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LA Music Blogs: A Guide To Snobbier Living

LA Music Blogs: A Guide To Snobbier Living


Photo by monogatari via Flickr

BY LISA BRENNER >LA.COM

Of, about, and based in Los Angeles, these blogs cover all things music. From nerd-on-the-street, local, live-eye reports to grand poetic dissections of national and global releases, LA boasts some of the best music musings on the interwebs.

The knowledgeable, the opinionated and the moved offer a daily showcase of emerging artists, established idols and obscure finds. Download, watch, read, and learn. You know how it is… rockin’ and rollin’ and whatnot.

Lisa Brenner is music editor of LA.com. She hears you knocking.

 

1.

Little Radio

A man. A plan. A canal. Panama. Little Radio is a website, a venue, a news outlet, a place for reviews, videos, downloads, podcasts, and… uh, what else…. what was that thing… OH YEAH, a freaking radio station to the nth power of outstandingness that serves as the mothership -- bringing together a closer community of people who know music and love music. Check the schedule and listen to your favorite shows from your compy. The site's snappy layout and vivid prose will keep you reading, but should you tire, there are also lots of buttons to push.

2.

An Aquarium Drunkard

Justin Gage specializes in knowing more than you do. From the household-name artists, to the rock snob indies, to the bands you've never heard of but need to hear more from, his diverse blog offers interviews, reviews, MP3s, news, podcasts, magic potions... And, if you act now, you'll also receive his weekly, two hour SIRIUS show (on Channel 26 / Left Of Center) every Friday. Though he beams globally, he also acts locally, often presenting shows around town and co-hosting events with other blog friends.

3.

Radio Free Silverlake

Joe Fielder's hyper-local love is a daily staple for the Silver Lake scene put forth in the most un-sceneish way. Straightforward, clear and without unnecessary snark, you can expect relevant news, videos, interviews, contests, concert listings, and because there are so many possible shows on any given night, he also writes out an internal monologue about deciding which show(s) to see. Heh. JF also puts together a monthly showcase called Let's Independent (usually held at Boardners) where three homegrown or transplanted acts will play loud for those in the know.

4.

Buzz Bands

LA Times' Kevin Bronson has a huge brain. And at his age, he ought to. Mr. Bronson writes a hearty, well-informed blog -- diplomatic and detailed, and with proper grammar. I think he maybe owns a hovercraft and has figured out a way not to need sleep because he seems to be everywhere and knowing everything. Sometimes I get overwhelmed by an urge to shake him and yell, "WHAT DO YOU REALLY THINK NEWSPAPER MAN?!," but then I remember that's not nice. More curse words, please.

5.

The Passion Of The Weiss

Based in LA but more of an overall music blog, the well-read Jeff Weiss offers an almost daily update with catchy pictures, loads of MP3s and believes that "bad Neil Young is better than awesome Green Day." Loves Wu Tang, Labyrinth, and freelances for the highest bidder. Expect a site that's funnly written, heavy on hip hop, into the indies and sometimes there are pictures of muppets.

6.

BiBaBiDi

Nik Mercer's spankable blog baby is the newest blip on my bat-radar. Music Supervisor by day, super reviewer by night, the site looks pretty in poppy pastels and sounds like a peach. The writing ain't bad either. Way to be.

7.

Cheese Or Snow?

Making blog out of nothing at all. Hello from your favorite portal of random commentary, shiny videos, delicious downloads, local interests, worldly news, live listings, reviews, releases and contests of the musical kind. Fondue recipes welcomed.

8.

Picksysticks

Chick-centric bands are the main feature of this blog. Find news and reviews on your favorite, local, indie rawk darlings. Brace for an enthusiastic, site-wide, gratuitous and unabashed use of the words: always, never, most, all, everything, anything, and rockin'.

9.

Rock Insider

The world according to JAX. Stop by and meet our very own Echo Park insomniac as she flits about the city promoting, presenting (or possibly performing with) some of the best local talent.

10.

LA Underground

Los Angeles Loves You, LA Underground. Your anonymity is cute and your graphics are cuter. You refuse free things, have a don't ask don't tell policy on acquiring music, and make nice with bands that don't suck. Local to the end, and lighthearted in your snobbiness, you embody the be-true-to-your-school ethic.

11.

Inflight At Night

Long Beachy and LA local, Inflight At Night is full of easy flash players, nuggets of information, and perspective on upcoming shows. Great for listening and planning your week.

12.

KXLU Demolisten

"Demos From Around The World Since 1984" pretty much sums it up. Octavius and Fred host the weekly radio show on 88.9 FM and this is their blog. Watch the show live or download oldies from the archive.

Pop Zeus! You need Pop Zeus! www.dusted21.blogspot.com And The Record Robot at www.recordrobot.com (even though they've been on a bit of hiatus lately).

Posted 11/26/07 04:39PM PST by El Duce