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. The music is simultaneously pretty and intense, with a heavy......

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......

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. Friday --Delve into the primitive roots of electronic music (and we mean primitive) with a free screening of the documentary Theramin: An......

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......

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......

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......