You Set the Scene

Little Radio Summer Camp

2008-07-18T19:10:00.000-07:00

I neglected to mention that Le Switch is playing Little Radio's Summer Camp this weekend. Joining them on the bill is Flying Tourbillon Orchestra and Bloodcat Love. Summer Camp takes place Sunday from Noon to 6:00 PM at 1218 Long Beach Avenue in Downtown LA. They're also doing an open mic. See the details here.

Friday Afternoon Video: Le Switch's "Living in Another World"

2008-07-18T14:27:00.000-07:00

New Music Releases: 7/15/08

2008-07-18T14:06:00.000-07:00

I've never been a Nas or a Hold Steady fan, so it's slim pickings this week....

Noteworthy Records Released on 7/15/08:

Local Interest:
Daedelus: Love to Make Music To (Ninja Tune) – “Guests include Grammy Award-winning rapper Paperboy, producer Michael Johnson (The Lilys, Holopaw), Taz Arnold and Om’mas Keith (Sa-Ra), N’fa (1200 Techniques crew), and chanteuse Erika Rose.” See him at the Airliner on 8/6/08.

Other Records:
Drakkar Suana
The Hold Steady – At the Avalon on 7/30/08.
John Mellencamp – At the Greek on 7/31/08.
Nas – Weiss reviewed this for the LA Times. At the Roxy tonight or the Glen Helen on 8/9/08.
Wire

Something I missed last week:
Billy Joel: The Stranger 30th Anniversary (Sony Legacy) – This one got played a lot in my cousins’ van when I was growing up and it remains Joel’s best selling studio album. “Just the Way You Are” (Record of the Year at the Grammys), “Only the Good Die Young” and “Always a Woman” were the big hits. According to Wikipedia, in 2003, it was ranked #67 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. The two disc version of this reissued contains a live concert from 1977. The three disc version adds a DVD with a performance on the Old Grey Whistle Test and a 30 minute documentary on the making of the album.

Sinking Radio: The Kinks "Big Sky"

2008-07-17T19:32:00.000-07:00

Here’s my weekly reminder to tune in to Sinking with Sylvia and Todd on Little Radio. The show airs Friday from Noon to 2:00 PM PST. Their guests tomorrow will be The Weather Underground. Those guys just got back from a big tour, including a set at Bonnaroo (the Village Voice labeled them “a band to watch”), so they should have some good tales to tell.

Each week on the show, there’s a featured You Set the Scene pick. Tomorrow my pick will be “Big Sky” by the Kinks. Longtime readers probably know that Ray Davies is my favorite lyricist of all time. Their albums from 1966 – 1971 rank right up there with the Beatles for me (blasphemous). There are a few candidates for my favorite song. “You Really Got Me” is still probably my favorite early rock ‘n’ roll song. “Waterloo Sunset” always makes me happy. “Shangri-La” blows me away every time I hear it.

So what makes “Big Sky” my favorite Kinks’ track? It won’t show up on any greatest hits collection by the Kinks. It’s track six on Village Green Preservation Society, which is hardly their best seller (although it is my favorite). It’s a song that works best given the context of the songs that surround it. But those lyrics. They’re simple on the surface, but go as deep as you want to take them.

Like most of the record, the song addresses frustration with modern society. It’s sung from the perspective of a stoic who gets overwhelmed. But he “think(s) of the big sky, and nothing matters much to me.” You can’t really be certain what Davies was thinking or trying to say when he wrote it. Many would say that he’s channeling Nietzsche (in his Ray way) and saying God is dead. Does he give a shit?

The guitar parts are pretty fantastic too.

Matthew Sweet and Yo La Tengo have both done pretty good covers of it too.

Tune in to Sinking Radio tomorrow to hear it.

Recently Announced Live Music Shows

2008-07-17T17:50:00.000-07:00

The Who @ the Nokia LA on 11/8/08 & 11/9/08 (on sale Monday at 10:00 AM)

The Backyardigans @ Nokia LA on 11/1/08 & 11/2/08 (presale on now, public on sale Saturday at 10:00 AM)

Queens of the Stone Age with guests PJ Harvey, Tenacious D, Billy Gibbons, etc. @ The Fonda on 8/16/08 (on sale Saturday at 10:00 AM)

Stereophonics @ the Fonda on 9/16/08 (on sale Saturday at 10:00 AM)

The Damned @ House of Blues Sunset on 10/31/08 (on sale Saturday)

The Wombats @ Echoplex on 9/2/08 (on sale Friday at 10:00 AM on Ticketweb)

Why? @ Echoplex on 9/4/08 (on sale now at Ticketweb)

Dan Le Sac vs. Scroobius Pip @ the Echo on 9/30/08 (on sale Friday at Noon on Ticketweb)

Centro-Matic @ Spaceland on 9/2/08 (on sale now at Ticketweb)

Damien Jurado @ Spaceland on 9/9/08 (on sale now at Ticketweb)

Foreigner @ House of Blues Sunset on 10/24/08 (on sale next Saturday)

Shearwater @ the Echo on 8/27/08 (on sale now at Ticketweb)

Matthew Sweet @ the Echo on 8/28/08 (on sale now at Ticketweb)

The New Year @ the Echo on 9/24/08 (on sale now at Ticketweb)

Bodies of Water / Throw Me the Statue @ the Echo on 9/10/08 (on sale now at Ticketweb)

Giant Sand @ the Echo on 10/8/08 (on sale now at Ticketweb)

Diplo @ the Echo on 11/4/08 (on sale now at Ticketweb)

Coheed and Cambria @ the Avalon from 11/5/08 – 11/8/08 (tickets on sale Friday at 10:00 AM)

Bronson Out at the LA Times

2008-07-17T16:39:00.001-07:00

It hardly seems possible, but today's the last day you'll read one of Kevin Bronson's Buzz Bands columns in the LA Times. After almost six years at the paper, he was laid off this week as part of that massive restructuring. Bronson's a fixture on the local music scene; I probably see him 75% of the time I'm out seeing local bands. He has a vast knowledge of the scene's history and knows everybody. Not to rip on the paper, but his column was the reason I'd pick up the Times on Thursdays.

I can't wait to see what he does next.....

P.S. Buy the guy a drink the next time you see him out. It's no longer against Times policy for him to accept freebies....

Read his last column (on Kenan Bell) here (what's up with his byline missing?). I would recommend you leave a comment, but that doesn't look possible.

Listen to Bronson's show on Little Radio Wednesday from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Ticket Giveaway - Devon Williams at the Echo

2008-07-17T16:13:00.000-07:00

Meant to post this earlier...

I've still got a couple of pairs of tickets to give away for the Devon Williams show this Saturday at the Echo. Opening the show is Residual Echoes, Silver Daggers and The Mona Reels. Williams is a local pop artist who, outside of the Smell scene, doesn't really get the attention he deserves. His band recently opened the West Coast dates for Destroyer, he's played in Lavender Diamond, and his old high school band was signed to Epitaph. Randy from No Age called his 7" one of best of 2007 on Pitchfork. Go to Myspace and check him out....

To win these tickets email me [dukeufo at hotmail] and tell me you want them. The deadline for the contest is noon Friday.

New Music Releases - 7/8/08

2008-07-16T17:52:00.001-07:00

As frequently happens around here, I'm way behind. Here's what came out last Tuesday....

Released on 7/8/08

Records I’ve Heard:
Albert Hammond Jr.: Como Te Llama? (Black Seal) – The rhythm guitarist for the Strokes releases his second solo album and still no new Strokes record (although people tell me they’ve been working on it). I was a fan of Hammond’s debut, Yours to Keep, so I was excited when this showed up in the mail. The charming thing about that record was that it didn’t try to be anything but pleasant sunshine pop. This one’s got some of that, but Hammond must have been bored with the idea of making Yours to Keep 2. There are Police-lite experiments (“Borrowed Time”), painfully long instrumental tracks (“Spooky Couch”) and cheesy drum machines (“Lisa”). There’s also interesting guitar playing and some genuinely good songs (“GFC” and “Bargain of a Century”). Overall, it probably would have been a great EP, but he could have used some more time to flesh out the songs on the second half of the record.

Hamell on Trial: Rant and Roll (Righteous Babe) – This is a CD/DVD combo with Ed Hamell’s rant/songs/poetry. It’s not really my sort of thing. Download “When You Are Young”

Ratatat: LP3 (XL Recordings) – I honestly don’t have much perspective to review this record. I’m a lyric guy and tend to get bored with instrumental music. It’s got a 71 on Metacritic though. At the Fonda on 9/9/08 and 9/10/08. Download “Mirando”

Local Interest:
Abe Vigoda: Skeleton (PPM Records) – Abe Vigoda’s the latest Smell band to get a lot of positive national press. They’re purveyors of “tropical punk.” I haven’t heard the record yet… PPM is Dean from No Age’s label. See them at the Fonda on 8/8/08.

Beck: Modern Guilt (Interscope) – I used to really look forward to new Beck albums, but I haven’t heard this (or his last one). Danger Mouse produced it and it’s getting pretty good reviews. See him at the Hollywood Bowl on 9/20/08.

Other Noteworthy Releases:
Architecture in Helsinki EP – mp3 and mp3
Joseph Arthur: Foreign Girls (Lonely Astronaut)
The Baseball Project
The Black Ghosts – At the Echo on 7/26/08
The Capstan Shafts
Dutchess & the Duke – mp3
The Fall compilation
Feral Children
The Gits best of
Karl Hector & The Malcouns
Seth Kaufman
Matt Keating – (mp3) – At the Cinema Bar on 8/12/08
Leila
Del McCoury
Me First and the Gimme Gimmes – At the House of Blues on 8/3/08
Melvins – At the Glass House on 8/29/08 (mp3)
Alison Moyet
Parts & Labor EP
Patti Smith & Kevin Shields
Son Ambulance – Knitting Factory on 8/4/08 (mp3 and mp3)
Sunny Day Sets Fire
Telepathic Butterflies
Totimoshi – Viper Room on 9/10/08
Tu Fawning – mp3
Various Artists – Life Beyond Mars Bowie covers
Weeds Season 3 soundtrack
Willie Nelson & Wynton Marsalis
Yaz box set

Live Music Options 7/14/08 - 7/20/08

2008-07-14T15:08:00.000-07:00

I was out of town Thursday through Sunday, so it's good to see an active concert calendar this week. Any week you can see Earlimart, Darker My Love, 400 Blows, The Henry Clay People, The Movies, Jason Falkner, Sharon Jones, Jesus & Mary Chain and Gang of Four in one week is a pretty good week.

Monday 7/14/08
[Recommended] Princeton / Fol Chen / I Make This Sound / Willoughby @ Silverlake Lounge (Free) – Solid local lineup (and it’s free!).
Under the Influence of Giants / Lukas Haas / Paul Dillon @ Spaceland (Free) – From their Myspace page: “Under the Influence of Giants are a group of hot guys that will force you to masturbate with blueberry jam.”
Jail Weddings / Moris Tepper / Some Days / Listing Ship @ the Echo (Free)
Coldplay / Shearwater @ the Forum (Sold Out)
Nick Oliveri @ Hotel Café

Tuesday 7/15/08
[Recommended] Let’s Independent: The Black Pine / Exitmusic / The Black Kites @ Boardner’s ($6) – Radio Free Silver Lake’s monthly night in Hollywood.
In-store Alert: Melvins @ Amoeba (Free) – 6:00 PM.
Joseph Arthur / Anna Ternheim @ Troubadour ($20)
The Binges @ Safari Sam’s (Free)
Mucca Pazza @ the Echo ($8)
Darth Vato @ Spaceland ($5)
Coldplay / Shearwater @ the Forum (Sold Out)
Shwayze @ the Roxy ($15) – They’re filming the season finale of Shwayze’s new reality TV show tonight. The show premieres July 23rd on MTV.

Wednesday 7/16/08
[Recommended] The Monolators / The Rolling Blackouts / Spider Problem / The Growlers @ the Echo ($5) – Hell Ya Night.
[Recommended] Inara George and Van Dyke Parks @ Tangier in the Restaurant ($15) – They recently recorded a record together.
Radio Alert: Earlimart on 89.9 FM - Morning Becomes Eclectic at 11:00 AM
In-store Alert: Shearwater @ Fingerprints (Free) – 7:00 PM
Club NME: Army Navy / Alberta Cross / Revisionists @ Spaceland ($5)
Swing Night @ Hollywood Bowl ($95 – $1)
Resident Hero @ Troubadour ($5)
Ceci Bastida / Learning Music @ Tangier ($10)
The Pink Snowflakes @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Pizza! / The Tartans @ Mr. T’s Bowl
Hippiefest 2008: Eric Burdon & the Animals / Jack Bruce / The Turtles / Melanie / Badfinger featuring Joey Molland / Jonathan Edwards @ Greek Theatre ($30 – 70)
Meiko @ Hotel Café
Rocket @ Viper Room

Thursday 7/17/08
[Recommended] Jason Falkner / What Cheer? Brigade / The Breakups @ Spaceland ($10) – Falkner plays many shows these days.
[Recommended] Bodies of Water / The Henry Clay People / Seasons @ The Echo ($10) – Bodies of Water are celebrating the release of their new record. The Henry Clay People put on one of the best live shows.
Tivo Alert: Dr. Dog on Conan O’Brien
Signal Hill / Timonium @ Pehrspace
The Duke Spirit / Io Echo @ the Hammer Museum (Free)
Harry and the Potters @ Troubadour ($15)
Miss Derringer @ Safari Sam’s ($8)
The Watkins Family Hour with Fiona Apple @ Largo ($25)
The Crimea @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Camp Freddy @ Viper Room ($50)
James Hall / David Garza @ the Roxy ($15)
Upsilon Acrux @ the Smell

Lettuce / Pinot / Trombone Shorty @ Key Club ($20)

Friday 7/18/08
[Recommended] Earlimart / Hocus Pocus / The Movies @ Spaceland ($10) – A record release party for the new Earlimart record. The Movies put on a great live show too. Hocus Pocus features members of Dios. Enter my ticket giveaway. See detailed post late last week.
[Recommended] Darker My Love / Crystal Antlers @ Echo (Free) – The new Darker My Love record is strong. I predict heavy radio airplay. They’ve always been a great live band. If you can’t make it tonight, they’ll be doing the same thing next Friday. Crystal Antlers recently got best new music on Pitchfork.
[Recommended] Jon Brion @ Largo ($30 / $20 for 2nd set only)
Nas @ the Roxy (Free) – Myspace secret show – pick up tickets early in day.
In-store Alert: The Submarines @ Fingerprints (Free) – 7:00 PM.
Wolf Parade / Listening Party @ The Fonda ($24)
Julie Andrews @ Hollywood Bowl
Bitter: Sweet @ El Rey ($18)
Shy B @ Troubadour ($12)
Very Be Careful @ Tangier ($12)
Eric Bachmann @ Tangier ($12) – Earlier show at 8:30 PM
Paris Loves LA @ Tangier in the Restaurant ($12)
Daniel Ahearn @ Pehrspace
Quazar & the Bamboozled @ Mr. T’s Bowl
Rooney @ House of Blues ($15)
Tribute to Johnny Cash @ Crash Mansion ($10)

Saturday 7/19/08
[Recommended] Devon Williams / Residual Echoes / Silver Daggers / The Mona Reels @ the Echo ($8) – Early show at 5:00 PM. I’ve got free tickets to give away for this one. Email me with Devon Williams in the subject line and tell me that you want them.
[Recommended] 400 Blows / Black Elk / Bob Log III @ the Scene – One of the most intense live bands around.
The Long Winters / Say Hi @ Spaceland ($15)
Wolf Parade / Listening Party @ The Fonda ($24)
Julie Andrews @ Hollywood Bowl
The Action Design @ Knitting Factory
Glow @ Santa Monica Pier (Free)
Budos Band / Fool’s Gold @ The Getty (Free)
Kill Hannah @ El Rey ($17)
Yo Majesty @ Troubadour ($15)
Janeane Garofalo @ Largo ($25)
Artichoke @ Mr. T’s Bowl
70’s Soul Jam @ Greek Theatre ($25 – 75)
Emily Wells @ Hotel Café
Lily Hayden / Olin and the Moon @ the Roxy ($20)
Sissy Spacek @ the Smell
Pacifika @ Crash Mansion Lounge
Jimmy Eat World @ Avalon ($30)

Sunday 7/20/08
[Recommended] Download Festival: Jesus & Mary Chain / Gang of Four / The Duke Spirit / Yeasayer / Ghostland Observatory / M83 / Caribou / Flosstradamus / RJD2 / Mates of State / Blitzen Trapper / Tapes ‘n’ Tapes / Datarock / The Parlor Mob / De Nova Dahl / Brand New / Mute Math @ Gibson Amphitheatre ($20 - $37.50) – JaMC and Gang of Four should be worth the price alone.
[Recommended] Feist / Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings / Pacifika @ Hollywood Bowl ($21) – Most of the good seats are gone. Sharon Jones is pretty amazing.
[Recommended] Little Radio Summer Camp @ Little Radio Warehouse – Artists TBA
Jimmy Eat World @ Avalon ($30)
Grande Ole Echo @ the Echo (Free) – Early show at 5:00 PM.
Olin and the Moon / Eleni Mandell / Miniature Tigers @ Tangier ($8) – Eleni Mandell’s really good.
Pierced Arrows @ Spaceland ($8)
A Hawk and a Hacksaw @ the Echoplex ($14)
The Blasters @ Safari Sam’s ($10) – All day country music festival, free before 7:00 PM.
The Prostitutes / The Scarred / Dead Ringers @ Mr. T’s Bowl

Earlimart Ticket Giveaway & Appearance on Little Radio

2008-07-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

I don't think I'm going to have access to a computer tomorrow, so here's a reminder to tune in to Sinking with Sylvia and Todd on Little Radio this Friday. Sylvia will be absent, but Todd and Matt welcome Earlimart into the studio. The show airs Friday from Noon to 2:00 PM PST.

Speaking of Earlimart, I've got two pairs of tickets to give away for their show next Friday (July 18th) at Spaceland. Opening the show will be the Movies and Hocus Pocus (featuring members of Dios). To win these tickets, email me [dukeufo at hotmail] with the name of your favorite Earlimart track. The contest closes next Wednesday at 6:00 PM.

Download "Song For"
Buy tickets for Spaceland HERE.

Shearwater: Limited Edition Vinyl Giveaway

2008-07-09T22:49:00.000-07:00

I'm giving away a limited edition test pressing (vinyl) copy of Shearwater's new record Rook. This is a collector's item that fans need to get their hands on. To win, just email me [dukeufo at hotmail] and name your favorite Shearwater song. Please put Shearwater in the subject line of your email. The deadline to enter is Tuesday at 5:00 PM.

Shearwater will be in town next week.
July 14th at the Forum (opening for Coldplay)
July 15th at the Forum (opening for Coldplay)
July 16 at Fingerprints record store in Long Beach @ 7:00 PM

There are rumors that they'll be back in town in August. Stay tuned for details.

Download "Rooks"

Ticket Giveaway: King Khan & the Shrines

2008-07-09T15:32:00.000-07:00

I've got three pairs of tickets to give away for the King Khan and the Shrines show this Thursday night at the Echo. It promises to be a good time. The Jacuzzi Boys will open the show. Just send me an email [dukeufo at hotmail] with the name of your favorite garage rock band. Please put King Khan in the subject line. Scroll down to Monday's post for a free download.

The deadline for the contest is tonight at Midnight.

Buy tickets for the show HERE.

VH-1 Rock Honors the Who

2008-07-09T15:27:00.001-07:00

Starting tomorrow, there’s a ton of events around LA to correspond with VH-1 honoring the Who. It’s hard to imagine anyone reading this that isn’t at least a little familiar with the Who, but if you’re not, pick up Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy right away. It’s a great introduction.

The premiere of VH-1 Rock Honors the Who will air on Thursday July 17th at 9:00 PM.

Here’s some of the Who specific stuff that’s going down:

Thursday:
All night: The Who Karaoke Night @ Blue Goose Lounge
All night: Quadrophenia Night @ Seven Grand

Friday:
10am – 6pm: Shop @ Intermix and buy a limited-edition VH1 Rock Honors Torn shirt, designed by Scarlett Johansson, sold exclusively by Intermix
3pm – 7pm: The Who Are You Happy Hour @ Pink Taco. Specialty drinks inspired by The Who
All night: Screenings of The Who movies @ Ye Coach & Horses

Saturday:
8pm: VH1 Rock Honors: The Who Ceremony –The Who performing live with Pearl Jam, Foo Fighter, The Flaming Lips, Incubus, and more @ Pauley Pavilion Center
5pm: Rock Band competition & BBQ @ Crane's Hollywood Tavern
All night: Screenings of The Who movies @ Ye Coach & Horses

Sunday:
7pm – 1am: Toms Benefit show with The Who covers @ Hotel Cafe
All night: Screenings of The Who movies @ Ye Coach & Horses

Best Album By Year Since Birth

2008-07-08T16:51:00.000-07:00

Scott McDonald at Pressed for Sound inspired this post. A slew of bloggers posted their favorite album from each year of their life. It's a fun exercise, but even if you cheat (and use Wikipedia or the Village Voice's Critics Poll) it sucks up some serious time.

There were five or six records that could have made the list in some years, while it was tough to even come up one record in some of the years. I feel pretty happy with it today.....

1974: Big Star – Radio City
1975: Neil Young – Zuma
1976: Stevie Wonder – Songs in the Key of Life
1977: Television – Marquee Moon
1978: Neil Young – Comes a Time
1979: Elvis Costello – Armed Forces
1980: Dead Kennedys – Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables
1981: Van Halen – Fair Warning
1982: Descendents – Milo Goes to College
1983: R.E.M. – Murmur
1984: R.E.M. – Reckoning
1985: Husker Du – New Day Rising
1986: The Smiths – The Queen is Dead
1987: The Jesus & Mary Chain – Darklands
1988: Pixies – Surfer Rosa
1989: The Beastie Boys – Paul’s Boutique
1990: Fugazi – Repeater
1991: Dinosaur Jr. – Green Mind
1992: Sonic Youth - Dirty
1993: Yo La Tengo – Painful
1994: Pavement – Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain
1995: Radiohead – The Bends
1996: Belle & Sebastian – If You’re Feeling Sinister (bit of a cheat, not released in US until 1997)
1997: Elliott Smith – Either/Or
1998: Neutral Milk Hotel – In the Aeroplane Over the Sea
1999: Wilco – Summerteeth
2000: Grandaddy – The Sophtware Slump
2001: Pernice Brothers – The World Won’t End
2002: Spoon – Kill the Moonlight
2003: The Shins – Chutes Too Narrow
2004: Brian Wilson – Smile
2005: Sufjan Stevens – Illinois
2006: Kelley Stoltz – Below the Branches
2007: Okkervil River – The Stage Names
2008: Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes (it’s really too early to say, but this is what it is today)

Live Music Options 7/7/08 - 7/13/08

2008-07-07T15:44:00.000-07:00

King Khan Plays the Echo on Thursday

Monday 7/7/08
[Recommended] Stevie Wonder @ Hollywood Bowl ($55 tickets remain) – I’d love to see Stevie. This is a lease event so watch what you try to bring in.
[Recommended] Princeton / Le Switch / Young Animals / Dirty Mittens @ Silverlake Lounge (Free) – Princeton is doing the Monday night residency this month at the Silverlake Lounge. They play catchy indie pop. Le Switch goes on at 9:45.
[Recommended] Retribution Gospel Choir featuring Alan Sparkhawk / The Weather Underground @ Troubadour ($12)
Jail Weddings / Wounded Lion / Victim Vision / The Guilty Hearts @ the Echo (Free) – Jail Weddings are a 10-piece Doo-Wop inspired band. They’re doing the Monday night Echo residency this month.
Under the Influence of Giants / Nico Stai / Bridges @ Spaceland (Free) – From their Myspace page: “Under the Influence of Giants are a group of hot guys that will force you to masturbate with blueberry jam.”
Captain Ahab / Kevin Shields @ Pehrspace
Yellow Fever @ the Smell
American Idol @ Staples Center ($55)
Naim Amor @ Echo Curio (Free)
The Gits Documentary Screening @ Echoplex 7:30 PM ($10)

Tuesday 7/8/08
[Recommended] Earlimart @ Amoeba (Free) – At 7:00 PM. Celebrating the release of the new record.
[Recommended] Mikel Jollett / Andrew Spitser / Tim James / Sarah Negahdari / Evan Way @ Bordello ($5) – The lead singers of Airborne Toxic Event, Radars to the Sky, The Movies, Happy Hollows and Parson Red Heads each perform acoustic sets. Should be a fun show.
[Recommended] Bic Runga w/ Flight of the Conchords @ Largo ($30)
Yaz @ Orpheum ($75)
Von Iva / Astra Heights / Little Pieces @ Echo ($8)
J*Davey @ Echoplex (Free)
Surprise Me Mr. Davis @ Spaceland ($12) – Featuring members of the Slip
The Good Night / Ghost Town @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Mondo Generator / Year Long Disaster @ Viper Room

Wednesday 7/9/08
[Recommended] ((Sounder)) / Ivan & Alyosha / Empty Rooms / Slings @ Silverlake Lounge ($8) – Check out ((Sounder))’s Myspace page.

[Recommended] King Khan & the Shrines @ Amoeba (Free) - Starts at 7:00 PM.
Hearts of Palms UK / Broken Remotes / Happy Stars @ the Echo ($5)
Quitzow / Setting Sun @ Spaceland – Download Quitzow’s “On TV!”
Sleepytime Gorilla Museum @ Troubadour ($15)
Naim Amor / Learning Music / Novi Split @ Tangier ($10)
Thou @ the Smell
Free the Robots @ Airliner
Wynton Marsalis w/ special guest Willie Nelson @ Hollywood Bowl ($110 - $1) - Natalie Cole has been replaced by Willie Nelson.

Thursday 7/10/08
[Recommended] King Khan & the Shrines / The Jacuzzi Boys @ the Echo ($12) – The King Khan record’s a fun slice of Stax meets Nuggets jams. Download “Torture”
[Recommended] The Deadly Syndrome / Miss Derringer @ Hammer Museum (Free) – Deadly Syndrome always puts on a fun show.
Tilly and the Wall / Castledoor @ the Echoplex ($18) – Early show starts at 7:30 and ends by 11:00 PM.
Port O’Brien / The Builders and the Butchers @ Spaceland ($10)
Dave Mustaine @ Guitar Center on Sunset – 6:00 PM – an evening of insight, education, etc.
Yaz @ Orpheum ($75)
The Forward @ Knitting Factory
Robert Francis @ Troubadour ($10)
Drone Hooligan / Juanita and the Rabbit / Kissing Tigers / Stab City @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Codpiece / Service Group / Downtown Union @ Mr. T’s Bowl
The Gutter Twins / Ed Harcourt @ The Roxy ($25)
Glasser @ the Smell

Friday 7/11/08
[Recommended] Albert Hammond Jr. / The Parlor Mob @ Spaceland ($20 only limited tix available at door) – Hammond’s new record comes out this week and it’s definitely got some good tracks.
[Recommended] Jon Brion @ Largo ($30 / $20 for 2nd set only)
[Recommended] Ricky Gervais @ Kodak (Sold Out) – Filming an HBO stand up special.

[Recommended] Supergrass @ Amoeba (Free) - Starts at 7:00 PM.

Dan Deacon / Brother Reade @ The Getty (Free)
The Chapin Sisters / I See Hawks in LA @ McCabe’s ($16)
Hecuba / We Are the World / Rainbow Arabia / Hazm @ Bordello ($10)
Yaz @ Orpheum (Sold Out)
Chris Isaak @ Hollywood Bowl ($10 - $149)
The Graduate @ Troubadour
Maria Taylor / Johnathan Rice / / Nik Freitas @ Echoplex ($13)
Secondhand Serenade @ Troubadour ($15)
Planets @ the Smell

Saturday 7/12/08

[Recommended] Supergrass / The Morning Benders @ Avalon ($29)
[Recommended] RTX / Earthless / Bad Dudes @ Spaceland ($10) – Good time rock ‘n’ roll.
Ratatat @ the Echoplex ($20) – Their new record comes out tomorrow.
[Recommended] Ricky Gervais @ Kodak - Filming an HBO stand up special.
Downtown Film Festival Street Fest: Radars to the Sky / Death to Anders @ 501 South Hewitt (Free)
Blue Scholars @ El Rey
Chris Isaak @ Hollywood Bowl ($10 - $149)
Hieroglyphics @ El Rey ($18)
Three Bad Jacks @ Troubadour ($15)
Paul F. Tompkins Show w/ Tim Meadows @ Largo ($20)
Mentiritas @ the Echo ($7)
Minnie Driver @ Hotel Café [9:00 PM]
Pedestrian @ Hotel Café [Late Show]
Filter @ the Roxy ($20)
Babyland @ the Smell

Sunday 7/13/08
[Recommended] Summer Camp @ Little Radio [1218 Long Beach Avenue] – Not sure who is playing yet.
Matmos @ the Echoplex ($17)
Grande Ole Echo @ the Echo (Free) – Starts at 5:00 PM.
Tunnelmental Experimental Society / Secret Society of the Sonic Six / Ape Has Killed Ape / The May Fire @ Spaceland (Free)
Mack Winston and the Reflections / Paul Dillon / Whispertown 2000 / Olin and the Moon / Venus Illuminato @ Tangier ($8)
Live / Collective Soul / Blues Traveler @ Greek Theatre ($30 - $65)

Weekly New Releases: 7/1/08 (Earlimart)

2008-07-03T16:02:00.000-07:00

The only noteworthy release this week is the new Earlimart disc.

Earlimart: Hymn & Her (Majordomo / Shout Factory)

It’s a weird release date for an indie record, but you get the feeling that Aaron Espinoza’s embracing the idea of working for himself. After years of putting out records for other people, last year he partnered with Shout Factory to release Mentor Tormentor on his own imprint (Majordomo). Now less than a year later, Hymn & Her is the follow-up. The new freedom and control suits him well. A decade as an indie band is a long time, but Hymn and Her shows that Earlimart’s still growing and putting out relevant music.

From the chug at the beginning of the first song, “Song For,” you know it’s an Earlimart record. It’s upbeat and a strong opener for the record. Earlimart’s always employed a rotating cast of members (members of Silversun Pickups, Great Northern and Everest have passed through) but as the album title and cover art suggests, Espinoza and Ariana Murray are the core (although Andrew Lynch, Michael Orendy and Brian Thornell have been playing with, and probably helped inspire the band in the past year).

While Espinoza still handles the majority of the lead vocals and songwriting, Murray steps out and provides a really nice contrast on “Before It Gets Better,” “Time For Yourself” and “Tell Me.” The production is particularly lush without being invasive. Vocals are often double-tracked to give them a fullness and most of the tracks have subtle nuances (whether it’s a sound effect, keyboard part, or odd instrument) that reveal themselves on repeated listenings. It’s another strong release from one of our best local bands.

Download "Song For"
Buy tickets to see Earlimart at Spaceland on 7/18/08

Live Music Journal 6/28/08 - 6/30/08 (Fleet Foxes, etc.)

2008-07-03T14:30:00.000-07:00

I kept it pretty low key last week, but here’s the live music I did see…

Saturday night we took the LA Zoo shuttle over to the Hollywood Bowl for the Sgt. Pepper’s…Revisited. You take the good, you take the bad, you take ‘em both and there you have the Hollywood Bowl. When you roll in kind of late (but still before the show starts), sometimes you get assholes who won’t budge from your seats. You start to get a pit in your stomach as you approach your row of bench seats and it looks completely full. Like “how the fuck are we going to fit in there.” We crammed into the row, politely asked people to move down (one side kindly obliged) and then sat cramped like a Tokyo subway to attempt to enjoy the show. I could barely nudge my elbows to get to the bag at my feet holding my sandwich and bottle of wine. To top it off, about every 15 minutes the brat behind me kicked the back of my seat for 15 or 20 seconds before his/her (couldn’t tell) parent stopped him/her.

But we eventually relaxed.

The orchestra came out. Then Cheap Trick came out. Then a series of singers joined them. There was Ian Ball from Gomez, Simone (daughter of Nina Simone), Rob Laufer (playing the part of George Harrison) and Billy Corgan. I can’t remember exactly what songs they did, but it was fun. Then the intermission and they did Sgt. Pepper’s in its entirety.

Just a couple of observations. As my girlfriend pointed out, Ian Ball did a nice job of harmonizing and holding some of the vocals together for Robin Zander (who’s getting up there). Simone took some of the songs a little too far in the soul direction (at least for the arrangements) and lost a lot of people when she pimped her website. [This should have been a fun night, not a career opportunity for Simone. Give people a little credit, if they want to track you down, they know how to use Google.] Billy Corgan did a pretty good job on his two songs. I mean, it sounded like Billy Corgan doing the Beatles, but that’s not all bad. The musical highlight of the night was when Laufer did “Within You Without You” backed by a group of Indian musicians. The guy that did the sitar solo was particularly good. All in all it was another fun night at the Bowl, despite the initial crowd irritants.

On Sunday I ventured over to Little Radio’s Summer Camp to see Radar Bros. Tim James from the Movies was at the console and the room sounded good. The guys sounded great, the Colt 45 was flowing and the vibe was laid back with some little kids kicking it in the loft, dangling their feet over the stage.

As soon as they finished I rushed over to the All Star Lanes for the debut of the Damselles & the TC 4. The band is a tribute to all those great girl groups from the early 1960s. Maria from Le Switch and Jillinda and Britney from I Make This Sound were upfront wearing matching pink dresses. Backing them was The TC 4 (the TC stands for Todd Clifford) or Seb and Ryan from Division Day, Joe from Le Switch and Sean from the Voyeurs. I’m not sure if it was a one-off for the special occasion of if the band plans on doing more performances, but it was a lot of fun (see some Youtube footage). Unfortunately I couldn’t stick around for all the other bands. I did manage to catch some of Marvelous Toy, who I enjoyed.

I was really looking forward to seeing Fleet Foxes again and I would not be denied. By the time we got there, the line around the corner was ridiculous. I haven’t seen that since the Elliott Smith days (or possibly Arctic Monkeys). After a long day in the hot sun downtown, then a trip to Eagle Rock and a margarita at dinner, I couldn’t really focus on the opener, The Dutchess and the Duke. On the other hand, Fleet Foxes were completely compelling. The harmonies sounded great, the crowd was respectful and the band was completely likable. Much like when I saw them at SXSW this year. Great stuff guys.

Little Radio on Sunday / Part Time Punks on Sunday

2008-07-02T11:53:00.000-07:00

The Henry Clay People Play Summer Camp This Sunday

Just a couple of updates on happening this weekend.

Little Radio's Summer Camp will feature a really good linup with the Henry Clay People and Film School. Admission has been lowered to $10 and still features free drinks. The bands usually start playing around 2:30 or 3:00 but there's usually free stuff if you get there earlier.

Later that night at Part Time Punk at the Echo you can see The Tyde and Phil Wilson (of the June Brides).

Club NME Tonight: Hypernova from Iran

2008-07-02T11:25:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to mention these guys for a while now....

Tonight's Club NME at Spaceland will feature Hypernova. A dance rock band playing Club NME isn't necessarily newsworthy by itself, but the fact that they're from Tehran, Iran is pretty interesting. I shouldn't have to tell you that the government in Iran hates rock 'n' roll way more than those redneck cops in Footloose. They've already been featured on NPR, MTV, The New York Times, and ABC News.

Solid Todd will be DJ'ing upstairs and Dia and Jennifer will be DJ'ing downstairs. Best of all, it's free (but you might need the password - Magic).

Best of 2008 (So Far)

2008-07-01T18:10:00.001-07:00

I'm sticking with albums that were released in the first half of 2008. I've already heard a couple of things scheduled to come out later this year that will probably make the list.....

Top Eight Albums of the Year So Far:

Bon Iver: For Emma, Long Ago (Jagjaguwar) – A deceptively strong album. I returned to it this week after not hearing it for a couple of months and now I’m listening to it non-stop again. Download “Skinny Love”
The Dodos: Visiter (French Kiss) – Manic folk music. I’ve listened to this record a lot. Don’t let the Animal Collective comparisons scare you away. Download “Ashley”
Everest: Ghost Notes (Vapor Records) – The songs sound timeless and are played so effortlessly. It’s another record that’s been on constant rotation. I’ve been assured that the vinyl is still on the way.
Fleet Foxes: Fleet Foxes (Sub Pop) – I could listen to Robin Pecknold’s voice all day. Great vocal harmonies, elements of prog, folk and classic rock make this such an impressive first album. Download “White Winter Hymnal”
The Raconteurs: Consolers of the Lonely (Third Man/Warner Bros.) – This is the fullest, closest thing a Jack White band has come to a classic rock album. If you saw the Raconteurs on their first tour, you knew they had this in them. Music snobs seem to turn their nose up at them, but this is what I hope gets played on classic rock radio in 20 years. It’s even got a cool Terry Reid cover.
Radar Bros.: Auditorium (Merge) – Another great release from one of my favorite indie bands for the past decade. The production’s lush, the lyrics are weird and the songs are just plain good. Download “Warm Rising Sun”
Spiritualized: Songs in A&E (Universal) – Here’s a return to form from another veteran band. It’s nice to hear Jason Pierce rely more on his voice and songs and less on overblown arrangements.
Vampire Weekend: Vampire Weekend (XL Recordings) – Haters be damned, I still think it’s a fun record of well constructed pop songs. In my perfect world this is what would be on pop radio. In less than a year, the band went from playing to a half empty room at the Silverlake Lounge to (almost) selling out two nights at the Wiltern.

Best EPs: Fleet Foxes, Henry Clay People

Others Records I Recommend: Bonnie “Prince” Billy, Ray Davies, The Explorers Club, The Grand Archives, Mt. Wilson Repeater, Sigur Ros, Kelley Stoltz, Throw Me the Statue, Wye Oak

Records I’m Looking Forward To: Okkervil River, The Broken West, Le Switch, The Movies, Earlimart, Dr. Dog, David Vandervelde

Live Music Options 6/30/08 - 7/6/08

2008-06-30T14:26:00.000-07:00

Shepard Fairey's Poster for the Afternoons' Residency

With the holiday, not too many touring bands in town this week. Last weekend I saw Fleet Foxes, Radar Bros. and Cheap Trick doing Sgt. Pepper's. More about all that later.

Monday 6/30/08
[Recommended] Afternoons / The Happy Hollows / The Movies / The Boxing Lesson @ Spaceland (Free) – Get there early (and stay late). Big lineup.
[Recommended] Patton Oswalt / Michael Penn @ Largo ($25) – One of my favorite working comedians.
[Recommended] Le Switch @ Viper Room – You can see if the new owners have changed anything.
Rumspringa / 1921a / Slang Chickens @ the Echo (Free) – Download Rumspringa’s “Goldmine”
Spider Problem @ Silverlake Lounge (Free)
Matt & Kim / The Death Set @ King King (Free) – Free Colt 45 from 9 – 11 PM.
Lukas Haas @ Hotel Café
Kyle Mabson and Josh Taylor @ Pehrpsace
Teddy’s Cheer Club / The Coral Sea / The French Semester @ Mr. T’s Bowl
Shwayze @ the Roxy (Free) – Download “Buzzin”

The Gift Machine @ Echo Curio (Free)

Tuesday 7/1/08
[Recommended] Le Switch / Henry Clay People @ the Prospector in Long Beach
[Recommended] The Mae Shi / Death to Anders / Die Rockers Die / Light FM @ Spaceland ($8)
We Are Scientists / Morning Benders / Blood Arm @ El Rey ($18)
James Hunter @ Troubadour ($15)
Gravy Train @ the Echo ($12) – Two shows – an early one at 7:00 PM and a late one at 10:00 PM.
The Make Mentions / Kris Special / Marvelous Toy @ Silverlake Lounge ($5)

Wednesday 7/2/08
Fireworks Extravaganza @ Hollywood Bowl ($10 - $114) – Celebrating the Dodgers with guest Randy Newman
Iglu & Hartly / Casxio / Carlotta / Funeral Party @ Troubadour ($5)
Modey Lemon / The Muslims @ The Echo ($10)
Emery Byrd / Ride on Rides / Monstro Flora @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Learning Music / Mia Sable / Patria Jacobs / Suki Ewers @ Tangier ($10)
Low End Theory Club: Nosaj Thing @ Airliner

Thursday 7/3/08
[Recommended] The Flying Tourbillon Orchestra / The Stevenson Ranch Davidians / Summer Darling / Fol Chen @ The Echo (Free) – Presented by Web In Front, Radio Free Silver Lake and LA Underground
Constantines / Ladyhawk / The Jet Age @ Troubadour ($14)
Whispertown 2000 / My Imaginary Friends / Man and the Motorcar @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)
Fireworks Extravaganza @ Hollywood Bowl ($10 - $114) – Celebrating the Dodgers with guest Randy Newman
Pink Enemy / Royal Rumble / All Neon Like @ Spaceland
Mike Stinson / I See Hawks in LA / Old Californio / Dave Gleason @ 4th Annual Pre-Independence Day Bash

The Pity Party @ Echo Curio

Friday 7/4/08
[Recommended] Spindrift / Flash Express @ the Echo ($10)
[Recommended] Mike Stinson @ Cinema Bar in Culver City (Free)
Seasons / The Voyeurs / The Grizzly Owls / Terrapin @ Mr. T’s Bowl
Fireworks Extravaganza @ Hollywood Bowl ($10 - $114) – Celebrating the Dodgers with guest Randy Newman

Saturday 7/5/08
Bugs Bunny on Broadway @ Hollywood Bowl ($10 - $114)
[Recommended] Old Californio / Dave Gleason @ Cinema Bar (Free)
Hootenanny 08: Mike Ness and many others @ Oak Canyon Ranch in Irvine ($40)
The New Centuries / Master Slash Slave @ Spaceland
Reverand Horton Heat / Nashville Pussy / Supersuckers @ House of Blues ($25)

Sunday 7/6/08
[Recommended] Little Radio Summer Camp @ Little Radio Warehouse in Downtown LA [1218 Long Beach Ave]
[Recommended] Grande Ole Echo: Mike Stinson @ the Echo (Free) – Early show at 5:00 PM.
[Recommended] Correatown / One Trick Pony / Red Maids @ Mr. T’s Bowl
Banyan @ Safari Sam’s ($15)
Legendary Shack Shakers @ Spaceland ($10)
Oh Halo / Eagle Winged Palace / Tiny Graves / He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister @ Tangier ($8)

Local Band Updates

2008-06-27T17:58:00.000-07:00

I haven’t done a local scene update in quite a while, but here’s an attempt:

Pitchfork recently offered a download of a new song “Perfect Games” (via Pitchfork), from the Broken West. Look for the new album, Now or Heaven, in stores on September 9^th.

The Cold War Kids released a teaser video hyping their new album on Youtube. They’ve got a massive tour lined up, supporting Beck at some shows, and featuring a headlining appearance at Sunset Junction.

Speaking of Sunset Junction, all but one artist is now posted. In addition to all the great local bands, I’m looking forward to the Beachwood Sparks reunion show, Menomena and Broken Social Scene.

Beck’s new Danger Mouse produced record, Modern Guilt, comes out July 8^th. You can stream three of the tracks at Myspace.

Foreign Born have bid Sayonara to Steve Aoki’s label and signed with one of my favorite labels, Secretly Canadian. Look for their SC debut in February of next year. In the meantime, watch some acoustic performances on Live Daily.

Speaking of Secretly Canadian releases, Highland Park’s Bodies of Water will release, A Certain Feeling on July 22^nd. It’s the follow-up to their critically acclaimed debut record. Download the first single, “Under the Pines.” The guitar has a little bit of a Dengue Fever vibe to it.

And speaking of Bodies of Water, Secretly Canadian is releasing a series of vinyl only 12” releases from their ABBA-inspired side project, Music Go Music. The first, featuring “Light of Love” is already in stores.

Back to Dengue Fever for a second. They just signed (outside the US) to Peter Gabriel’s label, Real World. They’re still over in Europe playing festivals in the Czech Republic, Glastonbury and Roskilde. They’ll be back in the US in July then back and forth with Europe through the Fall.

Bronson’s got the scoop on the new record from The 88. Look for their new album, Not Only…But Also, on August 26^th.

According to a Myspace blog, The Henry Clay People are becoming label mates with kickball buddies Le Switch. Expect a new record this Fall on Autumn Tone Records (the Aquarium Drunkard’s label).

I might have mentioned it before, but Earlimart’s got a new record, Hymn and Her, coming out July 1st. Download the first track, “Song For.”

Earlimart’s new label mates, Airborne Toxic Event, are releasing a series of acoustic videos to promote their new record. They’re all filmed around different locations in LA. Watch them on Youtube. Look for the record in stores on August 5^th.

I’m sure I’m forgetting a lot, but that’s it for now…..

New Music Releases: 6/24/08

2008-06-27T16:36:00.000-07:00

This is the last week of releases for the first half of 2008. The most buzzed about release of the week, besides Sigur Ros, is the Hercules and Love Affair record. But you know I'm not really into dance music.

Look for my best of the first half of the year sometime next week....

Released on 6/24/08:

Records I’ve Heard:

Electric President: Sleep Well (Morr Music) – Mellow but appealing indie electro-pop. I misplaced the review copy of the CD that was sent to me, but I remember thinking it was pretty good. Download “Monsters”

Amos Lee: Last Days at the Lodge (Blue Note) – Don Was produced it and Spooner Oldham and Greg Leisz appear. The record’s kind of all over the map. “Ease Back’s” probably the highlight. At the Fonda on 9/8/08. Download “Ease Back”

Sigur Ros: Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust (XL Recordings) – I always like Sigur Ros’s records (and they’re even better experienced live). This is another intensely emotional record that transcends language. Sort of like opera for indie rockers. Recommended! At the Greek Theatre on 10/2/08.

Local Interest:

The Watson Twins: Fire Songs (Vanguard) – The Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins record is by far my favorite thing Jenny Lewis has done. I liked the Watson Twins first EP, but haven’t heard this one yet. It was recorded by Russ Pollard and J. Soda from Everest. See them at the Echo on 7/29/08.

Other Noteworthy New Releases:

The Anniversary b-sides
Be Your Own Pet EP
Camper Van Beethoven later period greatest hits
Ry Cooder
Alejandro Escovedo – At the Troubadour on 7/31/08
The Feelies – Only Life reissue
Hercules and Love Affair – At the Echo on 7/23/08
Jay Reatard singles remastered – At the Echo on 7/30/08
Seun Kuti & Egypt 80
Love as Laughter
Liz Phair - Exile in Guyville reissue
Motley Crue
Podington Bear box set
Reckless Kelly
Marc Ribot’s Ceramic Dog
RZA as Bobby Digital
Sam Sparro – At the Troubadour on 8/9/08
The Saturday Knights
Three 6 Mafia
The Wombats

Two Options on Sunday - Little Radio & Kickchella

2008-06-27T14:57:00.000-07:00

Two great options for this Sunday. Little Radio moved Summer Camp back to Sunday. This week's performers will be the Radar Bros., Kenan Bell and Jack LaBotz. How 'bout that for an eclectic lineup. Summer Camp runs from Noon to 7:00 PM.

After you get your fill of Colt 45, head on over to Eagle Rock for Kickchilla. There you'll see a lot of great bands (as mentioned on the flyer above) and it's absolutely free. They'll have two stages of music....

Sinking Radio - Joy Division's "Transmission"

2008-06-26T19:10:00.000-07:00

This is my weekly reminder to point your internet browser to Little Radio tomorrow for the Sinking with Sylvia and Todd show. The show airs from Noon to 2:00 PM PST. There’s no musical guest tomorrow, just lots of witty banter and tons of tunes.

Each week on the show the show they play an official You Set the Scene pick and I write about it here. My pick for tomorrow’s show is Joy Division’s “Transmission.” I picked Joy Division this week, because in the past week I watched two films about Joy Division: Control and Joy Division. Control is essentially a biopic that makes Ian Curtis look like a huge asshole (which is pretty understandable when you consider the source material – Touching from a Distance – a book by his wife). The film basically strings together about 10 classic Joy Division stories with clunky dialogue. It’s all a bit heavy handed. I will say that first time director (and photographer) Anton Corbijn made it in beautiful black & white. And the lead actor, Sam Riley, does a good job.

Far more interesting was the documentary, Joy Division. Although I do have some complaints. First off, too much information on Manchester – we get it, post-industrial, no prospects for future. Second, Curtis’ wife Deborah is not interviewed. You do see a lot of his mistress, Annik. The anecdotes from Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook and Stephen Morris are all strong. You hear most of the stories that are portrayed in Control first hand. There’s also some great interview footage with the late Tony Wilson. The two films work well as companion pieces, but if you’re only going to rent one, I’d go with Joy Division. Tons of extras too.

Let me add, that I was never a huge Joy Division fan. They’ve only got about five songs that I really like. While I find the production of their records really interesting, Curtis’ voice is too goth-y and the lyrics are just so dark. I love what the rest of the guys did in New Order though....

Listen to most of my favorite Joy Division songs (but not “Transmission”) on their Myspace page.