Okay, maybe "terminate" is a little harsh -- the last movie wasn't that bad -- but wouldn't an infusion of fresh concepts and mythologies juice up that half-tired feeling one gets from most of Hollywood's blockbusters these days? And couldn't they have stuck with the original ending for Salvation? Not only was it a great mind-fuck, but it would have struck the final nail in this franchise's coffin. Hence...REPLACED! The first Night at the Museum sucked balls of course, so I expected the sequel to suck a relatively equal nut apportionment. more ›

Now here's something you don't get a chance to see everyday: “Mild Light: An evening of Cantastoria from the Performance Department of the Museum of Everyday Life” comes to the Manual Archives tonight. "Cantastoria" involves the display of representational paintings accompanied by sung narration. Clare Dolan, Chief Operating Philosopher of the Museum of Everyday Life (Vermont), will demonstrate the "versatility and saucy immediacy of this performance form, with stories ranging from accounts of bloody crime in the 1930's written by Bertolt Brecht, to the dilemmas of a modern-day heroine trying to make a living and achieve total happiness." There are two shows tonight at 8 and 10 pm. Tickets are $12/$8. more ›

Between our Gift Guide That Rocks, our Gift Guide For Classical Music Lovers and our Independent Music Store Guide, you’d think that LAist has already covered all there is to know for your Rock and Roll Christmas shopping. However, if you need some more rocking for your stocking, here are a few music books that came out this year that were enjoyed by LAist contributors. more ›

David Wild is one of those people who has the dream job that he imagined when he was a kid. His childhood was spent worshiping rock music and he grew up to find himself interviewing his icons and writing about their work. more ›

LA will simply be bombarded with music tonight. On the agenda: We've got LA-based indie rockers One Trick Pony at Club Good Hurt. If you can get down with the notion of Venice Beach and bartenders clad in sexy nurse outfits, then head on out. The Québécois act Stars will be gracing the Avalon in support of their latest EP, Are You A Sad Robot?. The Diamond Cutter, otherwise known as Neil Diamond, will be performing all of his quintessential hits at the Hollywood Bowl. Bay Area punks Rancid will be continuing their six-night stint at the Henry Fonda Music Box. And Pattern Is Movement, a loopy and meticulous band from the City of Brotherly Love, will be hitting up Spaceland with LA locals the Minor Canon. But we propose that you take it easy on the wallet tonight by going to Tangier. Aaron Embry of AmniOn, a celebrated indie rock virtuoso, will be shelling out mellifluous strains with a backing band of friends. It's free, free, free! more ›

Neil Diamond's new album, Home Before Dark, is an intimate portrait of a man. A very intimate portrait. A portrait of every single thought that runs through Neil Diamond's head while he just happens to have a pen handy. This album, which will drop on May 6th, is so depressing and self-indulgent at times that it should be titled Songs to Slit Your Wrists By. more ›

As it gets closer to Halloween for LAist, a contributer recollects her tale of staring down the serial killer, Richard Ramirez, otherwise known as the Night Stalker. Must think happy thoughts -- okay, free organic chocolate chip cookies for Los Angeles -- now that's a happy thought. Other happy Los Angeles thoughts include an interview with Jack Kehler of The Big Lebowski (he was the Dude's landlord), a beautiful and magical photographic moment in Venice and the press making the speaker of the California State Assembly, Fabian Núñez, run away when being asked hard questions about sketchy luxurious and worldly expenses. more ›

Here it is again... the weekend. Will it cool down? It's all relative, we suppose. Just remember, whatever you do, keep your cool! There are plenty of things to do around town that are indoors, or outdoors, to suit your mood and temperment, in addition to the other events we're talking about. more ›

If there's any evidence that the Age of Irony is beginning to show serious cracks, it's in the sudden outbreak of Neil Diamond mania among hipsters far and wide. KXLU's resident genius Chris Checkman told us, not too long ago, that there should never be anything in our record collection that we're ashamed of, nor vice-versa; that in fact, there are no "guilty pleasures" allowed anymore. Devin of "Demolisten" took this to its logical conclusion and began preaching the gospel of Neil Diamond to his faithful. more ›

The week that was finally caught up with us. We planned on having a relatively light night on Friday with Ben Lee (and Har Mar Superstar) at the Troubadour and then waking up bright and early for the Revlon Run/Walk. Part A was a grand success. While the crowd was very tame, Ben Lee was animated and thankful for the final audience of his American tour in support of his new album Awake is the New Sleep. By the end of the set, he had all of us clapping in unison and singing along to songs about particles and togetherness. Awww. more ›

Turn your heartlight one this summer, and enter LAist's new contest to win Neil Diamond concert tickets. We know you want a chance to sing along to "Sweet Caroline" and the many other hits of the pop artist with one of the most successful touring careers in history. The Brooklyn native is coming to LA in September on his world tour, and the countdown to the ticket sale is on. LAist happens to have tickets to give away now! more ›