s. Today, Repeater infuses the elements of new wave and post-punk rock and breathes smooth shoegaze into their sound. With rich chords, meticulous guitar riffs and artful drumming, this band manages to carefully slide dark lush tones under a juxtaposition of rough rock vocals and pop choruses.
Repeater plays home sweet home at The Prospector, this Saturday, September 20th. Alongside bands, Romance and Sleepmask, they take the stage at 10:00pm. Be sure to catch a great show. However, if your schedule happens to be that unfortunate, they’re also playing LA on September 21st at Mountain Bar and September 24th at Club Moscow. You have no excuse now! Until then, check out this interview with the band as well as their video to “Killing Without Question” below!
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Tags: Interviews · bands
September 16th, 2008 Written by: Mali · 9 Comments
The boys of Tokyo Police Club, Dave, Graham, Greg, and Josh, are four good friends living the dream. They grew up dreaming of being rock stars and now with a little nudge they’re soring high. They grew up playing air guitar, lip syncing to songs in front of the mirror, and practicing interviews before bed. Then one day they actually decided trying to play music… and to everyone’s relief, they were awesome.
Their album, A Lesson in Crime, stayed on the Canadian College Charts longer than any other album released in 2006, their video for “Cheer it On” won a MuchMusic Video Award in 2007 (resulting in a very awkward acceptance speech) and they’ve been rocking shows all over. If you ever listen to Indie 103.1, you should know these guys well. I think someone over there has a crush on them. These guys are having a blast and so much fun to watch. They’re a hop, skip, and a jump away from being huge.
See them know so you can say “I knew them when.”
Luckily for you, we’re going to get you for free! We have two pairs of tickets to give-away to two lucky people for the show at The Music Box and the Fonda (Map) on the 18th. All you have to do to be entered in a random drawing to win is…
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Tags: Contests · bands
Faith Hill celebrates Christmas a little early, Nelly busts out his brass knuckles, and Punchline are only saying YES. Here are your CD releases for the week!
All that Remains | Overcome Live CD/DVD
Avenged Sevenfold | Live in the LBC & Diamonds in the Rough Live CD/DVD
Blessid Union of Souls | Close To The Edge
Brass bed | Midnight Matinee
Lindsey Buckingham (Fleetwood Mac guitarist) | Gift of Screws
George Clinton | George Clinton and Some Gangsters of Love
Faith Hill | Joy to the World X-mas album
James | Hey Ma
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Tags: bands
Holy crap, it’s a packed night of music for a Tuesday! Summer is saying goodbye in the nicest way possible. Check out this awesome round up for the bands playing in LA tonight - with times, directions, ticket info and more!
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Tags: Upcoming events · bands
After listening to a great CD by a new artist, one’s initial reaction is a desire to see them live and hear the songs he/she has come to love. For music enthusiast, few things are more exciting than seeing a “new favorite band” play live for the first time. There is the anticipation before the show, “what will they play?” “I wonder what the drummer looks like?” “Who’s opening for them/Who are they opening for?” “Will they sound as good as they do on CD?” And the questions go on and on, so much so that when the band finally hits the stage all the buildup and expectation is either quickly met with satisfaction or, in the worst of cases, utter disappointment.
LA.CityZine recently reviewed Verona Grove’s debut CD, “The story Thought Over” (read the review) giving it praise for being different from the other power pop bands out there. Power pop groups like Homegrown, Plain White T’s, Vampire Weekend, Secondhand Serenade, Mayday Parade, and on and on and on and on and on all sound like “that band:” the vocals are ridiculously identical in each group, the tempo doesn’t change much and the subject is California, girls and superficially broken hearts (maybe she broke up with you because you’re as unoriginal as your music?).
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Tags: Reviews · bands
Road trips are the best time to play those songs you’re too embarassed to play when you’re alone in your room. Why not blare them when your best friends are with you and while you’re on your way to some land far, far away? I hope the gas prices don’t deter you from getting too far. Here is your perfect playlist for the week:
1. Coldplay - Violet Hill | Preview and Buy
2. Earth, Wind, and Fire - September | Preview and Buy
3. Mario - Let Me Love You | Preview and Buy
4. Tears for Fears - Everybody Wants to Rule the World | Preview and Buy
5. Journey - Don’t Stop Believin’ | Preview and Buy
6. Spice Girls - Spice Up Your Life | Preview and Buy
7. Tom Petty - Free Fallin’ | Preview and Buy
8. Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody | Preview and Buy
9. Estelle ft. Kanye West - American Boy | Preview and Buy
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Tags: bands
As I stepped into the classy El Rey Theatre once more this week, I couldn’t help but think of how different it would be from my Balkan Beat Box experience. Upon arrival for a DeVotchKa show, I was anticipating looking at a different type of crowd. However, I found similarities more than differences. For The El Rey, the volume of concert goers never seems to dwindle. No matter what night it is, if it’s a good show, especially one so highly expected to be as DeVotchKa, the crowd will spill past the bar.
