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”
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.
-
Donald Trump was a fading TV presence when the WGA strike put a dent in network schedules.
-
Pickets are being held outside at movie and TV studios across the city
-
For some critics, this feels less like a momentous departure and more like a footnote.
-
Disneyland's famous "Fantasmic!" show came to a sudden end when its 45-foot animatronic dragon — Maleficent — burst into flames.
-
Leads Ali Wong and Steven Yeun issue a joint statement along with show creator Lee Sung Jin.
-
Every two years, Desert X presents site-specific outdoor installations throughout the Coachella Valley. Two Los Angeles artists have new work on display.