Joshua Pressman

It is the start of a new year and that means we're slouching towards Southern California's biggest music festivals, starting with Coachella in the middle of April. And, as usual, the internet is simply ablaze with line-up rumors. But this year, much like last, crazed fans have taken things a step further on the festival's message board, going as far as to contact bands directly for confirmation.

Tonight Guitar Center will be putting on its annual Drum Off at the Henry Fonda Theatre with Papa Roach performing. LA's own buzz band the Afternoons (LAist Review, #2) are slated to rock Spaceland yet another night with the Flying Tourbillon Orchestra (LAist Review, #2), the Henry Clay People (LAist Review, #2, #3, #4) and Lemon Sun. And, lastly, local techno troupe Droog are poised to host a Berlin-inspired night at the Avalon. But we strongly suggest catching San Diego's Crocodiles, who are best known as the phoenix that rose from ashes of TPTBUTET and the Prayers at the Smell—Yes, that is in fact Kristen Gundred of Grand Ole Party's hubby.

Tonight is one of those nights where you find yourself asking, "Who isn't playing in LA?" You've just about always got Jon Brion (LAist Review) jamming with friends at Largo at the Coronet. Joshua Tree-based indie rockers Gram Rabbit (LAist Review) will be headlining the Troubadour with English psych rocker Pop Levi in tow. LA's own buzz band the Afternoons (LAist Review, #2) are slated to rock Spaceland with equally buzzworthy Xu Xu Fang (LAist Review, #2, #3, #4, #5). The Hotel Café will be hosting its usual bevy of singer-songwriters, including Greg Laswell (LAist Interview, Review, #2, #3, #4) and HoneyHoney (LAist Review, #2). And, lastly, LAist favorites One Trick Pony and Tenlons Fort (LAist Review, #2) are poised to put on a stellar set at the hole-and-corner Pehrspace. But as enticing as the aforementioned shows may be, we strongly suggest heading over to the Museum of Natural History, where they'll be kicking off the fifth annual First Fridays Series. LA locals the Little Ones will be accompanied by Montreal's finest, Plants And Animals.

Tonight Tijuana-based electronic ensemble Nortec Collective will be performing their Grammy-nominated Bostich + Fussible material at the Echoplex. LAist favorites Gangi (LAist Review) are slated to headline an eclectic bill of talented locals, including electronic mastermind Daedelus and the Gaslamp Killer, at Spaceland. And, speaking of Spaceland, Pershing Square and its ice rink will be taken over by local indie rockers wait.think.fast. for Spaceland on Ice. The Watkins Family are poised to put on their unforgettable Family Hour at Largo at the Coronet. And, lastly, LA buzz band Nico Stai will be rocking out at 3 Clubs. But we strongly recommend showing up at La Cita to catch one of Brooklyn's finest electro acts, Free Blood. You'll surely regret missing their lively performance if you don't make it out!

Tonight experimental jazz rockers Banyan, which features prominent players like Nels Cline, Stephen Perkins and Mike Watt, will be performing at the Mint. Brighton-based experimental rockers Ikoma are headlining Spaceland. And Echo Park's own psych-rockers Black Apples will be playing at the Silver Lake Lounge. But we strongly recommend going to experience Nashville-based bluegrass singer-songwriter Gillian Welch, who will be belting out ethereal notes at Largo at the Coronet.

Tonight LA will be commandeered by female singer-songwriters. New Orleans-based "one-woman band" Theresa Andersson (LAist Interview) is slated to headline the Hotel Café. And Hawaiian-born singer-songwriter Sara Lov will be continuing her Tuesday Night Residency at Spaceland. In other non-female-fronted news, LA-based indie rockers Pop Noir will be kicking things into gear at the Echoplex. And, lastly, Les Blanks and a handful of talented locals, including LAist favorites One Trick Pony, are poised to put on a free show at the Echo. But we strongly suggest checking into the Dakota Lounge to catch the talented and lovely Mia Doi Todd.

Tonight is the first Monday of the New Year and that means you've got a slew of free residencies to choose from. Echo Park-based singer-songwriter Robert Francis (LAist Interview, Review) will be kicking things off at the Echo with Highland Park's own experimental rockers Seasons. It's certainly worth noting that famed acoustic troubadour Pete Yorn will be playing guitar in Francis' backing band. Long Beach-based singer-songwriter Rocco Deluca (LAist Review) is slated to headline Spaceland. And, lastly, local MC Kenan Bell will be taking on Hyperion Tavern for the month. But we strongly suggest heading over to the Silver Lake Lounge to catch the opening night of indie folk-rockers Olin & the Moon's (LAist Interview) residency. LAist favorites Marvelous Toy are slated to open the show.

December is was list-making season. And for us music journalists, it is a time to look back on scores of albums, reflect upon the music and recapitulate our favorites. But this year, just like the last, we took this opportunity to flip that tradition upside down, asking the artists that influenced us what influenced them. The prompt was not limited to albums that came out in 2008.

Tonight the Echo will be hosting its usual Part Time Punks extravaganza with Rainbow Arabia headlining the bill. OC garage-rockers the Growlers are slated to perform at the rather posh Cinespace. And, lastly, English psych-pop outfit Yeti will be rocking the Viper Room. But we strongly recommend heading over to the Smell, where Highland Park's own indie rockers Bodies of Water are purportedly playing their last show for a while.

Tonight LA will remain relatively mum. Huntington Beach-based ska all stars Reel Big Fish are headlining the House of Blues Sunset. Electronic "junk punk" outfit Babyland will be coming through Spaceland. And, lastly, singer-songwriter Michelle Amador will be breaking out the jazz hands at the Hotel Café. But we're fresh out of suggestions tonight. Do you have any?