The Sounds @ The Hollywood Palladium (11/20/08)

Traveling Abroad To Bring List:
-undergarments
-sandals
-toiletries
-non-fiction flavor of the month book
-razorback tee
-sweater
-comfort jeans
-euros, dollars, pesos, drachma or any other units of exchange
-rockin-out-livin-the-dream kinda of playlist.

in no particular order as all are important in their own right, however, its the rockin-out-livin-the-dream kinda of playlist is the most difficult because it's the hardest to conjure up a playlist that will do just that...you want something that will carry you through the trial and tribulations of traveling abroad...most often when you find yourself in an unfamiliar setting you need something that will motivate you to explore what's unknown to you. fortunately, for me i had The Sounds in Buenos Aires. this swedish post punk revival band uses the synthesizer like its no one's business...

i walked aimlessly around the city and found the beauty of the good air...from the casa rosada to the teatro colon from evita peron to carlos gardel from la boca to san telmo...truly a beautiful city. from the people, the food, architecture the histories buenos aires is a must see and live travel destination...over and over i played The Sounds...and only twice did i stop the music. 1. to ask directions to the first ice cream shop built in buenos aires...i got pistachio yummy. 2. in the middle of rain downpour and locals from their balcony called to me to join them for shelter and empanadas...(if i wasn't by myself i would have..probably..maybe..i guess i'll never know...)

so i wouldn't miss the opportunity to the see the sounds live in concert (even if there's a downturn in the economy)...

my friend and i weren't keen on the sound system (i don't know if thats a problem w/ the palladium or the band..let's hope the former) but we moved and found the rock out spot...somewhere around here (which toward back of the floor):

my favorite part of this video wasn't the lead singer's crowd surfing abilities but at the 2:52 mark..can you guess what it is?

in any event...it was a dream come true going to the live show of the sounds..their music reminds me of a turning point at a good place and a good time in my life.


enjoy the music.

Mexican Institute of Sound @ The Roxy (11/16/08)

it was a cold autumn night in the city of angeles and the promises of sunset boulevard whispered softly in the gentle breeze...most often than not it's expected you're going to have a good time in los angeles...whether you're livin large on the rooftop overlooking the downtown skyline or kickin it ohgee style w/ a blue ribbon...you're going to (as you should) make the best of the situation...whether you're out of your comfort zone and swimmin with the sharks or amongst familiar faces...find your groove and own it...along w/ this way of life there's a code among angelinos: don't spoil the fun of others...getting hit in the driver's side front = no fun. especially before the holidays..but accidents happen and so there it is. that happened so i was really looking forward to the mexican institute of sound at the Roxy. even though i've never really heard or knew of M.I.S. (which is about eighty-five percent of the concerts that i attend anyway - so no biggie) i was able to forget my worries and anxieties of the evening...when you mix rock, mexican folk and electronica the way that M.I.S. does you just get something better than the carne asada fries-horchata combo at alejandro's...at least in my humble opinion (which is sort ofa big deal)...according to wikipedia M.I.S. along with Kinky and Nortec Collective has brought the mexican electronica movement...all three are movin and shakin the third largest metropolitan area in the world (another wikipedia citation). and fortunately for us they're visiting los angeles to please our souls. to bring more smiles to the masses than the chicles you get at the u.s./mexico border...call me old fashioned if you will but i enjoy M.I.S.


M.I.S. was created by dj/producer and president of EMI Mexico, Camilo Lara...not only does he know music he knows what the masses would like...at least its what i like. i won't say he's my soul mate but i felt the connection.


i was going to embed a live performance of this song rather than the music video but it wasn't a good one...like all music you really need to go to a live show to feel the music...i'm hoping at least one person reading this will be inspired to take the leap into the abysmal cosmos of music. p.s. if you can't go to a show l.a. dog and pony show gots you covered.


there's a self-fulfilling prophecy among narcissists that torments their consciousness...it finds you no matter how fast you run and where you run to. think outside of your norm. find what's beyond the star system and make it your dream. at least finish what you've started til you hit rock bottom. there's a million possibilities but only one self. believe, live, and let go. (believe or not i got all this from a fortune cookie...the font size was the smallest i have ever seen without the use of a microscope or the center of a bobby pin and dishwasher soap (macgyver style).

enjoy the music.

Volume 11 Chapter 15 Page 08

enjoy the music.

Volume 11 Chapter 11 Page 08

enjoy the music.

TV ON THE RADIO (11-06-08) @ The Wiltern

YELLE (11-01-08) @ Music Box Porcelain (11-01-08) @ The Hotel Cafe

i do have a soft spot for languages i don't understand for whatever reason music that i don't understand the lyrics to become an automatic favorite flavor of the moment...they could be talking about physically and/or sexually abusing puppies but i don't understand it so i'm going to enjoy it! among those musicians that i enjoy is Yelle..and so do most of the angelino kids that would sell her show out at the Music Box in Hollywood...so we made our way aimlessly around hollywood...we weren't in the mood for house (King King) or walking around hollywood so we went to the hotel cafe. if you're in the mood for new country folk hotel cafe is your place...as small as it is this venue has good singer songwriter kind of music. so i was introduced to Porcelain. far more a better acoustic sound than a full band...mostly because of their lead singer Lo Roberts:


great vocals and poignant violin strings...


enjoy the music.

Fujiya & Miyagi (10/30/08) @ The Troubadour

a little more than a year ago i moved to sherman oaks: one bed one point five bath. hardwood floors, marble counter tops, and ceiling fan. a lovely and quiet getaway from the hustle and bustle of 5700 wilshire. maybe even a little too quiet...of course the typical boisterous mother and daughter combo: Grey Gardens. OR the upstairs sarcastic borderline abusive to one another neighbors OR the cat lady across the way to the middle aged gentleman who insists its a good idea to wear a speedo around the communal areas (the laundry room, really?)...and despite their own preconceived notions that they may have about me (drunkard lush who crawls back late in the evenings)...i still enjoy living on mammoth avenue. and a little more than a year ago i had a housewarming party in which I played my "I've Gone To See A Man About A Dog" Playlist..which included and not limited to Fujiya & Miyagi...i don't think my guests heard or even paid much attention to the playlist but i had put considerable effort to the playlist...including the use of top shelf alcohol and door prizes...in any event Fujiya & Miyagi has a special place in my heart because they'll always remind me of an innocent time...



a time in which the flowers were still blooming and the sun still shining a time when i didn't have a care in the world and i enjoyed my job...(a time that's reminiscent of the summer of Mansfield '83...and for the record i still very much enjoy my job).
Born from the beaches of Brighton, England Fujiya & Miyagi the alternative/electronic sounds that transcend you to another world...no matter if you're on top of a mountain overlooking a three hundred sixty degree view over los angeles or desperately trying not to touch the bathroom stall walls at the troubadour (some insight about the concert enthusiast...)unfortunately, for you, Fujiya & Miyagi are back in Europe and probably won't be back stateside until after the new year...fortunately, for you, the euro is down...unfortunately, for you airline tickets are up..fortunately, for you, Fujiya & Miyagi's new album is ready for purchase.

enjoy the music.

Spinnerette (10/29/08) @ Spaceland

"a rose by any other name would smell as sweet" Spinnerette's Brody Dalle and Tony Bevilacqua were members of a little band called The Distillers. it's been a long wait since the last studio album of the distillers in 2003. since then i've attended and graduated university; traveled to and survived seven countries; listened to, adored, and posted about sixty-two bands since the first installation of The L.A. Dog and Pony Show. i would wait, wait and wait for just something. a glimmer of hope came with the spinnerette mashup that appeared on their site (myspace) in 2004 i became a fan of the distillers off their second album that was released in 2002...by the time i felt their power they were at a fork...no new albums and no new shows...as the Distillers. rumors circulated about a new album but nothing materialized..until spinnerette. a year later a mashup from spinnerette. a year after that Spinnerette @ Spaceland. What matters is what something is, not what it is called. spinnerette's new album coming in february until then i'll have to remember what one would describe as something badass for the kids. if you believe in drunk n punk nights..you'll find a safe haven in the bosom of spinnerette. as tough as the locating and parking at spaceland on silver lake blvd. it was worth the efforts. you won't wonder if the trucker mouth is as dirty as a certain angelino trying to get to spaceland. betweens the sh's and f's there were the motha's and holy's. you get it. you've been on the 405/101 even on the 110 and 15 during rush hour or even on wilshire and la brea between the construction on highland. but you endure...the jack and ginger's are magically delicious and the crowd is well it's just is. a made a semi-new new year's resolution to introduce myself to one person from a concert i go to. so far a success...i won't say i've met my soul mate but it makes the evening a little more interesting...

all the while i post i created a mixtape:

i usually excel at multitasking but this is for something i really care about so it took a little more effort and concentration.

enjoy the music.

The Death Set (10/26/08) @ The Echo

Not really anything i wasn't expecting but it was a feel good kinda punk show...if only there were more than just the ten high schoolers in attendance...maybe someday when they're old enough to drink themselves the audience will follow. but i couldn't help think that their mothers were outside waiting to pick them up...as for the taco truck on logan and sunset i hear it's THE BEST in town..we were five minutes too late to find out..next time, i suppose. as for THE Echo this was the second show at this venue. this venue never fails me i always end up having a good time...don't get me wrong it's no el rey but it'll give me my indie fix..in any event far more indie than spaceland would like to be...ok i can't concentrate on this while watching a docu on lyndon b. johnson (one of my favorites)

"...for the cries of pain, the hymns and protest of oppressed people, have summoned into convocation all the majesty of this great government the government of the greatest nation on earth. Our mission is at once the oldest and the most basic of this country: to right wrong, to do justice, to serve man. In our time we have come to live with the moments of great crisis. Our lives have been marked with debate about great issues: issues of war and peace, issues of prosperity and depression. But rarely in any time does an issue lay bare the secret heart of America itself. Rarely are we met with a challenge, not to our growth or abundance, or our welfare or our security, but rather to the values, and the purposes, and the meaning of beloved nation. The issue of equal right for American Negroes is such an issue."

back to the docu.

enjoy the music.

Before I go...

heading out to The Echo to see Death Set..i know nothing about this electropunk band but i'm really exited to rock out with my eyes closed..wish me luck!







enjoy the music

The Raconteurs (09-23-08) @ The Greek Theater

fortunate to receive from the giver and taker of my life i was able to see The Raconteurs at The Greek Theater. an avid fan of the white stripes The Raconteurs didn't disappoint....AGAIN. Jack White an AWESOME guitarist and probably an overall good guy (if in the event the gods somehow allow me a chance meeting...BUT i think i just heard my soulmate rockin out) knows what the audience wants and he gave it to them...i can't speak for everyone in attendance but he's one to bend over for...especially it if involves a geetar.









i was fortunate to see this performance at Lolla and again at the Greek..one of my favorites:


The Raconteurs are scheduled to rock out in san diego and santa barbara (24 and 25 respectively) i would encourage you to check them out and in the event that you do DO NOT hesitate to stand up and rock out (even if the couple behind you refuses to) and stay for their encore because it won't disappoint even at the cost of thirty minutes out of the parking lot (a small price to pay for standing before greatness).

also, if The Kills are opening for the Raconteurs get there early as from a previous post they're rock n roll: The Kills


enjoy the music.

Street Scene 2008 @ San Diego, Ca

Friday:
-Justice
-Vampire Weekend
-Beck
Saturday:
-The Hives
-Tegan and Sara
-Ghostland Observatory
-Does It Offend You, Yeah?
-Devo

so LADPS hits the road and it only took five hours (sarcasm) but like in life it's not the destination but the journey...and in the case of the life of a rockin roller its truly about the twenty minutes of conversation, the amuse-gueule of hot dog bites from costco, watermelon squares and an eclectic itunes playlist (which includes and not limited to selections from The Enchanted Soundtrack)

the following are the greatest hits from Street Scene 2008:
-JUSTICE-




-VAMPIRE WEEKEND-




-GHOSTLAND OBSERVATORY




-DOES IT OFFEND YOU, YEAH?-




the second outing for LADPS and so far i haven't been disappointed. granted i didn't see ALL the bands that i wanted to see merely because of circumstances out of my control: traffic on the five and the laws of physics. when i was about five years old i had dreamed of a time of flying cars and hoverboards but now i can only wish of accurate estimated times of arrival..in LA the invention of flying cars seems a little more probable..here's to going green!
in any event i still enjoyed good music with good people which always equals a good time (despite having only eating one carne asada burrito). gray hairs, gold coins, breakfast at cafe 222 and the tractor room (which i may add has a great soundtrack for sunday brunch)

enjoy the music.

SAN DIEGO, CA

street scene 2008! wah whoo!

tv music

i'm getting tired hearing my favorite tunes of now on todays primetime dramadies...i don't know what it is...i'm not angry at the artists cause they're doing their thing (makin more money than I am) but I just feel dirty to their mainstream success...indifference!

Devotchka (09-16-08) @ The El Rey

Devotchka brought much of the soundtrack and score to the not so small indie film called Little Miss Sunshine equals great. Devotchka at Lollapolooza in Grant Park equals great. Devotchka at the El Rey equals well i have to think about this one. on the eve of the concert i was stricken with bad karma in the form of a terrible stomach sadness. so during the concert i think my mind was on something else mainly cause of a childhood fear of public restrooms...which has carried throughout my young adult life...which is probably something freudian in which i cannot explain or even understand.



most of my favorite devotchka tunes comes from the little miss sunshine soundtrack probably because i had already a visual (i've already decided on a future post about movie soundtracks - "the winner is" from little miss sunshine is one of my favorites)



i could see myself on an edge somewhere that looks beyond into a vast land or city while listening to devotchka and all the problems and or worries are set aside and i'm allowed to enjoy life...


there were some great-like moments like the illuminated tuba, accordian, string quartet, trumpet, x and cirque du soliel performer. but overall the evening went to rupa and the april fishes. most of their songs, however, were in french so for all i know she sang of killing her dog and the infamous ninja cat. but it was still good music



i first heard of Rupa & the April Fishes at the skirball before a trip. i took the couple of songs that i had of rupa and i found myself at cafe du monde as the rain was pouring the coffee was enticing and the beignets frying and played this song multiple times...



une américaine à paris by rupa marya
il y avait quelque jours en silence
j’ai pas dit un mot
et puis je t’ai rencontré ici à paris
assis près de moi dans un bistro
tu viens d’algiers
et moi je viens de san Francisco
un monde entre nous
tu m’as demandé
t’as pas peur être américaine
ici à paris
avec tous ces arabs fâchés
j’ai dit non, je ne suis pas américaine
tu n’es past arab et nous ne sommes pas à paris
un monde fou entre nous
qu’est que tu pense de tout cela?
de tous ces histories?
les histories nous rendent foux
t’as voulu prendre ton photo avec moi
j’ai dit non merci, pas de photo
je préfère la vie
je ne suis pas américaine
tu n’es past arab et nous ne sommes pas à paris
nous sommes dans la vie
un monde fou entre nous

an american in paris by rupa marya (english version)
there were a few silent days
i didn’t say a word
and then i met you here in paris
sitting next to me in a bistro
you come from Algiers
i come from san francisco
a world between us
you asked me
aren’t you afraid to be an american in paris
with all these angry arabs?
i said no. i’m not an american
you are not an arab and we are not in paris
a crazy world between us
what do you think of all of this?
what do you think of these stories?
these stories make us crazy
you asked me if you could a photo with me
i said no thank you, no photo, i prefer life
i’m not an american, you are not an arab
we are not in paris, we are in life
a crazy world between us



enjoy the music.

Make A Wish Foundation Night @ Safari Sam's

Turning Toward The Sun
An Evening of Music and Entertainment
Entertainment:
jugglers, balloon artists, a silent auction, and a top shelf bar.

Music:

Brandon Schott w/ String Quartet
Just Off Turner
Moving Picture Show





The Moving Picture Show:


the highlight of their performance: the marching band p-e-r-i-o-d.



i even won a bid for an ink piece called, "Owls."

in Los Angeles one wish is granted everyday through the make a wish foundation. take a moment make a wish and a year from the date of this post it should be accomplished..you have no other reason but your own fears which you can conquer.

enjoy the music.

Music Search Engines...illegal?.

as you can see i've been a fan of the seeqpod.com music search engine...one could easily search and embed audio and video files onto their blog....here's a list of search engines:

1. Seeqpod
2. Jogli *a new fave
3. Playlist
4. Songza
5. Pandora
6. Mixwit Create a Mix Tape!

i'm not too sure of the laws...as in most cases the laws are too confusing and vague that i have no idea if it pertains to me or not..they use such big words...only until i'm in trouble do find out what the law is...ask me no questions and i'll tell you no lies...

enjoy the music.

N.E.R.D. (09-02-08) @ Courtyard of the Building

a free performance brought to me by the company once called "movie time" free drinks, food, and music...who could ask for anything more? well, a working car audio system for one..but enough about me and more about N.E.R.D., please.

suppose to be this summer's thong song but i haven't been hittin the discothèque as much so i wouldn't know but it is catchy and i don't mind catching it live. at one point girls were brought up to the stage shakin their moneymakers as i went to the bathroom...it was weird...i had fun and who knew you can macgyver your way to a good time in other words all you need is green paper, a green highlighter, some tape and you're good to go. see you next year!

enjoy the music.

Estelle @ The Key Club (09-05-08)

Estelle has become a popular radio favorite especially with this "American Boy." i'm not sure the key club was a perfect fit for ms. estelle...her agent must have not known the reach of estelle because she made the venue seem very small...i left my group for a moment and before i knew i was stuck in the back by the bar with no drink in my hand..i couldn't even reach for my credit card so i can buy my own darn drink...it was that crowded..however i'd say for being an elbow to elbow situation angelino's know how to have a good time...or at least laugh about it.



labels for this post include british hip hop, r&b, reggae, soul...



i'm not so poo-litical but i thought this was kinda funny:


enjoy the music.

BALKAN BEAT BOX @ The El Rey

i couldn't tell you when the first time i heard of this Brooklyn group but i could never forget their music:

their "unique sound by fusing the musical styles of Jewish klezmer, Mediterranean and Balkan traditions with hip-hop and dancehall beats" gets you jumping, screaming, clapping, just right uber excited about life....


before the show i had to explain myself to a few peeps, "what's a balkan beat box?" and before my initial response of anger and confusion and little frustration (what kind of music are you listening to) i was quick to mention Gogol Bordello (deer in a headlight moment continues). I would have included a link of the LADPS' post of the Gogol Bordello show but to my disbelief no entry exists. Gogol Bordello is one of the reasons for The LA Dog and Pony Show blogspot...you take Gogol Bordello mix it with some Jim Bianco add a dash of Ingrid Michaelson and a splash of Airborne Toxic Event reduce and simmer...drain and add to a processor. Transfer paste to a bowl season with Alex & Sam and Cat Power. Yields: generous life servings. i've seen gogol bordello live twice now and each show is different and amazing full of life and unexpected surprises i urge you to go...but enough about them and back to BBB. anyway upon my research about BBB i read this news to me little tidbit: "Balkan Beat Box is a world music group founded by ex-Gogol Bordello member Ori Kaplan" i wouldn't say their music is identical but i just get a fuzzy warm feeling when i think of these two. in any event i enjoyed the show mainly because of Tome Yosef (mc and lyricist) and Ori Kaplan (saxophonist)...




Balkan Beat Box will be heading up to san fran and seattle and from there to the midwest and then to europe...you only live once find them go to a show and rock out! actually Gogol Bordello will be at LA Weekly Detour Music Festival in Downtown LA Oct. 4..check it before you wreck it (just so the next time someone says gypsy punk you'll remember a time in your life when the troubles didn't really matter and you were just rockin and rollin...)




enjoy the mucic.

NewTunes

over the weekend i learned of the existence of new bands in this known universe:

-Ida Maria
-The Charade
-Ra Ra Riot
-Throw Me The Statue

I probably don't have to see the next set live in concert but i still enjoy they're music in the privacy of my own thoughts or while i blog:

-Tu Fawninig

i don't know if these bands will ever make their way to the LA area but let's hope they do!

Radiohead

I promised myself i wouldn't write about my Radiohead experience at lolla because i didn't want to sound redundant to what you already might have imagined a Radiohead show being (because i know what you're thinking...even before you know)...BUT i just heard this song again (post-lolla) and i can't help it so i will post one song just so i can relax just a little:



Radiohead = you can't imagine...actually let me rephrase that...imagine everything that's good in your life, everything that you had experienced and hoped for, in this time and in this place your standard of perfection...remember what you just imagined (make a list if need be) and at the end of a hectic day when you're running on fumes from yesterday's lunch or when sitting in traffic on highland because of a sold out 'Tchaikovsky Spectacular w/ Fireworks' at the Hollywood Bowl or when people just piss you off...take a moment recall your list and smile. that's what Radiohead is to me.

The end.

Good night and **enjoy the music.

**this is going to be my LeVar Burton's "I'll see you next time" from Reading Rainbow..i've copyrighted the phrase any use in any medium is subjected to fee which will be donated to your local charity.

The Kills

one of more than a handful of bands i had no idea pre-lolla...but they were scheduled to open for The Raconteurs in september (September 22 they'll open for Raconteurs at the Greek Theater) so i gave them a listen. this american/british duo began in 2003 and have released three albums since then their latest is called Midnight Boom.


something you can rock out to when you wanna feel like a rockstar driving even if you don't know the lyrics.



here's an interview from lolla 2008:

my favorite is at the 2:39 mark. they are not a well rehearsed band quite the opposite..but they still play great live music....and this is why you gotta love them:


enjoy!

Hot Water Music

Prelude to my friday evening i went to the LACMA for their Friday Night Jazz...LACMA across the street from the office so I said to myself, "sure, why not?" and i've been meaning to answer the question, "is there any jazz in los angeles?" so for this evening the performer, Bill Cantos...who is described as: "Singer/songwriter/pianist Bill Cantos has been singled out by Jazziz Magazine as an "artist to watch." His songs have been recorded by Ramsey Lewis, Flora Purim, and Brenda Russell, and he can be heard on albums by countless artists, including Phil Colllins, Dori Caymmi, John Patitucci, Justo Almario, Clint Black, and Kirk Whalum." -lacma website. the show was good and i generally enjoy jazz except there was something indifferent about Bill Cantos that i couldn't put my finger on...there was audience participation which was good. overall, a nice experience for LA life.

so night continued at one of my favorite LA venues (proximity to where i am mostly coming from) The El Rey. Hot Water Music


a friend's favorite:


concerts at the el rey does no wrong to the LADPS (LA Dog and Pony Show) for some reason at this show i realized a life goal (something i want to do before i die) Crowd Surfing. According to wikipedia: "Crowd surfing describes the process in which a person is passed overhead from person to person during a concert, transferring the person from one part of the venue to another. The "crowd surfer" is passed above everyone's heads, with everyone's hands supporting the person's weight."
caveat:



this would be fun there wouldn't be a fear of being dropped:


here's a how to:


...i should probably rethink this goal.

so back to hot water music...hot water music has been in contention for more than a decade releasing ten albums...ten years ago i was an impressionable high school kid...but with such a rhythm and two singers (!) i would have been surely impressed. however this florida band probably was more influential on the east coast more so than the west because i hadn't heard of this band before this friday evening at the el rey. however, i'm probably not going to rush out and purchase their album. but there's something said about realizing a life goal during an situation thus resulting in an experience they should be honored.
speaking of life goals: while posting this entry i was searching the web and i found this...some of you may or may not know the significance of this person...at times when i was a child i had hoped santa claus would wrap him up and place him under the tree..every year i've been disappointed...however the dream is not lost and i found this interesting: enjoy!

enjoy the holiday enjoy the music.

Sunset Junction 2008

i'm on my way to sunset junction...a first for The LA Dog and Pony Show as well as a first for me...from what i heard about sunset junction other than it's the junction of Sunset Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard...its a big party...so i've drank my trader joe's green tea and tropical punch kool-aid concoction and i'm ready to go..except i have to make a pit stop at armstrong gardens as i had promised...so until then enjoy the rest of the day -keep it real!

Lollapalooza 2008

Friday:
-The Enemy UK
-The Kills
-Gogol Bordello
-Cat Power
-The Reconteurs
-Bloc Party
-CSS
-Radiohead

Saturday:
-The Ting Tings
-Dr. Dog
-MGMT
-DeVotchKa
-Brand New
-Spank Rock
-Jamie Lidell
-Lupe Fiasco
-Rage Against The Machine

Sunday:
-Brazilian Girls
-Chromeo
-Black Kids
-Eli "Paperboy" Reed & The True Loves
-Saul Williams
-Gnarls Barkley
-Girl Talk
-Mark Ronson
-Kanye West

i saw a lot and walked a lot more...but it was well worth it.

New Orleans/Chicago 2008

I've decided to stay clear from technology for the next week (e.g. computer, internet, cellphone..well maybe not the cellphone) as I embark upon a journey to find myself that's been lost among the city of angels...i suppose i shouldn't have to leave my home to find myself but it makes for a great experience...there's lot to be seen that's outside of this great city...so I seek adventure, danger, and romance? well, more of the former than the latter...at least that's what i plan to do...who knows when prince charming will appear? or has he already?????? in any event i'm off to see the wizard for the next week helping w/ Habitat for Humanity and then attending Lollapalooza in Chicago...hopefully by that time i'll be able to spell the festival. so i hope to bring back stories of music, food, people, and more music...so until next time: peace be with you. -Andria

p.s. i'm a little late on the updates to this blog but i still have to share my experience at Hard Fest 2008...but that'll have to wait. i'll leave you with a favorite:

Bitter:Sweet @ The El Rey 07-18-08 (Full Review)

i hadn't had any expectations of this show since my Bitter:Sweet listening days were in college and really who remembers much from those days...when you have fourteen hour shooting schedules and two internships and business law exam every other week you don't remember much of anything (contrary to popular belief no substances were involved)..in any event i remember one band: Bitter:sweet...i won't lie my introduction to Bitter:sweet was through myspace...I had enjoyed it but never was able to see them live...cut to: two years later and Bitter:sweet is performing across the street from my place and employment and some coworkers had planned on going cut to: i'm the second person in line to purchase tickets at the box office!

in light of their new album (Drama) the show was promising to be a good one...they began their concert tour in Los Angeles, appropriate for this "LA band" and from the first hand experience they started on a high note...



if you take james bond, marilyn monroe, chet baker, humphrey bogart, and mix it with guitar, bass, two turntables and a mixer, violin, drums, bongos, electric keyboards, and the sweet sounding voice of Shana Halligan...i'm sooo glad that the bassist Kiran Shahani is a on a wireless bass..he gets to shake what his mama gave him...



i wish i could write more but i've been busy at work to think of anything else great to say about Bitter:sweet. enjoY!

Bitter:Sweet@The El Rey
I opted to not bend over to the convenient charges so I bought tickets at the box office the music gods heard my cries:-D

ASTRA HEIGHTS @ THE ECHO

it was a night of socially insensitive jokes and just shutthefuckupandlisten kind of music...which i find delightfully entertaining



in any event i ended up at The Echo on a tuesday night..which unbeknownst to me Astra Heights was performing...which unbeknownst to me that Astra Heights existed...but it's sorta like those unplanned surprises that destiny throws at you...like money on the ground, teenage pregnancy, and unknown yet refreshing LA bands...i had planned to see Von Iva (the headliner) but the second of the opening two bands ended up being more memorable...i don't know if i have mentioned it before but i obsessive compulsively arrange my itunes into specific playlists...for example: music for driving, music for driving long distances, music for driving short distances, music for sitting in the car while waiting, music for sitting in the car while waiting on the 405 during rush hour traffic on a friday afternoon, music for rockin' out, etc etc etc...and now with the discovery of astra heights i've entered an entire album to a playlist entitled music for rockin' out with friends on a road trip to oblivion...good times, the end.



don't get me wrong its no violin concerto in D major, Op. 35: Allegro Moderato (Pyotr ll'yich Tchaikovsky) at the 6:27 minute...but they are a great live band....so get up and get out of your comfort and find a Astra Heights show (they have shows in LA July 16, July 26, and August 7)they stand for melody, rhythm and harmony which in the game of life stands for all that is good in the universe...well besides cotton candy. i'm no genius but they're the difference between inter- and intra- or even the difference between that and which (of course when used appropriately) i'm no mathematician but they're the sum of the average and the minus of the mean and when multiplied by itself it equals to one...i'm no farmer but they're something special...yeah something like that...they just get it.

Mobile blogging in effect!

Does it work?

SOME LIKE IT HOT

"It's not how long you wait it's who you're waiting for!"

"Story of my life. I always get the fuzzy end of the lollipop."

"We're up the creek and you want to hock the paddle!"

"All right, driver, once around the park, slowly, and keep your eyes on the road."

Ingrid Michaelson @ The El Rey Theater

its been six months and twenty nine days since the beginning of the start of 2008 and ever since then i made sort of a resolution to go to one concert a week...so if my cross multiplication is correct six months and twenty nine days are about 28 weeks...and according to blogger.com i have about 25 posts..give or take a concert or two i'm on track to a concert a week...maybe? no? whatever i'm probably doing better than most new years resolutionists...



since the new year i've seen ingrid michaelson twice...obsessed? nope. fan? yep. unfortunately she's been traveling around touring around the country and hasn't had time to record a new album so one is expected to hear the same ol' songs from the one and only album...and until recently the same jokes...

despite the same ol' same ol' i was hoping to hear her version of this favorite:


however she didn't and opted with a death cab for cutie song..which i didn't really recognize since i'm not familiar with death cab...in any event a great show....and if your somewhere in the midwest in the summer try to check her out...if not she's opening for the dave matthew's band through the fall..

enjoy!

Thievery Corporation @ The Hollywood Bowl

I can't pass up an evening at the Hollywood Bowl. if you haven't been to the Hollywood Bowl you should be ashamed of yourself...don't even think of calling yourself an angelino if you haven't...most people are quick to say that Los Angeles has no culture...

they obviously haven't made it to the Hollywood Bowl...probably haven't even attempted to step outside their studio bachelor or out of Azeroth....in any event The Hollywood Bowl is an epicenter of music....and the best part you can enjoy all good sounds underneath the stars of Heaven and your favorite bottle from your nearest Trader Joes/Whole Foods aisle...it was a dog day kind of afternoon in Los Angeles...so i brought in lemonade....MIKE'S HARD LEMONADE...i felt sorta lowbrow in comparison but it was hot and i needed something refreshing rather something dry and acidic...

i can't say i know too much about thievery corporation but if you enjoy what wikipedia describes as "dub, acid jazz, Indian classical and Brazilian (such as bossa nova) fused together with a lounge aesthetic" then you'll really enjoy Thievery Corporation. as i did...



highly recommended if you're in the right state of mind...however if the rest of your group is sitting behind you to your right or left just be careful no sudden looks directly behind you...their could be a surprise waiting for you...in thee form of a crotch...

SUPERDRAG! @ The Troubadour - May 29, 2008

can't say that i knew the music of Superdrag before the concert...but from the looks of everyone else the music is not only inspiring but really really good...maybe at my second Superdrag concert i'll be able to let you know how i felt about the music..but honestly I can't remember most of it (it was a busy week at work).

Dethklok @ The Wiltern

you won't believe where I'm at...

LA vs War

I went to this event in downtown LA called LA vs War.  The event brought LA artists and thier anti war art under one roof. according to their website: "LA artists a platform to exercise their freedom of speech. Hundreds of artists representing our diverse communities unite in delivering a universal message of peace and understanding, and offering resistance and opposition to the US government’s war policies."

here are some pics from the event:









these guys were making custom tees..i will be sporting my soon

and here's a video of the printing process:

i had a good time...you still have time to go and show your support for the local LA art scene..

the event ends tomorrow go and have fun!

New To the Blog *Edit

so i think i bit off more than i can chew...i thought about it further and that's a lot of tacos one has to find/eat to maintain the integrity of this blog...and i don't know if i have the time or gas money to search for THE perfect taco...so here's a compromise and it's only a proposal: SALSA! I've been to a many Mexican restaurants where the salsa is the deal breaker...in most cases when i visit a restaurant I'm hungry and not just "oh i haven't had dinner yet hungry (an after thought)" but "i haven't had dinner yet and deep within my soul there's a void that which can only be fulfilled by the culinary influences of the Moors of Spain" in other words "HUNGRY!" (caveat: the former referred to by wikipedia)...so I'm in search of the perfect salsa...there maybe only a few posts about the subject but i find that's important...so there you go...be prepared for the ride of your life as i take you around the world of Salsa...first event: July 26th-27th, 2008 OXNARD SALSA FESTIVAL
in the mean time I'll be reviewing salsa from favorite restaurants in LA. thank you and have a salsa day!

New to the Blog

there are some things in life that you will always remember and most likely change your life forever...one's first concert, one's first bicycle ride, one's first time playing guitar hero...you can account for everything during that first....what emotions you were going through, what the weather was like, and even what sneakers you were wearing...i wish i could account for the very first California Taco that I had (as it had change the wait i eat food in general)...my family and i moved to California when i was nine years old...to a small suburb outside of Los Angeles...and up to that point the only "mexican" food i had was from Taco Bell during Macgyver night (hardshell beef taco crumbled in the wrapper w/ hot sauce)...18 years later my selection of "Authentic Mexican Food" had changed...living in Southern California you're blessed w/ a plethora of restaurants...however the double-edged sword of too many choices the likelihood that you eat at a not so authentic kind of restaurant..where the meats are dry and the hard shells aren't so crunchy...so along side the concert reviews that you've come to expect at the L.A. Dog and Pony Show..i've decided to review the California Taco. of course there are many types of tacos (shredded beef, chicken, shrimp, carne asada, etc) I'll try only to focus on my personal favorite: Carne Asada.
you've probably already read/heard of the other blogspots regarding the California Taco:
The Great Taco Hunt
Taco Addiction

but as many as there are mexican restaurants there can be as many taco blogs...well i hope to start reviewing as soon as possible...so get ready for reviews and pictures to be included....i would start today as I had visited Broncos Restaurant in Sherman Oaks and had a carnitas taco...except i didn't take a picture of the taco (as i kinda devour it in less than 1 minute)..Let the Taco Blogging Begin!

Pete Rock @ Amoeba Hollywood

despite any previous posts this is "THE BEST IN STORE" show i've been to at Amoeba Hollywood....Pete Rock got me excited about hip hop again..the years of tupac and biggie are long gone and since then i just didn't understand it...a complete surprise pete rock because most of the shows i've been to were almost always acoustic....let alone two turntables and a microphone...i'm uber excited about pete rock..i believe we all need a pete rock in our life...he's touring on the coasts and unfortunately too poor for club LAX...unless i find a nice boy to take me wink wink...which the pete rock show there was no shortage of wink wink.


...little did i know i was standing before greatest..

The Chapin Sisters @ Amoeba Hollywood

The fourth in store show i've seen since the conception of The L.A. Dog and Pony Show and kuidos to the band this is my favorite. it could have been the strong vocals from the three sisters or the right time of the month but i really enjoyed their performance...

their strong vocals were accompanied by even stronger lyrics...which is always good for any singer/songwriter...

i wish i had more of their music to share with you except times are tough...so if you're inclined they have a free show at The Echo tonight! if you're in the mood to rock out probably not a good choice..but if you're tyring to "internally fix a physical affliction" this might be your best bet..and hopefully you'll be lucky enough to hear their cover of the smiths song "I know it's over". enjoy!
and if you're ever so inclined...the sisters who have the same mother...two come from musical backgrounds and one is a daughter of a master director of horror films...wikipedia it!

it's been awhile

I'm sorry I've been on vacation, busy at work, battling a cold, etc etc etc. I'll be back and with a vengeance...be back soon. i promise. in the meantime enjoy The Balkan Beat Box.

Jamie Lidell - May 29 @ El Rey Theater

i'm not taking chances buying at the box office....ticketmaster i hate you.

Jim Bianco @ Amoeba

As you can see Jim Bianco and his band are on the Amoeba stage. Jim Bianco was great at Amoeba (distracting echos from the customers browsing through the cds (obnoxiously so) to "fans" who talked about last weeks episode of LOST (i like the show but really!?) as you can tell from the picture i ended up at a great aisle the green album is one of my favorite concerts of all time Gogol Bordello..I was tempted buying his new album "sing" but i had to number 1 so bad I couldn't think right so i left as soon as i could...

As you can tell you see the six members of the band...guitars, accordion, clarinet, flute, sax, drums, keyboard, and double bass the makings of great soul hitting music. Brad Gordon who plays the accordion and clarinet has become my new hero...i like his fun music...from the new songs jim bianco played the album already sounds great and i can't wait to see him on the hotel cafe tour april 12...thank you and good night.
caveat: Jim Bianco's music gets you in the mood...be safe or financially stable.

Raveonettes @ The El Rey Theater

on the heels of their release of their new album The Raveonettes gave what the audience wanted...with some new songs from their new album (not much of a fan of) and many of their greatest hits (why i went to see them in first place) regardless their music is a crowd pleaser...two things The Raveonettes are fond of: reverb and the whammy bar. Danish pop duo consisting of Sune Rose Wagner (on guitar, instruments, vocals) and Sharin Foo (on bass and vocals) and lets not forget the drummer quite often the beats save the "didn't i already hear this song earlier in the show" (most of their songs have a same sound from the bass and guitar albeit the lyrics have changed for the momst part it seems their songs sound the same...which is not entirely bad...because of their vocal harmonies)

sounds like Buddy Holly in post industrial western europe...


and then the jewels of the show are their older songs:



great slideshow of the Raveonettes show at the El Rey taken by Timothy Norris

Airborne Toxic Event @ Troubadour

what else can i say about the Airborne Toxic Event that I haven't mentioned in my previous entry? The Airborne Toxic Event at the Troubadour hands down my favorite show that I've seen at the Troubadour...regardless of the band itself it was the right amount of space and people at the show...I don't know if it was a KROQ effect had anything to do with it but it was really great for an all ages show...i had no fear of gun related kid on kid violence...unfortunately, no videos on youtube of the show but i do have pictures from my camera which were not taken by myself but the guy wearing the same shirt (if you don't know what it means you're not in the club..sorry) as for the show The Airborne Toxic Event did not disappoint...amazing and sexy performers you can't go wrong...and the scene was very nice too...i don't want to sound redundant (which is already too late) but i just can't get enough of them...i can't wait for their next show at the staples center.

if you can't make it to texas they're next show is March 27 in Long Beach...i'm tempted.


2 of 3

Pinback @ The Avalon (Feb. 21)

i went to this show w/ no expectations and luckily i enjoyed it if only i knew the lyrics i would have been to totally rock out



Pinback is exactly what i needed during that rainy and cold night as i had to endure the overpriced parking lots around the area...if it wasn't the twenty dollar lot next door it was the twenty five dollar lot across the street...i didn't have a ticket to the show before arriving so i was concerned it would have been sold out...so the parking lot attendant was kind enough to give me half of the twenty dollars if i wasn't able to get a ticket...what a nice guy.



i can't say i would attend another Pinback show but i know exactly when i'll be listening to Pinkback...the following list are top five occasions when i'll turn on some Pinback:
1. I'm driving east of this place to some unknown destination but by no means do i feel lost just happy to be where i once was.
2. overlooking one of the seven wonders of the world
3. while walking on the moon (just need to save another $19,999,999,80 in the bank)
4. on a rainy day
5. when life is taking another course which you thought you had already decided and you can't remember where you came from and where you're going and how you're going to get there...

i'm listening to Pinback right now.

"moses suppose his toses are roses"

i ended up smashing things saturday night so i haven't had the time to think of something to write about pinback...this blogging thing isn't as easy as you think...i'll have something promise i'll be watching the oscars tonight so i'm sure i'll be more inspired...thank you for your patience

Pinback @ the Avalon

i was so busy at work today that I didn't have time to write a review. i'm sorry i'll have something by the end of the weekend...that's if i don't go to any concerts :) thank you for your patience

this is a picture from my cellphone...as you can see i'm in amoeba and to my delight Liam Finn was performing...i was in the electronica aisle and Liam Finn was announced so I went over and I enjoyed a great in store performance...as you can probably tell from the picture well probably not there were only two performers on stage: Liam Finn and E-J but from the songs they perform it sounds like an entire band is on stage....Liam Finn creates an instrumental layering effect by using a looping effects pedal so he'll record (on stage) a guitar riff and loop it and then move to the drums record that and move back to the guitar for a badass guitar solo while E-J records the bridge...it's pretty cool to see and hear and i enjoyed it..



The surprise of the show: Liam and E-J ran off stage to look at the total lunar eclipse and of course they didn't leave the audience hanging:

..my favorite part liam comes back and pounds on the drums...sweet!


a Hives Jam

some of his songs i didn't get because i couldn't understand what he was saying (there was a lot of screaming of the lyrics) out of the six or so songs he sang there were probably two that caught my ear and got me moving...but for the most part i was glad to have seen them through a free in store performance at amoeba...just not my cup of tea.

upcoming concerts

well, unfortunately i won't be able to make it to DJ Shadow this evening I will be going out of town and if you live by airport codes like I do this sort of stuff just happens. I'm sadden because it would have given me the opportunity to hang out with some coworkers who I haven't seen in a while because of the wga strike...but i have hope there will be a next time...

nothing really substantial coming up except Cat Power at the end of the month. I'm excited except I've never been to a Cat Power concert...from what I read online she dealt with alcoholism and depression so every performance before she was intoxicated...she since gone to rehab and acknowledges Mary J. Blige as one of her heroes...an appearence on Oprah helped her get through rehab....proof once again the healing power of Oprah...cat power has released a new album but honestly her cover songs are what struck me...




and here's one of my favorite of her songs:

RocknRoll Dating

i'm on the fence whether i'm going to do it or not but it's probably a really great idea and since i have no valentine then probably a really really good idea

RocknRoll Dating

Von Iva

when the slow melodic sounds of your favorite crooner is a bit emotionally draining go to your playlist and play Von Iva...if you don't have Von Iva on your playlist it's time to climb out from under the rock and wake up:

and you're having trouble waking up just turn on a Von Iva song and you're good to go:

disco rock 'n roll with a lot of soul...unless you're a cylon you have no reason to jump up and down to Von Iva...as a little girl i dreamed of my own rock band (appropriately modeled after Jem! "glamour and glitter fashion and fame!")


...and now as a young adult seemingly wiser of cultural favorites i dream of my own rock band majorly influenced by Von Iva (even if a recent discover)..


there are times in your life when you're just bored of your everyday; when you're on the 405 north of la tijera or east of woodman on the 101; when you've stepped on freshly chewed gum or a pile o dog pooppie or just when you want to rock out you listen to Von Iva and all of the crap will just go away..

next performance: March 1 @ El Cid...have fun it's an experience just shake yo ass!

Jim Bianco

my first encounter with Jim Bianco happened at the Bordello Bar (which during the beginnings of the city of Los Angeles was a brothel)...when i was a little girl I had only two dreams: 1. That someday my children won't be judge by the color of their skin but by the content of their character; 2. I would meet and fall in love with the man of my dreams all on the same night....present day reality check: we're still working on the former and someday it WILL happen as for the latter I found him in the form of Jim Bianco...granted the meeting part hasn't officially happened but with certainty i've fallen in love. now granted i haven't had the slightest idea about the character of Jim Bianco but i know his music and if his music is any indication of Jim Bianco then i'm sold (no pun intended) ...and so it happened on the eve of the next morning the very sweet music of Jim Bianco bestowed upon my ears, mind, body and soul...his raspy voice deteriorated from a chain-smoking-bottle-swigging evening off the wagon all the while hunched over any old upright...now i can't promote any of his actions but you get the whole great horn spoon package with Jim Bianco...just sexy.

members of the group include: Professor Beeg (clarinets, accordions, trumpets, producer, etcetera...), THe P.I.P (skins), Joe Easy (doublebass), The Ubiquitious Kenny Lyon (guitars), Matty D (sax and what-nots),

March 4, 2008 Jim Bianco is releasing his new album, "Sing," which i'm uber excited about he will also appear (where i won't be too far behind) at Amoeba Records Hollywood In Store Performance. can't say to go because Jim Bianco's music is best served in a dimly-lit-feel-the-heartbeat-of-the-person-standing-next-to-you -while-holding-a-jack-and-ginger kind of venue...Amoeba just isn't that intimate but still worth going to. I will also see Jim Bianco at the Hotel Cafe Tour on April 12th at the Henry Fonda Theater (did i mention my disdain for the ticketmaster convenient charges)

The Airborne Toxic Event

for some reason i've never felt any urgency to see a band that has a residency at a venue cause I figured they'll always be there next week...however my school of thought changed when I first saw The Airborne Toxic Event @ Spaceland. unfortunately, I only saw this band once while they had a residency at Spaceland during the month of January. Life got in the way of good music which forever now there'll be a hole in my heart for those missed shows...it's only february and i can say that The Airborne Toxic Event is THE band of 2008...and any other band will have to fight to the death to even try to be considered. The Toxic Airborne Event has all the making for greatness and that it should be included on a future Guitar Hero's setlist. when the end of the world comes you can hope that deep within the rubble of all that has been destroyed there will be a single ipod which will hold the key answers of humanity...music from the likes of The Beatles, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Bob Marley, Nirvana, Tupac, and The Airborne Toxic Event...

Ingrid Michaelson

I first heard of Ingrid Michaelson sometime in February of last year (show was sold out at The Hotel Cafe so I didn't even get to hear her) since then I've been to almost every show she's had in Los Angeles (which for most artists it's a hard fight to get Angelinos out of their niche) - maybe borderline obsessive for me? still, whatever side of the law you stand on I enjoy Ingrid Michaelson's shows...the cute banter between Allie Moss (accompanist) and/or audience (however repetitive) makes the show even more enjoyable...but let's not steer away from the music. Ingrid Michaelson is a singer slash songwriter. No If's, And's or But's about that she knows her stuff. Her increased visibility into the mainstream and often sold out shows makes me want to say, "that was soo five days ago" but you can't cause her music keeps you wanting more...caveat: if you plan on attending one of her shows be prepared to participate there's no room for those who stand, stare and just listen...really there's no room...i'm rather a small height girl and I can't stand anywhere without getting a drink spilled upon or an elbow in the eye..seriously where do all these tall people come from and what did they eat/drink as a child? sometimes you wish that she would perform in a larger venue space but the intimate smaller venues is the only way to listen...the intrigue, danger, and romance of Ingrid excites even the most skeptical...

imagine this if you will (based on a true story): there's a place that exists that can only be best described in a Hunter S. Thompson novel which I have never read but only somehow it has been engraved into my memory... the novel describes of a place with which I expect all my visits to be and anything short of this is considered a disappointment. my character and bank account were often tested in which i partook in activities i normally wouldn't do...from casinos to buffet lines to games of chance to those chances of the "game" (i'm thinking of those moments of hubris in which "i'm just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her") just short of immoral and illegal I ended up in a hallway of excessiveness being bombarded by everything frightening except at this moment i was stopped by this faint sweet sound through an in-ceiling speaker well over 30 feet away which through this chaos can be not only relieving but imperative to my sanity...soon after "The Way I Am" finishes I came back to my senses and I regained hope that the fortune cookie that I received two days ago will come true: "You will live long and enjoy life."


beginning march 6th - april 12th Ingrid will be joining the rest of the amazing singer/songwriters of today on The Hotel Cafe Tour personally i'll be attending the april 12th show at the henry fonda theater (if only ticketmaster didn't bend me over and force the convenient charges on me I'd be really excited about going)

the following is an excerpt from a ichat conversation between a friend and I about attending our first Ingrid Michaelson show:

ME (4:26:00p.m.): so the first time i planned going to ingrid was at hotel cafe
erik and i got there
and there was a line outside the door
most were female...
so we waited almost an hour
STEVEN (4:26:15p.m.): cha ching
ME (4:27:00p.m.): and ingrid started to sing
so erik and i decided to go somewhere else
but from what i heard from the alleyway she sounded pretty good
so i vowed i'd go to one of her shows
do you think there will be some single "sensitive" guys for me?
there has to be, right?
STEVEN (4:27:15p.m.): well i am going, so there must be others
STEVEN (4:31:00p.m.): wow no snide comments
ME (4:32:00p.m.): sorry

Alex & Sam @ Tangiers

this is why i enjoy taking the time to find new music because once in a while I find music that I will listen to for the rest of my life: Alex & Sam (website)
I don't know about you but I categorize my music accordingly (just a sample of my playlist titles): Music for Running, Music for Dancing, Music for Partying, Island Music (if i was deserted on an island what music would i bring and i'd be happy). Alex & Sam make great music together they're definitely on my Island Music Playlist...not only do you get Alex & Sam you get an entire band that brings the accordion, a trumpet, drums, vocals, bass, and keyboards ...if you don't already know I'm biased towards music that hits your soul...Alex & Sam's music hit you so hard you'll have to take many moments to remember to breathe.



they have a residency at Tangiers on Hillhurst so for the entire month of February you have a chance to check out this band ($10/ticket)...you will not be disappointed...The Tangiers has a back room for their live shows it's what you would expect from a speakeasy without all the secondhand smoke, organized crime and corruption...
as bad as your day could ever be the music of Alex & Sam make it better..they're what's good on this at sometimes ugly world...if you haven't heard of Alex & Sam you will and very soon..



the end.

i also wanted to post this second video to show the kind of message Alex & Sam give..it's strong but it doesn't enrage you...it makes you think and feel all in a cool, calm and collective state:

Monday January 14, 2008

Kate Nash @ Amoeba

the1921A and Clyde Bonnie Clyde @ Club Good Hurt