Thursday 03.11.10: THE CAVE SINGERS / THE DUTCHESS AND THE DUKE / THE MOONDOGGIES @ echo

The Cave Singers || Listen || Watch

True to their acoustic mantra, they maintain an earthy, naturistic, rootsy feel. Not as in a “twangy country,” but as in, “if Fleet Foxes had more facial hair then they might sound like this.” They even throw in washboards and harmonicas and give a nod to the oft-neglected blues music of the Mississippi River Delta. From even the first listen, it is evident that The Cave Singers has perfected the ghostly, resonating qualities of minimalism that separate it from a hoard of meditative, chai-sipping imitators.

Welcome Joy is somber and sweet enough to be enjoyed on calm evenings, but yet packs enough punch that you won’t be embarrassed if you leave it in your car when you pick up your best buds from lacrosse practice. It is a treasure trove anthology of styles, all led by the powerful, wailing voice of Pete Quirk. His unique vocal blend is perfectly complimented by gentle, throbbing drum pulses and Derek Fudesco’s masterfully rationed guitar work. Each pluck is gentle and deliberate. There are no wasted notes and none of that awful, mindless strumming that saturates contemporary indie music. Each hit of the string is left to resonate, creating a gentle, almost haunting atmosphere.

And the thing is, that The Cave Singers seem to have risen to these levels of greatness overnight. How did they get this good? Washes of warm pigments and wistful, breezy sounds abound. Impressionistic lyrics and smooth guitar interplay float by. This is the perfect album for shooting the breeze or enjoying the outdoors. Songs are warm and inviting, and they maintain that sort of “Sticky Sweet Honey Goodness” that scientists have recently found to be the primary ingredient in the soundtrack to your best summer memories. Welcome Joy is the perfect, earthy balance of the grittiest and the sweetest splendors that the Pacific has to offer. I feel like I would enjoy this record even better if I were a more frequent participator in No Shave November. But regardless, it’s still damn good. – Adequacy

with:
The Dutchess and The Duke || Listen
The Moondoggies

8:30pm / $10 advance, $12 day of show / 18+

Thursday 02.11.10: EYEDEA AND ABILITIES / DOSH / SILENT ARMY @ echoplex

Eyedea & Abilities || Listen || Watch

By the Throat is the third release from the MC/DJ pair of Eyedea (Mike Averill) and Abilities (Gregory Keltgen). Since their rap battle days (they won Scribble Jam, Rocksteady, and the Blaze Battle in the late ’90s) they’ve been expanding their sonic palette, and this effort is a further evolution from 2004′s E&A. Abilities uses sounds ranging from rock’n'roll guitars to his trademark turntable work, and Eyedea’s lyrics are as various as ever. In addition to rhyming about loss and addiction, topics as esoteric as neuroscience and quantum physics are addressed. – Prefix

with:
Dosh || Listen
Silent Army

@ Echoplex
enter at
1154 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

9pm / $10 advance, $12 day of show / 18+

Tuesday 02.16.10: Aquarium Drunkard Presents MAGIC KIDS / PEARL HARBOR / DUNES @ echo

Magic Kids || MP3

without doubt rough trade shop’s single of the year so far. the magic kids are a mysterious band of pop pranksters from memphis featuring members of the barbaras and girls of the gravitron. langley school x the beach boys x spector = the magic kids. it’s a joyous vocal-centric song with impressive harmony and old-fashioned instrumentation – one listen and you will fall in love with this baby. total pop perfection. song of the summer? more like song of the year. – Rough Trade

with:
Pearl Harbor || Listen
Dunes

8pm / $8 advance, $10 day of show / All Ages

Saturday 12.26.09: AVI BUFFALO / WAIT. THINK. FAST. / ANGUS KHAN / MOSES CAMPBELL / BARRIO TIGER @ echoplex

Avi Buffalo || Watch || Mp3

Buffalo, whose real name “is really long, with a hyphen,” he says, is a preternaturally gifted guitarist who crafts swoon-worthy folk-rock full of nooks and crannies, exposed nerves and shimmering soundscapes — think an incipient Neil Young, or a low-fi Mercury Rev, or a lovingly shambolic Wilco. Joined by bandmates Sheridan Riley and Rebecca Coleman (who also attend Millikan High) and Arin Fazio, Buffalo has a growing cadre of Eastside fans and, to no one’s surprise, some interest from record labels. – Buzz Bands

with:
Wait.Think.Fast. || Watch
Angus Khan || Listen
Moses Campbell || Listen
Barrio Tiger || Watch

@ Echoplex
enter at
1154 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

8pm / $8 / 18+

Wednesday 01.20.10: THE ETTES / THE BLOOD ARM / HEAVY YOUNG HEATHENS @ echo

The Ettes || Listen

The Ettes’ “Take It With You” packs two great tunes into a single song. The first opens with raw guitar, rousing handclaps and a simple melody that sounds sweet enough to sing in a schoolyard. Lead singer Coco (a.k.a. Lindsay Hames) channels some of the best bouffanted singers of the ’60s while adding a sleek punk edge. But something’s lurking beneath the caramel sweetness of Coco’s voice: Just when it seems to have settled into a nice groove, “Take It With You” becomes a brand-new song the second the chorus hits.

At that point, like that moment in Grease when Sandy transforms herself from a powder-puff ingenue to a leather-clad badass, the tune bursts into new territory. It’s suddenly an infectious garage-rock song that practically commands listeners to do the twist. In a plaintive and powerful pitch, Coco lashes out accusations: “You know what you want, but it’s gone now / I know I can see in your eyes now / You know and you know and you know” – NPR

with:
The Blood Arm || Listen
Heavy Young Heathens || Listen

8:30pm / $8 Advance, $10 day of show / 18+

Friday 02.05.10: DAEDELUS / NOSAJ THING / JOGGER / FROSTY @ echoplex

Daedelus || Listen || Watch

Alfred “Daedelus” Darlington is a proponent of Edwardian dandyism for the Internet age, and his electronic whimsy has been influenced equally by Coldcut’s chopped-up beats and Bernard Herrmann’s orchestral Vertigo. But on Love to Make Music To, the L.A. producer unveils a nocturnal soundtrack toughened up by booty bass (“My Beau”), hardcore techno (the astringent “Hrs:Mins: Secs”), and coked-out club rap (the slurry “Touchtone” with Paperboy and Sa-Ra’s Taz). Daedelus’ furious stylistic shifts are engrossing (if challenging), and when he closes the album with the glowing predawn ballad “You’re the One,” it sounds like hard-won catharsis. – Spin.com

with:
Nosaj Thing || Listen
Jogger
Frosty (Dub Lab)

@ Echoplex
enter at 1154 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

8:30pm / $13 advance, $15 day of show / 18+

Friday 01.08.10: ART FEIN presents THE 24TH ANNUAL ELVIS BIRTHDAY BASH @ echoplex

“Art Fein Presents the 24th Annual Elvis Birthday Bash”

with performances by:
Jimmy Angel
Big Manny
The Blasters
The Buckhenries
Ray Campi
Justin Curtis
Dusk Devils
Hotrod Hillbillies
Lisa Finnie
Groovy Rednecks
Carlos Guitarlos
Skip Heller
Rip Masters
Frank Lee Sprague
South Bay Surfers
Stardust Wranglers
Topa Twisters
Whiteboy James
Fred Willard

@ Echoplex
enter at 1154 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

8pm / $20.00 / 18+

Thursday 03.11.10: BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB / THE WHIGS @ echoplex

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club || Listen || Watch

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club is set to release their fifth studio album, Beat The Devil’s Tattoo, on March 9th (US/Canada). This release signifies the band’s first full-length on their own Abstract Dragon label, in partnership with Vagrant Records and Co-Op Music Group. The band wrote and recorded most of the album at The Basement Studio in Philadelphia, PA – the same room where they wrote and recorded “Howl” as well as some work in their hometown Los Angeles. Beat The Devil’s Tattoo also marks the first album with drummer Leah Shapiro.

The trio is primed to embark on a North American headline tour upon release, kicking off February 26 in Sacramento and culminating at New York City’s Webster Hall on April 8, with a stop in Los Angeles on March 14th at The Echoplex.

with:
The Whigs || Listen

@ Echoplex
enter at 1154 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

8:00pm / $25 / 18+

Thursday 12.31.09: Club Underground, Hang The DJs & Echo present ROARRRINN NEW YEARS EVE PARTY with THE GROWLERS / MY PET SADDLE / ALEX (AM/FM) / AARON CASTLE / DAN (COSMIC KIDS) & MORE @ echo

with:
The Growlers || Listen
My Pet Saddle

and DJs:
Aaron Castle
Alex (AM/FM)
Dan (Cosmic Kids)
Underground DJS

Photos by:
MATADORYTOROS.COM

Hosted by : Scarlett Casanova & PJ Panda Bear

CHAMPAGNE TOAST & BALLOON DROP!

9pm / $10 advance, $12 day of show / 18+

Friday 01.08.10: FIRST FRIDAYS with ATLAS SOUND / TUNE-YARDS @ natural history museum

with:
Atlas Sound
Tune-Yards

plus:
DJ Spider

And resident DJ:
Them Jeans

@ Natural History Museum
900 Exposition Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90007

FMI: Natural History Museum

5:30pm / $9 / All Ages

Thursday 01.28.10: THE PARSON RED HEADS / THE CHAPIN SISTERS / SOCIAL STUDIES / ALL SPOTS TO BLACK @ echo

The Parson Red Heads || Listen || Watch

“Los Angeles-via-Oregon collective The Parson Red Heads have a real California-ized sound. The bright guitars, the laid-back vocals, the Brian Wilson -esque harmonies all point to the Sunshine State, so it’s no wonder they drifted away from the rain towards the palm trees.

After touring with the likes of Blitzen Trapper and Earlimart in support of last year’s Owl & Timber EP, the psych-folkers are excited to promote their first-ever vinyl release, Orangufang, out April 28th on JAXART Records. “Raymond” from the forthcoming 7″ is an homage to intermittent Parson member, Raymond Richards, who produced and engineered the track. Building around the strong twang-tinged guitar riff, the retro vocals and tight harmonies solidify their California spirit with a languid drawl that is anything but lazy. And the crazy interplay of guitars at the end just sweeten the deal.” – Filter-Mag.com

with:
Chapin Sisters || Listen
Social Studies || Listen
All Spots To Black || Listen

8:30pm / $7 / 18+

Saturday 01.09.10: DRAGSTRIP 66 – HATS ALL FOLKS – GRAND FINALE AND 17th ANNIVERSARY SHOW @ echoplex

Gay, straight, bi, trans or in-between – Dragstrip 66 is your “all-invited” home to unleash all forms of self-expression, decadence, drag, and masquerade – with a totally fun, friendly, no-attitude crowd. The music is an eclectic mix of electro, indie rock, funk, mashups, 80′s, synthpop – anything and everything to get the dancefloor shakin’. Every Dragstrip has a theme as a touchstone to inspire your drag or mode of dress. However, drag is NEVER required, and there’s plenty of folks in totally casual street wear too. DRAGSTRIP 66 is a long-running queer dance club in Los Angeles. (Perhaps the longest running underground dance club in LA?) Co-created by Mr. Dan (aka hostess Gina Lotriman) and DJ Paul V., Dragstrip launched in January 1993, on the 2nd Saturday each month.

AND DON’T FORGET:
Cover is always only $5 if you arrive in full drag or cross-dress!

More info:
http://www.Dragstrip66.com
Dragstrip 66 on Facebook

@ Echoplex
enter at
1154 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

9pm / $10 / 21+

Saturday 01.30.10: FUNKY SOLE @ echo

with DJs:
Music Man Miles
Clifton AKA Soft Touch

FMI: Funky Sole on Myspace

10pm / FREE / 21+

Saturday 01.23.10: FUNKY SOLE @ echo

with DJs:
Music Man Miles
Clifton AKA Soft Touch

FMI: Funky Sole on Myspace

10pm / FREE / 21+

Saturday 01.16.10: FUNKY SOLE with special guest J.ROCC @ echo

with:
J.ROCC

plus resident DJs:
Music Man Miles
Clifton AKA Soft Touch

FMI: Funky Sole on Myspace

10pm / FREE / 21+

Friday 01.15.10: GZA / CURTAINS / DJ DARK ALLEY @ echoplex

GZA

True genius can not be rushed. In the case of the legendary lyricist GZA, time has always been on his side. With Pro Tools, GZA’s latest release and fifth solo album courtesy of renowned indie Babygrande Records, the masterful MC adds yet another lyrically stunning LP to his rich musical catalogue. For the past 15 years, GZA has been stretching the sensibility of modern-day hip-hop with his finely crafted, thought provoking wordplay which he credits to his willingness to delve deep into the written word.

As one of the founding members of the mighty Wu-Tang Clan, GZA’s mic mastery first gained prominence in 1993 with the release of the Clan’s first LP, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). Two years later, GZA released his second solo album, Liquid Swords on Geffen Records which went on to sell over one million copies and earn a platinum plaque. Throughout his various projects with the Wu and classic appearances on other member’s side projects, GZA maintained a reputation as a skilled wordsmith with a highly recognizable and authoritative delivery.

with:
Curtains
DJ Dark Alley

@ Echoplex
enter at 1154 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

8:30pm / $14 advance, $16 day of show / 18+

Tuesday 01.26.10: OLIN AND THE MOON / THE HENRY CLAY PEOPLE / HAIM @ echo

Olin and The Moon || Listen || Watch

Not to sound too hayseed, but this album’s like beer. Sometimes you cry in it; sometime you raise your glass. The L.A. quintet with roots in Sun Valley, Idaho, have birthed a “No Depression”-worthy recording that, while hardly straying from country formula, tugs at your heart like a prairie sunset. The fivesome’s tidy arrangements help diminutive frontman David LaBrel’s crystalline vocals stand out — he doesn’t have to overplay wistful when he sings “It’s kinda hard to laugh right now / and drinkin’ makes me sick / ‘Cause the first time I saw you / I was in between sips.” – Buzz Bands

with:
The Henry Clay People || Listen
Haim

8:30pm / FREE / 21+

Tuesday 01.19.10: OLIN AND THE MOON / DUSTY RHODES AND THE RIVER BAND @ echo

Olin and The Moon || Listen || Watch

Not to sound too hayseed, but this album’s like beer. Sometimes you cry in it; sometime you raise your glass. The L.A. quintet with roots in Sun Valley, Idaho, have birthed a “No Depression”-worthy recording that, while hardly straying from country formula, tugs at your heart like a prairie sunset. The fivesome’s tidy arrangements help diminutive frontman David LaBrel’s crystalline vocals stand out — he doesn’t have to overplay wistful when he sings “It’s kinda hard to laugh right now / and drinkin’ makes me sick / ‘Cause the first time I saw you / I was in between sips.” – Buzz Bands

with:
Dusty Rhodes & The River Band

8:30pm / FREE / 21+

Tuesday 01.12.10: OLIN AND THE MOON / ELENI MANDELL @ echo

Olin and The Moon || Listen || Watch

Not to sound too hayseed, but this album’s like beer. Sometimes you cry in it; sometime you raise your glass. The L.A. quintet with roots in Sun Valley, Idaho, have birthed a “No Depression”-worthy recording that, while hardly straying from country formula, tugs at your heart like a prairie sunset. The fivesome’s tidy arrangements help diminutive frontman David LaBrel’s crystalline vocals stand out — he doesn’t have to overplay wistful when he sings “It’s kinda hard to laugh right now / and drinkin’ makes me sick / ‘Cause the first time I saw you / I was in between sips.” – Buzz Bands

with:
Eleni Mandell

8:30pm / FREE / 21+

Tuesday 01.05.10: OLIN AND THE MOON / MARNIE HERALD @ echo

Olin and The Moon || Listen || Watch

Not to sound too hayseed, but this album’s like beer. Sometimes you cry in it; sometime you raise your glass. The L.A. quintet with roots in Sun Valley, Idaho, have birthed a “No Depression”-worthy recording that, while hardly straying from country formula, tugs at your heart like a prairie sunset. The fivesome’s tidy arrangements help diminutive frontman David LaBrel’s crystalline vocals stand out — he doesn’t have to overplay wistful when he sings “It’s kinda hard to laugh right now / and drinkin’ makes me sick / ‘Cause the first time I saw you / I was in between sips.” – Buzz Bands

with:
Marnie Herald

8:30pm / FREE / 21+

Thursday 01.07.10: RUMSPRINGA / MISSISSIPPI MAN / LINKS / THE SILENT COMEDY @ echo

Rumspringa || Listen || Watch

We at BeatCrave just can’t get enough of this groovalicious Los Angeles based band! We got to know Rumspringa in a recent interview, are bring them to you live with Saint Motel in what is sure to be one hell of a show and are now proudly inducting them into our fantastic BeatCrave Fav Series! Why all the fuss you ask? Well, first of all, don’t ask stupid questions. Secondly, it’s because they are so fun, original and so downright funky you can’t help but feel like you’ve been time warped back to an era when music was less cerebral and more about the soul, man! – BeatCrave

with:
Mississippi Man || Watch
Links || Listen
The Silent Comedy || Listen

8:30pm / $8 /18+

Monday 01.25.10: THE FRENCH SEMESTER / TEAM ABRAHAM / LE SWITCH / WONDERGROUND @ echo

The French Semester || Listen

A sweet and smile-inducing blend of Guided By Voices’ ragged melodic charm with the hushed pop wits of the third Velvet Underground record, the French Semester’s Good Friends Only I Could See churns out one harmonious and guitar-jangled rock/pop gem after another—“Remembering Right Now” being the big winner—with each track’s layered loveliness capable of breaking your heart without so much as breaking a sweat. – Web In Front

with:
Team Abraham
Le Switch || Listen
Wonderground

8:30pm / FREE / 21+

Monday 01.18.10: THE FRENCH SEMESTER / MOVING PICTURE SHOW / LIGHT FM / DOWNTOWN/UNION @ echo

The French Semester || Listen

A sweet and smile-inducing blend of Guided By Voices’ ragged melodic charm with the hushed pop wits of the third Velvet Underground record, the French Semester’s Good Friends Only I Could See churns out one harmonious and guitar-jangled rock/pop gem after another—“Remembering Right Now” being the big winner—with each track’s layered loveliness capable of breaking your heart without so much as breaking a sweat. – Web In Front

with:
Moving Picture Show
Light FM
Downtown/Union

8:30pm / FREE / 21+

Monday 01.11.10: THE FRENCH SEMESTER / ASBURY / THE MONOLATORS / MANHATTAN MURDER MYSTERY @ echo

The French Semester || Listen

A sweet and smile-inducing blend of Guided By Voices’ ragged melodic charm with the hushed pop wits of the third Velvet Underground record, the French Semester’s Good Friends Only I Could See churns out one harmonious and guitar-jangled rock/pop gem after another—“Remembering Right Now” being the big winner—with each track’s layered loveliness capable of breaking your heart without so much as breaking a sweat. – Web In Front

with:
Asbury
The Monolators || Listen
Manhattan Murder Mystery

8:30pm / FREE / 21+

Monday 01.04.10: THE FRENCH SEMESTER / LETTING UP DESPITE GREAT FAULTS / THE SPIRES / THE HEALTH CLUB@ echo

The French Semester || Listen

A sweet and smile-inducing blend of Guided By Voices’ ragged melodic charm with the hushed pop wits of the third Velvet Underground record, the French Semester’s Good Friends Only I Could See churns out one harmonious and guitar-jangled rock/pop gem after another—“Remembering Right Now” being the big winner—with each track’s layered loveliness capable of breaking your heart without so much as breaking a sweat. – Web In Front

with:
Letting up Despite Great Faults || Listen
The Spires || Listen
The Health Club || Listen

8:30pm / FREE / 21+

Sunday 12.20.09: 5 O’CLOCK SOMEWHERE @ echo (afternoon show)

5 O’Clock Somewhere

5pm / $5 / All Ages

Thursday 12.31.09: BOOTIE LA’s NEW YEARS EVE BOOTLEG BALL @ echoplex

BOOTIE LA New Years Eve Bootleg Ball
LA’s monthly mashup bootleg party

Mash up your New Year!
Balloon drop! Free champagne! Noisemakers and hats! Confetti!

FREE ‘Best of Bootie 2009′ CD to the first 300 people!

Showcase sets from resident DJ:
DJ PAUL V.

Special guest DJs:
DJ SHYBOY
DJ AXEL

New Years Midnight Mashup Show from resident dance crew:
R.A.I.D. (Random Acts of Irreverent Dance)

Special mashup performances from:
Purple Crush

DrunkRockers.com Photo Booth!

Mash up your New Year! Bootie LA celebrates New Years Eve, mashup-style, with a balloon drop, free champagne, free CDs, and more! To help you celebrate, resident dance crew R.A.I.D. (Random Acts of Irreverent Dance) will be helping count down to midnight and ringing in 2010 with a special New Years Eve performance. Indie-electro duo Purple Crush will also be performing a couple mashup performances throughout the night.

Resident DJ Paul V. will be on the decks, as well as special guests DJ Shyboy and DJ Axel, spinning all the best mashups from the past year. Get your photo taken at the DrunkRockers.com Photo Booth! Plus, we’ve got the brand-new “Best of Bootie 2009″ CD — our annual 20-track mix compilation — FREE to the first 300 people through the door!

Launched in 2003, Bootie was the first club night in the United States dedicated solely to the burgeoning artform of the bootleg mashup — and is now the biggest mashup event in the world, with monthly parties in six cities on two continents. Mixing and matching every conceivable musical genre, era, and style into one big dance party where everyone feels welcome, Bootie provides the soundtrack for the A.D.D. generation.

Resident DJs Adrian, the Mysterious D, and Paul V. keep your brain guessing and body dancing with creative song combinations, celebrating — and satirizing — the many different forms of music. And free mashup CDs will be given away like candy!

FREE Bootie CDs to the first 300 people through the door!

9pm / $10 before 10pm, $20 after / 21+

Wednesday 03.24.10: CYMBALS EAT GUITARS / BEAR IN HEAVEN / FREELANCE WHALES @ echo

Cymbals Eat Guitars || Listen || Watch

Let’s give some respect to Staten Island, home of Cymbals Eat Guitars. It’s a fledgling indie-rock quartet, but Joseph D’Agostino, its 20-year-old guitarist, singer and principal songwriter, seems like a one-man shop. He fits a lot into his music. The songs on the band’s self-released first album, “Why There Are Mountains,” which served as the basis for Thursday’s set, contain ecstatic passion; wordy, lyrical precision; hazy, drifting instrumental interludes; chiming, mechanistic, clean-toned strumming; wild, dirty, stuttering solos. The sources for his inspiration can be obvious — Pavement, Built to Spill, Dinosaur Jr. — but so are his ambition and passion. And with “Tunguska,” a new song played near the end of the set, he’s made that most difficult thing in self-consciously smart music: a ballad, one strong enough to make young women near the stage look at him with big eyes. Seeing the band live drove home the full effect of guileless catharsis: Mr. D’Agostino wears himself out for you. (Like a clutch hitter between swings, he ritually composed himself after every song, wiping down his guitar neck, adjusting his capo, taking a deep breath.) – NY Times

with:
Bear in Heaven || Listen
Freelance Whales

8:30pm / $8 advance, $10 day of show / 18+

Wednesday 01.27.10: REV. PAYTON’S BIG DAMN BAND / THE DONKEYS @ echo

Rev Payton’s Big Damn Band || Listen || Watch

Well, they’re not that big, but they make a damn big sound: featuring the burly, bearded Reverend Peyton on steel resonator guitar and guttural vocal bark – a sort of backwoods Brian Blessed – with his wife Breezy on washboard and his kid brother Jayme on drums, the band bring to their retro-fabricated rootsy Americana an utterly gripping compulsion.

Peyton employs a dervish blend of thrashed chords, bustling fingerpicking and slashing slide interjections, but it’s the post-modern manner of his material that really sets them apart.

Alongside food-themed cuts such as “Mama’s Fried Potatoes” and testaments to the rambling life like “Worn Out Shoe”, are songs which apply antique, vintage treatments to starkly modern concerns, corporate greed “Wal-Mart Killed The Country Store” to the health-insurance anxiety of “Can’t Pay The Bill”.

Even that time-honoured blues staple, the fishing song, gets a dystopian makeover in “The Creeks Are All Bad”, with Peyton advising anglers to throw back their catch “’cause there’s PCBs in the catfish, and mercury in the bass”. But there’s room for a glint of humour too, as in the trailer-park scenario sketched in “Your Cousin’s On Cops”. – The Independent

with:
The Donkeys || Listen

8:30pm / $8 advance, $10 day of show /18+

Friday 03.19.10: echo & Club Underground present HIGH PLACES / NITE JEWEL / DUNES @ echo

High Places || Listen || Watch

“I Was Born” feels like an especially personal statement from High Places. Mary Pearson loves the bassoon, her primary instrument: She spoke about taking classes and teaching lessons when we did a Quit Your Day Job in early ’08, but this is the first High Places song to feature the instrument. Rob Barber adds a little straight-up guitar, which reminds you he grew up listening to hardcore, punk, and other guitar-based music. Speaking of growing up, the first-person lyrics involve Pearson remembering the day she was born, thinking about being born again, channeling that moment, etc. That, and they self-directed, shot, and edited the beautifully eerie video of themselves alone and washed out in the desert. Adding to the solitary feel, the “I Was Born” single’s out today without a second track, via Thrill Jockey. – Stereogum

with:
Nite Jewel || Listen
Dunes

8:30pm / $8 Advance, $10 day of show / 18+

Wednesday 12.23.09: SPACELAND ON ICE with SWORDS OF FATIMA / NEW ROME QUARTET @ Pershing Square

Spaceland Productions & Echo present
Spaceland On Ice

with:
The Swords of Fatima
New Rome Quartet

@ Pershing Square
532 South Olive St
Los Angeles, CA 90013

FMI: Downtown On Ice

7pm / FREE / all ages

Wednesday 01.13.10: LA Weekly presents THE PHENOMENAL HANDCLAP BAND / HOLLOYS / JOGGER / WHITE ARROWS @ echo

The Phenomenal Handclap Band || Watch

The Phenomenal Handclap Band makes music that’s as sprawling and unwieldy as its name: To watch the group on stage is to witness what seems like several bands at once. With eight members — from hipsters and beautiful women to long-haired rockers and what look like everyday office workers — the group has been painstakingly engineered to generate a big, bold sensory overload.

Fortunately, its sound is outrageously danceable, fusing grimy funk with cooing disco, retro rock and sweet pop. The Phenomenal Handclap Band was the subject of breathless buzz well before its self-titled debut came out this month, and its live show makes it easy to see and hear why. – NPR

with:
Holloys || Listen
Jogger
White Arrows

8:30pm / $8 advance, $10 day of show / 18+

Tuesday 12.22.09: VTech & Plug Research present PLUG RESEARCH TWENTY TEN with BILAL / EXILE & DJ DAY FEAT BLU / MILOSH / OM’MAS KEITH / SHAFIQ HUSAYN / PHAROAHE MONCH / DAEDELUS / J.ROCC / KUTMAH @ echoplex

VTech and Plug Research have partnered bringing you one of the heaviest line ups all year, with “Plug Research TwentyTen.” Combining vision with amazing audio artistry, this showcase offers a taste of the future blessings soon to be released on Plug Research. Without doubt, we are very pleased and hope that you’ll keep your ears wide open!

LIVE PERFORMANCES BY:
BILAL
EXILE & DJ DAY FEATURING BLU
MILOSH
OM’MAS KEITH
SHAFIQ HUSAYN

HOSTED BY:
PHAROAHE MONCH

DJ SETS:
DAEDELUS
J.ROCC
KUTMAH

*SPECIAL SURPRISE GUESTS*

ECHOPLEX
1154 GLENDALE BLVD.
LOS ANGELES, CA. 90026

8PM-2AM / $10 limited presale, $15 after and at the door / 21+

Sunday 01.31.10: PART TIME PUNKS – DEPECHE MODE NITE @ echo

resident dj Michael Stock spinning mutant disco * Postpunk * indiepop

FMI:
Part Time Punks on Myspace

10pm / $5 / 18+

Sunday 01.24.10: PART TIME PUNKS with MEMORY + PROTECT ME @ echo

MEMORY
PROTECT ME

resident dj Michael Stock spinning mutant disco * Postpunk * indiepop

FMI:
Part Time Punks on Myspace

10pm / $5 / 18+

Sunday 01.17.10: PART TIME PUNKS with YUMMY FUR [members of Franz Ferdinand & The 1990s] / NEVEREVER @ echo

Yummy Fur
[members of Franz Ferdinand & The 1990s]

Scottish cult legends, THE YUMMY FUR, featuring members of FRANZ FERDINAND and THE 1990S, play their first and only-ever LA show to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of their demise! (And to prepare for the reissue of their entire back catalogue by the fine What’s Your Rupture? label this spring!) This is one of only five shows the band are doing in the U.S., and their first shows in well over a decade.

with:
Neverever [formerly CHAMPAGNE SOCIALISTS]

Guest DJ:
Kevin Pedersen (from WHAT’S YOUR RUPTURE?)

plus resident dj Michael Stock spinning mutant disco * Postpunk * indiepop

FMI:
Part Time Punks on Myspace

10pm / $10 / 18+

Sunday 01.10.10: PART TIME PUNKS with LOVE GRENADES / WET LOOK @ echo

Love Grenades
Wet Look

resident dj Michael Stock spinning mutant disco * Postpunk * indiepop

FMI:
Part Time Punks on Myspace

10pm / $5 / 18+

Saturday 01.09.10: FUNKY SOLE @ echo

with DJs:
Music Man Miles
Clifton AKA Soft Touch

FMI: Funky Sole on Myspace

10pm / FREE / 21+

Saturday 01.02.10: FUNKY SOLE @ echo

with DJs:
Music Man Miles
Clifton AKA Soft Touch

FMI: Funky Sole on Myspace

10pm / FREE / 21+

Friday 01.29.10: CLUB UNDERGROUND 9 YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION with THE TENDER BOX / SATELLITE CRUSH @ echo

with:
The Tender Box || Listen
Satellite Crush

with resident DJs spinning the best in Brit / Indie / Soul / Twee / Madchester / Punk / Glam

FMI: ClubUnderground.net

9pm / $5 if 21+, $7 under 21 / 18+

Friday 01.22.10: CLUB UNDERGROUND & Echo present JEMINA PEARL (from Be Your Own Pet) / THE CANNONEERS @ echo

Jemina Pearl || Listen

In Pearl’s world, there’s black and white– and maybe some red. Things that suck get what they deserve, whether they’re asshole fans, jerky boyfriends, or simply the notion of growing up. She’s an old-school punk in that there’s little pretense; she thrashes about onstage because she wants to and not because she thinks it looks cool. According to her Ecstatic Peace label head (and Break It Up guest guitarist/vocalist) Thurston Moore, she’s not “out to impress anybody; she [is] just kicking total ass.” He should know.

As far as ass-kicking goes, there’s plenty of it here. Nearly every song is marked with a rough-edged riff from another era, whether it be surf, garage, or girl group. And Pearl’s guttural wail is intact. But there are no straight-up, minute-long goofs, and instead of raging on about pitch-perfect nonsense and suburban malaise, Pearl often turns inward. The self-reflection can be reassuring, as on the fizzy, Dave Sitek-assisted Gemini ode “Ecstatic Appeal”, or deeply troubling, as on the laborious downer “Retrograde”, where voices in the back of Pearl’s mind tell her to “go on, cut a little bit deeper, see how far we can go.” The LP’s best reflective track finds a semi-happy middle ground between those two extremes; “No Good” has the singer lambasting herself for being lazy– “I’ve been trying for so long, can’t get shit done”– with the song acting as a fitful solution to the idleness. – Pitchfork

with:
The Cannoneers

8:30pm / $8 advance, $10 day of show / 18+

Friday 01.15.10: CLUB UNDERGROUND with PSYCHIC POWERS / EVAN VOYTAS @ Echo

Psychic Powers
Evan Voytas || Listen

with resident DJs spinning the best in Brit / Indie / Soul / Twee / Madchester / Punk / Glam

FMI: ClubUnderground.net

9pm / $5 if 21+, $7 under 21 / 18+

Friday 01.08.10: CLUB UNDERGROUND with SWEATERS / HOT SAUCE MENTOR @ Echo

with:
Sweaters
Hot Sauce Mentor
if you like members of art brut, the blood arm, and the mighty lemon drops, then you’ll LOVE hot sauce mentor

with resident DJs spinning the best in Brit / Indie / Soul / Twee / Madchester / Punk / Glam

FMI: ClubUnderground.net

9pm / $5 if 21+, $7 under 21 / 18+

Wednesday 01.27.10: DUB CLUB @ echoplex

with Resident DJs:
Tom Chasteen
Roy Corderoy
The Dungeonmaster
Boss Harmony

Spinning the best in classic reggae, dub and dancehall

@ Echoplex
1154 Glendale Blvd
(Main Entrance is through Alley)
Los Angeles, CA 90026

9pm / $5 / 21+

Wednesday 01.20.10: DUB CLUB @ echoplex

with Resident DJs:
Tom Chasteen
Roy Corderoy
The Dungeonmaster
Boss Harmony

Spinning the best in classic reggae, dub and dancehall

@ Echoplex
1154 Glendale Blvd
(Main Entrance is through Alley)
Los Angeles, CA 90026

9pm / $5 / 21+

Wednesday 01.13.10: DUB CLUB presents WILLI WILLIAMS with THE EXPANDERS featuring DAVID HILLYARD / LARRY MCDONALD / MR T-BONE / JAH FAITH @ echoplex

WILLI WILLIAMS
backed by The Expanders
with special guests
David Hillyard of the Slackers on Sax
reggae legend Larry McDonald on percussion
Mr T-Bone (from Italy) on Trombone
plus Jah Faith

Willi Williams is best known as the writer and singer of “Armagideon Time,” a beloved reggae anthem once popularized by The Clash, but over his 40-plus year career, he has contributed consistently to the greater body of Jamaican reggae, collaborating with many of the music’s luminary figures.

After recording “Calling” for Coxson Dodd’s Studio One in 1966, Williams’ career grew steadily as he established the Soul Sounds label in 1969 and produced artists including Delroy Wilson, The Versatiles, and the legendary Barrett Brothers (as Rhythm Force), who would later become the engine of Bob Marley’s band.
Through much of his career, Williams split his time between Kingston, Jamaica and Toronto, Canada, where he formed a close association with Jamaican keyboard legend Jackie Mittoo. Mittoo, perhaps the single most influential musician in Jamaican music history, recorded frequently with Williams in the 70s and contributed significantly to Williams’ outstanding album Messenger Man, released in 1978.

Williams voiced the breakthrough track “Armagideon Time” in 1979. “Jackie Mittoo and myself were working on some projects, and we went to New York and met up with Coxson [Dodd],” Williams recalls. “I had a song at the time that was getting good coverage ['Messenger Man']. [Dodd] heard the song and he wanted to do something with me. He mentioned that when we started out in the early days, he didn’t have enough time and ammunition to work with me how he wanted. So he wanted me to go back into the studio.”

Williams’ original recording of “Armagideon Time” has remained a reggae standard and was included on the comprehensive four-disc set, Tougher Than Tough: The Story of Jamaican Music, released by Mango Records in 1993. “Armagideon Time” also found its way back into popular culture via the 1999 Jim Jarmusch film Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai.
“Armagideon Time” utilized the Studio One backing track known as “Real Rock”,and Willi’s cut of the rhythm helped propel it to become the most “versioned” or recycled in all of reggae history. Punk legends The Clash helped internationalize “Armagideon Time” in 1979 as a b-side to its “London Calling” single and a standard part of its live performances.

Far from being a one-hit wonder, Williams’ reggae career has been substantial and prolific with frequent tours to Europe through the years. His work with singer/producer Yabby You has marked his reputation, as well as his later efforts with dub icon Augustus Pablo. In the 80s, Williams recorded See Me and Natty With A Cause for the London-based soundsystem giant Jah Shaka. In the last few years his classic Messenger Man album was re-released by Blood and Fire records, and many of his early Studio One cuts such as Addis-A Babba have been included on the popular reggae compilations on the Soul Jazz label.

Recently Williams has also overseen the production of Full Time Love, released through M10 Records in France. The set features a live backing band, The Drum Street Crew, and Jamaican keyboardist Bobby Kalphat, another of Williams’ notable musical associates. Full Time Love captures the full-band sound of reggae’s past, but with a contemporary production touch. “When you get that live drum and bass you just hear something that . . . you can’t imitate it with a computer,” says Williams.

For this show at the Dub Club Willi will be backed up by the outstanding local roots band The Expanders , who are known for their devotion to capturing the vintage sound and feel of classic reggae. They will be joined for this gig by an all star cast: David Hillyard plays sax for one of the most popular Ska/rocksteady bands worldwide- The Slackers, Mr T-Bone is the top reggae trombone player from Italy , and Larry McDonald is a legendary reggae percussionist , having played on too many classic albums to count. Joining the band for a few opening tunes on vocals will be the Dub Club’s own Jah Faith, along with a couple originals from The Expanders and some instrumental scorchers from Mr Hillyard+ co. A wicked night of music all around! See you there!

@ Echoplex
1154 Glendale Blvd
(Main Entrance is through Alley)
Los Angeles, CA 90026

9pm / $10 advance, $10 before 10pm day of show, $15 after 10pm day of show / 18+

Wednesday 01.06.10: DUB CLUB @ echoplex

with Resident DJs:
Tom Chasteen
Roy Corderoy
The Dungeonmaster
Boss Harmony

Spinning the best in classic reggae, dub and dancehall

@ Echoplex
1154 Glendale Blvd
(Main Entrance is through Alley)
Los Angeles, CA 90026

9pm / $5 / 21+

Saturday 02.27.09: KXLU presents FOUR TET / NATHAN FAKE / ACTIVE CHILD @ echoplex

Four Tet || Listen || Watch || MP3

Over the course of a truly inspired career, London’s Four Tet, a.k.a. Kieran Hebden, has remained ahead of the curve, sidestepping obsolescence by folding new strains of sound into his already rich jazz/hip-hop/folk base. Last year’s Ringer EP found Hebden reveling in the hypnotic, developing 10-minute songs that ditched the dissonance of 2005’s Everything Ecstatic in favor of calmer waters and subtler effects. There Is Love In You, his first proper album in five years, is smoother still, and to great effect—if this isn’t the best Four Tet record yet, it’s certainly a fresh face for Hebden.

These songs make no bones about their rhythmic inspiration. Most are four-on-the-floor, built atop recurring samples, but only the single, “Love Cry,” outwardly indulges in Ibiza-flavored house. (Even then, it’s under a dark cloud of dubstep digitalia.) Instead, Hebden does his contemporaries in The Field one better by using repetition as the beginning of the experiment, rather than its final resting place, as if thinking, “The music’s going to move in circles; now, how to interrupt those perfect curves?”

Each song is an exercise in craftsmanship, with the crystalline opener “Angel Echoes” patiently coming into focus, “Circling” starting over halfway through to rebuild with a new set of sounds, and “Sing” finding its pulse in a curious mix of Nintendo glitch and tined instruments—African thumb piano, an open Rhodes organ. Each unfolds into the next gracefully, until “She Just Likes To Fight,” one of the album’s shorter songs at five minutes, closes There Is Love In You. Sleepy as this final song is, it’s the record’s most surprising, beginning with a club beat, then morphing into live post-rock punctuated by hand-smacked percussion. It’s further proof that Hebden is incapable of phoning it in, and that he has plenty more tricks up his sleeve for the coming years. – The AV Club

with:
Nathan Fake || Listen
Active Child || Listen

@ Echoplex
enter at
1154 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

9pm /$15 advance, $17 day of show / 18+

Thursday 01.14.10: Performer Magazine presents JULIA NUNES (early set time) / DANNY TIEGER / TS AND THE PAST HAUNTS / PARKER MACY BLUES @ echo

Julia Nunes || Listen || Watch (8:30pm set time)

Julia Nunes is from New York State, a songwriter, guitarist, and ukulele player. “She has a voice like no other…” Her talent is just now reaching to the public from websites like YouTube.com and Myspace.com. Her first CD “Left Right Wrong” is available all over the world and on iTunes. All the songs are originals.

Julia’s song, “Into the Sunshine” was featured on YouTube.com. The video has over a million views. Even before she was featured on YouTube, Julia won the Bushman World Ukulele Contest, with her entry, “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child, on ukulele. Bushman is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of performance ukuleles.

with:
Danny Tieger
TS and The Past Haunts
Parker Macy Blues

7pm / $13 advance, $15 day of show / all ages

Wednesday 01.06.10: BRAZZAVILLE / DAVID J / SALT PETAL @ echo

Brazzaville || Listen || Watch

Sometimes the bossa nova/island music of Brazzaville sounds so sweet, strange and delicate, you think your heart is just going to break and little chickens will come out peeping from the egg-like fragments. Then you realize the songs themselves have a jagged edge. The softness of David Brown’s vocals and gentle lilt of the strings and piano are like the sighs one makes when confronted by pain one can never understand: the feeling of being abandoned by the one you love, or the pain of being dumped by the person you just met and fell for, or growing too old to enjoy the promising nowheres of new relationships. The gentle drumming that tempts one into movement is really the sound of rain and soon one is wet and cold. Brazzaville is a Barcelona based band that takes its name from one of the most squalid cities on earth. The group makes seductive music that insinuates like the delightful smell of oleander, and is just as deadly as that flowery perfume. – Popmatters

with:
David J || Listen
Salt Petal

8pm / $8 advance, $10 day of show / 18+

Wednesday 01.13.10: SPACELAND ON ICE with LE SWITCH / NEW WORLD RECORD @ pershing square

Spaceland Productions & Echo present
Spaceland On Ice

with:
Le Switch
New World Record

@ Pershing Square
532 South Olive St
Los Angeles, CA 90013

FMI: Downtown On Ice

7pm / FREE / all ages

Wednesday 01.06.10: SPACELAND ON ICE ORIGAMI VINYL NIGHT with TWILIGHT SLEEP / KISSING COUSINS @ pershing square

Spaceland Productions & Echo present
Spaceland On Ice

with:
Twilight Sleep
Kissing Cousins

@ Pershing Square
532 South Olive St
Los Angeles, CA 90013

FMI: Downtown On Ice

7pm / FREE / all ages

Wednesday 12.16.09: SPACELAND ON ICE with CORREATOWN / OBI BEST @ pershing square

Spaceland Productions & Echo present
Spaceland On Ice

with:
Correatown || Listen || Watch
Obi Best

@ Pershing Square
532 South Olive St
Los Angeles, CA 90013

FMI: Downtown On Ice

7pm / FREE / all ages

Saturday 12.12.09: BUST HOLIDAY CRAFTACULAR @ echo & echoplex

At this year’s BUST Holiday Craftacular, you can get gifts−and give back. Get down with BUST all day as you browse the hottest handmade wares from over 50 crafty vendors, including handbags, jewelry, clothing, and cards. And while you’re there, you can donate to the L.A. Regional Food Bank. Just bring canned & non-perishable food and drop it in their bin by the entrance. It’s easy and worth so much! Plus, rockin’ DJs, Two Boots pizza, The Grilled Cheese Truck, sweet treats, raffle prizes, goodie bags for the first 250 attendees, giant raffle giveaway, and more! Door: $2

@ Echo & Echoplex
Enter at
1822 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

FMI: BUST LA CRAFTACULAR

10am – 6pm / $2 / All Ages

Tuesday 12.22.09: LA Record presents LOCAL NATIVES / VOXHAUL BROADCAST / CHIEF @ echo

Local Natives || Listen || Watch

Local Natives are a mustachioed crew from Silverlake who made me feel like I’d stumbled onto buried treasure. I guess other people have discovered this treasure too because they played at SXSW this year, so maybe an unburied treasure, but still—what a great surprise. Their stage presence just oozes band, which only enhances their sweet harmonies and tight instrumentals. Best track of the night was “Wide Eyes” from their new album (only available in the UK currently), Gorilla Manor. – LA Record

with:
Voxhaul Broadcast || Listen
Chief

Bring a canned good for charity and get special gift from band

purchase Local Natives single at Origami and get FREE ticket to show

8:30pm / $5 advance, $10 day of show / all ages

Wednesday 12.09.09: SPACELAND ON ICE with LIGHT FM / TIGERS CAN BITE YOU @ pershing square

Spaceland Productions & Echo present
Spaceland On Ice

with:
Light FM
Tigers Can Bite You

@ Pershing Square
532 South Olive St
Los Angeles, CA 90013

FMI: Downtown On Ice

7pm / FREE / all ages

Wednesday 12.02.09: SPACELAND ON ICE with SALT PETAL / BOLLWEEVIL @ pershing square

Spaceland Productions & Echo present
Spaceland On Ice

with:
Salt Petal
Bollweevil

@ Pershing Square
532 South Olive St
Los Angeles, CA 90013

FMI: Downtown On Ice

7pm / FREE / all ages

Thursday 12.10.09: DEADBOLT / THROW RAG / MOTOCHRIST / BLAGG DAHLIA (from the Dwarves – acoustic set) @ echo

Deadbolt || Listen

There are few names the conjure up as much fascination in the Psychobilly and Rockabilly music scene as that of the creepy dark San Diego act Deadbolt. The sound of Deadbolt doesn’t just hook, it grabs and clutches. Their signature coined sound Voodoobilly draws a lot from early Dick Dale surf rock, the Greasy Sleazy sounds of The Cramps, and the bombastic yet humorous early era of the late Man in Black Johnny Cash. The act formed in early 1988 with the sole idea of breaking out of the stigma of the Goth and Punk scene in San Diego by creating something truly creepy, funny, entertaining, and balls out rude. The signature breakout album that launched them into Psychobilly fame by many accounts was the heavy and gritty album VOODOO TRUCKER.

This album proves to be a breakout album for the “Scariest Band in the World” because it features some of the heaviest and most complex guitar work the act can muster. Most people overlook surf rock riffs, easily dismissed in the cacophony of keyboard centered club tracks. Deadbolt reveals it to be an altogether ripping different sound that grabs hold and refuses to let go. At the first onset, one cant help but get up and groove as R.A. Mclean and Harley Davidson pull headlong with rock solid time tested guitar work. If your interested in trying something outside of the usual Romantic flair with a biting gritty dark edge, these guys are the ticket. – Fangoria

with:
Throw Rag || Listen
Motochrist
Blagg Dahlia (from the Dwarves – Acoustic Set)

8pm / $10 / 18+

Saturday 12.26.09: FUNKY SOLE 9 YEAR ANNIVERSARY WITH CUT CHEMIST @ echo

Sat DEC. 26th is the Funky Sole 9 year anniversary with very special guest CUT CHEMIST!

That’s right, to celebrate Funky Sole’s 9 years of bringin’ the real deal funk sounds we are happy to let ya know that

L.A. record master & dj supreme- CUT CHEMIST will be doing a very special one turntable,mixer & sampler set!

this will be a rare occasion where Funky Sole has an admission price but at only $5 it’s no question.

No worries though, Funky Sole will be Free again starting on jan 2nd 2010.

We hope to see you all there for another milestone in L.A. dj history!

+ FUNKY SOLE RESIDENTS
MUSIC MAN MILES (BREAKESTRA)

CLIFTON (UNDERGROUND)

@ The Echo
1822 sunset blvd
L.A, CA 90026

FMI: Funky Sole on Myspace

10pm / $5 til 1:30am / 21+

Sunday 12.13.09: EVANGELISTA / THRONES @ echoplex

Evangelista || Listen
Featuring Carla Bozulich

In the decade since the Geraldine Fibbers, Carla Bozulich’s myriad contributions have culminated in a treasure trove of gems and extraordinary oddities culled from brave reconnaissance into the deep sonic unknown. Evangelista, Bozulich’s first “gospel noise” record on Canadian label Constellation—featuring members of A Silver Mt. Zion and Godspeed You! Black Emperor, as well as instrumentalists Shahzad Ismaily and Nels Cline— impressed and dressed many year-end’s best lists for 2006. Two years later, Evangelista the album morphed into Evangelista the band with the commitment of bassist Tara Barnes and sonic landscaper Dominic Cramp, resulting in the much-lauded release Hello Voyager. Evangelista’s latest recording, Prince of Truth, takes this evolution one psychic step further, like a lucid trip into the darkest recesses of the unconscious mind—a realm free from the formal constraints of traditional compositional structure, comprised of surreal theta ruminations and random outbursts of kinetic energy. This harrowing work of ethereal beauty would be at home in a playlist featuring Rachel’s, Amber Asylum, and late SWANS/World of Skin. – LA Record

with:
Thrones

@ Echoplex
enter at 1154 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

8pm / $10 advance, $12 Day of show / all ages

Friday 12.18.09: VERY BE CAREFUL / SERGIO MENDOZA Y LA ORKESTA @ echo

Very Be Careful || Listen

At first glance, Very Be Careful hardly lends itself to cross-generational accessibility. Its five Angelenos part ways with the music taste of most urbane thirtysomething musicians by playing a traditional form of Colombian folk music called vallenato. To the uninitiated, this music, the name of which literally translates to “born in the valley,” sounds like a sun-soaked, country cousin of Colombia’s popular dance music, cumbia. Since 1997, the group has independently released five albums, each filled mostly with cover songs, that channel the sound and texture of early vallenato recordings. Meanwhile, the quintet just finished Salad Buey, its sixth record and first of all original material. This output would make sense for traditional Colombian troubadours or nostalgic Latin Rock stars, but not really for a bunch of guys who are often mistaken for an indie-rock band. Yet, along the way, the group has made fans of artists like Joe Strummer and the Kronos Quartet.

Yet, considering that a fair amount of its audience does not understand Spanish, the attraction to VBC is clear—the beat is undeniable. Which perhaps explains why the proverbial dance floor accompanies each of the band’s performances, be it in a hotel basement or at a street festival, at a cramped club or an outdoor rock festival. Neither setting nor language can hinder Very Be Careful’s ability to set a sea of bodies and souls in motion. And really, what’s more universal than that? – Paste Magazine

with:
Sergio Mendoza Y La Orkesta

Plus DJs:
Patrick Miller
La Dukesa

Live Silkscreening by HIT + RUN

8:30pm / $10 / 18+

Wednesday 12.16.09: Origami Vinyl and Future Sounds Present LILOFEE (Record Release Party) / TWILIGHT SLEEP / ACID GIRLS / WAR TAPES @ echo

Lilofee || Listen (“Runaway”/ “In Flight” 7″ Record Release Party)

San Francisco based electro rock outfit, Lilofee, are set to release a 7” with Echo Park’s Origami Vinyl and Los Angeles based Future Sounds Records on December 1st. The 7” will feature the single, “Runaway” with a b-side, “In Flight”.

Lead track, “Runaway” hums like Kim Wilde’s “Kids In America” with a mix of Blondie’s rapid-fire lyrics in “Rapture” that fits nicely next to contemporaries like Santogold or MIA. “In Flight” is a dreamy melancholy song of a girl who slowly turns into a bird and flies away, set to a musical backdrop of glitchy, radiating magic.

Lilofee’s music is exactly like the dark German fairy tale it is named after, full of angst and love, dripping with affliction and laced with enchantment. Add to that a serious dance beat, a sprinkle of glitter and some remarkably catchy lyrics, and you have Lilofee.

with Special Guests:
Twilight Sleep
Acid Girls
War Tapes || Listen

Plus Origami Vinyl DJs all night!

8:30pm / FREE for 21+, $7 for under 21+ / 18+

Tuesday 12.15.09: Otik Records and The Echo present A Holiday Tribute To Phil Spector and Toy Drive with THE DAMSELLES / EVAN WAY / THE HI HOS / SWEET LITTLE THINGS plus special guests @ echo

The Damselles || watch

The Damselles are essentially a 1960′s style “girl group” supergroup composed of members of some of the east side’s favorite bands, such as Le Switch, The Breakups, and the Henry Clay People. – Radio Free Silverlake

with:
The Hi Hos
Evan Way (of Parson Red Heads)
Sweet Little Things
plus Special Guests

8pm / FREE with packaged toy, $5 without / All Ages

Thursday 12.17.09: DOWN AND DERBY ROLLER DISCO @ echoplex

The Los Angeles event is set apart from Down and Derby parties in other cities by its authentic 70s feel. The resident DJs don’t just spin popular tunes for which the era has become known—they reach into the depths of 70s music to bring partiers the obscure hits that may not be recognizable by most, but are truly indicative of the culture and lifestyle of the era.

Down and Derby, is a retro-inspired roller-skating party created and designed to give attendees a unique nightlife experience. The interactive throwback events combine décor reminiscent of a 70s roller disco with attendees participating through wearing fashion attire evocative of the era. DJs known for pushing the limits of mixing and music production are procured, adding vibrant energy to the event with both underground and popular mixes.

The entry fee is $5 with RSVP, $10 at the door and quad skates of every size will be available to rent for another $5. Guests are welcome to bring their own roller skates to the event.

@ Echoplex
enter at 1154 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

RSVP at www.downandderby.org

9pm / $5 with RSVP, $10 at the door / 21+

Tuesday 12.08.09: ISGOODMUSIC presents THE FRENCH SEMESTER / THE SPIRES / THE MONTHLIES / SEASONS @ echo

The French Semester || Listen

A sweet and smile-inducing blend of Guided By Voices’ ragged melodic charm with the hushed pop wits of the third Velvet Underground record, the French Semester’s Good Friends Only I Could See churns out one harmonious and guitar-jangled rock/pop gem after another—“Remembering Right Now” being the big winner—with each track’s layered loveliness capable of breaking your heart without so much as breaking a sweat. – Web In Front

with
The Spires
The Monthlies
Seasons

and more

8:30pm / $5 / 18+

Saturday 12.05.09: KiDROCKERS presents THE 88 / FLYING TOURBILLON ORCHESTRA @ echo (day show)

with:
The 88 || Listen || Watch
Flying Tourbillon Orchestra || Listen

KiDROCKERS is a concert series that began in January 2007. These All Ages shows are designed to bring families together to experience some of the most engaging and vital artists in indie music and comedy. Artists perform original (not specifically made for children) songs in a manner that is both authentic and kid-friendly. Past artists include Tad Kubler (and members of the Hold Steady), Matthew and Ira of Nada Surf, Ra Ra Riot, Langhorne Slim, The Jealous Girlfriends, Harlem Shakes, Rogue Wave, The Subjects, Looker, Bishop Allen, The Spinto Band, Locksley, Phonograph, Palomar, Pela, Los Campesinos!, Chris Baron and LEVY.

Hosted by Matt Dwyer

Ages 3-13 recommended. Adults must be accompanied by a kid and vice versa.

1pm- 2:30pm / $9 in advance $12 at the door / All Ages

Friday 12.04.09: DANCEiSM with VILLIANS / ROBOT LOVE / BEN OPRSTU / SCORPION BREATH / DJDT @ echoplex

with:
Villains
Robot Love [DANCEiSM]
Ben Oprstu [DANCEiSM]
Scorpion Breath [GUNS IN THE SUN]
DJDT [FMLY]

Photobooth by YoungAndSleek
roaming photos by Photos Operandi
Visuals by Dr. Strangeloop (Brainfeeder),
Body Paint, Glow in the Dark Bubbles, and an interactive mural

@ Echoplex
enter at 1154 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

RSVP at www.danceism.com

9pm / $10 with RSVP, $15 without RSVP / 18+

Sunday 12.27.09: PART TIME PUNKS – SMITHS / MORRISSEY NITE with Guest DJ JOSE MALDONADO (The Sweet And Tender Hooligans)@ echo

Guest DJ:
Jose Maldonado (from The Sweet And Tender Hooligans)

resident dj Michael Stock spinning mutant disco * Postpunk * indiepop

FMI:
Part Time Punks on Myspace

10pm / $5 / 18+

Sunday 12.20.09: PART TIME PUNKS with SAVAGE REPUBLIC + SPIRIT PHOTOGRAPHY + THE BEATERS @ echo

with:
SAVAGE REPUBLIC
SPIRIT PHOTOGRAPHY
THE BEATERS

resident dj Michael Stock spinning mutant disco * Postpunk * indiepop

FMI:
Part Time Punks on Myspace

10pm / $8 advance, $10 day of show / 18+

Sunday 12.13.09: PART TIME PUNKS with THE SLITS / WEAVE! / PUNKY REGGAE DJS @ echo

with:
The Slits || Watch
Weave!

and:
PUNKY REGGAE DJs Boss Harmony & Roy Corduroy!

plus resident dj Michael Stock spinning mutant disco * Postpunk * indiepop

FMI:
Part Time Punks on Myspace

10pm / $10 advance, $12 day of show / 18+

Wednesday 12.02.09: BUZZBANDS Presents HELEN STELLAR / KAV / SQUARE ON SQUARE / NIGHTMARE AIR @ echo

Helen Stellar
This trio, long one of L.A.’s under-recognized bands, will play its first proper show in more than a year. They’ve been working on a follow-up to 2006’s “A Prayer to Myself,” which collected their three EPs and was released on Vinyl Films, the imprint of Andy Fischer and Cameron Crowe (The Helen Stellar tune “io (This Time Around)” appeared on the soundtrack to Crowe’s movie “Elizabethtown.”).

KAV
The latest project of Kav Sandhu — former guitarist and songwriter in the legendary Happy Mondays — KAV spent substantial time in L.A. this year recording an album and playing (and DJing) clubs. In March, KAV will release its latest batch of dirty, dancy psychedelia, the “Mr. Nice” EP, titled after the autobiography of Howard Marks and featuring Marks himself.His first U.S. release, “The Shake It Like You Hate It” EP, will also be out in early 2010.

Square on Square
The newest musical venture of songwriter Evan Slamka, SOS has made a big impression in the band’s early club outings with its soaring, anthemic rock songs. Slamka, of course, fronted Marjorie Faire, who made one excellent album for Capitol Records (2005’s “Self Help Serenade”) before the band became a victim of major-label shrinkage.

Nightmare Air
This new trio and its agitated (but somehow melodic) noise-rock is the brainchild of two members of Film School, guitarist Dave Dupuis and drummer James Smith. The band’s first EP is due Dec. 1.

FMI: BUZZBANDS.LA

8:30pm / $5 with RSVP, $8 without / 18+

Tuesday 12.01.09: SWORDS OF FATIMA / NEW ROME QUARTET / LIGHTNIN WOODCOCK @ echo

The Swords of Fatima

The Swords of Fatima began in the blink of an eye following a bellydancing DVD overdose by the legendary Buko Pan Guerra (bass player of Lily and The Ladies and The Black Cat Mafia, banjo player from Shadow in the Nightshade and Les Confidentes). Buko is also known as the “Bad Ass Bitch with a Banjo” (coined by the amazing Sean Carnage). Buko also plays banjo inSun Trash!

Amazed by the astounding gyrations of the one and only Sonia and the incredible drumming of Issam Houshan, she began crafting the beginings of what would become the Flamenco Bollywood Disco Punk sound the band would cultivate into the madness it has become today.

Enlisting the help of Nickei Scott, the Bollywood name for Nicki from Popdefect / Project K / The Shards, the two gestated the band’s sound for a month before turning it loose on the world. With the help of legendary Silver Lake Scenester hater Scott Taylor, the Twopergroup has released it’s first CD: Two Days Two Swords Walk Alone At Midnight on the known universe, and given their stripped down equipment and without the hindrances of pesky lead singers and bass players to get in the way… there’s nothing in the world to stop them!

With:
New Rome Quartet
Lightnin Woodcock

8:30pm / FREE / 21+

Friday 12.11.09: Footlong Development & Keistar Productions present FLAVORS – 1990′s Party with DJ SPINNA / J.ROCC / DJ SCRATCH @ Echoplex

FOOTLONG DEVELOPMENT & KEISTAR PRODUCTIONS Present

FLAVORS 1990′S PARTY- BEST OF HIP HOP & RnB

FLAVORS (Recapping The Music Of The 90′s Era…The Golden Years), is an event conceptualized by the innovative minds of KeiStar Productions. The first installment of FLAVORS dates back to 2002 and was celebrated with none other than the incomparable DJ SPINNA. With his extensive record collection and music knowledge DJ SPINNA creates havoc on the dance floor by spinning the unforgotten hits of 90′s Hip Hop, R&B, Dancehall and House Music with a seamless thematic mix.
KeiStar Productions & DJ SPINNA went on to conquer the New York City club scene with FLAVORS and have invited guest DJ’s such as QOOL Marv, Rich Medina and DJ Scratch (of EPMD) to accompany them.

This years event brings three of the world’s best club djs together, DJ Spinna, J.Rocc & DJ Scratch.

DJ SPINNA NYC (BBE,HighWaterMusic)
DJ Spinna is something of an anomaly in music. A humbling example of what it takes to truly succeed within the framework of multiple fields. A steadfast work ethic, an obsessively extensive vinyl library and the willingness to pursue the full extents of his roots (Funk, Soul and Jazz), foundation (Hip-Hop) and future (Electronic/Dance music) with no restraints. Regarded as one of the most versatile and talented producers/remixers/DJs in today’s musical arena. he has produced numerous tracks and remixes for notable artists such as Michael Jackson, De La Soul, Mary J. Blige, Mos Def, Eminem, George Michael & Stevie Wonder. Also performing/working along side Spike Lee, Q-Tip, Stevie Wonder and many other world talents.

J.ROCC LA (Stones Throw,Beat Junkies)
Hailed as the world’s best club DJ, J.ROCC continues to capture music enthusiasts around the globe. In 1992, Jason Jackson, internationally known as J.Rocc, launched his vision of forming a DJ crew comprised of talented musicians, by introducing to the world Southern California’s first turntable band – the Beat Junkies. A prized accomplishment enthusiastically received by worldwide audiences, J.Rocc continues to invent musical styles that display his creative expertise. Highly recognized for his funky showcases and original arrangements, J.Rocc has clearly distinguished his place in music history. In addition to numerous mixtapes and his own production for Stones Throw releases, J. Rocc has been the DJ for Madlib’s live shows since the early 2000′s, was the 3rd member of Jaylib (Madlib & J Dilla) during the group’s live events, and collaborated with Madlib on Beat Konducta Vol. 5-6: A Tribute to J Dilla.
J. Rocc is currently working on a solo album for Stones Throw.

DJ SCRATCH NYC (Scratchvision.com)
For over two decades, DJ Scratch has been everyone’s favorite DJ’s favorite DJ. Acknowledged as one of the greatest DJs of all time and in 2006, he was honored in The Source Magazine as a Hip Hop Icon. Scratch is the man who provided the flamboyance to EPMD, Q-Tip, Jay Z and P Diddy’s stage shows. Shortly after winning the New Music Seminar Battle for World Supremacy DJ Championship in 1988, he joined the RUN DMC “Run’s House World Tour.” Scratch’s film credits include “Juice”, “The Original 50 Cent”, “Backstage”, “Fly By Night”, “Rhyme & Reason” and Spike Lee’s controversial film “Bamboozled”. In addition, Coca Cola commissioned Scratch to produce & feature in their first DJ commercial, “3 DJs”. Having mastered the art of DJing, Scratch started to pursue his second love, producing. He has produced such hits as the New York Anthem “NY Shit” by Busta Rhymes, EPMD’s “Rampage”, LL Cool J’s “Ill Bomb”, 50 Cent’s “50 Shot Ya”, and a long list of Hip Hop Classics. Scratch’s accolades include the 3 Grammy nominations and over 40 Gold and Platinum Awards to his credit which makes DJ Scratch responsible for the sale of over 30 million albums to date.

Opening Set By
Dubs One (TurntableAddicts, Proper Audio)

@THE ECHOPLEX
1154 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

Limited $10 Presale: http://www.going.com/flavors2

9pm / Limited $10 presale, $15 at door / 21+

Saturday 12.05.09: BOOTIE LA with DJ FAROFF / ADRIAN / MYSTERIOUS D / DJ PAUL V. / R.A.I.D. @ echoplex

BOOTIE Holiday Party
LA’s monthly mashup bootleg party

Direct from BRAZIL, special guest:
DJ FAROFF
Spinning a special ALL-VIDEO mashup set

Spinning a “very special” all-Christmas mashup set from 10-11 PM:
ADRIAN

Resident Bootie mashup DJs:
MYSTERIOUS D
DJ PAUL V.

Holiday Midnight Mashup Show from resident dance crew:
R.A.I.D. (Random Acts of Irreverent Dance)

Drunkrockers.com Toy Drive
Bring toys to help benefit the kids at Ettie Lee Youth & Family Services

Wear a Santa hat, get the brand-new ‘A Very Bootie Christmas 2′ CD!

It’s the Bootie Holiday Party! Hailing from Brazil, Bootie is proud to present DJ Faroff, who over the past year has quickly turned into one of Bootie’s favorite DJs, producing bass-thumping, crowd-pleasing mashups with videos to boot! He’ll be doing a special ALL-VIDEO set at midnight, projecting mashup videos on the Echoplex’s giant screens!

From 10-11 PM, Adrian will be spinning a “very special” all-Christmas mashup set that is guaranteed to have you dancing! Resident dance crew R.A.I.D. (Random Acts of Irreverent Dance) will perform a special holiday-themed number for the Midnight Mashup Show, and anyone wearing a Santa hat will receive the brand-new “A Very Bootie Christmas 2″ CD! Plus, club photographers Drunkrockers.com are hosting a toy drive — bring a toy to help benefit the kids at Ettie Lee Youth & Family Services!

Launched in 2003, Bootie was the first club night in the United States dedicated solely to the burgeoning artform of the bootleg mashup — and is now the biggest mashup event in the world, with monthly parties in six cities on two continents. Mixing and matching every conceivable musical genre, era, and style into one big dance party where everyone feels welcome, Bootie provides the soundtrack for the A.D.D. generation.

Resident DJs Adrian, the Mysterious D, and Paul V. keep your brain guessing and body dancing with creative song combinations, celebrating — and satirizing — the many different forms of music. And free mashup CDs will be given away like candy!

FREE Bootie CDs to the first 75 people through the door!

@ Echoplex
enter at 1154 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

9pm / $5 before 10 pm, $10 after / 21+

Wednesday 12.30.09: DUB CLUB @ echoplex

with Resident DJs:
Tom Chasteen
Roy Corderoy
The Dungeonmaster
Boss Harmony

Spinning the best in classic reggae, dub and dancehall

@ Echoplex
1154 Glendale Blvd
(Main Entrance is through Alley)
Los Angeles, CA 90026

9pm / $5 / 21+

Wednesday 12.23.09: DUB CLUB @ echoplex

with Resident DJs:
Tom Chasteen
Roy Corderoy
The Dungeonmaster
Boss Harmony

Spinning the best in classic reggae, dub and dancehall

@ Echoplex
1154 Glendale Blvd
(Main Entrance is through Alley)
Los Angeles, CA 90026

9pm / $5 / 21+

Wednesday 12.16.09: DUB CLUB @ echoplex

with Resident DJs:
Tom Chasteen
Roy Corderoy
The Dungeonmaster
Boss Harmony

Spinning the best in classic reggae, dub and dancehall

@ Echoplex
1154 Glendale Blvd
(Main Entrance is through Alley)
Los Angeles, CA 90026

9pm / $5 / 21+

Wednesday 12.09.09: DUB CLUB presents JOHNNY CLARKE @ echoplex

This show is one that all of us Dub Club selectors are really excited about. If you have ever come to the Dub Club over the past 9 years,chances are pretty good that you heard a Johnny Clarke tune being spun. “Rock With Me” , King of the Arena” , Rockers Time” , “Bloood Dunza” , the list of hits is endless. As they say on the excellent Johnny Clarke fan website http://raresounds.co.uk/: During the years 1975 – 1981, Bob Marley and the Wailers gained their huge international audience and three singers ruled the Jamaican Dancehall – Dennis Brown, Gregory Issacs and Johnny Clarke. Today, Johnny Clarke is still the least known internationally.
He is a giant in Jamaican Music and we are thrilled to finally have him at the Dub Club.

Check out the raresounds website listed above for more info about Johnny Clarke.

with Resident DJs:
Tom Chasteen
Roy Corderoy
The Dungeonmaster
Boss Harmony

Spinning the best in classic reggae, dub and dancehall

@ Echoplex
1154 Glendale Blvd
(Main Entrance is through Alley)
Los Angeles, CA 90026

9pm / $10 / 21+

Wednesday 12.02.09: DUB CLUB @ echoplex

with Resident DJs:
Tom Chasteen
Roy Corderoy
The Dungeonmaster
Boss Harmony

Spinning the best in classic reggae, dub and dancehall

@ Echoplex
1154 Glendale Blvd
(Main Entrance is through Alley)
Los Angeles, CA 90026

9pm / $5 / 21+

Thursday 12.03.09: LA Record presents MT. ST. HELENS VIETNAM BAND / DIRT DRESS / SPIRIT VINE / ALLAH LAS

Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band || Watch || MP3

On Saturday night, Seattle indie rockers Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band captured a rare piece of rock history by becoming the first band in the continental U.S. to ever play on an active volcano. The fact that the quintet played the volcano in which they take their name, Washington State’s Mt. St. Helens, made the performance even more unusual as they treated fans/hikers/mountaineers/park rangers to an hour-long set of brand new tracks and favorites from their self-titled debut.

After signing a few autographs for devoted fans, lead singer Benjamin Verdoes and Co. didn’t waste anytime jumping into crowd favorite “Who’s Asking,” the first song off of their celebrated album from earlier this year. The band’s 14-year-old drummer, Marshall Verdoes, was notably relaxed and didn’t seem the least bit rattled by the mountainous challenge. As his older brother stated in between songs: “Who knew that when Marshall came up with this crazy band name when he was 11, one day we’d actually get a chance to play here?”

As the two Verdoes brothers kept the groove steady, fellow bandmates Jared Price (bass), Traci Eggleston (keys/vocals), and Matt Dammer (guitar/moog) handled the more quirky, esoteric sounds that give MHSVB their signature feel. After finishing the guitar heavy “Masquerade,” Eggleston (who is married to Benjamin) announced to the crowd that the group would be playing two new songs: “George Clark,” an upbeat rocker with a seemingly looping guitar riff and the more delicate “At Night.” Appropriately for the setting, the latter began with the sound of crickets, bugs, and other insect noises, before Price used a rewired telephone receiver as a microphone. – Spin

with:
Dirt Dress
Spirit Vine || Listen
Allah Las

8:30pm / $8 advance, $10 day of Show / 18+

Friday 12.18.09: CLUB UNDERGROUND AND HANG THE DJS HOLIDAY BENEFIT & BLOWOUT @ echoplex

Hang The Dj’s & Club Undergound X-Mas Benefit Party at the Echoplex!!!

Doll & The Kicks (just fresh off the Morrissey Tour!)
BJ Panda Bear
Dirty Dave
Spirit Vine
Tune In Tokyo DJs
Underground DJs
Knyfeprty

*A portion of the proceeds go to The Good Shephard Center For Homeless Woman & Chidren*
with resident DJs spinning the best in Brit / Indie / Soul / Twee / Madchester / Punk / Glam

FMI: ClubUnderground.net

9pm / $5 before 11pm, $8 after / 18+

Friday 12.11.09: CLUB UNDERGROUND with THE CAPSHUNS / BIXBY KNOLLS @ echo

The Capshuns
Bixby Knolls

with resident DJs spinning the best in Brit / Indie / Soul / Twee / Madchester / Punk / Glam

FMI: ClubUnderground.net

9pm / $5 if 21+, $7 under 21 / 18+

Saturday 12.12.09: REPEAT OFFENDER – HIT+RUN 4-YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY with THE GASLAMP KILLER / KUTMAH / NOBODY / ABCNT / FARMER DAVE SCHER / ZACKEY FORCE FUNK / CRIME and More @ echoplex

REPEAT OFFENDER
HIT+RUN 4-YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY

with djs
THE GASLAMP KILLER
KUTMAH
NOBODY
ABCNT
FARMER DAVE SCHER
& more

and live performances by
ZACKEY FORCE FUNK
CRIME + surprise guests

with live screenprinting by
HIT+RUN

plus photobooth by
POLITE IN PUBLIC

@ Echoplex
enter at
1154 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

9pm / $10, FREE admission with a past Hit+Run shirt / 21+

Monday 12.21.09: Manimal Vinyl Residency – MOONRATS / VOICESVOICES / SISTER CRAYON / CORRIDOR @ echo

Moonrats
VoicesVoices
Sister Crayon
Corridor (w/ members of Indian Jewelry)

plus:
DJ Manimal and films all night

8:30pm / FREE / 21+

Saturday 12.19.09: FUNKY SOLE MEETS PHILLY’S HOT PEAS AND BUTTA @ echo

FUNKY SOLE MEETS PHILLY’S HOT PEAS & BUTTA PARTY SAT DEC 19TH!

KON (of Kon & Amir)

SKEME RICHARDS || Watch (ROCKSTEADY CREW)

MUSIC MAN MILES ( BREAKESTRA/ROOTODWN)

CLIFTON aka Soft touch (UNDERGROUND)

From the east to the west there are a few djs who cannot help but keep those old raw funky soul sounds on REAL VINYL records alive & in the mix.
This Saturday that’s just what’s going down on the east side of L.A. town!

The 9 year running Funky Sole party is meeting up with Philadelphia’s Hot Peas & Butta party for one night of “i don’t know what that song is but it’s sick”.

Funky Sole’s Music Man Miles & Clifton will be going record for record with Philly’s legendary funk djs Skeme Richards & Kon (of Kon & amir’s on track compilations).funk for the folks & Free @ Echo!

FMI: Funky Sole on Myspace

10pm / FREE / 21+

Saturday 12.12.09: FUNKY SOLE @ echo

with DJs:
Music Man Miles
Clifton AKA Soft Touch

FMI: Funky Sole on Myspace

10pm / FREE / 21+

Saturday 12.05.09: FUNKY SOLE @ echo

with DJs:
Music Man Miles
Clifton AKA Soft Touch

FMI: Funky Sole on Myspace

10pm / FREE / 21+

Thursday 12.17.09: KXLU & Filter present FOOL’S GOLD / THE ENTRANCE BAND / TEARIST / DJ JOSH KLINGHOFFER @ echo

Fool’s Gold || Watch

Fool’s Gold’s repeat-ready single “Surprise Hotel” is a gloriously busy bit of life-affirming Afro-pop that takes no issue with demanding that you take it for a beachside bike ride. The band rotates around Luke Top and Lewis Pesacov and also enlists friends and colleagues that include members of Foreign Born and Glasser. On a self-titled debut brimming with them, “Surprise Hotel” is a whirling dervish of a cut delivered with charm, grace, and maximum two-stepability. Light yet bracing polyrhythms anchor an addictive little high-register guitar line that loops and wiggles on and off the beaten path, perfectly coupled with Afro-funk bass stylings and buttery bilingual coos (yes, Top sings in English and Hebrew). With music this immersed in wide-ranging global and regional influence, you’d fear Fool’s Gold’s music might come over as empty pastiche, but no worries. Worldly and warm without being cloying, “Surprise Hotel” more than surprises: it prevails. -Pitchfork

with:
The Entrance Band || Listen
Tearist
DJ Josh Klinghoffer

8:30pm / $10 / 18+

Tuesday 12.01.09: Filter presents THE VIC CHESNUTT BAND with GUY PICCIOTTO (FUGAZI) and MEMBERS OF THEE SILVER MT. ZION, GODSPEED YOU! BLACK EMPEROR and WITCHIES / WARPAINT / LIZ DURRETT @ echoplex

Vic Chesnutt Band || Listen || MP3
featuring Fugazi’s Guy Picciotto, members of Godspeed You! Black Emperor and Silver Mt. Zion

As on 2007′s North Star Deserter, Chesnutt is here joined by members of Godspeed You! Black Emperor, and Thee Silver Mount Zion Memorial Orchestra, as well as Fugazi’s Guy Picciotto. Together they build a sound that walks a line between country-folk, Southern soul, and post-rock, which works because the music’s uncertainty about its identity often mirrors Chesnutt’s own doubt. Opener “Coward” deals in dread and aggression with its crawling tempo and doom-laden, harmonized guitar outbursts.

There are a couple of welcome leavening moments– the bright organ and Leslie cabinet guitar of “Concord Country Jubilee” chief among them– but At the Cut is foremost a dark album, and about as far tonally and sonically as Chesnutt has been from 2003′s highly polished Silver Lake. The restraint of the musicians involved leaves Chesnutt’s fragility at the center of the music and lends the album an air of refinement and wisdom that could have easily been drowned out by guitarists more eager to call attention to themselves. – Pitchfork

with:
Warpaint
Liz Durrett || Listen

7:30pm / $13adv; $15dos / all ages

Wednesday 12.09.09: Winston Calling: A Rock & Comedy Benefit featuring TIM AND ERIC / BOB ODENKIRK / BRIAN POSEHN / DAVE LOVERING @ ECHO

for Baby Winston Bertrand hosted by Black Francis

With:

Tim and Eric (music set)
Bob Odenkirk
Brian Posehn
Dave Lovering (magic act)

… more to be added!

Save Money and buy a ticket for both The Echo and Echoplex shows for $35

7pm / $20 advance, $25 day of show / all ages

Tuesday 12.08.09: Winston Calling: A Rock & Comedy Benefit featuring BLACK FRANCIS WITH FLEA, WEIRD AL YANKOVIC, OKGO, KIM (from the MUFFS) AND MORE / TENACIOUS D / MICHAEL PENN / DAVID J / GRAND DUCHY / THE 88 AND MORE @ echoplex

for Baby Winston Bertrand hosted by Black Francis

With:
Black Francis w/ Flea, members of Pixies, Love & Rockets, She Wants Revenge, Weird Al Yankovic, OK GO, Kim (from The Muffs) and more
Tenacious D || Listen
Michael Penn
David J (Love and Rockets/Bauhaus)
Grand Duchy (feat: Black Francis & Violet Clark)
The 88
plus celebrity DJs

… more to be added!

@ Echoplex
enter at 1154 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

Save Money and buy a ticket for both The Echo and Echoplex shows for $35

7pm / $20 advance, $25 day of show / all ages

Friday 12.04.09: Club Underground and Echo Present- THE SHYS / CASTLEDOOR / BLACK HOLLIES @ echo

The Shys || Listen || Watch

The Shys have taken the crunchy guitars and heavy, fuzz-filled solos, and added more traditionally poppy group choruses and catchy melodies to come out with gritty rock that is immediately accessible. This record thrives on explosive dynamics. “The Hangman” opens with blazing guitars, only to drop them out completely two seconds later. “Savior” is defined by its pounding staccato drums and guitars, all before a rather melodic refrain of “I feel just like I found my savior.” Both tracks offer drastic musical breakdowns at key points, offering a powerful, calm-before-the-storm quality.The sing-along choruses of “She’s Already Gone” and “Mercy” echo Oasis, proving to be highly catchy, radio-ready rock, though the Shys stand as a grittier, gutsier version. – NPR

with:
Castledoor || Listen
The Black Hollies

8:30pm / $8 advance, $10 day of show / 18+