m83 - Kim & Jessie
This is kind of a short week, what with Turkey Day and all, smack in the middle of it. A few of the local venues take a couple days off from shows to enjoy the holidays, so the schedule of events is a little light. But that's fine. Sometimes it's nice to take a break and recharge your batteries.
Monday
Japanese Motors @ The Silverlake Lounge, free.
Though they're on Vice Records, and they're local, you don't hear too much about Japanese Motors. They run in decidedly non-indie circles, choosing instead to focus on the surf circuit which has always been their bread and butter. So it's nice to see them playing in Silverlake on a free night and hopefully winning over some fans. I personally haven't seen them, but this seems a good a chance as any to see what the hype's all about.
Monday
Japanese Motors @ The Silverlake Lounge, free.
Though they're on Vice Records, and they're local, you don't hear too much about Japanese Motors. They run in decidedly non-indie circles, choosing instead to focus on the surf circuit which has always been their bread and butter. So it's nice to see them playing in Silverlake on a free night and hopefully winning over some fans. I personally haven't seen them, but this seems a good a chance as any to see what the hype's all about.
Tuesday
Deerhunter, Times New Viking @ The El Rey, $16.50
There's actually two great shows on this night. First you've got Deerhunter. No reason to go early for this one because Times New Viking just aren't that good and are probably going to sound even worse on the El Rey's soundsystem and cavernous hall. So show up a little later and check out Bradford Cox and the gang playing all their new songs. However, if you're not feeling the psychedelic shoegaze vibe and are in the mood for something a little more "authentic," then head over to the Wiltern for the Drive By Truckers / Hold Steady double bill. Expect to see a lot of dudes in baseball jerseys, but also expect a great show.
Wednesday
There's a few shows on Wednesday night, but nothing too exciting. This is time better spent packing or cooking for the big day on Thursday. None of the shows are really worth your time.
Thursday
There are no shows on Thursday. It's Thanksgiving.
Friday
Melvins, Big Business @ The Troubadour, $18
Most of the venues are still off for the holiday, so The Melvins with Big Business is your best bet. The Melvins have been gigging in the LA underground for quite a few years now, hooking up with Big Business as their backing band and generally blending in with bands like TweakBird. Their new record is pretty great, with the crushing assault of the Big Business rhythm section. This will be a packed house.
Saturday
m83, School of Seven Bells @ The Henry Fonda, $20
m83's newest record, Saturdays = Youth is a masterpiece of production. He completely nails the gauzy haze of the Psychedelic Furs and brings it right into 2008 with a flourish. Apparently the live shows have been amazing, with a few extra band members and just epic sound. The Fonda is a huge place, and I'm sure they'll fill it. I've just started getting into the School of Seven Bells, but I like them. They sound kind of like High Places with better production, or if Phil Collins was making relevant music.
Sunday
Blitzen Trapper, The Parson Red Heads, The Echo, $10
I think I've seen Blitzen Trapper four times now, and each time is better than the last. They've grown tremendously as songwriters and musicians over the last two years, and I can't wait to see the songs off their new album in the live setting. What was once a chaotic jumble of influence and experimentation is now refined, without sacrificing any of their youthful energy. The Parson Red Heads are a local group with a bit of a Beatles fetish, but they have great harmonies and bring a boatload of sincerity to their performances. Should be a great time.
Deerhunter, Times New Viking @ The El Rey, $16.50
There's actually two great shows on this night. First you've got Deerhunter. No reason to go early for this one because Times New Viking just aren't that good and are probably going to sound even worse on the El Rey's soundsystem and cavernous hall. So show up a little later and check out Bradford Cox and the gang playing all their new songs. However, if you're not feeling the psychedelic shoegaze vibe and are in the mood for something a little more "authentic," then head over to the Wiltern for the Drive By Truckers / Hold Steady double bill. Expect to see a lot of dudes in baseball jerseys, but also expect a great show.
Wednesday
There's a few shows on Wednesday night, but nothing too exciting. This is time better spent packing or cooking for the big day on Thursday. None of the shows are really worth your time.
Thursday
There are no shows on Thursday. It's Thanksgiving.
Friday
Melvins, Big Business @ The Troubadour, $18
Most of the venues are still off for the holiday, so The Melvins with Big Business is your best bet. The Melvins have been gigging in the LA underground for quite a few years now, hooking up with Big Business as their backing band and generally blending in with bands like TweakBird. Their new record is pretty great, with the crushing assault of the Big Business rhythm section. This will be a packed house.
Saturday
m83, School of Seven Bells @ The Henry Fonda, $20
m83's newest record, Saturdays = Youth is a masterpiece of production. He completely nails the gauzy haze of the Psychedelic Furs and brings it right into 2008 with a flourish. Apparently the live shows have been amazing, with a few extra band members and just epic sound. The Fonda is a huge place, and I'm sure they'll fill it. I've just started getting into the School of Seven Bells, but I like them. They sound kind of like High Places with better production, or if Phil Collins was making relevant music.
Sunday
Blitzen Trapper, The Parson Red Heads, The Echo, $10
I think I've seen Blitzen Trapper four times now, and each time is better than the last. They've grown tremendously as songwriters and musicians over the last two years, and I can't wait to see the songs off their new album in the live setting. What was once a chaotic jumble of influence and experimentation is now refined, without sacrificing any of their youthful energy. The Parson Red Heads are a local group with a bit of a Beatles fetish, but they have great harmonies and bring a boatload of sincerity to their performances. Should be a great time.
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