Things To Do In San Diego: November 29-December 1, 2013

It's Friday evening and I just got a disco nap in after unintentionally participating in some Black Friday shopping. I needed shoes, a massage, and Grossmont Center wasn't too crazy, so it worked. I know there are politics behind a Sea World membership, but all of their passes are $25 off this weekend, too, so you can grab an annual Fun Pass for $59 and I had to indulge. I'm working at The Irenic tonight and there are plenty of tickets left for Polar Bear Club, so drop by and see me, or if you're braving Tijuana, wear some comfy shoes that account for possible rain and beer spillage. The holiday was great and we still have a full weekend of music, fun, and Chargers beertending ahead of us. Weekend listings after the jump.

Friday, November 29, 2013:

• Gone Baby Gone, The Filthy Violets, The Phantoms, The Frights @ Casbah
• Casbah Presents Polar Bear Club, Citizen, Diamond Youth, Sainthood Reps @ The Irenic
• Cantaloop Media Presents The Silent Comedy, Glasmus,Love & The Skull, Madame Ur y Sus Hombres @ Black Box (Tickets at the Door, or get info for special packages with transportation at TuristaLibre.com)
• The Donkeys @ Whistle Stop
• 91X Moustache Formal with DJ Robin Roth and more @ The Lafayette (6pm)
• Fever The Ghost, Golden Beaches, Island Boy, Tiger Milk Imports @ Soda Bar
• The Beautiful View, Okayokay!, One I Red @ Tower Bar
• Irish Christmas in America @ AMSD
• Benefit For The Phillipines: Never Pass Go, The Mice, Fourtracks, Batlords, Western Settings @ Til-Two Club
• Super Buffet @ Ken Club
• Badabing, Mittens, Death By Snoo Snoo @ Tin Can
• Hello Highway, Last Call Home, So Far Gone, The End Return, Calibrate Me @ House of Blues Fifth Avenue Side Stage
• Random Radio @ Bahia Belle
• Fam Royal @ Bar Pink
• A Groundation Thanksgiving with Paula Fuga, Mike Love @ Belly Up
• Crystal Bowersox, Seth Glier @ The Griffin
• Left For Dead @ Belly Up (5:30pm)
• Serve The People Emergency Relief Fundraiser @ World Beat Center
• The Devil Wears Prada, The Ghost Inside, Volumes, Texas In July @ Soma
• The Dan Band @ House of Blues
• The New Rich, The Harpers Live @ Artlab Studios
• Renown flugelhornist Dmitri Matheny returns with Phoenix pianist Nick Manson, Justin Grinnell bass, & Duncan Moore drums @ Dizzy's
• Danielle Slathas, 23 Shades, Tyler Boone @ Lestat's
• Michele Lundeen @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge (5-7pm)
• Beta Maxx @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge (9pm)
• Family Affair with DJs Artistic, Felt1, Mr. Hek @ El Camino
• Rising Star @ Tio Leo's
• OB Comedy with Kim Thompson and Duante Cordova @ Winston's (6-9pm)
• In Motion Collective, Sure Fire Soul Ensemble, DJ Question & Marcellus @ Winston's 
• Gunner Gunner, Wilson Renette, Decompression @ The Shakedown
• Kirk Ward @ 710 Beach Club (5-8pm)
• High Noon, Saline Solutions, Tim & The 23s @ 710 Beach Club (9:30pm)
• Brent Curtis @ Marble Room
• Mother Mary Mood, Blood Dancer, Xolmani @ Brick By Brick
• The Beat Kitchen: Question, Charlie Rock, Freddie Joachim @ El Dorado
• Spectacular with DJ Scooter @ Fluxx
• Good Times with Rev & Yodah @ Henry's

Saturday, November 30, 2013:

• "You Play Me Yours, I'll Play You Mine: A Community Music Exchange" @ Digital Gym (2921 El Cajon Blvd, 2-4pm, More info & registration)
• Redd Kross, Octa#grape, Joel Jerome + Babies on Acid @ Casbah
• The Hollerin, Brothers Weiss, Leanna May and the Matadors, Love & The Skull @ Soda Bar
• Soda Bar & Invisible Children present Julianna Barwick, Mark McGuire (Emeralds) @ Luce Loft (1037 J St)
• Dave Buck presents A Night of Blues with Jimmy Ruelas, Gary Hankins, El Al @ Black Cat
• Diamonds In The Back with Dmitri & Co @ Whistle Stop
• Country Club with Grampa Drew & Matt Strachota @ Whistle Stop (5pm)
• Holiday Hangover feat. The Cured - The Cure tribute, Strangelove - Depeche Mode tribute, Really Idol - Billy Idol tribute, Fears for Tear - Tears for Fears tribute @ House of Blues
• 99th Floor, Schitzophonics, DJ Tony The Tiger @ Tower Bar
• The Nite Crawlers, nutstache, Masteria @ Ken Club
• A Groundation Thanksgiving with Paula Fuga, Mike Love @ Belly Up
• Funk 101 feat Stevie & The Hi-Stax, DJ Barry Thomas @ Bar Pink
• Modern Life is War, Somali Pirates, Suspect @ Che Cafe
• Viva Santana @ The Griffin
• Birdzilla, Ruben Lady, Sacri Monti @ Tin Can
• Art of Sound 4 Year Anniversary feat. DJ Harvey, Doc Martin, Paluka, Cris Herrera @ Spin
• Laura Leighe, Teresa Storch, The Santana Brothers @ Lestat's
• Judith Hill, Chyla @ House of Blues 5th Avenue Side Stage
• CD Release Event for “Conversations” from jazz guitar virtuoso Mark Augustin & transcendent vocalist Lisa Hightower @ Dizzy's
• The Reflectors @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge (5-7pm)
• Detroit Underground @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge (9pm)
• Full Strength Funk Band @ Tio Leo's
• The Earful, Delta Nove @ Winston's
• Middle Class Rejects @ The Shakedown
• Joe Cardillo, Dave Booda @ Marble Room
• Rock Star Saturdays with Yodah, DJ E @ Henry's
• Allison Chains, Black Sabbitch, Smack This @ Brick By Brick
• Boys & Girls vs Hickies feat. Adam Salter, Saul Q, Don't Go Jason Waterfalls @ El Dorado
• Spectacular with Sid Vicious @ Fluxx
• Danny & The Tramp, DJ Arox @ Gallagher's
• Devocean, Brothers Gow, Low Budget @ 710 Beach Club
• The Babys, The Roni Lee Group, Teaser, Burning Down @ Ramona Mainstage
• Karaoke @ Analog

Sunday, December 1, 2013:

• SoNo Park Holiday Fest & Chili Palooza @ 32nd & Thorn
• An Evening With Rufus Wainwright @ Belly Up
• Capsula, The Wooly Bandits, Zero Zero @ Casbah
• Neighbors To The North, Muscle Beech, Cut @ Soda Bar
• Poontang Clam, Batlords (Covering The Spits), DJ Matt Parker @ Til-Two Club
• City Mouse, Floor Notes @ Bar Pink
• Fat Tour 2013 feat. Less Than Jake, Anti-Flag, Masked Intruder, Get Dead @ House of Blues
• Almost Famous Karaoke @ Henry's 
• Lust For Youth, Hive Mind, Sunwheel @ The Void
• CD Release Event for jazz bassist Justin Grinnell’s debut CD featuring Josh Nelson piano, Dan Schnelle drums, & Robby Marshall woodwinds @ Dizzy's
• Legacy Pack, Destructo Bunny, DJ Chelu @ Gallagher's
• Jose Sinatra Ob-O-Ke @ Winston's
• Robin Henkel @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge (10am-2pm)
• Bayou Brothers @ Humphrey's Backstage Lounge (7pm)
• Football Bingo/Game Night @ 710 Beach Club

For Your Eyes and Ears: Nightlands

Nightlands

The night before Thanksgiving is loaded with music options everywhere including San Diego. Might I suggest heading to Soda Bar for Nightlands, the project of Philadelphia based artist David Hartley. Oak Island (sophomore album) was recently released via Secret Canadian, and features synths and vocals evoking a dreamlike state. This is bedroom pop which is very easy on the ears. David also spends time as the bassist for the popular band The War on Drugs. Nightlands is a well conceived departure from that band, showing the creative side of Mr. Hartley. The current tour is a solo one, so he will "lay bare the arrangements that he spent so long weaving into intricate webs".

Tickets to Nightlands , StaG, and Jeans Wilder this Wednesday at Soda Bar can be purchased here.

Watch a video of I Fell in Love with a Feeling by Nightlands below.



Watch a video of To the Moon by Nightlands below.

Balboa Park Offers Annual Pass (Finally!!)

Some of you may have seen my post on Facebook or maybe you already heard elsewhere, but this is for the rest of you. Balboa Park is finally offering annual passes! With the Centennial coming in 2015, it seems about time that Balboa Park caters more to residents and not just to tourists. Yes, we've enjoyed Free Tuesdays, but they're crazy now, with herds of people, school field trips, and strollers jamming into museums during their already limited hours on a one time a month rotating basis. Forget about it if you work a day job. And Balboa Park had multi-museum passes targeting tourists, but they're expensive. I use my San Diego Zoo pass almost weekly...sometimes I want to commit to a whole day, sometimes I just need some time to think and take a ride in the Skyfari, and most of the time I'm there for some fresh air, exercise, and sunshine for a couple hours. Now that Balboa Park is offering Explorer passes, I can pop into a museum anytime and for any length of time and feel like I'm getting my money's worth.

Buy Your Passes Here

You can also buy Gift Vouchers and knock out your Christmas shopping in a few clicks!

So anyway, here's the deal. You buy annual membership, you get general admission to all of the following museums for 365 days from the date of purchase:

San Diego Museum of Man
The San Diego Museum of Art
the NAT (San Diego Natural History Museum)
Centro Cultural de la Raza
Japanese Friendship Garden
Mingei International Museum
Museum of Photographic Arts
Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
San Diego Air and Space Museum
San Diego Art Institute-Museum of the Living Artist
San Diego Automotive Museum
San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum
San Diego History Center
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
Timken Museum of Art
Veterans Museum and Memorial Center
World Beat Center

Pricing:
Adult $129 ~ ages 18 and up
Student $99 ~ valid for full time students with valid ID
Senior $99 ~ ages 65 and up with valid ID
Family $199 ~ Valid for up to 6 family members (up to two adults/up to four children ages 3-17. Additional children are $25 each)

And since I went into the Visitor's Center to purchase my pass today, I'll say that if you can wait the 5-7 days for your cards, just order online. If you want to go to museums immediately, go in the office, they'll have you purchase online at their old computers, and they'll give you printed booklets valid for one week with a single pass for each museum. The employees/docents/volunteers are extremely courteous, but the Explorer passes were just announced last week, so they're overwhelmed. If you can wait, just buy your own passes online.

The U-T apparently misprinted and said a family pass was up to 4 adults and 4 children. Not so. "Children" are ages 3-17, so your infants and toddlers are fine (though if they're turning three within a year, you'll want to get them their own cards). Adults are 18+. If your "child" is actually an adult, they might qualify for the student pass, or as your second adult, but otherwise will require a full adult pass for $129. In the short time I was in the office, you wouldn't believe how many people were already gaming the system. They don't question your "family" unit, but don't try and work them.

Lastly, many of the museums offer gift shop discounts and special mailers, events and newsletters to their members. The Explorer Card does NOT give any of the perks- no discounts, special exhibits, private event invites, guest passes, etc. If you have the dough, support your favorite museum or museums individually. This is for people who live on the cheap like me, and once you get over that initial purchase, you can be broke as a joke and still always have a place to go. I can't wait to take our first bike outing to museum hop with my little familial unit.

For more Balboa Park information, click here.

Friday Night: Make A Run For The Border With The Silent Comedy

My friends at Cantaloop Media are keeping busy south of the border. While we have a great music scene in San Diego, they're working feverishly to curate the same in Tijuana and I have to say, it's a bit cooler, edgier, with a DIY aesthetic, a feeling of community, and free from some of the limits we have here. Throw in a combination event with Turista Libre, and Friday night in Tijuana seems like a no-brainer. (An extra plug that Darren's Van will be working, so if you and your friends need to get from North Park, South Park, Downtown or wherever to and from the border, he's your guy.) Get your passports and head south!

Here's the deal:
The Silent Comedy
Madame Ur y Sus Hombres
Love & The Skull
Teenage Fiction
at Black Box (6th and Revolucion)
Tickets are 50 pesos at the door, ages 18+

For the Turista Libre package, you get

• transportation from border (with Derrick walking you across the border from McDonald's)
• drinks on the bus
• pre-show drink at Baja Craft Beers Tasting Room with the bands!
• entrance to the show
• return trip to U.S. border

All for $20!! Buy your tickets to reserve your spot now!

Things To Do In San Diego: November 26-28, 2013

I didn't think I'd be updating much this week, but there's a lot going on so expect a couple more posts from me before I totally check out. I'm looking forward to spending the day at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park with Darren and Nova (though I appreciate all the day trip recommendations I received on Facebook) and Thanksgiving is shaping up to be a great one with m whole family around for the holiday. There's a lot of internet commotion about Black Friday and where to shop and protesting stores that are open on Thanksgiving. I'm not going to jump into the fray because I've certainly appreciated Clem's being open in the past when I realized I needed heavy whipping cream and whatnot, but I'm here to tell you that Wednesday is traditionally one of the most fun bar nights of the year, but plenty of our local stomps are open on Thanksgiving, which is great after you've had your family time, but remember that your bartenders are working. They're away from their own families so you can get your buzz. They still have to wash glasses and clean up and shut down after you're happily passed out. Spend frivolously and tip generously and you can truly #supportlocal. Wednesday through Sunday listings are after the jump.

Things To Do In San Diego: November 24-25, 2013

It's Sunday night and the Chargers won today, so hopefully San Diegans are ready for a lovely Thanksgiving week ahead. Darren's working tonight, so hit him up if you need him, but in the meantime, I decided I'd take the heat off of Jordan and just knock out the listings through the weekend so you can get  perspective on the week ahead. I'm with Zane again tomorrow so I'm not sure if it's going to be a pajama night or if I might venture out,  and this week should be awesome with Nova off from school, and the first Bystrak Thanksgiving in years with all the kids present (since my brother has now been stationed here). Needless to say, my parents are thrilled. I hope you get a holiday amond family and friends and people you love and who love you. Monday and Tuesday archives are after the jump.

Things To Do In San Diego: November 22-24, 2013

It has been a really good week- Chvrches and John Vanderslice were awesome, plus I had some fun time painting at Ceramic Cafe, hiking at Presidio Park, going to the Zoo, splashing in rain puddles, and just hanging out enjoying days with Darren and Nova, but I have a small bone to pick. The other day, a "friend" of mine suggested that I'm "paid to party" and I don't know about work. I had a lot of time to think about that when I was pulling an all-nighter on Monday night and then again on Tuesday as I caught up on work so that I could spend my days with Darren and Nova and prepare for babysitting Zane for 14 hours on Thursday and all day again on Friday. I guess when people see me at shows or having drinks or my social media posts filter out the lame and tedious stuff and just focus on time at parks or the Zoo or shows or events or spending time with my little familial unit, it might appear my life is a big party. But I consider myself fortunate to have found a way to eke out a living doing things I love, and if that means hours of email and online time while the rest of the world is asleep or slinging band merch or babysitting or making a hundred Facebook event pages, it's all so I don't have to go back to the bullshit corporate life I once lead. Everyone does what they have to do, and I don't knock anyone for what they do to get by or get ahead if that's where their ambitions lay, but I will cut a "friend" for being judgmental about how I spend my time. Good riddance, ya jerk.Weekend archives are after the jump.

On The Horizon: Judith Hill @ House of Blues Saturday November 30, 2013

Judith Hill

The name Judith Hill should be a familiar one to those who watch realty television show The Voice. Judith fared well during last year's competition, and has embarked on the latest chapter in her career, that of a touring musician. The biggest difference is that this time she will not be in the role of a backup singer, but rather will be the lead. Currently touring with Josh Groban, Judith has a headlining show downtown at the House of Blues (intimate 5th Ave side stage) on Saturday November 30.

In 2009 Miss Hill was chosen to be none other than Michael Jackson's duet partner for This Is It. His untimely death resulted in the cancellation of the tour, while Judith sang at the memorial service. The documentary 20 Feet From Stardom features a long list of performers including Judith. Her powerful voice is rooted in soul, r&b and pop, while the training and experience as a back up singer has readied her for the limelight.

Tickets to see Judith Hill at the House of Blues on November 30 can be purchased here. This is an all ages show.

Watch a video of Judith Hill performing #thatPower from The Voice.

Tonight! John Vanderslice at Soda Bar

Jeff already previewed tonight's show at Soda Bar, but we got set times. Bent Shapes will go on at 9, and John Vanderslice will play at 10pm. I love this guy and you should definitely check him out. I thought I'd share some old videos from 2007 when he performed at M-Theory and also unplugged on the Casbah smoking patio.

Show Preview: John Vanderslice @ Soda Bar Wednesday November 20, 2013

photo courtesy Ross William Hamilton

John Vanderslice is one of the more interesting musicians in the indie rock world. He recently became independent in his life, ending a long term relationship, and in his music, breaking free from record labels. The latter makes perfect sense, since John is also the owner of Tiny Telephone, a recording studio in San Francisco. Long term relationships with Barsuk Records and more recently Dead Oceans were positive and have paved the way for the current musical chapter in his career. In fact, he self-released two albums this year, Dagger Beach (original) and Diamond Dogs (Bowie covers) via Kickstarter. At last count this makes a total of eleven albums, or about one per year. By today's standards, that is a prolific amount of recorded material. As far as his music is concerned, John certainly wears his emotions on his sleeve. Lyrics are very personal and political, revealing a musician who is willing to take risks which tend to be calculated. His performances are always satisfying, with the ability to connect with the audience never being in doubt.

If you have not seen John Vanderslice perform live, this Wednesday is your next opportunity. This is a Casbah Presents show at Soda Bar, tickets can be purchased in advance here. Boston's Bent Shapes set the stage.

Listen to a few tracks from Dagger Beach below (courtesy of SoundCloud).

Recommended Shows in San Diego November 18-24, 2013

There are some great shows happening in San Diego this week, so be sure to see live music before thoughts turn to turkey, stuffing and all the trimmings next week. Here are some shows worth attending.

Head to Soda Bar on Monday for L.A.'s Nightmare Air and their San Diego friends Bulletins...

If you didn't get a ticket to the sold out Chvrches show on Tuesday at the House of Blues, then consult the listings for a viable alternative...

Prolific indie performer/producer John Vanderslice descends into Soda Bar on Wednesday...Kate Nash plays at the all ages Porter's Pub...

On Thursday San Francisco synth pop band Geographer play an intimate show at the Casbah...

Seattle's singer/songwriter Noah Gundersen plays to the students at The Loft on Friday...highly recommended...Rick Froberg's Obits headline the Casbah...

The Limousines and Mona team up for a great bill on Saturday at the Casbah...Screaming Females and Upset will be at Soda Bar...

Night Beats (Seattle) close the weekend with their garage rock at the Casbah...

Those on the fence (or the couch) should find something of interest musically speaking in San Diego this week. Consult the listings for all the shows.

Watch a video of Love is a Dog From Hell by The Limousines below.



Watch a video of How The West Was Won by John Vanderslice below.

Things To Do In San Diego: November 18-21, 2013

So I don't think I've been in my house for so many hours in a weekend as long as I've lived here. I got a bad cold and besides going out for soup a few times with Darren, my weekend pretty much involved me in bed. Hopefully the worst is over because this week has so much amazing music and Nova has short days at school and I've got some babysitting at the end of the week. So yeah, ef you, cold. I'm done with you. Monday through Thursday archives are after the jump.

Show Preview: The Besnard Lakes @ Casbah Sunday November 17, 2013

The Besnard Lakes

Montreal is known for being home to arguably the most popular indie rock band today. Another band hailing from the  French Canadian city that have been nominated for the Polaris Music Prize (twice) but have forged a much different path are The Besnard Lakes. The brainchild of husband and wife (Jace Lasek and Olga Goreas), the group tours as a quartet. Their fourth album, Until in Excess, Imperceptible UFO (Jagjaguwar), continues in the shoegaze, psychedelic rock vein. A key ingredient to the band's sound is their overall sense of creating songs which contain pop elements. This is what separates these Canadians from their peers. In addition, Lasek owns a recording studio in Montreal, and his production experience translates well to his own project.

See one of Canada's best kept secrets, The Besnard Lakes, at the Casbah this Sunday, November 17. Fellow Canadians Elephant Stone set the stage. Tickets can be purchased here.

Watch a video of Colour Yr Lights In by The Besnard Lakes below.

Things To Do In San Diego: November 15-17, 2013

I'm sorry it has taken me so long to get weekend listings up. It was a super busy week with some awesome shows- Thee Oh Sees and Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin and Minor Alps were all great- plus I babysat Zane all day yesterday and we got a beach day in (in November!!). All week I had a little tickle in my throat and it finally caught up with me and I feel like shit. Darren's Van will be in full service all weekend, but looks like I won't be joining him, at least for tonight. Call Direct 619.990.5064 if you need him. As for me, I'm on the hunt for delicious chicken noodle soup or albondigas or sopa de res. Suggestions welcome.

Under the Radar: Wild Child @ Soda Bar Friday November 15, 2013

Wild Child

Wild Child are a folk pop band from Austin, Texas. While well known back home, they are relatively unknown here in San Diego. The septet recently released their sophomore full length, The Runaround. Filled with catchy songs, banjos, and vocal harmonies throughout, it is easy to see why this band was quite the buzz at SXSW last spring.
Led by Kelsey Wilson (vocals, violin) and Alexander Beggins (vocals, ukulele), starting as a duo has now blossomed into a full fledged folk band. There is a certain synergy one feels when listening to their songs, ideal for a breezy afternoon drive or while sipping some wine on the front (or back) porch. Their first album, Pillow Talk, was released in 2010. This is a young band singing about love, loss and the emotions that are best expressed in music. While there are a growing number of bands in this genre, Wild Child work well as a cohesive unit, feet planted on firm ground ready to take on each chapter in their musical adventures.

Be sure to arrive early for Olympia based band indie pop LAKE. Tickets to tonight's show can be purchased here.

Watch a video of Crazy Bird by Wild Child below.

Show Preview: Minor Alps @ Soda Bar Thursday November 14, 2013

Minor Alps is the name of the collaborative project featuring seasoned musicians Matthew Caws and Juliana Hatfield. Caws is the lead singer for New York band Nada Surf, while Hatfield has performed with Blake Babies, Some Girls and as a solo artist. Having worked together in the past, it seems like an ideal match for these two great singers and songwriters. The result is Get There (Barsuk Records), an album filled with vocal harmonies, layered guitars, while songs cover a wide range of emotions. Overall, this is indie pop of the highest order, with two sometimes indistinguishable singers doing what they do best. As Alternative Press wrote, the pair have recorded an album of "gorgeous, perfect, pop". Sounds like a great way to get a jump start on the weekend.

Casbah Presents Minor Alps with opener Dan Wilson on Thursday November 14 at Soda Bar...Tickets can be purchased here.

Listen to Far From the Roses from Minor Alps below.

Recommended Shows in San Diego November 11-17, 2013

The days are getting shorter (daylight time) but the nights still have plenty to offer San Diego music fans. The upcoming week reveals some shows worth attending.

Sweden's duo Deer Tracks play strange yet captivating music...catch them at Soda Bar on Monday...Lord Howler and Chess Wars fill the air with their hard rock at The Griffin...

Thee Oh Sees return to their favorite haunt here, Bar Pink, for a great show on Tuesday...OBN IIIs open the evening...

Wednesday marks the return of the interestingly named band Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, playing this time at Soda Bar...they recently released Fly By Wire, more indie pop goodness via Missouri...

On Thursday newly formed band Minor Alps, comprised of Matthew Caws (Nada Surf) and Juliana Hatfield (Blake Babies), hit Soda Bar for a Casbah Presents show...FMLYBND and Kiev will be at The Griffin...Melt Banana will be melting faces at the Casbah...

The weekend kicks off with Wild Child, a Minnesota band who just released a great self titled album, at Soda Bar...Nik Turner's version of Hawkwind headlines the Casbah...

Austin troubadour Slaid Cleaves returns to AMSD Concerts, i.e. that Normal Height church, for an acoustic show on Saturday...Autolux will be at the Casbah, Caspian and 65daysofstatic co-headline Soda Bar...

One of my favorite Canadian bands, The Besnard Lakes, stop at the Casbah for a great show this Sunday...Elephant Stone open...highly recommended...

A great week of live music is waiting for those wishing to enrich their lives...head out to a show (or two)...

Watch a video of I Don't Know What To Do With My Hands from Minor Alps below...



Watch a video of People of the Sticks by The Besnard Lakes below..

Things To Do In San Diego: Novemeber 10-14, 2013

As I said yesterday, the anniversary party at the Casbah was great on Friday night, and made for a very lazy Saturday, but after a night of working with Darren's Van, we're spending the day serving beer at Qualcomm Stadium and will very much be looking forward to tonight's Cults shows at The Irenic, and maybe even make it for Jello Biafra after. Unless we pass out from exhaustion some time before that. Listings are done through Thursday since I had to plan ahead with my time. I got a new phone last week thinking my laptop was gonna be fixed, but it still isn't ready and I don't know that it can be saved. So ugh, #firstworldproblems, I know. Archives are after the jump.

Review: Deerhoof at The Irenic, 11/3/2013

DEERHOOF 11/3/13 @theIRENIC

(show presented by SODA BAR)

      Wow. I've been waiting to see this act for a while... quirky rhythm drum beats lead the way, dreamy follow-the-bouncing-ball, english-as-a-second-language type vocals, with a mostly upbeat wash of guitars or basses...all of this in one band- DEERHOOF.

      I loved their stage set up, having singer and drummer in front with guitar players or bass players holding down the back of the stage. Every song seems to revolve around the drums which punch, click, and drag the controlled noise between picturesque compelling vocal scenes, one after another. Just when you think they have departed into the realm of “Jammy noise”, an outburst of drums suddenly snaps the entire room into another quiet dreamscape-intimate vocal. Everyone took a turn at the bass, with one or two guitars. Singer Satomi Matsuzak's voice sounds a little like a child playing in a sandbox and singing and doesn't know you are listening. She also sounds amazingly sharp with her visually stilted rhythms and opaque melodies. She also does leg kicks above her head when it's her turn to play the bass.

      For the encore she was trying to teach us to sing like her. “ Come see Da Dum!,... Come,... Come,... Come see Da dum!” Then the band would stop and she would say “ It's a pattern, ok??” We tried to keep up.

      This show could have gone either way since they have such an extensive catalog with divergent material. It was great. Everything you want from them and a little more (maybe that you don't want.) Of course they don't play their radio “hit,” “The Trouble With Candy Hands". But they do play some of their best material off the most recent albums (“Breakup Song,” and “Deerhoof vs. Evil") and some more obscure songs, too. They also mix in an indie-prog-rock version of “I Don't Want to be a Pinhead No more!” and an appropriately poignant version of The Velvet Underground's “ All Tomarrow's Parties” to shatter our expectations.

      The VU song was cute (since another member of that band died lately) with Satomi appearing to read the lyrics from a hand written sheet given to her on stage by another band member. Everyone clapped, and she smiled.

       Before the encore, the drummer took the mic for an enjoyable extended rambling stand up comedy interaction with members of the audience. Nice.

       There is no place I would rather see live music then at North Park's Irenic, with it's soaring spacious ceilings and it's middle 1940's charm. More please. I can't wait to see them again.

       BTW ... I really got a chance to know people while waiting in the merch line, because the drummer who was selling their merchandise was also taking the chance for long form conversations with each of the dozen or more people who were picking up vinyl, shirts, and compact discs in the line in front of me. Seriously... buy your shirts and move to the side, we all want to buy. Special thanks to whatever member of Cuckoo Chaos and GF helped me to pass the time in the SLOWEST MERCH LINE EVER.

The photos are from my mobile, but there's more after the jump. 

Things To Do In San Diego: November 9-10, 2013

What a night! Thanks to everyone who came out to the Casbah last night. It was really fun hanging out on the patio and seeing so many friends. It was also fun hanging with Robin, Sean, and Jakey after the show at Rudford's. It had been way too long since we had a late night hang. There are some great shows tonight but I'll be working with Darren's Van and then hitting the hay early because we're beertending at the Chargers game tomorrow. (The irony of this new occupation isn't lost on me.) Hope everyone is having a great weekend and enjoying the last few days of San Diego Beer Week, too.  Weekend archives after the jump.