I Said Hey Kids (Hey Kids!) - A Couple of Tuesday Night Options

Of course Radio Free Silver Lake's Let's Independent should always be your default on the third Tuesday of the month. Tonight, of course, looks to be no exception to the "Joe Fielder always puts together fantastic line-ups worth driving to Hollywood for," rule. I've heard nothing but really nice things about The Minor Cannon, and have been trying to catch a show from them for a while. I've heard absolutely nothing about Luke Top, or (((eagle winged palace))). Joe's seal of approval surely makes them worth a listen though.





I'm personally a bit torn now. As much as I would like to honor my monthly appointment at Boardner's, the line- up at Pehrspace does look mighty intriguing. Every unabashedly hyper power pop track that I heard from Georgie James has made their full length Places from last year the album that I most regret having missed in it's entirety. Perhaps if you missed it too, we can all play catch up by picking up a copy tonight. The night has also gotten even more intriguing due to the last minute addition of New Zealand based Over the Atlantic. They released a lovely album in 2006 called Junica that not nearly enough people heard. Squaregirl Kristen saw them open for Beach House that same year with the boy that introduced us. That boy maintains that Over the Atlantic are even better live than on the record.

Um, two shows in one night anyone?

~sqg marion

No Recess!

There was something in the air last night if you happened to be at Boardner's for the latest installment of the Radio Free Silver Lake presented Let's Independent. Did you feel it? Some time before Fol Chen completed the first song of their set you could definitely sense that the majority of the people in the room had just realized they were watching their new favorite local band for the first time. I can't personally go so far as to declare them as such. My indiepop heart will still always default to the simpler pleasures of The Tartans, Princeton, or in an almost entirely unrelated way the all out bombast of Le Switch. That being said I admired the hell out of Fol Chen's ambitious equal parts weird/accessible ultra full sounding pop songs, and the outright commitment of everyone in the band to what they were doing. A trumpet created sounds I didn't realize a trumpet was capable of making due to the fact that it was played upside down, gloriously jangly noise was acheived by two of my favorite instruments being clapped together (sleigh bells in one hand, tambourine in the other,) and later those same sleigh bells were used as part of a drum pattern! Wow. They did a pretty fascinating cover/reinterpretation of the Nirvana song "School," as well. Oddly enough this was the second cover song off of Bleach that I've heard in less than a week. Again, there must be something in the air.

I would suggest that you prepare yourself for hearing a lot more about Fol Chen now because it's sure to be inevitable. You might want to make it a point to see their live show too because it's kind of amazing.

~sqg marion

Here's video proof! Notice the trumpet technique that I was referring to earlier...



Huge thanks to Mouse for posting this video by the way!

I Said Hey Kids (Hey Kids!)

If you had any other plans in place for Tuesday March 18, it would be in your best interest to cancel them. Clearly this is the only game in town:



Princeton are pretty much our collective biggest local band crush. We keep hearing the nicest things about Amnion, and are thrilled to finally be checking out the live show. We'd heard nothing about Fol Chen until last week. Apparently they formed from the remains of a quite popular L.A. band, but refuse to say which one. Ooh, lovely mystery!

Please venture over here to download tracks from all of the bands.

We'll see you all on Tuesday!

Ready, Steady, Go!

Alright so I guess I'm officially the last L.A. blog to write a post that implies that I'm currently freaking out about The Monolators . But all I can think about this morning is how much I'm currently freaking out about the Monolators. I'd seen them twice before and liked them, but the full effect of how great they are didn't quite sink in until I saw them play at Boardner's last night as part of the always fantastic Radio Free Silver Lake presented Let's Independent. They have a nice proportion of punk rock energy to pop sensibility which not many bands pull off quite as well as they do. And the fact that they were playing to a packed house last night only seemed to make it stronger. They were the first band I've ever seen to be told that they were too loud, and would have to tone it down a bit. They had fun with this too, at one point when the audience was clapping along we were asked to, "Turn down the hand claps." The Monolators have two interesting upcoming shows. January 24 with Rademacher at the Prospector in Long Beach. Then Monday January 28 at Spaceland with the Parson Red Heads, who I (shamefully) still haven't seen. That's one that is most certainly not to be missed!

Of course the show last night was a release party for Death to Anders who also put on a fantastic show. And I'm now more excited than ever to spend some serious time with their new record. It looks like Death to Anders are heading out for a bit of a California tour so if you happen to be reading this in Fresno, Modesto, Sacremento, San Francisco, or Long Beach, you're in luck. Most dates are with Rademacher so you are actually doubly in luck.

And a huge thanks is due, once again, to Radio Free Silver Lake Joe for consistently providing the best monthly band showcase/party in L.A.

Below are a few videos for you to enjoy. One of The Monolators live (of my personal favorite, "You Look Good on the Train,") and one of The Monolators with choreography. There is also a video of Death to Anders performing an unknown song from the show last night. Anyone who can tell me what the song is gets a hug.

It May be Winter Time, but Baby It's Super Fine!

I have to say (and I'm certain that I can speak for Squaregirl K as well) that we could not have been any more pleased with the turn out at our show last night. We both send out huge thank yous to everyone who braved the chilly (for Southern California) weather, and helped make our first official night such a smashing success! 

Princeton brought the crowd to the floor early with their impossible to resist pretty pop songs. The Health Club  closed the night with a solid wall of upbeat indie/garage rock that sounded so cool, I actually felt cooler just by being in near proximity to it. And Le Switch, as you may already know, had stolen my heart months ago with the power of their live show. And just when I was thinking that surely they would put on an amazing show, but they couldn't be better than they were the last time I saw them. Guess what? They were better than they were the last time I saw them. They will likely be even better the next they play so make sure to get out there and check them out!

I also need to give a huge thank you to Joe Fielder over at Radio Free Silver Lake for presenting the show along with us, and all the help he has given us along the way. It is worth mentioning, by the way, that his monthly event Let's Independent is always a good time, and this month's line up looks killer. I think I know where I'll be on Tuesday night...

And while I anxiously wait for January 9 when we get to do this all over again (more details to come on that one soon.) I'm biding my time by working on a year end list or two, and exploring the internet for some fun holiday themed goodies for y'all. So be on the lookout.

See Her Runing Around She's The Girl About Town That You (Probably Haven't) Heard Of

Just arrived home from seeing Wreckless Eric at Safari Sam's. He recorded songs for Stiff Records in the 70s (alongside Elvis Costello, and Nick Lowe,) and released one of the most charming singles (in my humble opinion) to be associated with the punk movement, "Whole Wide World." That song sounded great tonight. He made full display of the sense of humor he is known for both in lyrics, and banter, "More acoustic guitar, more vocals, for her not me!" The her was Amy Rigby, who I'm sorry to say I didn't know of previously. She held her own when she took the lead on various songs, and had fun with her celver lyrics. All around good show, but wow am I tired.

So why post now you ask? Well, ordinarily I skip the rundown of upcoming shows/recommendations, figuring those are better left to the experts (namely Radio Free Silver Lake, and You Set The Scene.) If there is something that I feel is a must see, I'll mention it. But since there are some seriously amazing shows coming up, I thought I would list the rundown for the weekend and next week.

Friday (Tonight) 12/7:

Radars To The Sky, The Flying Tourbillon Orchestra, The Henry Clay People, & The Hectors at Spaceland

Naked Raygun at The Knitting Factory

From First To Last at The Troubadour

Meredith Meyer, Lissie, Todd McLaughlin, Malcolm Sosa, & Wheels of Fortune at Pehrspace

The Natural Disasters, National Treasure, Joshua Lanes, & The Monolators at Mr T's Bowl

Andrew Bird at The Orpheum

Jon Brion & Nels Cline at Largo

Idyllists, The Great Gleaming Sea, Black Sugar, & Rocking Horse People at The Scene

The Thermals, The Big Sleep, & The Scandells at The Echoplex

Club Underground pres The Bloody Hollies at The Echo

Jeremy Jay, Maria, The Chapin Sisters, & Black Umbrella at The Smell

Everybody & Nino Astronauta at El Cid

Deborah Harry at The Henry Fonda

Dengue Fever at The Getty


Your options for Friday night are essentially endless. So it really comes down to what you are most in the mood for. If you were/are into American post punk/hardcore in the mid- eighties then you likely already knew that Naked Raygun are playing at the Knitting Factory, and you likely already have a ticket. This is just a friendly reminder for you. If you prefer something a bit more local band friendly, the line-up at Spaceland promises to be good. I've not yet seen Flying Tourbillon Orchestra, but I've seen The Henry Clay People, Radars To The Sky, and The Hectors. If you are looking for a night of fun, solid, local rock bands I don't think you will be disappointed with this one. The Natural Disasters, and The Monolators at Mr. T's Bowl, and Malcolm Sosa of Rademacher at Pehrspace are other notalable options in the way of local stuff. Of course my favorite (almost) local popstars Maria are playing at the Smell along with Jeremy Jay, The Chapin Sisters, and Black Umbrella. I've seen all of these bands before, and they are all fantastic. This is certainly the show that I would attend if I weren't already planning on The Thermals at the Echoplex. The Thermals are one of those bands that I try to see every time they make it to town. I love all of their songs, and they have tons of energy on stage that always seems to carry into the audience. Plus, at the risk of sounding totally girly about it, Hutch is really nice to look at.

Saturday 12/8:

Heloise & The Savoir Faire, Lovelikefire, Alex And Sam, & Lola Gayle-Sandgren at Bordello

Not In The House, Scrappers, Half Assteroids, & Fasto Jetson at Mr T’s Bowl

Tea Leaf Green @ The Troubadour

Dirt Dress, Black Shirts & Combat! at Pehrspace

Jon Brion & Nels Cline at Largo

Stay Fucked, Good For Cows, Grandpire at The Smell

The Moving Picture Show at The Crash Mansion

Balkan Beat Box & Dengue Fever at The Echoplex

This Moment in Black History, Haunted George, & The Slighted at The Scene

Juliette & The Licks, Scissors For Lefty, & Suffrajett at The Roxy

The Coral Sea, The Playing Favorites (feat. members of Sugarcult and Lagwagon), Light FM, & Exitmusic at Spaceland

There are definitely some good options on Saturday. However, there is really nothing appealing enough to have me reconsidering taking a much needed break in order to decorate my Christmas tree (and likely fall asleep at 9:30...) Any one else have a suggestion or two?

Sunday 12/9:

Ragsy at The Hotel Cafe

Heloise & The Savoir Faire, Tara Busch, & Lil’ JJ Fats From The Valley Of The Ashes at Tangier

Tommy Peacock and the Gas, The Weazels, & Moan Red at The Scene

Punk Rock Karaoke at Spaceland

Part Time Punks w/ Medium Medium, & Abe Vigoda at The Echo

Demoted & Sirvenamar at Mr T’s Bowl

Shonen Knife at The Knitting Factory

Prefuse 73 at The Troubadour

Sunday is a tough call. Do I attend what is sure to be an endlessly fun, loud, pop night with Japanese girl group Shonen Knife , or what is sure to be an excellent, and very cool dance party from post punk heroes Medium Medium at the Echo? Perhaps I'll have compensate for my lack of show going on Saturday by making it to two on Sunday? We'll see.

Monday 12/10:

Radio Free Silver Lake Presents Rock Against HD w/ The Movies, The Western States Motel, Sarah (The Happy Hollows) Negahdari, The Spires, Thailand, & James Patrick (Buffalo Roam) at Safari Sam’s

Brandon Mayer And The Hidden Powers at The Silver Lake Lounge

Deerhoof @ The Avalon

The Binges @ Spaceland

Tool at The Nokia Theatre

Goon Moon at The Troubadour

Performer Magazine presents: The Binges, The Wildbirds, Codebreaker at Spaceland

Indie 103.1’s Check One.. Two w/ Eskimohunter at The Viper Room

Radio Free Silver Lake's Rock Against HD benefit at Safari Sam's has an amazing line up. You can hear tracks from artists that are playing the night here. And it's for a good cause. Both squaregirls will be in attendance, and so should you!


Tuesday 12/11:

Shiloe, Wait Think Fast, The New Room, & Never At Night at The Scene

John Gold, The Rosewood Thieves, & Eugene at Bordello

Icarus Line at Safari Sam’s

The Shys at The Troubadour

David Bazan (of Pedro The Lion) at Spaceland

The Mojave & Hollerado at The Silver Lake Lounge

I don't know much about most of the artists that are playing this night, except for Dave Bazan. I don't spend too much time with my Pedro The Lion records these days, but every time I see Dave Bazan live I tend to want to. He's got a really interesting way with words, and his live performance commands ones attenion in a very subtle way.

Wednesday 12/12:

Squaregirls & Radio Free Silver Lake Present Le Switch, Princeton, & The Health Club at The Scene

AM Pacific, Gretchen Lieberum, Marina’s Daughter, & The Golden Ratio @ Bordello

Club Moscow w/ Moving Picture Show & The Squares @ Boardner’s

Last Kiss Or Kill Show w/ Bang Sugar Bang, The Randies, Midway, Silver Needle, & Underwater City People at El Cid

Indie 103 present CLUB NME w/ Office, Tiger City, Via Audio at Spaceland

Mia Doi Todd, Anders & Woods, & Sara Lov at Tangier

Jesca Hoop at The Troubadour

The Rosewood Thieves, Eugene, Eyes In Elegance, Voxhaul Broadcast, & Morning Benders at The Silver Lake Lounge

You should already know where I'll be on this night, but here is another friendly reminder. We Squaregirls are so far beyond excited to be presenting our night at the Scene Bar with Princeton, The Health Club, and our most major crush Le Switch. Yep, the squaregirls' date with Le Switch that we've been looking forward to for ages is finally here! To celebrate the occasion we are pulling out some of our favorite vinyl, and baking cookies! Surely you won't want to miss this one...


Thursday 12/13:

The Modlins Record Release Party w/ Eux Autres, Swim Party, & The Fresas @ The Silver Lake Lounge

Ferraby Lionheart & Richard Hawley @ The Troubadour

West Indian Girl, Sara Melson, & DJ Scott Sterling @ Bordello

If I haven't given way to a sleep deprivation coma, I'll be at the Silver Lake Lounge on this night. I love everything that I've heard from Eux Autres, and I'm trying deperately to figure out where I know about The Modlins from. What I'm listening to right now sounds pretty cute.

Friday 12/14:

Christmas Sweater Party w/ The Deadly Syndrome, The Mae-Shi, The Happy Hollows, The Pity Party, & Eskimohunter @ The Crash Mansion

Imperial Teen & Midnight Movies @ The Troubadour

Jessica Fichot, Pink Mochi, Hearts Of Palm UK, & Murder On The Moon @ El Cid

The Christmas Sweater festival sounds intriguing, and Imperial Teen are always great. However, for me, Friday will be a day of rest. Anyone else know anything good coming up? Let us know, we always love to hear it!