checking in

So it's been a second, but I'm here in LA and quickly engrossing myself in the bevy of activity that this place has to offer. The first night in town, I went over to this weird, free DFA/Scion party that featured DJ sets from The Juan MacLean and T & T (Tim Goldsworthy and Tim Sweeny), in additional to a live set from the PNW's very own YACHT. The night started with a local DJ duo whose name I forget, who were good but a little heavy on the bangers for me. When the two Tims took the stage, however, I was as a giddy as a schoolboy. Beats in Space, Sweeny's weekly NYC radio show has long been a staple for those electronically inclined with a penchant for cosmic sounds. And, it didn't disappoint. Actually, it far exceeded whatever hopes I had upon entering. I will even go so far as to say it was the best DJ set I've ever witnessed and I dare anyone to sate my dancing feet in the same way. It was super refreshing to see a DJ who was so intwined with his music that he knew exactly how long he could draw out a song, play it so that the audience could actually get a feel for it, and still make things exciting. And the selection! Amazing. Bravo for being authentic, Mr. Sweeny. Unclear to me was exactly what Goldsworthy was up to during the set, as he did a lot of pacing and standing. I think he was altering sounds with a touchpad he had, but that's mere speculation. But whatever, the dude helped found the best record label (yes, I went there) out there, so anything he does is cool by me. YACHT took the stage to a backdrop of pulsating computer images and proceeded to exude that same spastic energy for the next forty-five minutes or so. Now a two-piece, YACHT have kept the epic dance moves and brought it some bigger production and funky-ass grooves. Their set affirmed the greatness that is their recent Summer Song EP and is sure to be their upcoming LP with the DFA. And while the Juan MacLean set sounded like it was off to a great start, I was pooped and took off. 

A few nights later, I headed to infamous Echo Park to see local heros Mika Miko. While the opening band was an embarrassment beyond belief, the girls (and now male drummer) were as raw and catchy as when I saw them this summer. I'm unsure if they played anything new, but I am sure that the gay boys love Mika Miko. As, of course, everyone else does.

Then it was to the Henry Fonda Music Box to see Johnny and the Moon, Beach House and the Walkmen. The side project of Wolf Parade bassist Dante DeCaro, Johnny and the Moon had a half Alt-country, half basic-but-not-basic-because-we're-Canadian rock thing going on that was very pleasurable to start the night. Next was Beach House, the band I was there to see. I've been obsessed with Devotion for a while now, and seeing them live was every bit as simultaneously beautiful and haunting as hearing the record in the solitude of one's room. Victoria and Alex were joined by a drummer, and all three filled out the sound very fully and even added some really interestingly little tweaks. Highlights included "Gila," "Used To Be," and "Wedding Bell." And then the Walkmen put on the best show I've seen by them, dedicating "The New Year" to recently sworn-in President Obama. It was a great night from start to finish, and lest we forget the odd patio/lounge/make out room were you could escape between sets and catch some fresh air. Oh! and I knew I was finally in LA when I realized the dude in the shorts and Dolphins' jacket ahead of me was the Cobrasnake. Nothing like realizing silly things like that are actually just goofy looking guys with a camera. 

Other than that, I've been listening to lots of Van Dyke Parks and The Pharcyde, eating all the Mexican food I can get my hands on, getting my bearings on the city and enjoying the sun. 

Phew, I'm sleeeeeepy. That' s all for the time being. Going to see High Places on Thursday, Animal Collective (!) on Friday and then the crazy marathon lineup of No Abe, Abe Vigoda, Mika Miko, Wavves and others at The Smell on Sunday. And I thought I was going to quit my coffee addiction...