HEADS UP
Fool’s Gold, BLK JKS @ Natural History Museum Fri March 6

At the risk of offending every other artist who has taken the trouble to drive down to USC and entertain the people, bones and stuffed animals with their music and presence over the last few years, for me this Friday’s lineup is the most exciting I’ve seen in some time. BLK JKS, after having graced the Fader SXSW stage and magazine cover last year, have recently signed to Secretly Canadian. The “AC-averse” group will now bring their South African grooves (and hopefully a few pairs of those tight-as-shit 1970s gym coach short-shorts) to town for the first time. Alongside South Africa’s finest we have California’s own Fool’s Gold, a 10-piece band of which I am an unabashed fan. Where to pigeonhole these guys. Afro-pop? Freak-folked horn fusion? Let’s just call them intensely listenable and fun, and leave it at that. I’ll drive; first round is on you, non-negotiable. Dublab selectors take care of things before, between and after. Big thumbs up this Friday.

» SXSW ‘08: BLK JKS @ Fader Fort, March 15

» Myspace: Fool’s Gold | BLK JKS

HEADS UP
Brian Wilson @ Hollywood Bowl
Fri 9/12
Brian Wilson @ Hollywood Bowl
Sat 9/13
Brian Wilson @ Hollywood Bowl
Sun 9/14

Brian Wilson is back on Capitol, literally: The former Beach Boy appeared at the iconic tower in Hollywood yesterday for a photo op and announcement:

BRIAN WILSON RETURNS TO CAPITOL RECORDS / EMI, HIS ORIGINAL LABEL HOME

Hollywood, California – May 19, 2008 – He is one of popular music’s most deeply revered figures, a legendary writer, producer, arranger and performer of some of the most cherished music in rock history. Indeed, it is no exaggeration to call Brian Wilson one of the most gifted and influential pop composers of the last 50 years. Today, Wilson announces his return to Capitol Records / EMI, his original label home. Wilson’s new studio recording, That Lucky Old Sun, will be released by Capitol/EMI on CD, CD/DVD, limited edition vinyl and digitally on September 2 (September 1 internationally).

Brian Wilson’s return to Capitol Records / EMI, where The Beach Boys caught their first hit wave with the 1962 classic, “Surfin’ Safari/409,” is a triumphant homecoming for one of the world’s most gifted and beloved musical talents.

»continue reading Brian Wilson Returns to Capitol/EMI for Sept 2 Studio Release; Grins Atop Capitol Records Tower In Polo Shirt For The Occasion; Plays Hollywood Bowl Sept 12-14