My Ideas For New Monthly Band/Club Nights in San Diego CA.

Here are three new ideas I've generated for club nights around town.

1. NEW MEAT: This is a early/mid week show- tuesday or wednesday. The idea here is to put together a three band bill all bands who are playing their first show in the downtown San Diego area. This night is designed to take advantage of the fact that many traveling bands want to book shows here, but are coming through on a Tuesday and Wednesday AS WELL as the fact that San Diego has no shortage of new bands that are hungry to play a gig. The advertising/brand idea can be described as "Pornography" i.e. the flyers/posters would feature pornographic images and be printed on glossy, high-resolution posters. This would be a good night for a venue with good walk-by traffic. Soda Bar, perhaps.

2. MUSIC FOR OLD FOLKS: This is another early in the week (tues/wed) show that would be in the vein of a "matinee"- early doors and show at 6-7, or 7-8. This show would only involve two acts, acts would tend to be on the softer/indier side of things. The idea here is to draw older professionals and younger parents who don't like anything about the San Diego club scene, but still have an active interest in new music. Emphasis would be on local acts.

3. ONE NIGHT STAND: This would be a more "prime time" recurring event that would feature a better known local San Diego act playing multiple, lengthy sets involving covers, b-sides etc. Possibly to be done in conjunction with an in house recording and subsequent distribution on the internet (rights retained by the band.) This would be a good opportunity for better known acts to 1) do something different 2) make some money (one band, higher ticket price, thurs/fri/sat booking.)

Please note these are all monthly events, not weekly or bi-weekly. Again, please do not use any of these ideas for your venue without obtaining permission from me.

There Are Many New-ish Venues for Indie Music in San Diego, CA.

1. The Marquee (835 25th St., San Diego, CA 92102) (Myspace) This is that recently revived church that opened up across the street from 7-11 in Golden Hill. They friend invited me on Myspace and I said, "What denomination are you?" They referred me to their website. I still can't figure out what, if any denomination they are affiliated with, which is important since you never know if Christians are the cool type (Unitarians, Lutherans, Catholics) or the totally uncool type (born-agains, snake handlers, crazy cults that masquerade as Christians.) Anyone been? They are actively booking shows, and amazingly enough I haven't heard of a single act on their schedule, which probably means they are Christian acts.


2. The Boat House (2939 Monroe Ave, near 30th) North Park house party venue from the looks of "street view" in Google Maps. Has the multi-faceted paws of Jackson "Action Jackson" Milgaten all over it.

3. Hensley's Flying Elephant (850 Tamarack Ave (at I-5) Carlsbad, CA 92008): North County venue owned by former pro-skater. The Yelps are mixed but we all know (and I'm married to a nor county native) that they mostly a bunch of rubes up there. If you're looking to book a show here, send an email to carlsbadpub (AT.) gmail.com.

4. Bondi, that lame Australian restaurant in the Gas lamp, is apparently booking shows now. Tip: Bring your flat bill hat and affliction t-shirt and the ladies will love you, douche bag. Hopefully I can go my entire life without eating here.

5. Soda Bar: I think this the obvious pick for the "new" venue (formerly Chasers) that has made the biggest impact in terms of Local Music. Their line-up has all the hallmarks of a well considered attempt to establish a beach head in San Diego music booking by working with local (mostly rock) music acts. Most notably, I saw Grand Ole Party played a SXSW warm up there. It's in North Park on the 30th st strip (Pink Elephant, U31, The Office). If I was an out of town band looking to book San Diego with no prior contacts I would likely start here.

6. Radio Room: Another venue that stretches the "new" label, this is the former Zombie Lounge, which I really hated, but had it's following among the metal/noise/horrorbilly crowd. Zeke, from Another Zeke Productions, is handling the booking. He's been around at least as long as I have, probably longer, actively booking shows. Another good starting point for the out of town band looking to set up that tuesday night San Diego show.

7. The Royal Dive (2949 San Luis Rey Rd Oceanside, CA 92058) This is long-time San Diego reader writer/editor Ken Leighton's new place. Another entrant in the North County venue derby. God knows they need something other then jumping turtle up there.

8. The Loft- (UCSD) multi-purpose venues that books some decent mid-level indie acts (most recently Dan Deacon and Wavves) along with some movies and dance(!) I love contemporary dance. Seems like a nice venue, if you can book it. Good luck with that.

So there are 8 San Diego area venues to put in the ol' rolodex. I'm interested in reader takes on Soda Bar and The Loft. Now when I get this question in my in box I can just cut and paste this post and look like a good guy.

Naked Guy Getting Tased at Coachella (video)

Naked Wizard Tased By Reality from Tracy Anderson on Vimeo.

The headline to the story I found this video in was "Naked Wizard Tased at Coachella." I saw the end of this. Not pretty. Wow. His penis is really small.

Event Preview: The Stay Classy Elemental Experience @ Mission Bay w/ Matisyahu!!!

Thanks It's Too Sunny...

EVENT NAME: The Stay Classy Elemental Experience
EVENT LOCATION: "Mission Bay"
ARTISTS: Matisyahu, Mason Jennings, Pinback, Bassnectar,Dirty Sweet, Pete and J, Jay Nash
COST: $40
DATE: May 2nd, 2009

I stole that poster image from It's Too Sunny Out Here, so thanks. This is an event that's going on May 2nd, 2009 in Mission Bay. What an appealing mix of local and, um, national artists. Matisyahu. Been a while since I've heard from him, though by blissfully ignorant state was interrupted by Dialed In's post about the new Matisyahu/Crystal Method single. Rosey didn't publish my comment on that. Oh well. You can purchase tickets here. All you Matisyahu fans you're on notice- I don't want to hear any bitching and moaning at the Organic Food Collective if you miss this.

Here's a pdf map of the venue. It's right next to the Mission Bay Public Golf Course. Take N. Mission Bay Drive then hang a right on De Anza. If you drive past the golf course you missed it! Mission Bay and Matisyahu- they both start with the letter "M"!

Crocodiles/Stereogum Band to Watch Feature/Commenter Hilarity

Back in February, the Stereogum corporate entity named the Crocodiles a "Band to Watch." As expected, Stereogum brand commenting hilarity ensued, and in fact, continues to this day, with a comment left 4/23/09.

Among the funnier bits:
1. Crocodiles accused of stealing money from bands in Richmond, VA. Later cleared up by accuser and Crocodiles exonerated.
2. Someone called Wavves a "poser." How is that even possible?
3. San Diego hater chimes in with patented brand of San Diego local hate.

Can I make an observation here? Any band that makes it out the scrum that is the indie San Diego scene deserves every piece of money/fame/attention/viability that they get because, and I mean this in the nicest possible way, a lot of hating goes on in this town. I've been as guilty as anyone. And I regret it. I regret all the hating. I want to personally apologize to Shark Attack. That whole thing was uncalled for.

Also, it's funny that the Crocs were pretty much ignored here and then they end up on the cover of the New York Times and get signed to Fat Possum. Ha-ha.

Also, I know them personally and have advised them both and however they may come off in the club environment, they are nice, personable, thoughtful guys who are hard workers and more together then 99.5% of the local musicians in this town and they deserve all the pub they get. The record drops in May. Can't wait!!!

CROCODILES- BAND TO WATCH

CD Review: The Juan MacLean "The Future Will Come"

CD REVIEW
ARTIST: THE JUAN MACLEAN
TITLE: THE FUTURE WILL COME
LABEL: DFA (No astralwerks this time?)
RELEASE DATE: APRIL, 14th, 2009

I didn't know this record had been released, but the ITunes genius bar sure did. Gee Itunes Genius bar- how could you know that I would want this record? Is it the fact that I listen to "Less Than Human" on a regular basis? The fact that I made it through that entire 3 disc DFA comp that came out a few years back? The general proliferation of electronic music in my library?



"The Future Will Come" is their first full length since the well received debut record. (that came out in 2005!) Where "Less Than Human" found Mr. MacLean in exuberant break-out mode, "The Future Will Come" is a more introspective, somber affair. The album is heavy on back and forth duets between Maclean and Nancy Whang. (pictured above) Sometimes this combination works, sometimes it makes for some awkward listening. The over-all mood is somber, fitting with the times. The emphasis is on relationships, again, kind of a drag in the context of electronic music, but given the history of experimentalism at DFA, it's completely understandable.

Where as the last record sounded like organic house music (Hello, it's DFA we're talking about here) the arrangements on Future sound more like early Detroit techno. If anything, this record is less accessible then "Less Than Human" and so it's unlikely to catapult Juan MacLean into the dance/rock stratosphere, but I'm sure he's cool with that.

They will be hitting town on June 3rd, 2009- playing the Casbah- yay. I'm pretty sure I suffered through their last show in San Diego at the House of Blues. Mark that Casbah date on your calendar. It should be a fun show. I literally just added that show to my calendar. You should buy tickets before hand for that show.

Luigi's Corner - Looks like fun but perhaps is a little off

Michael Jackson's Toy Collection

Sebastien Tellier

Ah, Cologne/Koln, Germany (my German side of the family is in Koln). Cologne/Koln is a very cool city, towered over by a huge black, sooty gothic cathedral - the area is known for its "crazy" celebration of "Carneval" each year - we've had to sit for hours with my German family drinking sweet white wine and watching videos from the "crazy" carnival, which seems to be presided over by lots of large germans in expensive costumes involving hats, wigs and suspenders. On one insanely hilarious pre-designated day during the Carneval, the women have the run of the town and can cut off the tie of any man they meet in the street!! what a party!! Also, the people of Koln are known for their regional kolsch beer - like Lion - which they serve in tiny 0.2 liter glasses - scott and I first scoffed at the small glasses - but after each of my family members downed 12 or 13 glasses a piece in 15 minutes and scott and i were still working on beer number 8 and silently conspiring on how to escape the bonding ritual which was quickly disintegrating into the type of night which always ends with you agreeing to eat one of their regional dishes involving lower intestine.

Koln is synonymous with Kompact records and Michael Mayer, Superpitcher, R. Voigt...





So - hearing our first introduction to sebastien tellier, la ritournelle, from superpitcher's today as the last song during his coachella set was pretty amazing -




it made me appreciate Coachella again.

CatDirt Returns?

If you stopped reading this blog months ago, like I did, and inadvertently stumbled back upon it in the last few days, you've prob. thought, what the hell, this isn't boring coverage of the minutiae of CatDirt's interests...there's actually music coverage....yes, it appears that CatDirt has returned, to no fanfare and little more than perhaps a sardonic eyebrow lift and related shrug. what has caused this return mr. dirt?

The Sounds Are Back w/ New Album; Opening for No Doubt on US Stadium Tour

I remember seeing the Sounds at freaking RICH'S in Hillcrest in like 2004? Yes, that Rich's. You may recall: Swedish, female lead singer, infectious new wave pop hooks?


They have a new record due this summer June 2nd, 2009- it's called "Crossing the Rubicon."

Here is an mp3 from that record so you can see what the Sounds have been up to (hint: it sounds like the band sounded on the last record) DORCHESTER HOTEL THE SOUNDS MP3(YSI)

Oh and here's another angle- they're supporting No Doubt on their 2009 "our bassist is broke" Stadium tour. They play San Diego area on May 22nd, at the Cricket Wireless Ampitheater- but as I carefully study the dates for the Sounds, San Diego doesn't appear, so who knows if they'll be opening that show or not. Seems weird that they wouldn't be on that show.

Luckily, San Diegans can catch them at what is sure to be a triumphant 4 night stand at the Verizon Wireless Ampitheater in Irvine, CA.; July 31st through August 4th, 2009. Also- No Doubt announced a stadium tour? When did that happen?

I can't wait to hear all the blind items that spin off of that No Doubt tour.

CD Review: Asher Roth "Asleep in the Bread Aisle"

CD Review
Asher Roth
"Asleep in the Bread Aisle"
Universal/Motown
Release Date: 4/21/09

"Universal/Motown" that has a ring to it, doesn't it? This review is basically a front for me to tell the following anecdote that is literally my only encounter with Asher Roth to this point, having not heard the ubiquitous"I Love College" single itself or read/seen anything about Asher Roth, other then this one story:

About six weeks ago my wife and I were hanging out with some friends- friends from work- they are about our age, have two young children, both professionals. These two ARE NOT music people. As in: Their radio pre-sets contain no music stations (NPR, talk radio, sports radio). As in: Their cd collection has remained unchanged since their days attending a private southern California college complex east of Los Angeles. As in: Have given bands I've worked with actual advice like, "Play covers! People like to hear songs they recognize." Great people; not music people.

So we were hanging out at their house, because they have two babies and can't go anywhere and do anything fun, and the wife/mom/friend starts humming this little rap ditty and I'm like, "What's that?" and she goes, "Oh-haven't you heard I Love College by Asher Roth? My husband and I have been listening to it non stop for weeks on our ipods." Other then the aforementioned "play covers" advice, this is the first music related convo I've had with them in three years. About Asher Roth.


All of which goes to say, music can be interesting but not good. How is it possible that my friends know the Asher Roth song? There is evil genius in the above story. The genius of managing to get two people who basically listen to no music but baby music to become aware of the single for a record that doesn't drop for another six weeks.

I'm impressed by that achievement, even if I find Asher Roth despicable. And I do. This album is a big fat brown turd and I wish I could have the minutes of my life back. Less a guilty pleasure then... how do you say it... a guilty shame? Yes. You should actually be ashamed of yourself if you buy this record.

Show Review: Bang Camaro, Leslie & Die Sabotage

Show Review
Bang Camaro (Boston/LA)
Leslie (S. Carolina)
Die Sabotage (North County SD)
@ The Casbah April 21st, 2009

Actually I missed the quiet still-ness of a slow Tuesday/Wednesday night show at the Casbah during my year long absence from live music. Die Sabotage, the opening act, are a local five piece (drummer, singer, two guitarists and bassist) from the wilds of north county. When I say "wilds" I'm not kidding- the lead guitarist played in an outfit consisting of an unbuttoned flannel shirt, pants and... no shoes! Rocking the Casbah barefoot, that's metal. Die Sabotage featured some excellent lead guitar work. (the barefoot guitarist.) The sound is somewhere between late 70s rock/punk and 80s glam/metal. (DIE SABOTAGE MYSPACE)



The tour support band was Leslie, of Charleston, South Carolina. They announced from the stage that this was their first trip to Californa. (ever? or as a band?) They were a three piece: guitar, bass, drums- guitarist sang. The sound was southern rock/light metal- not a mix I typically hear outside of classic rock radio. As is perhaps not entirely clear from the accompanying photo, the singer and bassist both have a distinctive "look" that certain segments of the female population likely find appealing. They def. have the posturing down. Judging from their myspace bio, they are plenty hard working. It seemed to me like this is music that large portions of our country might actually really like. None of their songs clocked in at under 7 minutes. (LESLIE MYSPACE)

Headliners Bang Camaro brought a chorus of 8 singers to back up their anthemic metal riffs. The chorus style singing brought to mind artier acts like Polyphonic Spree and Acid Mothers Temple. That's funny, because this band plays music that is literally a distilliation of 70s arena rock- 70s arena rock with a chorus- oh Boston music scene, what will you think of next? (Bang Camaro Myspace)\

All three of these bands were examples of bands where a manager might say, "Hey- you guys will probably do better licensing your music to video games and beer commercials then selling cd's." With Bang Camaro, they actually did license their music to Rock Star II. With Leslie, I could see them being in a Budweiser ad or something. Die Sabotage needs some work, but same thing there.

Nowadays you can't ignore the significance of genre rock acts to draw interest and attention. Specifically: metal and hardcore bands continue to sell records and play shows. I was hoping we might see some of San Diego's own faux-southern rockers out to see Leslie, but no. Shame. They might have learned something about southern rock.

Evan Voytas is the Jam; Releasing Record; Playing Echo, Etc.

Evan Voytas: Tour with Wavves?


Seriously check out this MP3 on Inflight at Night.

Fans of Dance Rock, LCD Soundsystem, MGMT. Oh man.

Album drops May 5th on PolyMono Op, an LA based record label I have never heard of. (EVAN VOYTAS FACEBOOK)

Show at the Echo Curio is April 24th, 2009. Will be looking to In Flight for the show review?

U.S. Supreme Court Limits Car Searches Incident to Arrest

Huge victory today for the fourth amendment limit on warrant less vehicle searches after arrest in the United States Supreme Court decision issued in U.S. v. Gant.

Here is a tip for all those cops out there- here is what not to say when the defense attorney asks you WHY you searched the guy's cars after arresting him, "Because the law says we can do it." Ho-ho-ho my friend- you are just asking for it.

Here this crucial fact was that Gant's car was searched AFTER he had been arrested, hand-cuffed and placed in the back of a patrol car. This is what the Supreme Court is saying violates the Fourth Amendment.

"Countless individuals guilty of nothing more then a traffic violation have had... their constitutional rights violated." HELLS YEAH!!! This shit comes up EVERY DAY in San Diego cases. EVERY DAY.

(ARIZONA V. GANT OPINION)

Tonight at the Casbah: Bang Camaro

Bang Camaro bring the Guitar Hero Rock

TONIGHT AT THE CASBAH
Bang Camaro
Leslie
Die Sabotage
$10

Let's talk about venues for a second. You know what makes people not a fan of an indie band? Seeing them in a venue with shitty sound. What a buzz kill. Bands- you are short-circuiting any chance you have at success by playing venues with shitty sound, even if you are just trying to get gigs. Here's my thought- instead of playing shows at venues with shitty sound, spend that time practicing and recording your first record- and- here's the kicker: try going to shows instead of playing at them. You can network just the same (important) AND you can let some other band grapple with the shitty sound system that will make people ignore and/or hate whoever is actually playing.

That's one reason I like the Casbah- the sound is always decent. That brings us to "tonight at the casbah." Tonight the headliner is (formerly?) Boston based "arena rock" super group Bang Camaro. (Bang Camaro Myspace)

They are arena rock but they are indie, irony-conscious arena rock. (Bang Camaro Wiki) They are known for their energetic live show, their placement in guitar hero (ick) and using a chorus of singers. (a la Polyphonic Spree?) At any rate, they rank about 11 on a scale of 1 to 10 in the novelty department, and tickets are only $10. (CASBAH BUY TICKETS)

Finally, they look like they put on a fun, energetic live show.


Bang Camaro is touring in support of their latest record (released January 2009) called, appropriately, Bang Camaro II, because it's their second record. It's available at Amazon.com, where it is parked in the mid 30,000 in sales rank. (AMAZON BUY RECORD)

Their supporting act is Charleston, South Carolina based rockers Leslie. (LESLIE MYSPACE) They look like seasoned rocking pros and their myspace lead track sound like Gimmie Shelter by the Rolling Stones. Ain't nothing wrong with that.

Locals Die Sabotage are opening. (DIE SABOTAGE MYSPACE) Looks like that they've got an ep that was finished in September, 2008, pending release. They have a 70s punk rock/glam rock vibe. Ho-ho I've been down that road before. LA rock industry types might dig this band. Doesn't look like they have a label or management. Based on what I'm listening to on myspace it sounds like they need some glossy production.

CD Review: Cage the Elephant S/T

ALBUM DETAILS
CAGE THE ELEPHANT S/T
Jive Records
Physical Release Date: 4/21/09; Itunes now.
Upcoming San Diego area show: 91X Presents Cage The Elephant @ House of Blues Delta Room on April 18th, 2009 (SOLD OUT)

My prejudice against "major labels" and "corporate rock" is gone. Something I realize is that the music business is hard for everyone. The "majors" as well as entities like Live Nation and Clear Channel are just trying to make a living like everyone else. They are more succesful typically, but no one has a secure position.

Also, by studying bands on major labels, you can observe how the biggest players are rolling with the punches. Take, as an example, the forth coming debut record from Bowling Green, Kentucky's Cage the Elephant.

USEFUL FACTS ABOUT CAGE THE ELEPHANT
1. First released record in UK.
2. Album sounds like: "G-Love + 311 + Red Hot Chili Peppers+ Delta Spirit"
3. Album is top ten in I Tunes "Rock" category. (VICARIOUS MUSIC BLOG)
4. Managed by Q Prime.
5. Record produced by Jay Joyce (other credits: Pulp Fiction soundtrack.)
6. Played Coachella 2009 Festival


So this record was sitting on my desk when I got back from Coachella (thanks Jive!) I'll be honest that I was surprised to find that Jive Records has an alt-rock band. Then I opened the record and observed that they are managed by Q Prime records and I thought, well, I guess that makes sense.

Then I listened to the record straight through. I noticed first and foremost, the slick, radio friendly production of Jay Joyce. (Discography) Literally every track sounds like an alt rock/mainstream rock radio hit. I felt like the songs were produced in such a way that audio cues were almost placed within the tracks to remind the listener of bands like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, 311 and G Love and Special Sauce, for three.

The single, "Ain't No Rest for the Wicked" sounds like G Love and Special Sauce, specifically. I would imagine this would be one of these songs where the radio station plays it and people call in and say "Haven't heard that song before? Is that G Love?" And then the radio station says, "No- actually it's Cage the Elephant."


Cage the Elephant illustrates the importance of having a management firm like Q Prime at your back- literally the first time I heard of this band, they had sprung, fully formed, from the head of Jive Records, like Shiva from the Head of Vishnu. That's good work by Q Prime. One of the lessons of the internet era music scene is to avoid attention fatigue. You don't want to necessarily put a ton of management/record label related work into a band that has already caught a buzz. You want stake holders- radio stations, press publications to feel special, like they are in control.

What I liked about this record is what it isn't: i.e. pop-punk, screamo. It's hard not to admire the production- so radio friendly, so what industry professionals want to hear.

Show Review: Coachella 2009

I was not especially looking forward to Coachella 2009. Not a single headliner I wanted to see(except, embarrassingly, the Killers- I know, I know, but I really do enjoy listening to their music.) Out of the entire line-up there were perhaps five artists I wanted to see? A perennial problem I have at Coachella is that some bands play during the day, when it's hot. I'm not saying I won't do it, but if I'm only casually interested in a band, as is often the case for the day time acts, it is unlikely to happen. For me, the best part of Coachella is the house/pool scene.

FRIDAY: Got to the show at about 7 PM- I know this because I had to cringe my way past the opening chords of Franz Ferdinand. Saw Crystal Castles, which is one of those bands I have scrupulously avoided even though I know the formula (screamy girl singer + 8 bit sounds) is something I would enjoy. They had the Sahara tent going. They are from Canada? That was a theme for me. Ate food and listened to boring Leonard Cohen. Outdoor Theater was an indie-nightmare (See Fleet Foxes.) Highlight: Hearing that song from the Natural Born Killers sound track, which shows you both how old I am AND how little I care about the music of Leonard Cohen.

Girl Talk in the Sahara tent was a poor-sounding disappointment. Whatever magic Girl Talk has live was dissipated by the size of the venue and the FACT that lap top music doesn't translate well in big-tent/arena type venues. Something about the compression of the audio, I would imagine.

Made VIP chit-chat with Tim Pyles & Tim Mays during Morrisey. Waiting for Genghis Tron we saw the delightful A Place to Bury Strangers: think My Bloody Valentine, Interpol.

Highlight of Friday was Genghis Tron: Thunderous screamy hard core with Ratatat style electronic keyboards/organs. Charismatic, energetic lead singer. Bought the record. There were maybe five hundred people there. I have included a photograph I took just moments before the set began, which show you how few people were there. Pretty awesome.

Genghis Tron at Coachella 2009

Left to strains of "Wings" era Paul McCartney. Sorry. No.

SATURDAY: Um, I didn't see a single band on Saturday. What a fucking nightmare.

SUNDAY: Got there at 130 PM to see SUPERMAYER. Let me just throw out the fact that I would pay $35-40 to see them in a club in San Diego/Los Angeles/San Francisco- I'd buy multiple tickets, go with my friends, etc. If any booking people are reading up and pondering whether to book them in one of those markets. Barry Weaver. Friendly Fires was a much-anticipated act and their Dancey-Rock really set the crowd on fire, recalling earlier performances by !!!. Coachella is the place to go to sell your brand of Anglo dance rock to the U.S. audience. If you're looking to break one of these foreign dance rock bands: Sunday afternoon slot at Coachella. Fellas, this band will get you laid.

FUCKED UP is a hardcore/post-hardcore act from Toronto (Canadian alert!) They've been around since 2002 but Matador signed them in 2008 (and they only put out 7"s for four years) so this was kind of like seeing a legendary genre act in an unusual environment. I've been listening to the Matador Record- which is a comp. of their earlier output basically(?) and it has held my interest though often in the form of "What the fucking fuck, do I really have time for this 9 minute track of ambient noise. I also confuse them with Fuck Buttons, but after seeing the live show that will never happen again.

Probably the best single performance at Coachella (and this includes all the artists I didn't see, but about whose performances I've read about) this year was by French electro impressario Sebastian Tellier. Holy cow did he bring the fucking thunder. This guy is amazing- CDW said, "He is like Serge Gainsbourg." This was literally the only band that Josh SESAC wanted to see. Some observations from this set:
1. He brought a look alike roady with him- dressed the same, same facial hair, etc.
2. He proclaimed that the second song was about his "bisexuality." Incredible.
3. Ended the set- and this is a one hour set- with a 15 minute free jazz key board jam that was actually really good.
I was really impressed with the performance.

Here are my take-away bullet points from Coachella 2009:
1. In: Noise rock, hard core, indie-folk
Out: trance dj's, alt rock, metal
2. Please do something about the outdoor theater sound bleed through.
3. Never book the Thievery Corporation again.

Show Review: Wavves @ the Echo (4/15/09)

First of all, Wavves sold out the Echo. Wow. I'll be the first to admit that I totally slept on Wavves, but given his grand total of two shows in San Diego, can you blame me? Yes, I know he was in Fantastic Magic.

Before I went to the show I'd had the first record in my ipod for a month or so. Didn't make much of an impression, but you know, 8.1 on Pitchfork. I mean, fuck, right?

Based on what I'd heard from people who had seen him and from what was on the record, I expected a kid with a guitar and a ipod back up, a lot of noise and feedback and vocals that I couldn't understand. Instead, I heard a very accessible two-piece act (singer/guitar, drums) with solid musicianship and catchy songs.

And did I mention he sold out the Echo on the Wednesday night before Coachella? And that he's 20 years old? He's got the new record on Fat Possum, and he's touring Europe this summer. Incredible.

Wavves success leads me to ask the question, "Why even bother with the local music scene?" And I will be answering that question in oblique fashion over the next several months- let's call it a summer project. My thinking on this subject has evolved considerably since I stopped blogging about music.

So congratulations to Wavves on his success! And if you need any legal advice I'm here...

Oh- and he's got a blog. (GHOST RAMP)