Friday, September 30, 2011

Speranza!

I might've blogged about this place before and I am not going until later tonight, but I am so excited about it I want to remind you right now:

http://www.yelp.com/biz/speranza-los-angeles

Speranza is this PRECIOUS restaurant on Hyperion (and I mean precious; they give you blankets to cover yourself if it's chilly in the twinkly-lit garden where the tables are) that has one chef serving WONDERFUL homemade pastas among other dishes. You can also bring your own wine and there is no corkeage fee, although when I was there I had an awesome Malbec that we ordered off the menu (I think Daniel of Mongolian BBQ fame picked it, so thanks Daniel). Mmmmmmm. In advance.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

DRIVE

GUYS, GUYS, GUYS!!!! Have you seen Drive, starring babe of all babes Ryan Gosling? No? GO RIGHT NOW. It is one of the most BEAUTIFUL films I've seen in a long time (but warning: super, super violent and bloody) and the images on screen coupled with the BRILLIANTLY selected soundtrack make pure movie magic. Here are three jams from the movie that I found especially awesome:

"Real Hero," by College featuring Electric Youth: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DSVDcw6iW8

"Under Your Spell," by Desire: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K7rmxjk5RQ

"Nightcall," by Kavinsky: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MV_3Dpw-BRY

I KNOW.

Concert Weekend

This past weekend, I saw a lot of bands perform. Technically, I only went to 2 concerts, but I caught 7 acts, all pretty great, some amazing.

It all started Friday night when I went with my concert girlfriend Noelia to the Bright Eyes show at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery (you know, the place with the movies). We strolled into the graveyard with our picnic items (OKAY FINE, Crazy Creek chairs, frosted animal crackers, and whiskey...it's ALLOWED there) and heard a familiar voice. I won't go through the ridiculous details of how we realized Kurt Vile was playing in the sunset, opening for Mr. Oberst, but there is he was in all his grunge-y glory. People were spread out all over the cemetery field with their blankets and baskets, the large stage in the corner looming againt the backdrop of palm trees and dusk (wait...did I really just write that? Ew.).

Then Conor Oberst and crew came out and the stage lit up with different colored column fixtures. No camera could really do it justice so my tiny, flashless Blackberry was kind of useless to say the least. Whatever, you had to be there. Without trying to sound incredibly cheesy (too late), Bright Eyes was a really beautiful, emotional experience. I was never originally on the Bright Eyes train (except I remember "Lover I Don't Have to Love," making me uncomfortable in a good way), but this concert made me realize what a beautiful lyricist Oberst is and how hard he can actually rock. Bright Eyes did INCREDIBLE versions of "Poison Oak" (Oh GOD do I love this song...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjHACWmO0jQ) and "Landlocked Blues" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6707rEMoUo4). Oberst was also in a WONDERFUL mood...something that I've heard is a rarity when he performs. Anyway, it was an amazing show.

Sunday I went (with Noelia, duh) to the Hollywood Bowl (you should know this place...http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/) to see The Smith Westerns, Warpaint, Panda Bear, The Arctic Monkeys, and TV on the Radio. I know, five bands seems insane, but only the Monkeys and TVOTR played full sets. The Smith Westerns were solid, but I don't love their music (kind of George Harrison-esque, as Noey put it...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEeWAY0oEOc). Warpaint blew my Goddamned head off.  Here is the video for their song "Undertow," which I LOVE, and it's directed by actress Shannyn Sossamon, the band's original drummer, who founded the group with her sister Jenny (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMkqbY0oGKQ). I know, that is a lot of information. The new drummer, Stella Mogzawa, is basically the best thing since Dave Grohl. You guys know I love a drummer, but this lady is so ACCURATE and yet BRUTAL in the way she plays, I almost forget the pretty melody that's being put down on top of it. I say ALMOST, because Warpaint really is a great band that you have to see live to fully appreciate. Also Emily Kokal's NOSE IS THE COOLEST THING I'VE EVER SEEN. Just saying. Here is what they looked like:


That picture actually makes us seem further away than we really were. I swear. Then Panda Bear brought the audience to a spiritual place with their haunting electro-chants (they opened with this and I adore it...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQUlJ81kFBA&feature=related). Noah Lennox didn't say a single word, but he did sing into the mic VERY passionately, look:



It was cool. Then Alex Turner and his Arctic Monkeys brought some SEX to the Bowl (seriously, Turner has this whole dark James Dean thing going on now and the guitarist Jamie Cook looks like a more fashionable Channing Tatum with a guitar...a good thing). The Monkeys also have a very good drummer, Matt Helders, but he plays much faster and dirtier than Stella Mogzawa and was wearing a really gross pair of American flag balloon pants, though I appreciate his respect for the US. This isn't my favorite song by the dudes as I prefer when they don't do their psuedo-Oasis routine and rock a little harder, but this IS more representative of their image right now: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlYJKfunfC0&ob=av2n

TVOTR was of course, fantastic and so fun to boogie to (especially after some rose wine and triple-cream brie cheese) and I shouldn't even have to paste a song by them, but here's this because I just love it so much: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4N31oFeinFY. You're welcome people.

PS Did I mention I went to Bon Iver at the Shrine last Monday? They were wonderful. Pretty sure I cried during "Blood Bank." Here is an awesome picture:



You had to be there.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Secret Spot

While I feel bad about blowing up the spot of this hidden gem for all its regulars, I also don't feel bad about potentially bringing more business (from like, 2 of you) to 1642, a tiny adorable bar on Temple in Echo Park. Check out some pics:

http://www.yelp.com/biz/1642-beer-and-wine-los-angeles

Outside, it does look a little bit like you're about to get murdered (which can be scary when you're walking towards, say, a first date with someone you don't know very well), but inside 1642 is completely warm and twinkly-lit and great. It's owned by this hip-looking lady who has BEAUTIFUL cats (that is a huge deal for me to say since I think cats are hideous, cruel monsters that hate the human race) that sort of wander about. Theres also a little garden in the back if you need a breather. I had this AWESOME "off-the-menu" beer called Cold Spring:

http://www.coldspringbrewery.com/

The kind I had was like honey almond or something and came in a giant can...really fantastic. Anyway, I really reccommend this place for a casual drinks, a date, or even for a solo beer, which I am too afraid to ever do so if you can, I applaud you.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Friday 5

Hiiiiiii it's the weekend! This play-list might lead you to believe I am in a bad mood AGAIN, but let me reassure you, I'm not, it's just been gray weather in LA and I love it and I am indulging in darkness with slightly somber music. Also, I've secretly wished my life to be a Gothic fairytale a la Wuthering Heights since I was like, 6; I'm just saying. Okay, okay, MUSIC:

1.) "The King of Carrot Flowers Pt. 1" by Neutral Milk Hotel (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYOx43j9pRI). I didn't even know about this band until Mason Jennings did a cover of this song at a show five years ago and split my heart right open. This is one of those songs that makes me wistful and upset about a childhood I didn't have. Except one time my parents did get in a fight that involved my mom throwing a brick of cheese at my dad (don't deny it, Andrea). So there's that.

2.) "Something Vague," by Bright Eyes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqGqWRgNE70). I am going to this show with Noelia at the cemetery tomorrow and she sent me this song and TALK ABOUT SPLITTING MY HEART OPEN. This song pretty much sums up New York in the winter: you're cold, your romantic partner is being an ASSHOLE, you're miserable, and yet it's all kind of magical and you love it. Am I right or am I right?

3.) "The Crane Wife 3" by The Decemberists (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEZ3lSurNCI). Okay, this song really isn't sad, but I feel like it's in line with these other two. This tune is like the sun popping through really weird, dark clouds. I sort of have no idea what I am talking about right now. But I do love how the Decemberists always tell a good story in their music.

4.) "I Wish I Had An Evil Twin" by The Magnetic Fields (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UO6R276hBeM). I've been doing a lot of Fields this week, and this dude is an effing lunatic and I love him. I dig his very deep, specific 80's voice and his extremely literal and hilarious lyrics. Also, I totally agree with this song.

5.) "Here Comes My Baby," by Cat Stevens (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ooKXrJwJAw&feature=fvst). Okay, this song SOUNDS upbeat, but it's totally about the worst thing that could happen to you romantically and fits in with this very Wes Anderson-y list of jams. Cat wrote this song when he was only 18! Facts!

PS Song: "I'm Lonely (And I Love It)" by Future Bible Heroes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoEJQ6ZDzIo). Do I really need to explain this song to you?

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Un-hip Post...

Guys, is something wrong with me? Wait, don't answer that. But I think I like the new Coldplay song. Here they are performing "Paradise" on Letterman:

http://justjared.buzznet.com/2011/09/21/coldplay-paradise-on-letterman/

Like, I am possibly blinded by Chris Martin's biceps, but the simplicity of this song is like a throwback to "Sparks" or "Warning Sign" and I feel intense feelings about those jams and about early Coldplay in general. Okay FINE I loved all of X&Y and Summer after Junior year of college would BLAST "Fix You" in the car and pretend Chris was singing about me.

Contemplating deleting this entire post...oh, fuck it.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

SMOG!

So I was checking out songs by I Break Horses on Youtube after discovering "Winter Beats" on Pitchfork (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9N1aar52sA&feature=related) and I stumbled upon this tune CALLED "I Break Horses" by this band Smog (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4cK-PBALyk&feature=related), who is actually just this one guy Bill Callahan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Callahan_(musician). I really am liking this Smog stuff...yes, it's a little weepy, but it reminds me of Stephin Merritt and also a little bit of Pavement. So therefore, Smog is cool. Check him out!

Strange in NYC Again...

Folks, Teddy Miller is 18. My little brother, the kid whoI told was actually my son when he was 9 to terrify him because I am so much older, is now a man. For such a monumental occasion, I HAD to return to NYC. I mean, look at this precious dude, just getting himself a waffle at the Wafels & Dinges truck (http://www.wafelsanddinges.com/) on Sunday:


I love him. Anyway, New York decided to put the full-court press on me while I was there and by that I mean the weather was gorgeous, perfect New York Fall and my friends and family were gorgeous, perfect friends and family. Friday I stopped into the NYC branch of my office (all the people are delightful there) and then had lunch with two friends at ABC Kitchen (http://www.abckitchennyc.com/) and holy goats, was it delicious. I suggest the crab toast, radish toast, and heirloom tomato toasts (okay, the toasts are good), the shaved squash salad, and the mushroom/Parmesan pizza (it has an egg on it; you know my emotions about this practice). We also split the incredible zucchini cake for dessert. Oh, and I had a really zesty bloody Mary, judge me.

Then I briefly met up with another friend and we did this:


We did all of this. The macaroons are from Bouchon Bakery (http://www.bouchonbakery.com/) and they're fantastic (the blueberry lemon one on the right knocked my socks off). Then I went to Teddy's soccer game (he's the captain! He scored! They won!) and then the whole fam plus Teddy's wonderful girlfriend Amelia (seriously, she had this awesome sweater with on-purpose holes in it and is like 70 times more mature than I am) went to Kin Shop (http://www.kinshopnyc.com/). Kin Shop is Top Chef season 1 winner Harold Dieterle's place and it's this super-tasty, super-spicy Thai fusion flavor explosion. We shared squid ink soup, melt-in-your-mouth goat, red snapper, skate, fluke and beef with heirloom tomatoes. I also had the best beer I've had in a long time, and I love a nice beer, called Beerlao. It is from LAOS. I know, who knew? It's a dark lager, but not heavy. Anyway then I went and met friends for drinks at Gottino (http://www.yelp.com/biz/gottino-new-york) and it was GREAT.

Saturday I met my friend for brunch at Arte Cafe in my parents' hood (http://www.artecafenyc.com/) and had a tasty mushroom and herb omelet and then later went downtown and had a glass of rose with friends at Corsino (http://www.corsinocantina.com/). Can you tell this trip was food and drink-based? No? Well that night I had dinner at Empellon (http://empellon.com/), which was SO GOOD (queso fundido, lobster tacos, need I say more?) and cute, then had a marvelous cocktail at Employees Only (http://www.employeesonlynyc.com/), which really cool inside but SO CROWDED, stared at some handsome gentlemen at Kingswood (http://www.kingswoodnyc.com/), and then finished the night with my favorite burger at Corner Bistro (http://cornerbistrony.com/). It was 3AM, so like, at least 4 hours had past since I'd eaten last. But, um, that's a lot of food and drink.

Sunday, I had bagels and lox (yeah, more food...WHAT?) at my grandparents' apartment overlooking the East river, did some shopping with my mom downtown and then met my dad and Teddy at the Columbus Ave. street fair (I am telling you, NYC was SEDUCING me) for Waffles and love. Look how cute the hood looks:


I don't know those people, but I dig that long-haired man's style. Oh, and I stopped by the flea market with my mom; look at her hunting for goods:


She was on a mission. Anyway, the weekend was pretty much perfect. Happy to be back in Silverlake but missing Manhattan always in my heart. Also by now you should know how unabashedly cheesy I am.


Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Tuesday Tres

I am in a bad mood today. I am fairly certain this music will reflect that:

1) "Hysteric" by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqKjIquR5Bc). I love that this song's title implies a manic, wailing dance-jam by Karen O, but is actually a very gentle little tune. A sad one.

2) "Low Man" by Alberta Cross (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWvFjL8vs5w). I mean, this dude's voice KILLS me. This song is totally a lie-in-the-dark-on-your-bed-with-your-heart-fucking-breaking jam. That somber, slow beat on the drum and Petter Stakee's vocals perfectly represent the sound of yearning. Oh my GOD I am grumpy.

3) "Abel" by The National (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1BjndTZvQY). I know this band is famous for their weepy ballads, but I dig this song because it's ANGRIER. Well, basically The National's entire catalogue is appropriate for me today. Okay now I have to go listen to it.

Thanks for letting me try to bring you down with me this Tuesday...

Monday, September 12, 2011

FASHIONS!

I can't lie, I never read LA Magazine, and yet I am COMPLETELY addicted to http://nymag.com/. ADDICTED. Like, I read all the restaurant reviews, New York Diets, every word precious little David Edelstein writes, and I LOVE the Fug Girls and all their fashion articles. And as stylist Rachel Zoe would say, I DIE for Fashion Week. Like, I need to look at every piece of clothing on every model.

I mean like, I TRY to wear cute outfits, but considering that today I dribbled olive oil onto my general boobical area and managed to stain a BLACK top, I can't really get that adventurous with my fashions. Also, possibly unrelated, I am constantly telling boys I like their "tops" and although I always mean it sincerely when I say it, calling a man-blouse a "top" (okay, AND calling them man-blouses) can be kind of emasculating and possibly offensive. I should work on that. But I probably will not. Anyway, it's fashion week and nymag.com post slides from every show and it's wonderful and Happy Monday, HERE:

http://nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/

Now you can't do work either.

Friday, September 9, 2011

Five For Friday

Remember that band Five for Fighting? I think it was actually just one dude (thereby making that name fucking STUPID) and he single-handedly made the early 2000's WORSE with his music. What was that song? Something about only having 100 years to live? Not only did that song SUCK, but it gave me a panic attack every time I heard it because he goes from 16 to 36 and depressed with three kids and alimony payments in about 20 seconds. SHUDDER. Anyway, my post-title just made me think of that; I'm sorry everyone. Here are some better songs I am listening to today:

1) "Yer So Bad" by Tom Petty (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdRViFCvvUo&ob=av2e). Ok so it's no secret that I don't LOVE Tom Petty. Like, I love "American Girl" because it was on the only mixtape I had with me on a teen tour and I am into Americana, and "Mary Jane's Last Dance" is a fun song/a cool Kim Basinger video (I'm not even getting INTO "Free Falling;" of course that's a solid song, Jerry Maguire, blah blah), but he just doesn't seem that special to me and I think his time has sort of passed. However, this song came on the radio the other day and not only did I think it was sort of this eerily relevant homage to that dude from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills who killed himself, but it's also kind of fun. THEN I found the video, and it's hilarious and features Marty and Elaine (of Swingers fame) in the Dresden in Los Feliz where they regularly perform. So L.A.

2) "Light of the Morning" by Band of Skulls (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjR2v9elw3k&ob=av2n). I can't believe I haven't talked to you guys about this band yet. I know they were hipper like, last year, but I LOVE the Skulls. I liked this album since it came out (adore 70's-sounding, Southern-ish rock), and then I saw them at Coachella last year and rocked out so hard I had to give myself a time-out (also I was in a tent with a million people and it was 5000 degrees). Also, Emma Richardson is a sick bassist who just kind of kicks ass and doesn't make a big deal about it and I enjoy that. Also ALSO, the end of this song is so cool.

3) "Midnight City" by M83 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDyonn3mQj8). I AM SOSOSOSOSOSO EXCITED FOR THIS CONCERT IN NOVEMBER!!! This band is so fun and makes me so nostalgic for a time and suburban lifestyle I was never even a part of. I think Pitchfork (which I love/hate) described this song as kind of like "a John Hughes movie." Yup. Agree.

4) "Payne's Bay" by Beirut (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_X6QrPM_O8). I AM ALSO SOSOSOSO EXCITED FOR THIS CONCERT THIS MONTH!!! Okay, that is obnoxious, I'm sorry. I can't believe I only recently discovered Beirut's new album The Riptide. The entire thing is just beautiful all the way through. I used to have this fantasy about adapting this children's book (not telling you which one) into a movie and then having Beirut score the whole thing and using "Elephant Gun" for the kissing scene. Also, you know I love a trumpet. This is another song with a really cool ending segment.

5) "Portions for Foxes," by Rilo Kiley (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtNV3pOqcjI). Dear Jenny Lewis, I want to BE you. I know this is Rilo's biggest/most mainstream hit, but I just have such fond memories of jumping on our common room couch in college with my roommate Anne SCREAMING the lyrics at the top of our lungs, elated and yet incredibly frustrated by how TRUE they were to us. Fantastic song. Also dudes in college are assholes sometimes.

PS SONG (Cuz I really want to keep the title of the post as is): "Suck it and See" by The Arctic Monkeys (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Idn1OPolhdk). Alex Turner is a very sexy, quintessential English rocker to me, and the Monkeys have a very specific sound that I don't always go for, but in this case (and this happened a couple of year ago with The Kooks), I am into it. I am excited to see this band soon too. I am sorry, I couldn't help myself, I did it again.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Eff YEAH FYF!!!

Happy Labor Day! So this weekend was awesome. I hadn't been to a concert in a while (okay, three weeks is a WHILE for me), so I stuffed this three-day holiday full of musical adventures.

Friday was Handsome Furs at the Echoplex. If you don't know who the Furs are, I'll tell you. They're a two-person band made up of Dan Boeckner of Wolf Parade (I miss you Wolf Parade!) and his wife Alexei Perry. They do similar music to Wolf Parade but a little bit more 80's synth-dance (this sentence might make no sense as it sort of feels like my brain is dislodged inside my skull right now but whatever). Here is a cool Furs video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS5mbeXHOmo&ob=av2e

I boycotted the Echoplex for a while, even though it's right near my apartment, because I saw a Lord Huron show there and the sound was so bad I almost rudely left before the end of the gig; I just couldn't take it (not the band's fault! They are good; listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuLbGritTcs). Anyway, they seem to have the problem fixed and you can get Two Boots pizza in the venue, so I support the plex again (http://www.attheecho.com/).

The Furs were AWESOME. They have such good energy and are so in love and while they're both very very attractive humans and usually I focus more on the gentlemen, Perry is SO GORGEOUS and so amped UP and like, does this crazy weird kick to the side and was wearing like, a tennis unitard with side cut-outs and I want to be her. I danced a lot.

The music didn't end there though, because Saturday was the FYF festival in Chinatown (http://fyffest.com/). Noelia happily agreed to be my partner in crime and we met at her house where she made a delicious scramble. One cool thing about living on the Eastside, is that you can take the SUBWAY downtown. This is NOT like my beloved NYC subway. This subway is empty and clean and fancy (I also don't get how they make any money because you can kind of just walk through those ticket-swipe thingies and they just want you to like, push a button? What was that? I don't get it). Anyway, this is Noey on the subway:


I know it's dark, but we're there. 

The festival was fantastic. The one thing I would say to future concertgoers is to not worry about being VIP. We WERE, and it really made no difference, partially because a lot of our friends weren't VIP and we wanted to hang out with them, but also because the VIP section was just this area in the grass with like two extra food trucks and some couches. Also, I'm too shy to go up to someone like, say, Josiah Johnson from The Head and the Heart (they were very dreamy and delightful on stage, btw), so there's kind of no point to me being in there.

The highlights for me from the festival were really Ty Segall (this dude looks like he's 14 and performs the most gritty, cool garage rock) and Descendents (old-school punk rock at its best). I just want all of you guys to know that I MOSHED. Like, my left forearm might be broken. Like, I fell down and two men picked me up only to shove me again (not in a scary, abusive way, don't worry). Like, Noelia's dress had a ginormous hole after the fest (also she was so much harder than me...when the mosh pits got intense and I would move back, Noey went FORWARD). Here is how happy to moshing made Noey:


Noey continued this joy into the beer garden where we saw our friends Henna and Mariko:


She is bad-ass. I think we might've missed Guided by Voices, which is a bummer, because we were too busy having a photo-shoot in the VIP:



That's me being wistful and flaring my nostrils; I don't know why. I am also ashamed to say I have no idea what band this is:


But clearly they were awesome so I took a pic. By the time Death From Above 1979 came on, Noey and I were ready to bounce (I caught enough of "Blood on Our Hands" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZNQNELfd0g&ob=av2e) to have it stuck in my head for the rest of the night...in a good way). We got some much-needed street meat outside the subway and were on our way. I WISH I had taken a picture of our subway car, because it was basically 100 dead hipsters lying on the floor. What a day.

Then yesterday after a delightful trip to the South Bay to visit Anna (I got a "Stranger in the South Bay!" shout-out and felt so special, I am bragging about it now on this blog), in an attempt to make the music last forever, I saw This is Spinal Tap at the cemetery. Guys, I had never seen this movie before, I am ashamed to admit, and it was WONDERFUL. Who knew Christopher Guest and Michael McKean could be SO HOT? I did not. Hilarious, hilarious, insightful movie. And what a perfect weekend! Ok, back to the Dance Moms marathon on Lifetime now...