It’s like an alternate-reality Beck, the kind who’d prefer L. Ron Hubbard’s sci-fi to his self-help. He’s critical, yet warm—in “I’ve Got a Flare for Setting Fires,” he even stops his chorus mid-stream, changing “nothing to say” to “wait … everything to say!” It feels good to say that, despite all the talented kids screaming on the floor of Mime School, some of the best music around is made by an old loner in his Long Beach bedroom.

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Beta Band and Big Pink meet Black Mountain. “Dry the Rain” is not a cover but a sophisticated late Beatles-esque 12/8 ballad layering harmonies over piano, shaker and an acoustic guitar; “Wandering Foot” shows off drummer Justin Ivey on a deceptively simple beat laced with unexpected syncopation and precise fills.

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As the general public leaves the Night Dive crowd emerges. Grab a drink at our coffee cart or, if you prefer, guests 21 and over can enjoy a cocktail. The entire Aquarium will be available for exploring*, so check out the Aquarium’s nightlife and see how 11,000 animals spend their evenings. Enjoy the sounds of [...]

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The Cabeza de Vaca Arcestra continues exploring sight and sound as they provide the live score for Häxan, the eerie 1922 silent about “witchcraft through the ages.” Arcestra vocalist Nora Keyes answers questions and creates new ones. This interview by Tom Child.

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Download: Magic Lantern “At The Mountains Of Madness” [Audio clip: view full post to listen] (from the self-titled LP out now on Woodsist!) Get you this now! From Magic Cameron: FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS: In the run-up to the PLATOON release (it’s coming, peeps…at the plant), WOODSIST has repressed the LANTERN self-titled LP with new full-bleed [...]

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All the info for tomorrow’s Party Weirdo fest in Long Beach!

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Download: Gangi “Commonplace Feathers” [Audio clip: view full post to listen] (from A out now on White Noise) L.A. RECORD cover alum Gangi (now with drummer Chris Hathwell from Moving Units/Festival of Dead Deer) join fellow L.A. RECORD graduates Dead Meadow, Restavrant, 60 Watt Kid, Rainbow Arabia, Scotty Coats and more at Long Beach’s first-ever [...]

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L.A. RECORD is happy to team up with the Academy, WESC and Crush Brothers to present this all-day-til-last-call event in downtown Long Beach at the Basement with L.A. RECORD alums like Dead Meadow, Rainbow Arabia, Restavrant, 60 Watt Kid, Scotty Coats and our superhuman Cha Cha buddy DJ Pubes plus many more! Stay tuned for [...]

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BASTARD is from East L.A.—born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley. They are a force to be reckoned—deflecting bullets with the power of rock. The sound is a mix of influences from kids who stayed true to their punk and metal roots, reminiscent of early Motorhead with a little bit of the Stooges mixed in. This interview by Taeil Kim.

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Farmer Dave Scher is almost the Chris Darrow of his day, thanks to collaborations with Elvis Costello, Jenny Lewis, Nobody and the Mystic Chords of Memory, dios, Miranda Lee Richards and more. He is currently basking in the happy after-effects of his new solo album Flash Forward To The Good Times. This interview by Thomas McMahon.

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