Michele Reverte

When Sean Nelson takes the stage in Largo at the Coronet's Little Room this weekend, the majority of his song choices will come from the Harry Nilsson songbook--from which he painstakingly selected 15 tracks for his unreleased album, Nelson Sings Nilsson. Although the record is still in search of a label, those in search of a great live show need look no further. Nelson has crafted a fresh and fitting look back to a talented man who was ahead of his time. Plus, it's not hard to imagine that if Nilsson were alive today, he'd probably be playing at Largo. In addition to the Nilsson project, you may also know Nelson from the band Harvey Danger (best known for "Flagpole Sitta"), as the co-owner of Barsuk Records, or from his work as a journalist, screenwriter and actor. LAist chatted with Nelson last Sunday from his home in Seattle, during which he candidly spoke about Nilsson, Largo, Harvey Danger and Proustian minefields.

Brett Dennen's latest album is called "Hope for the Hopeless," and with this singer/songwriter, those aren't empty words. He is just as well known for his charity work as he is for his music. Although he's moved from opening act to headliner over the last couple years, Dennen remains down-to-earth and continues to support the Mosaic Project and other non-profit groups. And when it comes to his music, he's really hit his stride. "Hope for the Hopeless" is both fun and thought-provoking, and after one listen, you'll be humming songs like "Make You Crazy" for the rest of the day. LAist recently sat down with Dennen at a practice studio where he and his band were getting ready for his current tour. During this time, he opened up about the album, his unique dance moves and his favorite part about living in Santa Monica.

The songwriting process for Fiction Family's first record didn't follow standard procedure, and that's probably one of the reasons why it's such a fun and fascinating album. When Sean Watkins of Nickel Creek and Jon Foreman of Switchfoot decided to write music together, they knew they'd have to do much of their songwriting while one (or both) of them was on tour. So they established something of an electronic pen pal system for writing the music and getting each other's feedback. Along with that, they established some ground rules: 1) no tuning of vocal tracks, 2) no amp simulators, 3) no shlepping of gear back and forth, 4) no pussyfooting around each others musical feelings and 5) no crap. Thus they began a collaboration that would have been technologically impossible 20 years ago, while making sure they maintained an organic sound. The result is Fiction Family's self-titled debut, which was released on Jan. 20. Last Friday, LAist spoke with Watkins to learn more about the new record, surfing, Guitar Hero and Fiction Family's gig at Largo at the Coronet this Saturday night.

One can't help but be intrigued by Lex Land's voice. She deftly navigates fervor and vulnerability in a manner that usually takes a lifetime to cultivate, and yet she's only 22. Since the release of her debut record, Orange Days on Lemon Street, comparisons have already been made with Judy Garland, Billie Holiday, Regina Spektor, Fiona Apple and Liz Phair among others. But Land takes it all in stride. Last Thursday, LAist sat down with Land at Peet's Coffee in Studio City and spoke with the Southern California native about her whirlwind year, her three tattoos, the craziest experience she's ever had on LA public transportation, and her gig tonight at the Hotel Cafe.

Thanks to this intriguing trailer, LAist already can't wait for the DVD release of "Mellodrama," a documentary about the Mellotron, a keyboard instrument that for decades has made a dramatic impact on rock music. The film includes interviews with musicians such as Brian Wilson and LA-based Largo regulars, Michael Penn and Jon Brion.

In recent months, Erin McCarley's music has been featured on shows such as Grey's Anatomy, Privileged and One Tree Hill. The movie trailer for He's Just Not That Into You includes her song "Love, Save the Empty." And tonight, she'll appear on the Late Show with David Letterman. Not bad for an artist whose first album debuts today! LAist recently chatted with McCarley a couple days after hanging out on the set of her first music video shoot. During the conversation, she opened up about the new record, the best advice she ever received, and why she might take up grocery shopping as a hobby.

This year, Aimee Mann gave a Christmas gift to the world by sharing videos from her third annual Christmas show. These four gems are just as good as their 2007 counterparts, and the 2008 cast includes guests such as Mann's talented husband, Michael Penn, a hilarious Michael Cera spouting f-bombs in protest of being cast as Tiny Tim, Paul F. Tompkins as a ghost who has technical difficulties delivering his message via Skype, plus John. C. Reilly, Tim Heidecker, Grant Lee Phillips and John Krasinski.

In 2005, Maria Taylor received national attention when songs from her first solo album, 11:11, were featured on Grey's Anatomy. Of course, longtime fans of her music weren't surprised in the slightest. Over the years she's become known for her layered songwriting and meltingly beautiful vocals in bands such as Little Red Rocket, Azure Ray and Now It's Overhead. LAist recently caught up with Taylor at LA Mill in Silver Lake to chat about her next album, the theft of her instruments earlier this year, and her upcoming one-night-only Azure Ray reunion at the Troubadour on Nov. 30.

Each November, Civil War reenactors gather in Moorpark to take part in Southern California's largest yearly Civil War event. And they keep it real--from the clothes they wear to the campsites (yes, they even sleep there during the event!) During "The Blue and the Gray," attendees are treated to good food, one-of-a-kind shops and educational demonstrations.

To say that musician Peter Salett is a busy guy would be an understatement. A true "multi-hypenate," Salett is a singer, multi-instrumentalist, actor and film scorer. The recent release of his fifth solo album, In the Ocean of the Stars, reveals a singer/songwriter at the top of his game. In addition, his soundtrack work has included Forgetting Sarah Marshall and the new film Role Models, which opens in theaters tomorrow. LAist caught recently caught up with Salett over apple pie and green apple sorbet at Hal's in Venice to chat about the new album, film work and his move from NYC to LA.