When the band finished their version of Love’s “Along Again Or” aided by a mariachi horn section I was pretty sure we’d seen the highlight of an already strong show. Then, front man Joey Burns called out “Here’s one for D. Boon!,” and burst into the Minutemen classic “Corona,” taking a gringo punk rock imagining of Mexican music and sending it straight back to Mexico with a straight face. It was perhaps the finest only-in-LA moment... more ›

John Cale’s return to Los Angeles for the first American performance of his landmark 1973 album Paris 1919 includes a reunion with the UCLA Philharmonia, the same group that gave the original recording its lush, expansive orchestration. While the evening promises guest appearances from alt-rock heartthrobs Ben Gibbard and Mark Lanegan, the real treat on offer is the rare opportunity to hear some of rock’s most incredibly ambitious, grandly realized songs performed properly. And as Cale reveals in an interview with LAist, he plans to make the most of the extra hands at his command, padding out the program with more material that’ll be suitable for the big band. more ›

Some of you don't like seeing birthdays. Welll, we think it's kind of sad to only pay attention to people when they die (Gordon Parks, Chris Penn). We'd like to give folks a little nod while they're alive. So as we wish them happy birthday, join us — or just don't read it. more ›