I Keep Faith

Today's a day of celebration. Why? Longevity!

First off, Ooga Booga is three years old. Congrats to Wendy Yao!



High Places and Soft Circle will be performing. Sounds like fun, no?

Later, I'm headed to the LA Record's 25th Issue celebration at the Echo Plex.



I've been writing for the LA Record for several years now and to this day, am still impressed that the Record thrives between Chris, Sean, and Charlie. When you pick up an LA Record from Long Beach to Hollywood, you don't notice the amount of hard work that goes into it. Between the deadlines, the printing, and distribution, the success of the LA Record is no small task!

Better still, Darker My Love will emerge from the studio (dudes have been working hard!) to perform tonight. I haven't seen Dead Meadow in about 6 months and I'm stoked! You don't want to miss this.

I Am A Child

Young dudes attempting Mika Miko's "Jogging Song."

Thumbs up!

Pay To Cum

We could all learn a thing or two from Tony Starks, don't you think?

Far Gone And Out

Los Angeles, you know what it is!

Maybe Tomorrow

There is always tomorrow, sort of.

I made the long pilgrimage Saturday to the Urban Outfitters in Santa Monica for Sonic Youth (after losing out on Sonic Youth and Red Cross at the Greek the night before.)

Dntel opened, what a snooze.


Lee played his guitar with a screwdriver and violin bow.


And Thurston used a drumstick.


Kim Gordon palmed my forehead. Really.


They played "Incinerater," "What's Your Rupture?," "Skiptracer," "Reena" and a few other songs.

Sonic Youth were totally rad. Urban Outfitters and Yaris, not so much. At least the money went to KXLU!

Then, Mallory, Greg, and I headed to the Smell and caught the tail end of the Softboiled Eggies set. Missing their guitarist, the Eggies ruled nevertheless.

Thanks to Mallory for the photos!

For The Season

It's Friday afternoon and I'm waiting to hear if I'll be attending Sonic Youth and Red Cross tonight at the Greek.

Oh, the anticipation!

UPDATE 9:13PM:

Scored a ticket last minute, but couldn't make it.

There's always tomorrow.

Haven't You Heard

Tonight at FAMILY, 8PM - The premiere of the five music videos Mike Mills directed for the new Blonde Redhead Album. Five monitors with headphones will be set up around the store, looping the videos.

It's a FAMILY thang.

Ain't Gon' Change

Out with the old.


In with the new.

Oh, and the Black Lips kicked out the jams at the Echo, Tuesday night. Just sayin'.

Better Than I've Ever Been

I haven't read anything more narcissistic and less substantive than Billy Corgan's corporate sponsored rant for his latest solo abortion, "Zeitgeist" (the addition of Jimmy Chamberlain certainly doesn't warrant the use of the Pumpkins' name.) And, as well all know, this isn't Corgan's first publicity stunt either - remember, Corgan announced the reunion of the Smashing Pumpkins on the eve of his debut solo release.

I'd be less suprised if Billy Corgan OD'd on his ego than announce the return of James Iha and D'arcy Wretzky.

Summer Deep

Congratulations to Ashton (above) and CB (aka Tweak Bird) on their upcoming gig with Big Business at Spaceland, August 3rd. Brain melting is to be expected.

Let Them Talk

As you may recall, I've experienced several less than pleasurable performances from artists late and great. Os Mutantes' performance Friday night at the El Rey was a shining example of a band far capable of performing their songs over thirty years later, without seeming consumed by age or their legacy. Energetic and humble, Os Mutantes took the stage flanked by backups singers, percussionists, and Brazilian sound wizards.


Sergio Dias, guitar hero.


Os Mutantes performed old jams, like "Technicolor."


And "Panis Et Circenses."



And "Bat Macumba."


Oh, can't forget "Balada Do Luoco." It's as if John Lennon made a record in Brazil, post "Sargent Peppers Lonely Heart's Club Band."

Os Mutantes' performance was well received by all; everyone left with smiles on their faces, myself included!

When the time came for a well deserved bow, Arnaldo Dias gratefully performed push ups for the crowd, an obvious show of his energy and excitement.

And the Summer continues.

Stop, Drop

"I'm like me on Entourage/I'm playing myself"

Saigon's no stranger to label woes and suited out CEOs, watching his debut album gather dust on the shelves of Craig Kallman's office at Atlantic. Attributed to sample clearance problems, the entirety of "The Greatest Story Never Told" was held back by one song, "C'Mon Baby," a supposed jammer with Just Blaze and Swizz Beatz. When Saigon publicly aired his frustrations with Atlantic recently, the execs suddenly scrambled to expedite the clearance process. A week and a half later, the song was cleared and "The Greatest Story Never Told" takes another step forward.

"C'Mon Baby" is now the first single off "The Greatest Story Never Told" and I'm way into it. Better yet, I hear Old Hov hops on the remix, which should leak soon enough.

BK stand up!

Watch Yo Screw

After work, we (Maia and I) headed to Zune's "Live at the BBQ" event at LA Historic Park (huh?) for UGK and Common.


Surrounded by cars, we crept all the way to the park. Maia sang Morrissey songs most of the way.


We arrived and found our way to the main stage where we found Bun B.


And Pimp C.

Collectively known as UGK or the Underground Kingz, from Houston, Texas. Bun B and Pimp C performed the classics, like "Pocket Full of Stones" and new jammers like, "International Player's Anthem."

Afterwards, dinner - Cole slaw, grilled vegetables, rice, beans, and cornbread. And Red Stripe.


Then, I saw Bun B.


Score!

Sorry, no Common pictures. I can tell you I saw a lot of raised fists and peace signs though.

I'd rather save the battery life, thanks.

Make 'Em Say

Os Mutantes tonight at the El Rey.

Oh yes!

Kool Thing

If you don't know who this man is, do yr homework! It's UGK fo' life!

You Have Been Disconnected

Being offered a free ticket for Klaxons at the El Rey, I accepted - not for the Klaxons, but to see Fist Fite, who I'd heard good things about and had missed several nights earlier at 6th St. To my disappointment, I arrived at the El Rey just as Fist Fite were finishing their set. Instead, for the relatively brief time I spent wandering the venue, I encountered the following:

1. "New Rave" - a genre dedicated by critics and fans to the headliner, Klaxons. A title so repulsive and meaningless simultaneously. A friend said it best when he asked, "Wasn't this band called Ima Robot?"
2. The singer of Fist Fite offering to start a fight with Kelly Osbourne, who was in attendance, for pleasure's sake.
3. The best music of the night were the tunes in between sets. I heard Moccasin (!!!), Spacemen 3, and Primal Scream, to name a few.
4. Little did I know, the DJ was Travis Keller.

Kid City

"Joy," the new Silver Daggers video! White on white, with plenty of balloons and color splattering to go around. I'm sure the Silver Daggers make Rick Ross oh so proud.

If you haven't bought "New High and Ord," you're doing your ears a disservice.

James Chance, where have you gone? Saxophones rule!

Declaration of Dub

July 4th, 2007.


The Fraser Block Party


Maia's Smiley Burger


Myself and Ashton


Emma's new dog, Mina


Maia, Jesse Jr, and Peppers



End.

Last of the Independents

Sitting on a stoop today at a block party in Santa Monica, a middle aged British woman politely asks us to join her badminton tournament. Since the 4th of July marks our independence from England, I figured I'd share this with you as a symbol of greater goodwill, as we once shared a bitter coexistence with the British. I'm glad we can all get along, sort of. Next stop, the Middle East?

Happy 4th!

I Stayed Away Too Long

House of Records is closing it's doors. And everything must go.

I haven't been to House of Records in some time.

Enter Bummer City, USA.

Livin' for the Weekend

Saturday was a good night. I heard it went off at Fluxco and 6th St. Gallery, but I wasn't there.

Here's what I did:

I visited my Dad's gallery for his new show, a collection of drawings from different artists. I discovered some early John Wesley pencil sketches and a remarkable early Alex Ross drawing. Hanging around, I also visited the AMCO gallery for a collection of chilling photographs of the sterilized features of a maximum security prison (including the empty execution chambers.) I highly recommend visiting both shows.

Then, I headed to FAMILY for the reading by Bob Odenkirk and Eric Hoffman. A little short, but worthwhile. Bob Odenkirk was especially funny, playing the extremely insecure balding jock rock comedian.

I ended the night with a veggie burrito from Cactus (on Vine) and a disappointing French horror film called "Them." Really, there are far more uncomftorable thoughts than children wielding knives.

Summertime is official. I sleep with my fan on.

There's a lot of positivity in the air and I dig it.

UPDATE 4/5/07:
I'm told "Them" is based on a true story. Creepy, huh?