Congratulations to L.A. RECORD art director Dan Monick in his fourth place finish in the Ultimate Staring Contest today! His penetrating gaze and fearsome beard served him well. We also salute L.A. Philharmonic, the ultimate victors, and wish a speedy recovery to all those defeated and dry-eyed.

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Silversun Pickups are a great live band and seemed especially excited to be playing the Echoplex for the home-crowd and Pablo. They played the majority of Swoon with new radio hit “Panic Switch” and yes, “Lazy Eye” and “Well Thought Out Twinkles” also made the list. These songs from Carnavas display an extra seasoning and “Kissing Families” (from their EP) has also taken on new bite. SSPU has the quietloudquietloud formula down: Nikki Monninger’s melodious bass line churning through the distortion, the rapid-fire drumming of Christopher Guanlao, sonic structure from keyboardist Joe Lester and effects-laden guitar work and ragged vocals from frontman/guitarist Brian Aubert. SSPU has found their voice and on this night they put it out there for the Pablove Foundation.

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Dan Monick

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