Mix Master Mike, What You Got To Say?!?

Thank goodness it is Friday!  And, thank goodness Mix Master Mike is playing late night tonight at The Viper Room.  I'm still reeling from the awesome week which included a thunderous LMFAO show at The Roxy, Wednesday's appearance on Entourage and The Volunteers/The French Semester show and seeing Bruno last night - so LA has a lot to live up to for this weekend.  And thankfully, LA is delivering in a major way.

Not only is their good music to see all over town tonight (J-Boogie at The Continental Room, Big Organ Trio at The Mint, Tommy King at Gibson Showroom, Andrew Bird at Greek Theatre, etc.), but LA is extending music into the after hours realm too.  The Viper Room will be hosting a special late night MixTapeRiot event featuring Mix Master Mike, the unofficial fourth Beastie Boy, from midnight to 4 am.  The breaks will be dope, the scratching will be professional and I don't doubt that the party will be poppin'.  I will be there, not only because I love MMM, but also because I love LA's late night venue-hosted dance parties (Pretty Lights in January at The Roxy was absolutely insane!).  

If the work week killed you or you aren't one who goes gung-ho at night - you still shouldn't stay in.  If you are trying to keep it pretty low key, I might suggest checking out Tommy King, the keyboardist from the house band on Carson Daly's talk show, who is playing at the Gibson Showroom.  He has some tracks up for free download at http://tommykingmusic.com  .  If you are looking for something a bit more funky - try Big Organ Trio at The Mint.  If you're looking for a DJ, but you don't want to stay out until 4 am - I suggest J-Boogie at The Continental Room. 

You might not want to go to The Continental Room though if you are planning on going to The Funk Rumble in Chinatown tomorrow because J-Boogie will also be playing there.  Joining J-Boogs will be LA natives Orgone, as well as The Lions, Breakestra and a host of other DJs.  The first ever Funk Rumble should be a blast - there will be arts, crafts, food vending, relatively cheap beers (for LA standards) and a ton of great music.  Plus, if you never go to Chinatown, it would be an ideal day for checking it out.  The party kicks off at noon and goes until 10 pm - tickets are $5 before 4 pm and $8 after 4 pm.  Check out the schedule and additional information here - http://thefunkrumbleblockparty.blogspot.com/

If you're not down for the funk, but you still want to go downtown - I have to suggest you go over to The Standard to check out Hey Champ and their DJ set.  Hey Champ is a group out of Chicago that has been generating an increasing amount of buzz.  They are out on the west coast for the month of July and will be intermittently gracing LA with their performances.  If you miss them at The Standard, you can peep them on Monday at Hunnypot Unlimited or later on this month.  Check back at SUPERGOODMUSIC for more information on Hey Champ in the next few weeks.  If both downtown and funk don't fit into your schedule - try Tortoise and Earthless at The Troubadour if you have some connections or want to spend an arm and a leg for a ticket (it is SOLD OUT).  

Sunday, I suggest you take some rest - cause next week the music is just as good (Mr. Hudson on Monday anyone?!?!?!) 

ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND! 

RMFAO as in Rocking My Fucking Ass Off

Just got back from The Roxy a short while ago from an exhilarating and extremely dope performance by LMFAO.  On the date of the release of their debut album, Party Rock, this duo pulled out all the tricks.  

Doors opened at 8:30, so I figured I'd make the casual 10:30-11 arrival - hoping that I hadn't missed anything.  What I walked into sounded like an epic club party - and turned out to be just that.  Although not filled to the brim yet - the heat inside let you know that the dance floor was going to be sweaty and dirty.  Taking a tour through the crowd - it was a nice swath of the youth community dressed in their cutest bright tanks, windbreakers and other gear replete with plastic rimmed Rayban like glasses to round out the patented hipster look.  These hipster kids, however, were ready to party.  Before LMFAO even came on, these kids were getting down to the DJ like he was the headliner.  I found myself in a crew of barely out of high schoolers who were a piece of fabric away from sex on the dancefloor....I thought it added some authenticity to the party charged and sexualized atmosphere.

Not feeling like I fit in with the barely legal crowd, I moved over to the VIP area - where I had a little more space, the women were a little more refined and I felt a little more comfortable.  I had a great vantage point and was ready to go....

Shortly after the DJ stepped off the stage (sorry DJ, I forgot your name cause LMFAO was RMFAO), LMFAO came on to a nearly packed house that was ready to cheer from the get go.  The duo announced how excited they were for the release of the album and how happy they were to be kicking off the party in Los Angeles and the crowd gave the appropriate cheering response.  Accompanying LMFAO's party antics and lively demeanor was an awesome stage backing including a screen for projecting words and light shows.

After LMFAO's introduction, they quickly got after it and the house came alive.  It seemed like everyone was dancing - and that was before they even turned to their anthems or brought out the girls on stage or the crowd surfing began.  (I can't recall the last time I saw so many crowd surfers - 2 at once in a 500 person venue in LA....when was the last time you saw that?)  After playing several songs - LMFAO took it to a new level with Lil' Hipster Girl when they brought out this petite, young and attractive girl to act as their hipster girl.  In her little LMFAO themed get up and short skirt - she caught all the guys attention.  While some may have continued to pant over the hipster girl, I was quickly moving on to the girl in the polka dot bikini when they burst out in I'm In Miami Bitch.  LMFAO straight up had a voluptuous white girl in an outfit that could be torn off - and when the words "in a polka dot bikini" came up - they tore her clothes off to reveal a badunkadunk in a pink polka dot bikini (side note --> they sell the polka dot bikini for $40!).   

With badunkadunk and hipster girl already on stage, the dancing got raunchier, the booties continued to bounce and LMFAO made the most of their Party Rock event.  Moving seamlessly from one song to the next, while never skipping a beat and maintaining the crowds energy at a maximum level, LMFAO looked more like grizzled concert and party veterans as opposed to performers at their first album release party.  In fact, they almost brought the entire venue down with their anthemic version of I Am Not A Whore.   If tonight's performance is any indication of what to expect from this group - Interscope is going to be very happy that they signed them to a 360 deal.  

LMFAO ALBUM RELEASE PARTY TONIGHT AT THE ROXY

Tonight, pop-club sensation LMFAO bring their party antics to The Roxy for their album release party for Party Rocks.  You can check out their music on their myspace page at - http://www.myspace.com/lmfao.

This event is kicking off their multi-state tour in support of the album - from The Roxy they will be heading to Agoura Hills and Santa Ana before heading to the east coast.  Their July and August calendar is pretty aggressive and I imagine their next tour will be in rooms that are of much greater size.  Don't miss your opportunity to see them at a smallerish venue and come out tonight.  

Don't sleep on it.  Come out and play tonight.  Sleep all day tomorrow instead.

CONCERT BLAST 07/06 - 07/12

If you had a chance to get out last week and see some of the amazing music that was in town – good for you.  Links and Stone Foxes – were both two acts I had not yet seen, but had heard a lot about.  To be blunt – they delivered. 

 

I also made a few new discoveries in the blogosphere and through personal connections - Keith Masters – a great hip-hop/club MC who is on the cusp of blowing up and Tic Tic Boom, a local catchy indie-pop LA band that spawned out of a boyfriend and girlfriend’s time together in their cozy apartment.  Tic Tic Boom is busy working on a new record; Keith’s song “I Love To Floss” is featured on SUPAFRESH VOLUME 2 and he has a few tracks available for download for free here -

http://soundcloud.com/keithmasters/discotheque-file-jerks-rmxxx

http://soundcloud.com/keithmasters/i-want-more-w-vince-p-prod-by-vyle

This CONCERT BLAST takes you through this week, ending on Sunday July 12^th and includes an updated ON THE RADAR section. If you are a new recipient of the CONCERT BLAST, typically once a week I send out an e-mail detailing who is playing where and when in and around Los Angeles.  I also post the CONCERT BLAST, as well as updates to it and other music related postings at supergoodmusic.com. 

Anyhow, you’ll find my recommendations for the week below – but I’ve included a nice long list of other acts. 

After the long weekend, tonight I am probably taking it easy.  If I do make it out, I will either be at Carbon for Funkmosphere or I will make my way east to echo for Japanese Motors – a band that’s been garnering more attention as of recently. 

Tuesday is going to be a great night for music on both the Sunset and Hollywood corridors.  On Sunset, The Roxy is hosting the album release party for the recently famous club party group LMFAO.  If you’re looking to play all night like LMFAO, but not with LMFAO, then I would suggest going to Cinespace for DIM MAK Tuesday’s.  This week DIM MAK is being hosted by Nelly Furtado!

Wednesday – my local favorites – The French Semester – bring their catchy, lyrically awesome immigrant-rock to On The Rox.  The Volunteers, a rising young pop-rock band from NYC will be playing too!  If you’re more of a hip-hop head – U-N-I at echo is not to be missed.

For Thursday’s, I’m quickly becoming a fan of El Cid’s Rootdown.  Located downtown, this nice little club/restaurant is an unsuspectingly dope place to have a funky dance party.  If you’re looking to shoegaze a little more, or want a little more guitar in your music, I might suggest You Me & Iowa at The Hotel Café.

Even if the weekend is not going to be quite the event this past one was – a few musicians will still be gracing LA with their presence.  Ray Lamontagne will be making an appearance on Conan O’Brien before playing The Hollywood Bowl on Sunday.  The infamous Mix Master Mike will be spinning at The Viper Room on Friday.  DJ’s J-Boogie and Adam Freeland will also be making a few LA appearances (see below).  On Saturday, Orgone, Breakestra and The Lions all bring their dirty dirty funk to the Downtown Rumble.   Moving into Sunday and next week, Beyonce will be making stops in both Anaheim and LA.

 

CONCERT BLAST

 

Monday July 6^th

 

Mark ‘The Cobrasnake’ Presents @ The Roxy

Andy Clockwise, The VLA, Globes on Remote, Miniature Tigers @ Spaceland

Telescope @ The Viper Room

Steelpanther @ Key Club (Free)

Jackie Tohn, Amie Miriello, Kim DiVine @ The Hotel Café

Karaoke @ Dakota Live Music Lounge

Jeremy Buck & The Bang @ Saint Rocke

Tommy Santee Klaws, Elisa Ferrari @ Echo Curio

Weasel Walter, Pigeon Religion, Adrien Barbobott @ The Smell

Kyler England, Jonny Taylor, parker Ainsworth @ Room 5

Tasha Taylor, Kevin Kanney Quintet, J-Logic @ The Mint (Free After 9:30)

High Castle, 60 Watt Kid @ Women (Moved From Pehrspace)

Brandon Rogers, David Hodges, Mitch Allan, Yvonne Reyes, Daniel Shaw @ Molly Malones

Juke Kartel, Moutful, We Should Be Dead, Telescope, Samantha Mollen @ Knitting Factory

LMFAO Listening Party @ The Viper Room Downstairs Lounge (FREE)

Death Cab For Cutie @ The Tonight Show w/ Conan O’Brien

Last American Buffalo, Eastern Conference Champions, Globes @ Silverlake Lounge

Japanese Motors, Audacity, My Pet Saddle, Gestapokhazi @ The Echo (Free)

Jacob Luttrell, Damon Copper, Amani Starnes, Ryan Stone @ El Cid

 

 

 

Tuesday July 7^th

 

Cubensis (Grateful Dead Tribute) @ Marlin Bar & Grill

The Hold Steady, El Bronx @ El Rey Theater (SOLD OUT)

Kitty Daisy & Lewis, Le Switch @ Echo

The Captains @ Silverlake Lounge

Can of Jam Mondays @ HOB – Sunset

Ron Tanski @ Saint Rocke

The Beta Tones, Kat Bailess, Jamie Meyer @ The Mint

Los Angeles Philharmonic @ Hollywood Bowl

Michael Jackson Public Memorial Service @ Staples Center

Ryan Hiller @ Molly Malones

Ded Pigeons, Bed Breakfast Man, Mode @ The Prospector

LMFAO @ The Roxy (Album Release Party)

Fishtank Ensemble, Ukulele Loki’s Gadabout Orchestra @ The Bordello

Bleu, Scott Simons, Drake Bell, Elisa Ferrari, Heather Waters @ The Hotel Café

The Captains, Birds Beware, Infrared Sunday @ Silverlake Lounge

Vieux Farka Toure, Luke Top @ The Troubadour

Yes, Asia @ Gibson Amphitheatre

Nevermind Eternity, What Hands Are For, Daybreak Ends, By All Means Necessary @ The Viper Room

Whisper in The Roar, Ryan Hill, Jake Coco @ Molly Malones

Tiff Jimber @ The Talking Stick

Mikal Blue and Friends @ Room 5

DIMMAK Tuesday Hosted by Nelly Furtado feat. Fritz Helder and The Phantoms, Dar Hardy Boyz, Them Jeans, Dan Oh @ Cinespace

Oolyakoo, Darryl Morris & Other Shady Characters @ Dakota Live Music Lounge

 

 

 

Wednesday July 8^th

 

The French Semester, The Volunteers, Anderson @ On The Rox – The Roxy

New Faces, Sucker For Pumps, Go Mortikai Go, Dust & Bones @ Knitting Factory

Keith Varon, John Kappas, Jonny Taylor @ Knitting Factory (Alterknit Lounge)

The Hold Steady @ The Tonight Show w/ Conan O’Brien

Old 97’s, Rhett Miller @ Henry Fonda Theatre

Sergio Mendes, Poncho Sanchez @ Hollywood Bowl

Bert Jansch, Sara Watkins @ Largo

Alicia Witt, Connie Lim, The Smart Brothers, Ryan Auffenberg @ The Mint

Scion House Party Presents: Kode 9, Martyn Joseph @ The Roxy

Dirty Projectors, What’s Up? @ The Troubadour

Riot Comedy @ El Cid

Rich Sheldon @ Baja Cantina (MDR)

Mika Miko, Charlie & The Moonhearts, Ty Seagall @ The Smell

Dionne Warwick @ The Grammy Museum

David Ryan Harris, Zachariah & The Lobos Riders, Danny Chaimson, Ernie Halter, Derek Evans @ The Hotel Café

Pico Vs. Island Trees @ The Viper Room

The Monthlies, Purple Melon, The Faraway Places @ Silverlake Lounge

Army Navy, White Arrows @ Spaceland

Watts Ensemble, Baby and Guy @ Bootleg Theater

Brandi Shearer, Anna Bowman, Adam Stern, Aya Iarkin, Lady Katherine @ Dakota Live Music Lounge

Kaile Goh, Alissa, Steven and Gary of Pan Am @ Molly Malones

Rootbeer, U-N-I, Boombox Ninjas @ The Echo

Dub Club @ Echoplex

Billy The Kid, Linny Kenney, Namoli Brennet @ Room 5

Hell Ya! w/ Surprise Guest, Love Grenades, Pico Vs. Island Trees, Avi Buffalo, Dave Smallen @ The Viper Room

Reigning Monarchs, Laramie Dean, Gantez Warrior @ Redwood Bar & Grill

 

 

 

Thursday July 9^th

 

The Start, Bloodcat Love, The Presence, Useless Keys @ The Roxy

Natives of the New Dawn @ Lighthouse

Stereofidelics @ The Blue Café

True s 80s Birthday Bash @ HOB - Sunset

Curtains, Diz @ On The Rox

Grand Elegance, Indian Jewelry, Psychic Ills @ The Prospector

Steve Wynn & The Miracle Three, The Urinals @ Echo

Kevin Hearn (of Barenaked Ladies) w/ The Quiet @ The Mint

Joan Baez, Tify Merritt @ Santa Monica Pier

Los Angeles Philharmonic @ Hollywood Bowl

Red Cortez, Everest @ Hammer Museum

Cave Country, Sparrows Gate, Quiet Life @ Spaceland

Chris Botti @ Greek Theatre

Forever Plaid @ Club Nokia

Ace Enders & A Million Different People, Person L, The Gay Blades, The Dangerous Summer, Bleu @ The Knitting Factory

Battle for Los Angeles (Can of Jam Presents) @ Knitting Factory (Front)

Root Down @ El Cid

Dusty Rhodes and The River Band, These United States @ Echoplex

Lil Haydn @ Levitt Pavilion – MacArthur Park

Rachel Goodrich, You Me & Iowa, The Damselles, Oak and Gorski, Sara Roberts @ The Hotel Café

Wang Chung, ABC, Heaven 17, Berlin, Cutting Crew @ Gibson Amphitheatre

Taxi Doll @ The Cat Club

Red Letter Agent, The Daylights, The Ruse @ The Troubadour

Courtenay Green, His Orchestra, The Minor Canon @ Silverlake Lounge

Evan Brau, Rachel Platten, Erik Dinardo @ Dakota Live Music Lounge

Anita and the Yanks, Shurman @ Molly Malones

Tyrone Wells, Tamila & Elina @ Saint Rocke

Steve Soto and the Twisted Hearts, Cowboy and Indian @ Alex’s Bar

Clash In, USA @ Key Club

Kay Hanley, The Dollyrots, Ingenue @ Key Club

Jake La Botz – “The Crow” Record Release @ Redwood Bar & Grill

 

 

 

Friday July 10^th

 

Chelsea Girls, The Hammerheads @ The Roxy

Dirty Heads @ Saint Rocke

Iliana Rose @ Left Coast Wine Bar

J-Boogie @ The Continental Room

The Sounds of Philadelphia @ Gibson Amphitheatre
Tommy King @ Gibson Showroom

The Pharcyde @ The Grove of Anaheim

Space Island @ Echoplex

People, Leerone, Stripes and Lines, Stars Align, Watch UsBurn @ El Rey Theatre

The Rural Alberta Advantage @ Echo

Oleta Adams @ Catalina Jazz Club

Seaspin @ Spaceland

Fuzzy Math (Art Exhibition) @ Echo Curio

Ray LaMontagne @ The Tonight Show w/ Conan O’Brien

Rocky Dawuni, MC Rai @ Grand Performances

Andrew Bird, Heartless Bastards, Ra Ra Riot @ Greek Theatre

DJ Oggy @ Mayan Theatre

Damion Suomi, The Idyllists, Hool, Aiden Hawken, Steelwells, Beth Jean  @ The Hotel Café

The Ringers w/ Mix Master Mike and The Beatards, The Yelling, Adam Bones, DJ Jamie Scrap @ The Viper Room

Special Late Night Event – MixTapeRiot feat. Mix Master Mike @ The Viper Room

Young B, C-Nice, AL The Crown Prince, Hot Butter @ Dakota Live Music Lounge

Scarub, Eligh @ The Knitting Factory

Boyce Avenue, Hana Pestle, Ari Shine @ Knitting Factory (Front)

The New Archaic, Locke in the Second Life, Color of Glass, Tin Soldier @ Knitting Factory (Alterknit Lounge)

Sara Lov, Big Organ Trio, Two Sheds, DJ Velvet Touch @ The Mint

David Benoit @ Walt Disney Concert Hall

Bob Burns and The Breakups @ No Future Café

Michael Schenker, Doug Doppler @ briXton

Infected Mushroom @ Vertigos

Vice Squad, Lower Class Brats, The JunK, The Howlers @ Alex’s Bar

Los Angeles Philharmonic + Others @ Hollywood Bowl

Stereofidelics @ The Good Hurt

Van Stone @ Spikes Bar

The Widow Babies, NASA Space Universe, AUDACITY, The Amazements @ The Smell

Murder Mystery Dinner Theater @ El Cid (Cocktails Start at 7:30 pm)

Tainted Love (Hits of the 80s) @ Key Club

Tyrone Wells, Curtis Peoples @ The Troubadour

Rival Sons, Ghosthounds @ Saint Rocke

Chico Debarge @ HOB – Sunset

The O’Jays, Harold Melvin’s Bluenotes, The Delfonics, Jerry Butler @ Gibson Amphitheatre

Shawn Pander, Kevin Michael Gray (record release), Former Future, Shannon Curtis @ Molly Malones

Demonika and the Darklings, The Bourbon Saints, The Lords of Altamont @ Redwood Bar & Grill

 

 

 

Saturday July 11^th

 

Mateo, Krystle Wright, DJ Shiva, Nico @ The Roxy

Last Exit @ On The Rox

Orgone, The Lions, Breakestra @ Funk Rumble

Sila and The Afrofunk Experience @ Dakota Live Music Lounge

Motoko Honda @ Café Metropol

Make/Shift (Clothing Event) @ Echo Curio

The Screaming Cherry Blossoms, Let Go Of The Rail @ Echo Curio

Rancid, Rise Against, Billy Talent @ The Forum

16 Volt @ Bar Sinister

Saturdays Off The 405 w/ Mas Exitos, Domingo Siete @ The Getty Center

Dragstrip 66 @ Echoplex

Aubery Bouskill, The Midnight Blues Band @# The Mint

50 Cent Haircut @ Cinema Bar

Hey Champ (DJ Set) @ The Standard

Chip Taylor @ McCabe’s Guitar Shop

Beyonce, Rich Girl @ Honda Center (Anaheim)

Oleta Adams @ Catalina Jazz Club

Michael McDonald, Boz Scaggs @ Greek Theatre

Los Angeles Philharmonic @ Hollywood Bowl

Franki Chan @ Shrine Auditorium

Copeland, Anchor & Braille, Sherwood @ The Hotel Café

The Dan Band @ Club Nokia

After, Fredrich’s Ataxia @ DragonFly

Nightmare Of You, Brian Bonz, Plushgun @ The Knitting Factory

Adam Freeland, Drop The Lime @ Vanguard

DJ Oggy @ Blue Moon

Valley Arena, Katie The Pest, Happy Hollows @ The Prospector

Dudley Saunders @ The Talking Stick

Royal Crown Revue @ Saint Rocke

Tortoise, Earthless @ The Troubadour

Vice Squad, Lower Class Brats, Channel 3, The Void s @ Key Club

Tijuana Knife Fight, The Adolescents, Stab City @ Alex’s Bar

Flexions, Bronze, Puppy Dog, kill kill kill @ The Smell

Gilby Clarke @ The Viper Room

Michele Vreeland, Malynda Hale, Matt Jones & Isaac Johnson @ Room 5

TV Rock, DJ Reza, K.I.D. @ Avalon

Kit, Foot Village, Lucky Dragons, Gowns, Softboiled Eggies @ The Smell

Club Soulside @ Fais Do Do

Vampure, Stretford End, Army of Kings, Sweet Eve, Those Guys @ The Viper Room

James and Al, Jeff Forte, Charles Greene and Giant Bird @ Molly Malones

Travesuras w/ La Cholita! @ Redwood Bar & Grill

 

 

 

Sunday July 12^th

 

Knights of The Abyss, Broadcast The Nightmare, The Irish Front, The Analyst @ Cobalt Café

Oleta Adams @ Catalina Jazz Club

Gina Villalobos, Oneida, Stampead, Clipd Beaks @ Echo

Ray LaMontagne, Jenny Lewis, Blitzen Trapper @ Hollywood Bowl

Loch Lomond @ Spaceland

Sara Haze, Ruut, Emily Jaye @ The Mint

Dottie Grossman, Michael Vlatkovich, Emily Hay @ Echo Curio

J-Boogie @ Vanguard

Johnette Napolitano, Seth Roberts & The Lakes,  Aras Baskauskas, Flo Paris @ The Hotel Café

California Philharmonic @ Walt Disney Concert Hall

Instant Asshole, Kamikaze Red, Logan’s Heroes, Electric Blondes, Slipping Stitches, DJ High Voltage @ The Viper Room

Alejandro Escovedo @ McCabe’s Guitar Shop (Sold Out)

Nat & Alex Wolff @ HOB – Sunset

Sworn Enemy, Pro-Pain, Mantic Ritual @ Key Club

Buckfast Superbee, The Steps @ Cat Club

Jonathan Bremen @ Room 5

Mr. Mister Miyagi @ Alex’s Bar (Daytime – Free)

The Disgustingtons, The Crime, The Relics @ Alex’s Bar (Night – Free)

Paris Carney, Dennis Dodd Jr., Yvonne Reyes @ Molly Malones

Really Doe @ Saint Rocke (Greenpeace Fashion Swimsuit Show)

From Jupiter, Vanaprasta, We Are Lions, The Material, Letlive @ Knitting Factory

Wolves in the Throneroom, Minsk, Intronaut, It’s Casual @ Knitting Factory (Front)

Noise vs. Grind, The Dolemite Project, Actuary, Fetus Eaters, Progeria, Dog @ Knitting Factory (Alterknit Lounge)

Pirate Burlesque @ Redwood Bar & Grill

Brunch Americana w/ Hobo Jazz @ Redwood Bar & Grill

 

 

 

 

New Month = New Mix....SUPERGOODMUSIC Presents Supafresh Vol. 2

The second un-official SUPERGOODMUSIC mix has gone through its alpha phases and now the track-listing is just right for the holiday weekend.  Keeping true to my Ohio roots - I had to throw in my new favorite Cam'ron song "I Used To Get It In Ohio."  Likewise, I did not forget my need to keep some mainstream bangers in there for the holiday parties - I put in a Kid Cudi remix, a Kid Cudi song of his mixtape from last year, a GREAT GREAT Yeah Yeah Yeahs remix, some Phoenix, Little Boots, N.A.S.A. feat. Santigold & Kanye West, Michael Jackson and Drake featuring Weezy.  

BUT, stepping outside of the box a bit on this mix - I've chosen to tip you listeners off to a few of my favorite not-talked-about-enough artists: Keith Masters, The French Semester, Punks Jump Up and The Glass.  

Keith Masters is a rising MC out of Chicago that is finding his niche in the hip-hop/indie/electronic fusion scene.  Most of his tunes are dope, but "I Love to Floss" is worthy of mixtape love.  The bouncy beat, barritone hook and fresh rhymes all come together for a really great track.  It is track 8 - popping up between a great remix by Viking of Kid Cudi's "That New New" and Drake's smash "Uptown" featuring Bun B and Lil' Wayne. You can peep some of his songs at www.myspace.com/keithmasters   

Local favorites of mine, The French Semester, also appear on this mix.  I selected my favorite released cut of theirs - "The East Man", which appears on their January 2009 release GOOD FRIENDS ONLY I COULD SEE.  The recording is fantastic - the song carries great emotion and the wailing of the guitar really draws you in.  That said - with their new line-up featuring Russ on keys and Elaine on vocals - the song is even better executed live.  Check them out  (and hear the song) this coming Wednesday, July 8th, at On The Rox.  If that doesn't work for you - they will be playing Echo Curio with The Spires on Thursday July 16th (sponsored by Performer Magazine) and on Friday July 31st at Knitting Factory (as part of IPO Festival).   www.myspace.com/thefrenchsemester

The Glass are another group, out of NYC, that I believe does not get enough attention.  Their song (Track 6), "Wanna Be Dancin" could easily be a club hit - but I can't recall having heard it at any club I've been to recently.  I may have been drawn in by the record's awesome cover art - which features two lego figurines at a a control board that is the closest lego equivalent for drum machines and effect processors, but I'm glad I was.  The track is enough of a banger to make it on the mix, although it might not tear your face off.  They also created a great lego music video for the song -    www.myspace.com/theglass  

I also put on a great group from London - Punks Jump Up - on at track (Track 16), with their hopefully future smash song "Dance To Our Disco".  They are getting some attention for their remix of Miike Snow's "Animal", but they just easily deserve attention for this material.  Not only is the song fun and upbeat - but it is worthy of being danced too.  It kind of reminds a little bit of The Rapture when they are at their best.  If PJU can keep up this sort of music - especially things like the horn solo in the middle (which was a great use of brass in an indie song - which doesn't happen enough) - than they could be destined for greatness.   Check them out at www.myspace.com/punksjumpup

Another band from LA, Links ( http://www.myspace.com/linksband ) garnered some mix representation after impressing me at their show at Silverlake Lounge this past Tuesday.  I selected "710" from their 2009 release TIP YOUR JESTER.  It comes sandwiched between 2 excellent covers - The Fray's folksy version of Kanye West's "Heartless" and Little Boots' kick ass rendition of The Virgin's "Rich Boys."  

Here is the track list:

1.  My Mind Is Playing Tricks On Me - Glass Candy (Geto Boys Cover)

2. Lasso - Phoenix

3. Don't Stop Til You Get Enough feat. Jay-Z - Michael Jackson & Cookin Soul

4. Gifted (Treasure Fingers Remix) - N.A.S.A. feat. Santigold, Kanye West 

5. Heads Will Roll (Digiraatii Dance Til You're Dead Mix) - Yeah Yeah Yeahs

6. Wanna Be Dancin' - The Glass

7. Dat New New (Viking Remix) - Kid Cudi

8. I Love To Floss - Keith Masters

9. Uptown (feat Bun B & Lil' Wayne) - Drake

10. I Used To Get It In Ohio - Cam'ron

11. 50 Ways To Make A Record - Kid Cudi

12. The East Man - The French Semester

13. Heartless - The Fray (Kanye West Cover)

14. 710 - Links

15. Rich Boys - Little Boots (Virgins Cover)

16. Dance To Our Disco - Punks Jump Up

17. Stuntin' Like My Only Swerving - Beat Bot

18. The Most Beautiful Girl (Kissy Klub D'n'B Version) - Flight of The Conchords

19. Animal (Treasure Fingers Remix) - Miike Snow

Enjoy.  You can probably find many of the downloads available on i-tunes if you're the paying type.  If you're not, you can probably find most of the downloads on hypem.com or rcrdlbl.com to construct your own version.  If you don't want to do any of the above - but you're itching for the mix  - you know where to find me.  

Michael Jackson Lives On Through Us (At Least For This Weekend)

Despite the tragic passing of Michael Jackson late last week, it has actually been a beautiful thing for the music community...

Record companies see that consumers are still willing to purchase music. Michael Jackson recordings broke every record in the digital download record books in the last week or so. Over a million downloads in one week; 9 of the top 10 downloaded songs; the top 3 albums. You name an important position and it is probably currently occupied by the now deceasedKing of Pop.

Adults, tweeners and kids alike all rejoiced in the history of Michael Jackson's music. On Friday night at Orgone - I heard a few Jackson teases and you could tell the crowd just wanted them to erupt into a cover. On Sunday at Phoenix at the Wiltern- nearly half the crowd stayed once the house lights went on because they were blasting MJ through the stereo system. On the blog front - you can find download after download of MJ material, some we are familiar with, new remixes we are not and even some tribute material ("Better On The Other Side"feat. Game, Diddy, Chris Brown, Boyz II Men, Usher, Polow Da Don and Mario Winans came out like the same day as his death).

One particular download that is available is Michael Jackson & Cookin Soul - Tribute to the King of Pop. It has some kick ass remixes including a version of Beat It with Kid Cudi,Smooth Criminal with Tupac, Don' Stop Til You Get Enough with Jay-Z, and several other cuts featuring hip-hop artists such as 50 Cent, Lil' Wayne, Nas and B.I.G. Peep it here - http://wongiesworld.tumblr.com/post/132743372/free-mj-mixtape-yo-tribute-to-the-king-of-pop

Downstairs at The Viper Room last night, they hosted a mini tribute party that pulled out all the stops (at least that is what I heard). Unfortunately, I was not able to make it - but they allegedly had free give-aways, dance contests and an ubiquitous selection of Jackson classics. Hopefully a similar environment will be created at the Avalon tonight - for what might arguably turn out to be the best party of the holiday weekend.

Tiger Heat Michael Jackson Tribute Night - July 2nd at Avalon. 18 & Over to Enter. Starts at 9:30 pm and goes til 3:00 am. Early arrival is recommended. There will be free giveaways all night long and a special appearance by Pepper Mashay. Check out more at Tiger Heat events at http://www.clubtigerheat.com/index2.html.

SIlverlake Lounge is Heating Up

So, I've got to give my props to The Fold for amping up Silverlake Lounge's concert schedule.   I am really starting to like their line-up on a consistent basis.

Tonight, I am heading out to see the spectacular slate of Marvelous Toy, headed by Cody Hudock, Go West Young Man and The French Semester (my local faves).  Also, I hear Jared Mees & The Grown Children are playing there.  It should be a good night of low-key indie-rock.  While some might brand these bands shoegazers - I'd resist describing them that way....FYI - The French Semester's concerts are anything but shoegazing these days.  I don't expect the other bands to be shoegaze either - I think their intent is to rock....Marvelous goes on at 9 - and bands play on the hour every hour thereafter.   

Last night I had the privilege of seeing Links.  They were the 2nd to last band to play, but in my opinion the best act of the night.  With hints of Kings of Leon and obvious classic rock influences - the four piece group tore up the stage.  The lead singer's vocals are totally righteous and he has a decent range.  The fact that he is young, handsome and has some swagger also helps propel the show into full blown entertainment.  The drummer was animated, the bassist was grooving and the crowd really seemed to enjoy themselves.  I noticed some people even knew the lyrics.  All of that seems like a good sign to me and a strong endorsement for you to go check them out next time.  I believe they are playing Spaceland sometime in July.  

If that is not enough of a kicker for you - the girl who was working their merch, Allison, was stunningly gorgeous.  Even if the music was not as good as it was, I'd go to their next show just to talk to her.