Band of Horses and Sea Wolf: Down For The Cause!

If the already awesome line up wasn't "awesome enough" for you, well, then guess what kiddos? It just got that much better. Band of Horses and Sea Wolf has been confirmed to perform stripped down, acoustic performances at the Pablove Benefit concert on November 21st (hosted at The Avalon) along with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and Tom Morello: The Nightwatchmen and loads of others.

Jeff Castelaz, head boss man at Dangerbird Records (who you can thank for giving you the sounds of Eulogies, Dappled Cities, Silversun Pickups, Sea Wolf and tons of others), will be wrapping up his Pablove Across America bike ride in Long Beach earlier that day and will be heading over to The Avalon to join you generous and loving peeps at the show.

What is Pablove Across America?



What's Pablove?

"The Pablove Foundation is named after Pablo Castelaz, the son of Jo Ann Thrailkill and Jeff Castelaz, and the little brother of Grady Gallagher. On May 17, 2008, Pablo was diagnosed with bilateral Wilms’ Tumor, a rare form of children’s cancer. The cancer appeared out of nowhere, with no warning signs in Pablo’s general demeanor or health. He underwent treatment at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. On June 27, 2009, Pablo’s individual fight with cancer ended. But we fight on in his name, with the spirit of love that Pablo embodied and inspired.

Every year, the Pablove Foundation gives money to improve the lives of children with cancer, at both a national level as well as a local level here in Los Angeles. As we carry out our mission, we wave a flag for anyone to see. On it are these words: Kids get cancer too. They need your help. It’s not somebody else’s problem."

Tickets for the Pablove Benefit concert are available ($35-$65) via TicketMaster.

A very limited number of Patron VIP tickets for $150, which gives you seats in an exclusive opera box. To buy those, please visit the Giftberry page.

A Heartbeat and a Guitar: Johnny Cash and the Making of Bitter Tears Book Release

Photos and Words: Lorna Pacheco
A Heartbeat and A Guitar: Johnny Cash and the Making of Bitter Tears Book Release Party
Thursday, November 5th
Make Out Room, San Francisco

Writer and filmmaker, Antonino D’Ambrosio, hosted Thursday’s event at San Francisco venue, Make Out Room, for his poignant new book: A Heartbeat and a Guitar- Johnny Cash and the making of Bitter Tears (with original artwork on the cover by Shepard Fairey). It’s a tapestry of stories of social and political upheaval during the 60’s that inspired Cash’s visceral folk protest record 'Bitter tears: Ballads of the American Indian.' D’Ambrosio brings light to Cash’s drive to use the power of music to bring interdependence, awareness and change. D’Ambrosio was joined by Bay area musicians, which included performances from Tiny Television, Yard Sale, Billy and Dolly (of the Monolith) and a special acoustic performance by Sean Hayes. The evening consisted of covers of Cash’s catalogue, a blend of folk and country music which included the catalyst song for D’Ambrosio, “Ballad of Ira Hayes.” Renowned music photographer Jim Marshall was also at hand to share some words in regards to his photo contributions. He was an enchanting, wonderful person. I had to catch my breath. I was conversing with a living legend!



I was introduced to author Antonino D’Ambrosio by Noise Pop Industries events director Stacy Horne (Thank you Stacy!). D’Ambrosio was energetic, excited and very engaged in the environment as the bands played. I perceived immediately that he was devout to his works. This man was burning for change. He asked me if I was enjoying the show. I simply replied “ I feel Johnny Cash’s presence, he is here with us tonight, through his music and stories.” A glowing Cheshire cat grin became visible in the darkness of red-lit Make Out Room. I’d like to believe that I induced that smile. He shook his head up and down, agreeing with me. We spoke a little more on his friendship with Marshall, his current tour, and mentioning that his New York engagement would be co-hosted with Chuck D. He then politely excused himself as he timed his cue up to the stage to read an excerpt from his book. I believed that I had witnessed a moment of him sensing accomplishment... of his ability to socially engage the audience, enlightening them through the narrative threads of his writings and Cash’s “Bitter Tears.” A connection surged within the crowd. The music was being heard; the painful history and cries of social injustices were penetrating into our consciousness. Music and politics intersecting, that is as powerful as music can get. Antonino is currently on tour for his book and his next stop is Portland, Oregon. A big thanks to Noise Pop for inviting us to this amazing event!














Antonino D’Ambrosio is the author of "Let Fury Have The Hour: The Punk Politics of Joe Strummer." The film version was directed by D’Ambrosio and set to be released in 2010. He writes for The Progressive, The Nation and The Believer among others. He also is the founder/executive director of La Lutta a media and production non-profit. For more information on the book, and tour dates please visit the book's site by clicking HERE.

Sonic Treat of the Day: Eulogies' "Two Can Play"

Photo: Brantley Gutierrez

Eulogies are playing Spaceland tonight. Tickets are still available and are $10 online or $12 at the door. In the meantime, get yourself all geared up for the show and enjoy this free download.

Eulogies - "Two Can Play"
Dangerbird Records

Timbre Timbre Records Acoustic Songs For Indie 103.1

Photos: Monica Alvarez
Timber Timbre
Indie 103.1 Studios with Chuck P.
October 28, 2009

I stopped by the Indie studios earlier this afternoon to catch Timber Timbre record some special treats for you devoted listeners and fans. One word: INCREDIBLE. Chuck and I were especially excited to hear a unique version of our favorite track, "Lay Down In The Tall Grass." We were totally giddy and it was awesome. Uh, I mean, I was totally giddy and Chuck was excited in a very manly manner.

Tune in to Indie via internet or iTunes Radio on Thursday, October 29th, from 1-3pm PST, to hear the tracks that the trio recorded earlier this afternoon. In the meantime, enjoy some shots I was able to capture for your viewing pleasure. What's with the lack of decent pics? Let's just say the lead singer was, eh hem, "camera shy," okay? Yeah. Okay.

Also, don't forget that the band will be opening up for The Antlers tomorrow night at the Bootleg Theatre. Sounds like it's sold out and is bound to be an awesome show.

Sonic Treat of the Day: The Heavy's "Short Change Hero"

I'm really digging the first half of The Heavy's new album, 'The House That Dirt Built.' Yes, I have a mild case of the A.D.D. What of it? Seriously, guys. Go on and check out the band's show tonight at The Echo and see for yourselves. My buddy, Viktor Phoenix, called them "the U.K. indie rock answer to Sly and the Family Stone" over at Bronson's Buzz Bands blog and I couldn't agree any more.

My fave tracks off the new album, 'The House That Dirt Built' are as follows:
"How You Like Me Now"
"Sixteen"
"Short Change Hero" (which you can download for free when you visit our friends at URB Magazine)

Go on. Get your free download on. Oh, and you're welcome.

Sho Nuff Show Shots: Local Natives & Peter Bjorn and John in Paris

Photos: Kristy Sparow
Local Natives & Peter Bjorn and John
October 15, 2009
Le Maroquinerie
Paris, France

From Kristy:

"After the show I spoke with Peter (lead singer) and John (drums). Both, amazingly wonderful guys! During their set they said 'what an amazing band' the Local Natives are."

Indeed they are. The boys are making the rounds at CMJ and will return to Los Angeles on November 2nd to play the El Rey with Glass Ghost and White Rabbits. AWESOME line up. This show is definitely a must see. In the mean time, enjoy these awesome images from our beloved, Kristy Sparow.

Urbanology - Class Is In Session: Rihanna's "Russian Roulette"

Rihanna -- Russian Roulette
By Crystal Holt

I like this song. I like it even more that Ne-Yo wrote it, but isn't singing ON it. People want standard Rihanna dance/hype music. Um, she's a battered woman. She's bound to be a little moody, dark and brooding for a while. Chill the frick out. A good video will shut up all the neigh sayers. But I have seen the production stills and apparently she was rocking that Cody Maverick, Surf's Up do. I don't know about that one.




I can see this being an anthem for breakups everywhere. I would put this in my Fuck Him rotation. Right in between Justin Timberlake's "What Comes Around Goes Around" (yeah, skank whore Britney broke Justin and now he's a serially monogamous dumper) and Mos Def's "You Are the One ... You're the OOOONNNNEEE ... FUCK YOU!" Damn, I love that song.

Eye Candy: Vincent Moon's "Temporary Copenhagen"

TEMPORARY COPENHAGEN _ an experiment from vincent moon / temporary areas on Vimeo.

Please take some time from your mundane Monday to enjoy Vincent Moon's New Project, "Temporary Copenhagen" - a wonderful way to spend your lunch break whether at your desk or on the go via your fancy pants mobile device.

What is "Temporary Copenhagen," you ask? 9 Bands + 30 Minutes + 1 Take = sonic and visual goodness!!

Vincent Moon took performances by Efterklang, Slaraffenland, Choir of Young Believers, Sad Lovers, Thulebasen, Valby Vokalgruppe, Chimes and Bells, Murder & Jong Pang and made a 30 minute video. It was shot in 1 take (if you know what this means then you know how awesome of an accomplishment that is). Seriously. Just watch it. Or don't. Just LISTEN. It's absolutely beautiful.

Slaraffenland opening with 'Falling Out'
Efterklang following with Mirror Mirror'
Sad Lovers performing 'Bring in the Light'
Thulebasen slowly entering with 'Extract'
Valby Vokalgruppe ritualising 'Gøgen fra Kina'
Chimes and Bells exchanging 'You shall not pass'
Murder bringing 'Providence' to life
Jong Pang exciting his 'New Order'
Choir of Young Believers ending with 'Yamagata'

Urbanology - Class Is In Session: N.E.R.D. "Soldier" featuring Santigold and Lil Wayne

N.E.R.D. – Soldier feat Santigold and Lil Wayne
By Crystal Holt

More fuel for the N.E.R.D.-Army that will fold nicely into their live shows. Get ready to dance and jump and sing, slow it down to a wind and rev that mofo back up again. Whatchu mean you never been to a N.E.R.D. concert? Whatchu mean you thought Pharrell was just some dude that sung hooks for rap songz? Whatchu mean you’re an idiot? Well that last one I’ll give you. I need to learn a little more about this Santigold chick. You want to broaden your audience and your brand and add some hip hop followers? Sing a hook. Now, I’m off looking her up and downloading her songs. Sorry to say Lil Wayne’s verse is a throwaway verse. His reign seems to be coming to an end. He’ll still be relevant. He just won’t be #1 (see: stretched too thin / overexposed). You hear that sax. That’s Chad. I’m ready for hip/hop to move exclusively in the next level of being backed by a live band. That shit is raw. Leave the play back to pop/R&B stars.

Soldier Jim Fal Live
by yardie4lifever2

Urbanology - Class Is In Session: Brandy's "Good Night Good Morning"

Brandy – Good Night Good Morning
By Crystal Holt

No one wants a Brandy comeback more than me (well, maybe Brandy). Okay, so, I’d rather have a really good mainstream Monica comeback. But I like me some Brandy, too. Hey, “I Wanna Be Down” was my jam. She continues to make good music that gets largely ignored. Why? Fake marriage aside, I think she’s too squeaky clean and wholesome. She needs some dirt on her. Not a lot. Just a little pizzazz. She needs to put some stank on it. This song is hot. What it needs is a hot video with an ultrahot love interest that ISN’T Ne-Yo. Get your own beard! Gone Brandy. Get your grove back. I can definitely see this being a club anthem for white people (djs play an entirely different genre of stank whore music in the club for an exclusively black crowd). I can totally see some blonde bimbo in a pussy belt using this song to signal that fake movie producer in the corner “Are we one night standing it or what?” Poor bastard, he doesn’t know whether or not he wants Thai, Soul Food or Apple Pie. Brandy, help him out.