[SF Shows] Andy Clockwise @ Hotel Utah 1.29.11

Posted on January 28, 2011 by the OCMD

Andy Clockwise – “Everybody’s in A Band”

Good music + good people = good times. It’s a fairly straightforward equation. And if it’s a good time you’re looking for this Saturday night, definitely head on over to Hotel Utah to check out Andy Clockwise. These Aussies (masquerading as Angelenos) know how to get a party started with their variety of self-described schizo pop. Their music runs the gamut from balls to the wall, rock your socks off numbers like “Everybody’s in a Band” to softer ballads and cover songs like Bjiork’s “Hyperballad”. Their forthcoming LP “The Socialite” is due out soon.

Get tickets here.

[SF Shows] New Mexico + Tape Deck Mountain @ The Knockout 1.26.11

Posted on January 24, 2011 by the OCMD

New Mexico – “Amused and Abused”

Tape Deck Mountain – “It Goes Down”

This Wednesday The Knockout is the place to be for an outstanding line up of two of my favorite up and coming bands, Tape Deck Mountain and New Mexico. Be there!

Vodpod videos no longer available.

Feb 9 :: The Rumble SF Returns with Blackbird Blackbird, Phantom Kicks

Posted on January 21, 2011 by the OCMD

BLACKBIRD BLACKBIRD (San Francisco)

PHANTOM KICKS (San Francisco)

LETTING UP DESPITE GREAT FAULTS (Los Angeles)

+ DJ BAGEL TED (Bagel Radio)

Let’s get ready to rumble! The famed Rumble series kicks off 2011 at Milk Bar Wednesday, February 9th with an all star line up of up and coming music featuring local bands Blackbird Blackbird, Phantom Kicks and LA-based Letting Up Despite Great Faults. Admission is FREE with RSVP here – $5 without. So what are you waiting for?

[SF Shows] 1/20/11 @ Milk Bar :: Holy Spirits, Phantom Kicks, Mutual Benefit, Steffaloo

Posted on January 19, 2011 by the OCMD

Holy Spirits

Phantom Kicks – “Eyes Familiar”

Mutual Benefit – “Moonville Tunnel”

Steffaloo

A Tiny Bar + The Flaming Lips = Joy

Posted on December 28, 2010 by the OCMD

Last night I had the great fortune to see The Flaming Lips play a teeny tiny bar, The Belly Up, in Aspen, Colorado. The excitement of seeing a band that sells out venues to the thousands in such an intimate setting was palpable. Everyone was smiling knowing they were in for a treat. Even though the venue size was constraining, they did not hold back on their usual theatrics. In typical fashion, Wayne opened the show with his hamster ball trick, busting stage lights and his man bubble along the way. Cannon confetti guns, laser lights, smoke machines, dancing bears and bouncing balls added to the euphoria of the evening. Considering the joint only held a few hundred, it had to be a money losing proposition for them. But joy of that performance was so transcendental it will not soon be forgotten. What a great show to wrap up 2010. While I’m no concert photographer, I hope you enjoy some of my amateur shots and video. Long live The Flaming Lips!

Invisible Children Holiday Benefit @ The Troubador 12/20

Posted on December 6, 2010 by the OCMD

Guards – “Long Time”

Mountain Man – “Animal Tracks”

For you LA-based folks, there’s a great show for a great cause coming your way courtesy of KCRW on December 20 at The Troubadour. Best of all the event is being curated by friends Rollo & Grady and our very own Yours Truly. On tap for the line up are Mountain Man, Guards and an acoustic set by Deer Tick frontman John McCauley. There’s also a surprise, secret headliner in store that will be making their debut performance. Details will be announced soon but it’s good, trust me.

All proceeds will go towards Invisible Children’s programs to help the war-affected people of East Africa. Tickets are $15. Now go do some good and buy one here.

The Black Ryder @ Popscene

Posted on December 5, 2010 by the OCMD

Photo by Adam Morse

The Black Ryder – “Gone Without Feeling”

Had the pleasure of catching the Australian-based shoegaze group, The Black Ryder, at Popscene last Thursday for their live San Francisco debut (along with the funny and talented @heyitsadam). Let’s just put it this way; I’m very fond of Australian bands, I like shoegaze and I really like hot women playing instruments. So it was a winning combination. Visually and sonically it was a sultry and seductive experience. Supporting them for the show on bass was Dirty Laundry TV host, Malia James. And here I thought she was just another indie music blogger.

Their debut album, Buy the Ticket, Take the Ride, is out on tastemaker label Mexican Summer now.

Terrorbird Holiday Bash 12/4: Maus Haus, Fol Chen, Exrays

Posted on December 1, 2010 by the OCMD

Terrorbird and Epicsauce present a holiday extravaganza this Saturday, December 4 at Bottom of the Hill featuring:

Maus Haus – “We Used Technology (but Technology Let Us Down)”

Fol Chen – “Cable TV”

Brent Amaker and the Rodeo – “Man in Charge”

Exray’s – “Hesitation”

Buy the Ticket, Take the Ride

Posted on November 29, 2010 by the OCMD

Artist: The Black Ryder
Album: Buy the Ticket, Take the Ride
Homeland: Australia
Genre: Shoegaze
Label: Mexican Summer
Track: “Let it Go”

Australian shoegazers, The Black Ryder, released their debut LP “Buy the Ticket, Take the Ride” on Mexican Summer earlier this year. A great title that conjures up the work and ethos of Hunter S. Thomspon. A good parallel because both are deliciously distorted. The band is scheduled to make their live debut in San Francisco Thursday, December 2 at 330 Ritch as part of Popscene. It’s a free show so get there early!