Sara Lov 12/08/09 - The Hotel Cafe, Hollywood, CA.

(Photo by Jeff Koga)

Apologies for the lack of posting recently - this has been a busy time of the year for us, and thus little free time = lack of going to shows and entries about them. However, a couple of weeks ago we were able to sneak out and see Sara Lov's last show of the year at The Hotel Cafe. We have posted about Sara Lov before, which was a short acoustic set from awhile back earlier this year.

This particular show was a full band one - and as noted by Ms. Lov during the show, with live musicians versus the phonograph with a recorded backing band on vinyl she used while on tour with Sea Wolf recently. Setlist consisted mostly of material from her solo debut full-length Seasoned Eyes Were Beaming, along with a cover of Air Supply's "All Out Of Love" (which she promised the audience would be a "dairy-free version")that was first posted on her myspace page. All in all, a nice little performance from Sara Lov.

1.) Seasoned Eyes Were Beaming FLAC MP3
2.) Just Beneath The Chords FLAC MP3
3.) Tell Me How FLAC MP3
4.) A Thousand Bees FLAC MP3
5.) All Out Of Love (Air Supply cover) FLAC MP3
6.) Frankie FLAC MP3
7.) Touched FLAC MP3
8.) New York FLAC MP3
9.) Fountain FLAC MP3
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The Chapin Sisters 3/07/09 - Synchronicity, Los Angeles, CA.

(Photo by Katherine Levin, courtesy of thechapinsisters.com)

Earlier this year, The Chapin Sisters performed at Synchronicity Gallery, sharing the bill with the previously-posted Artichoke Heart Souffle. In a way, I sort of forgot about this show, probably because sometimes I can get lazy when it comes to setlist identification of artists I don't know much about. Listening back, it was a nice little acoustic performance, performed partially unamplified. (which means it may be on the quiet side sound-wise)

1.) Sweet Light FLAC MP3
2.) Let Me Go FLAC MP3
3.) Happy Birthday* (to Fuzzy) FLAC MP3
4.) Wash Away FLAC MP3
5.) Kill Me Now FLAC MP3
6.) I Can Feel FLAC MP3
7.) Shady River FLAC MP3
8.) Digging A Hole FLAC MP3
9.) Palm Tree FLAC MP3
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Imogen Heap 11/09/09 - The Music Box @ The Fonda, Hollywood, CA.

(Update 12/03/09: Recording has been temporarily removed due to a "DMCA {Digital Millennium Copyright Act} complaint. Until/if it's resolved, the show is only available by special request only)

Last week, Imogen Heap played the first stop of her first U.S. tour (supporting the release of her new cd "Ellipse") at the The Music Box @ The Fonda in Hollywood. Originally, this show was supposed to be the second stop - the first was to be the night before in Santa Barbara; however, Ms. Heap was feeling under the weather and the show was postponed/canceled. We of course are no strangers to Imogen Heap - an older performance of hers was posted here last July.

Anyway, oddly enough I almost ended up not attending this show. The morning of the performance, Ms. Heap tweeted that "my voice is like gravel but I'm giving tonight's LA show a shot for those wondering to make the journey or not. So unfair! Sorry LA :(" Needless to say, I wasn't feeling very enthusiastic about going upon reading this news - I already wasn't in the mood to go due to work and other things. However, I didn't really wish to eat the price of the ticket, so I went down to the theatre, with the intention of perhaps trying to sell the ticket to someone who might be in need of one. As it turned, the only people looking to buy were the usual scalpers (who, as time goes on become more and more recognizable - seriously, you're not fooling anyone guys)

So, with no ticket buyers in sight, I ended up staying and attending the show. Which turned out to be a good thing, as Ms. Heap sounded much better than I thought she would, and ended up playing for almost two hours. Naturally, the setlist included most of songs from "Ellipse" (with the exception of "Earth" and "The Fire") and favorites from "Speak For Yourself" such as "Headlock", "Just For Now," and "Hide and Seek."

Like most Imogen Heap shows, sound levels are extreme. This recording tends toward the average sound - I ended up stuck in an less-than-desirable sounding area of the room, so this could have sounded better, but oh well. Crowd got loud between songs (this was the first and seemingly quickest show on the tour to sell out, so there were a lot of fans in the house)

Agent Ribbons 11/07/09 - American Legion Hall Post 206 Highland Park, Los Angeles, CA.

Earlier this month, Agent Ribbons performed at the American Legion Hall Post 206 in Highland Park as part of their recently-wrapped U.S. tour. We of course are no strangers to the Sacramento-based Agent Ribbons, having posted about them back in June. They were part of a night that was a well-curated line-up that included Los Angeles's Kissing Cousins, Birds & Batteries (San Francisco), and Rademacher (Fresno and Los Angeles) (and one that almost seems to span almost most of the state of California, heh)

Like back in June, Agent Ribbons played as a duo (they added a violinist awhile back, but she wasn't present for this show), and the setlist included many of the same old and newer songs played. What was different though was the addition of a "very brand new song" "I'm Alright," and a live version of "That's Not Edgar's Heart," which was from the 7-inch vinyl release "Agent Ribbons and the Star-Crossed Doppleganger". All in all, a very good show.

1.) The World Is A Cigarette FLAC MP3
2.) Boy With The Wooden Lips FLAC MP3
3.) Grey Gardens FLAC MP3
4.) Birds and Bees FLAC MP3
5.) I'm Alright FLAC MP3
6.) That's Not Edgar's Heart FLAC MP3
7.) Your Hands My Hands FLAC MP3
8.) Chelsea, Let's Go Join The Circus FLAC MP3
9.) Wood Lead Rubber FLAC MP3
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Sondre Lerche 10/30/07 - Amoeba Music, Hollywood, CA.

From the archives.

Awhile back, we posted an older in-store performance of Sondre Lerche's. Now, we are presenting another one; only this show is a little newer and was promoting different albums of his. Unlike the previous one however, this was a solo acoustic show at the infamously huge Amoeba Records in Hollywood.

At the time, Sondre Lerche had recently released two albums in close tandem with each other - Phantom Punch and the soundtrack to the film Dan In Real Life. . The setlist for this show of course reflects that - "Say It All" and "Tragic Mirror" from the former, and "To Be Surprised" and "My Hands Are Shaking" from the latter. ("Airport Taxi Reception" appeared on both albums) Throw in a couple of older tunes (from his first full-length album Faces Down) and you have a nice little list of songs.

1.) To Be Surprised FLAC MP3
2.) My Hands Are Shaking FLAC MP3
3.) Say It All FLAC MP3
4.) Tragic Mirror FLAC MP3
5.) Airport Taxi Reception FLAC MP3
6.) You Know So Well FLAC MP3
7.) Modern Nature FLAC MP3
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The Karabal Nightlife 10/27/09 - The Echo, Los Angeles, CA. (all T-Rex cover set)

(Photo by Jeff Koga)

Last week, The Karabal Nightlife performed a set of cover songs by T-Rex at The Echo, as part of a night featuring four different Los Angeles-based bands performing as different classic rock bands. Not being familiar with T-Rex's music, I didn't really know what to expect. However, I had heard of The Karabal Nightlife before, and was curious to see them play (even if it wasn't their own material)

As mentioned previous, while I wasn't familiar with the songs being covered, this set was a good way to kick off the evening. As said at Radio Free Silverlake, the band did "a scary and accurate resurrection of the popular glam rockers" even though "Marc Bolan (lead singer)...had been dead for over 30 years." "The audience ate it up and enthusiastically urged the band on." Short, but fun set.

1.) Mambo Sun MP3
2.) Rabbit Fighter MP3
3.) Dandy In The Underworld MP3
4.) Electric Warrior MP3
5.) Children of the Revolution MP3
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FLAC (lossless) files available upon request (by e-mail)

The Flying Tourbillon Orchestra 10/27/09 - The Echo, Los Angeles, CA. (mostly Fleetwood Mac cover set)

(Photo by Jeff Koga)

Last week, The Flying Tourbillon Orchestra performed a cover set of songs by Fleetwood Mac at The Echo, as part of a night featuring four different Los Angeles-based bands performing as different classic rock bands. In contrast, earlier this year we posted a set of cover songs of other bands of L.A. performed by this band (as part of Radio Free Silverlake's "Undercovered" night) Being somewhat familiar with most of Fleetwood Mac's greatest hits, I was curious to see how this would sound.

Their set did not disappoint - if anything, The Flying Tourbillon Orchestra's versions of these songs sounded better than the originals. Highlights were "Say You Love Me," "Rhiannon," and "Little Lies." The only song I wasn't familiar with was "Tusk," which was performed with a mini marching band/brass section.

Vocals were a little low in the mix, but don't let that stop you from downloading this show.

1.) Tusk MP3
2.) Dreams MP3
3.) Say You Love Me MP3
4.) Rhiannon MP3
5.) Little Lies MP3
6.) Go Your Own Way MP3
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FLAC (lossless) files available upon request (by e-mail)

The Voyeurs 10/27/09 - The Echo, Los Angeles, CA. (mostly Creedence Clearwater Revival cover set)

(Photo by Jeff Koga)

Last week, The Voyeurs performed a cover set of songs by Creedence Clearwater Revival (with the exception of the final tune "I Put A Spell On You" by Screamin' Jay Hawkins - which was done "in the spirit of Halloween") as part of a pre-Halloween show at The Echo. The night featured four different Los Angeles-based bands performing as different classic rock bands. As a causal (radio) listener of Creedence Clearwater Revival, I was curious to see how some of these songs would be interpreted, and was pleasantly surprised.

The Voyeurs played a set of song culled from some of Creedence Clearwater Revival's greatest hits, including "Bad Moon Rising," "Lookin' Out My Back Door," and "Have You Ever Seen The Rain." From the perspective of the crowd, it was the energetic high point of the night (Though, The Monolator's set of ABBA covers beforehand certainly was a contributing factor to the crowd's energy) Although, not a Creedence Clearwater Revival song, a jammed-out version of "I Put A Spell On You" put a satisfying cap on the band's time slot.

1.) Fortunate Son MP3
2.) Bad Moon Rising MP3
3.) Lodi MP3
4.) Green River MP3
5.) Lookin' Out My Back Door MP3
6.) Travelin' Band MP3
7.) Down On The Corner MP3
8.) Have You Ever Seen The Rain MP3 (fixed link)
9.) I Put A Spell On You MP3
MP3

FLAC (lossless) files available upon request (by e-mail)

The Monolators 10/27/09 - The Echo, Los Angeles, CA. (all ABBA cover set)

(Photo by Jeff Koga)

Last week, The Monolators took part in a showed billed as a pre-Halloween concert that featured four well-known Los Angeles indie bands performing as four different bands from the past. For this occasion, The Monolators took on the material of the Swedish pop hit makers ABBA. Being no stranger to either ABBA or The Monolator's music, I was curious to see and hear how this would be pulled off.

I have to confess I have a sort of love/hate relationship with ABBA. The only real reason I'm somewhat familiar with their catalog is because I've either heard them on the radio, or was forced to listen to them on car trips when I was much younger. Heck, the only reason I saw the film version of Mamma Mia! was because Dominic Cooper had a supporting role in it (and after sitting through the entire thing, I was convinced I was almost scarred for life) It's not that I think ABBA is bad or anything - they simply aren't everyone's cup of tea (and if I hear their music too long I go stir crazy)

Anyway, The Monolators delivered a short but good set of their take of some of ABBA's greatest hits. A definite highlight was their version of "Dancing Queen," interjected with The Monolator's traditional punk/garage rock style. "Fernando," "The Winner Takes It All," and "Take A Chance On Me" stayed near the confines of their providence as ballads, but stepped into rock territory.

In interest of full disclosure, "Dancing Queen" contained a few popping sounds, but they were minimized in post-production.

1.) Introduction MP3
2.) Take A Chance On Me MP3
3.) Does Your Mother Know MP3
4.) The Winner Takes It All MP3
5.) Tiger MP3
6.) Fernando MP3
7.) Dancing Queen MP3
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FLAC (lossless) files available upon request (by e-mail)

Sondre Lerche 5/20/06 - Border's Books, Hollywood, CA.

From the archives.

Awhile back, Sondre Lerche played this in-store set at the Hollywood location of Border's Books in support of his latest release (at the time) Duper Sessions. The reason I'm posting this one is twofold - it was a request, and I've been partial to Sondre Lerche for quite some time. It was a nice little show as I remember, perfect for a Saturday afternoon.

I first heard of Sondre Lerche back in 2003, oddly enough through through Jason Mraz (I think Sondre opened some shows for him back then) That didn't really make much of an impression on me at that moment; however, later on while browsing through some CD's at a local music shop, I happen upon his first release Faces Down. For some reason I decided to take a chance and purchase it, and I've been listening to him and attending shows of his ever since (the latter rather sporadically - I never get to see him live as much as I'd like to)

The majority of this set was culled from Duper Sessions because, of course, the show was a promotion for the album. However, a couple of songs ("She's Fantastic" and "The Tape") were performed as a sort of preview from the next album he released soon after that, entitled Phantom Punch. This show could be best described as a "semi-acoustic" duo one - Kato Adland provided electric guitar and some backing vocals.

There is a little crowd ambiance in the background, but the music was loud enough to overpower most of it.

1.)Introduction FLAC MP3
2.)Everybody's Rooting For You FLAC MP3
3.)Minor Detail FLAC MP3
4.)Across The Land FLAC MP3
5.)Dead End Mystery FLAC MP3
6.)I'm Not From Here FLAC MP3
7.)(I Wanna) Call It Love FLAC MP3
8.)She's Fantastic FLAC MP3
9.)The Tape FLAC MP3
10.)Lulu-Vise FLAC MP3
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Update: Warpaint 8/09/09

A couple of updates to the Warpaint 8/09/09 show:

1.) Due to popular demand, added FLAC files for the show.

2.) Replaced the MP3 for "Billie Holiday," which got deleted (no idea how)

Check it out here: Warpaint 8/09/09 - Spaceland, Los Angeles, CA.

The Pity Party 10/03/09 - 11th Annual Eagle Rock Music Festival - Pep Boys - The Ship Stage, Los Angeles, CA.

(Photo by "happyjed1")

In our third, and possibly final installment on our look at the 11th Annual Eagle Rock Music Festival this month, we feature the Los Angeles-based duo The Pity Party. Some may recall that half of the The Pity Party had already been mentioned here, when drummer Heinsenflei played with The Raveonettes on their mini-tour back in January. Here, though, we look at a proper show of theirs.

Ironically enough, I first heard of The Pity Party (not unlike Leslie and the Badgers) at the 2007 version of the Eagle Rock Music Festival, when they played on the Emerging Stage. Admittedly, I didn't give them much of a chance(I only listened to them perform one song before wandering off) at the time; so, when I saw that they were on the line-up again this year, I was determined to give them another chance. And I'm glad I did, for this set was a marked improvement over the previous one. Web-In-Front gave a good description of them, saying "great rhythmic noise-pop with fractured guitar lines, darkly seductive lyrics and Hesenflei’s howled vocals and tribal drums."

A couple of notes - this performance took place near the tail end of the festival, so there is a bit of crowd chatter. Also, there was some buzzing/feedback on a couple of songs.

1.) Introduction FLAC MP3
2.) Dronebots FLAC MP3
3.) MAS FLAC MP3
4.) ??? FLAC MP3
5.) Wanting Want FLAC MP3
6.) Love Lies FLAC MP3
7.) Yours, That Works FLAC MP3
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When Captain Geech Met Teardrop (feat. members of the Monolators, etc) 10/03/09 - 11th Annual Eagle Rock Music Festival-Swork Coffee, Los Angeles, CA

(Note: this show was billed simply as "Pehriscope Collaboration #3" in the Eagle Rock Music Festival program. When The Monolators first spoke about this performance, they said it may be known as "the Los Angeles Disco-Skiffle Ensemble." It was announced at the actual show however, that they were to be officially known as "When Captain Geech Met Teardrop," and that is what they will be called here.)

In our second installment of our coverage of the 11th Annual Eagle Rock Music Festival, we take a look at the performance of "When Captain Geech Met Teardrop" at Swork Coffee. There, the popular music/gallery space Pehrspace had curated "a showcase of DJ's and artists who have been involved with the non-profit, all-ages Echo Park venue since its founding in 2005. They have been selected to work together to demonstrate how cooperation - rather than competition - nurtures creative energy. Features audience collaboration, projections, and live soundtracking incorporating on-the-spot video mixing and broken-prism imagery." (per Eagle Rock Festival program)

When Captain Geech Met Teardrop features members of L.A.-based bands such as The Monolators, Seasons, Divisadero, Manhattan Murder Mystery, and Don of Don's Music. The idea of the band was based on the combined "concept" of "disco skiffle" - disco of course being a genre of dance music with funk and soul elements, and skiffle "a type of popular music with jazz, blues, folk and country influences, usually using homemade or improvised instruments." Two of the songs from the setlist "Jack Of Diamonds" and "Cumberland Gap" by "main skiffle hero" Lonnie Donegan paid tribute to the skiffle side of the band, while "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" by Baccara took care of the disco side.

More on this show from The Monolators here and here.

1.) Introduction MP3
2.) Jack Of Diamonds (Lonnie Donegan cover) MP3
3.) The Duchess MP3
4.) Cumberland Gap (Lonnie Donegan cover) MP3
5.) "Melody" MP3
6.) Yes Sir, I Can Boogie (Baccara cover) MP3
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FLAC (lossless) files available upon request (by e-mail)

Leslie and the Badgers 10/03/09 - 11th Annual Eagle Rock Music Festival - Emerging Stage, Los Angeles, CA.

(Photo by Eric Meacham)

Last Saturday, Leslie and the Badgers performed at the 11th Annual Eagle Rock Music Festival. Held the first Saturday of every October along a stretch of Colorado Blvd. in the Eagle Rock neighborhood, I consider it to be one of L.A.'s finest (and free no less!) annual music festivals. Or as the blog Web In Front put it "it was impossible not to compare the Eagle Rock Music Festival to something like the Sunset Junction Street Fair, and equally impossible not to note how much more relaxed, orderly, organized and entirely enjoyable the ERMF was by comparison. It was a music festival that was free to the public, featured a kaleidoscopic array of local bands on 15 stages (with sets that began on-time [imagine that]), wasn’t swelteringly hot, and played host to a bevy of local merchants and food vendors (as well as the beloved Oinkster)–the ERMF epitomized the eclectic neighborhood vibe of its surroundings with class and style." (and yes, I went to the 1st day of Sunset Junction this year - it was not a positive experience by any means)

Ironically enough, I first heard of Leslie and the Badgers at the 9th Annual Eagle Rock Music Festival in 2007, when they were on the line-up that was booked into the Women's 20th Century Club. (and even more ironically, this is the venue Jesca Hoop played at during the 2006 festival, which was the first one I attended) I didn't see them play that year, but since then have seen the band's name pop up in a variety of places, from numerous blogs to numerous concert listings. When I first noticed that Leslie and the Badgers were going to be playing at the festival again this year, amidst friend's recommendations, I made it a point to go see them play.

Their 35-minute set was a good one, culling from material on their newly-released Roomful Of Smoke. Definite highlight would be "My Tears Are Wasted On You" Also, for all those Jesca Hoop fans out there (who I mentioned previously) her back-up singer Nicole Eva Emery also does backing vocals for Leslie and the Badgers (and it was announced at the show that she appears on Bob Dylan's soon-to-be-released Christmas album)

1.) Introduction FLAC MP3
2.) My Tears Are Wasted On You FLAC MP3
3.) Winter Fugue FLAC MP3
4.) The Torture FLAC MP3
5.) Americans In Rome FLAC MP3
6.) It's Okay To Trip FLAC MP3
7.) Salvation FLAC MP3
8.) Don Juan FLAC MP3
9.) Roomful Of Smoke FLAC MP3
10.) That'd Be Fine FLAC MP3
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Ema and the Ghosts 8/21/09 - Pehrspace, Los Angeles, CA.

Last month, Ema and the Ghosts played as part-up the line-up for "Hella Hipster Hoedown #4" at Pehrspace. I had wanted to attend one of these ever since they started up, but hadn't gotten to do so until now. Although I only stayed for Ema's set (had to get up early the next morning) it was definitely an interesting time. The stage area was surrounded with bales of hay, and mason jars lit with tea lights.

The last time Ema and the Ghosts was featured on the blog was back in March at Where Gallery. This set was a little different, most notably there was a cover of Roky Erickson's "Clear Night For Love"

I have to note that the first couple of songs are missing - the first one because she started playing, and I was caught off guard because I hadn't started recording yet. The second one isn't included because it isn't complete and there was some static issues (because I was moving the mics around)

1.) Alligator* MP3
2.) Behemoth MP3
3.) Clear Night For Love (Roky Erickson cover)^ MP3
4.) "Untitled" MP3
5.) Ice Cream* MP3
6.) Whirly Kid MP3

*with Jesse Knight
^with audience members on vocals

FLAC (lossless) files available upon request (by e-mail)

Bat For Lashes 8/31/09 - The Music Box @ The Fonda, Hollywood, CA.

This week, Bat For Lashes (a.k.a Natasha Kahn and company) made their final stop on their current U.S. tour at The Music Box (formally known as the Henry Fonda Theater) When we previously posted about Bat For Lashes earlier this summer, Natasha and a band member performed an acoustic in-store set squeezed in during her previous U.S. jaunt. However, this night's show (continuing a trend of sold-out-ahead of time performances, not unlike June's El Rey show) was a full-band spectacle on the opposite end of the spectrum.

The setlist was a mix of material from both Fur and Gold and the newer Two Suns. Show was somewhat shorter than I would have preferred (kind of like The Raveonettes show from January), and may have benefited from throwing in a cover or (a favorite) "Seal's Jubilee," but one can't really complain. Also, others have said that her live performances don't sound any different from the studio-recorded versions, but I didn't find this to be the case - they sounded far bolder and less restrained on stage.

On another note, I had a bit of a difficult time taping this show (part of it was being a bit unprepared on my part, and another is the venue), so I was worried how this recording would end up sounding. Fortunately, this show came out better than I expected - although, since the Fonda can be a boomy-sounding venue, some of that may be apparent to the listener. Levels were extreme as well (performances ranged from acoustic to loud electronica-flavored levels) so adjust accordingly.

1.) Glass FLAC MP3
2.) Sleep Alone FLAC MP3
3.) Horse and I FLAC MP3
4.) Travelling Woman FLAC MP3
5.) Siren Song FLAC MP3
6.) The Wizard FLAC MP3
7.) Trophy FLAC MP3
8.) Tahiti FLAC MP3
9.) What's A Girl To Do? FLAC MP3
10.) Two Planets FLAC MP3
11.) E: Prescilla FLAC MP3
12.) E: Good Love FLAC MP3
13.) E: Moon and Moon FLAC MP3
14.) E: Pearl's Dream FLAC MP3
15.) E: Daniel FLAC MP3
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BoxViolet 8/11/09 - The Echo, Los Angeles, CA.

Last week, BoxViolet performed as part of a line-up at The Echo with The Voyeurs, Kissing Cousins, and Polygraph. The night's theme was music video releases as per the headliners The Voyeurs, with almost all that night's line-up participating. BoxViolet made their contribution in the form of a video for one of their newest songs "Portable".

I first heard of BoxViolet awhile ago through the wonderfully informative Los Angeles-area music blog LA-Underground. However, it wasn't until spring of last year that I got to see them live, which was at Hollywood-area bar Boardner's. (before anyone asks, no recording, venue too hard to do so in) Also tried to see them once again earlier this year, but they ended up going on later than I thought they were supposed to, and I had to leave for another engagement - so, when this show was announced, I was happy to have the opportunity to see them again.

The setlist from this show was mostly compiled of a lot of newer material (from what I observed), including songs from their new E.P. (or sampler, so to say, that's being sold at shows). Note: Their video "Portable" was shown before they began playing, but is cut from the recording (because it can be seen/heard elsewhere)

1.) Sad, Sad Girl MP3
2.) Hello MP3
3.) Gwen MP3
4.) Swallow MP3
5.) Star Stuff MP3
6.) Portable MP3
7.) Holiday MP3
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FLAC (lossless) files available upon request (by e-mail)

Warpaint 8/09/09 - Spaceland, Los Angeles, CA.

(Photo by Jeff Koga)

Last Sunday, along with label-mate Caroline Weeks, Warpaint was part of a line-up at Spaceland presented by Manimal Vinyl. The night started off pretty quiet for (first act) Corridor and Caroline Weeks, but things really started to pick up by the time Warpaint hit the stage.

Warpaint has become very popular over the past year - I have been seeing this band's name practically everywhere, but had not gotten the opportunity to see them until now. They are very good, remind me a little of Autolux. They may pop up on this blog again in the future.

Note: "Billie Holiday" contains lyrics from "My Guy" (Mary Wells)

Update 3/31/11: This is show is no longer available due to management/label issues.

Caroline Weeks 8/09/09 - Spaceland, Los Angeles, CA.

(Photo by Jeff Koga)

Last Sunday, Caroline Weeks was part of the line-up at Spaceland showcasing artists on the Manimal Vinyl label. She is a former member of Bat For Lashes, and after hearing that her music was in a similar vein to that of her former band's work, I was curious to hear for myself.

Ms. Weeks played solo acoustic (not sure if this is her default live performance style, or just for this tour) and mostly songs from her debut full-length Songs For Edna. Many of the songs on the album were constructed around poems by the famed poet Edna St. Vincent Millay, which were of course well represented here. Another poet, Emily Dickinson, was featured in the composition based on her poem "Memorials XIV" To round out the set, a cover of The Cure's "The Drowning Man," of which a studio version is available on tribute album Perfect As Cats: A Tribute to the Cure.

In conclusion, I'm not really sure Caroline Week's solo work has that much in common with the Bat For Lashes material - I think reviewers like to make the comparison because it seems easier to state, and they want them to be more alike then they actually are. I will grant their music has the same sort of dreamy, eternal quality that probably invited the comparisons in the first place, but that's where the similarities end.

A note on the recording: performance levels were kind of on the low side, which (may have) caused some buzzing from the lights and/or monitors to be heard. I tried to reduce it in post-production, but it still may be audible.

1.) What Lips My Lips Have Kissed FLAC MP3
2.) Renascence FLAC MP3
3.) Wild Swans FLAC MP3
4.) The Drowning Man (The Cure cover) FLAC MP3
5.) I Shall Go Back FLAC MP3
6.) Memorials XIV. (Emily Dickinson (poem)) FLAC MP3
7.) Elegy FLAC MP3
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Ariana Delawari (formerly Lion of Panjshir) 7/30/09 - Space 15 Twenty, Hollywood, CA.

(Apologies for not updating for awhile - for the past month, I've been laid up with a cold/bronchitis, which of course affects concert going. As of now, I hope to catch up and start posting more again.)

Last Thursday, Ariana Delawari played a free concert at the courtyard of Space 15 Twenty supporting Lauren Dukoff's exhibit showcasing her new book "Family." This was a semi-acoustic sort of performance with her accompanied by a bassist and cellist. Unlike most of the shows put on here, this was a quieter one, with most of the attendees sitting on the ground listening attentively.

I first heard of Ariana Delawari when she was performing under the moniker "Lion of Panjshir back in 2007 when she opened for Bat For Lashes at Spaceland (oddly enough, a show that I ended up not getting to attend) However, last year, I did finally get to see Lion of Panjshir live purely by coincidence - she was playing on the same bill with at the now-departed Tangier's with Listing Ship, of whom I had come to see. I thought their performance was quite good and wished I had recorded it (which was probably just as well I didn't, because I ended up having gear problems), and wanted to see them again, which finally came in the opportunity of this recent show.

The setlist was a mix of older and newer tunes, with the standout song "San Francisco." It was definitely a unique performance with it's semi-acoustic format, which made it possible to hear this material with new arrangements.

Notes: There was a level adjustment at the beginning of the first song, and at a couple of points people can be heard moving seats around.

1.) We Came Home MP3
2.) San Francisco MP3
3.) ??? MP3
4.) Be Gone Taliban MP3
5.) Tree Hymn MP3
6.) Chesme Siah Daree MP3
7.) Don't Fight The Love MP3
8.) Pray To The Sun MP3
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FLAC (lossless) files available upon request.

Imogen Heap 10/26/05 - The Hotel Cafe, Hollywood, CA.

From the archives.

I first heard of Imogen Heap earlier in 2005 when she was rumored to be an opener on Tori Amo's tour that summer. Unfortunately, that ended up falling though due to monetary issues, but I still went and picked up her latest release anyway (Speak For Yourself) She ended up being added to The Hotel Cafe's first national touring show, but the Los Angeles date at the El Rey sold out before I decided whether I wanted to go or not. However, another opportunity to see her was added, as sort of an industry showcase/way to appease the fans who didn't get to attend the El Rey gig.

The story behind this show is one in of itself. The afternoon of I didn't really know what to expect or the extent of Imogen's popularity at the time, so deciding when to arrive posed a bit of a challenge. If I remember correctly, I got there around 6 or so, about an hour before doors opened, and was probably one of maybe ten people already in line. (including a couple of people who had driven down from the Bay area just for this show) Waiting in line seemed to be a pretty calm and orderly affair - until the last 20-25 minutes before the venue was supposed to start letting people in.

In that time, the line had grown exponentially since then, wrapping around the building, spilling onto the sidewalk and down the block. (I remember afterwards hearing from an acquaintance that he drove by the venue in anticipation of attending the show, and upon seeing the line gave up and kept driving) To make matters worse, before opening doors, the doorman came out and announced that only the first 10-15 people in line not on a guest list (there where two - an "industry" one and another that you had to sign up for on Imogen's website) would be getting in. Naturally, this caused some annoyance among people - although, I heard later that a little before/after she started playing, they let some more people in that stood in the back (and others simply pressed their ears up against the wall and listened to show outside)

When I got inside, it already seemed like it was going to be extremely packed quarters - most of the tables and chairs were taken away. Luckily, the people whom I stood in line with kindly let me sit at their table with them (if any of them happen to stumble onto this blog, thank you still, almost four years later ha ha) As predicted, by the time Imogen started the show, the room was overflowing, some of which can be heard on the recording.

After (sorry) a ridiculously bad opening act, Imogen hit the stage and delivered a fantastic performance. Setlist was very heavy on Speak For Yourself material, but that was to be expected, considering the album had been recently released stateside. In homage to her previous side project Frou Frou, she performed their two biggest hits "Let Go" and "Breathe In." Her first album I Megaphone was not forgotten though - the two songs "Come Here Boy" and "Sleep" represented it. Plus, we were treated to a rare performance of the B-side "Blanket." All in a all, a wonderful show.

1.) "Intro" FLAC MP3
2.) Just For Now FLAC MP3
3.) Headlock FLAC MP3
4.) Let Go FLAC MP3
5.) Clear The Area FLAC MP3
6.) The Walk FLAC MP3
7.) Blanket FLAC MP3
8.) Hide and Seek FLAC MP3
9.) Come Here Boy FLAC MP3
10.) Loose Ends FLAC MP3
11.) Goodnight & Go FLAC MP3
12.) Sleep FLAC MP3
13.) E: Breathe In FLAC MP3
14.) E: The Moment I Said It FLAC MP3
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Tristan Prettyman 4/01/09 - The Hotel Cafe, Hollywood, CA.

(Photo by Jeff Koga)

Last April, Tristan Prettyman played a month-long residency at The Hotel Cafe. On the first night of the month, she happened to share the evening with another person with an April residency, Jesca Hoop. I had known about Tristan Prettyman for some time, and not having seen a show of her's in a few years, I found this be a convenient line-up.

I first heard of Tristan Prettyman sometime back in 2003 through Jason Mraz, who I followed extensively at the time. It wasn't until early 2004 that I got a chance to see her live, as an opener at the Sunset Strip House of Blues. I also saw her again later that year in San Diego at the second (now-shuttered) incarnation of Java's Joe's Pub. In 2005, I caught a couple more performances of hers. One was in January, opening for Jason Mraz at the Ventura Theatre (which would be the last time I ever saw one of his shows) The next one was at The Hotel Cafe, which served as a L.A.-area release party for her full-length debut t w e n t y t h r e e. So, yes, obviously a long time has passed since that last show and this one from earlier this year.

The setlist was short, but good. Tristan had recently released her second full-length Hello...x and mostly performed songs from that - which I didn't really recognize because I've only heard one song off the new album. The only one I did recognize was "Love, Love, Love," but of course that's because it's an older tune, and from the first album.

To download, right-click and save as.

1.)Echo FLAC MP3
2.)Hello FLAC MP3
3.)Just In Case FLAC MP3
4.)Hummingbirds FLAC MP3
5.)In Bloom FLAC MP3
6.)Blindfold FLAC MP3
7.)Love, Love, Love FLAC MP3
8.)War Out Of Peace FLAC MP3

Stream the whole show here.

Quarterly Roundup: April - June 2009

Yep, it's that time of the year again - the quarterly roundup, where I list the shows that you may have missed the first time they were posted, and discuss our recording activity during this time period.

Admittedly, I would have liked to have gotten posted more new shows than I actually did - and May was exceptionally light (due to educational commitments) June was also lighter than I would have like, though not for lack of trying - two shows didn't turn out very well recording wise (though, parts of one may be featured in an idea for an upcoming posts I'm toying around with) and one, although wouldn't have been complete, failed to save when one of my batteries died (lesson learned: just because you may think you have enough power left, doesn't mean you actually do)

April was pretty much dominated by the Jesca Hoop "Farewell to Los Angeles" residency (though, not sure how much of a parting that was - she's doing 3 shows in town later this month) and two same-night performances by The Ditty Bops, along with a nice little set by Avi Buffalo at USC. While there was only one new show in May, at least it was a good one - the Giant Drag reunion performance at The Troubadour. June featured two good little shows - an exclusive acoustic Bat For Lashes in-store and a strong Agent Ribbons opening set (for one of the night's of Castledoor's June residency)

In the archives department, I tried to cull from a variety of performances - in April, we posted about Earlimart (a recent Live Music Archive inductee) and Sara Bareilles (a previously unreleased recording featuring a rare recording of "Can't Change My Heart"). In June, shows by singer-songwriters Sara Lov, Laura Weinbach, and Liam Carey were featured, along with a set by new-ish band LANDy (the musical project of actor Adam Goldberg)

April 2009:

Sara Bareilles 5/19/06 - The Hotel Cafe, Hollywood, CA.
Earlimart 10/04/08 - 10th Annual Eagle Rock Music Festival, Los Angeles, CA.
Jesca Hoop 4/01/09 - The Hotel Cafe, Hollywood, CA.
Jesca Hoop 4/09/09 - The Hotel Cafe, Hollywood, CA.
Avi Buffalo 3/29/09 - University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA.
Jesca Hoop 4/16/09 - The Hotel Cafe, Hollywood, CA.

May 2009

Jesca Hoop 4/29/09 - The Hotel Cafe, Hollywood, CA.
The Ditty Bops 4/26/09 - McCabe's Guitar Shop, Santa Monica, CA. (late show)
The Ditty Bops 4/26/09 - McCabe's Guitar Shop, Santa Monica, CA. (early show)
Giant Drag 5/16/09 - Troubadour, West Hollywood, CA.

June 2009

Sara Lov 3/26/07 - The Hotel Cafe, Hollywood, CA.
Liam Carey and Laura Weinbach 6/30/07 - The Hotel Cafe, Hollywood, CA.
Bat For Lashes 6/14/09 - Lucky Brand 3rd Street, Santa Monica, CA.
Agent Ribbons 6/15/09 - Spaceland, Los Angeles, CA.
LANDy 10/04/08 - 10th Annual Eagle Rock Music Festival, Los Angeles, CA.

LANDy 10/04/08 - 10th Annual Eagle Rock Music Festival - The Ship Stage (American Tire Depot), Los Angeles, CA.

(Photo by launderground)

From the archives.

I originally decided to pull this show out of storage for a couple of reasons - one, LANDy has been seemingly receiving much attention as of late, and two, the band The Black Pine is associated with them (of whom I've been a fan of). LANDy is the musical project of Adam Goldberg, and features collaborations of such L.A.-based musicians like the aforementioned The Black Pine and Aaron Espinoza of Earlimart (the latter of whom played at the same festival last year)

When I saw "Landy with The Black Pine" (think that was what they were first called) listed on the very-stellar line-up of the 2008 Eagle Rock Music Festival, my curiosity was peaked because I had seen The Black Pine before and enjoyed their performances. They hadn't been doing many live shows lately (and as of now, it's not certain whether they are still together or not, they haven't played under the moniker since October 2008) and it seemed like a good opportunity to see them.

That night, when I saw them, was the final performance I took in from the festival that evening, so I was looking forward to winding down. When I first saw the listing, I assumed that some of The Black Pine's original material was going to be featured, but that wasn't the case - it was all LANDy songs. It was interesting to say the least, but to this day I can't really form a definite opinion on this set of music. Odd, but that's how it is. For what it's worth, I suppose it was a pretty good introduction to the listener passing by.

1.) Cry Me A River MP3
2.) Your Words Not Mine MP3
3.) To No One In Particular MP3
4.) Home MP3
5.) BFF MP3
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FLAC (loseless) files available upon request (by e-mail)

Agent Ribbons 6/15/09 - Spaceland, Los Angeles, CA.

Last Monday, Agent Ribbons opened for Castledoor on the third night of their the latter's June residency. Fresh off a national tour opening for Camera Obscura, they were a last-minute addition to that night's line-up, and played a great, if short set. Having waited a long time to actually see one of their performances, it was worth it.

I first heard of Agent Ribbons awhile ago, while stumbling upon a listing for them someplace. Thinking that the name sounded interesting (honestly, this is how I have started listening to many a band), I looked them up. After became especially curious after reading that one of their influences was The Ditty Bops (of whom I've seen and recorded the most), I knew should check out their music. I picked up their debut album On Time Travel and Romance, and the gorgeous 7-inch pressing The Star Crossed Doppelganger, I was curious to see a live show.

However, this proved to be a bit problematic. Agent Ribbons hail from Sacramento, and didn't seem to do shows in Los Angeles that often (though, this appears to have changed a bit as of late) I tried to see them sometime early last year when they announced they were doing a last-minute show near the downtown area - and when I got down there, I couldn't find the location. Later that year, I tried to attend a show again at the Hyperion Tavern in Silverlake - and they ended up going on late, and I had to leave early. Finally, this Spaceland show came up, and being at a very convenient time, I went. (Originally, I was going to go to the Camera Obscura show they opened for at The Fonda, but ended up not being too crazy about C.O.'s latest release)

As stated previously, this was a short set but a good one. The duo pretty much evenly between material from their first album and newer songs. Speaking of, it was mentioned that had added a violinist to their group recently, but she was not playing with them that night - so, in effect the audience was treated to a "classic" sort of Agent Ribbons show. All in all, the performance reminded me a lot of a cross between the aforementioned The Ditty Bops, and The White Stripes.

This recording came out extraordinary good, so it is highly recommended and well worth the download.

1.) The World Is A Cigarette FLAC MP3
2.) Birds and Bees FLAC MP3
3.) Grey Gardens FLAC MP3
4.) Boy with the Wooden Lips FLAC MP3
5.) Your Hands My Hands FLAC MP3
6.) Obituary FLAC MP3
7.) Wallpaper of Skin FLAC MP3
8.) Chelsea, Let's Go Join The Circus FLAC MP3
9.) Wood Lead Rubber FLAC MP3
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Bat For Lashes 6/14/09 - Lucky Brand Neighborhood Social (Lucky Brand 3rd Street Promendade), Santa Monica, CA.

(Photo by Bryan Sheffield)

Last Sunday, Bat For Lashes (a.k.a. Natasha Kahn) played an intimate concert for a group of around 100 lucky people who had RVSP'ed (and happened to get a wristband the day of the show) beforehand. For those of us who missed out on getting tickets to her sold-out performance at the El Rey Theatre two nights later, it was the perfect substitute for the larger show. This concert was also the inaugural one for the "Lucky Brand Neighborhood Social" - which appears to be a new roving series of live music/art/interactive events presented by Lucky Brand and Filter Magazine.

Bat For Lashes first came to my attention sometime in 2007, when I first heard of them somewhere online. It probably seemed odd to check out the band on the interesting-sounding name alone, but that's what I did. After downloading her debut release Fur and Gold, I was instantly hooked.

Her first show was at Spaceland sometime later that year - I had won tickets to it, but when I got to the venue I was told that my name wasn't on the list. It didn't look like I was getting in, so I gave up and left. A few months later, she did another show at The Troubadour, but it sold out ahead of time, and I didn't feel like trying to see if anything would be available at the door (and I'm not terribly fond of The Troubadour anyway) I had meant to purchase a ticket for the El Rey show; however, like the previous L.A. outing, it sold out ahead of time. Not all hope was lost though - upon getting the e-mail about this show at Lucky Brand and leaving nothing to chance, I jumped on the opportunity and sent in my RSVP right away.

This late afternoon performance ended up being a very unique one; the half-hour concert consisted of Natasha and one of her band members playing as a acoustic duo. Material from Fur and Gold and her recent release Two Suns was almost equally represented. The show was also special in a way because it reminded me a lot of a typical Hotel Cafe-type gig, had she ever played there.

I have to mention a couple of things about the recording itself, it didn't exactly come out perfect, much to my chagrin. Apparently, I may have had a loose connection somewhere (it's not the recording device I know for sure - used it the next night without any problems) and it caused a few dropouts in the right channel. I tried to repair them as best as I could, hopefully they aren't too noticeable. There is a 14 second dropout in the middle of "Prescilla" which I could unfortunately not fix, sorry about that.

1.) Horse & I FLAC MP3
2.) Travelling Woman FLAC MP3
3.) Glass FLAC MP3
4.) Tahiti FLAC MP3
5.) Moon & Moon FLAC MP3
6.) Prescilla FLAC MP3
7.) Daniel (Lo-Fi Version) FLAC MP3
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Liam Carey and Laura Weinbach 6/30/07 - The Hotel Cafe, Hollywood, CA.

From the archives.

It's weird - apparently, I recorded this show a couple of years and had known that Liam Carey was an Live Music Archive-approved artist, but it wasn't until recently that I got around to uploading it.

I first heard of Laura Weinbach in January 2007 when she "opened" for Jesca Hoop at The Hotel Cafe. I thought she was quite good and reminded me a lot of Regina Spektor, and purchased her CD afterwards. I saw her again that March in the same venue, in a evening's strong line-up which included Kate Earl, Carina Round, and The Oohlas (acoustic).

So, when I saw this show pop up on The Hotel Cafe's calender, I decided to go. My curious was definitely peaked because the listing stated that she was playing with another person named Liam Carey (I had not heard of him prior to the show), so I assumed she was being accompanied by someone else, and wondered what that sounded like. However, this didn't exactly come to happen - while Laura sang on a couple of Liam's songs, they basically split their time slot, playing separate sets. It was still a good show though.

Taking place at 7 PM on a Saturday, this performance ended up being a fairly quiet and low-key beginning to the evenings entertainment (or so I assume, I left after they finished) While I wasn't familiar with Liam Carey, he was definitely pleasant to listen to, with him and Laura's "Where Did You Sleep Last Night" a highlight of the set. Laura Weinbach delivered a good performance as well, focusing on material from her E.P. Entrance, ending with the two standards "La Vie En Rose" and "Sous le Ciel de Paris"

To download, right-click and save as.

1.) Habits (Liam only) FLAC MP3
2.) Mary Go Round (Liam and Laura) FLAC MP3
3.) "unknown" (Liam only) FLAC MP3
4.) Icarus (Liam only) FLAC MP3
5.) St. John (Liam only) FLAC MP3
6.) Burned On The Lips (Liam only) FLAC MP3
7.) Where Did You Sleep Last Night (Liam and Laura, traditional) FLAC MP3
8.) "unknown" (Laura only) FLAC MP3
9.) The Ghost (Laura only) FLAC MP3
10.) Foxtail's Brigade (Laura only) FLAC MP3
11.) Since The Day He Left Me (Laura only) FLAC MP3
12.) "unknown" (Laura only) FLAC MP3
13.) La Vie En Rose (Laura only, traditional) FLAC MP3
14.) Sous le Ciel de Paris (Laura only) FLAC MP3
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Stream the whole show here.

Sara Lov 3/26/07 - The Hotel Cafe, Hollywood, CA.

From the archives.

I first heard of Sara Lov as one-half of the duo Devics, who's music I discovered sometime in the Spring 2006, when their last studio album Push The Heart was released. I was supposed to see them on my birthday that year with the guy I was seeing at the time (he was a fan of them too) Unfortunately, he decided to break up with me ON my actual birthday, so I ended up not attending the show. (ain't love grand?)

Moving on, I did end up seeing them at the Knitting Factory a couple months later; however, I ended up having more battery trouble (yet again) and didn't get a good recording. Shortly afterward, Devics announced they were going on "indefinite hiatus" and I wasn't too thrilled with not having another opportunity to see them again any time soon. However, Sara Lov started her solo career the next year, and since her music is pretty similar to the Devics sound, it's a wonderful substitute.

This show was one of her first solo performances in LA (or maybe the first, I'm not sure) She was opening for her Devics partner Dustin O'Halloran (who performed his "Piano Solos" work that evening), so in a way it was kind of like a Devics show. Ms. Lov performed a short acoustic set that showcased some of the material that ended up on the recently-released full-length Seasoned Eyes Were Beaming, along with an haunting a cappella version of the Billie Holiday cover "Good Morning Heartache" Collaborator Zach Rae joined her onstage for a couple of songs, and Mr. O'Halloran sat in on one as well.

This one came out really well, so it's a highly recommended download.

1.) Good Morning Heartache (Billie Holiday) FLAC MP3
2.) Tell Me How FLAC MP3
3.) Why Can't I Be FLAC MP3
4.) Touched FLAC MP3
5.) Frankie FLAC MP3
6.) New York FLAC MP3
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