October 02, 2008

Brett Dennen -- FREE INSTORE

File Under: News

Brett Dennen Free In-store Performance
Friday, October 24th - 7:00pm

The last time Brett played here it was our biggest turnout for a lunchtime event ever; and now we've got him back for another appearance, at the much more friendly 7:00pm on a Friday evening. Translation: This will be a capacity show. Also, just so you know, we will be recording this show for future release (so if everything goes as planned, you'll be able to say "I was there" when you hear it in your friend's car). Brett's new album Hope for the Hopeless comes out Tuesday, October 21st, and we are opening the guest list to everyone who pre-orders Hope for the Hopeless beginning Saturday, October 4th at 10:00am for those of you out for a walk and 11:00am for those who'd rather sit by the phone (the number is at the bottom of the page). If we get up to the edge and still have the space, we'll of course be happy to add you to the list, but if we've learned anything from the past, it's that these things can fill up quickly and waiting can mean missing out.

You can sample a few songs at Brett's Myspace page.

Click to pre-buy Hope for the Hopeless (out 10/21)

The Kooks & The Whigs - FREE INSTORE

File Under: News

The Kooks & The Whigs Free Acoustic In-store Performances
Sunday, October 26th - time TBD (but it will be between 2pm & 4pm)

We can't think of anyone better than bands called the Kooks and the Whigs to spend Halloween weekend with, I mean really, could it be more perfect? The last time the Kooks came to town they sold out the Troubadour in minutes, this time they are playing their full band, electric shows at both The Palladium and the OC HOB (you can see all of the tour dates at The Kooks'myspace page.)

We've gotten them both to agree to stop in for an acoustic set, since they're touring together, this will be a great way to get a taste of one of this season's hottest tours. Since we're thinking some of you might have one of these records already, we're just gonna open the list, first come - first served, to everyone in our Live Music Club (if you're reading this, you're most likely in the Club, but feel free to call us and check). There is a limit of 2 tickets per person and the list opens Sunday Morning at 10:00am for anyone coming into the store and at 11:00am for everyone else who wants to call in (again, the number is at the bottom of the emailer).

You can sample a few of The Kooks songs at their Myspace page. Same deal if you want to sample The Whigs.

Continue reading "The Kooks & The Whigs - FREE INSTORE"

September 22, 2008

Greg Laswell - Blue Cafe & Live at Fingerprints

File Under: News

Greg Laswell - Blue Cafe & Live at Fingerprints

Hopefully you were lucky enough to catch Greg Laswell's record release in-store last July, it was fantastic; if you weren't able to join us, we have a double dose of good news; first Greg is playing a special Schooled in Song/University by the Sea Festival kick-off show Saturday night at the Blue Cafe, with an appearance by local faves One F. Second, not only do we have advance tickets available at the store, but the first 200 people who buy a ticket (either at the store or at the door) will get a free copy of a handful of tracks from Greg's July in-store. Advance tickets are $10 and at the door they're $12, so we shouldn't have to tell you where the smart money is going to be. If you can't make it to the show, we will also be offering the Live at Fingerprints disc free with the purchase of either Three Flights from Alto Nido or Through Toledo. Good stuff and only available while they last.

September 17, 2008

Schooled in Song -- FREE BENEFIT CONCERT

File Under: News

Schooled in Song -
Free Benefit Concert
for Long Beach
Music Programing
Sunday, October 5th - 10am-10pm

You may remember last year when we presented Schooled in Song at the Carpenter Center. It was an evening of fantastic music created by a veritable who's who of Long Beach musicians and the proceeds went to funding after-school music programing. Well, this year the Schooled in Song gang has joined forces with the folks putting on University by the Sea for a full day of art, education, lectures, and killer live music. Due to a few generous donors the event is free, fun for the whole family and, once again, it's on track to raise some much needed funding for school music programs and scholarships for area songwriters and musicians.

The live music is coming courtesy of Grand Ole Party, Dengue Fever, Crystal Antlers, Dusty Rhodes and the River Band, Pawn Shop Kings, The New Fidelity, Molly Jensen, Blank Blue, Brett Bixby, Shave, The Year Zero, Chris Hanlin, Jay Buchanan, forcefieldon, Deccatree, Jameson, Leldon, Greater California, Loie Fuller, Marliese, CPO, One F, George Fryer Combo, and others still to be announced. It's a pretty great line-up for a free event with way more artists than we can include here, so check the myspace page for the full list, and put a big circle around October 5th and plan on spending at least part of the day at the corner of First St & Linden in Downtown Long Beach.

September 16, 2008

People Under the Stairs -- FREE INSTORE

File Under: News

People Under the Stairs In-store Performance
Friday, October 3rd - 5:00pm (yes, we're sure)

The word seems to be spreading, so if you'd like to catch one of the hottest underground hip-hop acts out there, this is your opportunity. We don't do too many hip-hop in-stores, because quite frankly there aren't that many hip-hop artists who want to come in that we have any interest in having play for you. Sure, call us gatekeepers if you must, we prefer to think of ourselves as bodyguards, keeping your life free of bad hip-hop. People Under the Stairs are a whole different ball of wax, they mix jazzy samples, danceable beats, intricate rhyming skills, and laid-back humor that recalls hip-hop heavyweights like De La Soul, J-5, Ugly Ducklings, and Ming & FS. Their new release, the cleverly titled Fun DMC came out this week (9/30) and we're opening up the guest list to music Club Members who buy a copy. We'll also include a free event poster so you can gussie up your place with some signed schwag.

You can check some of their songs on their myspace page.

We wouldn't ask you down for no bogus beats, this will be the real deal. Please join us if you can.

Click to sample/buy Fun DMC

September 09, 2008

Cabritos de la Guerra Fría -- FREE INSTORE

File Under: News

Cabritos de la Guerra - Fría Libre Desempeño en la Tienda
de Sept. el 23 - 7:00pm

We've been hinting around about a couple of big in-stores and well... It's time to announce Numero Uno: On September 23rd Downtown Records will release Loyalty to Loyalty, the second full-length by the only band in Long Beach that could make just about anything else you might have planned into a difficult choice - The Cold War Kids. That's right, the little band that could is coming in for their second album kick off with an acoustic performance right here on our humblest of humble little stages. We'll be opening the guest list to everyone who's in our live music club (and if you're reading this, you're in the club) with those who pre-order the album getting first shot at the spots. The pre-order starts/guest list opens on Thursday, Sept 11th at 10:00am for folks who come down and 11:00am for those who want to let your fingers do the walking (that's old-school for using the phone, our number is down at the bottom.) There are three versions available, a regular edition, an LP, and a deluxe including a bonus DVD. We will not be accepting online orders for the show, but since all the pre-orders will include an event poster, we will include one with online orders, while they last.

You can hear a couple of versions of the new single "Something Is Not Right With Me" at their myspace page.

You can also catch the boys recording an Outdoor Stage performance on Jimmy Kimmel on the 19th, at the San Diego Street Scene on the 20th, and in their full-set, big show at the Henry Fonda on the 24th. We very well may be at all of them within an hours drive, hopefully we'll see you there (and here).

August 26, 2008

Love You Moon -- FREE INSTORE

File Under: News

Love You Moon Free In-store Performance
Wednesday, Sept. 10th
7:00pm

Love You Moon is the acoustic-oriented side project of Matt Embree of RX Bandits and The Sound of Animals Fighting, his influences for this project fit nicely into our favorite artists list; Bob Dylan, Nina Simone, and Elliott Smith. RX Bandits are known for rock with strong socio-political lyrics, and while Love You Moon trade the signature keys, horns, and electrics for an acoustic guitar, they keep the political thread running strong, while managing to hold on to the energy that's made RX Bandits such a compelling live band.

Love you Moon's debut release, Waxwane is due out on Sept 9th and the guest list is now open to Live Music Club folks who pre-order a copy. Any remaining spots still available on 9/07 will open up first come first served. If you want to guarantee your place at this event, pre-ordering Waxwane is the only way to pull it off. Pre-order price is $11.99 and it includes one of our free event posters. Drop by the store or give us a call (562.433.4996) to pre-order.

Matt Embree playing "Why Pop Stars Sell Silicon" acoustic and playing "Masters of War" live.

Some recent press:
"Waxwane features 10 songs that span a variety of styles and paces, ranging from Embree's patented upbeat socio-political diatribes ("Screams In A Vacuum" and "The Last Words Of Nicholas Berg"), to more unexpected Billy Joel-esque jams ("David's Birthday") and Elliott Smith-inspired poetry ("Brown Shingle Berkeley")...4/5 stars"
     - Alternative Press

"Combining influences from multiple genres, including acoustic, folk, and sometimes jazz, Love You Moon has put Waxwane together beautifully, and has produced an album to rival the best releases of 2008 to date."
     - Absolutepunk.net

"It takes a special kind of person to single handedly spark a thunderous clapping session in a dark room full of too cool twenty-somethings. But by the end of Love You Moon's acoustic set at Koo's Art Center in Long Beach, any worries of judgment or anxiety had been sucked out of the front doors of the paint slathered gallery to freeze in the midnight air. Huddled together in the darkness, unity and power spread like a fever in the crowd."
     - OC Weekly

Click here to buy Waxwane

August 25, 2008

Birdmonster -- FREE INSTORE

File Under: News

Birdmonster Free In-store Performance
Monday, September 1st - 7:00pm
(Free for Live Music Club Members - Guest list open now)

Every few minutes it seems like another band catches on blog-fire, most of them flash like a flare and burn out quickly, but the really good ones just keep on going. Birdmonster is just such a band. Their sound combines a new wave jangle with an early Greenwich Village folk meets very cool back-porch instrumentation; banjo, melodica, and cello sitting nicely alongside a Fender Rhodes and the usual blog-fire band instrumentation. This time out, the organic side takes the driver's seat and makes for the much richer, resonant, and more mature sound of a band finding their own voice.

The guys have slipped us an mp3 of the track "Born To Be Your Man", which is one of my favorites.

Check their myspace page for a few of their other/older tracks. You can also click on over to youtube for a nice version of "Only One" recorded in the studios of "The Current" from Minnesota Public Radio.

Click to preorder From The Mountain To The Sea (out 9/2)

Neil Halstead -- FREE INSTORE

File Under: News

Neil Halstead Free In-store Performance
Saturday, August 30th - 5:00pm
(Free for Live Music Club members)

Through his work with Mojave 3, Slowdive, and as a solo artist, Neil has secured himself not only a spot by our campfire, but also a fair amount of space on our CD shelves. With Oh! Mighty Engine Neil continues his musical evolution, where once there was a wall of sound, Neil has distilled his music down to its essence. Choosing a nylon stringed guitar and simple shakers for accompaniment, Neil is relying on his voice and his collection of highly personal songs to get his message across. He makes his point, quiet and clear. Do to expected high demand, we are opening the guest list to those who order Oh! Mighty Engine, until we open it to all who'd like to attend (at a much later date). If you want to be sure to see this world-class artist on our small stage buying it now is the only way to guarantee yourself a spot. ** Please note the 4:00 time listed on Neil's site is incorrect; the event begins at 5:00pm. **

Here is some press about Neil's previous solo album, Sleeping on Roads:

"The same drifting mood is maintained from start to finish, all nine songs being gently eclectic acoustic musings with occasional electronic decorations."
     - Mojo

"A gentle tremble of an album."
     - Nude as the News

Listen to a couple of Neil's new songs, plus a couple from Sleeping on Roads on Neil's myspace page.

If you'd like a little of Neil's music to carry around on your journeys, click here for a free mp3 of "Paint a Face", from the new album.

Click here to buy Oh! Mighty Engine.

July 25, 2008

Delta Spirit -- FREE INSTORE

File Under: News

Delta Spirit Free In-store Performance
Tuesday, August 26th 7:00pm
(Free for Live Music Club members)
Guest list now open without purchase required

We hate to judge a band by the company they keep, but surely it’s as indicative of where they’re coming from as a box of “they sound likes”; a quick look at Delta Spirit’s myspace shows a top line made up of a lot of Fingerprints in-store alumni – Cold War Kids, Port O’Brien, Richard Swift, & Dr, Dog. Aside from a turn on our stage, and a top line friendship on Delta Spirit’s myspace page, these bands all share an all too rare ability to put a fresh face on classic influenced rock & roll. All of their music has a current, yet somehow timeless, quality. Whether full out rocking or quietly introspective, this is a list of innovative young bands making incredibly vital music and Delta Spirit is absolutely among peers.

Musically, Delta Spirit is appropriately named. They combine a spirit that recalls Britain’s Northern Soul movement with a very American, rural charismatic, roots rock sound and a spirituality that will satisfy your deepest need for real revival tent rockin’ and rollin’. Please note: there will be no snake passing at this event, it’s not that kind of thing.

Some recent press:
"Delta Spirit should be required listening." (#9 on Top 15 of 2007)
     - Daytrotter
(Check out a live Delta Spirit session here.)

"A hybrid of Americana rock and Northern Soul with boundless energy."      - mp3.com

Delta Spirit’s Myspace page is loaded up with more samples, check them out here.

Or, if you’re more of the visual type, you can watch a video right here.

Click to pre-buy/sample Ode to Sunshine (due 8/26)

July 24, 2008

The Airborne Toxic Event -- FREE INSTORE

File Under: News

The Airborne Toxic Event Free In-store Performance
Tuesday, August 5th - 7:00pm
** SORRY, SOLD OUT **

The Airborne Toxic Event is many things, but none more than they are an anomaly; a band that came together organically, recorded a few songs, played a few shows, built a huge audience over a couple of weeks time, then grabbed the attention of both KROQ and Indie 103.1 within the span of a couple of days - it's a story that repeats in the hearts and minds of every kid stepping off a cross country bus at the downtown Greyhound station, yet rarely ever happens beyond those Midwestern hearts and minds. Those who stay up all night making comparisons have mumbled a virtual who's who of cool bands, including Modest Mouse, Arcade Fire, The Clash, and U2. I hear a little Psychedelic Furs and the Killers, either way it's grand in scope, literary in the right places (their name comes from a Don DeLillo book), and white hot at the moment. Their self-titled debut is one of the hottest new releases of the year and they've agreed to drop in to play a very special, stripped down, street-date release party with us. It's going to be cool and it's going to fill up quickly. RSVP is free, but limited.

RSVP ASAP, or end up SOL. (562)433-4996
Please note: You must come by the store or call to RSVP for this event. We cannot take responses via email or web.

The Airborne Toxic Event comes out on August 5th. Purchases made at the in-store will receive a free custom in-store event poster that can be signed at the event.

Sample your little heart out at their myspace page.

Some recent press:
"In a just and fair world, The Airborne Toxic Event would be indie rock favorites of critics and fans the world over. Maybe, just for a moment, the world will get it right for a change."
     - Popmatters

"A hip-swinging return. Jarvis would be proud of the lyrics and Johnny Marr of the guitars."
     - NME

"Airborne Toxic Event were a knock out, with their LA art-pop, placing them firmly in the Arcade Fire, Franz camp with more than enough of their own 'angular view' on life to ensure the need for such comparison is short lived."
     - The Fly U.K.

Click here to sample The Airborne Toxic Event

July 23, 2008

The Virgins - FREE INSTORE

File Under: News

The Virgins Free In-store Performance
Tuesday, July 29th - 7:00pm
(Free for Live Music Club members)

This one is filling up fast. We're hearing the folks at Indie 103.1 are about to go very big on this record and as soon as that happens, we're going to be full, so if you're dangling you're going to get left outside.

We are pretty happy with ourselves for scoring this little band out of New York City. You see, The Virgins sound like nothing else as much as they sound like 1978 - and you have to admit, that was a pretty great year to sound like, especially if you factor in the New York thing. Their formative years were spent sneaking into their local 80's night and boy did it stick, these guys would have been a great double bill with The Velvet Underground, Blondie, Jonathan Richman (when he was a Modern Lover), or the Talking Heads, and that doesn't even touch on their swagger and strut that recalls an early Costello. With all the love they are getting from Indie 103, this will be a big deal. The guest list is open now, but it won't be for long. Since we don't recommend googling them, we've included some pertinent info below.

Check their myspace here.

Some recent press:
"4 Stars"
    - Rolling Stone Magazine

"The Virgins have had the kind of out-of-thin ether rise that causes bloggers to gush and their peers to curse."
    - Spin Magazine

"We're jealous of their futures, basically."
    - Vice Magazine

Here's their official site.

Click to sample/buy The Virgins

July 10, 2008

The Submarines -- FREE INSTORE

File Under: News

The Submarines Free In-store Performance
Friday, July 18th - 7:00pm

The Submarines are a husband & wife duo, comprised of Jack Dragonetti (who's released album under the name Jack Drag) and Blake Hazard (who is the great- granddaughter of F. Scott Fitzgerald). First, how cool are those names? I mean I'm not thinking about a name change, but damn, if I was, either would be wicked cool, as they say in Boston. But I digress... Jack and Blake make sunny pop music that is at once literate and intimate, delicate and sweet, it's got a nice groove that makes it a perfect soundtrack for a cool summer evening with friends but lyrically it's weighty enough to make for great introspective listening. A couple of touchstones, if you're looking for musical kinship, would be Dean & Britta, Rilo Kiley, and Hem. Their songs have had major TV placement, including Grey's Anatomy, a version of "Little Boxes" for Weeds, and their song "Brighter Discontent" being used as the dialogue for the last 4 minutes of the season finale of Nip/Tuck's fourth season. They are currently on tour with Aimee Mann.

This is a free event for Live Music Club members, but you'll need to call us to get on the guest list.

Some recent press:
"(The song 'You, Me and the Bourgeoisie') has the feel of an instant anthem, a personal manifesto so plainspoken and forceful ('Every day we wake up/We choose love, we choose light'), it could be characterized as defiantly positive. It is also something of a rarity in indie pop: an earnest song about happiness."
     - Toronto Star

"Honeysuckle Weeks is a glorious collage of the duo's wide-ranging influences, from old-school dub to intricately layered electronica (as in the psychedelic-classical 'Submarine Symphonika') to vintage pop."
     - Pop Culture Madness

You can sample tunes on their myspace page.

Click here to buy Honeysuckle Weeks

Joe Strummer Future Is Unwritten Release Party

File Under: News

Joe Strummer - Release party for the DVD of The Future is Unwritten
Wednesday, July 23rd - 7:00pm
** THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED. STAY TUNED FOR A RESCHEDULED DATE.

Joe Strummer should need no introduction, he was the lead singer and songwriter for "the only band that matters": The Clash. Joe powerfully mixed politics, passion, punk rock, and world music - and he came closer to changing the world with his music than anyone since Dylan. In a world light on heroes, Strummer was larger than life. To help draw attention to the release of Julien Temple's celebration of Joe's life, we're going to open up our stage for you to come in and do your best version of one of Joe's songs.

Continue reading "Joe Strummer Future Is Unwritten Release Party"

Shearwater -- FREE INSTORE

File Under: News

Shearwater Free In-store Performance
Wednesday, July 16th - 7:00pm

Shearwater returns with the hugely ambitious follow-up to their last album, Palo Santo, which was picked as NPR's best album of 2006. Rook meditates on man's intersection with the natural world: the hunter and the prey; the extinction of species; the world after human beings are gone. On a wider level, the vivid images of animals and landscapes act as a metaphor for human relationships, a dark fairy tale encased in a cycle of songs. Jonathan Meiburg's bold, soaring voice, occasionally falsetto, still anchors the songs, which broaden his pastoral prog-folk chaotic celestial mindbuggery into new realms. Beyond the continuing touchstones of late Talk Talk, Nico and John Cale, there are now allusions to Van Morrison, hints of Joni Mitchell. All this is set in a newly lush sonic gorgeousness of harp, strings and woodwinds atop the magnificent rhythm section of Thor Harris and Kim Burke.

Shearwater is currently opening dates for Coldplay, including July 15th and 16th at the Forum (so make sure you arrive early, if you're going to the show.)

This is a free event for Live Music Club members, but you'll need to call us to get on the guest list.

Check out a couple of their songs on their myspace page.

Here is some recent press:
"Shearwater has magnificently outdone itself. Not only is Rook destined to be named one of 2008's favorites, but it could be one of the best albums for years to come...Rook is among the most achingly beautiful things ever recorded."
     - Pop Matters

"A quiet ferocity belied by gorgeous, soaring melodies"
     - Entertainment Weekly

"A rich, occasionally macabre, fantasy world...ornately orchestrated mini-epics...beautiful tragedies where dead swallows serve as a metaphor for the human condition."
     - Blender

"Meiburg has delivered the album of his life...an impeccable ambiance that's both spooky and glistening....While earlier albums hinted at the kind of open-air pastorals that the band was capable of, Rook delivers on all the promise."
     - Prefix

"The kind of music people fall in love with."
     - Under The Radar

"With Rook they have fashioned an album that is melodic, tender, outstanding but above all, captivating. One thing is for sure, this is one of the best albums of the year."
     - Delusions of Adequacy

"This record is too good to be kept a secret, and whether the general public pick up on it, only time will tell... This is a record you will want to live with and savour for a very long time."
     - 17 Seconds

"Shearwater continues the tradition of detailed, reflective songwriting set by classic artists like Nick Drake and Leonard Cohen and contemporary indie rock songwriters such as Bill Callahan and Will Oldham.”
     - All Music Guide

Click here to sample/buy Rook

Matt Nathanson Live CD

File Under: News

Matt Nathanson -
Left & Right:
Live at Fingerprints,
Live at Park Ave
New CD Release

Hopefully you made it out to our in-store a few months ago with a solo and acoustic Matt Nathanson; it was a wonderful blend of humor and excellent song-craft. Well, happily, Matt thought enough of his stop to agree to let us release a good little chunk of it. This release is made up of songs and banter from our in-store and another he did at Park Ave. in Orlando FL. Matt picked an extra track from our in-store (mostly to chap the hide of my friends in Orlando, I think) and chose to include his riffing on Bret Michaels' "Rock of Love" and "Dog the Bounty Hunter" and his cover of Springsteen's "No Surrender" all from our little event, plus "Car Crash", "Come on Get Higher", "Gone", "Bent", "All We Are", and little extra chatter. It's a testament on how to do an in- store right; keep everyone wrapped up in your songs, until just the right moment, then drop a little science on them with some sharp observational humor. Including the chatter, it's nine tracks and it's available as a pre-order for $6.99. After it hits the shelves, on August 5th, it will move up to $7.99. Everyone who pre-orders a copy will be entered in a drawing to win an original press signed poster from our in-store, designed by Dan Madison.

July 03, 2008

Greg Laswell -- FREE INSTORE

File Under: News

Greg Laswell (with Ed Harcourt) In-store Double-Header Performance
Tuesday, July 8th - Greg (7:00pm) /
Ed (8:00pm)

Nothing like kicking July off with a bang, and this particular double-header, double return visit, night of musical celebration should be one for the books.

Greg Laswell is coming back in to kick off his new album, Three Flights From Alto Nido, and if you know this Long Beach native (or if you caught him last time he was here, or if you've seen him win at The San Diego Music Awards) you know what a score this is for us; Greg's songs are rich and resonant; filled with heartbreak, redemption, and a ridiculous knack for epic song-craft; imagine the wistfulness of Travis, the pure-pop of Beck- at his best, and a touch of the grandeur of Coldplay all filtered through Greg's California experience. Greg's songs have been featured on the television shows Grey's Anatomy, The Hills, Numb3rs, and One Tree Hill.

Some recent press about Three Flights From Alto Nido:

Laswell has become one of our pre-eminent bards of heartbreak, his songs exploring the complex and tortured emotions of loss. New disc "Three Flights From Alto Nido" moves into a more circumspect and cathartic phase. Hushed beatscapes and keening melodies set off the ruminations.
     - C-Net

Greg Laswell is a brilliant new singer/songwriter who reminds us of the first time we heard artists like Coldplay and Nick Drake.
     - Whole Foods (of all places, apparently, they're big fans)

You can hear some of Greg's music on his myspace page.

Click here to buy/sample Three Flights From Alto Nido

Ed Harcourt -- FREE INSTORE

File Under: News

Ed Harcourt (with Greg Laswell) In-store Double-Header Performance
Tuesday, July 8th - Greg (7:00pm) / Ed (8:00pm)

If you've been a long-time Fingerprints in-store follower, you know that Ed is not only amazing live, but he would be the perfect guy to play a film scene that calls for a turn-of-the-century Victorian hall piano man, he is literate, sophisticated, and smart/clever like few others. He exudes crushed velvet, good booze, and nice linen, while never losing site of his working class charm. Besides being an amazing musician (he's currently opening shows and playing guitar with the Gutter Twins, he's done session work with Cat Stevens) his albums show him to be not only the rightful heir to the throne of Brian Wilson and Randy Newman, but to Chet Baker and, if he ever decides to give it up, he's a serious contender for Tom Waits battered fedora.

Some press about Ed's most recent album, The Beautiful Lie:

'The Beautiful Lie' is marvellous, each track a lush, inch-perfect melodrama with Harcourt bashing out his demons at the piano.
     - Mojo

'The Beautiful Lie' of the title is as eloquent a statement as the material is masterful. It's doomy, it's gothic, it's wonderfully arranged, mostly epic, occasionally sad, sometimes jaunty - and throughout infused with the passion of a storyteller whose delivery and form have finally found synchronicity. A very fine LP.
     * * * * - The Fly

His best since 'Here Be Monsters'. Harcourt's mini-operas pack more incident into their three minutes than many bands manage in a career. A fine songwriter with the flourishes of an at times master showman.
     - Q

With so much histrionic angst abound within indie and pop at the moment, it's refreshing to hear a collection of believeable songs and lyrics with a delivery that will touch even the coldest of shoulders.
     - 89% - Spill

Listen to some of Ed's music at his myspace page - be sure click on his animal friends pages for even more.

Click here to buy/sample The Beautiful Lie.

June 28, 2008

The Watson Twins -- FREE INSTORE

File Under: News

The Watson Twins In-store Performance
Sunday, June 29th, 4:00pm

Identical twins Chandra and Leigh Watson are best know for their work with Rilo Kiley's Jenny Lewis on their Rabbit Fur Coat album, but that is all set to change with the release of their full-length debut album Fire Songs. The twins' music fits nicely into various scenes such as indie rock, new folk, & alt country/Americana and while comfortable in all of them, they really deserve a category all their own. They count folk, gospel, blues and country as early influences, but they've toured with Rilo Kiley and Matt Costa and they've played festivals ranging from SXSW to Bumbershoot and Bonaroo. The graceful country soul and haunting vocals that the twins brought to Fire Songs was highlighted by a world tour that touched everywhere from Holland to Japan and saw them gracing the stages of Conan O'Brien, David Letterman, Jay Leno, and Craig Kilbourn. Their song "Time of My Life" was featured on Grey's Anatomy. Their self-released ep Southern Manners showcased the twin's pristine vocal harmonies against stunning reverb dirges and melodic country on a much-coveted Morning Becomes Eclectic session as well as receiving critical acclaim from Billboard, NME, Pitchfork, and Entertainment Weekly among others. Fire Songs is out this coming Tuesday and we are super excited to host this street week release party.

Check out their myspace page to hear a couple of tunes, including their versions of The Cure's "Just Like Heaven" and Neil Young's "Powder Finger".

June 25, 2008

O.A.R. - FREE INSTORE

File Under: News

O.A.R. In-store Performance
Wednesday, June 25th, 6:00pm

This one came together late yesterday so sorry for the short notice. If you're familiar with O.A.R. you likely already know how big of a deal this is; these guys sell out Madison Square Garden and they've sold over a million copies of their albums. They spend most of their year on the road, doing their best to keep the summertime good-vibes alive. Much like Dave Matthews, O.A.R. started out playing college campuses providing a backdrop to, if not a reason for, an escape from the daily grind. O.A.R. has come to stand for authentic rock that reflects the collective triumphs and tragedies we all experience: Real people making real music that resounds deeply with their fans. This will be a special acoustic set and due to expected high demand we will be giving out wristbands to get in, plus one of our posters, with pre-order of their upcoming album All Sides, through the end of the day Monday. Any remaining wristbands will be available (without pre-order, to Live Music Club members) on a first come first served basis beginning Tuesday at 10:00am.

Check out their myspace page to hear a handful of songs from the upcoming album, which hits the floor on July 15th.

June 17, 2008

Frightened Rabbit -- FREE INSTORE

File Under: News

Frightened Rabbit In-store Performance
Sunday, June 22nd, 2:00pm
(Free for Live Music Club Members - RSVP Required)

In the world of international stereotypes theFrench are lauded for their cooking, the Italians for their amore, and the Germans for their engineering; but if there was more realism involved in these stereotypes the Gaelic folk would be celebrated for their ability to write their way through heartbreak - whether angry, longing, or wistful it seems like an unfairly high number of brokenhearted love songs to come out of Ireland and Scotland, and Frightened Rabbit continue with this fine tradition on The Midnight Organ Fight. Unlike the sappy "Silly Love Songs" drivel that comes to mind when thinking of broken hearts, in the song "Backwards Walk", Frightened Rabbit find themselves on the verge of chucking the whole thing, but at a loss as to the mechanics involved. Oh sure, "fooks" and "shites" help, but in the end the confusion that lies between the longing for, and the anger at, an ex-lover is incredibly well captured on this song, and several others on this album. The rest of the album is by turns grimy, intimate, dark, jangly, and cathartic. When it comes time for a Best of 2008 list, Frightened Rabbit will be close to the top of mine.

Sample some songs on their myspace. I recommend "Fast Blood" as a good jumping off place, but know that there are at least three other songs on The Midnight Organ Fight that are better.

Watch a radio session here and a real video here.

Click here to buy/sample The Midnight Organ Fight.

Grand Ole Party -- FREE INSTORE

File Under: News

Grand Ole Party In-store Perforance
Thursday, June 19th, 7:00pm
(Free for Live Music Club Members - RSVP Required)

We've had an incredible run of finding bands on their way up and it's looking like Grand Ole Party is poised to be the next "I can't believe I saw them at Fingerprints" band. Rolling Stone called them an "Artist to watch in '08". They blend a classic Bessie Smith influenced old-time jazz vocal, snuggled up with a fiery indie rock flair, ala Karen O. of the Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs, and all of it nicely layered into a weird early 90s alternative-ska meets current indie rock melange. It's a tough one to nail down, it's loaded with familiarity but is put together in such a fresh way that it's both new and timeless all at once. They've played SXSW, Coachella, and are scheduled for Bonnaroo. They've also recently toured with Rilo Kiley, Vampire Weekend, Rogue Wave, and Fiery Furnaces - it's hard to imagine another unsigned band with that kind of pedigree, let alone one so deserving.

Check out the video for "Look Out Young Son".

Some Recent Press:
Gundred...is sort of what might have happened
if British invasion drummer Dave Clark was a
woman and actually sang lead.
     - Palm Beach Post

Grand Ole Party...have a strong, simple, raw
kind of sound...impressive and
energetic..."
     - Seattlest

You can sample their music at their myspace page.

Click here to buy Humanimals.

May 10, 2008

Willy Vlautin of Richmond Fontaine -- FREE INSTORE

File Under: News

Willy Vlautin of Richmond Fontaine -- Free Reading & Signing
Thursday, May 15th, 7:00pm

Some of you may be familiar with Willy Vlautin from his work with the acclaimed band Richmond Fontaine, where he is the primary singer/
songwriter, and some of you may be familiar with Willy as the New York Times Best-Selling author of The Motel Life, well this will be an evening about coming together. Willy will be a two-hatted man for this special evening, which will include both an acoustic performance and a book reading/signing. Whether writing for the band, or writing for page, Willy has a cinematic flair for portraying what Annie would call the "hard-knock life". Not always lovable, but usually down on their luck folks are the subjects in Vlautin's stories, which have been compared to writers as varied as John Steinbeck, Raymond Chandler, and Bruce Springsteen (not what you'd call bad company).

Willy will be signing Richmond Fontaine CDs and his novels Motel Life and Northline (which comes with a CD).

May 07, 2008

Port O'Brien -- FREE INSTORE

File Under: News

Port O'Brien In-store Performance
Monday, May 12th, 7:00pm

Too often we get wrapped up about hosting big name, well-established artists, and it's understandable to a large degree as those folks are on the top of their game, but the real magic happens when we score a young band and get to truly introduce them to all of you guys. Port O'Brien are going to be a big deal and when they come back in a year or, so there will be a line down the block. Their music has a frantic energy that recalls the Cold War Kids and Arcade Fire while the undertone is closer to the acoustic roots of Fleet Foxes and Band of Horses. If that math isn't good enough for you, M. Ward called Port O'Brien his favorite new band when he was talking to the folks at Pitchfork and they've toured with bands as diverse as Vetiver, Bright Eyes, Rogue Wave, and Modest Mouse - and all of them sound like the combination would have made for one hell of a night.

He's the middle part of their bio:
Every summer, Van works on his father's commercial salmon fishing boat, the Shawnee, on Kodiak Island in Alaska. The work is exhausting and the weather could be much better, but the contrast between the serenity of the wilderness and the rigorousness of the labor seem to cause quite a bit of musical inspiration. Meanwhile, on land and around the corner, Cambria also writes music while maintaining her position as the Head Baker at Larsen Bay. Her days can be even longer, and the work even more tiresome. After both write parts and lyrics separately, they fix them together when Van comes ashore. For the first time this summer, Caleb also joined the ranks at the cannery, and their cumulative effort while up in a latitude and longitude few of us may ever see resulted in the creation of the songs that comprise the band's first studio-recorded album "ALL WE COULD DO WAS SING." Because when you're working all day in the freezing cold, what the hell else are you going to do? "Stuck on a Boat" tells of the frustration related to being so close yet so far away. Van stuck on a little fishing boat, while Cambria bakes across the bay...yet weeks go by without having a chance to go to port. "Fisherman's Son" speaks of the frustrating, yet contented thought of destiny. "Don't Take My Advice" captures the endless quest for settling, while remaining in awe of the entire world to explore. "In Vino Veritas" expresses the flurry of emotion caused by isolation, while emerged in substance.

This could easily be the one that everyone is talking about by the end of the year.

Sneak preview their songs at their myspace page.

All We Could Do Was Sing will be out May 13th.

May 01, 2008

Nobody Presents: Blank Blue -- FREE INSTORE

File Under: News

Nobody Presents: Blank Blue Free In-store Performance
Tuesday, May 6th, 8:00pm

We get pretty excited whenever we have an in-store, but when it's members of the Fingerprints Family who are coming in to play for us, well it adds a whole new level to the mix - some sort of proud/wahoo factor that's tough to quantify. You see, to do these things well, we recognize that you don't necessarily want to see everything we can throw together, just the great stuff. We're the same way, so in the spirit of every other great band we've had in to play, we're proud to bring Elvin and Niki out from behind the counter to put them on the front of the stage. Tuesday will see the release of Nobody Presents: Blank Blue, Elvin and Niki's other side, the super creative side, that keeps them up into the wee hours.

Let's just get this out there; it's a concept album. But in this case "concept" like "well thought out and focused", not "concept" like "bloated and self-indulgent". The story is a surreal telling of a post-apocalyptic underwater West Coast, set after we all drop into the sea after the long talked about "big one", Elvin explains it best: "I started to think about making an album that I would want to listen to, that reflected the music that I love to put on and space out to. I loved albums where one vocalist takes you through a journey through different sounds and styles. Niki was the first person I trusted with my idea of Blank Blue and her voice matched the music perfectly. It also helped that we have worked together at a record store for 7 years so we were official record store geeks."

Check out their myspace page for some samples, then give us a call to let us know you're coming - it's going to be a good one.

Here's some recent press:

Blank Blue are still a very young group, but the songs they've completed so far possess a beatific, rococo lushness-as well as an understated funkiness.
     - OC Weekly

Sounds like Os Mutantes with an 808 kick sample.
     - LA Record

Delicately straddles the fence between 60s psychedelia and the Bristol sound of the 90s.
     - Friction NYC

Nobody Presents Blank Blue: Western Water Music Vol. II is the official follow up to the 2003 album Pacific Drift: Western Water Music Vol. I. In the five years between albums, the 31 year old Los Angeles producer has traveled the world touring with the likes of The Mars Volta, Prefuse 73, Battles, Edan, Dntel, and Flying Lotus.

This will be a Live Music Club event, but you are welcome to call us at the shop to RSVP: 562.433.4996

Click here to sample/buy Western Water Music Vol. II

April 25, 2008

Record Store Day -- RECAP

File Under: News

Record Store Day Recap
April 19th, 2008 - All Day

Well, Record Store Day v.01 is in the can. Hopefully you were one of the many who were able to join us for this incredible day. We're gonna take a few minutes and run back through for those who were there (and hopefully it will work as inspiration for those of you who weren't able to make, to save a little room on your calendar next time we do it).

We kind of went into the day not knowing what it was going be like, but figuring it might be a good chance to bring some new/old folks into the store, and that's always a good thing; we were surprised at how much fun it all was - kind of like Christmas and your birthday, all rolled into one.

Portishead Presale
The worst part of the day was having such a killer promotion and knowing from the start that we were going to leave people disappointed because of it. We had almost 100 people waiting for the presale to start and obviously the 40 tickets we had couldn't stretch nearly far enough. Fortunately, everyone seemed fairly understanding (it was only a 1 on the "angry email scale") and the folks who got tickets were well over the moon, so congratulations to those who got tickets and apologies to those who didn't; I hope it's a killer show. If you're thinking about needing this record, while they last we still have a value added etched promo 7" single and a very large subway poster with pre-order.

Rob Halford Signing
This was the part of the day that had me the most stressed out. Rob was a key figure in my musical development, which always makes for a bit of nerves. But, since I'd never met him and I'd heard very little about how he was in person, there was a real fear that he would act like a "Metal God" (which is incidentally, the name of his record label). I'm happy to report that real "Metal Gods" don't act like it in real life. Rob was totally down to Earth and completely accommodating to the nearly 200 folks who showed to say hello (He even signed a motorized beer cooler!) Look for the four disc Fight box set coming in May and a new Judas Priest album and tour this summer.

Limbeck In-Store
This one was a piece of cake. We've known Robb and Pat as record shoppers for longer than we've known them as rock and roll stars and we've been lucky enough to have them in to play a couple of times and they are always awesome, so this was much more hanging out with friends than anything else. The performance was great and the "abbreviated" versions of "Ohio" and "Honk & Wave" were funny as hell and allowed the guys to satisfy the crowd and keep us on time.

Silversun Pickups
Many of you have talked about how great it was to see Brian of SSPU's solo show in December of '06, and while I've always agreed it was cool to see things stripped down to one voice and one guitar, after last night I have to say there is an incredible power to this band. When they are clicked in, acoustic or not, it is magical. Everyone was in great form, cracking jokes and having fun.

Coachella Giveaway
The winners in our Coachella Ticket giveaway are:
     Friday - Elizabeth Renteria
     Saturday - Lily Sims-Williams
     Sunday - Amber Blake
Congratulations to all the winners!

We are now sold out of Coachella tickets at the store (although we do have a small handful of camping passes available if you already have your tickets but still haven't figured out where you're staying). As of this email there are still tickets available, but click on over to the Coachella site to make sure you're covered before trekking to the desert.

And while you're thinking Coachella, hop on over to the official Coachella website FAQs for a quick list of things not to forget when you head out for your one to three days of music and sun, like what to bring with you (hats, cameras, kids) and what to leave at home (drums, pets, tents).

Finale
Thanks to all the artists who made the day so special, all the artists and labels who kicked us such great freebies and exclusives (who else grabbed a copy of the Destroyer 7" or the Brushfire LP?) Umm, good stuff. We'd also like to thank Goldenvoice for the Coachella giveaway tickets, Portishead and Island/Def Jam (and Sam) for the rehearsal tickets, and most importantly, all of you who support us everyday.

March 25, 2008

Muse Film Screening

File Under: News

Muse Film Screening - Vista Theater (Silverlake)
Tuesday, April 1st, 7:00pm

We are working with KROQ and Warner Bros. Records for a special event at the historic Vista Theater, on the corner of Sunset and Hollywood Blvd, to present a full theatrical showing of Muse's new CD/DVD release H.A.A.R.P. Live From Wembly. KROQ will giving away 106 free tickets (so stay by your phone), or if you don't feel like crossing your fingers, we will be offering a limited number of free tickets with pre-order here at the store, or with purchase at the event (1 ticket per purchase). For those who haven't experienced Muse yet, they make rock and roll with a very generous dose of both Rock and Roll (and a lot of alt-rock, proggy undertones) - They are considered to be one of the top bands in the UK, with last year's Black Holes & Revelations garnering a Mercury Prize Nomination and placing in the Top 3 of NME's albums of the year list, but more important than the accolades for their records, are the cheers they've received for their live show; they've been chosen "Best Live Band" by numerous publications/award shows including NME, Q Magazine, and the Vodafone Live Music Awards. With the live DVD release, H.A.A.R.P. Live From Wembly, you'll get the opportunity to see the band at the top of their game, playing in front of an adoring homecoming crowd, all in the comfort of a gorgeous old theater, loaded with lots of other fans, and boasting a decent snack bar.

March 13, 2008

Trespassers William And Herman Dune -- FREE INSTORE

File Under: News

Trespassers William And Herman Dune Free In-store Performance
Tuesday, March 18th, 7:00pm
(Free for Music Club members - RSVP Required)

We get pretty excited about getting great musicians in to visit and play music for us, so on the rare occasion that we get lucky enough to host a double header we get just a little bit past giddy. Such is the case here; we've got a return visit from the gorgeously atmospheric Trespasser's William and the rarely-on-our-shores, sharp pop styling of French duo Herman Dune. Here's a little primer on these two fine bands:

Trespassers William
Trespassers William will be freshly back from a handful of shows at Austin's SXSW festival and will be celebrating their new EP release, The Nobel House Sessions (which so far is a tour and Fingerprints only release). The band has been in the studio recording the final songs for their fourth full-length album, which is their first full-length since 2006's Dave Fridmann produced Having. Trespassers William vocalist Anna-Lynne Williams was featured on the Chemical Brothers' record Push the Button and the band has toured with some of our favorites, including Damien Rice, Explosions in the Sky, Aimee Mann, Tristeza, Morrissey and Azure Ray. Trespassers William, who called Naples home for awhile, will be freshly back from hitting a few shows at SXSW and are celebrating the release of their new EP, before heading back to Seattle to finish up the new album.

You should click the play button on their MySpace page.

Mojo Magazine said of Different Stars, "(It) is the essence of honey and molasses, of E-bowed guitar glissandos and country twang...it's all exquisitely drowsy..." while NME simply settled on "Mesmerizing".

Herman Dune
We've been hearing about Herman Dune for a couple of years now, and yet it took our friends at Everloving Records to sign them to get us off our butts and spend some time with their music - first impression: very nice, less quirky, Jonathan Richman inspired, near perfect pop. Second impression (and a quick trip to wikipedia): Herman Dune are enigmatic, quirky, prolific, they've played as the backing band for both Kimya Dawson (Moldy Peaches/Juno) and Julie Doiron (Eric's Trip/Solo), they're French, they acknowledge the Jonathan Richman thing, but prefer comparisons like Daniel Johnston, Lou Barlow, The Mountain Goats, Cat Power and The Silver Jews, and if you need a box to put them in, try Anti-Folk.

Check out their music on their myspace page (especially "I Wish I That I Could See You Soon", which Rolling Stone called one of the "best songs of 2007" and which makes at least of us at the store get goosebumps.

This event is open to Live Music Club members. Call the store for info (or to RSVP if you're already a member) at 562.433.4996, or click here to join.

March 04, 2008

Jeffrey Lewis -- FREE INSTORE

File Under: News

Jeffrey Lewis Free In-store Performance
Thursday, March 6th, 7:00pm
(call for guest list)

Greenwich Village is a historic Rock and Roll landscape, especially Rock and Roll with a Folk soul; think Dylan, Baez, Peter, Paul & Mary, Donavon, and too many others to mention, but you should be getting the idea. Well, somewhere between the heyday and the half-price historical tours, a lot of the artists working in the Village found not only amplification, but punk rock and an anti-music biz DIY esthetic, and the anti-folk scene was born... still acoustic, still literate, yet much less idealistic and literary - but loaded with passion, politics, and perspiration. Of those bringing this new sound from the Village to the streets, Jeffrey Lewis and the Moldy Peaches, who Mr. Lewis has and worked and toured with, are the best known. Jeffrey's newest CD is titled 12 Crass Songs, and rather than write a dozen really rude tunes, Jeffrey dug into his record collection and came up with the kings of 80s anarcho/peace punk bands, which he then filtered through his system and claimed as his own. The songs are still political and still intense, but with a new view and a few updates, they are undeniably Greenwich Village not Leeds.

Jeffrey is playing March 4th & 5th with the Mountain Goats at the Troubadour and right after his fingerprints in-store with Mount Eerie at "Irvine U" (I'm guessing it's somewhere on the campus?)

Here's some recent press about 12 Crass Songs:

"Jeffrey Lewis' talents appear without end... (on 12 Crass Songs he) magically makes the anarcho-rockers' anti-establishment savagery his own, by wrapping their barbed sentiments in his trademark mottled tea-towel warmth, autumnal aura and breathless, barren drawl"
     - NME

"(Jeffrey Lewis) offers this quite brilliant reconfiguration of music long since erroneously dismissed as no-mark primitivism. Lewis' jaunty bijour chamber-pop arrangements demonstrate the Crass essentially dealt in folk songs"
     - Mojo

"Jeffrey Lewis is possibly the only musician on the planet to devote a whole album to the oeuvre of... Crass. It's no mean feat to transform such abrasive harangues into lush, tuneful folk... without diffusing their righteous anger"
     - The Guardian

"What could be sacrilege is actually a small epiphany: the gorgeous instrumentation weaving acoustic guitar, gentle piano - proves a deft counterpoint to the lyrical rage. The Man probably said it would never work but The Man was wrong"
     - Uncut

Check out a couple of songs here (I recommend "Big A Little a")

Click here to sample/buy 12 Crass Songs

February 26, 2008

Pigeon John -- FREE INSTORE

File Under: News

Pigeon John Free In-store Performance
Thursday, Feb. 28th, 7:00 PM

We don't do a lot of Hip-hop in-stores mostly because there just aren't that many Hip Hop artists who offer to play, that we would consider. Up until the phone rang asking if we'd like to have Pigeon John for a live set we've been at a loss as to where to start. For those new to Pigeon John here's a bit of background, he's an LA based MC, he was part of both Brainwashed Project and the famed LA Symphony Crew who've been putting out music consistently since the late 90's. Pigeon broke off from the crew and has been doing the solo thing for the last couple of years. He's a positive and vibrant wordsmith with a great sense of humor, he is almost as well respected for his live show as he is for his rhymes, and he came out of the same scene as the Pharcyde and Freestyle Fellowship and he's been favorably compared to De La Soul and Jurassic 5. He's got three full- length albums and an EP available (including his most recent on Quannum), and the plan is to record our in-store for release before his next album, which is due late in 2008.

This is different than our usual fare, but could very likely be one of the high-points of our year.

If you would like to join us for this private event, please call to be added to the guest list (562) 433-4996.

Check out PJ live on Indie 103.1

Here is his myspace page so you can get a little earful.

February 10, 2008

Tom Brosseau - FREE INSTORE

File Under: News

Tom Brosseau In-store Performance
(Live Music Club Members Only)
Sunday, February 24th, 4:00pm

What could be a better way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon than a little live music and some good companionship? We've been fortunate enough to have Tom Brosseau stop in to play for us on a couple of occasions (including an opening slot the last time Sparklehorse came through), and we're happy to see that he's enjoyed his time with us enough to make us a part of his plans this time around as well. For the uninitiated, Tom makes stunningly beautiful folk music that has such an old-time quality to it, that it almost comes the full way around to "timeless" - High and lonesome to be sure, but with a humanity that surpasses the other descriptives. Mojo Magazine said of Tom "...there's real depth to the lyrics, and they're sung in a voice so confident in its smooth, Ricky Nelson-esque purity that it barely needs accompaniment..." For the last several years there has been a bit of a Folk Revival (or an Anti/freak Folk Revival, maybe) with artists like Devandra, Joanna Newsom, and some of the Berkeley Guitarists we've had in to play, getting some national attention; and it would be easy to lump Tom in with these others who make current music with long roots, but Tom seems to have alternately gone farther and stayed closer than any who might be called his contemporaries. Please join us for this afternoon performance. This event is only open to Live Music Club members, but you can still join (and attend) by clicking the link above.

Totally earthbound and at the same time sorta out there in the ether.
    - NPR's All Things Considered

Check out Tom's myspace site for some samples.

Click here to buy/sample Tom's latest, Cavalier.

February 05, 2008

Felice Brothers -- FREE INSTORE/FREE LUNCH

File Under: News

Felice Brothers In-store Performance
& Free Lunch
(Live Music Club Members Only)
Tuesday, Feb. 12, Noon

There is a small town in the Catskill Mountains where the nights are filled with music, and it's a family affair; mothers, brothers, and cousins all making a joyful racket; Jail, guns, and drugs are always a possibility, but so are love, laughter, and salvation - and the outcome is unknown until it's been sung.

Every once in a while a band comes along and stops you in your tracks, if you're lucky it happens often, if it only happens once in a while, hopefully it's powerful when it does; The most recent band to provide just such a "stop you walking" moment for me is The Felice Brothers. A true band of brothers (and a blood brother) these boys make music that Uncut Magazine called "Brilliant.... Evoking Dylan and the Band holed up in Big Pink.... The new heroes of Americana." They damn near nailed it with that, but it leaves out the incredible broken, back porch quality otheir music, a music that sounds like it's the best thing to come out of the time before electricity. Beautiful, broken, a bit bawdy, and sure to bring a smile, these boys are not to be missed.

Here is some other press:
Right now my favorite drinking buddy is The Felice Brothers. It's music best described by my friend: It's three in the morning, sleepy drunk, secretly holding the hand of the one you love.
     - Laura Barton/The Guardian

The Felice Brothers write epic songs with lofty titles and they wield a massive accordion. All that is reason enough to give them a day in court.
     - Vice Magazine

Recalls young Springsteen, Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt.
     - Time Out NY

Check out a couple of their songs on their myspace page (make sure to hear "Frankie's Gun"). And please give this video for "Roll On Arte" a couple of your minutes:

The Felice Brothers are currently touring with The Drive-by Truckers and The North Mississippi All-Stars, including local dates at The HOB (Anaheim) and The Avalon (Hollywood).

This Free Lunch event will include music and pizza, and is only open to Live Music Club members (click the link at left to join). Please call us to get on the guest list (grab a drink on your way in).

January 30, 2008

Nellie McKay -- FREE INSTORE

File Under: News

Nellie McKay In-store Performance
Thursday, Jan. 31st, 7:00pm

Nellie McKay should be a familiar name to anyone who has KCRW pre-set on the radio; her blend of charmingly quirky and uptown sophisticate is nothing less than refreshing. Drawing from a palette that runs from jazz to rap and disco to funk, her sharp lyrics and eclectic style elevate her far beyond the first- glance Fiona Apple and Tori Amos comparisons. This Shortlist Music Award nominee was a guest on Prairie Home Companion on January 26th and will be playing Largo on February 1st and 8th, but you can see her here for free. In the interest of fair play, I have to say that Nellie will not be bringing David Letterman, a grand piano, or an orchestra with her, but even without all the Hollywood it will be incredibly cool, maybe even cooler as we won’t have to worry about commercial breaks or Dave flipping his wig.

Mojo Magazine said of her debut album, "This has wit in spades, an irrepressible love of language and genuine originality." And they pretty much nailed it.

You can hear a sampling of Nellie's music at her website. You might also want to check out the great Nellie article on Pitchfork from last Friday.

Since Nellie's current album, Obligatory Villagers, has been out a bit (and it is doing quite well, I might add) Live Music Club members need only call us at the store to have your name added to our guest list, for this private event. (Click here to join our Live Music Club and be added to our weekly emailer list.)

Click here to buy/sample Obligatory Villagers.

January 04, 2008

Matt Costa -- PRIVATE INSTORE ** SORRY, SOLD OUT **

File Under: News

Matt Costa Private Instore Performance
January 22nd, Record Release Party 10:00am - 6:00pm
PRIVATE Matt Costa in-store to follow
** SOLD OUT **

This event is for email subscribers only - if you were looking for a reason to join our email list, now is definitely the time [click here to join]. January 22nd finds our small town hero Matt Costa releasing his second full-length album Unfamiliar Faces, and we're going to kick it off properly with a house-party. This will be a "closed to the public" event, with wristbands available to anyone in our Live Music Appreciation Society (that would be you, if you're on the email list) who pre-buys Matt's new album before January 21st (after the 21st, if there were any left, they would have been distributed on a first come, first served basis - but we all know how these things work out....) We will be closing at 6:00pm on this night, with Matt performing a live set beginning right about 7:00pm for all who managed to get a wristband. If you are unfamiliar with Matt you are missing out, he is a fantastic songwriter, a great live performer, and a good friend. Check out his Wikipedia page for an intro, then pop over to his mySpace page to sample some of his new music. The pre-sale began on January 2nd for walk-ups and for phone-ins, and isn't recommended for internet shoppers. One wristband per CD purchased, limit of 2 per person. Please note these are not transferable (unless it's like an emergency and we find you to be both familiar and convincing).

Click to buy/sample Matt's Unfamiliar Faces.

December 22, 2007

Radiohead Deluxe

File Under: News

Radiohead
In Rainbows
EXTREMELY LIMITED
DELUXE EDITION

** Sorry, we are now sold out of the Deluxe version ** (Click for the regular CD version of In Rainbows). We have a very limited number of the deluxe, two-disc, two lp packages, which are now out of print, and going for up to $300 on ebay. We will have the regular version soon (street date is the first.) We are very excited about this release because it is a fantastic album. If you'd like to give a copy as a gift, the best thing is to pre-order it and have your recipient pick it up when it comes out.

In other Radiohead news, we also have a widget that lets you put Radiohead videos, news, tour dates, and more on sites like Facebook and MySpace. Check it out.

November 20, 2007

Damien Rice Live At Fingerprints ...Warts & All CD

File Under: News

Damien Rice
Live At Fingerprints ...Warts & All CD
(From our little stage to your speakers)

It would be pretty tough to be more excited about just about anything than we are about Damien Rice deciding to release an album of tunes recorded right here on our really not quite so humble of a stage (any more, anyway.) Those of you who were lucky enough to catch this once in a lifetime performance probably don't need to read any further. For those who have only heard about it, as far as we can tell, it was Damien's first ever in-store performance, and is one of only two live recordings he's ever allowed to be released.

Here is the track listing for ...Warts and All:
    1. Cannonball
    2. Coconut Skins
    3. Intro
    4. Grey Room
    5. Volcano
    6. Intro
    7. Rootless Tree
    8. I Remember

You can watch pretty great fan videos here and here.

Click to buy Live At Fingerprints ...Warts & All

November 05, 2007

Matt Nathanson -- FREE INSTORE

File Under: News

Matt Nathanson In-store Performance
Wednesday, Nov. 7th, 7:00pm
* SORRY, SOLD OUT *

Matt is a phenomenon...a quiet phenomenon, but a phenomenon none the less. And being that this phenomenon is dropping by to perform on our little stage, be sure to call us immediately if you want to attend and we'll put you on the guest list. Matt managed to beat us to the announcement on this one and we were, in less than 24 hours, at almost 50% capacity (today we're very nearly sold out). This is a Jack Johnson level of excitement. Matt's music is emotional, loaded with songs that explore the heavy things: life, death, relationships - I guess that's kind of the usual stuff for songwriters (who don't just write about beers and girls) but Matt brings a pretty fresh look and feel to these topics (check out the "Car Crash" link below) and beside the food-for thought aspect of his songs, you get the genuine feeling that he's a decent guy.

Here's a bit from his bio:
Nathanson lived his life as the very model of the modern independent artist, journeying from town to town, logging literally hundreds of thousands of miles, all the while captivating audiences with his confessional songs and spontaneous, uncensored stage banter. This hard work has garnered Nathanson a remarkably devoted following -- folks willing to cross many a state line to spend a couple of hours communing with Matt and his band (and to spread the gospel through an intricate network dedicated to trading recordings of the live shows). Matt has toured as the opening act for Tori Amos, John Mayer, Guster, and O.A.R. but is currently on a sold-out headline tour (He sold out the Troubadour in one day!)

Matt says of the new album "I think of [Some Mad Hope] as an album in the classic sense and not just a collection of songs. There's definitely a theme there, a tracing of the ups and downs of a relationship. It gets dark in places, but it ends on a note that's hopeful -- it's not cut-and-dried, but it points to the future in a way that I see as positive."

Some Press:
Nathanson brings his confessional songs to life with a rare power.
     - RollingStone.com

A sweetness and sincerity to his singer-songwriting that's endearing.
     - Time Out NY

Peep some video here:
Matt Nathanson - "All We Are" (Live in his living room)
Matt Nathanson talking about the new album.
And a "real video" of "Car Crash".

Click to sample/buy Some Mad Hope.

April 11, 2007

The Hold Steady -- Live at Fingerprints CD

File Under: News

The Hold Steady
Live at Fingerprints Limited Edition CD

Five live, acoustic tracks recorded right here on our little stage in
the corner. This is a one-time deal and when they are gone they are
gone. Click below for more info. All on-line and in-store purchases on
this release, made during the month of April, will be entered to win a
poster from the in-store signed by the full band. Oh, did we mention
this little bit of history is only $4.98?

The Hold Steady - Live at Fingerprints Limited Edition CD

December 12, 2006

Joseph Arthur Live at Fingerprints Exclusive CD

File Under: News

Joseph Arthur Exclusive Live CD
FREE WITH PURCHASE

Get a free copy of Joseph Arthur's exclusive Live at Fingerprints CD with purchase of his latest release, Nuclear Daydream (if you already have this one, you can buy one of his older ones). The live CD is a full 50 minute set made up of mostly new material, some so new it's unreleased, with a little lesson on percussion instruments and the general feel of a band having a great time. Some of the songs include "Black Lexus," "Slide Away," "Precious One," "Good Life," alongside the new songs, and some classics like "Tattoo." It was an incredible day and we are super happy to be able to offer this free bonus when you buy Nuclear Daydream.