“Big Echo” by The Morning Benders – Album Review

San Francisco indie outfit, The Morning Benders are winning the musical hearts of indie snobs everywhere with their sophomore effort “Big Echo.” Their new album and Rough Trade debut is one of the most pleasant and alluring I’ve heard in a long time. It’s like a sonic massage to your ears that delivers a magical musical orgasm!
Opening up with “Excuses” an enchanting track that has an Etta James flair with its romantic violins and lovely soundscapes, The Morning Benders kick-off “Big Echo” in a captivating way. “Excuses” is totally classic, [...]

“The Courage of Others” by Midlake – Album Review

Denton, Texas-based Midlake’s brand of lo-fi music could definitely fall into the psych-folk category, with a sound touched by Laurel Canyon’s days of lore. The band’s newest record, “The Courage of Others,” picks up where 2006’s excellent “Trials of Van Occupanther” left off, but finds Midlake stripping away the synthesizers to create a sound that feels as if you are sitting around the campfire listening to some friends jam.
As usual, Tim Smith’s bittersweet lyrics and commanding voice are part of the hook that commands your attention, with songs that touch [...]

The Temper Trap at the Henry Fonda Theatre – Live Photos and Review

So this is what makes the panties of lil teenage girls wet … Aussie pop-rockers, The Temper Trap came to play a tween filled show last week at the Henry Fonda Theatre. Although I was there for one of my favorite LA bands, Darker My Love, I did stay for a few songs of Temper Trap. I’m not gonna lie, I totally felt like I was on an episode of the new “90210.” Either that or an episode of MTV’s TRL (do they still have that show?).
Although, font-man Dougie Mandagi [...]

The Wooden Birds at Spaceland – Live Photos and Video

Austin’s The Wooden Birds came to light up Spaceland along side London’s The Clientele. Check out the live photos and video below!
Photos and video: Craig Parker

What Shows Are Going On This Week In LA (March 15 – 21, 2010)

It’s SXSW week and the pickings are a bit slim! But Sunday is lookin’ pretty damn hot with Groove Armada, Deakin (of Animal Collective), Gomez, Tears for Fears and more!
As always, we don’t list every show that’s going on in LA and its surrounding areas. We only list the ones that we think are “cool.” And we always support the local indie scene.
♥ = Top Picks
*  = Residencies
MONDAY – 03.15.10

She & Him, The Chaplin Sister @ Largo at the Coronet (sold out) ♥
* Moonrats, Lawrence Arabia, Corridor, Skybombers @ Spaceland [...]

Hot vs Not: Sleeping Pee

There’s always gott be that one dude (or chick) that passes out at a bar. I tink he peed his pants … 

“One Life Stand” by Hot Chip – Album Review

Let’s stop for a moment and consider the art of keeping it real. Many claim to do it, few actually do. Hot Chip keeps it fucking real and you only need to look to their latest album, “One Life Stand” to see that. There’s something old school about keeping your album to ten tracks, and the album is full of flairs that make you say “oh shit, Hot Chip, I love you!”
In the past, I’ve looked to Hot Chip to show up on my exercise and [...]

Darker My Love at the Henry Fonda Theatre – Show Review and Photos

As I arrived at the Henry Fonda Theatre this past Wednesday for one of LA’s finest bands, Darker My Love, I was totally surprised by the crowd on the scene. The place was flowing with waves of teeny boppers that you would normally see on the set of TRL. For a second, I had to question whether Darker My Love was in fact playing a show at the Fonda. Later I would find out why the sea of pop-laden tweens, it was for the headlining band Temper Trap, talk about [...]

Best In Show: This Week’s Top Show Photo Posts

Photos: Craig Parker
Darker My Love at the Henry Fonda Theatre – March 10, 2010

Moonrats at Spaceland – Monday, March 9, 2010

The Bird and The Bee at the Henry Fonda Theatre – Friday, March 5, 2010

The Clientele at Spaceland – Saturday, March 6, 2010

AM at The Troubadour – Saturday,Feb. 27, 2010

El Perro Del Mar at The Troubadour – Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Laura Veirs at Spaceland – Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Taken By Trees at the Troubadour – Wednesday, March 3, 2010

The Clientele at Spaceland – Photos and Video

London’s The Clientele brought their psychedelic pop sounds to Spaceland last weekend. Playing with the Austin’s The Wooden Birds, it was quite the ethereal show. The Clientele have the aural power to take you back to the hazy times of the 60’s when experimental sounds and dreamy vocals were all the rage. Step into their time machine and enjoy the ride.
Check out the live videos and photos of The Clientele in action below!
Photos and Video: Craig Parker