The xx | thexx.info | MySpace

The Commercial Appeal of Memphis:

Pop hitmaker, cult hero, and Memphis rock iconoclast Alex Chilton has died.

The singer and guitarist, best known as a member of ’60s pop-soul act the Box Tops and the ’70s power-pop act Big Star, died today at a hospital in New Orleans. Chilton, 59, had been complaining of about his health earlier today. He was taken by paramedics to the emergency room where he was pronounced dead. The cause of death is believed to be a heart attack. [more]

Broken Bells | brokenbells.com

NOTE: In the following Brian Burton, of whom it has become standard to point out is also known as Danger Mouse, will be referred to simply as DM. James Mercer will be JM, not “James Mercer of the Shins,” as has also become his standard billing. The live band is filled out with five others on lend from fine other rock outfits Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band and Hella, who, for the sake of brevity and writer’s sanity, will be collectively referred to herein as TOGWANDMNJM or, The Other Guys Who Are Neither Danger Mouse Nor James Mercer. (Sorry, TOGWANDMNJM.) Broken Bells will be BB.

First off, the Troubadour is packed. I mean like packt like sardines in a crushd tin box packed. This is BB’s second show in LA (“Where we wrote this shit…”–JM) inside a month, following a quick preview jaunt to NYC, London and Paris, thus 5th ever show by my shaky math. Be it comped industry folks or plain ol’ regular fans that snapped up tix that sold out in minutes, it’s obvious the interest in BB is running high. This time around though, the show comes after the record has been physically released to Best Buys and Starbucks, which may or may not mean anything in this day and age of leaks and online streaming previews. Maybe slightly more familiarity with the tunes.

They take stage in near total darkness, save a constant projection of spinning geometrical shapes and patterns. There’s a fine line between affectation and artistic license but these guys seem fairly egoless, so I’m willing to grant them this right to play in the dark. (Looking forward to hearing if they stick to this m.o. before 2,000 badgeholders @ Stubb’s @ SXSW.)

DM’s ‘fro and tall slight hunch is fast becoming an iconic silhouette in the culture, as he takes to his throne behind the kit. There is a noticeable surge in audience whoop when JM’s saunters on stage last, just a beat behind TOGWANDMNJM. Not entirely unsurprising given the intense love for Shins in many quarters. Slight of build and sporting a bit of light beard, JM seems more at ease on stage than I seem to remember him with Shins. He warms up as the set unwinds, seeming even a bit chatty towards the end. TOGWANDMNJM fill out on bass, guitar, keyboards, samplers, and misc percussion.

It’s a safe assumption right out of the gate that any product resulting from a collaboration of the quality of rock pedigree DM and JM bring is just incapable of being bad. They’re just too skilled, technically, have too much good taste, so it’s just up to them to decide what they want to do and try to do it, on record and live. So do BB pull it off live? Well, yes.

With an able rock guitar-bass-drums foundation (DM on drums mostly, grabbing a guitar for one tune, sitting down at the Rhodes for another) holding things down for touches of samples, percussion, synths and piano to float on top, they render the album faithfully, just about track for track, in near exact order. In the tunes themselves, there’s some 60’s, maybe some Beach Boys, a touch of Beck, a hint of 80‘s, a bit of Shins (duh). A friend mentioned Sneaker Pimps as a point of reference; I’m still trying to figure out if that’s a compliment. With only 10 originals in their bag, they’re using the encore for covers, paying tribute to influences and so far demonstrating impeccable taste. Past shows have seen Neutral Milk Hotel and Tommy James covers; tonight, we get DM and JM electric piano/guitar duo for Neil Young’s “Don’t Let It Bring You Down,” JM’s high voice beautifully carrying the tune, followed by a full-band take on My Bloody Valentine’s “When You Sleep.”

On record you can hear the effort to let in a little analog, organic wonkiness here and there—a detuned synth, a crusty drum sample, a bit of hiss here and there—but mostly the CD is a polished production. (The records of the dearly missed Mark Linkous a.k.a. Sparklehorse, with whom DM collaborated on the Dark Night of the Soul project, no doubt influencing him to some degree, mastered this sort of mix, imbuing rock tunes with electronic and organic whimsical flourishes, and vice versa.)

The live show can open the recorded versions a bit, let in a bit more energy and happy slack and they do, somewhat, but with room for more. (Reminding myself it’s their 5th ever show.) You see DM reaching over to turn up the bass and tweak a sample here and there to to amp things up. There’s a hint of fire in the band for the MBV cover. Maybe it’s still too early in the life of BB for them to let their baby free and see where the band can take things, but DM and JM can afford to cut loose with this solid a backing band and the sturdy tunes. One suspects as they play more, we’ll see them stretch things out a bit. Then again, it might not be in either of their personalities, which is fine. Maybe let TOGWANDMNJM push while DM and JM serve as the tent pegs holding things together.

With a hot CD out and a solid live show on the way to the SXSW and Coachella, pieces are in place for things to happen for BB now. But I’m looking forward to seeing if this debut album is the start of a long collaboration that grows the project into a proper band. Then when DM and JM return to their other projects, maybe they’ll be known as Brian Burton and James Mercer of Broken Bells.

Little Boots | littleboots.co.uk | MySpace

High Places
w/ Nite Jewel & Dues
Friday March 19
The Echo
Info
 
 

Gilberto Gil
The String Concert
with Jacques Morelenbaum & Bem Gil
Saturday March 20
UCLA Royce Hall
Info
[ENTER TO WIN]

Rodrigo y Gabriela
Wed August 18, 2010
The Greek Theater
Tickets via PMC membership exclusively until 4/13
Info
[ENTER TO WIN]
 
Greenberg [Focus Features]
In LA/NYC theaters this Fri 3/19
Soundtrack CD sampler [Parlophone/DFA]
fea. new James Murphy sounds
[ENTER TO WIN]
*Please include a mailing address

Party Out West (POW FEST) featuring A benefit for MusiCares with musical guests The Standells , Peter Case , The Zero’s , Giant Drag , Pierced Arrows and more @ Echoplex Sun 3/28
The Onion & The AV Club present featuring OUR DUMB BOOK EVENT with Special Guests Thomas Lennon, Robert Ben Garant & comedian Megan Ganz @ Echoplex Thu 4/1
We Are Wolves vs We AreThe World @ The Echo Thu 4/8
Jerry Seinfeld Live! Hosted by Jason Alexander @ Saban Theatre (formerly Wilshire Theatre) (Reprise Theatre Company benefit) Thu 4/8
We Are The World @ The Echo Thu 4/1
The Dead Trees @ Troubadour Sat 4/10
We Are The World @ The Echo Thu 4/15
Sublime with Rome @ The Palladium Wed 4/21
Hole @ Henry Fonda Fri 4/23
Conan O’Brien @ Gibson Amphitheatre Sat 4/24
Conan O’Brien @ Gibson Amphitheatre Sun 4/25
Conan O’Brien @ Gibson Amphitheatre (Meet & Greet Package) Sat 4/24
Conan O’Brien @ Gibson Amphitheatre (Meet & Greet Package) Sun 4/25
The Murder City Devils @ Henry Fonda Fri 4/30
Bill Frisell Trio @ Largo (featuring Jason Moran and Kenny Wollesen) Tue 4/13
Carney @ El Rey Wed 5/5
Chapterhouse w/ Ulrich Schnauss @ Troubadour Fri 5/7
Kate Nash w/ Super Cute @ El Rey Tue 5/11
Frog Eyes w/ Mt St Helen’s Vietnam Band @ The Echo Fri 5/28
Ben Folds and a Piano with Kate Miller-Heidke @ House of Blues Anaheim Fri 5/14
Ben Folds and a Piano with Kate Miller-Heidke @ Henry Fonda Thu 5/13
Ben Folds and a Piano with Kate Miller-Heidke @ Henry Fonda Wed 5/12
Glee Live In Concert @ Gibson Amphitheatre Sat 5/22
Rodrigo Y Gabriela @ Greek Theatre Wed 8/18
 

MONDAY
Andy Clockwise w/ Marvelous Toy, Le Switch, Matt Ellis @ Troubadour
Blue Skies for Black Hearts w/ Seaspin, The Damn Sons, Washington, Crayon Fields @ Silverlake Lounge
Delta Mirror w/ Pop Noir @ The Echo
Keith Jarrett @ Disney Concert Hall
Moonrats w/ Lawrence Arabia, Corridor & Skybombers @ Spaceland
She & Him @ Largo
The Tails @ Bordello
Ty Segall @ McWorld (5011 W. Adams Blvd)

TUESDAY
Efterklang @ Spaceland
Screening of The White Stripes “Under Great White Northern Lights” film @ Echoplex (Free w/ RSVP)

WEDNESDAY
Bad Religion @ House of Blues Anaheim
T.S.O.L. @ The Roxy

THURSDAY
Agent Orange @ Key Club
Bad Religion @ House of Blues Anaheim
Puppetry of the Penis @ Coast Playhouse
Stephen Stills @ Henry Fonda
Voodoo Glow Skulls w/ Hub City Stompers, Cellphish, Buddha Bomb @ Alex’s Bar
XIU XIU featuring Tune-Yards & Noveller @ The Echo

FRIDAY
Bad Religion @ House of Blues San Diego
Damon Castillo Band w/ Justin Hopkins, Josiah Leming, D.D.L. Roundhouse @ The Mint
High Places w/ Nite Jewel & Dunes @ The Echo
Puppetry of the Penis @ Coast Playhouse

SATURDAY
Bad Religion @ House of Blues San Diego
Beth Hart @ The Echo
Devin Sarno & G.E. Stinson w/ Jean Baudin @ Bootleg Theater
Gilberto Gil: The String Concert w/ Jacques Morelenbaum & Bem Gil @ Royce Hall
Gomez w/ Little Ones @ El Rey
Puppetry of the Penis @ Coast Playhouse

SUNDAY
Bad Religion @ House of Blues Las Vegas
Deakin (of Animal Collective) @ Center for the Arts Eagle Rock
Deakin (of Animal Collective) @ Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock (5 pm)
Gomez @ El Rey
Groove Armada @ Henry Fonda
Megafaun w/ Breathe Owl Breathe @ The Echo
Mia Doi Todd @ Bootleg Theater
Puppetry of the Penis @ Coast Playhouse
Tears for Fears @ The Wiltern
Tributepalooza! w/ Steely Jam (tribute to Steely Dan), Sympathy 4 Stones (tribute to Rolling Stones), Syrfing with an Alien (tribute to Joe Satriani) and Now or Never (tribute to Elvis Presley) @ Dakota Lounge

The Big Pink | musicfromthebigpink.com | MySpace

A Place To Bury Strangers | aplacetoburystrangers.com | MySpace

May 2 | Gibson Amphitheatre | Magneto
May 6 | Gibson Amphitheatre | Celtic Woman
May 7 | Gibson Amphitheatre | L.A. Salsa Festival: Gilberto Santa Rosa / Luis Enrique /Willy Chirino / Oscar D’Leon
May 9 | Gibson Amphitheatre | Mother’s Day 2010 Concert featuring Patti LaBelle plus special guest Ashford & Simpson
May 14 | The Greek Theatre | Wavefest 2010
May 15 | The Greek Theatre | Thirty Seconds to Mars plus special guests Shiny Toy Guns / Neon Trees
May 18 | Gibson Amphitheatre | Styx / Foreigner plus special guest Kansas

Full schedule to date through September below.
May 29 | The Greek Theatre | Hot 92.3 Hot Summer Nights presents WAR / Tower of Power / Average White Band
June 6 | Gibson Amphitheatre | 2010 MTV Movie Awards
June 12 | The Greek Theatre | Hot 92.3 Hot Summer Nights Super 70’s Soul Jam Spectacular featuring Stylistics / Chi-Lites / Bloodstone / Ray Goodman and Brown / Harold Melvin’s
Bluenotes / New Birth / Friends of Distinction / Persuaders
June 12 | Gibson Amphitheatre | Conjunto Primavera
June 18 | Gibson Amphitheatre | Freestyle Explosion: Stevie B / Shannon / Company B /Trinere / Debbie Deb / Pretty Poison / Seduction / Nocera / Newcleus
June 19 | Gibson Amphitheatre | Polo Polo
June 26 | The Greek Theatre | Jose Carreras with full orchestra
June 26 | Gibson Amphitheatre | Backstreet Boys
July 8 | The Greek Theatre | Go Country Summer Concert Under the Stars presents
Sugarland plus special guests Michelle Branch /Will Hoge
July 9 | The Greek Theatre | Yes / Peter Frampton
July 10 | The Greek Theatre | Chris Botti plus special guest
July 11 | The Greek Theatre | Steve Miller Band plus special guest Los Lobos
July 16 & 17 | Gibson Amphitheatre | Pepe Aguilar
July 17 | The Greek Theatre | An Evening with Gipsy Kings
July 23 | The Greek Theatre | Jackson Browne plus special guest David Lindley
July 23 & 24 | Gibson Amphitheatre | Alejandro Sanz
July 24 | The Greek Theatre | The Go Go’s plus special guest
July 30 | The Greek Theatre | Serj Tankian with orchestra: Elect the Dead Symphony
July 31 | The Greek Theatre | REO Speedwagon / Pat Benatar plus special guest Edwin McCain
Aug. 1 | Gibson Amphitheatre | The Wiggles
Aug. 7 | The Greek Theatre | Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band
Aug. 8 | Gibson Amphitheatre | 2010 Teen Choice Awards
Aug. 14 | The Greek Theatre | Los Lonely Boys plus special guests Tierra / El Chicano
Aug. 15 | The Greek Theatre | The Levon Helm Band plus Jenny Lewis and special guests
Aug. 18 | The Greek Theatre | Rodrigo y Gabriela plus special guest
Aug. 21 | The Greek Theatre | Al Green / Stephanie Mills
Aug. 24 | The Greek Theatre | Chris Isaak plus special guest
Aug. 25 | The Greek Theatre | Norah Jones plus special guest
Aug. 26 | Gibson Amphitheatre | Lynyrd Skynyrd plus special guest
Aug. 27 | The Greek Theatre | Cyndi Lauper plus special guest
Aug. 27 & 28 | Gibson Amphitheatre | Joan Sebastian
Aug. 28 | The Greek Theatre | Hot 92.3 Hot Summer Nights Funkfest featuring Morris Day / Bar-Kays / Lakeside / Slave / Klymaxx
Sept. 8 | The Greek Theatre | David Gray / Ray LaMontagne
Sept. 9 | Gibson Amphitheatre | Gary Allan plus special guest Jack Ingram
Sept. 10 | The Greek Theatre | Sheryl Crow plus special guest Colbie Caillat
Sept. 18 | Gibson Amphitheatre | Heart plus special guest
Sept. 24 | The Greek Theatre | Willie Nelson & Family plus special guest
Sept. 25 | The Greek Theatre | Band of Horses plus special guest
Sept. 25 | Gibson Amphitheatre | Marco Antonio Solis
Oct. 2 & 3 | The Greek Theatre | Dane Cook
Nov. 12 – 14 | Gibson Amphitheatre | Vicente Fernández

El Perro Del Mar | elperrodelmar.com | MySpace

El Perro Del Mar at the El Rey, May 19, 2008 by Sung

Taken By Trees Live in Los Angeles, Roxy Theater, February 28, 2008 by Sung

Looks like there might be tickets at the door–check out the Troubadour’s Twitter tonight to be sure if you’re thinking of wandering down. Unfortunately, a Lykke Li guest appearance to join her fellow Swede chanteuses is unlikely as she blogged a couple weeks ago about finally leaving LA for Jamaica and Stockholm.

Check back later this week for Sung’s coverage from tonight’s show.

Young Directors Night highlights the emerging talent of Los Angeles’s film community. A celebration of film and the art of cinema, the showcase features six short films screened in the unique setting of an art museum:

Overnight Stay/Übernachtung by Daniela Sherer
Sun Sessions by Eddie O’Keefe
Sweet Dreams by Kirsten Lepore
Lintscape by Caitlin Craggs
Moth in Spring by Yu Gu
Dance With Me by Devon Chivvis

$20 for Muse members ($30 general public).
Ticket to YDN includes entrance for the screenings and Q&A along with admission to the post-screening reception, featuring entertainment, dessert and an open bar. Schedule:

6:00pm – (LACMA) Wine by Kenwood and Hors douvers by Border Grill and Ciudad

7:30pm – Screenings (120 min. with 15 minute intermission)

9:30pm – Brief words from the filmmakers

10:30pm – (A+D Museum) Award presentation and reception. Dessert by Melissa’s, drinks by Kenwood wines, Makers mark, Fiji Water, Pernod, Krol Vodka and more
12:00am – ‘MIDNIGHT MOVIE EXPERIENCE’ A Burke Roberts retrospective.

The post-screening reception will take place across the street from LACMA at the A+D Museum.