Alberta Cross

Kristen’s LA Concert Calendar: 7/23-7/29

Posted on by Kristen

Due to my ever-expanding list of things undone and past due, I didn’t get out to many shows last week. As each show-less day passed, I think I fell further and further down the rabbit hole of lethargy and despondency, which honestly does NOT make getting work done any easier. By the time Saturday rolled around, I had so little energy, I could barely move. I forced myself, however, to get downtown to Bloomfest LA and saw three amazing bands (NO, Grace Woodroofe, The Neighbourhood) and today, I’m feeling energetic, happy and productive again. It’s amazing how that works… absolutely amazing.

Expect pictures from the event to come up on facebook (http://www.facebook.com/localmusicnation) soon, but seriously these are three groups you need to check out:

NO: http://nomusicfor.me/
Grace Woodroffe: http://gracewoodroofe.com.au/
The Neighbourhood: http://thenbhd.com/

Speaking of great music to check out, we have quite a few choice acts playing in LA this week. My pick of the week would have to go to Bethpage Black Sunday night at The Troubadour. Bethpage Black drummer, Steve Coy, needs to take a respite from drumming due to back issues, so this will be the band’s last show for a bit. Don’t miss out!

Here’s the rest of my selections:

Monday: Lovers Drugs FREE at The Silverlake Lounge (9pm)  (the band had to cancel)
ALSO: Alberta Cross FREE at Amoeba Records (7pm)
ALSO: Terraplane Sun FREE at The Satellite (11pm)
ALSO: Paul and the Kir at Molly Malone’s (9pm)
ALSO: American Idol Live at Nokia Live (7pm)
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)

 

Tuesday: Dead Feather Moon at The Hotel Cafe (11pm)
ALSO: Everest and Alberta Cross at The Troubadour (9:15, 10:15)
ALSO: Dave Green (of The Filthy Souls) at Hemingways (9:45)
ALSO: Parker Ainsworth and friends at WitZend (10pm)

 

Weds: Voxhaul Broadcast at The Troubadour (10:15)
ALSO: Holly Conlan at Room 5 (8pm)
ALSO: Emery at The Roxy (10pm)
ALSO: Act As If, Max and the Moon and The Dig FREE at Silverlake Lounge (9,10,11)
ALSO: Imagine Dragons, Walk The Moon, The Lumineers, The Joy Formidible at Paramount Studios (8pm)

 

Thursday: Daniel Bedingfield at The Mint (10:15)
ALSO: Jackie Greene FREE at The Santa Monica Pier (7pm)
ALSO: London Cries at The Viper Room (11pm)
ALSO: Marcus Very Ordinary at Bootleg Bar (9pm)

 

Friday: Madi Diaz, Cary Brothers, Harper Blynn, and Mind the Gap at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)
ALSO: mewithoutYou with Kevin Devine and Buried Beds at The Troubadour (8:30)
ALSO: Lady Danville FREE at California Plaza in Downtown LA (noon)
ALSO: New York Rifles at Amplyfi (9pm)

 

Saturday: A House for Lions at The Hotel Cafe (10pm)
ALSO: He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister and Red Circle Underground at The Roxy (8pm)
ALSO: Nick Waterhouse FREE at The Getty Center (7pm)

 

Sunday: Bethpage Black at The Troubadour (9:15)
ALSO: Fiona Apple at Hollywood Palladium (7pm)

 

To Keep in Mind:
July 30th: The Silent Comedy at The Satellite
August 3rd: Cory Chisel at The El Rey
August 4th: Band of Skulls at The Annberg Space for Photography
August 8th: Langhorne Slim & The Law at The Troubadour
August 10th and 11th: Jack White at Shrine Auditorium
August 13th: The Kills at The El Rey
August 13th: Birdy at The Roxy
August 14th: The Dunwells at The Hotel Cafe
August 16th-18th: SSMF
August 19th: fun. at The Wiltern
August 23rd: Civil Twilight and Morning Parade at The El Rey
August 24th: Truth & Salvage Co. at The Troubadour
August 25th: Charlotte Martin at The Hotel Cafe
September 1st & 2nd: FYF at Downtown LA
September 4th: Gotye at The Greek Theatre
September 14th: The Hives at The Wiltern
September 22nd: Epicenter at Verizon Wireless Ampitheatre
October 1st: Ed Sheeran at The Wiltern
October 2nd: Garbage at The Wiltern
October 4th: The Milk Carton Kids at The Largo
October 11th: Awolnation and Imagine Dragons at Club Nokia
October 19th: Tony Lucca at The Roxy
October 19th: Frightened Rabbit at The Troubadour
October 20th: Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers at Saint Rocke
November 2nd: NEEDTOBREATHE at Fox Theater Pomona
November 6th: Jens Lekman at Fonda Theatre

~ Kristen

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New Music Tuesday 7/17/12 Featuring Milo Greene, Todd Carey, Alberta Cross

Posted on by Kristen

My favorite part about Tuesdays is the new music available for my ears. Here are some of the CDs I’m going to check out today. If you’re also in the market for some tunes, I’d suggest you do the same!

Milo Greene – Milo Greene 

It’s been about a year since LMN started talking about Milo Greene and the band have finally released their debut self-titled album. If you want to be swept away by the idyllic beauty of songs like “Silent Way,” do not hesitate to get this album (Amazon or Itunes). It’s a keeper!

 

Toddy Carey – The Duets Project 

Singer-songwriter, Todd Carey, has released an EP of his songs that he has transformed into duets with female artists like Amber Rubarth and Sarah Miles. Carey previews the EP, calling it “a stripped down revisiting of my catalog”. You can listen to the tracks here http://music.aol.com/new-releases-full-cds/#/10 and buy the album here.

 

Alberta Cross – Songs of Patience 

I’ve only heard one song so far, but I’m really looking forward to digesting the new album from Alberta Cross. Go to their website and download “Magnolia” for free! Then buy their album here.

 

Other CDs to check out today:

 

Listen! Learn! Love!

~ Kristen

Amanda’s SD Concert Calendar 7/16-7/22

Posted on by Amanda

It’s a little weird for me to be back home writing my weekly calendar post. I must say, I’ve had a lovely break from reality between my travels and then experiencing Comic Con this weekend. I think Kristen still might kill me if given half the chance. I can’t name one specific highlight but I think walking by Will Wheaton and finding out Kevin Bacon has a band with his brother called The Bacon Brothers were up there moment wise.

We have a light week music wise this week which suits my recovery just fine.
 

Monday: Kevin Martin and Family of the Year @ Soda Bar @9 $8
AND: Great White Buffalo @ Casbah @9 $5

Tuesday: Relax

Wednesday: Truth and Salvage Co. @ Griffin @9
AND: AJ Croce @ Anthology @730 $10-$28

Thursday: Low Volts and Stephen Ray @ El Dorado @8 Free w/RSVP
AND: Matt Simmons and Chris Avers @ Lestats @8
AND: Hills Like Elephants @ Bar Pink @9
AND: La Sera @ Soda Bar @9 $8

Friday: Patrick Norton @ Lestats @8
AND: Glasmus @ Griffin @9 $5

Saturday: The New Kinetics @ Tin Can Alehouse @930 $5
AND: Writer @ Soda Bard @9 $10

Sunday: Alberta Cross and Everest @ Casbah @9 $12

Keep in Mind:
July 27th- Dead Feather Moon @ Griffin
July 29th- Tenacious D @ SDSU Open Air Theater
July 29th- MEWITHOUTYOU and Kevin Devine @ Casbah
July 29th- Steve Poltz @ Belly Up
July 31st- Neon Trees @ House of Blues
July 31st- Carolina Liar @ Griffin
August 1st- The Nervous Wreckords and Kevin Martin @ Belly Up
August 2nd- Murder By Death and Cory Chisel and The Wandering Sons @ Casbah
August 2nd- Chis Isaak @ Humphreys
August 4th- Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
August 4th- Cake @ Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
August 5-7- Brian McKnight @ Anthology
August 10th- Jack White @ Shrine Auditorium
August 11th- Saint Motel and Italian Japanese @ Casbah
August 13th- Franz Ferdinand @ House of Blues
August 15th- Fun @ SDSU Open Air Theater
August 15th- The Dunwells @ Birch Aquarium at Scripps
August 15th- Alabama Shakes @ Fox Theater
August 15th- The Dunwells @ Birch Aquarium @ Scripps
August 18th- The Silent Comedy and Stripes and Lines @ Belly Up
August 18th- Ben Harper @ Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
August 21st- Civil Twilight @ Belly Up
August 22nd- Civil Twilight @ Belly Up
August 23rd- Steve Martin and The Steep Canyon Rangers
August 30th- Little Hurricane @ Belly Up
September 4th- Gotye @ Greek Theater
September 7th- Dave Matthews Band @ Cricket
September 10th- Linkin Park and Incubus @ Cricket
September 30th- The Shins @ SDSU Open Air Theater
October 2nd- Ed Sheeran @ House of Blues
October 3rd- The Head and The Heart @ Spreckles Theater
October 4th- The Black Keys @ Valley View Casino Center
October 4th- Florence + The Machine @ Cricket Wireless
October 5th- Kimbra @ House of Blues
October 5th- The Milk Carton Kids @ Anthology
October 6th- Dr. Dog @ 4th and B
October 9th- Imagine Dragons and AWOLNATION @ House of Blues
October 14th- The Raveonettes @ Belly Up
October 16th- Bombay Bicycle Club @ House of Blues
October 17th- Allen Stone @ Belly Up

 

Amanda’s Top Ten Musical Experiences (cont.)

Posted on by Amanda

I bet you thought I forgot all about this! Well, the truth of the matter is… I haven’t been home to write and when I am home, I’m sleeping. I’ve been out making new musical experiences for 2012! As such I’m giving you three more of my top musical experiences and I promise the top 2 won’t be far behind.

 

5.SXSW- I don’t really know how to describe SXSW to anyone other than calling it a musical orgy of sorts. There is so much to see and do whilst in Austin, Texas that it’s hard to keep your head on straight. Last year was my first year and I hope to be going every year after. The cool thing about SXSW is you really only need money for a place to stay and some food. We never went to any official shows (which is what badges are required for) and we had a hard time keeping up with all the musical options out there. During our time at SXSW we saw; Fierce Creatures, Viva City, Purple Melon, AWOLNATION, Neon Trees, The Head and The Heart, The Kin, Dead Sara, Fitz and The Tantrums, Tailor Made Fable, Keaton Simons, Liam Finn, Atomic Tom, Ivan and Alyosha, Queen Caveat, The Gallery, Sabrosa Purr,  The Greenhornes, The Silent Comedy, Mother Mother, Agnes Obel, Brian Wright, Brooke Fraser, Cary Brothers, Holly Conlan, Jim Bianco, Joey Ryan, Kenneth Pattengale, Laura Jansen, Little Red Radio, OK, The Milk Carton Kids, Deluka, Hugo, Meriwether, My Cousin The Emperor, Sinai, Taylor Locke & The Roughs, The Good Natured, Augustana, Doll and The Kicks, Empires, Lenka, Twin Atlantic, and The Stone Foxes. Well, you get the idea…

 

4. Blink-182- I was never a huge fan of Blink. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t change the radio station when their music came on or anything but nothing about them made me have a burning desire to see them live. In 2011, I saw them not once but twice and they will always have a warm spot in my heart. The first time I saw them was for the Honda Civic Tour. I was working with Kevin and Rebecca Joelson and doing some shooting of the event which means I was in the pit for the first few songs and was able to be side stage for the rest of their set. I was surprised at just how many Blink-182 songs I knew and Rebecca and I sang along from the sidelines. What really blew my brain was when they ‘finished’ their set and this giant rig comes down from the batons where all the lights are. I had been staring at it all night trying to figure out what it was. Well, it was a giant arm with a drum set attached! Travis got on this rig and was taken out over the audience while he played a solo for a few minutes. The rig would tilt down, back up and move around. It was mind blowing!!!! Needless to say, I was a fan after that.

 

3. Bonnaroo- In 2011, Bonnaroo was what Coachella should have been lineup wise. If you’ve ever been to or know about Coachella, think of Bonnaroo as the cooler sister who is both hippie and hip. Bonnarro is also held in a giant field and while it lacks the artistic attractions like the wandering robot and the giant hand that can kill a car, it has yoga and it’s own post office. Bonnaroo also has this giant fountain which I’ve been told gets painted different colors every year but it’s a great way to stay cool in the heat. Coachella doesn’t have that. Granted Coachella is easier to get to, but flying out gave us the chance to hang out in Tennessee and check out Nashville for a day or two. Our highlights from Bonnaroo were already posted on this site but we had a blast watching Eminem, The Head and The Heart, Portugal. The Man, Neon Trees, Kopeckey Family Band, Mumford and Sons, Cory Chisel and The Wandering Sons, Alberta Cross, The Black Angels, and The Decemberists. Bonnaroo is a new tradition in my book and I can’t wait to see the lineup for 2012!

 

See you soon for my top 2!

Kristen’s ’11 Mix – Bonus 1 – Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons

Posted on by Kristen

Bonus 1. “Never Meant to Love You” – Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons 

LMN made the trek to Bonnaroo this summer. This is my favorite festival. From early morning yoga to the late night dance parties, I treasured every moment of my Bonnaroo ’11 experience. I discovered so many great bands (Aunt Martha, The Black Box Revelation, The Kopecky Family Band, Fences, JEFF The Brotherhood), saw several favorites for the first time (Scissor Sisters, Amos Lee, Neon Trees, Freelance Whales, Black Angels, Alberta Cross, Robert Plant), and enjoyed beloved bands like The Decemberists, Emimen, Deas Vail, Mumford & Sons, Nicole Atkins, The Head & The Heart, Band of Skulls, The Black Keys, etc.  Going into the event Corey Chisel and the Wandering Sons were on the top of my list of bands to check out. I ended up seeing them three times. “I Never Meant To Love You” is one of my favorite songs. I couldn’t locate a recorded version, but I tracked this bootleg. Check out the bands album, Death Won’t Send a Letter.

~ Kristen

New Music Tuesday 10/4 Featuring Jack’s Mannequin, Mutemath, Lights, and Allen Stone

Posted on by Kristen

An overwhelming number of new albums I’m excited about today. Not even sure where to begin on this one. My top picks could be any number of the albums listed below…

 

Jack’s Mannequin – People & Things 

I actually got to preview this one. I wrote the following review for High Voltage Magazine:

Prince of punk rock piano, Andrew McMahon is back with another offering from his outfit Jack’s Mannequin. People and Things is standard fare for any McMahon fan, who should run immediately to the record store. It’s all there in this album; the voice, the pleading lyrics, the soaring choruses, the PIANO ROCK. Andrew McMahon has developed a trademark sound and each track can be identified as his almost immediately. While there isn’t anything very new sonically, lyrically the record shows a maturing outlook on love, life on the road, and relationships which will connect immediately to Andrew’s maturing fan base. Standout moments on the album include the poppy opener “My Racing Thoughts”, the catchy “Television”, the soaring vocals in “Platform Fire”, the quiet beauty of the more acoustic “Restless Dream” and the profoundly realistic, and somewhat hard hitting lyrics in the song “Hey Hey Hey” which reminds the listener that “we’re all going to die someday” and invites them to “sing with me just one more time.”  Hopefully not a prophetic statement…

Listen to the album here http://music.aol.com/new-releases-full-cds/#/2

Buy it on ITunes or Amazon

 

 

MUTEMATH– Odd Soul 

MUTEMATH’s self-titled debut CD, has some of my favorite songs on it. MUTEMATH also puts on one of the best live performances. Odd Soul is bound to make its way into my CD collection based on these two facts along. I’m also loving the video for the single. I’m en route shortly to see the band perform on Jimmy Kimmel. VERY excited about this one.

Pick up the CD on Itunes or Amazon

 

 

LIGHTS– Siberia 

Lights (AKA Valerie Poxleitner) has come a long way since I first heard her song “Feburary  Air” on a TV commercial about three years ago. I really like this Canadian’s first full length CD, The Listening, especially the songs “The Last Thing on Your Mind” and “Face Up.”  I’m generally not a huge fan of the electro-pop genre, but there is something about the sweetness of the voice in contrast with the electro beats that draws me in. As long as that combination remains, I’m sure Siberia will be another hit in my book. LIGHTS will be coming to Los Angeles November 7th at The El Rey.

Buy Siberia on Amazon or Itunes

 

 

Allen Stone– Allen Stone

I’ve seen this Washington soulster deliver some impressive and inspiring performances over the past year. I’m quite excited to finally have recorded versions of songs like “Satisfaction” and “The Wind.” Allen Stone has one of those voices that can change the way you think about life. Definitely give him a listen and buy the album.

 

 

Other CDs coming out today that I’m anxious to put past my ears:

~ Kristen

Amanda’s SD Show Calendar 9/26-10/2

Posted on by Amanda

What a weekend! While I did nothing really musically oriented, I definitely was wiped out by the end of it. What was I doing? Funny you should ask. I was working at a rodeo. I used to ride in said rodeo but this time I was just a helping hand. I did get some boogie time with some country music but boy, I’m still tired. Oh, I did see the Blue Man Group for the first time last night! That’s musical. And definitely fun!

But enough about me…

 

Monday: Reverend Payton’s Big Damn Band and Austin Lucas and The Bold Party @ Soda Bar @9  $12

Tuesday: Mattson 2 @ El Dorado @9
AND: Bush with Chevelle and Filter @ 4th & B @630 $40

Wednesday: New Kinetics CD Release @ Bar Pink @9
AND: AA Bondy @ Casbah @9 $12
AND: Steve Earle and the Dukes (and Dutchesses ) feat. Allison Moorer @ Belly Up @8 $32 adv/$34 day of

Thursday: SoundDiego Live feat. Dead Feather Moon and The Get Down Automatic @Casbah @730
AND: Lisa Hannigan @ Belly Up @9 $13 adv/$15 day of

Friday: Portugal. The Man and Alberta Cross @ House of Blues SD @730 $20
AND: Peter Bjorn and John @ Belly Up @9 $20 adv/$22 day of
AND: Dum Dum Girls and Crocodiles @ Casbah @9 $14

Saturday: Dum Dum Girls and Crocodiles @ Casbah @9 $14
AND: The Loons @ Eleven @9 $8
AND: The Bloody Hollies and Low Volts @ Griffin
AND: Street Beat Party @ India St. (between Ash and A) @230 $39
AND: Never Shout Never and A Rocket to the Moon @Soma @6 $23

Sunday: Blind Pilot @ Belly Up @9 $15 adv/$17 day of
AND: Jesse Terry @ Lestats @8

 

Keep in Mind:

October 6th- The Naked and Famous @ Belly Up
October 6th- Honda Civic Tour w/ Blink 182, My Chemical Romance, and Matt and Kim @ Cricket Wireless
October 8th- Liam Finn @ The Loft @ UCSD
October 8th- The Album Leaf, Sister Crayon, and Writer @ Mississippi Room @ Lafayette Hotel $16 adv/$18 day of
October 9th- Dawes and Blitzen Trapper @ Belly Up @8 $18 adv/$20 day of
October 9th- Electric Six @ Casbah
October 11th- Dropkick Murphys @ House of Blues
October 11th- Mattson 2 and Patrick Norton @ El Dorado @9
October 12th- Dropkick Murphys @ House of Blues
October 14th- The Head and the Heart @ House of Blues @7 $17.50 adv/$20 day of
October 15th- Hoodang Festival feat. Louis XIV, Mr. Tube and the Flying Objects, Endoxi, and more @ Santa Ysabel Casino @11am $30
October 16th- The Naked and Famous @ Belly Up @9 $15
October 17th- AWOLNATION (reschedule) @ Belly Up @9
October 17th- Foo Fighters w/ Cage the Elephant @ Viejas Arena
October 19th- Foster the People @ Soma @7 $25
October 21st- Blackout Party, Grand Tarantula, and Jesse LaMonaca and the Dime Novels @ Casbah @9 $10
October 26th- Manchester Orchestra @ House of Blues SD
October 28th- The Donkeys, Cuckoo Chaos, and Bully @ Casbah @9 $8 adv/$10 day of
October 30th- Matt Nathanson @ House of Blues SD $23-$40
November 2nd- Minus the Bear and The Lonely Forest @ Soma @730 $25
November 3rd- Mayday Parade @ House of Blues SD
November 9th- Ra Ra Riot @ Belly Up
November 11th- Thrice @ House of Blues SD
November 16th- The Dirty Heads with Gym Class Heroes @ House of Blues SD
November 17th- The Sounds @ Soma @7
November 20th- Newfound Glory @ House of Blues