Ever meet someone who is lacking that little filter most of us have…you know, the one between our mind and our mouth? Now ever encounter one of those people when they have access to a mic and a room full of people? Stream-of-consciousness stage banter is riveting, especially when the person on stage is Terra Naomi. After the release of her major-label debut, “Under the Influence,” in 2007 (a record she says came to define everything she did not want to be), Naomi learned one of the biggest lessons of her life: to always be true to herself. Considering how entertained I was by both her music and the candor she expressed between songs, I can’t imagine who would want her to be anyone else.

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Though the past year has seen Frightened Rabbit finally step into public view with more extensive touring and some recordings now publicly available, the past few years have largely been about the band quietly honing their sound. Now a three-piece comprising Scott, Billy and Grant, the origins of the band are rooted in 2003, when Scott began playing solo shows under the name Frightened Rabbit, mostly in support of fellow art-schoolers Shitdisco. Recordings were made on a Tascam 4-track recorder, with Scott playing all the instruments (some more proficiently than others). Though looser, sparser, and certainly more lo-fi in terms of production values, their early demos still attest to a burgeoning talent with a defined personality, and a now familiar penchant for being able to nail a near perfect pop song.  The band’s second album, Midnight Organ Fight, was released in April 2008, and is a progression in terms of songwriting, sonic depth, and as a fully realised entity. Recorded by Peter Katis (Mercury Rev, Interpol), Midnight Organ Fight was conceived and realized in a much shorter time span than its predecessor, with the intention of creating a more coherent, ‘pop’ sounding album.

Frightened Rabbit – Myspace

Twilight Sad – Myspace

We Were Promised Jetpacks – Myspace

For more info please check out: The Knitting Factory

Brother Sal (Record Release Show) – MySpace

Brian Wright – MySpace

Ernie Halter – MySpace

Foster Timms – (no MySpace)

Sally Jaye – MySpace

Kathryn Ostenberg – MySpace

Richie Hass was a lifelong, dedicated multi-instrumentalist, bandleader, music scene supporter, free thinker, satirist, social commentator.  He lost his battle with Myeloma in March of 2008, at which time many of his musician friends gathered to celebrate his memory and raise money to fight the disease—the first such fundraiser occurred while Hass was still with us.  This is the third benefit, and as is always the case when the L.A. underground is asked to celebrate Richie, his music, and his spirit, the finest players line-up to become involved out of respect and genuine love.  This time, LA punk revivalists Legal Weapon, revisionists Saccharine Trust (with whom Hass—on the vibes– had been a member), bass hero Mike Watt, and Wilco’s not-so-secret-weapon Nels Cline have all signed on.  Also, witness the return to the stage by To Damascus singer/guitarist/leader Sylvia Juncosa, and a solo set by the always engaging Jon Wahl.

Friends of Richie III: A Bloody Good Time

starring Legal Weapon, Mike Watt, Nels Cline, Saccharine Trust, Sylvia Juncosa, Jon Wahl, Carnage Asada, Bag: Theory

For more info please check out: The Knitting Factory

Fronted by Jonathan Jones, formerly of Waking Ashland, We Shot the Moon has made an indie record to die for in Fear and Love—some say it’s the Waking Ashland album fans were long waiting for.  Their newest, A Silver Lining, comes out the week of their show here, so expect the premier of some similarly stunning material from the San Diego band. 

We Shot the Moon – Myspace

Mansions – Myspace

The Record Life – Myspace

Fiasco! – Myspace

For more info please check out: The Knitting Factory

Ian Ball – MySpace

Buddy – MySpace

Frank Orrall (of Poi Dog Pondering) – MySpace

Annaliese – MySpace

Mia Maestro & A. Robinson – MySpace

NYC’s disturbingly cult-like, circus-related, tent-revival orchestra the World/Inferno Friendship Society perform red-eyed soul show tunes for the swarming punk rock masses.  They are not a rock band with a horn section; instead, a fully-integrated orchestra of young men and women writing songs of the wine, freedoms and foibles which make life more than waking up and going to work every day. There are nine pieces – two drummers, four horns, two guitars, a piano and an accordion. It’s Halloween, it’s 1933, we’re all in Bladerunner and the drinks are on the house.

World/Inferno Friendship Society – Myspace

Regime Noir – Myspace

For more info please check out: The Knitting Factory