A hopelessly long line dots the circumference of the EchoPlex far into the night. Tonight, M.I.A. has arrived and the possibility for her to continue arriving is always a little tenuous, and so the line is long. Inside, the room swallows you with the moist heat of a yelling maw. On the fringes of the crowd, it's confusing as to where we are: the mixed audience of pouty hipsters, overweight alternative girls, big booty hoes, and Gwen Stefani fanatics swill...
Whether you are a long-time Sia fan from her days with Zero 7 (Simple Things, When It Falls and The Garden), or a more recent convert after hearing her solo track “Breathe Me” featured in the final episode of Six Feet Under, you will no doubt be excited to know that Sia will release a new solo full-length CD titled Some People Have Real Problems. Some People Have Real Problems will be released in digital form in December 2007, and...
Can you believe that it’s already been ten years since you first heard that awesome electro-wail in “Busy Child”? Well it’s true, and in celebration, Los Angeles’ very own Crystal Method will be releasing a deluxe version of their groundbreaking debut Vegas on September 18th via Geffen/UMe. This two-disc deluxe reissue is not simply record company rehash; it includes a number of remixes personally chosen by the duo that includes among others: a Paul Oakenfold remix of “Busy Child” and...
The pairing of Daft Punk and The Rapture is one of those genius moves of billing that might be best understood by underpaid music writers who have nothing better to do than think about these things. On the one hand, you've got The Rapture—one-time skronky post-punks who have completely embraced dance music culture and have created some truly remarkable indie/dance hybrids in the process. It's a simple fact that "House of Jealous Lovers" was the track that dance music needed...
Vegas is obviously the capital of debauchery and awesome stories that trail off midway through with sheepish grins and awkward glances. But apart from The Killers and Frank Sinatra, you'd be hard pressed to name any music that's associated with Sin City that doesn't come complete with lounge singer banter and a preponderance of cymbal rides. Luckily for Vegas residents (and those who want to make the drive from the surrounding area) the organizers of Bonnaroo are throwing together the...
Hands down, the best cupcakes are fun-fetti cupcakes. You know, the ones with the little neon colored flavoring balls? And fun-fetti frosting is even better. It is my sincere belief that fun-fetti cupcakes are the food analogue to Animal Collective. Crazy? Yes. Weird? If you take a step back and look at it, yes. Undeniably fun? Yup. Make a good party that much better? You betcha. So that's why we're putting on our party hats as these Animal Collective tour...
Bill Callahan, formerly a.k.a. Smog, a.k.a. , is taking to the highways and byways of America this fall in support of Woke on a Whaleheart, his latest album on Drag City. The tour is his first sans moniker, and will be opened up by renowned acoustic guitarist Sir Richard Bishop. Callahan is a man of few words and deep meaning, so be sure to keep rolling tape as you bootleg the show, just in case he decides to drop a...
Self-proclaimed “Flower Punkers” The Black Lips just announced a new record and a huge-ass tour, beginning the day after their September 11th release of Good Bad Not Evil (Vice). Their 5th album in 4 years, these Atlanta-natives are nothing short of showstoppers when it comes to the stage. You can check out a recent in-store appearance at Amoeba Records here in L.A. and also the video for “Cold Hands” on vicerecords.com. If you need more, well, you’re just going to...
Every generation has a band that is perhaps too complicated to fully comprehend, but once you take a step back and allow the vivid soundscapes to envelop your body and seep into your veins, it begins to make sense. Sigur Ros is one of those bands. Being a fan for years, and having seen them live and actually met Jonsi down in San Diego while we there for the Takk… show, their performance and their very presence is imprinted on...