The Angeleno quartet Silversun Pickups straight up rocked the Echoplex last night. They headlined a fund raising event for the Pablove Foundation, which fights childhood cancer in honor of Pablo Castelaz. It was a first for me seeing SP live. They seem to rarely play in LA, strangely enough.
     Eulogies started the evening [...]

     The Budos Band finally made their way to southern California last week (for the first time that I’m aware of). This afro-funky Staten Island-based group have been on my radar for a few years now, since I heard their self-titled debut album. The Budos Band creates a unique sound with signature horns, guitars, [...]

     Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band played two nights at the Los Angeles Sports Arena this week. I went Wednesday. The show came across less political and preachy than his last time through the Sports Arena. The focus was on fun. At one point Bruce perused the crowd for signs [...]

     The newly renovated Hollywood Palladium hosted Brooklyn-based electrock duo Ratatat last night. It was the first time they played Los Angeles since September. This time around they were minus keyboard/synth-man Jacob Morris (of prolific fro and crisp dance moves). Could it be that his stage presence meant more than his musical presence? [...]

     During my T-Givs trip back east I stumbled upon a sweet trio of acts playing at one of my favorite venues. I had never seen or heard of any of these bands before, which is sometimes the best way to experience a live band . . . pure, with no expectations. All three [...]