Ema and the Ghosts 3/20/09 - Where Gallery, Los Angeles, CA.

(Photo by Jeff Koga)

I first heard of Ema and the Ghosts on an artist list affiliated with a Dresden Doll's group called The Dirty Business Brigade back in 2007. It's weird, it sometimes seems like some roads to musicians lead through The Dresden Dolls - they're just that prevalent. Ha.

Anyway, I first saw Ema at Mr. T's Bowl in April of that year (only time I've ever been there, really need to go back) I later saw here a couple more times in '07, at Canoga Park venue The Verity Room and The Echo. This was the first show of hers I caught since then, and things have changed somewhat since then.

The set consisted of a lot of older material, but there was quite a difference in hearing these songs ("Ermine and Mink," "Alligator") in 2009 vs. 2007. I can't say exactly what, but it definitely was stronger. A new cover has been thrown in the mix (The Kinks "Victoria") and a couple of new songs ("Ice Cream"), one of which is so new it doesn't have a title yet - supposedly, it was only the 2nd live performance. (it was also played on the banjo - also a newer addition I think)

I must also note that the photo in this post wasn't taken this night - how it's related is that buttons were made with the image and given out at this show.

Like The Movies set from earlier in the night, this one came out pretty good as well, though there were a couple of technical issues during the show, which I tried to minimize as much as possible. Shouldn't be an problem though.

1.) Victoria (The Kinks cover) FLAC MP3
2.) Ermine and Mink FLAC MP3
3.) Alligator FLAC MP3
4.) Ice Cream FLAC MP3
5.) Whirly Kid FLAC MP3
6.) "New Song" FLAC MP3
7.) Behemoth FLAC MP3
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The Movies 3/20/09 - Where Gallery, Los Angeles, CA.

(Photo by Classical Geek Theatre)

It's weird, while I've been at shows where The Movies were on the bill, I never got to see them until now. I was familiar with the name, but never really got the opportunity to see them play live or listen to their music. However, with last Friday's performance at the final night of "Exposure", this has happily been remedied.

Keeping with the acoustic theme of these past four Friday nights at Where Gallery, The Movies frontman Tim James played half of the set solo, and the second half with bandmate Marcos Lopez on guitar. It was a short set, due to the fact that Mr. James had to be at work soon after he was done playing (he can be heard at various intervals counting down "I have to be at work in 20 minutes" "I have to be at work in 12 minutes" "I have to be at work in 5 minutes" - you get the idea) Regardless of the compacted set length, it was a good one showcasing some The Movies work.

This one came out pretty well, better than the recently posted Monolators recording, partially due to figuring out where the "sweet spot" was (the point in a room to best record and get the sound from), and should reflect how it sounded in the gallery that night.

1.) "Intro" MP3
2.) Pass The Music MP3
3.) ??? MP3
4.) "Improv" song MP3
5.) When I Was In Nam MP3
6.) Missed Opportunities MP3
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FLAC (loseless) files available upon request (by e-mail)

The Monolators 3/06/09 - Where Gallery, Los Angeles, CA.

(Photo by Jeff Koga)

A lot has been said and written about Monolators. I first heard and saw them in April 2007 while at Mr. T's Bowl to see Ema and the Ghosts, also for the first time. This is the perfect example of how interconnected the local music scene is, because Ema is part of The Monolators side project band and has covered one of The Monolator's songs "Prom Queen."

I also saw them again on one of the stages at the annual Eagle Rock Music Festival in 2007, although quite by accident. It was a really good set, and I'm kicking myself for not recording it (since I didn't plan on seeing them) So, as a perfect example of my somewhat recent sporatic show attendance in recent years, I didn't see them again until this show.

This was a very unique show for The Monolators, because it was an acoustic one, and this was their first time doing so. Nested in front corner of the gallery, they played a short set of re-arranged material plucked from their catalog. It was an interesting show, and hopefully they'll do another one in the future.

A note on the quality of the recording - I have to admit this was a challenging environment to record in, and this is reflected on here. There is some background chatter (especially in the last couple of songs) Don't let that stop you - it's still certainly worth the download.

Finally, this Friday is the last night for "Exposure: A Photography Show," a show featuring the work of 3 L.A.-based music photographers. Since a billion other blogs have been writing about the exhibit, I will only say that it's most certainly worth going after appreciating their work for all this time, and for the great musical line-up. See you there.



1.) Rejection Set Me Free MP3
2.) Hearts Going Steady MP3
3.) Tiny Bicycles MP3
4.) 14 Degrees MP3
5.) CA 3A 569 MP3
6.) Oh No, Everything Has Changed MP3
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FLAC (loseless) files available upon request (by e-mail)