Inebriated Boxers and Hawley Rollers at The Hotel Cafe

Last night I made my way over to intimate music venue The Hotel Café to check Christopher Hawley Rollers perform. I would categorize his sound as a folk/bluegrass with a southern rock edge, and about 30% of his set was heavy in old folk tunes about American fables, such as a song about Johnny Appleseed. He played a lot from his album The Roots of the Tree including the songs “Bank Robbing Man,” “Just What You Do” and “My Friends and Me” (which he turned into a group sing along with the audience).

Overall it was a good set of music, but what made it magical was one of the members of his band, whom I have dubbed “the boxer.” Basically, he had this extremely inebriated gentleman who was sitting on a box and was just using his hands to hit the box on the beat. At first I couldn’t tell if he was actually in the band or was just some wasted guy at the bar who decided to join Hawley on stage. As the set continued on, a waitress was keeping his drinks coming at a constant rate, which only improved his performance. All in all it was a good night for music at The Hotel Café and I look forward to going to see more shows there.

- RCA

Tuesday's Outing

So, this post is two days late and a buck short (considering I've already posted about Atmosphere in the interim)...but I thought I should report to the community about the Marvelous Toy and Correa show I saw on Tuesday night.

Marvelous Toy, comprised of the Hudock (Cody and Jordan) brothers, Raymond on bass and two characters I have yet to meet on xylophone and drums respectively, is forging a new path. What was once more of a melodic, shoegaze type band is now a indie-power-pop force - led by Jordan Hudock, who reminds me of a mid 1980s Billy Joel hopped up on cocaine. They closed out their set with 2 non-EP songs, "Write This Over" and "Red Alert", both packed full of 264 keys of poppy synth jams. Although the crowd wasn't dancing up a storm - they were certainly clamoring for more.

Taking the stage shortly after MT was Correa - performing as part of their 7" release event. Their lead singer has a beautiful voice and the bassist from Marvelous Toy was playing guitar in the band. They paraded a handful of friends and guests stars on the stage through out the night, but at the end of the day, the headmaster of Correa stole the show with her sweet voice and smooth guitar as usual. Although nowhere near as power-pop or danceable as Marvelous Toy, I enjoyed their set too.

The Hotel Cafe Tonight

Christopher Hawley Rollers will be playing at The Hotel Cafe tonight. Here is a little note from the man himself:

We're playing our biggest show of the summer next Thursday at the Hotel Cafe. It's our second time there since they remodeled the place, and it sounds and feels great. Your presence would be greatly appreciated. If you don't want to drive, there is a bus leaving from the Venice Pier at 8pm. Please get more info and make a reservation @ http://www.bus-tourage.com/html/pricing.html
Love to see you there.

Hotel Cafe
Thursday August 20th- 11pm Christopher Hawley Rollers
after Trevor Hall CD Release
followed by Peter Goetz w/ yours truly on lead guitar
1623 1/2 N Cahuenga Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 461-2040
$5
Please tell them at the door that you're there to see the Rollers.

This bustourage apparently is BYOB?!?! Sounds damn cool. My family is in town, so I won't make it. But RCA will be representing supergoodmusic in full effect.

Atmosphere Dominates Hollywood

Atmosphere killed it again in Los Angeles. It may be that Los Angeles brings out the best in Slug, or simply that Slug is the best performing MC right now. Its hard to say. But, he captures a crowd in ways that other MCs don't.

He commands crowd participation - but not in the demanding "everybody say 'yeah'", throw your hands up sort of way. Most fans know his lyrics, or know some of them - and he knows how to integrate the crowd participation into his set. He gets you to throw your arms up by clamoring that asking all the beautiful people to shut up (because God Loves Ugly of course). He doesn't even ask the crowd to scream or throw their arms up - just tells the pretty people to keep quiet. The crowd goes nuts!?!? Even in image conscious Los Angeles - the pool of hip-hop hipsters embraced the the idea of being ugly.

Atmosphere spun through hit after hit, straying in favor of his newer material. The critic in me says this show wasn't as great as The Wiltern...but I also wasn't in the pit, right by the stage, in the thick of the passion. This time, I was up in the balcony, an outside observer of the maniacal sell out crowd at the Hollywood Palladium.

From an epic sold out show at the Wiltern almost a year ago, to a stellar performance at Coachella to an again sell out show at The Palladium...Atmosphere is onto something. I can remember seeing him in small rooms (The Blind Pig, The Grog Shop) in the early 2000s, when the shows were just as intense - but in a different, more thuggish sort of way. Now, more than a decade into his career - Slug's repertoire is more robust, his delivery even more passionate and captivating and his crowd communication skills at a pinnacle.

Slug makes you feel like he likes you. Like he is excited that you came to the concert. That he appreciates your presence. That, without you, the experience would not be the same. Unlike the hollow thank yous of the countless other performers I see, and the half-ass crowd props dolled out by other bands - Slug's appreciation feels genuine; Slug's thank you feels real.

Even though I was aching for more, especially after the "Guns and Cigarettes" finish, I left feeling bigger than both. I left with this feeling of satisfaction that is rarely achieved. Maybe that is why I keep coming back...

CONCERT BLAST 08/17 - 08/23

SUPERGOOD RECOMMENDATIONS

This week is really exciting – there are several shows I’ve been waiting all month for (Atmosphere @ Palladium, The French Semester/Hockey @ Echo), a few more that are deviations from my typical concert going and, of course, Sunset Junction.

Tonight is going to be an exciting Monday for me. I’ll be busy meeting up with hip-hop producer Paul Cho and rising indie-electro soul artist Mark Foster, as well as potentially hanging with new supergood friends Saint Motel, who will be playing the Monday night residency at Spaceland in September. After a long day of meetings – I am hoping to swing by Echo and check out Thelonious Monster if possible (I just like the name, I actually haven’t heard the music yet) and then I will probably pop over to Echo Curio to catch a performance by the up and coming band The Cartographers before heading over to Spaceland to see Local Natives continue their August residency. I wonder if they will play their Talking Heads cover this week? If you’re into the bigger performance – I would check out The Flaming Lips and Ghostland Observatory at Greek Theatre. Ghostland was one of my favorite performances at Coachella this past spring and The Flaming Lips are certainly a spectacle to be witnessed at least once in a lifetime.

Tuesday night I will be back at echo for Marvelous Toy and Correatown – I just started listening to both again and I am digging the sounds. At some point, I am going to have to bounce over to Cinespace for my favorite mid-week dance party DIMMAK Tuesdays. This week, Does It Offend You, Yeah? is going to spin a set – and they are ALWAYS fun. If you want to check out a grizzled concert veteran who has evolved with the times, Elvis Costello will be playing at the Greek Theatre.

Wednesday I’m going to Atmosphere at the Palladium. I would basically be doing you a disservice by suggesting you go see anything else. Atmosphere is, unquestionably, one of the best performers around and the crowd is an absolute spectacle. I’ve seen him about 20 times, and in Los Angeles – he really brings out the community. I remember last year at The Wiltern when it felt like every member of the crowd was reciting each lyric. Slug just has exceptional stage presence and charisma, and an unassuming swagger that allows him to control the crowd like he has his finger on its pulse. Whether you’ve seen him before or not, I highly recommend it.

Thursday my family is coming to town – so I won’t be heading out, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t either. Rootdown is going on at El Cid, the Japanese guitar sensation Yuto Miyazawa is at The Knitting Factory, Carney is performing on KROQ Locals Only Night at The Roxy. If you want to switch it up, but do something fun – check out The Down & Derby Roller Disco at Echoplex.

Friday I’d be steering you the wrong way if I didn’t suggest you go to echo to see the rising immigrant-indie-rock LA sensation The French Semester and Hockey, a quartet of hipsters from Oregon. These two great bands are storming echo for a night of spectacular indie-rock that will leave you thirsting for more.

Saturday you’ve got a plethora of choices. Sunset Junction kicks off with a few top notch acts (I’m preferring Sunday’s line-up). You might want to check out The Matches at Troubadour as it is potentially their last performance in Los Angeles ever (tickets are going fast – so get them soon!). I am thinking of heading to Pehrspace for a CD Release extravaganza, including new releases and performances from Seasons, Odd Modern and Manhattan Murder Mystery.

Sunday is definitely the choice day for Sunset Junction in my opinion – with performances by local LA funk-stars Orgone, the not-discussed enough Love Grenades, the classic funky soul of Morris Day & The Time, and one of my childhood favorites, Arrested Development, as well as a handful of other great acts. If jazz for the older crowd is your thing, maybe you’ll swing by the Hollywood Bowl for some classic funk from Tower of Power and today’s version of edgy elevator jazz from Brian Culbertson, Dave Koz and Friends.

Be on the look out for more updates from SUPERGOODMUSIC mid-week and continuing enhancements of the website….

CONCERT BLAST

Monday August 17, 2009

The Growlers, Xu Xu Fang, Thelonious Monster @ Echo (Free)

The Flaming Lips, Ghostland Observatory, Stardeath and White Dwarfs @ Greek Theatre

Clipse, The Cool Kids, Dom Kennedy @ HOB - Sunset

The Cartographers, Lovers @ Echo Curio

Local Natives, Voxhaul Broadcast, Soko, The Lonely H @ Spaceland (Free)

Japan Night with Tshushimamire, Red Bacteria Vacuum, Omadaka, Lemon Drop Kick, A Juku Girls @ The Roxy

Papercut Massacre, Costa Nova, Oh Darling, Paper or Plastic, Katie Cole @ The Viper Room

Lower Heaven, Nic Jago, Miranda Lee Richards, Meeting Places @ Silverlake Lounge (Free)

Steel Panther, Jeremiah James, Lamour, Bold Action Thrill @ Key Club

Veil Era @ The Airliner Club

Depeche Mode, Peter Bjorn and John @ Hollywood Bowl

Lindsey Ray, Annie Bethancourt, Barrett Johnson, Paula Valstein @ The Hotel Café

The Mint Session w/ Kevin Kanner Quintet & J-Logic @ The Mint (Free after 9:30)

Blade, Jesse Cole, Marbella, Molly Marlette, Eddie Moffett @ El Cid

Charlie Green and The Giant Bird, Mitch Allan and Guests @ Molly Malones

Tuesday August 18, 2009

Correatown, Marvelous Toy, The Break Ups, Killsonic @ Echo

Elvis Costello and The Sugar Canes, Lucinda Williams @ Greek Theatre

Lovemakers, We Should Be Dead, People @ Silverlake Lounge

The Minor Canon, The Grownup Noise, Blank Blue, Justin Janer Quartet @ Spaceland

I Will Never Be The Same, The Disowned, Nations Afire, Links, Miss Willie Brown @ The Viper Room

Jackson and His Computer Band, Does It Offend You, Yeah?, Steve Aoki, Them Jeans, Dan Oh @ Cinespace (DIMMAK Tuesdays)

TD Lind, Leftover Cuties @ The Roxy

Cubensis @ Grateful Dead Tribute

Tovey Conducts Bernstein w/ LA Philharmonic @ Hollywood Bowl

Potluck (Private Event) @ Key Club

Jay Reatard @ Amoeba Music

Flaming Lips, Ghostland Observatory, Star Death & White Dwarfs @ Glass House

Jason Reeves, Jordan Lawhead @ The Hotel Café (10 pm)

Private Showcase @ The Hotel Café (7 pm)

MusicMogul.com Finals w/ Spirit Animal @ HOB - Sunset

HHMA Showcase w/ Mike Farris & The Roseland Rhythm Revue @ The Mint

Al Qaeda w/ Mike Watt, Droughter and Alien Soundtracks @ The Prospector

Department of Real Estate, Motoko Honda, Joe Berardi, DOS (Mike Watt & Kira Roessler) @ Echo Curio

Nathan Maxwell (of Flogging Molly), Bunny Gang @ Saint Rocke

The Moth, Story Slam @ El Cid

The Freedom Ledges, Ryan Hill, Jake Coco @ Molly Malones

Long Nguyen, Cameron Dye, Dante Brunetto @ Genghis Cohen

Wednesday August 19, 2009

Great Northern @ Pershing Square (FREE)

Dawes, Mississippi Man, The Romany Rye @ Echo

Dub Club (Tom Chasteen, Roy Corderoy, The Dungeonmaster, Boss Harmony) @ Echoplex

Atmosphere, Murs, Aesop Rock @ Hollywood Palladium

Max Tundra @ Spaceland

Big Metal Wednesday @ The Roxy

ASCAP Presents: Kenan Bell, Fitz & The Tantrums, The Futhamuckas, John Forte @ Troubadour

Primer 55 w/ Stepchild, Hydrovibe, Incite, Bound @ The Viper Room

Cosio, This Is The State, Samuel Stewart @ Silverlake Lounge

Yellowjackets, Mike Stern @ Catalina Jazz Club

Nico Vegas @ The Shore (Hermosa)

Patti Labelle @ Hollywood Bowl

Daughtry, David Hodges @ Henry Fonda Theatre (Sold Out)

Neverset @ Les Deux

Emiliana Torrini @ El Rey Theatre

Paleface, Kristina Train, Matt Hires @ The Hotel Café

The Actors @ Universal Bar

Kicking k8 @ Skinny’s Lounge

Agent Orange, Di, False Alliance, The Joysticks, The Masked Villains, Fester Youth @ Key Club

Air Sex Competition @ Key Club (Plush Lounge)

Tracy Chapman @ The Wiltern

Maxim Ludwig, Maggie Morris, Lex Land, Matt Hires, Kristina Train @ The Hotel Cafe

Harper Simon @ Largo

Mortified After School Orchestra @ King King

1921A, Clockwork, Betatones, The Royal Kicks @ Knitting Factory (Front Stage)

New City Lions, The Jealousy Game @ Knitting Factory (Alterknit Lounge)

The Mars Hall, Duke Daniels, David Kirton, Kaylah Marin @ The Mint

Old California & Friends @ Redwood Bar & Grill

Kid Infinity, When Dinosaurs Ruled The Earth, Florene, Melted Cassettes, Neon Navajo @ The Smell

Soundbox feat. Kirk Eli Fletcher @ Saint Rocke

Zachariah & The Lobos Riders, I See Hawks in L.A., The Psychedlic Cowboys, David Serby @ El Cid

Low End Theory feat. Daddy Kev, Nobody, Gaslamp Killer, D-Styles, Giovvani Marks, Lexicon, Intuition & Verbs @ Airliner Club

Celest, Michael Jackson Tribute Night @ Molly Malones

Hippie Chick Thang Shebang, Danny Tieger @ Genghis Cohen

Thursday August 20, 2009

J Tillman (Fleet Foxes), Evan Way (Parson Redheads), Big Search @ Echo

Down & Derby Roller Disco @ Echoplex

Carney @ Roxy Theatre

Jedi Mind Tricks, Reef of the Lost Cauze, Esooteric, Bound By Honor @ El Rey

E-40 w/ J-Mo, Da Funk Yard, M.W.E., Big Co @ Key Club

The Atomic Tease (Art Exhibit w/ Burlesque Performance and Music by Thee Swank Bastards) @ Key Club (Plush Lounge)

JC Penney Front Row Presents: Hockey @ Troubadour

Christopher Hawley & Peter Goetz, Trevor Hall (Record Release Show), Amy Wallace, Eli Goldsmith @ The Hotel Café

Mothermother @ Spaceland

Michael Bernard Beckwith PBS Benefit @ Club Nokia

KROQ Locals Only Presents: Carney, Caitlin Crosby, End Roulette @ The Roxy

Nathan Maxwell & The Original Bunny Gang, Charlie & The Valentine Killers, Kevin Earnest, A Bible & A Gun @ The Viper Room

KMG, Karma, James Kenney, Marcela Carmona, Blue Meridian @ The Viper Room (Downstairs)

Low Red Land, Appomattox, Firs @ Silverlake Lounge

Yellowjackets, Mike Stern @ Catalina Jazz Club

Thomas Hampson sings Mahler w/ LA Philharmonic @ Hollywood Bowl

Derek Jordan @ Palms Bar

Chris Pierce @ Levitt Pavilion

Sylvain Sylvin (New York Dolls Legend), Angus Khan, United Snakes, Adam Bones (EP Release) @ Knitting Factory

True 129 Presents @ HOB – Sunset

Margaret Cho “Doing It” @ Largo

L’Effleur Des Sens @ King King

Fight Friendly and Friends @ Saint Rocke

Yuto Miyazawa @ Knitting Factory (Front Stage)

Yortoise, Danny Allen’s High Diving Horses, Courtney Fairchild, Blueprints for Escape Plans @ Knitting Factory (Alterknit Lounge)

Gilberto Santa Rosa @ Mayan Theatre

Trevor Menear, Jennifer Appelquist, Matt Duke @ The Mint

Beat Killers, The Glossiness, DJ Reuben @ The Prospector

Al Qaeda (feat. Mike Watt), Endometrium CxPx, Droughter, Ultraviolet Astronaut @ Echo Curio

Jason Boland & The Stragglers, Merchants of Moonshine, SugarWall @ briXton

Smogtown, Killing California, Superbuick, Bloodhook @ Alex’s Bar

Lonesome Heroes, 50 Cent Haircut @ Redwood Bar & Grill

Purple Rhinestone Eagle, Harsh Sunshine, The Amazements, Bad Assets @ The Smell

Venice, Lukas Nelson & The Promise @ Santa Monica Pier

Rootdown @ El Cid

Cary Judd, Elyse & The Aftermath, Jeff Forte @ Molly Malones

Patrick Dunn, Willie Ames, Savio Rego, Matt Jones @ Genghis Cohen

Friday August 21, 2009

Hockey, The French Semester @ Echo

The Sonics, Prima Donna, Japanese Motors @ Echoplex

Arrested Development @ briXton

Benji Hughes, B.R.A.M. @ Spaceland (Sunset Junction Pre-Party)

Tijuana Panthers, Paleface, Silver Darling, Ema and The Ghosts @ Pehrspace

Jon Brion @ Largo

Tea Leaf Green, Coffee Bean Brown @ Troubadour

Steely Dan @ Gibson Amphitheatre (Performing Aja and The Hits)

Ruido De Fondo, Sucker For Pumps, Gardenia, DJ Electra and Santi @ The Roxy

Lukas Rossi, Jury Pool. Last Exit, Into The Presence @ The Viper Room

International Tennis Champions @ Bootleg Theater

The Lost Cartographers @ Echo Curio

Star Off Machine @ Fitzgeralds

Iliana Rose @ Left Coast Wine Bar

D.I.M. @ Club 740

Yellowjackets, Mike Stern @ Catalina Jazz Club

Subject 2 Change, Jubala, Back Pocket Memory, The Green Party, City Likes Addiction, The Originates @ Key Club

Alpha Blondy @ Club Nokia (Cancelled)

Los Campensinos!, Girls, Ramona Falls @ El Rey

Diana Krall, LA Philharmonic @ Hollywood Bowl

Kid Theodore @ Molly Malone’s

Ricardo Arjona @ Nokia Theatre L.A. Live

Harmala @ Rusty’s Surf Ranch

Serel @ The Trip

Jedi Mind Tricks, Reef of the Lost Cauze, Esooteric @ Glass House

The 88 @ The Grove Apple Store

Justis Kao, Kid Theodore, Still Watters Run Deep @ Molly Malones

Krissi Moses, Lindsay Sinay, Across The Pacific, Gallows For A King @ Knitting Factory (Front Stage)

ZZ Top @ HOB – Sunset

Brian Travis Band, Scott Warren, Shane Alexander, Janet Robin, Chantal K @ The Hotel Cafe

Silky, Willy Electronarcosis, Kuru, Luis Miolaro @ King King (9:30 – 4 am; $5 off door w/ RSVP to rsvp@incognitola.com)

Jason Boland & The Stragglers, Merchants of Moonshine, Goodbye To Pretty @ The Mint

Shotgun Showdown, The Cartographers, Shatto @ Echo Curio

The Zeros, The Hangmen, The Hitchhikers, The Hitz @ Alex’s Bar

The Woolly Bandits, The Beat Killers, The Living Sickness @ Redwood Bar & Grill

Captain Ahab, Fleshtone, Sickboy/Droon, tik///tik, Guidance Counselor @ The Smell

Three Heads, Samantha Stollenwerck @ Saint Rocke

Paris Carney, Ryan McDermoot, Micah, John Cody, A Couple of Gypsys @ Genghis Cohen

Saturday August 22, 2009

Funky Sole @ Echo (Free)

Neon Noise @ Echoplex (Free with Sunset Junction Pass)

Harvey Danger @ Largo

Kings of Leon, The Whigs @ The Forum

The Matches (Final So Cal show), Neon Trees, Dizzy Balloon @ Troubadour

Panda (aka PXNDX) @ The Wiltern

Steely Dan @ Gibson Amphitheatre (Performing Gaucho and The Hits)

War Tapes, Fool’s Gold, Delta Spirit, The Submarines, Nico Vega, Sly & Robbie, Many More @ Sunset Junction Fair

Malbec, I Will Never Be The Same, Chasing Kings @ The Roxy

Benji Hughes, The Belle Brigade @ Spaceland (Sunset Junction After-Party – discount with SJ wristband)

Sean Healy Presents Dizzy Reed + Friends, Madame Trash Heap, The Hush, Hammerheads, Tack Rust @ The Viper Room

Los Angeles Salsa Music Festival feat. El Gran Combo, Willy Chirino and His Orchestra, Ismael Miranda, Junior Gonzalez & Veronica @ Greek Theatre

Ramana Vieira, Fabiano Do Nascimento & Trioganico @ Bootleg Theatre

Diana Krall, LA Philharmonic @ Hollywood Bowl

Scott Russo (of Unwritten Law), The Big Bang w/ Big B (of Suburban Noize) @ Saint Rocke

Seasons (CD Release), Odd Modern (CD Release), The Health Club, The Manhattan Murder Mystery (CD Release) @ Pehrspace

Bella Novela, Juanity and The Rabbit, Slippers, Los Mysteriosos @ Alex’s Bar

Yellowjackets, Mike Stern @ Catalina Jazz Club

DUBLUVA @ Good Hurt Night Club

The Cult, Year Long Disaster @ Club Nokia

Pete Hopkins @ Molly Malones

Richard Arjona @ Nokia Theatre L.A. Live

Toad The Wet Sprocket, The Janks @ Pershing Square

Stereo Blue, Anahita, Margate (Record Release Party) @ Molly Malones

Tony Lucca, Jay Nash, The Fresh, Horse Thieves, Terra Naomi, Shannon Curtis @ The Hotel Café

Devon Allman’s Honeytribe @ Cozy’s Bar & Grill

Wild Child @ Whisky A Go Go

Ramon Ayala @ HOB – Sunset

Los Campesinos!, Girls @ Glass House

A & R Connection @ Key Club (Rock Showcase, Urban Showcase)

Harvey Danger @ Largo

Lawnchair Generals, Joshua Heath @ King King

Kevin Sandbloom, MacDracula, Steve Ferrone (of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers) Malik Pointer @ The Mint

Eagle and Talon, Video, Super All-Star Cover Session @ Echo Curio

Lights & Caress of Steel @ briXton

Lamps, Drunkdriver, Bipolar Bear, Shoot It Up @ Redwood Bar & Grill

Former Ghosts, Casey and Brian, Christopher Cichocki, Puppy Dog @ The Smell

Freddy Moore and Dennis Peterse, Raymond Davis, Randy Kaplan @ Genghis Cohen

Sunday August 23, 2009

Part Time Punks – The Widow Babies (LP Release Party) @ Echo

Arrested Development, Orgone, Love Grenades, Morris Day & The Time, Cody Chesnutt, Local Natives, Built To Spill, Iliana Rose, Many More… @ Sunset Junction Fair

Dave Koz & Friends, Tower of Power, Brian Culbertson @ Hollywood Bowl

Tony Lucca, Jay Nash @ Saint Rocke

Yellowjackets, Mike Stern @ Catalina Jazz Club

International Farmers @ Sangria

The Heroes of Woodstock 40^th Anniversary: Jefferson Starship, Canned Heat, Big Brother & The Holding Company, Ten Years After, Tom Constanten, Country Joe McDonald @ Greek Theatre

Beres Hammond @ LA Sports Arena

California Philharmonic @ Walt Disney Concert Hall

The New Up, The Shakers, Run Run Run, Halos @ The Viper Room

Los Campesinos! @ Detroit Bar

Steely Dan @ Gibson Amphitheatre (performing The Royal Scam & the hits)

The Hereafter, Joey Ryan, Jason Whitton, Chris O’Brien @ The Hotel Café

Hollywood Shorts (Summer Screening) @ The Hotel Café (5-7 pm)

Eiotown (Art Show) @ Largo (Free)

Beatmo, Hollyboots, DJ Drrt Face, Black Party Politics @ King King

Plushgun, Venus Infers, Front Runner, Solarcade @ Knitting Factory (Front Stage)

387 Music Entertainment Presents Isaac Kidder, Jason Corcoran, Etc. @ The Mint

Ricardo Arjona @ Nokia Theatre L.A. Live

Kill Kill Kill, Waning, Chopstick @ Pehrspace

The Ringleaders @ Alex’s Bar (FREE)

Pharmakon, Rale, Pedestrian Deposit, Mirror to Mirror @ Echo Curio

George Lynch’s Soul of We, MX Machine, Brewtality @ briXton

Night Control, Phonecalls, Rapid Youth @ The Smell

Daisy of the Spanks, Strangefinger, The Trainwrecks, Adam Marsland’s Chaos Band, The Late 70s @ Molly Malones

RCA Round-Up From Lollapalooza

Supergoodmusic fans - I'm pleased to introduce the first guest writer for SGM: Ryan "RCA" Allingham. With increased traffic and SGM fanfare - it was about time we put another ear to the street so we can keep the good recommendations flowing and cover more of the scene. In addition to this posting, look to hear more from Ryan from here on out as he is now an official Supergoodmusic correspondent!

Anyhow, Ryan was in Chicago for Lollapalooza and, as you can read below, apparently he not only did he have a blast kicking it backstage with the Textsfromlastnight.com crew, Ke$haand others - but it was also the best Lolla to date according to him.

Here is Ryan's Lolla round-up:

Hey there SuperGoodMusic fans. My name is RCA and I had the pleasure of covering the 2009 Lollapalooza Music Festival for all of you.

Friday

As someone who has had the opportunity of attending the festival every year since its inception in 2005, I feel that I can honestly say that this year stands above the rest. I knew that I was in for an interesting weekend when I woke up early Friday morning to rain, but after lunch and a couple of cocktails, I rallied my troops and we made our way downtown to get the festivities started. The usual business of Lollapalooza made getting down to Grant Park a hassle so the first band that we were able to take in was Crystal Castles. Luckily enough, I was able to catch the band perform at the Coachella Arts and Music Festival, and I have to say that I didn’t find them to be as enjoyable at Lollapalooza. Though the set was very similar I didn’t feel like the duo from Toronto had the same chaotic vibe that we've come to expect from their live shows. Sometimes, I think that some bands lose a certain element when taken out of the small venue and placed in a large viewing arena.

After leaving the set early and heading to the closest bar, we hit the Chicago 2016 stage to see Thievery Corporation. Having seen them at a few of the festivals this year, I knew that I wanted to make it there before they started in order to catch the entire show. Being a part of SuperGoodMusic team definitely has its perks, as I was bestowed with a backstage pass. I put the pass to good use at Thievery Corporation, and enjoyed the show right next to the band as they played. The rain didn’t stop the crowd from grooving along, as they provided one of the best shows that I saw all weekend.

After Thievery, my crew and I hopped on a golf cart and made our way over to the Budweiser Stage to make sure that we had the perfect viewing spot for Kings of Leon. They started with the songs “Be Somebody,” “Taper Jean Girl,” and “My Party” but it really wasn’t until the song “Sex on Fire” that they really had the crowd in the palm of their hands, and once “Use Somebody” started the deafening roars began. The beauty of the band, in my eyes, is that they are just now beginning to experience success in the U.S. on a massive scale. Even the band themselves couldn’t believe the crowd that was there to watch them bring the first night of Lollapalooza to a close.

In my opinion, the band gave a knockout performance. Caleb Followill’s voice is unparalleled when it comes to other current rock bands on the scene today, and it sounds just as good in person as it does on the record. I was surprised when many of the reviews I have read did not agree with me and claimed that the bands performance was neither terrible or memorable. I couldn’t disagree more.

I started to make my exit 25 minutes before their set ended, but decided that I couldn’t finish my first day of Lollapalooza without experiencing the festivals newest stage addition, Perry’s, where Kid Cudi was performing. I got there just as the Kanye West protégé was playing his hit song “Day N’ Nite.” Before I even got there I could feel the energy of the crowd at Perry’s radiate towards me. I maneuvered my way upfront and took in the last 10 minutes of the first day with 600 seconds of dancing.

Saturday

Friday and Saturday could not have been more opposite in terms of weather. What had been a dreary and rain filled city soon transformed into a humid and hot mess. The minute you stepped outside you could feel the perspiration on your body. In my eyes, oppressive heat makes a festival better.

The high temperature lead us to the decision that we should start late in the day so as not to get burnt (pun intended) out early watching bands that we knew, but could pass on. We got to the park around 3:30 and made it in time to see the Arctic Monkeys play the Budweiser stage at 4:30. It was my first time seeing the band from the U.K. and they definitely got me grooving with songs like “505” “Fluorescent Adolescent” and “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor.”

Luckily, Santigold, the next act I caught, started 15 minutes late at the Playstation stage (which was kiddie corner to Budweiser), giving me an ample amount of time to make my way over to hear the Brooklyn native perform an amazing set. I’ve seen her many times before, but the energy of the big crowd at her performance made songs like “Lights Out” “Brooklyn (Go Hard)” and “Creator” really something special. She had with her two of the flyest backup dancers that I’ve ever seen, making the show a true spectacle.

Following Santigold was the always-incredible Lykke Li, who was playing at the much smaller Citi Stage. She brought her fantastic style and great live show to Lollapalooza and did not disappoint the thousands of fans that were waiting in the blistering sun. Though many peg her and her sound as odd (I am not one of them), songs such as “Dance, Dance, Dance” “I’m Good, I’m Gone” and “Complaint Department” are so fantastic, that I challenge any hater to attend a show and not fall in love.

To get in my fill of Perry’s for the day, I cut through the crowd and made my way over to see Diplo spin. I’ve never seen the musical maestro perform, but have always been a fan of both his productions and remixes. Anytime I was either at Perry’s or around Perry’s, the crowd was crazy….but at Diplo’s set, everyone was insane. I’ve never seen a DJ have such control over a crowd.

Once we filled up our dance card at Perry’s, we made our way back to the Budweiser stage to see the Yeah Yeah Yeahs close out Saturday night. The band from Brooklyn were highly debated among festival-goers due to the big shoes they had to fill since they replaced the Beasties Boys after they dropped out to due to Adam’s battle with cancer. One thing is certain - Karen O is a rock goddess, a true original for our generation to take in and call our own. The second song that they played, “Phenomena”, was especially special because during the middle of it they included a short cover of Beastie Boys “So What’cha Want” which made the crowd go crazy.

Day two of Lollapalooza was amazing, but since my crew and all agreed that we would be there at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, I knew Sunday would be the best.

Sunday

Even though the crew and I were up way past our bedtime we set our minds on being at Grant Park at 11:30 a.m. and there we were. The first band that I was eager to see was Ra Ra Riot at 12:30 at the Chicago 2016 stage. I’ve been a fan of them for quite some time and have never seen them live, so I was interested to see what I was in for. Let me just say this, if they are ever playing in a town near you, make it a priority to see them.

I love all of their songs, but was very happy when I heard my favorite of theirs “Suspended in Gaffa” (a cover of the fantastic Kate Bush song). They played everything that I wanted to hear and their set was extremely energetic. It was the perfect way to start the final day of Lollapalooza.

After Ra Ra Riot I headed over to the Citi stage to see Cage the Elephant perform. A good friend of mine works for their label and had been hyping the band heavily so I was eager to see what they were all about. They have one of the craziest lead singers I have ever witnessed. He was running up and down the stage and gave the crowd a lot of energy.

After Cage it was time to head over to the BMI stage to see the incredible Ke$ha perform. SuperGoodMusic fans will be familiar with her from one of last week’s posts about her set at Cinespace. For those unfamiliar with the soon to be pop star – you better familiarize yourself fast because this girl is about to blow up. She is a true performer who brings a crazy stage show filled with catchy tunes, kick ass band members, and a glitter canon to ensure the audience is as sparkly as she is. Prepare yourselves for her first single “Tick Tock,” with P. Diddy breathing on the track, because it is going to be unavoidable.

I got the chance to hang out with her and she told me that the second single “Backstabber” is going to have a tranny filled music video to go along with it, so be on the lookout for that. After Ke$ha, I hopped on a golf cart and made my way over to the Citi stage to see one of this years most buzzed about bands, Passion Pit.

With all the buzz about Passion Pit on the internet and in magazines, you always have to wonder if they can give a good show. What I will say is that the band sounds amazing live and the vocals of lead singer Michael Angelakos are anything but. I assumed that he sang normal and then altered his vocals through a computer, but instead he just sings at a very high-pitched level and he doesn’t really have the strength to pull it off for an entire show. However, the actual band made up for his lacking vocal ability on songs like “Make Light” “The Reeling” and “Sleepyhead.”

The next band that we saw also happened to be the last band we saw, The Killers. I’m a fan of the band, but I’ve got to be honest in my review of them. In my opinion, I don’t think The Killers are still relevant or big enough as a band to be one of two bands to close a major U.S. festival (Jane’s Addiction being the other). They just don’t warrant that type of notoriety and I felt a little disappointed in them being the last band of the festival. The one thing great about the band is that their sets are filled with songs that are fun to dance to. However, the bad part was that the sound was too quiet and truly terrible. When you go to a festival you want to feel like the music, and unfortunately for the boys from Las Vegas, it just wasn’t happening.

Another Lollapalooza has come and gone. With it came heavy rain, intense heat, amazing performances, so-so performances and as always, a lot of very good times. Not to mention hangover and readjustment to society, which explains this recap being available later than anticipated…..but hey when in Rome.

Indie-Rock and Eastside Exhaustion Leads To Nasa Intergalactic Circus

I've had a healthy serving of indie-rock since Monday with a Robotanists gig at Hunnypot Unlimited on Monday and being over on the eastside the last two nights to hit up the echo/spaceland circuit.

Monday I made it out to The Growlers for my first time. Quite honestly, I was angling more to see Tijuana Panthers, but apparently someone in the band had to work a late shift and they played earlier in the night. I was disappointed, but happy to learn The Seasons were filling their time slot. (FYI - Tijuana Panthers are playing Pehrspace next weekend).

I've seen The Seasons before, but not an intimate venue like echo. I had most recently seen them at Bloomfest and they quickly reminded me that their collective groove sounds better indoors. Unfortunately, I only caught a few tracks before they stepped off stage - but I enjoyed the performance and the crowd seemed to be pleased with it. I caught the first few Growlers songs before making my way to Spaceland for Local Natives.

I didn't stay too long (I didn't stay at all really) at Local Natives because I've seen them before and I'm looking for them to change it up. Maybe I am too critical - but, I'd like to see them step outside of their box some more than they have been. For all I know, they were switching it up and I just left to quickly. I will have to check back in with them next week.

Tuesday brought me back to Spaceland for a hastily put together bill of indie-rock music of various sub genres. Odd Modern opened the night and they were dope! A duo featuring a male on drums and a female vocalist who plays synth and effects processors. You could feel influence from the recent wave of indie-electro-hip-hop - and this group may be on to something. At the very least, the performance is entertaining. The drummer pre-programs lights (using a MIDI interface) so that the lights play along with his drumming. At one point he had a red strobe going on his snare as he was beating it to shit. It looked pretty cool.

The acts that followed were nothing to overwhelming until Tic Tic Boom! took the stage. The crowd seemed to be there to see them and they were excited for their first performance with a new drummer. The quartet reeled off a few new cuts, definitely of the indie-power-pop variety, and played most of their first EP. The highlight of their set was definitely the dance inspiring "Stop Let Me Off" which had the late night Tuesday crowd toe-tapping, jumping and cheering for more.

With so much indie music under my belt for the early part of the week, I decided to stay away from the eastside on Wednesday and hit up NASA at the El Rey. You know the night was going to be special when NASA came out with a completely LA-ified intro, complete with video footage of downtown, compton, low-riders and LA based music (i.e. California Love, anything Dr. Dre). Unlike prior performances, where they did a lot of cuts from their album and had some rappers parade through both on screen and on stage - this performance was more like a DJ entertainment extravaganza. They played amazing videos on two screens that they were mixing in real time with the music...and the footage seemed to synch perfectly. It was cool, lots of old school stock stuff, and it was a great addition to the DJ set. As far as the crowd goes, at the front of the dance floor it was hot, heavy and energized, although there was plenty of room to stand and be a casual observer from the back. All in all, the DJ duo went through a wide range of music, dosing the crowd with NASA originals here and there, a Fatlip freestyle appearance and ending with their banger "Gifted" which featured Kanye West doing vocals on video.

I was happy I took the night off from the indie scene - cause you just don't see performances like NASA's all that often. To be blunt, it exceeded my expectations.

So far the week has been a good one in music - let's see what the weekend brings....