Monsters of Folk is one of the most honest super groups I've ever seen. What I mean is this: most super groups are so in love with their new project that they pretend that it is their only musical work to date and that the audience is solely there to hear that album. They get so wrapped up in this feeling that they refuse to play the hits that everyone came there to see. I'm pleased to report that Monsters of Folk, a group made up of Conor Oberst, Jim James, M. Ward, and Mike Mogis, did no such thing. They were fully aware that most of the people who packed the sold out Greek Theater were mildly curious about Monsters of Folk's debut but were mostly there to see Bright Eyes, My Morning Jacket, and M. Ward. more ›

Two years ago, Elizabeth Ziman of the Brooklyn-based band Elizabeth & the Catapult revealed in the song "Waiting for the Kill" that she's "just a good good girl with a troubled mind." During her call with LAist last Friday, those words still rang true. As she sat outside her practice studio, she declared it to be one of the most beautiful days of the year. A few seconds later, she noticed she was surrounded by pink goo as a result of illegal dumping—courtesy of a chemical plant across the road. In the end, her good humor prevailed and she commented, "Well, maybe this means I'll become one of the X-Men!" For the time being, Ziman and her bandmates Danny Molad (drums) and Peter Lalish (guitar) have left the pink goo behind to tour in support of their forthcoming album, Taller Children. In typical Elizabeth & the Catapult style, the band has thrown off the restrictions of genre and created a full-length debut that both cleanses the palate and serves up a satisfying meal. Over the course of her conversation with LAist, Ziman opened up about the band's name, flirting via the songwriting process, and tonight's gig at the Hotel Cafe. more ›