Stand Up, Hippy!

Tara Jane O’Neill 02/14/23 The last song in her set was a solo version of Rodan’s “Bible Silver Corner” and it was lovely. 29 years ago, almost to the day (02/13/94) I saw Rodan open for Rocket from the Crypt at Gabe’s Oasis in Iowa City. A lightning-in-a-bottle show. I’d never heard of them and they completely blew me away. 10 years ago I said as much to Tara Jane O’Neill and she replied “I remember that show. When you have to haul a bass cabinet up a fire escape in the middle of winter you never forget.” (at Wiltern Theater) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpnk6MJvrD5/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Archers of Loaf 02/07/23 Reason in Decline, their first album of new material in over 20 years, was one of my favorites last year. Joy and thunder live, and as good as they’ve ever been. The fan on the right looks just like Eric Bachmann it looks like he’s watching himself play. (at Teragram Ballroom) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpk9q0kP8kv/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Ducks Ltd. 02/07/23 Catchy and relentless. I love it when a band just rips through their set. (at The Teragram Ballroom) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpA34PGPM77/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Dry Cleaning 01/22/23 Diverse crowd had a lot of love to give. A surprising amount of singing along and fist pumping considering that Florence Shaw’s lyrics sound like an overheard phone conversation (where there might not be anyone on the other end of the line). She had these little clumps of feathers on her sweater that made it look as though spiders were crawling on her. (at The Belasco) https://www.instagram.com/p/Co-UfX4psbG/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

The Flesh Eaters “I Used to Be Pretty” This one’s been in the bin of fave shop @soundsations_records since it was released 4 years ago. The ‘23 markdown was the right price, so now I’m blasting it while folding laundry and watching this Divisional playoff and it’s all a pretty solid vibe, honestly. #recordstore (at Los Angeles, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnuzsIsymIT/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Here’s a playlist of music that made 2022 brighter for me. Limited myself to one song per artist but most of these songs are attached to great albums. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3hAg2NxMhtsT3JRLIn01rC?si=cdb148027a534dd5&nd=1

Bones and All 11/24/22 Happy Thanksgiving! (at Los Angeles, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/ClXyGmyO1Ea/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Mimi Parker forever https://www.instagram.com/p/CkoGsPJpbQq/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Come 04/22/22 I first saw Come at Gabe’s Oasis (Iowa City, IA) in April of ’93 and I went to that show because Band of Susans were opening. Loved them ever since. I saw them a few years later but I didn’t see the original lineup again until 2010. Against all odds, they reunite every few years and I’ve had the opportunity to see them four more times. Every time I see them it seems impossible that the shows are happening at all (this show was one of two standalone CA dates) and improbable that their music still just flips a switch in me (especially the first two records Eleven: Eleven and Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell). Seeing them fills me with joy. #cometheband #matador #thaliazedek #chrisbrokaw (at 2220 Arts + Archives) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cg4pJUYOnDf/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Nilüfer Yanya 04/21/22 PAINLESS is one of my favorites this year. She played a show-stopping cover of “Rid of Me.” Walked out of the show and had to navigate the Sunset Strip in a downpour wearing fabric shoes with no traction. Dangerous life. #nilüferyanya #painless #midnightsun #livemusicphotography (at The Roxy Theatre) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cg2A0QBOR1f/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Resurrection 08/02/22 It’s brutal. Thinking about it a lot. (at Laemmle Monica Film Center) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cgzfi-OuPXi/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Wednesday 04/19/22 "I never know exactly what to think of my life" For most of last year Wednesday was the catch-all Album Radio band. Seemed like no matter what I listened to, Spotify would kick me to “Maura” or “Twin Plagues.” Everybody won, I guess. #wednesday #twinplagues #livemusicphotography (at The Echo) https://www.instagram.com/p/CgxIdsRPY04/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Arooj Aftab 04/18/22 “the world is shit but there is love” #aroojaftab #vultureprince #livemusicphotography (at The Roxy Theatre) https://www.instagram.com/p/CguYQDYpxvg/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Saw a few 2010 Pavement shows including one of the first and last. SM literally turned his back on the band by the end. So yeah, I'm going to the Fonda show even though they're back in LA for 3 nights in September. A lot can happen in a few months. #pavement #reunion #rangelife (at Los Angeles, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cd3RWGdL70r/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Eric Bachmann 05/21/22 Today D experienced the glorious music of Eric Bachmann, the thrill of an intimate performance, and the lesser joy of driving 1.5 hours to see a show and then driving straight home. 
Thanks to @fourscoreandsix for hosting a matinee show. #ericbachmann #archersofloaf #crookedfingers #86gallery (at The 86 Gallery) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cd2N3qwOeuw/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Anika 05/16/22 The records only hint at how great her live show is. Annika Henderson is impassive between songs and unhurried in her motions but up close you’ll catch an occasional arched eyebrow. The sound of her band—especially the rhythm section—is massive. I was blown away. #anika #annikahenderson #sacredbones #lodgeroom #livemusicphotography #beak> (at Lodge Room Highland Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cdqno57pga7/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=