Tonight Spanish singer-songwriter Pablo Díaz-Reixa, who performs under the pseudonym El Guincho, will be headlining Spaceland with local indie rockers the Holloys in anticipation of his latest series of limited edition EPs. LA-based alternative folk duo Freddy & Francine are poised to grace the Bootleg Theater. And, lastly, Ventura's own indie rockers Franklin for Short, who recently concluded a stint with Kings of Convenience and released their sixth studio-album entitled Dark Cloud, will be performing for free, in-store at Origami Vinyl. But we strongly suggest heading over to the Getty Center to catch local alt-rock act Dawes, who will be performing for this month's edition of 'Saturdays Off The 405.' more ›

December is list-making season. And for us music journalists, it is a time to look back on scores of albums, reflect upon the music and recapitulate our favorites. This year we asked some of the staffers what inspired them. The prompt was not limited to albums that came out in 2008. more ›

December is list-making season. And for us music journalists, it is a time to look back on scores of albums, reflect upon the music and recapitulate our favorites. But this year, just like the last, we took this opportunity to flip that tradition upside down, asking the artists that influenced us what influenced them. The prompt was not limited to albums that came out in 2008. more ›

When Pablo Díaz-Reixa, or El Guincho, took the stage at the Echo last Thursday and asked the crowd “¿Habláis español?” he was answered with an enthusiastic “¡Sí!” I cursed myself for the umpteenth time for taking French in high school. So, if you’re looking for an in-depth analysis of El Guincho’s lyrical prowess or perhaps a recount of his witty repertoire with the crowd (I know it was witty because everybody laughed every time he spoke), you won’t find it here. Sorry. I will work on it. more ›