Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Top Five New CD Releases
()
Be Your Own PetBe Your Own Pet (Ecstatic Peace) – Thurston Moore signed this teenage band from Nashville. Critics like to compare the lead singer to Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Most critics think it’s a fun, infectious record but detractors criticize the lack of sophistication. The whole thing only lasts 33 minutes. Tickets are still available for their show at the Troubadour on June 27th.
Carla Bozulich Evangelista (Constellation) – The talented (and versatile) local singer-songwriter worked with members of Godspeed! You Black Emperor, A Silver Mt. Zion and the Mae-Shi on this release. It’s being called intense and emotional with interesting instrumentation (strings, loops, mandolins, organs, etc.). Appearing live at the Echo on 6/29.
Mojave 3 Puzzles Like You (4AD) – The core of Mojave 3 is still Neil Halstead and Rachel Goswell from the excellent shoegazer band, Slowdive. Sadly, Ms. Goswell has some serious ear problems (see her Myspacepage for details) so she won’t be touring with them. Usually their music is dreamy with hints of country-rock but this album is a little more upbeat. Recommended stuff. Download “Breaking the Ice”
Support for LAist comes from
Smoosh Free to Stay (Barsuk) – Smoosh are two adorable sisters from Seattle. Asya plays keyboards and she’s 14. Chloe plays drums and she’s 12. They play light indie pop and they’re currently touring with the Eels. They were taught and mentored by the Death Cab For Cutie drummer. Download “Find a Way”
Sound Team Movie Monster (Capitol) – This is the major label debut from the Austin, TX indie band. A lot of bloggers love these guys (but their last show in LA didn't blow us away). They get compared to everybody from Sonic Youth to Spoon to Interpol. Tickets are still available for their June 15th show at the Troubadour. It’s an indie band trying to breakthrough on a major label, and even Amazon is selling it for $18.98. Ouch. Download “Movie Monster”
Also out: Ice Cube Laugh Now, Cry Later (Lench Mob), Juana Molina Son (Domino), Zero 7 The Garden (Atlantic), etc.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake. -
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
Best of LAist