More contemporary acts, like Tel Aviv’s shock-rock troupe Monotonix and Baltimore’s experimental electronic whiz Dan Deacon, clearly flourish on Bumbershoot’s bleeding edge. They do cater to the youthful and rather brazen demographic. But the irrepressible synergy between fringe artist and audience truly befit the moment—as if they had somehow hand-sewn the festival’s very seams. ...

Dan Deacon at SXSW | Photo by Tod Seelie Thanks to those who responded yesterday to help make this LAist column more useful. You can still chime in, it's never too late. Today, here's a short form list of our picks with select MP3s embedded after the jump. THE LIST The Hectors, Coco B's and You Me & Iowa @ Silverlake Lounge | Free Why? @ Tangier (Read our preview from yesterday) | $10......

I've always been intrigued by other "best of" lists, but this year I decided to take it to a whole new level. I e-mailed a handful of bands that I've seen this past year in order to unearth what exactly captivated them in '07. As music listeners, it is our duty to take a keen interest in our favorite musician's influences. After all, they rocked our little world, might as well see what rocked their......

Richard Thompson - "I Feel So Good" Richard Thompson Band @ Royce Hall Toots & The Maytals, Elijah Emanuel & the Revelations @ House of Blues The National, St. Vincent @ The Wiltern Beausoleil @ The Mint The Groovy Rednecks @ SW Hill Country Leon Russell @ Malibu Inn Michael McDonald, Patti Austin @ The Greek Josh Rouse, Jason Collett @ El Rey Girl Talk, Dan Deacon @ Echoplex Imperial Teen, The Finches, Sounds......

from the upcoming Metal Skool movie - NSFW Thailand, Pink Mochi, Good on Paper @ Silverlake Lounge Burning Brides, Nebula, Sasquatch, Black Fur @ The Echo Metal Skool, The Refinery, Looker, The Grand Marquee @ Key Club The Horrors, Bloodcat Love, Suicide Club @ The El Rey Health, Juiceboxxx, Dan Deacon @ pehrspace Listing Ship, 3 Leg Torso, The Abe Lincoln Story, Ollin @ Mr. T's Bowl Disrott, Homesick Abortions, The Lab Rats, The......

The Village People, Thelma Houston, A Taste of Honey, Peaches & Herb @ The Greek The Black Crowes, Hubert Sumlin, Kenny Wayne Shepherd @ Henry Fonda The Fratellis @ The Avalon Keith Urban @ Staples Strawberry Alarm Clock @ Malibu Inn Unwritten Law, Zebrahead, Mickey Avalon @ Queen Mary The Queers, The Methadones, The Manges @ Alex's Bar Chupacobra, Third Grade Teacher @ Mr. T's Bowl The Joshua Redman Trio @ Catalina Bar &......