The Bard Chronicles: Dear Boy Redux @ The Bootleg Theater- 4/25/2013

Posted on by Amanda

Sometimes you just have to travel to see a band play. Thus began another trip up to LA to catch the second ever Dear Boy show. Call me a sucker but the opportunity to see a band from the very beginning is something that I couldn’t pass up. After a lovely meal of ramen (one my my favorite things to get in LA) it was time to head to the show. I have to say, The Bootleg has gotten a bit swanky since I was last there. With wonderful couches for lounging on and a ping pong table to play with (which we took full advantage of), it wasn’t difficult to wait around for the show to get started.

Shortly after 10pm, Dear Boy took the stage for the second time in their musical career. All sharply dressed in black (except the bass player who opted for black and white), the gents of Dear Boy gave off an air of intrigue and mystery. The charismatic frontman from ex Scarlet Grey was unusually serious and tight lipped as only a few words were given between songs such as thanks to the other bands and the venue. The set itself gave off a sense of controlled chaos and release with a fury of distorted guitar and fast paced drumming to accompany Ben’s vocals. Audience dancing could not be helped as Dear Boy continued on and started to let loose themselves, which further fueled said dancers. The set ended on a high note after the last two songs in the set Sister Golden Hair (an excellent cover) and Funeral Waves took it “up another notch,” as Emeril Lagasse would say. Let’s not forget their single Come Along which fans have already memorized and singing along.

I only see good things for the future of this band. Be sure to catch them at their next show, June 6th supporting Meg Myers at The Troubadour.

The night was topped off with a set from LA rockers The Active Set who provided the perfect cap to the end of the evening. It was especially entertaining when frontman Matt Stolarz was having sound issues and stand in drummer Steve Coy came out from behind the drumset, still playing. The other members gathered around Steve and did a booty shake for our entertainment.

On a more personal note: It was wonderful to catch Ben Grey for some “Hellos” after their set. It was obvious he was thrilled to be there and the fan support was overwhelming I’m sure. I’d also like to say that he gives some of the best hugs. Ever.

 

New Music Tuesday 4/23/13 featuring Youngblood Hawke, Solardrive, Frank Turner

Posted on by Kristen

I am absolutely thrilled that two of my favorite CA-based bands are battling to get to the top of the charts with their new releases this week. Since I pimped The Neighbourhood’s debut I Love You. last week, today I’ll sing the praises of Youngblood Hawke’s Wake Up. Both albums are stellar and prime examples of the talent and taste coming from LA these days.

There are actually several albums I would highly recommend looking into that come out this week. Here’s a sampling of my top picks:

Youngblood Hawke – Wake Up

For all your get up and dance needs, there is Youngblood Hawke. Their new album is a collection of old favorites including their hit, “We Come Running” as well as newer gems. The band’s high energy, fun/cool vibe translates well on disc. I’ve been going to Youngblood Hawke shows for a while and it’s nice to finally be able to take the show home (dance party in the living room!).  The album title is apt…the songs call you wake up and be attentive and appreciative of the world around you.

Buy it here

 

Solardrive – Solardrive

Beat-maker extraordinaire, Balthazar Getty, has a new project and it’s called Solardrive. The self-titled debut album might best be explained by Balthazar himself in the following EPK. You can stream the entire album which features a few guest vocalists here. For those who love chilling out with some lazy beats. Seriously, I can’t help but relax a little when I put this record on…

get it here

 

Frank Turner – Tape Deck Heart

SXSW 2013 standout, Frank Turner, further showcases his unique brand of folk-punk in his latest release, Tape Deck Heart. I haven’t been able to listen to the entire 17-song album, but from what I’ve heard at the live shows, it will be a worthy addition to anyone’s CD collection.

buy it here

 

Also worth checking out:

Listen! Learn! Love!

~ Kristen

Amanda’s SD Concert Calendar 4/22-4/28

Posted on by Amanda

I can finally say we have a non-gloomy Monday that is bright and sunshiney without the same heat this past weekend brought. I didn’t get out to many shows but I spent lots of quality time with friends which was lovely. I’m not sure how much show going I will have this week apart from driving up to LA to see Dear Boy on Thursday. It’s ok though because I could use some time in.

 

Monday: The Gaslight Anthem @ Belly Up at 8:30pm- SOLD OUT
AND: Mrs. Henry @ Casbah at 9pm
AND: Wheeler Brothers @ Soda Bar at 8:30pm

Tuesday:  Black Rebel Motorcycle Club @ House of Blues at 8pm

Wednesday: Chappo, Okapi Sun @ Soda Bar
AND: Lexington Field, Steph Johnson @ Belly Up at 7:30pm
AND: Cave Singers @ Casbah at 9pm

Thursday: The Dunwells, River City @ Casbah at 9pm
AND: Patrick Norton, Crash and The Burns @ El Dorado at 9pm
AND: The Cerny Brothers, Leanna May and The Matadors @ Griffin at 9pm
AND: The Lonely Forest @ The Loft @ UCSD at 9pm
AND: Whitehorse @ Soda Bar at 9pm
AND: The Flowerthief @ Lestats at 8:30pm

Friday: Transfer, Dead Feather Moon, Grand Tarantula @ Belly Up at 9pm
AND: Alkaline Trio, Bayside @ House of Blues at 7:30pm
AND: Hit Dog Hollar @ Griffin at 9pm
AND: The Hollerin, Little Fowl @ Tin Can Alehouse at 9:30pm
AND: The Howls, New Mexico, Burning of Rome, Bruin @ Casbah at 9pm
AND: Big Bag Voodoo Daddy @ Syucan Casino at 7:30pm

Saturday: Neveready @ Griffin at 9pm
AND: The Drowning Men, Wild Wild Wets @ Soda Bar at 8:30pm
AND: Adams Ave. Unplugged 

Sunday: Blood Red Shoes, Long Live Logos @ Soda Bar at 8:30pm
AND: Adams Ave. Unplugged 

 

Keep in Mind:
April 30th- Dirty Sirens, Deadly Birds, Okapi Sun @ Griffin
May 1st- The Killers @ Honda Center
May 2nd- Lauren Ruggles Presents- Yellow Red Sparks, Tyson Motsenbocker, Lowly Spects
May 3rd- Prince @ Hard Rock Hotel Legends Ballroom
May 4th- Prince @ Hard Rock Hotel Legends Ballroom
May 4th- Crash Kings, Chris Wilson and Planet Earth @ Griffin
May 6th- The Parlotones @ The Griffin
May 7th- Sara Watkins, Kris Orlowski @ Griffin
May 10th/11th- Mayday Parade, You Me At Six @ Soma
May 12th- The Milk Carton Kids @ Belly Up
May 17th- Jimmy Eat World @ House of Blues
May 17th- The Burning of rome, Low Volts, New Kinetics @ Casbah
May 18th- Wayward Sons @ Belly Up
May 19th- The Appleseed Cast @ Casbah
May 22nd- Bloc Party @ House of Blues
May 23rd- Jay Nash @ Soda BAr
May 25th- Cold War Kids @ Belly Up
May 27th- Cold War Kids @ Belly Up
May 29th- !!! @ Casbah
May 30th- The Tilt @ Belly Up
June 1st- Imagine Dragons @ SDSU Open Air Theater
May 31st- Little Hurricane, The Stone Foxes, The Hollerin @ Belly Up
June 2nd- CHVRCHES @ Belly Up
June 3rd- Mumford and Sons @ Sleep Train Amphitheater
June 8th- SPF 94/9 – Matt & Kim, Younblood Hawke, Capital Cities, Family of the Year, The Mowgli’s, The Palace Ballroom
June 16th- They Might Be Giants @ Belly Up
June 20th- Sea Wolf and Savior Adore @ Belly Up
June 21st- She and Him @ SDSU Open Air Theater
July 24th- Matchbox Twenty and The Goo Goo Dolls @ Valley View Casino Center
September 6th- Dave Matthews Band @ Cricket Wireless
September 20th- X-Fest feat: Blink 182, 30 Seconds to Mars, The Offspring Silversun Pickups, Fitz and the Tantrums, Atlas Genius, Capital Cities, New Politics
September 20th- Young Dubliners @ Belly Up
September 22nd- Depeche Mode @ Sleep Train Amiptheatre
September 22nd- Fall Out Boy @ Valley View Casino Center
October 4th- Phillip Phillips @ Sleep Train Amiptheatre

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 4/22-4/28

Posted on by Kristen

It’s been a busy week of deadlines. I didn’t really get out much and when this happens I can go a bit crazy. I might do stupid things like buy expensive concert tickets just to see a 20min set from the opening band (The Neighbourhood on Tuesday were amazing). I also might do things like go from a brilliant acoustic Young Guns set to see The Backstreet Boys just to avoid staring at the computer screen for a day.

And now it’s Sunday and despite working until 2am on Friday night, I’m so behind with what I needed to do this weekend. Hopefully things won’t leak over too much into next week as I’d really like to start going to shows again. My number one pick would probably be The Virginmarys on Saturday at The Viper Room, but I feel like there are a lot of really solid rock line ups this week and I am beyond ready to rock it out!

 

Monday: Sad Robot at The Viper Room (9pm)
ALSO: Daniel Bedingfield FREE at Central SAPC (10pm)
ALSO: Abbot Kinney FREE at Silverlake Lounge (11pm)
ALSO: Monday Monday FREE at Room 5 featuring Casey Abrams, Jackie Does Joel, and more (8pm)

 

Tuesday: The Revival Tour at The El Rey (7pm)
ALSO: FM Radio at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)
ALSO: Beachwood Tuesdays FREE at The Piano Bar (8pm)

 

Weds: Armada, Black Belt Karate, Sad Robot at The Satellite (9pm)
ALSO: David & Devine at The Hotel Cafe (10pm)
ALSO: Death of a Star at The Viper Room (10pm)
ALSO: Davis Fetter at Silverlake Lounge (9pm)
ALSO: Andy Davis at The Mint (10pm)
ALSO: Vonda Shepard at Saint Rocke (10pm)

 

Thursday:  The Active Set, Soft Swells, and Dear Boy at Bootleg Bar (9pm)
ALSO: Caitlin Crosby at The Hotel Cafe (10pm)
ALSO: Korey Dane at Room 5 (9pm)
ALSO: The Little Willies at The Roxy (8pm)

 

Friday: Smokey Knights, Jack Littman, Broken Anchor, Light FM at Molly Malone’s (9pm)
ALSO: BritWeek with The Veils at The Echo (10pm)
ALSO: Wires in the Walls, Francisco The Man and Chappo at The Satellite (9pm)
ALSO: Fine at El Cid (10:30)
ALSO: Lady Sinatra at The Viper Room (10pm)
ALSO: That Noise, Beatnik Jr and more FREE at House Party above the District Skate/Surf/BMX shop (12015 Venice Blvd) (9:30)

 

Saturday: The Virginmarys and IAMDYNAMITE at The Viper Room (8,9)
ALSO: The Lonely Forest at The Satellite (10pm)
ALSO: Icarus Landing at The Joint (8pm)
ALSO: Whitehorse and Song Preservation Society (8,10)
ALSO: BritWeek with New Build, NO CEREMONY///, Blood Red Shoes, etc. at The Echo/The Echoplex (5pm)

 

Sunday: ?

 

 

To Keep in Mind:
May 2nd: Lights at The El Rey
May 2nd: Crash Kings at Saint Rocke
May 2nd: Meiko at Los Globos
May 2nd: The Rolling Stones at Staples Center
May 4th: The Brobecks at Amplyfi
May 4th: Alice Russell at First Unitarian Church
May 4th: Saint Motel at The Roxy
May 6th: Iron and Wine at The Grammy Museum
May 7th: Tom Odell at The Troubadour
May 7th: Dinner and a Suit at The Roxy
May 8th/9th: Milk Carton Kids at Largo
May 9th: Dead Sara at The El Rey
May 9th: Sara Watkins, Fiction Family, Kris Orlowski at Bootleg Theater
May 9th: Mayday Parade and You Me at Six at Hollywood Palladium
May 11th: Speak at On the Rox
May 12th: Stephen Kellogg at The Hotel Cafe
May 13th: Serena Ryder at The Troubadour
May 14th: Sara Bareilles at The El Rey
May 15th: Andrew McMahon at The Troubadour
May 18th: Dan Wilson at McCabe’s
May 18-19th: Overture Con at The Mint
May 21st: Kate Nash at The Echo
May 22nd: Youngblood Hawke at Avalon
May 24th: Sir Sly at The Troubadour
May 28th: Lissie at Masonic Lodge at The Hollywood Forever Cemetery
May 29th/30th: Imagine Dragons at Hollywood Palladium
June 1st: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club at The Wiltern
June 1st: CHVRCHES at The Troubadour
June 4th: Willy Moon at The Troubadour
June 5th: Jewel at Saban Theatre
June 6th: Meg Myers and Dear Boy at The Troubadour
June 6th: Capital Cities at The El Rey
June 7th: The Boxer Rebellion at Avalon
June 8th: Bjork at Hollywood Palladium
June 25th: Rachael Yamagata at The Troubadour
August 19th/20th: Ed Sheeran at The Staples Center
September 26th: Hanson at House of Blues Sunset

~ Kristen

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The Bard Chronicles: William Beckett @ House of Blues Side Stage- 4/6/2013

Posted on by Amanda

Once upon a time in years long ago there lived a band called The Academy Is… who existed in harmony with other Fueled By Ramen bands such as Fall Out Boy, Panic! at the Disco, and Cobra Starship. Sadly, those are times of old and The Academy Is… has since broken up leaving frontman and lyricist William Beckett on his own.

After flying to Chicago to watch William Beckett play a holiday show two years ago, I was due for another William Beckett show. After having gone out to support Hellogoodbye and Relient K in July of last year, William finally made it back as a headlining artist this year on his What Will Be Tour and brought Jillette Johnson along for the ride.

I wasn’t aware that the House of Blues in San Diego had a side stage. I’d been to the one in LA but never the one in San Diego until I came to see William Beckett. I hung outside in the patio area while the opener played and I waited. The front of the tiny stage was already packed with fans staking their claim for when Mr. Beckett came to the stage. I actually caught William who had come outside to watch the show and said hello. I was super excited to see that he brought back the bandana in his outfit that night. If you ever watch old The Academy Is.. videos, you will know exactly what I’m talking about.

After the amazing Jillette Johnson finished her set, he took the stage. It was a great mix of new songs, old songs, and stories. William is an excellent storyteller and had the audience laughing after regaling us with a story from his youth in which he was the new kid who came to school fully dressed in his favorite athletic team’s sports apparel and was challenged to a basketball game by the resident school big shot. I’m sad to say the story ends with him losing after scoring a three point shot. However, it’s the wonderful blend of stories, humor, nerdyness, and songs that make him such a great entertainer. While I do miss him having a band and free to do his mic stand antics, I suppose this will do for now. As Kristen said of his show at The Hotel Cafe, he’s “the next Butch Walker” and I couldn’t agree more. No more compromises. What you see, is what you get.

Check out some of his tunes below!

New Music Tuesday 4/16 (and beyond) featuring The Neighbourhood, Arcane Roots, Andrew Ripp

Posted on by Kristen

So, this is kind of cruel, but most of the albums I’m getting excited about today aren’t actually being released today. My inbox this morning was full of upcoming musical goodness, and I felt inspired to share. There are actually quite a few high-profile albums out today that I’ll eventually get around to checking out, but honestly, what I can’t seem to get past are the following musical teasers. I also have a couple musical suggestions if you need new music now…

The Neighbourhood – I Love You

This album will come out next Tuesday (April 23rd), but the stream was released today via Rolling Stone and I can’t stop listening. The band is playing LA tonight, opening for Foals at The El Rey. The show is sold out, but listening to the album, I got a bit overexcited and stalked Craigslist and Ticketmaster until I came up with an available ticket (happy late birthday present to me!). Seriously, the idea of having more than the brilliant 5 song EP makes me giddy.

Go here to listen and here to pre-order.

 

Arcane Roots – Blood & Chemistry

I’ve been waiting for more music from this British rock outfit for a few months now. Their first full-length album, Blood & Chemistry comes out in the UK May 6th…not sure what that means for us poor folk in the US, but this album teaser makes me think I might be importing this one…

Their first single off of the album makes me a bit dizzy, but in a feels like I’m at the show bouncing around kind of way…

 

Andrew Ripp– Won’t Let Go

Ever since a friend shared Andrew Ripp’s track “Dresden Wine”, I have been a fan of this singer/songwriter, currently from Nashville. I’m looking forward to diving in to this newest release of his.

Itunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/wont-let-go/id632774958

NCIS: LA TV Show Soundtrack – Various Artists

There were too many great artists on this soundtrack not to check it out…especially since it was streaming here. It’s quite the variety of music and yes, just about every song would work to ramp up the emotional intensity of a dramatic scene. Artists include Daughtry, Allen Stone, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Alex Clare, Jakob Dylan, etc.  My favorite tracks were the ones from The Wild Feathers, Adrian Lux f. The Good Natured, and a slow/sad one from Gaslight Anthem (below)

 

Other albums released today worth checking into:

  • Fall Out Boy – Save Rock N Roll
  • Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Mosquito
  • Sarah Brightman – Dreamchaser
  • Iron & Wine – Ghost on Ghost
  • Jessie Ware – Devotion
  • Charlie XCX – True Romance
  • The Summer Set – Legendary
  • Olly Murs – Right Place, Right Time

 

~ Kristen

Amanda’s SD Concert Calendar 4/15-4/21

Posted on by Amanda

It’s another gloomy Monday here in San Diego. We’ve been having some bi-polar weather but with the off and on drizzle, one can’t help but want to curl up in bed with a book instead of venturing out for anything other than a hot beverage. Thankfully, San Diego is flooded with bands this week due to the week between Coachella shows. Get up and get out!

 

Monday: Mona, The Neighbourhood @ Porters Pub at Noon-FREE!
AND: The Foals and The Neighbourhood @ Porter Pub at 7pm- Sold Out!
AND: Wild Nothing, Little Green Cars, Island Boy @ Casbah at 9pm
AND: Franz Ferdinand @ Humphrey’s By The Bay at 7:30pm

Tuesday: Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds @ Balboa Theater at 7:30pm
AND: Youth Lagoon @ The Irenic @ 7:30pm
AND: Alt- J @ Belly Up at 9pm- Sold Out
AND: Dirty Sirens, Mrs. Henry @ Griffin at 8:45pm

Wednesday: The Cerny Brothers @ Ruby Room at 8:30pm
AND: Alex Clare @ House of Blues at 8pm
AND: The Faint @ Fluxx at 9pm
AND: Crash and The Burns @ Casbah at 9pm
AND: Tegan and Sara @ Humphrey’s By The Bay at 7:30pm
AND: The Loons @ Soda Bar at 8:30pm
AND: Josh Damigo @ Lestats at 9pm

Thursday: Polica @ Casbah at 9pm
AND: Aaron Bowen, The Peripherals @ Lestats at 9pm
AND: John Meeks @ Tin Can Alehouse at 9pm

Friday: Tyrone Wells, Wakey! Wakey!, Brett Young @ House of Blues at 8pm
AND: The Zeros @ Soda Bar at 9pm
AND: The New Kinetics @ Ruby Room at 9pm
AND: The Styletones @ Bar Pink at 9pm
AND: Coachella

Saturday: Mrs. Magician, The New Kinetics @ Casbah at 9pm
AND: Coachella

Sunday: Leftover Cuties @ Soda Bar at 8:30pm
AND: Coachella

 

Keep in Mind:
April 21st- The Revival Tour
April 22nd- The Gaslight Anthem @ Belly Up
April 23rd- Black Rebel Motorcycle Club @ House of Blues
April 24th- Chappo @ Soda Bar
April 26th- Transfer, Dead Feather Moon, Grand Tarantula @ Belly Up
April 26th- Alkaline Trio @ House of Blues
April 26th- Big Bag Voodoo Daddy @ Syucan Casino
April 27th- Neveready @ Griffin
May 1st- The Killers @ Honda Center
May 4th- Crash Kings, Chris Wilson and Planet Earth @ Griffin
May 6th- The Parlotones @ The Griffin
May 7th- Sara Watkins, Kris Orlowski @ Griffin
May 10th/11th- Mayday Parade, You Me At Six @ Soma
May 12th- The Milk Carton Kids @ Belly Up
May 17th- Jimmy Eat World @ House of Blues
May 22nd- Bloc Party @ House of Blues
May 25th- Cold War Kids @ Belly Up
May 27th- Cold War Kids @ Belly Up
May 29th- !!! @ Casbah
June 1st- Imagine Dragons @ SDSU Open Air Theater
June 3rd- Mumford and Sons @ Sleep Train Amphitheater
June 16th- They Might Be Giants @ Belly Up
June 21st- She and Him @ SDSU Open Air Theater
September 6th- Dave Matthews Band @ Cricket Wireless
September 20th- X-Fest feat: Blink 182, 30 Seconds to Mars, The Offspring Silversun Pickups, Fitz and the Tantrums, Atlas Genius, Capital Cities, New Politics
September 22nd- Depeche Mode @ Sleep Train Amiptheatre
September 22nd- Fall Out Boy @ Valley View Casino Center
October 4th- Phillip Phillips @ Sleep Train Amiptheatre