Orange County Music Blog

As a policy, we've generally learned to love, accept and embrace the aural oddities of our little OC music scene wherever they should arise. And if you read this weeks Locals Only, which I know you did [if not, check it HERE] you know that the zombie shredders of Death Hymn Number 9 certainly qualify. Tonight they are playing a very messy show (as indicated on the flier) at the Tropic Lounge in Fullerton.

Joined by The Beat Killers and The Dynotones, Death Hymn will once again unleash their signature brand of instrumental gospel thrash to a room of unsuspecting beer drinkers. Anyone who has seen this band before knows that watching the look on people's faces as the band goes ape shit on their equipment is well worth the five dollar cover. Add that to the unpredictable shenanigans that occur on a nightly basis at Tropics and you have yourself a several certified reasons to get your ass to this show tonight (as if Adam West beckoning you with his sexy pose wasn't enough).

Now here's a flier with some potential. If you want people to show up to a concert hosted by the Sweet Relief musician's fund, why not go the literal route? Between the cigarette and the finger banging, we've got ourselves quite a visual metaphor here (looks like sweet relief to me). Impressive. Almost as impressive as watching bands like The Living Suns and Audacity create some sweet chaos inside the walls of what may be the smallest music venue in Orange County (if you can call it that).

In the past, watching people coming out of a show drenched in sweat and nursing close proximity-induced injuries (elbow to the eye, smashed foot) has always been part of eVocal's  charm. But tomorrow is sure to take things up a notch. In an event to raise money for Sweet Relief's mission to aid homeless and hungry musicians across the country, newly established label La Chupacabra Records is hosting the gig to raise money for the cause. Bands on tomorrow's line up are pretty much all names you've heard before: The Living Suns, Audacity, My Pet Saddle, Gestapo Khazi and Sons at Sea.

But when you look at how many great bands are playing the thought of "how the fuck are they going to cage all this craziness inside eVocal?" definitely crosses your mind at some point. Yeah, I'm right there with ya. Hopefully that curiosity is just enough to make you drive down to Costa Mesa to check it out for yourself. After all, at least some of your $5 cover is going to musicians in need, which is a worthy cause all by itself. Not to mention the fact that this is probably the best local line up you're going to see all week. The naked chick on the flier advises that you get there early.

More details about Sweet Relief HERE. 

In case you hadn't figured it out by now, the last time you missed Mayer Hawthorne and the County in the velvet, red belly of the Continental Room back in February, you REALLY missed out. Sharp-dressed, Motown seeping from every pour of his wiry pale frame, Hawthorne and his band delivered some serious grown-and-sexy soul vibes that made a lasting impression on any throw back junkie in the audience.

But it's okay, you might feel like an idiot now, but here's a great opportunity to redeem yourself. The band will be back at The Continental Room tonight for a full set of blaring horns, crooning harmonies and relentless rhythm. He's got plenty of songs streaming right now on his Myspace if you're interested (of course you are).

After completing an extensive tour of Europe alongside his label captain Peanut Butter Wolf (Stones Throw Records), Hawthorne is sure to come back to his OC stomping grounds in peak condition. Still don't know who I'm talking about? Try tuning into BBC radio sometime. Thanks to big name Brits like Mark Ronson endorsing Hawthorne's sound over the airwaves, he's become quite a hit across the pond with songs like "Just Aint' Gonna Work Out" and "Maybe So Maybe No".

With much of his music recorded entirely on his own (every instrument, every vocal) Hawthorne's prowess to recreate that golden Motor City sounds he grew up listening to in his home town of Michigan is only surpassed by his ability to make it fresh again. Check him out tonight at 9 p.m. for FREE! Trust me, you don't want to miss this again.
 

Okay, we might have already crowned a "flier of the week", but this one has to come in at a close second place. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that it contains four bands that are the archetype of OC's loud, rude, no-frills punk scene. Maybe it's their request for me to "dance, skank and make love" all at one time that simply blows my mind. Or maybe it's because the suspect splotches of slime around the lips of a 1950s housewife just makes me laugh. Either way, you have to know that stirring up four chemically unbalanced bands in one small vile is bound to create an explosion.

Tonight, those bands include Slime Kings, Death Hymn Number 9, A.M. and Jungle Peeps. The so called "vile" is the cramped, paint-slathered space of Costa Mesa's eVocal. And for only $5, the ability to bear witness to a spontaneous combustion of unabashed attitude, twangy distortion, shouts and boot stomps seems like a very promising way to start the weekend. And besides great music, tonight's line up also promises some memorable song titles. Whether you're thrashing to "Batsh!t" by Jungle Peeps or Death Hymn's "I reckon your gonna die", chances are you'll walk away with plenty of recognizable jams to sing and scream along with the next time you see them play. And trust me, there will be a next time.   

It just kinda rolls of the tongue doesn't it? "Free Show Thursday." Though I'm not certain that's exactly what they're calling it, The Gypsy Lounge is showing mercy on you poor rock-n-roll souls this month by offering four bands every Thursday Night, no cover. And from the looks of the calendar, these freebies are definitely worth the mileage it takes you to get there.

Though things seem to centered around OC Music Award winners The Union Line (pictured), who play every Thursday show at 10:30 p.m., the night carries a rotating cast of OC Weekly-approved acts. Go ahead, check it out for yourself HERE. Tomorrow night also includes sets from Janu and the Whalesharks, Yellow Red Sparks and Planes Over Bridges.

Any of those names sound familiar? Well they should if you read this blog (all five of you). So c'mon, you know you're too cheap to turn down a free show, a good one at that.

It's the end of the month and for most of you college-types, that means no more school, no more books, etc.; at least for a while. For some, it means rent is due. For avid local show goers, Thursday sparks the age old question, "what the fuck are we going to do tonight?" Only this time, that question actually has an answer at the end of it, since you've got plenty of live acts to choose from all over the place. A speedy Google search of your favorite late night haunts should tell you as much. From tattooed hardcore to Golden Era hip hop, its all out there my friends, all you need to do is get off your ass. I've taken a second to list a few shows I'm definitely looking forward to choosing from, including a KUCI concert with Mothers Sons (pictured), Red Cortez and more over at The Yost. Here are some more after the JUMP. Anything I missed that's worth seeing? Feel free to plug away.

Jazz has few living legends from its halycon days. Sure, there are some modern players (the Marsalis brothers come to mind) who picked up the torch when it was passed to them, but as far as 100 percent legit dudes from back in the day, the list is very short.

Luckily for Orange County, Sonny Rollins, a man who stands firmly atop that list, is playing tomorrow night at the Orange County Performing Arts Center.

Rollins' resume reads like a who's-who of jazz. The saxophonist played alongside John Coltrane (albeit for one song), Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Clifford Brown and Max Roach. His 1956 album Saxophone Colosuus is a jazz masterpiece that begins with one of his most well-known tunes, "St. Thomas."

 Unlike other players from his era, Rollins has transitioned into the modern era in a smooth manner. He's used the same band for years and together they play a really enjoyable sound that blends the best of bebop and contemporary jazz. 

Tickets range from $25-$82. Show starts at 8 p.m. This ain't Chain Reaction: You can't just show up when you want. So don't be late.  

More news on the Alfunction front: The OC guitarist is pulling double duty this Saturday at the Galaxy Theatre's first show back since they decided to close some months ago.

The lineup includes Mr. Function's rock/metal group SiX, his garage/punk band (and my former group) the Heathens, Franki Doll and the Broken Toys, Riotgun, Kansas City Gunfight and DJ Rowdy.

The show is $5, but if the thousand of myspace bulletins I've got regarding this show means anything, if you contact the bands, you might be able to get in for free.

Upcoming shows at the Galaxy include Doors tribute Wild Child on March 27, Fear and the Dickies on March 28 and Candlebox on April 2.

Spindrift is is a really cool LA band that plays Spaghetti Western music. These dudes are so into it, they made a movie, which just so happens to be screening at the Art Theatre in Long Beach tonight (the band is playing too).

The film is called "The Legend of God's Gun." I saw it a few years ago at a house party in LA. Maybe it was all the weed, but I really dug it. And I hate movies. Killer music and the cinematography was spot on.

If psychedelia and western flicks are your thing, you'll thank me for this recommendation. 

In my ongoing quest to let readers know about things at least 24 hours in advance, one of my favorite local bands is playing at DiPiazza's in Long Beach tomorrow night. They're called Ninja Academy and they fucking rule.

Imagine if you will...two guys dressed as ninjas playing ferocious instrumental tunes with influences that range from the Minutemen to Coltrane to Slayer. Seriously.

Now before you say, "Ryan, I'm not into costumed bands," remember: Ninja Academy are ninjas. They're stealth. On the down low. Sneaky. Here and then gone. Without the masks, they'd be nothing but two guys playing music. Everyone loves Superman, but who the hell cares about Clark Kent?

I've seen Ninja Academy about a dozen times at parties and legit venues. Whether or not there's a full stage or a dude wearing a lampshade, they always rock the fuck outta me to the point where I want to join them in wherever they're taking me.

I'd wish them luck on their upcoming national tour, but they don't need that. They're ninjas ferchrissakes.

I've been a Sirius Satellite subscriber (hello alliteration) since the night before Howard Stern broadcast his first censorship-free show. But in that time, I've come to love certain aspects of the other channels and have recommended this product to everyone from friends to my parents.

Sirius and XM, its competitor, merged a few months ago after what seemed like an endless battle to turn two into one. To be honest, I didn't follow the merger as much as I should have because ultimately, I really didn't care.

 

Fans of house music culture are in store for a demonstration true DJ dexterity tomorrow night as Sutra Lounge hosts the innovative turntable duo Scooter and Levelle. Considered local heroes of the San Diego club scene where they first emerged, their sound relies on a basic mantra: two DJs, with a lust for sonic alchemy, spinning four records simultaneously to create a unified sound. But of course, each man brings their own style to the mix. DJ Scooter handles most of the vinyl scratching turntable tricks while Levelle uses his keen sense of cadence to mix a nonstop flow of progressive beats. Together, the combined sonic flurry mixes hip-hop, house, pop and rock in brilliantly blended fashion. They've even managed to give their sound a name, can anybody say "bangin' progressive turntablism"? There's no way that won't catch on. Making a stop at Sutra on tour for their latest album "Gettin' It Done", its pretty much a sure thing that the will do just that.

Watching the clash between good and evil never gets old does it? Especially if involves the two silicone-stuffed vixens on this week's flyer for KIIS FM's Red and White party at Tia Juana's tomorrow night. OC's rowdiest party animals are coming together on the dance-floor in a battle charged with sweat, Top 40 mash-ups, and shameless color coordinated outfits. Ladies, this is officially your last chance to rock that barely-there devil costume for one more post-Halloween bash. Or, if you're feeling especially holy, why not gear up for Christmas and string together a slutty snow angel costume? The possibilities are mind boggling.
Guy's, it might be a little hard to get a hold of a blood red suit post 1984, but if you can, I strongly suggest it.

As the body heat rises on the dancefloor, DJ sets by Erika Starr, DJ Cre-8 and good ol' DJ Orgy will be there to shepherd your bodies through an obstacle course of sinful beats with heavenly execution. Sure, KIIS FM's interpretation of good vs. evil might swing a little bit more toward the latter, but even if the angels are out numbered tomorrow night, there's no reason we can't all kick back a few $3 Wet Pussy shots and have a good time.

In the fading remnants of presidential campaign season, it seems more people are getting in the spirit of reaching across the isle to their fellow brethren, even in the world of ultra-trendy night clubs. Tonight, Long Beach extends a hand to Anaheim's Ember Cafe and Music Club in the form of a booze-filled party bus. I don't know about you, but I'll take that hand any day.

Pure Evolution Productions is sending a VIP round-trip excursion to Ember Cafe and Music Club at 9:30 p.m that boards from Long Beach on the corner of 7th and Pacific Coast Hwy. For $25 a head, the ride includes complimentary drinks while on the bus, and automatic entrance into the club once you step off. After all, letting a good buzz slip away while waiting in line for a club is a cardinal night life no-no.

For those with a thirst for the OC high life, Ember's bi-level, Miami-style set up boasts two sizable, action-packed dance floors. To get the crowd going, the club is hosting an all night turn table set with DJ Eric Cubeechee, a heavy weight in the world of house and hip-hop. As a respected member of the world class DJ collective S.K.A.M. Artists, Cubeechee has shared the stage with mega stars like The Game, Raekwon, Busta Rhymes and Sublime.

Come take advantage of another great night filled with decadent dance floors bumping unrivaled house rhythms and meet some fresh faces as OC and LB club hoppers collide.

I think we can all agree that Hollywood is a city tailor-made for Halloween.

Whether it's a colorful trail of costumed kooks, boisterous exhibitionists or creepy street performers hawking their side show talents, nights in the underbelly of "Tinsel Town" can be scary. So can anyone imagine what some of these people do when Halloween actually comes around? The answer:Bondage Ball.

This ain't your grandma's Halloween party (and if it is, pray to God you never find out about it).

As part of a three-night foray into the wide world of whips and chains, L.A. erotic retailer The Pleasure Chest will transform The Echoplex into a haven for extremely sexual Halloween fun. From 9p.m.- 2 a.m., indulge your darkest fantasies in any of the three "fully equipped play zones", or catch leather clad exhibitions and fashion shows on the main stage. And if that's not enough, it's probably the only party in town where the VIP lounge comes with dungeon furniture.

There's nothing sexier than people who know how to dance and look damn good doing it. Are you one of these people? Okay, well do you want to be? Sure you do.

Followers of Hip Hop culture and graffiti art fashions are in luck this week as Sachi Bar in Long Beach unleashes what could it's most insane spray paint-inspired dance party of the year. Working in conjunction with Orakel Dynasty, a well know L.A. distributor of graffiti art fashion, Sachi hosts the company's "All City Tour Jump Off Party" on Friday, Oct. 24 at 9 p.m.

The club's multi-room set up has plenty of action set up for the night. Giant movie screens flashing movies and mixed media art are the backdrop to a night filled with neon beams and hip hip beats. All the latest Orakel Dynasty designs for guys and girls will be strutted on stage in a runway a fashion show. And Archer One, esteemed artist and owner of Orakel, is setting up shop along with a few others for a live art exhibition.

But of course, fine art fashion just ain't the same without fresh live acts. Orakel and Sachi still have you covered on that front. Spit sessions provided by revered L.A. emcees Percee P and Pigeon John are worth the drive even if your still rockin' the same Adidas you've had since high school (it's okay, we won't judge you). Make sure to tag this date on your calendar and get there early.

There's nothing sexier than people who know how to dance and look damn good doing it. Are you one of these people? Okay, well do you want to be? Sure you do.

Followers of Hip Hop culture and graffiti art fashions are in luck this week as Sachi Bar in Long Beach unleashes what could be it's most insane spray paint-inspired dance party of the year. Working in conjunction with Orakel Dynasty, a well known L.A. distributor of graffiti art fashion, Sachi hosts the company's "All City Tour Jump Off Party" on Friday, Oct. 24 at 9 p.m.

The club's multi-room set up has plenty of action in store for the night. Giant movie screens flashing movies and mixed media art are the backdrop to a night filled with neon beams and hip hip beats. All the latest Orakel Dynasty designs for guys and girls will be strutted down the runway in a fashion show. And Archer One, esteemed artist and owner of Orakel, is setting up shop along with a few others for a live art exhibition.

But of course, fine art fashion just ain't the same without fresh live acts. Orakel and Sachi still have you covered on that front. Rhyme sessions provided by revered L.A. emcees Percee P and Pigeon John are worth the drive even if your still rockin' the same Adidas you've had since high school (it's okay, we won't judge you). Make sure to tag this date on your calendar and get there early.

Normally, a good full-body stretch isn't totally necessary before heading out the door on a Friday night. But after only a few hours spent bouncing to the beats of Bristol Sessions at Detroit Bar, you'll be glad you spent an extra minute loosening up those quads. Especially if you consider that OC's longest running House music club is celebrating all night for its seventh anniversary. And they're definitely going big on this one. DJ Garth, a pioneer of San Francisco House music, is dropping in to grace us with some turntable wizardry with Jason Blakemore, local favorite (and winner of the Weekly's Best Club DJ category in our recent Best Of issue) Scotty Coats and many more.

This non-stop genre bending puree of soul and electro usually takes place on the third Friday of every month. If two rooms packed with pulsing neon energy, world class DJs and grinding bodies aren't enough to get you to dance up a storm at Detroit, then chances are you were probably planning on staying home anyway.

Detroit Bar
843 W. 19th St.
Costa Mesa, CA
949-642-0600

There are two very important cultural happenings tonight. Presidential nominees John "My Friends" McCain and Barack Obama will engage in a sure-to-be-scintillating debate of domestic policy and the economy at the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex on the campus of Hofstra University in Long Island, New York, and John Oates will perform at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano. (Despite the fact that the press release on the Coach House's site is at least two years old, the show is indeed happening tonight.)

The debate starts at 6 p.m., the concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Given how far south The Coach House is, most of us are looking at a very difficult choice. The kind of choice no one should have to make. Sophie's choice. Let's break this shiznit down.

Other than to play the Shally Zomorodi drinking game, of course, which goes like this: every time the giggle-prone host touches her deskmate Ben Aaron, you take a shot. But then again, if you're watching this show at 10 a.m. whilst clutching a bottle of Jaeger, you've got much deeper issues than an addiction to crappy morning TV.....

Anyway, say what you will about DayBreak OC -- and I have, both here and right here, and in numerous blog posts like this one and this one too.

But there actually is one very good reason to watch KDOC's laughably wretched, idiot-laden morning variety show: the fact that they have mostly excellent local bands and musicians coming in each day for a song and some half-witted Shally/Ben banter. Many of which, like George Fryer, we've been writing glowing things about for years, either in this 1998 profile or just letting the man rant about his favorite music himself via this early version of our Aural Reports column.

George and his Combo were featured on DayBreak last month (peep the video below), and this week in particular, it seems as if whoever is in charge of booking the music on the show has been flipping through back issues of the Weekly, which means they've acquired some much-needed taste. We were delighted to see the fabulously gifted Chris Karn doing "Tears" solo-acoustic style on yesterday's broadcast, sans his regular band Deccatree. And this Thursday morning, none other than the amazing, soul-powered keyboard prowess of ex-Helmut Steinster R. Scott will severely goose up DayBreak's watchability, a slice of sound and vision certain to wake the show's 12 loyal viewers out of their Pete Weitzner-induced coma.

The chance to thrash on stage at Anaheim's House of Blues is a dream that most local band in Orange County will frankly never accomplish. So the fact that Fullerton favorites The Living Suns and Dusty Rhodes and The River Band are making a repeat trip to Downtown Disney's only worthy night spot is more than just a swell homecoming, it's becoming an enviable habit. In the wake of their recent debut album "Self", The Living Suns are poised to shine again, hopefully with a few new surprises in their set list. One thing's for sure, they definitely know where to do to find a great roster of supporting acts. In addition to sharing the stage with their colleagues in DRRB, other Lo-fi roots rockers for tonight include Voxhaul Broadcast, My Pet Saddle, The Union Line and The Jakes.

When it comes to drawing OC's club crawling crowd, Anaheim must be doing something right these days. How else can you explain two of the county's hottest night clubs opening just minutes from each other in the land of Disney. First, we celebrated the arrival of Ember. And in more recent months, Heat Ultra lounge has strived to stake it's claim as the newest power house of Vegas-style decadence.

With a sprawling, new-age set up, Heat is already branded on the mental calendars of those who favor the feverish pulsing of electro and house music. Tonight, the club welcomes The Crystal Method, an iconic duo of digital sounds. The party starts around 9 p.m. and lasts until... well, until you give up.

TCM beat-smiths Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland pretty much ruled the 90s with their style of simultaneously twisted and addictive sonic creations. No wonder their down and dirty jams found prominence in grimy thrillers like Blade II, Resident Evil and Spawn. They're the kind of rhythms that can create a volatile need to dance when you've got the right amount of liquid courage churning through your veins. We suggest you don't try to fight it.

Got plans this Friday night? Cancel 'em. Got a date? tell 'em your not going to make it. Planning on going to bed early that night? Wake the fuck up!

Tomorrow, under the decadent strobes of Sutra, the Costa Mesa club's anticipated party of the year is going to be insane. Mak Entertainment and The Palms Casino in Las Vegas are coming together to bring you the Third Annual JJ Birthday Party. Trust me, these two titans of entertainment wouldn't waste the cash to throw an event unless it was worth every penny. Inside this posh club known by many as ground zero for the nocturnal party life, DJ Spider will be revving up monster sets of hip hop, techno, house and Top 40.

And for all of you jaded clubbers who think you've experienced it all, Sutra's holding back a "HUGE" surprise guest that specializes in sensual seduction . This is coming from a club that brings you guests like Slick Rick, Too $hort, and Warren G so you know know you can take this claim to the bank.

It promises to be packed so if you plan on getting sauced up in the parking lot, make it snappy because there's going to be a line.

Rude boys and girls looking to get wild this weekend will definitely see something special in the Chris Murray Combo at Downtown Fullerton's Continental Room. Despite being Canadian, Murray has more than enough chops to pacify one of OC's most soulful culture coves. This well traveled musician has spent years crafting his authentic ska sound on stages from his hometown of Toronto to the shores of Japan. He's shared bills with a respectable roster of reggae wise men, including Jamaican music legend Prince Buster. A frequent guest at Hollywood's Knitting Factory, Murray and his combo of talented hepcats (Ben Farrar on drums and Eddie "Chiquis" Lozoya on bass) definitely know how to get a party going. He'll be jammin' all night so feel free to stumble in and get your skank on...maybe even take one home.

Attention Bay area beat junkies, club rats and weekend freaks! Friday is definitely your night to shine under the strobe lights of Sutra. Platinum rapper Too $hort will be unleashing a club bumping set in honor of turntable wizard DJ Scene's birthday bash. Since arriving on the hip hop scene in 1983, no other rapper has pioneered the art of the braggadocios gangster anthems quite like Too $hort. His masterful use of true life tales, racy rhymes and gangster flow has earned him a basket of platinum and gold records and the respect of hip hop fans all over the country.

Normally a $20 cover charge would cause most people eyes to bugle out of their skull. However, in this case, a back to back grind fest by Too $hort and DJ Scene is every club hoppin' playa's dream.

Since the beginning, Que Sera's monthly Good Foot dance party promised three things: Good times, strong drinks and a five-star musical feast. These might sound like simple promises, but after a successful 10 years of soulful celebration, swagger and sweat it's obvious that the best parties thrive on the basics.

Walking into the Good Foot party was bit like stepping through a time warp before the age crunk, clear heels and iPods . Silver streamers covered the ceiling above the checkered floor and the sounds of the 60's flow from every cramped corner of this Long Beach hangout. Across from the bar, a shower of laser lights rained on the dance floor in front of a rotating backdrop of classic album covers. Manning the DJ booth was a lengthy roster of old-school enthusiasts like Bobby Soul, Scott Weaver and of course Good Foot co-creator Dennis Owens.

By 10 p.m. the club seemed to reach it's full claustrophobic capacity. It was almost impossible to avoid brushing up on a stranger while the full-throated soul of James Brown, Eddie Kendricks and Otis Redding weaved around in a sea of grinding hips. Even though upbeat vinyl tunes were the night's main attraction, the fun would have fallen flat without the steady flow of GF die-hards taking the dance floor with abandon . From a seasoned soul steppers to the rhythmically challenged, everyone seemed to find a place in the hot mesh of beats and bodies.

Even in the grips of sauna-like heat, Owens and a few others managed to rock sharp suits and smiles, for which I give them major credit.

Critic's Notebook

Random Detail: Props to Owens' parents for working the door and passing out mix CD's.

Personal Bias: I always make sure to lace up my Wing Tips before cutting a rug.

By The Way: Happy Birthday Good Foot, we look forward to your awkward teenage years.