Earlier this month, local record label Manimal Vinyl (see our interview last year with its founder) held its 2nd Annual Manimal Festival at Pappy and Harriet's Pioneertown Palace. "In its second year, the two-day event showcases bands on Paul Beahan's record label... alongside musically bohemian peers," described Daiana Feuer from Papermag. "Manimal's experimental pop catalog -- which began most notably by releasing Bat For Lashes' record two years ago -- lends a unified voice to freak folk and its close cousins, many which are collected on yearly tribute albums to Madonna, The Cure, and in 2010, David Bowie. Manimal's focus mainly follows two streams: The ethereal, spooky soloist tradition [and] the dance beat, taking pop to strange outer space." more ›

Now that the election is over with the show-going commences. Tonight we've got electro sensation-turned-dud the Faint playing at the Wiltern with LA-based noise rockers Mika Miko. And speaking of shoddy electro-pop, we've got Shiny Toy Guns performing a KROQ-related contest-only event at the Viper Room. And, lastly, Brooklyn-based rock quintet Apes & Androids will be stopping by Spaceland for CLUB NME. But Portland's own folk rockers Musee Mecanique will be playing at Bordello with LA locals EXITMUSIC, Xu Xu Fang and Voice On Tape. Go, go, go! more ›