Listening to Josh Ritter's new album is like reading a satisfying novel. Whether it's a spry tune like "Lark" or the tale of a mummy who falls in love with an archeologist in "The Curse," Ritter's wordplay and melodies reveal new facets upon each listen. That's probably one reason why Stephen King is a fan, and why Paste Magazine included Ritter on their "100 Best Living Songwriters" list. more ›

Tonight the Swell Season, an indie folk duo formed by Irish musician Glen Hansard and Czech singer and pianist Markéta Irglová, will be closing out a two-night stint at the Wiltern with Idaho's own pop folk singer-songwriter Josh Ritter in tow. Austin-based electro-pop duo Ghostland Observatory (LAist Review, #2) are poised to headline the Keyclub. And, lastly, local electronic mastermind Daedelus will be performing at the Silent Movie Theatre. But we strongly suggest heading over to the Troubadour to catch Athens' own garage rock revivalists the Whigs. LAist favorites, Portland-based indie rockers the Dead Trees are slated to kick things off. more ›

If you care for "Just For Laughs", "According To Jim" and all things Tuesday ABC, they're new. We have a premiere tonight on Bravo, our new source of reality TV. This time they're launching Millionaire Matchmaker featuring Patti Stranger (right) who performs the very public service of hooking up desperate, misunderstood, and underprivileged millionaires with compatible mates - Patti, I hope someday a grateful society brings you the honors you deserve. more ›

Sick of it All, Madball, Last of the Believers, Down to Nothing, Viva Hate @ Key Club more ›

State Radio, The New Amsterdams, Street to Nowhere @ The Troubadour more ›

The Submarines, "Brighter Discontent" Tonight: The Who @ Long Beach Arena Division Day, La Rocca @ Spaceland Eastern Conference Champions, I Make this Sound, The Procession @ Silverlake Lounge The Binges, Andy Dick & the Bitches of the Century @ King King Metal Skool, Shapes of Race Cars, Pearl @ Key Club Tuesday: Rockstar Supernova, The Panic Channel, Dilana @ Long Beach Arena Money Mark @ Amoeba (free, 7pm) Mezzanine Owls, Black Palms @... more ›

A Word or 24(!): Don't forget Jake Gyllenhaal hosting "SNL" on Saturday, and then on Sunday the season premieres of "24" (Fox, 8:00 p.m.) and "Rome" (HBO, 9:00 p.m.). Tonight - Friday - January 12, 2007 "The Killers" (TCM, 7:15 p.m.) Burt Lancaster and Ava Gardner star in this '46 noir classic. Magic @ Lakers (Fox Sports, 7:30 p.m.) "Ghost Whisperer" (CBS, 8:00 p.m.) What more can be said about an episode entitled "Deja... more ›

Last spring LAist went to SXSW where there were 1,300 bands. Many were good, but a few rose to the top. Local trio Honky was one of the standouts. Dirty, sweaty, down home southern rock in the vein of all your favorites. Like if ZZ Top left behind some tattooed bastard sons out there in La Grange. more ›