It's hump day, so hump, but see some music first, you know, to get in the mood...
It's a relatively slow evening, and we'd say your best shot at a good time would be to go see Bass Drum of Death, Tijuana Panthers, and Beach Party at The Bootleg, if that's the mood you're looking for. If not, well there's SKATERS at The Echo and The Armada at The Satellite.
Here's to hoping tomorrow is a bit more turnt up...
Got a post Coachella hang-over? Didn't go, not hungover at all and feeling a bit down? The best cure for both is to go see more music. If we're suggesting shows for tonight, and we are, then we'd say go see The Faint with White Arrows at The Observatory. Or, if you want to get real crazy with your Monday, check out Koshachella with Kosha Dillz, the Hebrew Hammer of Hip Hop (aka Yung Menorah, Lil' Latke, etc. etc.), Y-Luv and some other bands will be rocking The Joint with Kosha tonight.
Full show list is below. Remember, Monday is just another word for Friday.
It is admittedly a slow evening. The turn-up has no doubt left Los Angeles County and made its way to the desert. That's sort of a bummer for those of us stuck here, but you know what? It's a big town, there's always stuff to do.
So maybe hit up the Calvin Harris show at The Palladium. He's joined by Trey Songz, The Wanted, and Zedd.
Or, if you're feeling adventurous and you want in on a little bit of that desert vibe, get in the whip and head out to Pappy and Harriet's in J-Tree to catch Nick Waterhouse. That will be a guaranteed good experience. However, if your pockets are thin and you don't want to make a trip out of it, then drop your finger on any number of the free options listed below. Odds are you'll land on something fun, and if it isn't, well, that's probably because you didn't try to make it fun...
Amplify 2013 w/ Calvin Harris, Trey Songz, The Wanted, Zedd@ Hollywood Palladium
Rick Ortiz Presents Best of Metal Tributes @ House of Blues - Los Angeles
House of 80s @ House of Blues - Anaheim
The Blackeyed Soul Club, The Magnificent, The Shag Rats @ The Satellite
Bambu, Kixxie SIete, Odessa Kane, Double Dosage, DJ Esta @ The Echo
Denver, Some Dark Hollow, Moonsville Collective @ Bootleg Bar
Papfish, Roots of Mine, Sono Vero, Ital Vibes, Phoenix Down @ Troubadour
Gad Elmaleh @ Largo
The Mason Affair, Pinot, Raquel Rodriguez @ Harvelle's
Barry Zweig Trio @ Del Monte Speakeasy (FREE)(8-10)
Shafiq Husayn & The Dove Society, DJ Alfred Hawkins @ Del Monte Speakeasy
The Overeasy HaSkaLA @ TRiP
The Spazmatics @ Dakota Lounge
John Bobek, Melissa Harding, The Boom Booms, The Daymakers @ WitZend
The Supersuckers, The Black Tibetans, The Henchmen, The Lonesome Ones @ Alex's Bar
Kevin Sousa (6 PM), The English Beat, Reeform @ Saint Rocke Rebel Revive, Bristol To Memory, Big Monsta @ Constellation RoomLuicidal, Tone Def, Rated X, Neighborhood Watch @ The Central SAPC
Quiz @ The Mint
Garrett Smith Group @ Bluewhale
Darude, Kristina Sky @ ExchangeLA
Kyaru Pamyu Pamyu @ Club Nokia
Shark Toys, Protomartyr, Turn To Crime, Smelly Tongues @ Pehrspace
Having seen Ellie Goulding’s name thrown around the blogosphere for the past few months surrounding the release of her album Lights and the stream of remixes that followed, coming from a slew of big names - from Chiddy Bang to Bassnectar. When I saw that she was coming to Boulder as part of her massive US tour, I was psyched, only to be let down when I learned tickets were sold out weeks in advance. Luckily I found a friend who hooked it up, and I was able to check out Ellie Goulding at the Fox Theatre this past Saturday.
I was perhaps equally pumped to throw on my dancing shoes for the opening band The Knocks, who went onstage promptly at 9:00. I’m a big fan of their music because it’s such a departure from the heavy whomps and aggressive sounds that classify most electronic music these days. The Knocks are just fun to dance to.
Also, unlike most other DJs and Producers, The Knocks use more than just computers and software to make their songs. Their set-up includes keyboards, drums, and other toys they used throughout their performance to add to the jams coming through their computers. The Knocks set included their hit singles “Dancing with the DJ” and “Something to Dance To” along with some pretty awesome remixes including “What’cha Say” by Jason Derulo. For their short 45 minute-ish set, The Knocks kept the party grooving and the bodies moving. Never have I seen the opening act get so much love, and they definitely left the crowd wanting more. I hope The Knocks get a headlining spot the next time around. They deserve it.
After a short break, Ellie Goulding’s band came on stage and started playing “Under the Sheets.” After a few bars, Ellie herself triumphantly joined them on stage. The crowd, admittedly full of mostly teenage girls, went crazy. She followed by going through most of Lights, including the hit title track and “Starry Eyed.” Throughout her set, which lasted a little over an hour, the energy was huge. Ellie did her best to belt out every word, even though she was still recovering from an illness, which forced her to cancel the previous show in Minneapolis.
I’m not quite sure where Ellie Goulding came from but she is turning into a phenomenon over here in the US. She has sold out just about every show across the whole country, people know all of the words to her songs, and the energy, at least in Boulder, was tremendous.
Ellie is going to be a full on pop star soon enough, but I’m a big fan because she’s changing the game. Her music isn’t typical bubblegum pop. Lights is full of everything from slow ballads, to electronic jams, to straight up rockers. Not only does shoe play great music, she will likely be a positive influence on teenage girls growing up with misogynistic and anti-feminist music all around them. I’m excited to see what Ms. Goulding has in store for her next.
