Molly Bergen

When Pablo Díaz-Reixa, or El Guincho, took the stage at the Echo last Thursday and asked the crowd "¿Habláis español?" he was answered with an enthusiastic "¡Sí!" I cursed myself for the umpteenth time for taking French in high school. So, if you're looking for an in-depth analysis of El Guincho's lyrical prowess or perhaps a recount of his witty repertoire with the crowd (I know it was witty because everybody laughed every time he...

At the age of six, Eric Earley, was taught how to play the banjo by his father, who was a bluegrass musician. Music was in him from the start, so it's no wonder that he grew up to create one of the most interesting Americana bands the Northwest has seen in quite awhile. Celebrating the release of their fourth album (and first on their new label Sub Pop) Blitzen Trapper will be taking the stage...

Local favorites Army Navy returned home to the Troubadour last Monday. The enthused crowd (and by enthused I mean Los Angeles enthused, which means slight bobbings of the head and the occasional shimmy) showed their joy by yelling song suggestions. The front man, Justin Kennedy (interview) looking dapper in stripes sang earnestly into the mic like a more restrained Perry Ferrell. His bass player, Benjamin Gaffin, and drummer, Douglas Randall, were spot on keeping the...

"If you want to choose us as your new favorite band...we allow that," Ezra Furman grinned. By that point last Wednesday night I was seriously considering it. Well, maybe not favorite, but perhaps in the top ten. I walked into the Roxy that evening expecting not much. I had heard that Phonograph was making their first appearance in Los Angeles and wanted to see how they sounded live. I did not expect to be rocked...

This young moose...er man who is being shot by his band mate is none other than Justin Kennedy the lead singer of Army Navy. Kennedy's history begins in Seattle where he co-lead the band Pinwheel with Ben Gibbard (of Death Cab for Cutie fame.) When Pinwheel came apart, Kennedy headed south to begin again in Los Angeles. Here he put together one of the best brop (brainy pop) outfits in the Southland. His infectious...

Apollo Sunshine used to be touring fiends. When they first started up these guys would sell almost everything they had and hit the road for years at a time. The result? A live show that would make your hair stand on end. Their wild psychedelic-inspired blues rock will thump through your chest right down to your very soul. You'll swear it's the summer of '69 all over again. They're playing at the Spaceland tomorrow...

Sunday night Beck opened in the brand spanking new Club Nokia. Before I launch into the review of Mr. Hansen, I would like to say a few words to the owners of this new club. Firstly I would like to congratulate you on your design. You make a rather large club (housing 2,300 people) feel small and intimate. There is not a bad seat in the house. Also the sound quality is amazingly good. But...

No one could accuse Bishop Allen of being a slothful band. In 2006 these New Yorkers pumped out 12 EPs, one for every month of the year. They're in Los Angeles tonight at the Echo in support of their latest album The Broken String. Their brainy pop (or as I like to call it brop) has been drawing admiration from far and wide. With their catchy hooks and thoughtful lyrics they're a pop band that...

The Dodos are a percussionist's dream. If you like to bang, blow, and hit stuff, this is the band for you. Between the drums, glockenspiel, maracas, trumpets, trombones, and acoustic guitar, these boys were intent on making the most amount of noise possible. Even their poor guitar was drummed, plucked, and beat on within an inch of its life. The result? A brand of music that is perfect for jumping up and down. The Dodos...

All photos were taken by the lovely and talented Sandra Vahtel Last Thursday, the Wiltern dressed itself up in honor of the anti-star, Ray Lamontagne's performance. There were chairs that lined the floor and ushers guided the patrons to their seats. It was all very refined. At least until Mr. Lamontagne took the stage. Then all hell broke loose. The last time I heard so many catcalls and whistles for a male performer I...