Unless indicated, I took all the pics posted on this blog. Feel free to repost – just remember to give credit. Cheers!

Starcrawler at Fingerprints

A couple years ago, I’d read (I think it was Kevin Bronson in buzzbands.la) that Starcrawler would be opening for acts that they’re better than. That’s always stuck with me. The first time I saw them was when they opened for the Regrettes at their record release party in 2017. The second time was last Tuesday. They gave a full set to the eager crowd, that tried at least once to get a mini mosh pit going. I forgot my ear plugs, so my ears were angry at me. Thank goodness my friend Doug had an extra set. I’ve blogged about them before, so I won’t spent forever talking about how sweet they are, in a visceral sort of rip-your-face-off kind of way. Frontwoman Arrow de Wilde is one of my favorites, with her on-stage theatrics reminiscent of Iggy Pop and Alice Cooper. This time around, she only spat water at us. I’ll take it. Also, guitarist Henri Cash swings the ax around like a young Pete Townshend. Happy I got to meet them, and get them to sign my vinyl copy of their latest album (out today!) appropriately titled “Devour You.” Give it a listen. Better yet, go watch them live, as they’re about to go on tour.

New Albums/Playlists Spinning…

III – The Lumineers // I’m late on this album, but here we are. I’ve never been a huge fan of The Lumineers; enjoyable, but never was in love with them, especially when you watch a lot of indie/folk groups. Still, this is latest offering is different. Focusing on themes like addiction, the album definitely doesn’t have the bouncy feel of previous efforts. I see that they’re playing the ALT 98.7 ALTer EGO show in January (along with The Black Keys, Blink 182, and Billie Eilish). That crowd might be in for a surprise when they play cuts from this album.

All Mirrors – Angel Olsen // After taking an early flight last Friday to Sacramento, I found myself in a drowsy state. I put All Mirrors on, and was suddenly in another dimension. This is definitely a contender for one of my favorite albums in 2019. I’ve always been a fan of her, and felt like her live set was always better than her recordings. The lush orchestral arrangements, combined with her distinct voice, raise the game on the album. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Army – Olivia Grace // Finally getting around to this five song EP from Olivia Grace. I featured one of her songs on a previous blog, and she’s graced us with this longer set. Her indie-electronic-pop is in full effect here, with cuts like “Higher Ground.” These are some catchy cuts, both radio-friendly, and ultimately satisfying. At times her voice reminds me of Zella Day; that’s a compliment. Give it a listen!

New Tracks Spinning…

Swimming – Ward // One of my favorite live acts from this year’s Echo Park Rising, Ward, is back with their new single Swimming. I love their sound, energy, and charisma, as highlighted by Ward himself. Still trying to peg where to place them, genre wise. Maybe indie/new wave/arena? Either way, they belong on a bigger stage with that presence. And that bass from Swimming is still ringing in my head…

For Free – Lana Del Rey, with Zella Day and Weyes Blood // This video was released yesterday, prior to Lana Del Rey‘s show in LA last night. This rehearsal session is a nice cover of one of my favorite Joni Mitchell tune, “For Free.”

Other Music Stuff…

Desert Daze this weekend: This weekend is the Desert Daze music festival (lineup below). One of these years, I’ll make it out for this always solid lineup. Personal recommendations that I’ve seen live? Flying Lotus 3D, Khruangbin, Alvvays, Temples, DIIV, Moses Sumney, White Fence, Metz, Wand, and Frankie & The Witch Fingers. Acts I haven’t seen, but still recommend? The Flaming Lips, Devo, The Black Angels, Parquet Courts, Dungen, Fred Armisen (can’t miss him!), and Nick Hakim. Wild Card? Wu-Tang Clan. Just saw them at KAABOO in mid-September, and they had mic problems galore. Not sure if that was a festival issue, or a Wu issue. Hopefully they don’t repeat that, because there’s a lot of legendary hip hop music there.

Altin Gun at Fingerprints: One of the acts at Desert Daze is Altin Gun, who also has a show tonight at Fingerprints Music in Long Beach. I caught their set at Outside Lands in August, and would definitely recommend their live set. They’re a Turkish psychedelic band, with that festival energy. Maybe I’ll see you tonight in Long Beach.

(Pic from Fingerprints Facebook page)

Here’s my newly created electronic playlist, updated weekly with both new and old tracks I’m listening to.