Song of the Day

**8/25/10
Baths - Hall
-----------With all of the squeaks and blurbs and blips, Baths couldn't be classified in one specific genre. Their formula seems to be melodic and distorted, which happens to sound pretty creative in an ambient sense. The band from Chatsworth, California make music that evokes some of the same whimsical qualities of MGMT and the Flaming Lips (the lead singer sounds exactly like Wayne Coyne). They're going to be on tour throughout the U.S. and will even make a stop at a little local venue I used to frequent all the time. Check out their dates and their music.

http://www.myspace.com/bathsmusic

Song of the Day

**5/8/10

Katy Perry feat. Snoop Dogg - California Gurls

------------------Now, unless you've been violently immersed in Russel Brand's Booky Wook, you remember that he's the hubby wubby of indie pop tart Katy Perry. She and her collaborator, Snoop Doggy-dogg are representing California (ish) in her new single, California Gurls.

Singing over a uni-synth mixer about Daisy Dukes and sex on the beach and sippin' gin and juice (ooh, it's like, a reference to that one song!), Perry's summer popsicle will be unabashedly licked by every radio station Top Ten. There is nothing new but something catchy about "California Gurls," and it seems to be just the right stuff for radio fodder. Eat it up!

http://katyperry.com/

Song of the Day

**12/26/09

Drive A - Can't Sleep it Off

-----------Hope everyone had a magical Christmas, filled with tasty fudge, loved ones and a pony underneath the tree. Personally, I'm thrilled to finally have an ipod that can fit all of my music, and I've been re-checking album after album to get on my 160GB Titanic of mp3 storage.

Welcomed to my library is Drive A, a snarly bunch of punks that revive my faith in dirty, pissed-off SoCal punk. After a listen to Drive A's "Can't Sleep it Off," you won't be able to quash the impromptu rush of anger that made you break a lamp or table or something made of glass. Who doesn't want to hear a band that has melody AND impulsively commands you to disrespect your surroundings?!

Get ready for Drive A's tour with The Used, taking off in San Diego for a January/February circuit. Get "Can't Sleep it Off" from Drive A album, Loss of Desire.

Key Tracks for Breaking Furniture with a Smile on your Face:

Everyone's Alone, Are You Blind, Out of Focus

http://myspace.com/drivea

Anberlin, All-American Rejects and Taking Back Sunday

Matt Rubano taught me some valuable life lessons that day. First of all, the most attractive couples stand at a two-thirds height ratio. Second, even though I do not fit the height requirements for the two-thirds ratio (I'm a few inches taller), we're still perfect. Thanks, Matt - sorry I couldn't come up with a better milk joke.

Apparently, the Rejects were riding around in the Rock of Love bus? Not sure which one it is in this shot, but if you see some of the Blondetourage puking in the bus bathroom, you've found it.

This little pooch could brighten a day better than a box of Crest Whitestrips. Her name is Jackie, and she tours around with the Rejects in style and grace. I didn't want to let her go!

Tell me this isn't the coolest, most nerd-tastic drum you have ever seen with two eyes - or one.

Rejects set list, joke list, and Taking Back Sunday set list. If you're wondering the origins of the "no skating" joke, if you take your board out almost anywhere here, you'll be slapped with a $50 ticket. Sorry, guys!

This gentleman made me jealous for a while.

Axes of rock? You'd better believe I was itching to play one of the dozens surrounding me all day.

Nick Wheeler in the throes of playing. All I can say about Wheeler is - what a cool dude. Found out he digs the new Bon Jovi album while driving him to a local fitness center, and his affinity for running is something this former cross country runner can appreciate. Thanks for the paisley tux.

Mike Kennerty flinging his mullet to the crowd.

The Rejects in blue.

Tyson Ritter during the show. Looks like I took a gigantic swipe over it to blur the colors.

Now here's a guy who always needs to play. Chris was wandering around backstage tapping away on his practice drum up until soundcheck. He was sporting a killer festive holiday sweater in sherbret orange, which I suppose says it's almost Thanksgiving, but I'm stoked for Christmas.

Nick Wheeler and Tyson Ritter.

The smallest crowd the Rejects will probably ever play again. They were the last to have their check, and the commotion had died down quite nicely. I took this during a pause in skating around the pit with one of the guy's boards lying around. I figured as long as I didn't crash into the soundboards, I was free to roam around without consequence.

All-American Rejects sound check.

Essentially the same photograph with light. The TBS banner hanging behind O'Connell is a BIG mother - if you thought folding your bedsheets was a big task, try that sucker. Props to the people who do it every show.

Matt Fazzi. The newest member of Taking Back Sunday is from San Jose, and being a Moragan myself, we talked about the Golden State during Anberlin's soundcheck.

I want to extend my gratitude the crew and members of Anberlin, All-American Rejects and Taking Back Sunday for a fantastic show and a very enjoyable, unforgettable day. The appreciation I could express wouldn't be able to fit into this post without people rolling their eyes and saying "enough, already!"

From chilling out with Jackie the AAR tour pooch and scooting around on a skateboard through the dressing rooms during the precious downtime, to the Red Bull and tattoo discussions we shared, the day spent backstage was marvelous. Please enjoy the photos and little anecdotes that go with them.

Off to California

From controversial social propositions to rolling golden landscapes, California has a little bit of everything for those who want to experience the majestry (and oddities) that makes up the Golden State. For example, who knew that the state folk dance is square dancing? To honor this wonderfully diverse state, throw on your peasant skirt and swang your pardner to this Golden State mix.

The California One's

Ten Reasons to Love It

1. Jack's Mannequin - Miss California

---While it's not about the homophobic, platinum blonde bimbo that stumbled over questions in the Miss America pageant, Andrew McMahon's pledge to his golden girl is surrounded by beautifully soaring piano and sharp guitars.

2. Weezer - Beverly Hills

---Ah, yes - Beverly Hills. Weezer takes over the Playboy mansion in their music video to raise a toast to the fame, wealth, and status that comes with living in this exclusive L.A. playground. Sure, they may be "no-class-beat-down-fools," but who says fools can't strike gold?

3. Metro Station - California

---The Golden State is often seen as a romantic escape for the young and in love. Metro Station's techno-pop anthem embraces this truth, urging lovers to pack up and leave as soon as possible.

4. The Eagles - Hotel California

---A song about the tragic results when fame and wealth consume the greedy. This Eagle's hit is sononymous with Hollywood temptations, as well as a killer guitar solo to wrap up this Western poem.

5. Red Hot Chili Peppers - Californication

---Following an alternative formula to the woes of the Eagle's earlier hit, "Californication" is Anthony Keidis' depiction of the best and worst part of the fantasy land where he grew up too fast.

6. Led Zeppelin - Going to California

---Laden with beautiful western mandolins and classical guitars, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant dreamily fly through new tomorrows and reaching the end of the earth.

7. Eddie Vedder - Toulumne

---While this song is only a minute long, Vedder's exploration of strictly instrumentals mimic the silent wonder of nature. Written specifically for the motion picture Into the Wild, A young Chris McCandless wanders among the lush forests of Toulumne with this song playing in the movie background.

8. The Decemberists - California One Youth and Beauty Brigade

---Who's up for a long drive to look at some of the most picturesque scenery in the world? From Big Sur to Baja, the historic Highway One stretches the coast for miles and miles of endless ocean and staggering cliffs. The Decemberists' meandering ode to the road is perfect for the drive down.

9. Brandston - Earthquakes and Sharks

---Sure it's pretty, but California is a bitch when it comes to relentless heat, pollution, and of course traffic jams on the 405. Brandston covers it all in this clever lugy hocked on the seemily perfect face of Mexico and California.

10. Phantom Planet - California

---Phantom Planet's O.C. anthem is the reason most of my generation became obsessed with the state in the first place. Everyone with hearing abilities can recognize the piano intro, and it's the type of song that instills a need for adventure, or at least a change of pace.

Song of the Day

**3/15/09

Bidwell - On the Trigger

--------a rockband without a song telling tales of unhealthy obsessions is like homemade tortilla chips without salsa. Bidwell puts the spice in their staple stinger, "On the Trigger," goes back and forth from love to hate. Nate Welch can't seem to get that closure, noted by his frustrated lyrics and sweet-minor chorus. Bidwell is passing through California with several tour dates set up, and fans are hoping they'll break the borders for more shows soon. Get "On the Trigger" from Bidwell's self-titled EP.

http://www.myspace.com/bidwell

Song of the Day

**1/27/09

CAKE - Short Skirt/ Long Jacket

--------------------John McCrea is pretty damn sure of what he wants. From smooth liquidations, to the right allocations, and of course, the proper attire. But perhaps he wants to know what everyone thinks of his dreamgirl. So to do this, CAKE set out, let random people listen to it, and give their opinion - all caught on tape. Listen to CAKE, and you might agree with one, two, or all of the opinions given. My hellachill boys from Sacramento, California (my hometown!) will depict the ideal lady in their 2001 album Comfort Eagle.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vd34vJohGXc

Song of the Day

**11/30/08

Tristan Prettyman - California Girl

---------------But isn't it pretty, the sandy outlaw blues voice that comes from Tristan Prettyman? The blues acoustic singer/songwriter hails from San Diego, and has taken her feet out of the La Jolla sands to step out on tour. Tonight, Myrtle Beach, and tomorrow - in the pure sense of adventure - TBD. California Girl's somber learned-it-the-hard-way mood is worn with checking out of life in the fast lane to save the soul. Prettyman swears off ever falling "for that ol' trick again," an appropriate lead into the mellow and sunny tracks from her 2008 release Hello...x.

http://www.myspace.com/tristanprettyman