Monday Recap: Pete Yorn, Aqualung @ HoB, Anti Monday League

I'll skip the drama part of my evening for now, and just talk about the show last night at the House of Blues. There was an opening band that I missed but it sounded like they were a cover band from where I was, though distinguishing a band from the music in the bar/restaurant from 6th avenue is sometimes not that easy.

When I finally got in (!) Charlotte Martin was finishing her set and my cranky, not yet ready to relax self saw her as another Tori Amos wannabe who is humping her piano/keyboard/synthesizer bench while tossing her mermaid like blond mane around. Had I not been in angry bitch mode, I probably would've liked her.

I got some fresh air between sets and decided I wasn't gonna allow my night to be ruined, so by the time Aqualumg started, I'd made my way up front. From my count he played 4 new songs from his upcoming release and around 7 from his first release, with a couple of them changed up a little for good measure. This was my 3rd time seeing them and I know there are very obvious Radiohead and Coldplay influences, but that is ok with me. The new stuff is less melancholy and at times felt like ballads that Bono might cover in the future and then all of the sudden Matt Hayes would get the attention he deserves. Or maybe I'm just a sap. Either way, I'd snapped out of my mood the moment he hit the stage.

Between sets Matt signed posters and talked to fans, where I verified my count of new songs. He said, "Yeah, four, I lost count of the old ones though. What you think?" I told him that it is obvious he is happy and in a good place. I guess not all my music requires a side of razor blades.

When he finished I bumped into Daye and his friend who had a bar hookup, so she got me a couple beers throughout Pete Yorn's set. I was actually not looking forward in any way to seeing PY again, partly because his set at the 94/9 wasn't that impressive to me and partially because he was kinda a dick to me when we last met (though he'd been cool in the past). But those boys with guitars win my right back over. I'm so damn easy. He was backed by a band of 5 other guys and the heavy strings sounded great, way better than when they try to play electric guitars. Pete seemed happy and played for a long time, the crowd was in it, and Pete has even thrown in some hand claps in songs. I also think because the set was heavy on early stuff, it was more enjoyable since for me, that is the stuff I really liked the best anyway. I like his later albums, too, but Music for the Morning After was one of those albums I played constantly and had attached meaning to every song, so they're just a little more special. The set lists are always posted on MySpace, so here it is:

house of blues, san diego, ca, february 19, 2007

vampyre
pass me by
for us
just another
when you see the light
undercover
don't mean nothing
for nancy
the man
long way down
policies
lions
the good advice
murray

encore:

strange condition
dead flowers (the rolling stones)
crystal village
closet
life on a chain

After the show I had to pass out cards and stickers for a bit, but everyone clears out relatively quickly at the House of Blues, so when I was done, I headed to the Casbah for Anti-Monday League. It was more to support Tim and what he's doing than anything else...plus I have a perfect record for AML, so I couldn't just miss it.

Four Kings was the band. They are a four piece (shocking) from OB. At 16 I would've loved this band. They have a bit of the funk rock thing that Red Hot Chili Peppers was so good at (through Blood Sugar Sex Magic) and then obviously overdid and killed for former fans like me. The bass is really heavy, Primus style, which I liked, but there were less than 10 people in the room, so I don't think there was any reason for them to be as loud as they were. They also tried a slower tempo song which felt out of character. Still, I have a bias when I hear that a band is from OB, and I'd say they exceeded my expectations and then came right back to meet them when they sang about smoking pot.








I was home by 1 am and am rearing to go tonight. I am not even gonna let the House of Blues get to me. Or at least I'll try...

Newsy Bits for Tuesday

This message came from KLSD, the progressive talk radio station at 1360 AM in San Diego.

HEY BANDS!! We can use your help......
We're thinking about playing more UNDERGROUND/LOCAL POLITICALLY CHARGED type of music as rejoiners for the show.If you have any songs somewhere dealing with the war, President Bush or something in between, direct us your way. We'll throw out some mentions here and there for your band!

ALSO,We thought it would be fun to have bands
record quick "jingle" type rejoiers to the show for us at The Stacy Taylor
Morning Show. For example, a quick 30 second or so guitar riff/drumbeat
and a chorus singing, "Now back to the Stacy Taylor Show on KLSD". Have fun with
it! Again, free mentions for you all around!Keep the dream alive!

-Jorge E.Tech DirectorStacy Taylor Showklsdam1360@hotmail.com

******
In case you haven't heard, XM and Sirius Satellite Radio have agreed to merge. It's still gotta get approval by the FCC and whatnot but we all know how tough the FCC is on conglomerates. (not very.) People I know who have either service swear by satellite, but I don't have any use for it. I commute about 8 minutes each way to work and listen to CDs or digital cable radio when I'm home. Me thinks the biggest winner in all of this is Howard Stern who made millions and never brought over the subscribers his ego told him he would.
******
Britney is back in rehab.

really? is that all the news I've got??

laissez les bons temps rouler! See you all tonight at either Gomez or Cold War Kids (or both)

Things To Do: February 19, 2007

Monday, February 19, 2007:

• Tribute to Reggae Legends @ iPayOne Center featuring: Bunny Wailer, Eeek A Mouse, Junior Reid, Midnite Morgan Heritage, Culture Profetica, Yami Bolo, The Gladiators, Johnny Osbourne, Ooklah The Moc. Noon.
• Anti-Monday League: The Black Fuzz, Electrocrypt @ Casbah
• Ours @ House of Blues Sidestage
• Pete Yorn, Aqualung, Charlotte Martin @ House of Blues. Sold out. I have a FREE plus one if anyone wants to go, but you have to help me work the show. E-mail me if you're interested.

Weekend Recap: Swim Party, The Modlins, Alta Voz

It’s Sunday night and I should be motivating to go check out The Hatchet Brothers at 10:30, but unlike most of you, I have to work this President’s Day and it is going to be a long week for me with tons of shows to see.

This weekend proved full as any. Friday night started with another great dinner at Ponce’s then I headed out to the Whistle Stop. Swim Party was amazing, per usual. Eric has such great vocal control and it’s fun to see him kinda start out shy and then really get into a groove around the 3rd song and just let go. The bar was crowded while they played, but not unbearably so.





By the time the Modlins started, however, it was packed beyond anything I’d ever seen there. I carefully maneuvered back to my seat but the space in front of my table had filled up, so here are some pics, but sorry they’re of the camera-held-over-my-head variety. The Modlins are a good band with a retro pop feel, with many layered harmonies. I was kinda feeling Bill Haley and the Comets and enjoyed the wholesome pop. It made me feel like I should be in a fuzzy sweater with a pink ribbon in my ponytail. Thanks to the Modlins for the CD, I look forward to listening to it.

I did start to get a little claustrophobic, so I moved to the other side of the bar for the remainder of the band’s set and slipped out right as they finished. I was tempted to head down to Stingaree with CatDirt, but opted instead to head back to home base at the Ken Club. The bands were done so I hung out with friends until closing and a few friends came over after and watched a movie until pass out time.

Saturday was pretty mellow. I met my sister and brother in law and a couple friends in Little Italy for Carnivale, but it really only involved a couple jesters on stilts and bands playing on selected corners. You can really only hear “Volare” so many times in your life, I think, so we bailed and had dinner at the Waterfront.

After dinner it was back to home base and I spent my evening at the Ken Club. 2 of the four bands cancelled, so I only got to see Alta Voz who were releasing their CD. They are a four piece band, the singer alternating between keyboards and a synthesizer. I didn’t love them but I didn’t hate them. They were just pretty straight forward rock. I imagine if I had the disc I’d get a stronger feel for their sound, but there was nothing incredible or distinguishing for me. I will say that when the guitarist sang, as he did for a couple songs, I actually liked his voice better than the lead man. Also, I would note that I’d probably put Alta Voz on Sassy’s cute band alert. I thought the drummer looked like DeeJay from Roseanne, and my friends were in agreement.

Sunday morning, Andrea and I trekked up to Escondido for a KPRI promotion. They had tickets to some artist showcases and I was really interested in a couple of them. Unfortunately we got there late and ended up with tickets to a less desirable show, but The Colour is on the bill so I will check it out anyway. I’m trying to maneuver for the other ones, which you will hear about later this week.

After hanging out and listening for a bit to Len Rainey play some blues, I talked Andrea into margaritas at a place I’d been once before called Hacienda De Vega. It was just as amazing as I remember, you can read about it on my food blog later.

That, my friends, was the extent of my weekend. This is a big week ahead, with Pete Yorn and Aqualung, Gomez and Ben Kweller then the Cold War Kids, Kite Flying Society with Oh No, Oh My, a music showcase with The Colour, then AM and Brian Vander Ark. And that’s all before the weekend. I might as well just take a sleeping bag to the House of Blues, it seems.

See you all out on the town.

Things To Do: February 16-18, 2007

Friday, February 16, 2007:

• The Modlins (CD Release), Swim Party @ Whistle Stop
• The Prayers, The Sess, The Powerchords, The Muslims @ Ché Café ($5 Benefit for new sound system)
• Bob Schneider Band, Eliot Morris @ Belly Up
• The Screamin YeeHaws, The Bloody Hollies, The High Rollers, The Honkys @ The Zombie Lounge
• The Roman Spring, Southwest Nomadic, Divebomber @ O'Connell's
• Japanese Sunday, Archways, Pussywhipped @ The Ken Club
• Red Sparowes, Earthless, Silver Sunshine (ASTRA?) @ Casbah
• Agua Dulce, Adopted Prophets @ Winston's
• IMA Robot, Low vs. Diamond @ Beauty Bar
• Sound Tribe Sector 9 @ House of Blues
• Ithaca @ San Diego Sports Club
• 15 North, Ovals of Cassini, Entice, The Roadapples, Dopamine Chamber @ Epicentre
• Steel Pulse @ 4th & B

Saturday, February 17, 2007:

• The Vision of A Dying World, The Silent Comedy, Gayle Skidmore, Eskimo Friend @ Scolari's
• Steve Poltz, Old Man Hands @ Casbah
• Billy Midnight, Gully @ The Alibi
• The Hacienda Brothers, Bartenders Bible @ Belly Up
• Los Amigos Invisibles, Si*Se @ House of Blues
• The Exies, Fono, Daredevil Jane, Scott & Aimee @ Cane's
• Alta Voz (CD Release Party), The Fascination, Get Down to Brass Tacks, The Nurses @ Ken Club
• Cash'd Out @ Winston's
• Mr Tube and the Flying Objects, Tender Buttons @ Beauty Bar
• Brazilian Carnavale @ 4th & B
• Greg Friedman, Jane Lui, Chad Farran @ Lestat's
• My friend Adam has started a night at Kava Lounge called "Trans-Europe Express" It is described as a journey in european electronic music. From Kraftwerk to Depeche Mode, Primal Scream to Snap, Daft Punk to Basement Jaxx, Miss Kittin to Swayzak. Rare remixes. 100% European electro. Shake yo ass.
• FREE! Little Italy Carnevale 5-9p- food, vendors, entertainment
• People, Blues From A Gun @ O'Connell's

Sunday, February 18, 2007:

• Neko Case, Eric Bachmann @ Belly Up
• Writer, The Henry Clay People, Enter Telescope, Austin James Band @ Zombie
• Defiance Ohio, Punk Razors, Jehovah's Fitness, Tiltwheel, This Bike Is A Pipe Bomb @ Ché Café
• Gabriel Sundy Jazz Quartet @ Dizzy's (Sunday, February 18th, 2007. 6pm $10 Cover ($8 for Students w/ ID)
• "Digital vs Analog" w/ perf. by The Upstarts @ Beauty Bar
• Manny Cepeda @ Sogno di Vino 7-10p
• Steve Poltz, Lisa Sanders @ Lestat's
• Ould Sod Benefit for Amnesty International, $10, 4-11pm. Bands include: The Hatchet Brothers, Greg Laswell, Gully, Cindy Lee Berryhill, Brax, Saba, Harmon Tipton

Friday Newsy Bits

I haven't done "newsy bits" in a while, but I'll give it a go today.

This only means anything to a handful of people, but Mike, the proprietor of Happy Hour Bar, aka Hobo Bar, confirmed to me the other night (albeit drunk off his ass) that he is selling the bar. The first time I met him, I was curious about his bar and his story. He's owned the place for 13 years and owns a mobile home in Rosarito and plans on retiring down there. Finally he apparently has a buyer. I heard rumors that it was Tim Mays, someone even said it was Dennis Toshima. I don't know who it is, but doesn't matter, I'd pretty much say enjoy it in its current state and then you can pretty much forget about it. Mike said, "gimme 2-3 months and I am outta here." It was also clarified to me that the reason he is able to allow smoking in the joint is because he is the sole proprietor and has no employees.
*****
James, one of my favorite bands of the early and mid nineties is back together. They are playing random shows in London and plan on playing shows and putting out new material, though they are not sure in which order that will occur. You all can get off on Rage Against The Machine reuniting. I'd rather get psyched about the possible opportunity to see James live again.
*****
Local boys Republic of Letters are busy working on their EP and now you can sample a couple of their new tracks on their MySpace page here. The new tracks from their Spirit or Ghost ep are "Bridge" and "Falling Back".
*****
Indie Blogger Nation is going apeshit over SubPop band Loney, Dear which I've avoided because of the stupid name. However, I came across their video on YouTube and love it, so I'll hop on the bandwagon. Here's a video for your pleasure:


*****
In other regurgitated news, Chris Cornell has quit Audioslave. It's about time.

His statement : “Due to irresolvable personality conflicts as well as musical differences, I am permanently leaving the band Audioslave. I wish the other three members nothing but the best in all of their future endeavors."
*****
AM is an LA based singer songwriter originally from New Orleans. He carries the rare if not unique distinction of having every song from his album used in a tv or movie all before the album was ever released. He was praised as having the album of the year on iTunes in the singer/songwriter category. This is more for my KPRI readers than my music snobby friends, but AM is coming to the House of Blues sidestage next week supporting Brian Vander Ark. (February 22) Brian is the singer of The Verve Pipe, remember? Don't act like you don't know. I have the CD at home and can even picture the exact spot in which it has been in my CD rack for the last decade? Has it been that long?
Here's a video of Brian Vander Ark doing Freshman to jog your memory:


Anyhow, AM is awesome and all about meeting his fans, so go check it out. I think it's like $10 and I have a very strong suspicion that the House of Blues issues I complained about for bands do not hold true for solo acoustic artists. Isolation of their voices is what you hope for, in fact. Also, click here for a Billboard.com interview with AM. In my blogging experience, I haven't quite built up the courage to interview anybody because most interviews ask the lamest questions, but somehow, some way, this dumb broad got a job at Billboard interviewing people. Don't blame AM that she is a douche. It's so horrible its actually funny. Anyway, catch AM on his way to SXSW. I will be there and you should be too. Robert and Madison of KPRI, I should be seeing you there.
*****
That's all I've got today, really, except for this piece of advice: Don't try to cut a Hass avocado with a plastic knife. The skin doesn't break through and the reaction time to realize you're sawing off your own finger is a bit delayed...

It is going to be a GREAT weekend in San Diego.

Thursday Recap: Wine Cabana & Acid Girls @ Beauty Bar

Last night was another great night in San Diego. Granted, since I was a passenger I might've been overindulgent, but otherwise it wouldn't be worth talking about, now would it?

I started that food blog, but I'm gonna post this here, because I have found my hands down new favorite wine spot in San Diego. Bacchus was cool but pretty empty, Wine Steals is just too crowded all the time, but for me, Wine Cabana was just right. Technically last night was a singles event, but the cabanas aren't really condusive to mingling, so it's better to just go with friends, as I did. Wine Cabana is located at 2539 Congress street, right next to the cul-de-sac where you turn for Rockin Baja Lobster and just around the corner from Harney Sushi.





Last night they featured four $3 glasses of wine in addition to their regular menu which has all wines priced by the taste (a 2 1/2 oz pour), the glass (a 5 oz. pour) or the bottle. They also have wine for sale in the front of the place that you can purchase by the bottle/case and if you'd like to consume on the property you pay an $8 corkage fee. They have a small menu of standard wine bar fare, i.e. assorted cheeses, salami, paté, olives, antipasto and desserts. Some of the wine was good. Some of it resulted in this face:



All in all, it was a good time. We opted for a cabana inside, though the space appears to be a converted garage, so it can get a little cold...there are also plenty of seats at the cozy bar or in the patio couches and cabanas. I know where I'll be spending some warm summer nights, when I switch from my love of spicy reds with bite to chilled pinot grigios. And honestly, the guys there obviously love what they're doing and are super cool and without any pretense. In an "I know you from somewhere" moment, turns out the owner Keith (in picture, middle) was a bartender at Qualcomm stadium, so I knew him from the club level bars through Damien (old Jewel Box bartender), Billy (from The Waterfront) and Devlin (from the Ken Club). Sometimes I love that San Diego is so small.




After some wine, Andrea, Marie and I headed to Beauty Bar. Marie (Haddad) sang a little since some creep stole her stereo. We arrived at BB while the regular Powder Room guys were still spinning. Eventually the DJ duo, dubbed Acid Girls, played? spun? clicked? Sorry, I still really don't understand the big deal with DJs. Especially when they are using $2500 computers to play shit I was dancing to in Tijuana when I was 16. Really. It was a fun night, but I suspect that was more because of the wine flights + vodka tonics (Bryant was bartending) than the dancing/dj mix. Also spending an evening with Andrea, Marie, Ryan Orion, CatDirt and CatDirtWife is guaranteed good times. There were plenty of pictures taken, but since NOBODY ever looks good dancing, I'll just post these few.

Before I was tanked:


Acid Girls:


Apparently this chick thinks she owns the dance floor:


I would love to be at the Ché Café benefit tonight, but I hate driving north of the 8 and frankly, my Fridays require adult beverages. After dinner at Ponce's, I will be checking out the Modlins CD release party with Swim Party. I hear all the guys in Swim Party will be wearing speedos. Just kidding. After that, I'll head back to home base and close my night at the Ken Club. There really is so much going on tonight that the only person to kick if you miss it all is yourself. Loves you all, and don't forget to buy your blogger a cocktail :)

Two Degrees of Separation: Dialed In--> Rafter -> Sufjan

I am happy to say that through this lovely little blog I have met Rafter Roberts and seen him several times in various variations of Rafter Band, Bunky and playing along with some of the bands he's worked with like Castanets just this past Sunday. (Not trying to embarass you, Rafter...)

You know I try to avoid Pitchfork Media regurgitation, but labelmate Sufjan Stevens interviewed Rafter on the Asthmatic Kitty site. You can read the P-fork article here. And the actual interview here.

Yay. Shine a light on San Diego, shine a light.

Things To Do: February 15, 2007

Thursday, February 15:

• Singles Mixer @ Wine Cabana:
  The Original Cabanaboys are proudly hosting the Wine Cabana's first Singles Soiree on Thursday, February 15th. Appropriately named "LOVE STINKS!", the mixer will be held from 6:00 PM untill Closing and will feature $3 Wine Specials, Light Appetizers, and all the singles you can shake a stick at! (So to speak.)
• Visual Underground @ The Casbah feat. Goodbye Blue Monday $8
• Pete Stewart(of Accident Experment), Chris MacCarthy, Whitton, Amy Luftus @ Lestat's $6
• Todd Snider, Sara Petite@ Belly Up
• Wired All Wrong (guitarist of Beck), Wahbah, The Roman Spring @ Brick By Brick
• The Z's, Bad Dudes, Ghost Ship, Way Back From The Get Slow, Bill Wesley @ Scolari's
• Pepper, Mad Caddies, The Super Villains, Splinta @ House of Blues
• Pepper @ HoB 94/9 happy hour performance, 6pm
• Bat Makumba @ Winston's
• Acid Girls @ Beauty Bar

Wednesday Night: Kite Flying Society & Grand Ole Party @ House of Blues Sidestage, 2/14/07

I don't know if I've mentioned, but I am slinging swag for Filter Magazine around town just for the measly pittance of a magazine subscription, occasional concert tickets and CDs. So after hanging Aqualung posters all around downtown at lunchtime, and stopping by M-Theory after work, I was a little pooped. Plus, it was the Season! Finale! of Beauty and The Geek, which was awesome because nice guy Nate got to show off his Cambridge based band, So Long Princess, which is a punk band whose songs are all about Star Wars. TV rocks, sometimes.

I finally motivated and by 9:30 I was in front of the Casbah trying to sell my one ticket to Rob Crow. Being Valentine's Day and all, not many people were flying solo, so it was challenging, but with the assistance of Ben the door guy being AWE.SOME., I sold the ticket and was headed to the House of Blues by 9:53.

Having stopped by after work to investigate the Pepper thing, I knew the show would start later than scheduled because the restaurant overbooked for Valentine's Day and the side stage shows cannot start until the dinner guests are gone.

Many of my friends were there, but it quickly occurred to me, why was I so eager to dump a Rob Crow ticket? I love Kite Flying Society and I love Grand Ole Party but man, the House of Blues kills me. Happy hour being an exception ($2 pints of Peroni!), it is freakin ridiculous there. There are a couple of bartenders that I've become friends with (in that patron/bartender way) and they were busting their asses but getting a drink was still a wait. (You don't get to complain about the wait if you're one of the jerks ordering goddamn martinis, by the way) A draft pint is $6 and after 10 pm they switch from glasses to plastic cups. If you want to serve my beer in a clear plastic cup then I expect to pay $5 for all I can drink and I'll write my name on the side of my cup in a black sharpie. Otherwise, I'll take a glass, thank you. Or even one of those heavy plastic pint glasses. But a keg cup? I don't think so. Should I drink my beer with a straw, too?

More than all that, though, is the sound quality. The concert hall blows. People who show up don't shut up. The sound is only good if you're within 4 feet of the stage and dead center. The SideStage is equally as ridiculous and made a lot of people hate the Silversun Pickups before they loved them. If you went to the bathroom at any time during the sidestage show back then or last night you wonder how any band could be considered good because the speakers isolate and distort only the lead vocals. God awful is an understatement.

Kite Flying Society took to the stage just before 11 pm. They played a good set of old and new stuff and a cover of the Cure which defintely took me back to the Valentine's Day dances in junior high. The House of Blues is so on it that before they finished their set, the house music came on throughout the restaurant and bar. Ricockulous. Anyway, here's the set list and some photos:










In between bands I was so inappropriately hit on by a man that I know that I probably should've just left because it made me grumpy. A 70 something year old man telling you he wants to make love to you would make you kinda vomit in your own mouth, too. Especially when that's your best Valentine's Day offer. ew.

But I stayed. The sound made Kristin sound pitchy but as good as it could be for that venue, I suppose. The hipsters have adopted GOP, so pretty much everyone was wearing stripes or polka dots and apparently the hipsters are now allowed to dance, so they were all groovin on the music. One guy yelled out "pure rock chaos" and this girl behind me was all excited. "'Turn On, Burn On', man, that's my jam," she told her friend. Here's their set list and some photos.









Don't misunderstand...like I said, I love both bands, but maybe I should've stayed for Rob Crow.

Ron Jeremy: The Hardest (Working) Man In Showbiz

In light of this story in CityBeat about porn star Ron Jeremy, I thought I'd take a walk down memory lane. This was taken around 2001-ish.



Someone actually had the balls to ask if I hooked up with him. Ew.

Things To Do: February 14, 2007

Apologies to anyone who went to the HoB happy hour performance of Pepper. According to a couple people working at the bar it was cancelled. According to 91X interns, it never existed. If I can find my X-File e-mail, I'll find out if I made it up or it really was supposed to happen. My bad, either way. According to the House of Blues, there is supposed to be a 6 pm performance by the band tomorrow.

Wednesday, February 14:

• VD prom @ Lips
• Rob Crow, The Jade Shader, Division Day @ Casbah
• Kite Flying Society, Grand Ole Party @ House of Blues Sidestage
• The Cured, Blasphemous Rumors @ San Diego Sports Club
• Pepper, Mad Caddies, The Super Villains, Splinta @ House of Blues
• Ugandan Orphans Choir @ World Beat Center 7:30 pm FREE
• Podunk Nowhere, The Grams @ Winston's
• The Tender Box @ Beauty Bar for "The New Black"

Anti-Monday League Photos: The Muslims

Here are the last of my photos from Monday night. The Muslims are a great new San Diego band and are also playing the Ché Café benefit this Friday night.

Anti-Monday League Photos: Dynamite Walls

Dynamite Walls played the Anti Monday League on Monday. Supposedly they just signed with a major label. (Update: they are still indie and have NOT signed with any label, major or otherwise).
They had a projection screen behind them so these photos came out pretty murky.

Anti-Monday League Photos: The Vision of A Dying World

These pics are from the Anti Monday League show at the Casbah on 2/12/07.

The Vision of A Dying World played two sets in the Atari Lounge.
They are playing at the Ché Café on Friday night to raise money to purchase new sound equipment at that venue.

KPRI Private Listener Show: Michael Tiernan

These pics are from my first stop on Monday night, at the Hard Rock Café.

This is local musician Michael Tiernan:

Doing the impossible: Gomez and Cold War Kids

I bit the bullet and just spent $29 at the HoB box office for a ticket to Ben Kweller and Gomez. There are several things that need to align to make it a perfect night. Ideally Ben Kweller will start promptly at 8pm, and Gomez at 9pm, finishing by 10:30. Then I would race to my car and drive to the Casbah (swiftly avoiding Mardi Gras traffic) and finding princess parking in time to catch the end of Delta Spirit and in time for all of the Cold War Kids set. I will need my friends at the CWK to keep me updated with texts (which miraculously I do receive in the HoB). Don't expect pictures, however. I'm not that sneaky talented...

New San Diego Blog: 91X Blog in Disguise???

Today I got an e-mail from a blogger who has started a new San Diego blog. With a couple mouse clicks I find his MySpace profile and he works for ClearChannel. I'm really happy that there are a lot more local bloggers, but a little bitter that he contacted me through my blog, yet didn't blogroll my site. I also had been hearing buzz about 91X starting a blog so whether this is a commercial site disguised as a personal one, I do not know. You can judge his blog for yourself here. He has an interview with Dustin of Kite Flying Society and other cool features. A lot of it also seems to be a lot of regurgitated Stereogum and Pitchfork Media information. Do you, dear readers, want that? Or don't you already read 'gum, 'fork, and Brooklyn Vegan?? Just wondering...

(correction: Jeremy works for the company that owns 91X, Z90, and Magic 92.5, which are owned (or licensed at least) by Finest City Broadcasting, not Clearchannel as I stated. To me, it's really the same thing, considering Mike Glickenhaus, the owner, was a CC employee forever and his offices are still housed in the ClearChannel compound. Thanks to Jason for pointing out the error, but my point remains the same.)

And other than this post, he will get a link when I get a link. Neener-neener.

Valentine's Day

I skipped everything last night and opted for sleep. No wine, cheese, and dating advice. No Red Pony Clock or The Octopus Project. Just me and my dog.



But I am ready to get my ass out tonight. Guess I'm going to Rob Crow since I bought a ticket though I'm really missing out at the House of Blues sidestage for Grand Ole Party and Kite Flying Society. Kelly has a kissing booth!

Anyway, I keep gushing over Swim Party, but this time, I'm just stealing their artwork to wish all of you a happy valentine's day.

Cape May: Thems Fightin Words

In today's CityBeat:

On second thought…

This is Andre Che from Cape May. I’m writing to notify you that as of last week,
your tidbit in the gossip column [“Locals Only,” Jan. 10] about Cape May’s
breaking up was incorrect. The article, however, prompted us over the course of
the last two weeks to break up, after all.
We initially went on hiatus to
work on our separate projects and planned on resuming work in February. After
much thought and contemplation, however, I realized I could not bring myself to
go back to our contrived, watered-down blues-rock recipe that so many bands are
doing today.
We started off as an original, progressive act, then lost
ourselves while trying to sound like everyone else. Furthermore, you’d think
that any “heart and soul” rock band that was given the opportunity to tour would
choose to do so, but I guess some people would just rather stay home and take
care of their cats.
I’d like to thank Ted Wigler, Troy Johnson, Mark Sweat
and Incite Entertainment, Robert Rochin, Tim Pyles, Dryw Keltz, Chuck Schiele,
Bart Mendoza, Tim Mays and our friends and fans for a viciously great ride.
Andre Che,
Ocean Beach

Obviously he is talking about Andrew. I'd like a reply, Bern...
*****

I published this yesterday, but out of respect for a friend, I removed it. I thought I should repost and comment on a couple things. First, bands break up all the time for various reasons, if any other Cape May members would like to respond, I'd be happy to post those responses. Being kinda close to the situation, I feel like it was really stupid for Damien (Andre) to write this letter to CityBeat, but the publication was irresponsible in publishing it. The original piece in Locals Only appeared on January 10th and the letter was written approximately a week later. Any ill will or sour feelings had been, at least on the surface, mended. Now this letter has published with really bad timing and the pot has been stirred again. That's all I will say about that situation.

On a personal note, I resent the cat comment immensely. I have a small animal farm and if I have to make sacrifices for their well being it's because I'm a good person and shouldn't be faulted for it, nor should any other pet owner. If I can't take month long sabbaticals in Europe, that is my choice and my responsibility. Thirty is the new twenty, orange is the new black, and pets are the new kids. Deal.

Songs That Are Playing On Repeat In My Head

"Wasted Little DJs" - The View- This Scottish band just had to cancel a planned US tour because of immigration issues.

"Young Folks"- Peter, Bjorn and John- I've been talking about them for a while now but the US release is finally out (though Kristian had his hands on it months ago). You can listen to them on NPR's World Café here.

"Sorry"- Youth Group- Youth Group was going to play at the Casbah next month then had to cancel due to date adjustments. I am pretty bummed about this one.

"Flathead"- The Fratellis- You've heard this song on the iPod commercial. I know you have. I'm supposed to be promoting their release, so hit me up if you want stickers.

"Lovers Who Uncover"- The Little Ones - They played here a while back and a couple of them are originally from San Diego, but they've been touring Europe for a while where I guess they are huge.

"Save Yourself" The Colour - The more I listen, the more I love.

"Nature of the Experiment"- Tokyo Police Club- I've had this ep for a while now. They have skipped San Diego in their tours thus far, but will be at Coachella (where I won't be).

"Meds"- Placebo- Since 94/9 has yet to call my name, I will reveal my 3 song block that I would have played had they called me, and this was one of them. The other two would've been "Heimdalsgate Like A Promethean Curse" by of Montreal and "The Drugs Don't Work" by The Verve. I think now if they call me I'd have three different selections, but I liked the idea of a themed block for the first one. Because I'm a dork.

Things To Do: February 13, 2007

Tuesday, February 13, 2007:

• Octopus Project, Red Pony Clock, The Color Turning @ Casbah $7
• FREE! Party at Firefly (Yoga Gear Shoppe) featuring a Dating Coach (I'm so there)...free apps and cocktails. 6-9p. 928 Fort Stockton
• Common @ House of Blues
• Broke On Friday, Tropical Depression, Tygers of Wrath @ O'Connell's
• Shat, Chuck Norris Band @ Scolari's. Homeless Sexuals is supposed to play this show, but may be questionable. The other band has the most disgusting name I can't bring myself to type.
• For Days @ Beauty Bar

Coachella: Sold Out. Bonnaroo is now the buzz.

"The highly anticipated Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is sold out, festival officials announced today."

Rocco Deluca @ Hard Rock Café, Anti-Monday League- The Vision of A Dying World, The Muslims, Dynamite Walls

I apologize for not writing my recap earlier, but man, am I zonked. A 3 hour nap would be perfect right about now.

Last night was a long night. After work, I headed over to the Hard Rock Café for a KPRI private listener concert with local singer/songwriter Michael Tiernan and Rocco DeLuca. I was kinda joking in my “things to do” posting about it being super secret, because if you get the station’s e-mails, you would know about events like that. One of the station owners specifically asked that I not post about those events. In the future, I will use my own discretion, however, because the crowd was almost embarrassingly thin. Love popular music or not, KPRI has a knack for discovering artists before they make it big. Among the many private and/or exclusive shows they’ve had: James Blunt and Jason Mraz at Borders Books downtown. Corinne Bailey Ray at the W Hotel’s Beach. Rhett Miller at Border’s. G. Love at Hard Rock La Jolla. Eliot Morris at Café Sevilla (he’s opening for Bob Schneider this Friday). Gomez and Duncan Sheik among others who’ve performed on Hornblower Harbor Cruises. The station truly is independent.

So last night I was looking forward to seeing Rocco DeLuca. I forgot to read that there was an opener. I got there around 6 and had plenty of time to make friends in line since the doors didn’t open until 6:30. I got there early because I expected there to be a decent crowd. Not quite. When we were finally let in, David (whom I met in line) and I got up close to the stage area. Andrea showed up a couple minutes later and we were ready for some singer songwriter action.

First up was Michael Tiernan. I know I’ve seen him before, I definitely remember his pinstripe velvet pants. Michael had a wedding ring on and was probably the happiest singer/songwriter I’ve seen in some time. His songs sounded hopeful and loving and I kinda threw up in my mouth a little. Just kidding. I thought he was good, and his backup violinist was as well, but I guess I like to take my singer songwriters with a Prozak and a couple razor blades on hand. I’m no longer a 13 year old angsty tween, but sometimes I wanna feel like one. He was really appropriate for the KPRI audience. I was happy to see the room filling up, whether it was people who were there for the show or just passers by who were allowed in to fill up the room, I am not sure.


Rocco DeLuca has a full band, but tonight it was just him and his Dopro Steel Guitar. My impression of his music before seeing him live was in line with Howie Day or Gavin DeGraw, but after seeing him live it was clear he draws from all over the place. Someone told me they thought he was like Jeff Buckley. I try to save my Buckley comparisons, but I can surely see him being an influence, too. Sometimes the private listener shows are short, but he entertained the room with a pretty thorough set. As I hinted yesterday, Rocco is the only band signed to Ironworks Music, a label created and owned by Kiefer Sutherland. Rocco DeLuca and The Burden are also the subject of a tour documentary with the same title as their album, I Trust You To Kill Me.



Eventually the show ended and Andrea and I were off to the Casbah. We arrived while The Antiques were playing, but technically it was just one Antique, because apparently his band didn’t feel like playing in San Diego or something. I didn’t take in more than half a song, so nothing to say there.

A Vision of The Dying World played in between bands in the Atari lounge. I really love these guys and they are definitely a band that should be on your radar if you like Americana in your Rock. Or rock in your Americana.

Dynamite Walls played second on the mainstage. A lot of haters hate, but I like them, I appreciate what they do. "That's because you like Augustana," Matt said. Whatever. They've got the record deal. If the OC weren't being cancelled, I'd expect to hear a Dynamite Walls song in the background. Maybe Laguna Beach or the Hills will pick 'em up. I liked the projection show behind them when they played, too, it just seemed like a weird bill to me. But Tim Pyles is crazy like that and makes unlike bands play together. Go nuts, Tim.

The Muslims were on last and I was delirious from not having eaten since noon. I swear I'm like a groupie I've seen them 4 of the 6 times they've played. (Is that count accurate?) They're all really accessible and eager to line up shows. The show was fun and I was even dancing, kinda, up front with Dag of Two Word Name.

I took pictures, but as usual, I'm technologically handicapped so they'll be posted when I get to it. I am super tired today but ideally will end up grabbing some free cocktails,cheese and dating advice at Firefly then heading down to the Casbah for The Octopus Project. This will be my third Casbah night in a row. If Rob Crow is sold out and anyone wants to buy my will call spot, let me know. Four nights in a row is just outta control.

Tuesday Newsy Tidbits: The Clockwork Army, Buck-0-Nine, Rob Crow

There has been some debate about whether The Clockwork Army is over or not. Here's the official answer from Emily:

Basically, Scott quit the band, but I intend on
finishing the record. I mean, hell, how many chances do you get to record a
record with Pall Jenkins?! So yeah, Pall and I are finishing up the album and
I'lll worry about playing shows when that time comes. I was thinking about
changing the name to mark such a drastic change in the project, but I am still
going to continue making music.

You should've caught Emily last night at the Casbah. The Muslims are bringin it big time.
*****
Buck-O-Nine are recording a new album. You can read all about it on their MySpace blog. I was a huge fan back in the day so I'm interested to hear how the band has evolved over the years. Like ska or not, there were few shows in 1996 that could compete with a Buck-O-Nine show at the old Soma by USD.
*****
Don't forget tomorrow night Rob Crow starts his national tour here at home. I'll be there and you should be, too. According to a MySpace bulletin, the band will be featuring Travis Nelson and Manolo Turner (both of Heavy Vegetable) and Donny and Kenseth (both former Pinback back-up bandmates).
*****
Last night I was at the Hard Rock Café (more on that later) talking to Madison, the morning host from KPRI, when Jim Laslovic walks up. (I used to teach tennis to James, Jr.) He tells us that as of 6:15 Marty Shottenheimer was canned. Thinking this was huge breaking news, I excitedly text messaged several friends, only to find out that it was already all over the news. So much for feeling "in the know", but in my defense, at least I was out, not glued to my TV. So there. Daye, I'm talking to you.
*****
Not much in today's New Releases, but don't forget to get your 10% off any Insound order by entering coupon code "SXSW_Insound" good through March 16.

***

Arcade Fire: San Diego, April 26, Spreckels

UPDATE!!! From The Casbah site: Thurs Apr 26, The Arcade Fire and guests @ Spreckels Theatre 7pm All Ages Tickets on sale Sat Feb 24 at noon at all Ticketmaster outlets, Spreckels box office, and ticketmaster.com



Arcade Fire have announced tour dates and San Diego is the first stop on April 26. I just walked over to Spreckels and there is as yet, no onsale date. "The show isn't even confirmed," says the guy behind the counter.

If I'm not within the first 6 rows I will be sad. If I don't get tickets I will mug someone. Seriously.

If there is no band opening, might I suggest San Diego locals, Swim Party? They'd be a perfect fit.

Cool video, bad sound.

On how drastically different 94/9 is from 91X

91X is hosting a happy hour with Pepper on Wednesday at the House of Blues.
94/9 is hosting happy hour with Pepper on Thursday at the House of Blues.

See? 94/9 is obviously supreme. See, they get you drunk closer to the weekend so you can call in sick on Friday, and assuming you get President's Day off, turn it into a four day weekend. That's some good thinkin'.

I can't believe anyone accuses them of being alike.

by the way, does anyone like Pepper?

Things To Do: February 12, 2007

Monday, February 12, 2007:

• The Anti-Monday League: The Antiques, The Muslims, Dynamite Walls, The Vision of a Dying World(Atari Lounge) @ Casbah $5 (The Clockwork Army has officially broken up, The Muslims are playing instead)
• The Roots, Lupe Fiasco @ House of Blues
• Super-secret band playing for a super secret radio station at a super secret place. I'll blog about it Tuesday. I have space for a plus one, but you have to be downtown before 6:30. Let me know if you're interested. hint: the band is the only band signed to the label created by the star of "24"
• CItyBeat Makeover night @ Air Conditioned Lounge. You might remember I nominated myself for this competition, but I am officially changing my mind. The "professionals" involved include tanning salon proprietors, something I stand firmly against for myself. So thanks, but no thanks.
• Lady Dottie and The Diamonds @ Tower Bar