I’ve often found some CD gems while browsing through music stores and choosing albums selected at random. Last night, after my original plans were canceled, I decided to apply that same theory to a live event and catch a couple shows at the Hotel Cafe without knowing in advance who’d be performing. At 8 p.m., John McGrew and the Sit Backs took the stage. It struck me as amazing that all five members of......

Beirut Gulag Orkestar (Bada Bing) – Beirut is a 19 year-old kid from Albuquerque who has the full attention of the blogosphere and other tastemakers. He worked with Jeremy Barnes from Neutral Milk Hotel so the comparisons to that band are prevalent but ultimately unfair. There aren’t any guitars on the record but there are glockenspiels, ukuleles and clarinets. Download “from Italy” Danielson Ships (Secretly Canadian) – Daniel Smith shortened the name from Danielson......

One of the best perks of living in LA is access to movies in limited release. After all, they help counteract the proverbial blockbuster fizz. Here are a few movies opening in limited release right now. American Zion - Western starring Sam Hennings and Brenda Strong. In 1833 Missouri, the Steed family witnesses the persecution of a community of Mormons, which eventually spurs a massive migration to the West. [local showtimes] Kiss Kiss, Bang......