By Valerie Enriquez - Tuesday June 24th 2008
Radiohead à Paris, Parisian Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy, 10 Juin 2008
Clinic at The Troubadour, May 20, 2008
By Valerie Enriquez - Thursday May 22nd 2008
Reviewing a Clinic show is like having me write about my hypothetical first-born: expect a bias. However, I can say that over the years their visits to Los Angeles saw gradually smaller venues and the standard arms-crossed crowd. With the buzz surrounding latest release Do It those blasé onlookers are a thing of the past, and a cult following has formed which promises loyal attendance to any performance, even if it was on third street promenade. After 11 years as a band, the incessant inquiries about their unwavering image are gone, along with the proverbial, “You toured with Radiohead? Oh my god, how did Thom’s hair smell?” questions. On Tuesday night at the Troubadour, Do It was performed first in its entirety followed by a set of fan-favorites and an encore. Make that two encores, as the mob demanded one more song, forcing the already unmasked band to put the surgical gear back on and play once more.
Black Lips @ El Rey Theatre, 2/14/08
Excitement in the crowd was palpable; fans climbed the stage at least fifteen times. A relentless bunch, much like Black Lips who tour incessantly. This special Valentine’s Day show at the El Rey was the one L.A. had been waiting for, since their last show in October was cut short. The bros even came out– Kevin “Spanky” Long was in the audience along with an eclectic fan base that mirrors Black Lips’ music. You can catch them next on the same day Jack Johnson [controversially] graces Coachella’s stage.
By Valerie Enriquez - Wednesday February 20th 2008
Excitement in the crowd was palpable; fans climbed the stage at least fifteen times. A relentless bunch, much like Black Lips who tour incessantly. This special Valentine’s Day show at the El Rey was the one L.A. had been waiting for, since their last show in October was cut short. The bros even came out– Kevin “Spanky” Long was in the audience along with an eclectic fan base that mirrors Black Lips’ music. You can catch them next on the same day Jack Johnson [controversially] graces Coachella’s stage.
FURTHER READING
»Black Lips @ Echoplex, 10/20/07
»The Black Lips, The Spits @ Troubadour, 10/19/07
»Southland Braces for Black Lips Invasion
Vegoose 2007: Battles, Gogol Bordello, Blonde Redhead, Iggy Pop, M.I.A., Daft Punk; Las Vegas, NV
By Valerie Enriquez - Monday October 29th 2007
Black Lips @ Echoplex, 10/20/07
By Valerie Enriquez - Monday October 22nd 2007
What would a Black Lips show be without unanticipated incidence? Err…not a Black Lips show. When I saw them in January it was singer/guitarist Cole Alexander dropping his pants, tonight at the echoplex it was having the plug pulled midway through the show. Confused fans remained inside chanting for their return, meanwhile equipment was already being carried out to their vans. Apparently guitarist Ian St. Pe dropped a full beer bottle on the ground and that was enough to anger echoplex owner and abruptly end the show. See comment #5 below on what actually went down, which was verified by the band’s reps. –Ed. The band have toured nonstop in support of their latest release, Good Bad, Not Evil, and are likely to return to L.A. sometime. After fans cleared out, Black Lips hung outside until the early a.m. A fight even broke out in the street at some point; it seems adventure surrounds Black Lips.
Devendra @ Orpheum, 10/13/07
By Valerie Enriquez - Sunday October 14th 2007
Blonde Redhead @ Sunset Junction, 8/18/07
By Valerie Enriquez - Sunday August 19th 2007
Last fall Blonde Redhead kicked off a Southern California outdoor festival trifecta of sorts at the LA Weekly Detour Festival. This was followed by a tremendous performance at Coachella Valley Festival in April. The latest stop for the band in support of 23, Sunset Junction combined outdoor music with amusement rides and community participation, separating itself from the other walloping festivals. Kazu Makino, Amedeo and Simone Pace performed energetically, with fervor, and differently than the other festival performances I’ve caught. As they walked off Kazu blew kisses to the large crowd and hesitated to leave the stage before blowing more, and finally departing. Blonde Redhead performs with Midnight Movies at the Glass House tonight.
M.I.A. @ Echoplex, 7/30/07
By Valerie Enriquez - Tuesday July 31st 2007
