In what is likely to be seen as an epic meeting in the middle arrangement, Death By Stereo have agreed to strip things down and we've agreed that we need a little more rock and roll in our lives, so while it won't be ferocious by any means, this in-store will definitely bump the energy up a couple of notches.

After 3 albums for Epitaph, Death By Stereo has just signed to Serj Tankian's (System Of A Down) Serjical Strike label. Death is My Only Friend is being called "A unique, genre-bending amalgam of hardcore, metal, and punk." Death By Stereo has shared stages with Slipknot, AFI, Serj Tankian, Avenged Sevenfold, and Rage Against the Machine, among others. Oh my.

We are opening the guest list to everyone who pre-orders Death is My Only Friend beginning Wednesday, July 1, at 6:00pm.

Check out a couple of tracks at their myspace and give us a ring and get your pre-order in before this hits the band's websites, because this bad boy is gonna fill up fast. (Be sure to call or come into the store when you pre-order.) If you're on the fence and feeling lucky, we'll open the list next Monday, first come first served.

Thanks to all of you who joined us for Soul Motion last Sunday. There is nothing as great as putting a lot of effort and worry into an event and having everything go about a perfectly as possible. The music was amazing beginning with the Mod/pop stylings of The New Fidelity, followed by the funky as hell good times of the Boogaloo Assassins, the ridiculously creative (and creatively ridiculous) Money Mark, who thought to mash up the Charlie's Angel theme song and the bass line from Billie Jean, among his other incredible concoctions, and a closing set from the incomparable ALO, who brought an abundance of good vibes to close out the evening. It was stellar and even more so because of those of you who came out and made it all worth doing. If you were there, please help us spread the word and if you missed it, please try to make it out to one of these very special events.

Next up, we'll be continuing to bring the great free music to Rainbow Harbor on Friday evenings, the East Village on Saturday mid-mornings, and Pine Street on Sundays; including a Battle of the Tribute Bands, a return of 00 Soul and Boogalo Assassins , a Gospel Brunch, Pawnshop Kings, a major Funk Festival, and quiet a bit more. Check out our schedule (so far) at summerandmusic.com.

We've partnered with our pals from Schooled in Song and the folks at the DLBA & the LB RDA to bring a bucket-load of great music to Downtown. We've knocked a couple of weekends worth off the shelf already, but it's only starting to heat up. Next weekend finds Pine Street closed, the stage rolled out, and vintage soul, rock, and jam music filling the streets. We've also invited out enough vintage scooters to finally realize my dream of combining Guys and Dolls and Quadrophenia. It's gonna be fun and it's gonna be free. Bring your friends, bring a picnic, and soak it up. FREE scooter parking and bike valet (so get out of the car and be a star - you know, in Guydrophenia).

Here's a little peep at the line-up:

DJ Dennis Owens    4pm - 10pm
You know him best as the spinner of the good times at his club, The Good Foot. Funk & Soul all evening between sets.

The New Fidelity    5pm - 6pm
Neo-Mod music mashed up with pop power, and all of it calling Long Beach home.

The Boogaloo Assassins    6pm - 7pm
A heady stew of Latin, Salsa, Funk, & so many good vibes that you'll join the throngs trying to shuffle and stomp them out (I'm not sure if our permit covers dancing, so we're gonna stick with all that moving up front being a public service).

Money Mark    7pm - 8pm
You've seen him doing handstands on stage while playing the keys for the World Famous Beastie Boys, but have you caught his soulful turn as a front man? It's a little less flash-pot and a lot more slow burn. Money Mark knows no boundaries, effortlessly fusing hip hop, world beat, funk, and classic soul.

ALO (Animal Liberation Orchestra)    8pm - 9:30pm
You may have caught ALO touring as support for Dave Matthews or Jack Johnson (where ALO front man Zach Gill spends time behind the keys), but it's as a band that ALO's blend of soulful jams and sharp songwriting really start the party. This will be the perfect close to a night in the streets.

You can now follow the latest news from the Summer and Music festival through Facebook.

Click here for more info on the Summer And Music fest.

Well, here we are the day of and we've still got a few spots left for tonight's show, so if you'd like to join us please give us a call as soon as possible and we'll do what we can to get you into the show. While there is room we are still accepting pre-orders for Pete's new album Back and Fourth via phone (or if you want a copy now and you can stop in, that would work too). If you purchase today you will receive, in addition to your CD: an indie store only 5 song bonus acoustic disc, a poster from the event, and priority entry to the show and the signing afterward. Having heard the new album, I can say it will rank as one of his best, and having seen all of Pete's previous in-stores, tonight will rank among our best, so whether you're buying or not be sure call quickly so you can join us.

Since we've last heard from Pete, he's been incredibly busy. The word is he's finished three new albums, including one with Frank Black and another with Scarlet Johansson, but the first up is his next solo album, titled Back and Fourth, and he's very generously agreed to stop in and kick things off for this new record with a street date Fingerprints in-store. Pete has been a favorite around here since his first album (and his in-store to kick it off) and we've stayed friends ever since. When folks scan our walls one of the most common questions is when will we have Pete back? Well, it's time - and we couldn't be happier.

Check out Pete's Myspace page and then get on the phone and get yourself sorted out for this event.

Every once in a while we throw our arms around a fresh young musician and hold on, Tom Brosseau is such an artist. Echoing the dustbowl earnestness of early masters like Seeger and Guthrie, while still sounding fresh enough to garner comparisons to Devendra Banheart and Antony (of the Johnsons), Tom is a shining light in the new "authentic music" movement (yeah, I just made it up, but click his myspace and see if it doesn't fit). Tom is a real American original and this will be his first Fingerprints appearance to feature accompaniment (and his third, overall), and we're expecting the additional colors in his palette to take things to a new level.

We are opening the guest list first come, first served, so click that myspace link and then grab your phone (our number is 562.433.4996). Tom's new album is Posthumous Success and while it's not officially out until June 23rd, we've talked to the time-warp and we're happy to announce that our in-store will be the first place you can grab this most excellent new album.

Fingerprints has once again partnered with the fine folks at Schooled in Song, a pairing that brought 30 bands, 3 stages, and as much free music as this town could hold in one day to the East Village Arts District last Summer, with the influence and finances of both the DLBA and RDA to bring you the best in local and internationally touring artists for a series of weekly free concerts. We've corralled three of the nicest corners in the Downtown area and have our crews sweeping and polishing for your arrival. So far, we've done a test run with Mama's Boys at the Rainbow Harbor, Brett Bixby and DJ Abel at the East Village Farmer's Market, and a street corner session by So Many Wizards and Deep Sea Diver on the corner of Pine and 1st (look for video coming soon). But more important than the peek back at the first couple sets, which really did work well, is a peek forward to some of our favorites who are upcoming: 00 Soul, DJ Lithuanian Prince & Brooke Lee Catastrophe, and Jay Buchanan this coming weekend, Greater California next weekend, and our first blowout street party the following weekend with DJ Dennis Owens (Good Foot / Fingerprints LP buyer), New Fidelity, Boogaloo Assassins, Money Mark, and ALO - all combined with a Scooter show and the feeling that "we own this place" that comes with a Pine Street closure (and all free!). Check out our S.A.M. website and start working on plans to have your out of town friends over to the Beach. Soon you can also join us on Facebook and Twitter for the full stereo sound (we'll post the links as soon as they're active).

Click here for more info on the Summer and Music festival.

They've been here before and folks are still talking about it, so when they asked about coming back it was an immediate "Yes". For the release of their new album, IV, The Aggrolites have once again agreed to strip things down to their acoustic roots and bring their dirty reggae party back to celebrate their outstanding new album. Their sound is a blend of funky old-school ska and reggae, lovingly representing the classic sounds of 70s Jamaica to a generation that has never heard of Studio One. This is their most accomplished set yet, with more soulful settings to feature singer Jesse Wagner's Motown-inflected voice. The record arrives on the heels of the band accepting their first appearance at Coachella, and backing Rancid's Tim Armstrong on his debut solo album, A Poet's Life.

Their new album IV is supposed to hit the shelves on Tuesday, June 9th, but we've secured a waiver from the proper authorities to open the window immediately following the in-store for any of the fans who are able to join us to buy a copy, but the rest have to go back in the box until Tuesday. So, if you'd like to join us, we've opened the guest list for anyone who pre-orders IV to join us for this special event. If there is still space available we will open the list first come first served on Friday, June 5th.

Click over to their myspace page for a little sampling.

Click here to pre-buy/check out IV

I'm going to have a very difficult time not being a complete geek for this in-store, but I'm gonna do my best. Michelle almost single-handedly created the punk/folk, female fronted, "every kind of influence that shouldn't work, but somehow does" archetype, back in the days when college radio actually meant something, and since that time she has continued to push the envelope at every opportunity. Soul of My Soul, Michelle's latest, finds her walking the fine line between love and anger, occasionally poking a toe a little bit over the line, which often happens with rock and roll - and make no mistake, this is time out Michelle is rockin' out to match her best work.

We've just opened the guest list first come, first served, and we would love it if you could join us. Call to get yourself set for what will surely become another most-talked about event. Guests are limited to +1. The number is 562.433.4996 and operators are standing by...

Click over to Michelle's myspace page for a sample of the new album.

Click here to buy/sample Soul of My Soul

Veckatimest is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated releases of the year, and while the album has leaked and all those overly ambitious downloaders are probably walking around listening to it on their headphones right now, we'd like to have those of you who still listen to music in a social environment in while we turn it up and do a little bit of that rock and roll thingy. We're gonna do a raffle and give away a bit of cool stuff and we'll have a free poster with purchase, while they last.

Click here to buy Veckatimest

Zee Avi is the latest signing to Jack Johnson's Brushfire label and she benefits greatly from the association; her studio band features Adam and Merlo from Jack's band and her touring band boasts James and Mitch from Matt Costa's band, both are great associations for a fresh faced new songwriting voice, and happily, Zee manages to meet the "worthy" requirements. Her story began to pick up steam when she was spotted on Youtube by White Stripes and The Shins manager, Ian Montone, which led to her recording at the Brushfire studio and well the tiles just kept falling into place for her, a great track on the Brushfire Christmas album, the aforementioned studio help, and comparisons ranging from Cat Power and Regina Spektor to Leonard Cohen and Jolie Holland, with a stop along the way to wave at jazz greats like Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. We are very happy to host her first in-store and to help her generate a little street-date excitement for her debut, self-titled album.

Check her myspace page for a few samples.

Also, you can get a bit more in-depth at her youtube page.

This is a great opportunity to catch a rising star as they used to say, and if you're into saying "I was there", this is about as close as you can get. The guest list is open now, call us if you'd like to attend. 562)433-4996

Click to pre-buy her self titled debut.

If we were trying to get you all fired up, we shouldn't have to tell you too much more than that Sam Beam is coming back for another of his legendary in-stores. I'm pretty sure Sam's first ever in-store was here, back in the days before Buffalo Exchange. He's certainly filled the room with his glorious, story-based, acoustic confections twice, and both times rank among the best appearances we've ever had.

May 19th will see the release of Around the Well, a two CD or 3 LP set, comprised of a career-spanning collection of demos and lo-fi home recordings on one disc, and more fully produced studio recordings, including tracks with friends and other musicians on the other disc. That sounds like two great reasons to look forward, and if you count the in-store, well, that's the holy trinity of good news.

Sam is heading out for a tour of very intimate venues for an evening of songs by request. I have no idea what the set up will be at the shop, beyond it being a solo acoustic set-up and there being a chance of you getting in, you see the word is all of the local shows on this current tour have sold out. Unfortunately, this event is already sold out.

Photo by Matthew Avignone.

Imagine being a punk rock soul in a room full of acoustic instruments; all the passion, fury, and borderline need to explode and your palette consisting of dirty country, blues, jug band, and other rootsy music styles to get you through. Devil Makes Three has built an incredible following for their live show with exactly these elements. For 7 years they've been selling out shows all up and down the West Coast with their rousing, traveling porch party. Do Wrong Right is their 4th album and 1st in over 4 years and it finds them including pedal steel, fiddle, and slide guitar.

Some recent press:
"Acoustic guitar, Upright Bass, and Banjo weave with tightly-knit vocal harmonies in songs that'll have you tapping your foot and humming uncontrollably." - SF Bay Guardian

"Too restless to play the typical bluegrass venues and too musically sophisticated for your average bar band, Devil Makes Three are a rare breed: wild traditionalists." - Flavorpill

"...the Devil Makes Three bring a D.I.Y. aesthetic to ragtime, bluegrass, and classic folk music. Like the Violent Femmes, the Devil Makes Three can rock out with acoustic instruments yet remain engagingly melodic. Their slightly punky perspective on vintage Americana provides an irreverent tone, but there's no denying the affection this group has for its '20s and '30 inspirations." -Shotgunreviews.com

Fill your ears with miles of myspace music files right here.

Click here to buy/sample Do Wrong Right.

Throw off the shackles of adulthood with an afternoon acoustic set of garage-flavored punk rock with a Southern accent, a messed-up and bluesy undertow, and the gleefully destructive impact of a 15-year-old with a bag of firecrackers. While their live show is the stuff of legends, they've agreed to keep their clothes on, both figuratively and literally. It will be an acoustic set that is dialed back a bit on the theatrics so the focus is on their Sonics-soaked rock n' roll. The Lips have released albums on Bomp!, In The Red, and most recently, a couple on Vice Records.

Here are some of the press quotes about their most recent album, 200 Million Thousand:

"On Black Lips' fifth studio album 200 Million Thousand, their music finally catches up with their live-show notoriety. The surf-rock riffs are woozier, the girl-group melodies are brighter, and the in-the-red production channels extra psych-rock paranoia." - Entertainment Weekly

"Fortunately, buried beneath the Lips' psychedelic slop heap are surprisingly exacting pop hooks, clever musical experiments, and insidious grooves that belie the band's wastrel image." - Spin

You can check out a musical sampler plate at their myspace page.

The guest list is open now with no pre-order or reorder required. Call us to RSVP at 562) 433-4996.

Wow. RSD09 was incredible and we just wanted to thank all of you who came down, picked through the exclusives, watched some of the great live music, or just stopped in to say hello. It was such a fantastic day and we really appreciate all of you who enable us to keep doing this thing we do. For anyone who couldn't make it, here's a little run down of our day:

10:00am - We opened with lines at both doors

Noon - Crystal Antlers blew the roof off the place - absolutely stunning live show and much more rock and roll than our usual fare. We said "that's the loudest we've ever had it in here" they said "That's the quietest we've ever played." - ah, middle ground.

2:00pm - The guards showed up with the Bob Dylan advance. With only a distracted listen, I'm gonna say more ballads and less rockers, but his voice sounded good, and what I heard of the lyrics were strong. It's definitely one I'm looking forward to spending a little time with. We still have a handful of lithos left for anyone who places a pre-order this week.

5:30pm - The Bird and the Bee took the stage for a very high energy set of songs from Ray Guns Are Not Just the Future and a sneak preview of their upcoming Hall & Oates covers album. It was definitely a house-party.

7:00pm - Matt Costa took the stage for a 45 minute solo set of new songs and choice covers. He's a friend of the store and has been here before, but this was my favorite, so far. Simply awesome. Watch for his next album, he's in a great place right now.

After Matt, we worked our way into a slow wind-down to total collapse. It was a long day, but there is nothing better than watching so many of you head out with so many cool records (or CDs, or...)

Thanks again.

On April 28th Great Northern will be releasing their 2nd album, Remind Me Where the Light Is, but we're gonna have them in a couple of days early to kick things off in style. You'll be able to pick up their new album immediately following the in-store, then they go back in the box until street date, so if you want to catch a sneak preview of the upcoming tour and grab an early copy of the record, this is the place for it. The guest list is now open (562.433.4996).

Here's a bit from their bio:
Great Northern released their atmospheric and melodic debut album, Trading Daylight for Twilight in 2007. With its catchy hooks, lush keys and breathy vocals, it was received warmly and created a solid buzz. Their new album Remind Me Where the Light Is, is the work of a more seasoned group, one that has been on the road for months, missed home, seen the world, and returned, not entirely prepared to sit still and write. It became very clear to them that they were going to do things a little differently this time. Great Northern take bigger chances on Remind Me Where the Light Is. Wishing to expand their sound, Bixler and Stolte began working with producer Michael Patterson (Beck, BRMC, and She wants Revenge, among others) and Nic Jodoin. The results being upbeat, guitar-driven songs, yet with the familiar layered vocals and sweeping, panoramic sound.

Filter Magazine said "...a beautiful collaboration of sound."

Los Angeles Magazine said "The Stevie Nicks-conjuring rock and roll songs couldn't be better."

We say, "get yourself on the guest list and see for yourself."

Myspace you little heart out right here.

Click here to pre-buy/sample Remind Me Where the Light Is.