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​Remember about a week ago when we mentioned that Costa Mesa's The New Limb are bringing some shimmering indie rock tunes to the Gypsy Lounge through Dec. 17? Yes? Awesome. Hopefully that means you didn't miss last week's opening night of their free residency.  More >>

​Until earlier this week, I couldn't say I gave half a shit about anything Morrissey did post-Smiths. But something changed as I got word that the Moz is teaming with designer Stella McCartney (her dad's a bassist who played in some band...starts with a "B" or something) for a line of vegan shoes. As a vegan who has a difficult time finding appropriate footwear, this is exciting for me.

Will the famed crooner be wearing said shoes at his appearance Monday at the Fox Theater in Pomona? No. That's because the line will be launched in early 2010. Maybe if you're lucky, he'll rock a prototype. Either way, kudos Morrissey. Can't say I know squat about your solo work, but I commend anyone doing vegan-friendly things.

P.S. If you read this Moz, please play "Panic" for me. I love that song.

P.P.S. And if you are reading this, I might as well point out the fact that you turned down a reported $5 million to reunite the Smiths at Coachella is either the dumbest or bravest move I've ever heard a musician make.

​If you ever hang around a group of aging punk rockers, you're ultimately going to get an earfull about the mayhem and magic of the glory days when legendary bands walked the earth and tore up the stage. Splice that in with a bag of comical life lessons, misadventures and a pinch of borderline psychosis and you have Joe Sib's one man "broken word" show, "California Calling." The show takes place tonight at The Boathouse in Costa Mesa at 8 p.m.  More >>

The Long Beach venue formerly known as Sachi is now known as Shore Ultra Lounge. From what I hear, there ain't much difference on the inside. But one cool aspect of the Shore is the shows seems to be getting a bit better. Paul Oakenfeld played a few weeks ago and tomorrow there's something cool happening too.

Labeled the After School Fashion Charity Benefit & Show, the event begins with a fashion show (duh) by Buffalo Exchange, Crooks & Castles, No Regrets, Amnimal and more,  along with sets by the Cataracs, RoMak & the Space Pirates and On Blast (who, rumor has it, know how to party).

The show is 21 and older and tickets are $15.  

Exene Cervenka, lead singer of X, posted some news that require lots of good vibes sent her way. Here it is.

 

"After some months of not feeling 100% healthy, I recently had some medical tests run and the prognosis is that I am suffering from Multiple Sclerosis. Apparently, it has been affecting me for quite some time. Although this is obviously unfortunate news, I am choosing to see the positive in it. I, and X as a band, have supported the Sweet Relief charity since the mid-1990's; the irony of this is not lost on any of us. Sweet Relief was started as an aide to uninsured artists by musician Victoria Williams when she herself was diagnosed with MS in 1992.

While this diagnosis will most certainly mean some changes for me, personally, it will not affect my commitments to the current X U.S. tour, nor will it affect my solo album that is slated for release this fall on Bloodshot Records. My focus will certainly be on maintaining my health--many people remain strong and continue to live their lives as productively as they had before an MS diagnosis and I plan to be one of those people."

Gary Finneran, former lead singer of the HB-based Ex-Idols, passed away recently. I don't have all the details about his death, but I do have info on a memorial show in his honor.

The gig takes place Friday, June 5 at the 3 Clubs in Hollywood. Right now, the lineup includes Lit, Ex-Idols, Tuscarora, She Died, Motochrist, Charlie and the Valentine Killers, the Flash Express, Rodleen, Satiate, the Crazy Squeeze and Silver Needle.

Cover is $20. Profits go to Finneran's sons. Showtime is 8 p.m.

I met and played with Finneran once. My friend Alfunction called me and asked to play bass in a makeshift band with the singer. Mr. Function's friend Lauren (who sings in SiX) was having a birthday party and the Ex-Idols were one of his favorite bands. Well, the Ex-Idols weren't available because they broke up years earlier, but Al wanted to do something cool for Lauren. I had to learn four Ex-Idols songs in about a week. We didn't practice and I was pretty nervous considering how unprepared we were, but I think it went off well. At least that's what Finneran told me. We said a few words before we played and he seemed like a decent guy. I kept looking at him during the songs because he was guiding the three of us through the patchy spots. Afterwards, we spoke and he was grinning widely. He told me he had a lot of fun and that was good enough for me.

Here's fair warning on some cool events going on tomorrow for some good causes, and even better: they're across the street from each other!


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Here's something cool: The new Neko Case single, off of her upcoming Middle Cyclone album coming out on March 3, is out, and she and her label ANTI- will donate $5 to Best Friends Animal Society (an organization dedicated to eliminate homeless pets and place "unadoptable" animals into good homes) for every blog that posts it, and $1 for every iLike user that adds it to his or her profile.

The song, "People Got A Lotta Nerve," is classic Neko, and encourages that Middle Cyclone might rank right up there with her Fox Confessor Brings the Flood, one of the best records of 2006. Also, this reminds me of when she had her dogs on stage with her at the New Pornographers show in Tucson, AZ back in September 2007. Great show. Here's the tune!



People Got A Lotta Nerve - Neko Case

Video of Neko talking about Best Friends Animal Society after the jump.
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