Results tagged “conoroberst”

                     

Monsters of Folk is one of the most honest super groups I've ever seen. What I mean is this: most super groups are so in love with their new project that they pretend that it is their only musical work to date and that the audience is solely there to hear that album. They get so wrapped up in this feeling that they refuse to play the hits that everyone came there to see. I'm pleased to report that Monsters of Folk, a group made up of Conor Oberst, Jim James, M. Ward, and Mike Mogis, did no such thing. They were fully aware that most of the people who packed the sold out Greek Theater were mildly curious about Monsters of Folk's debut but were mostly there to see Bright Eyes, My Morning Jacket, and M. Ward.

Tonight Long Island-bred pop punk outfit Brand New will be concluding a two-night stint at the Hollywood Palladium with Atlanta-based indie rock act Manchester Orchestra and Portland's own folk rockers the Builders and the Butchers (LAist Interview) in tow. Legendary San Diegan indie rockers the Black Heart Procession are poised to headline the Echoplex with none other than San Jose-bred eclectic rock outfit the Mumlers. And, lastly, Glendale-based folk troubadour Michael Runion will be gracing Spaceland for free with local pop rock act HAIM. But we strongly suggest heading over to the Greek Theatre to catch Monsters of Folk, the folk-oriented supergroup that brings together Jim James, Mike Mogis, Conor Oberst and M. Ward.

              

As you may have heard, the 29th annual Sunset Junction Street Festival is this weekend. "I've only attended the last three years, and never knew the festival back in [its] free days," says Brad Roberts from Radio Free Silver Lake. "So, frankly, the cost isn't as much of an issue for me as it is for others. The days of expecting a bankrupt state and federal government to provide something as ephemeral as a music festival, are, unfortunately, relics of the past. I have thoroughly enjoyed myself at the last three, all of which introduced me to many of the local bands who are regular favorites of mine. The cultural mix is a Los Angeles specialty and in spite of occasionally resembling a frying pan, everyone seems to really enjoy themselves, the variety of food available is impressive and the atmosphere remains laid back and So Cal."

Tonight LA is taking it easy. We've got the second night of Conor Oberst's sold-out two-date stint at the Henry Fonda Music Box. And Upstate NY-based folk rockers the Felice Brothers will be performing at the Troubadour with Deer Tick. But we suggest that you check out Swedish chanteuse Robyn at Spaceland. Having just finished opening for Madonna in Europe, the twenty-nine-year-old pop singer is, virtually, a full-fledged superstar. Yet, unfortunately, she has struggled to break through here in the States. So catch her infectious pop tunes, which will be toned down to acoustic renditions, before she gives up on us (and our poor taste in pop) altogether!

Tonight Radio Free Silver Lake will be presenting a CD release party at Boardner's for not one, but two great local bands. Tigers Can Bite You and Light FM will be celebrating and the French Semester will be opening. Whispertown 2000 (LAist Review) will be playing at Amoeba early on. And, lastly, Mike Watt We wouldn't usually recommend going to see Conor Oberst at the Henry Fonda Music Box, but LA-based folk rockers the Like will be opening. And we must admit that this band of ladies is a rather prepossessing sight.

Conor Oberst and friends were lucky to have one of the finest backing bands of all time Saturday night at the Hollywood Bowl -- the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Suzie Katayama's arrangements made even Bright Eyes' small songs sound huge, leaving us wondering who picked the setlist -- Katayama or Oberst? (Correction: (Thanks commenter) Bright Eyes multi-instrumentalist (and third permanent member) Nate Walcott arranged, Katayama only conducted.) In recent Hollywood Bowl history the Phil has teamed...

The pairing of rock and classical orchestration has become an interesting and exciting trend in the past few years. The Los Angeles Philharmonic has become a "backup" band of sorts to the likes of Air, Belle and Sebastian, the Decemberists and now Bright Eyes, providing a unique, one of a kind listening experience that sometimes seems a perfect fit while other times a bit off. The Bright Eyes experience was my first in this...