April 30, 2012

I’m excited to kick off another series of ticket giveaways and fun Rock Is A Girl’s Best Friend promotions with one of my favorite venues, The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles.

One lucky Rock Is A Girl’s Best Friend reader will each win a pair of tickets to see Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros, at The Greek Theatre LA , this Friday, May 4th.  Here’s what you need to know to enter:

• The contest begins now and ends at 11:59pm EST May 2, 2012
• TO ENTER:  Visit Rock Is A Girl’s Best Friend on Facebook
• You will see there are several ways you can enter and you can get additional entries for each thing you choose to do.  You can follow us, tweet about us, like us on Facebook, and more.  ENTER NOW
• Winner (1) will be selected by random.org and notified via email on May 3, 2012.  Winners will have 12 hours to respond before a new winner is selected
• Your tickets will be available for pick up at Will Call at The Greek Theatre on the evening of the show
• Transportation and accommodations not included

About Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros:

Contrary to the rumored explanations that abound like urban myths about one Los Angeles collective’s peculiar name, there is no ‘Edward Sharpe.’ Frontman Alex Ebert insists that the moniker is not an alter ego, that he’s not playing a character. So it is Alex Ebert leading the Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros concerts which are more aptly described as musical love-ins- rapturous, theatrical affairs where it is sometimes hard to discern between the musicians on stage (there are, give or take, 13 of them) and the fans in the crowd, all swaying and singing in a state of joyous euphoria. And it all revolves around impossibly magnetic lead singer Ebert, a madcap rock ‘n roll shaman leading his exuberant troupe through their beatific, intricately embellished psych-folk anthems.

Ebert quashes the rumors that Edward Sharpe is a role he plays by explaining that when it came time to name his new band- a collective of multi-talented musicians culled from his network of friends and acquaintances in LA- his own name, Alex Ebert, felt as though it had become lost. Though Ebert’s life and career had progressed, his own name was still mired in his past. It weighed him down with its associations to things from another life, among them his old band, dance-punk act Ima Robot. According to Ebert, choosing to adopt the new name was actually an avenue back toward himself, rather than an effort to become someone else.

Led by a newly motivated Ebert, he collective of musicians that would become Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros came together in a remarkably organic way- everyone seemed to coincidentally know one another or to be separated by only a few degrees. That natural dynamic quickly propelled them into a year-and-a-half long recording endeavor that bore the band’s breakout debut “Up From Below,” in which nearly all the current members participated. The recording session took place in the Laurel Canyon home studio of Nico Agliette, an old friend of Ebert’s who now plays guitar in the band and helmed production on the album (along with bassist Aaron Older and Ebert himself.) The communal writing and recording process, in stark contrast to Ebert’s prior M.O. of writing and recording demos while isolated in his apartment, had a profound, bonding effect on the group.

Three months into the recording session, the band took the stage at The Troubadour in their hometown of Los Angeles to play their first show. Something special happened during that virgin performance, and Ebert recalls feeling like the band was definitely on to something. Sure enough, just a few short years later, the initial buzz about Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros has risen to a fever pitch, carrying along with it the adoration of fans from around the world, and a steady showering of accolades from the press.

About The Greek Theatre:

For “official” information about The Greek Theatre, you can check out their website, but here’s my take:  The Greek Theatre is one of my all-time favorite music venues. Start to finish, The Greek Theatre is an EXPERIENCE!  You can get there early, picnic, and drink wine. If you don’t mind a walk, you can park on Vermont and enjoy the walk to and from the venue.  If you’re reading Rock Is A Girl’s Best Friend, chances are you’re not the type  to leave the show early, so you can take the easy route and commit to the stacked parking option.   The venue is beautiful, outdoors, surrounded by trees.  The sound is impeccable.  I’ve seen some of my favorite shows at The Greek and I’m very excited to share these opportunities with you.

What Now?

Well, if you haven’t already done so, ENTER TO WIN TICKETS NOW.

For more info about this show or Greek Theatre, click here.

To buy tickets to this or any other show at The Greek Theatre, click here.

If you have questions or comments, please leave them for me below.

Thank you!

Colette

Two lucky Rock Is A Girl’s Best Friend readers will each win a pair of tickets to see Beirut at The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on Tuesday, October 4, 2011.

Here’s what you need to know to enter:

• The contest begins now and ends at 11:59pm EST Sunday, October 2, 2011
• TO ENTER: Visit Rock Is A Girl’s Best Friend on Facebook
• You will see there are several ways you can enter and you can get additional entries for each thing you choose to do. You can follow us, tweet about us, like us on Facebook, and more. ENTER NOW
• Winners (2) will be selected by random.org and notified via email on the night of October 2nd, 2011. Winners will have 12 hours to respond before a new winner is selected
• Your tickets will be available for pick up at Will Call at The Greek Theatre on the evening of the show. Please bring photo ID.
• Transportation and accommodations not included

About Beirut:  Beirut is embarking on its first national tour in over four years in support of The Rip Tide, which came out August 30th on Pompeii Records. Beirut will make their Greek Theatre debut on October 4.

Joining Beirut leader Zach Condon (ukulele, trumpet, piano, vocals) on the road is Perrin Cloutier (accordion, piano), Paul Collins (electric bass, upright bass), Ben Lanz (trombone, piano, tuba), Nick Petree (drums), and Kelly Pratt (trumpet, euphonium). A six piece band who has consistently honed their live show throughout the band’s career, Beirut puts on an undeniably solid and confident performance and shows a singular band maturing both on record and in concert.

Few predicted the inward journey Condon has achieved on The Rip Tide. With songs that speak of universal human themes that are less fabricated stories than impressions of life at a quarter century of age, the album exposes a depth of honesty that outstrips the simplified nomadic troubadour image of his past. Hear album track, “East Harlem,” below.

Listen to Beirut’s “East Harlem” off of The Rip Tide here: http://soundcloud.com/revolver-usa/beirut-east-harlem

About The Greek Theatre:

Greek Theatre Los Angeles

For “official” information about The Greek Theatre, you can check out their website, but here’s my take: The Greek Theatre is one of my all-time favorite music venues. Start to finish, The Greek Theatre is an EXPERIENCE! You can get there early, picnic, and drink wine. If you don’t mind a walk, you can park on Vermont and enjoy the walk to and from the venue. If you’re reading Rock Is A Girl’s Best Friend, chances are you’re not the type to leave the show early, so you can take the easy route and commit to the stacked parking option. The venue is beautiful, outdoors, surrounded by trees. The sound is impeccable. I’ve seen some of my favorite shows at The Greek and I’m very excited to share these opportunities with you.

What Now?

Well, if you haven’t already done so, ENTER TO WIN TICKETS NOW.

For more info about this show or Greek Theatre, click here.

To buy tickets to this or any other show at The Greek Theatre, click here.

If you have questions or comments, please leave them for me below.

Thank you!

Colette

One lucky Rock Is A Girl’s Best Friend reader will win a pair of tickets to see Thievery Corporation and Fitz and The Tantrums at The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on September 9, 2011. Here’s what you need to know to enter:

• The contest begins now and ends at 11:59pm EST September 7, 2011
• TO ENTER: Visit Rock Is A Girl’s Best Friend on Facebook
• You will see there are several ways you can enter and you can get additional entries for each thing you choose to do. You can follow us, tweet about us, like us on Facebook, and more. ENTER NOW
• Winner (1) will be selected by random.org and notified via email on the night of  September 7, 2011. Winner will have 12 hours to respond before a new winner is selected
• Your tickets will be available for pick up at Will Call at The Greek Theatre on the evening of the show. Please bring photo ID.
• Transportation and accommodations not included

About Thievery Corporation (for those who do not know):

Thievery Corporation

With over 1.2 million albums sold in the U.S. across 15 years of making music, Thievery Corporation serves up their sixth studio album titled Culture of Fear. They continue to blend musical styles in their trademark fashion; space-rock jams lead to hip-hop inspired grooves, airy down-temp trances and dub-reggae infused vibes throughout the journey.

Tracks include “Web of Deception,” a 70′s space-rock-funk homage to bands like Mystic Moods Orchestra, “Take My Soul,” a rock/soul/electronic jam featuring longtime Thievery Corporation Persian singer LouLou, an epic instrumental titled “Fragments,” as well as collaborations with Bitter Sweet vocalist Shana Halligan on “Is It Over?” and Boston hip-hop artist Mr. Lif on the title track, “Culture of Fear.”

Over the years, Thievery Corporation has become known for the carnival-esque atmosphere of their live shows, during which they bring out a 15-member live band of musicians and vocalists. The group has sold out shows at such famed venues as the Hollywood Bowl, London’s 02 Shepherds Bush Empire, and the Theatro Vrahon Melina Merkouri in Athens, Greece, among many others.

About Fitz and The Tantrums:

Fitz and The Tantrums

In their sound and on the stage, Fitz and the Tantrums are nothing but professionals, and never less than classy. Enter the Tantrums, Fitz’s airtight ensemble keeping it real like it’s 1969. Funky drummer John Wicks is a Motown B-side aficionado and prolific session player, Jeremy Ruzumna manned the keyboards and was musical director for Macy Gray. James King backed De La Soul and bassist Joseph Karnes is a well sought after session player. Then there’s Noelle Scaggs, the powerful voice behind Fitz’s croons. Make no mistake, Scaggs is not just there for “doo-wops” and handclaps. She shimmies and flirts, she stokes the crowd and simmers them down, and she has no qualms about keeping Fitz in check. “She is not just a backup singer,” Fitz says, “We have repartee. Onstage, we’re Ike and Tina.”

There, on the stage, Fitz and the Tantrums are not just a band, they’re an explosion. Scaggs high steps it to the tight-as-hell rhythm section, while Fitz, cooler than cobalt, croons like the aforementioned Mr. Hall for a new generation. It’s obvious that this is no tryst for the band, this is a full-blown, head-over-heels love affair.

About The Greek Theatre:

Greek Theatre Los Angeles

For “official” information about The Greek Theatre, you can check out their website, but here’s my take: The Greek Theatre is one of my all-time favorite music venues. Start to finish, The Greek Theatre is an EXPERIENCE! You can get there early, picnic, and drink wine. If you don’t mind a walk, you can park on Vermont and enjoy the walk to and from the venue. If you’re reading Rock Is A Girl’s Best Friend, chances are you’re not the type to leave the show early, so you can take the easy route and commit to the stacked parking option. The venue is beautiful, outdoors, surrounded by trees. The sound is impeccable. I’ve seen some of my favorite shows at The Greek and I’m very excited to share these opportunities with you.

What Now?

Well, if you haven’t already done so, ENTER TO WIN TICKETS NOW.

For more info about this show or Greek Theatre, click here.

To buy tickets to this or any other show at The Greek Theatre, click here.

If you have questions or comments, please leave them for me below.

Thank you!

Colette

Atmosphere

Three lucky Rock Is A Girl’s Best Friend readers will each win a pair of tickets to see Atmosphere at The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on August 26, 2011. Here’s what you need to know to enter:

• The contest begins now and ends at 11:59pm EST August 23, 2011
• TO ENTER: Visit Rock Is A Girl’s Best Friend on Facebook
• You will see there are several ways you can enter and you can get additional entries for each thing you choose to do. You can follow us, tweet about us, like us on Facebook, and more. ENTER NOW
• Winners (3) will be selected by random.org and notified via email on August 24th, 2011. Winners will have 12 hours to respond before a new winner is selected
• Your tickets will be available for pick up at Will Call at The Greek Theatre on the evening of the show. Please bring photo ID.
• Transportation and accommodations not included

About Atmosphere:  In the three years since Atmosphere’s dropped a full length record on the world, they’ve been far from stagnant, staying at the top of their game in every respect. For the better part of two years, Atmosphere toured the globe in support of their critically acclaimed – and #5 Billboard Top 200 charting – album, When LIfe Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold. And in their “spare” time, the group returned home to Minneapolis in 2009 to record their 2010 double EP, To All My Friends, Blood Makes The Blade Holy, an homage to their friends.

In 2011, Atmosphere is taking that feeling one step farther with this long awaited LP, The Family Sign, a tribute to their true extended family: their fans, their loved ones, and each other.

http://rhymesayers.com/atmosphere
http://twitter.com/atmosphere
http://www.facebook.com/Atmosphere

About The Greek Theatre:

Greek Theatre Los Angeles

For “official” information about The Greek Theatre, you can check out their website, but here’s my take: The Greek Theatre is one of my all-time favorite music venues. Start to finish, The Greek Theatre is an EXPERIENCE! You can get there early, picnic, and drink wine. If you don’t mind a walk, you can park on Vermont and enjoy the walk to and from the venue. If you’re reading Rock Is A Girl’s Best Friend, chances are you’re not the type to leave the show early, so you can take the easy route and commit to the stacked parking option. The venue is beautiful, outdoors, surrounded by trees. The sound is impeccable. I’ve seen some of my favorite shows at The Greek and I’m very excited to share these opportunities with you.

What Now?

Well, if you haven’t already done so, ENTER TO WIN TICKETS NOW.

For more info about this show or Greek Theatre, click here.

To buy tickets to this or any other show at The Greek Theatre, click here.

If you have questions or comments, please leave them for me below.

Thank you!

Colette

August 8, 2011

One lucky Rock Is A Girl’s Best Friend reader will win a pair of tickets to see Death Cab For Cutie at The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on August 18, 2011. Here’s what you need to know to enter:

• The contest begins now and ends at 11:59pm EST August 15, 2011
• TO ENTER: Visit Rock Is A Girl’s Best Friend on Facebook
• You will see there are several ways you can enter and you can get additional entries for each thing you choose to do. You can follow us, tweet about us, like us on Facebook, and more. ENTER NOW
• Winner (1) will be selected by random.org and notified via email on August 16th, 2011. Winner will have 12 hours to respond before a new winner is selected
• Your tickets will be available for pick up at Will Call at The Greek Theatre on the evening of the show. Please bring photo ID.
• Transportation and accommodations not included

About Death Cab For Cutie (for those who do not know):

Death Cab For Cutie

Long known for their ingenious and imaginative videos, Death Cab for Cutie recently made history with the companion clip for their extraordinary new single, “You Are A Tourist.”  Directed by award-winning filmmaker Tim Nackashi (TV On The Radio, OK Go, Elvis Costello, Radiohead), and conceptualized by frequent collaborator Aaron Stewart-Ahn,  “You Are A Tourist” is the first-ever live, scripted, single-take music video to be broadcast as it is filmed.   The clip can be viewed now at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkk5wViJo-I

The first single from “CODES AND KEYS,” “You Are A Tourist” is already ascending the airplay charts at multi-format radio outlets nationwide.  The track is currently bulleting its way up the top 10 on both Billboard’s “Alternative Songs” and “Rock Songs” tallies, ranking airplay detections as measured by Nielsen BDS.

“You Are A Tourist” is available now at all DSPs, including iTunes, where fans can also purchase Death Cab For Cutie’s new album “CODES AND KEYS”.

Death Cab for Cutie is:  Ben Gibbard: guitars, keyboards, vocals * Chris Walla: guitars, keyboards * Nick Harmer: bass * Jason McGerr: drums.

About The Greek Theatre:

Greek Theatre Los Angeles

For “official” information about The Greek Theatre, you can check out their website, but here’s my take: The Greek Theatre is one of my all-time favorite music venues. Start to finish, The Greek Theatre is an EXPERIENCE! You can get there early, picnic, and drink wine. If you don’t mind a walk, you can park on Vermont and enjoy the walk to and from the venue. If you’re reading Rock Is A Girl’s Best Friend, chances are you’re not the type to leave the show early, so you can take the easy route and commit to the stacked parking option. The venue is beautiful, outdoors, surrounded by trees. The sound is impeccable. I’ve seen some of my favorite shows at The Greek and I’m very excited to share these opportunities with you.

What Now?

Well, if you haven’t already done so, ENTER TO WIN TICKETS NOW.

For more info about this show or Greek Theatre, click here.

To buy tickets to this or any other show at The Greek Theatre, click here.

If you have questions or comments, please leave them for me below.

Thank you!

Colette

June 10, 2011

Two lucky Rock Is A Girl’s Best Friend readers will each win a pair of tickets to see Youssou N’Dour, Angelique Kidjo, Vusi Mahlasela at The Greek Theatre on June 16, 2011.  Here’s what you need to know to enter:

• The contest begins now and ends at 11:59 EST June 14, 2011
• TO ENTER:  Visit Rock Is A Girl’s Best Friend on Facebook
• You will see there are several ways you can enter and you can get additional entries for each thing you choose to do.  You can follow us, tweet about us, like us on Facebook, and more.  ENTER NOW
• Winners (2) will be selected by random.org and notified via email on June 15, 2011.  Winners will have 12 hours to respond before a new winner is selected
• Your tickets will be available for pick up at Will Call at The Greek Theatre on the evening of the show.  Please bring photo ID.
• Transportation and accommodations not included

About Youssou N’Dour / Angelique Kidjo / Vusi Mahlasela:

Youssou N'Dour (photo by: Youri Lenquette)

Youssou N’Dour, Angelique Kidjo and Vusi Mahlasela will play The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles for the first time on June 16 as part of the venue’s 80th Anniversary season.

Known for shaping Senegalese music, Youssou N’Dour is a singer endowed with remarkable range and poise. N’Dour is also a composer, bandleader and producer, who has a prodigious musical intelligence. The New York Times has described his voice as “an arresting tenor, deployed with prophetic authority,” and as a voice that “soars heavenward with passion and then wafts tenderly toward earth.” As a craftsman of an inimitable brand of ensemble music, N’Dour absorbs the entire diversity of the Senegalese musical spectrum in his work, often filtering his country’s musical heritage through a modernist lens of genre-defying rock or pop music from outside Senegalese culture.

Angelique Kidjo has been deemed “Africa’s premier diva” by Time Magazine, and the moniker speaks accurately to the singular career and life she has forged: Like Miriam Makeba was before her, Kidjo is the continent’s most internationally celebrated female musical exponent. And yet, the Grammy-winning artist has lived outside Africa for more than two decades. She currently resides in New York City, where she is an exceptionally active member of the music scene and reaches people around the world with her recordings, tours and philanthropic work.

Vusi Mahlasela, is simply known as ‘The Voice’ in his home-country, South Africa, celebrated for his distinct, powerful voice and his poetic, optimistic lyrics. His songs of hope connect Apartheid-scarred South Africa with its promise for a better future. Raised in the Mamelodi Township, where he still resides, Vusi became a singer-songwriter and poet-activist at an early age teaching himself how to play guitar and later joining the Congress of South African Writers. After his popular debut on BMG Africa, When You Come Back, Vusi was asked to perform at Mandela’s inauguration in 1994 and continues to spread Mandela’s message as an official ambassador to Mandela’s HIV/AIDS initiative, 46664.

About The Greek Theatre:

Greek Theatre Los Angeles

For “official” information about The Greek Theatre, you can check out their website, but here’s my take:  The Greek Theatre is one of my all-time favorite music venues. Start to finish, The Greek Theatre is an EXPERIENCE!  You can get there early, picnic, and drink wine. If you don’t mind a walk, you can park on Vermont and enjoy the walk to and from the venue.  If you’re reading Rock Is A Girl’s Best Friend, chances are you’re not the type  to leave the show early, so you can take the easy route and commit to the stacked parking option.   The venue is beautiful, outdoors, surrounded by trees.  The sound is impeccable.  I’ve seen some of my favorite shows at The Greek and I’m very excited to share these opportunities with you.

What Now?

Well, if you haven’t already done so, ENTER TO WIN TICKETS NOW.

For more info about this show or Greek Theatre, click here.

To buy tickets to this or any other show at The Greek Theatre, click here.

If you have questions or comments, please leave them for me below.

Thank you!

Colette

June 6, 2011

I’m excited to kick off a series of ticket giveaways and other fun Rock Is A Girl’s Best Friend promotions with one of my favorite venues, The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles.

FIVE lucky Rock Is A Girl’s Best Friend readers will each win a pair of tickets to see Dispatch, plus special guest Stephen Marley on June 12, 2011.  Here’s what you need to know to enter:

• The contest begins now and ends at 11:59 EST June 9, 2011
• TO ENTER:  Visit Rock Is A Girl’s Best Friend on Facebook
• You will see there are several ways you can enter and you can get additional entries for each thing you choose to do.  You can follow us, tweet about us, like us on Facebook, and more.  ENTER NOW
• Winners (5) will be selected by random.org and notified via email on June 10, 2011.  Winners will have 12 hours to respond before a new winner is selected
• Your tickets will be available for pick up at Will Call at The Greek Theatre on the evening of the show
• Transportation and accommodations not included

About Dispatch:

Dispatch

Forget trying to slap a label on Dispatch. You’re welcome to give it a shot, plenty of people have, calling them at times a heartfelt acoustic trio, a wailing rock band, a devil-may-care funk act, but the band defies epithets at every turn. When they hear a description of their music, they just grab the closest instrument and switch things up in an effort to keep the stereotype-slingers at bay. It’s nothing personal, it’s just that they find inventiveness more interesting than playing it safe and churning out the kind of neat little ditties that people listen to for a week and then forget.

Social responsibility has always been a major component of the Dispatch culture and this summer’s tour is no exception. This summer the band will roll out their Amplifying Education campaign, which will focus on educational issues here in the United States. Not only will fifty cents from each ticket sold go to benefit education in each local market, but the band is planning additional
programs to spotlight education in every market they visit. Known as a band that attained superstar live status completely on their own terms, the members of Dispatch – Brad Corrigan, Pete Heimbold and Chad Stokes – released album after album on their own Bomber Records label, steering clear of the major label system and selling more than 600,000 albums. In the process the trio
became true indie pioneers, building an enormous, passionate base of fans through the embrace of internet file sharing, word-ofmouth
and constant touring.

About The Greek Theatre:

Greek Theatre Los Angeles

For “official” information about The Greek Theatre, you can check out their website, but here’s my take:  The Greek Theatre is one of my all-time favorite music venues. Start to finish, The Greek Theatre is an EXPERIENCE!  You can get there early, picnic, and drink wine. If you don’t mind a walk, you can park on Vermont and enjoy the walk to and from the venue.  If you’re reading Rock Is A Girl’s Best Friend, chances are you’re not the type  to leave the show early, so you can take the easy route and commit to the stacked parking option.   The venue is beautiful, outdoors, surrounded by trees.  The sound is impeccable.  I’ve seen some of my favorite shows at The Greek and I’m very excited to share these opportunities with you.

What Now?

Well, if you haven’t already done so, ENTER TO WIN TICKETS NOW.

For more info about this show or Greek Theatre, click here.

To buy tickets to this or any other show at The Greek Theatre, click here.

If you have questions or comments, please leave them for me below.

Thank you!

Colette

Monsters. What do you think of when you hear the word “monsters”? Now imagine you hear the words “monsters of folk”. . . Do you hear it as “Monsters!! (arrrgggggrrrrr) of folk!!!”?? Or do you read it to mean that they’re so folk – the extreme folk – monsters? Did you expect really loud, monstrous rockin’ folk songs? Or did you expect quiet, extreme-folk, folk songs?

Monsters of Folk

Well let’s just say, with Monsters of Folk, you get it all. Their set tonight was quite diverse. Quiet. Loud. Sit. Stand. Sit. Sit. Stand. It was like church. And everyone knew when to sit and when to stand. In fact, Jim James thanked the audience for being respectful and remarked, “Sometimes it’s hard with a folk show. The audience never really knows what to do. Some songs are loud. Some songs are soft. But you guys – you know exactly what to do.”

That said, there were one or two occasions when a couple people in the audience would cheer off-cue (usually prematurely) and others in  the audience would shush them.  It was a bit comical (not the fact that people cheered “early,” but the fact that other people actually shushed them).

The lights corresponded perfectly with the sentiment of the music.  At times, the lighting gave off a monochromatic look. It almost felt as though you were watching a black and white TV, with a few sepia tones thrown in to keep things interesting.  Other times, the lights changed fluidly from bright solid color to bright color solid color, in time with the music.  On occasion the lights would flash rapidly with the beat of the drum.  The lights really helped set the tone.  If you were confused about whether a song was a “sit” song or a “stand” song, you could just look to the lights for guidance.

This was a "stand" song

You all know how I feel about Conor Oberst (if you don’t, you can read up about it here).  Well, tonight reminded me why I love him so much.

And you don’t know how I feel about Yim Yames (Jim James), but it began when My Morning Jacket made it rain at Bonnaroo in 2004.  It was further  confirmed during a conversation with MMJ backstage at Austin City Limits later that year.  It was topped off with a lengthy discussion about one-off bugs — bugs that have sex once and then die (are killed) -  i.e. praying mantis, black widows, etc.  I think highly, fondly, and – I say this with affection – strangely, of Yim Yames.

Then there’s M. Ward. Check.  And Mike Mogis.  I wasn’t consciously aware of Mogus, although he’s produced and engineered several albums I own.

Tonight’s show took place at The Greek, a theater I love.  It’s so beautiful up there and the sound is great.  They really should allow cameras so people can see what they’re missing.

The first half of the show was pretty mellow. Even the more rockin’ songs were somewhat low-key.  The audience was very quiet and respectful – it was a civilized, adult show.

There's no right way or wrong way - You just have to live

Then something happened. . .  they turned the sound on.  Or at least it felt like they turned the sound on. The show took a turn and became loud, rebellious, fun, rock (relatively speaking, of course.  It was no Tool).  The audience was on their feet, cheering, the remainder of the night.

They played some Bright Eyes songs, some My Morning Jacket songs, some of the guys’ solo material, and some stuff off the new Monsters of Folk album.  One thing I noticed during the first set is that many of Oberst’s songs are sweet, catchy tunes about dark subjects.

I’ve been sleeping so strange at night
Side effects they don’t advertise
I’ve been sleeping so strange
With a head full of pesticide

On the contrary, many of James’ songs are sad-sounding, happy songs. “Wonderful. . . beautiful. . . love. . . blah blah blah.”  But they sound like songs of grief.

That’s kind of how the show was – you never knew what to expect.  And just when you thought you did know what was coming next, you’d realize you didn’t really know a thing.

Check them out if you have the opportunity.

To find out why that was the original title, click “play” and watch the video below.

Or, if you prefer to play a game to figure out why that was going to be the title of this post, don’t click “play.”  Instead:

Jump below the video.
Read the rest of this post.
Guess why that might have been the original title.
Then come back here.
Push play.
And see if you’re right.

Don’t worry, it’s not a hard quiz.  It’s been psychologically proven that people like to feel smart (not sure why we needed a study to prove that one).  So if I can make you feel smart while you’re reading this, then chances are you’ll keep coming back to read my blog.  That’s also why those quizzes that play in movie theaters before the feature film are so easy.

But anyway, METRIC! I’d seen this band before – back in the days of one-syllable-bands-that-begin-with “The”: The Hives, The Vines, The Strokes, etc.  I’m pretty sure I saw Metric open for at least one of these bands.  And I’m pretty sure I thought they were alright.  But, at The Greek Theater, Metric held their own, so much so I thought perhaps maybe they were headlining. (This thought was exacerbated by the fact that we arrived late, which is easy to do when a show starts before sunset).  Judging by the audience’s reaction, we weren’t the only ones who thoroughly enjoyed Metric.  Here’s a bit of their performance:

Now, about Phoenix. . .  First of all, every good-looking person in LA was at this show.

Phoenix live at The Greek

Secondly, I definitely wasn’t supposed to have a camera in there. So, as you can imagine, getting this video was a challenge.  Right – nobody would want a great video to get out.  There are some people (NIN), venues (Hollywood Bowl) and promoters who understand that getting media out there is a GOOD thing.  And then there are others that think, “OH NO! What if somebody sees it and decides they like this band and must see them when they come through town next?”  Or “What if somebody thinks ‘Wow, The Greek looks like a beautiful venue and the sound is great.  I should go there sometime. . .’ ” Or “What if a music supervisor sees it and decides she needs the music for this year’s blockbuster film?” It’s not like I’m making money off this.  You are.  It’s good for you.  I promise.

Bonnaroo Ferris Wheel and Arcade

So, Phoenix. . .  I first stumbled upon them live at Bonnaroo earlier this year. I was backstage before the band went on and just before the singer arrived.  His plane had been delayed, causing him to arrive at the festival grounds just 20 minutes prior to going on stage.  Until that moment, it was questionable whether the band would miss their slot entirely. Instead, band members jumped up and down and squealed (like school girls, but not annoying) when they were reunited. What followed describes something I haven’t seen in music for a little while — a band that actually LOVES each other.  These guys were genuinely excited to see each other, took a deep interest in the well-being of the others and could not wait to get onstage.  Perhaps a lot of bands feel this way and are just too cool to express it, but Phoenix didn’t hold anything back.  Just prior to going on-stage they huddled:

“Let’s make this the best show we’ve ever played!” one member exclaimed.

“Let’s make these people go NUTS!” called out another.

“Let’s have fun!”

And on and on until everybody had expressed himself and the entrance music kicked in.

“That’s us!” they cheered, and they all went running for the stage.

I had a press pass, and was allowed a camera. . .  but I was so mesmerized that I forgot to use it.

That was Bonnaroo, but something tells me that pre-show huddle was not a first.  It felt like a ritual, and one that pretty much guarantees a good show.  Phoenix gets themselves so amped that they have no choice but to have a great show.  And their fans – well, they’re going to have fun, like it or not.  Phoenix’s performance at The Greek was as enjoyable as ever.  The band member’s love for each other reaffirmed and the fans having the time of their lives. Phoenix’s performance is light and fun, yet seriously good.  The Greek is the perfect venue for a show like this.  Outside, warm air, perfect sound, relaxed security.

Just kidding about that last part.  Don’t want anyone to get in trouble.

Anyway, see for yourself:

Flaming Lips at The Greek Theater LA

Take, for example, The Flaming Lips. I’ve seen them a dozen times before. The thing about The Flaming Lips is: the show is essentially the same, tour after tour.  The set list may change, but the typical theatrics remain in tact: crowd surfing in a bubble; confetti; balloons; dancing aliens, creatures, and furry animals on stage.  Feeling I’d seen that show plenty of times, I took a break from The Flaming Lips a few years ago.  However, when I heard they were playing The Greek Theater in LA (one of my favorite venues) and that Ghostland Observatory was opening, I decided it was time to reunite with the Lips.

That said, I knew nothing about Ghostland Observatory prior to the show. However, their name has been mentioned numerous times by people I trust, followed by accolades such as: “They’re great!”, “You’ve got to see them live!”, “I love Ghostland Observatory!”  Last night’s show at The Greek gave me the opportunity to reconnect with an old standard and get introduced to a new favorite.

Ghostland Observatory at The Greek Theater LA

Ghostland Observatory: If you haven’t seen this band live, I highly recommend it. First of all, they have an exceptional light show – and I fall for that every time.  Secondly, the music doesn’t suck.  In fact, there were some great guitar rock riffs and some good dance tracks. Third, I found the band (well, the 2 guys who make up Ghostland) to be mesmerizing to watch. One guy was wearing a cape, jamming on the synthesizers, and the other guy was busting out guitar solos and then dancing like he was in some European techno club.

To the purists out there who say, “It should be all about the music – music first, then production” – well, in my subjective opinion, the music was really good.  In fact, more often than not, the songs distracted me from the lights.  That said, I have not seen this band without the full-scale production, nor do I own any of their music (yet).  So the nearly seizure-inducing light show was a great way to engage me and make me take notice. People who have been following this band for a couple years tell me that they are indeed fantastic live, without all the lasers.

Here’s some video – lights and all:

The Flaming Lips: After Ghostland Observatory, I was actually a bit nervous that The Flaming Lips wouldn’t be able to live up to my expectations.  I wasn’t expecting a lot actually – good sound, some spectacle and crazy $h!t going on onstage, some old classics,  some new songs, and perhaps, something different.

They kicked off with the ol’ boy in the bubble trick.  Wayne Coyne climbed into a bubble and crowd surfed.  Seen it before.  Yet, after a substantial hiatus from seeing their live performance, I still found the bubble gimmick entertaining.  It also made me feel at “home” – the comfort of knowing exactly what I was getting. Furthermore, it sets the stage – some bands let the show build before they kick into high gear; the Flaming Lips need no runway – they just take off.

Flaming Furry Creatures

After the bubble, the furry animals, space creatures, flowers, and assorted characters joined the band on stage for some dancing and to kick balloons back out to the crowd.

In case you’re keeping track: bubble, furry things on stage, balloons. Who said it should be all about the music?!

But speaking of music, some highlights included: stripped down versions of “Fight Test” and “Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots Pt. 1″, along with the confetti filled encore performance of “Do You Realize??“

Back to the spectacle: add confetti, large projections of dancing women, and Wayne Coyne singing while riding on the shoulders of a giant gorilla (to be more specific in case PETA is reading this, a person dressed in a gorilla suit) to the list.

All said and done, The Flaming Lips entertained me, made me dance and smile.  They didn’t do anything revolutionary.  They didn’t change my perspective or reinvigorate my passion for their music.  It’s what I expect from a feel-good movie – not necessarily worthy of an Academy Award, but easy, fun, and entertaining; a good show to see every few years.

Flaming Lips “Bubble” Entrance (in case you haven’t seen it before):

“Do You Realize” (aka Confetti Encore):

“Fight Test”:

Flaming Lips Live photo album: http://ow.ly/kxFG