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

Since I haven’t blogged about music in a couple of weeks, I’ve got a lot to go over, and I’ll try to do it as quickly as I can…but first thing’s first…

Rage Against The Machine at Coachella

I woke up early this morning, and checked out the Coachella sub on Reddit, which is my morning tradition the months leading up to the lineup release. There was a post about a Rage Instagram fan account, claiming that Rage is planning on doing five shows in 2020, including both weekends of Coachella. The fan site also included a screenshot message from Juliette Lewis, who is in a relationship with Rage drummer Brad Wilk, confirming the shows next year. I’ve already got my Coachella ticket, so I’m super stoked for this. I’ve seen Prophets of Rage twice, but seeing Rage Against The Machine with Zack at the helm would be divine. Further confirmation: Prophets member B Real (also of Cypress Hill) confirmed the end of Prophets of Rage today, in an Instagram post. Other artist names being tossed around for Coachella headliner? Frank Ocean, Travis Scott, Kanye West, Justin Timberlake, Rhianna, Coldplay, and Lana Del Rey. Lineup comes out in January. Here’s the Forbes article link: Forbes article

(Prophets of Rage, at KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas, 2017)

Speaking of Kanye…

Kanye‘s new album JESUS IS KING was released a week ago. Initially hyped up for this long-awaited (and long-teased) album, my surprised joy quickly turned into disappointment. And even some laughter. The entire album, as the name suggests, highlight’s Kanye’s current foray into Christianity, which itself isn’t the issue. I tend to agree with the critical consensus: the production sounds great, the mixing is off, and the lyrics are laughable. Only the most hardcore of Kanye fans are loving it. If this is what he’s working with, I would gladly pass on him being a headliner at Coachella (or any fest for that matter). Hopefully his Sunday Service appearance earlier this year at Coachella was enough. Give it a listen, and decide for yourself:

Electric Guest at Fingerprints

It what concluded a trio of great musical acts at Fingerprints Music in LB (the other two being Starcrawler and Altin Gun), Electric Guest brought their energy, and a new album for the fans. I had last seen them a few years back at Outside Lands, and this smaller set was just as fun. They even managed to treat us to 8 or 9 cuts, closing with their signature tune “Dear To Me.” Catch them on their tour.

Cold War Kids at Fingerprints Music & Ballast Point

Tomorrow, two of my favorite things are coming together…live music and beer. To coincide with the release of their new album (out today, below), Cold War Kids is doing a show at Fingerprints, followed by a release party at Ballast Point, including a pint of their collaboration beer. For $40, you get the show, a CD, a pint of beer, and few other merch items. Last I checked, there are still tickets to this event: https://beerstore.ballastpointbrewingandspirits.com/cold-war-kids-x-ballast-point—long-beach-p1595.aspx

Current Music Spinning…

Don’t Start Now – Dua Lipa // The newest single (and video) out by Dua Lipa. I have a feeling she’ll be at Coachella in 2020 also.

It Might Be Time – Tame Impala // A new single from the officially confirmed upcoming album, which will also include the previously released “Borderline.” This cut sounds like a bit of new, and a bit of the old Tame. Looking forward to this, and their tour next year, which hits The Forum in Inglewood in March 10. This tour effectively rules them out for local CA fests like Outside Lands, and possibly the new Primavera fest in LA.

Athena – Sudan Archives // The full album from the eclectic Sudan Archives is out. If I decide to catch some of the Intersect festival in Vegas December 6, I’ll be sure to catch her.

KIWANUKA – Michael Kiwanuka

One Of The Best Yet – Gang Starr

SOMEONE ELSE – Bishop Briggs // The latest offering from her upcoming album. Also, she’s doing a show tonight in LA, with Miya Folick opening.

Orphans/Arabeque – Coldplay // Not one, but two new cuts from Coldplay’s forthcoming album. And this one sounds like a return to the “Viva La Vida” era. And predictably, the rumors about them possibly headlining Coachella are now circulating again. Still, these songs are a nice break from the pop we’ve heard the last couple albums.

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