11.16
First and foremost, I apologize for the posting hiatus. I was making what has become for me an annual trip to the bay area to visit friends like E-40, Barry Bonds, and Gavin Newsom. Okay, obviously kidding about the latter, but I really was in SF/Marin/Berkeley/Oakland for 5 nights visiting friends and family, and I’ll admit it, you NorCal kids are (mostly) justified when you lavish praise all over that beautiful bay. It’s a gorgeous part of the country, and I would move to San Francisco in a heartbeat. I was hoping to see some DJs spin but it wasn’t in the cards. C’est la vie.
But yeah, consider me back in the blogging saddle. Here are some odds and ends as 2009 winds down:
- The fantastic Norwegian synthpop duo known as Royksopp is set to grace Club Nokia with their highly melodic, highly European brand of electronic dance music on Wednesday. They never come to the States, and they’re undeniably amazing: two reasons why I should have just made up your mind about what to do on the 18th of November. Listen to the immensely popular ‘What Else is There’ here.
- Next up on the LA Saturday night house music circuit this weekend: Dirty South at the Vanguard and Erick Morillo at the Avalon. Dubstep denizen Rusko will also be at the Avalon on Friday night.
- Simian Mobile Disco returns to the Southland next Wednesday at the Mayan Theater in support of their new(ish) album Temporary Pleasure. I love SMD to death, but I worry that their effect will get watered down if they keep playing around these parts all the time (this will be their 4th show in LA over the past year). I wouldn’t mind the occasional DJ set from them every now and then, however.
- Los Angelenos will get 3 chances to see their favorite trance demigod next week. Tiesto will be serenading his fans/subjects/disciples with tracks from his new album Kaleidoscope on November 25th, 27th, and 28th at the Shrine Auditorim. Note that he has graciously left Thanksgiving off his tour schedule. While fans spend time with their loved ones, Tiesto will spend Turkey Day enjoying a hearty meal with his massive ego, as he gives thanks to himself for being the king of the universe. In all seriousness, I think tickets are sold out, but I know this guy named Craig who has a list you may want to check out if you need your Tiesto fix.
- Looking for something a little less mainstream? Hands Up LA: Electric Holiday takes place on December 5th at Circus Disco in Los Angeles, and while the event will boasts big names like Eddie Halliwell, Marcus Shossow, and Hatiras, it sounds like it’ll be sporting a distinctly underground vibe. If you’re sick and tired of the same old Insomniac/HARD/Giant/Go Ventures productions, this is a party you definitely should support. Misha and I will both be there and will do a proper write-up once the event gets closer. The best part? It’s only $20 (as of now). Refreshing, yea?
- Giant seems to be having some issues with their annual Giant Maximus New Years celebration. Word on the street is that they’re having trouble locking down the Westin Bonaventure Hotel as the venue, and Kaskade, one of their billed headliners, recently announced (via Twitter update) that he had jumped ship to Together as One. Something is afoot.
- Aaaaaand just in case you live under a rock, the initial lineups for Together as One, HARD New Years Eve, and Giant Maximus have been released. TAO: David Guetta, John Digweed, Markus Schulz, Dubfire, Sander Kleinenberg, and (apparently) Kaskade. HARD: Boys Noize, A-Trak, DJ Mehdi, and Destructo. Giant: Above & Beyond and The Crystal Method (live). Not feeling LA for New Years? Go see Ghostland Observatory (sidenote: they fucking rule), Ozomatli, Bassnectar, and The Glitch Mob at the Sea of Dreams festival in San Francisco. Sounds like more of a music festival than a rave. We’ll give you comprehensive rundowns of each once they become relevant.
I’ll leave you with a few tracks that I’ve been digging lately, all quality stuff if I may say so myself:
Modeselektor – Cash (techno)
True Identity – Steppenwolf (Pig & Dan remix) (minimal tech)
Steve Angello – Valodja (big room house)
Jori Hulkonnen – I Dance to Your Bass My Friend (electro/nu-disco)
Boris Dlugosch – Bangkok (electro)
Be back soon with a mix. I promise!
-Rob
© 2009, Rob. All rights reserved.
