Two-time Grammy winner, infamous “lost weekend” cohort and one of the most significant musical talents of the 1970s, Harry Nilsson died of a heart attack on this day in 1994 at his home in Agoura Hills at the age of 52. Nilsson moved to Los Angeles at 15-years-old and reportedly worked at the Paramount Theater downtown at 6th and Hill St. before taking a bank job in the San Fernando valley and beginning his now legendary musical career with a $50 per week songwriting deal with a small publisher. If you think you don't know Harry Nilsson's music, you are mistaken. Or a martian. Or maybe not into 70s music. Either way, take a listen and fix that problem. more ›

When Sean Nelson takes the stage in Largo at the Coronet's Little Room this weekend, the majority of his song choices will come from the Harry Nilsson songbook--from which he painstakingly selected 15 tracks for his unreleased album, Nelson Sings Nilsson. Although the record is still in search of a label, those in search of a great live show need look no further. Nelson has crafted a fresh and fitting look back to a talented man who was ahead of his time. Plus, it's not hard to imagine that if Nilsson were alive today, he'd probably be playing at Largo. In addition to the Nilsson project, you may also know Nelson from the band Harvey Danger (best known for "Flagpole Sitta"), as the co-owner of Barsuk Records, or from his work as a journalist, screenwriter and actor. LAist chatted with Nelson last Sunday from his home in Seattle, during which he candidly spoke about Nilsson, Largo, Harvey Danger and Proustian minefields. more ›

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. more ›

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... more ›