Just saw these pics last night and it blew my mind away. On Thursday night, Animal Collective, along with Danny Perez (their visual mastermind), transformed the entire Guggenheim Museum in New York into an audio/video art installation. No, there wasn’t a live performance but band members Avey Tare, Deakin and Geologist were there (no Panda Bear). I also read that there was an impromptu 11PM group scream. ow!

photos by Rez Avissar

Just got back about 2 hours ago from seeing Thom Yorke and his super band play at the Orpheum Theatre in Downtown LA. All I can say is WOW, what an amazing night! Not only did he play The Eraser album in it’s entirety but he also played a b side song (“Paperback Writer”) and debuted a bunch of new songs during the encore (my favorite has got to be “Lotus Flower”).

To make the night even better, there were a bunch of celebrity spotting which included Leonardo di Caprio, Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen, Aziz Ansari, Breckin Meyer, Nosaj Thing & Josh Groban (Yes, even Josh Groban). I’m hoping that his solo work with his new band will continue to grow and carry on into new heights. Everyone stood for the show even though it was a seated venue. Clearly a sign that LA loves Thom Yorke.

So Thom Yorke of Radiohead has been secretly roaming around Los Angeles for the past few weeks doing unannounced surprise DJ sets at the Roosevelt Hotel. Just a few days ago, he announced on dead air space that him and his new band (consisting of Joey Waronker, Mauro Refosco, Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers and Nigel Godrich) will play two gigs next week at the Orpheum Theatre in Downtown LA (which unsurprisingly sold out within a few minutes). Now, there is another rumor that him and his new bandmates will perform a rare and intimate show at the Echoplex tomorrow night. How accurate is this rumor? Well, according to Yorke’s publicists, here is what they revealed to us:

“We cannot confirm nor deny it, but we will confirm or deny it by tomorrow morning.”

Feeling lucky to be living in LA? Keep your fingers crossed for this one.

Edit 8:16PM: It has been confirmed that Thom Yorke will be playing at the Echoplex. Tickets on sale tomorrow at noon!

Still can’t get my mind over the fact that the king of pop is dead. Instead of mourning the tragic death of MJ, let’s celebrate his achievements and inspirations that he passed on to so many people. I picked out 3 of my favorite MJ inspired tracks from my itunes directly for anyone reading this blog to download. First track is an upbeat remix of “Rock With You” by Daft Punk.  Second track is an amazing acapella version of “Thriller” by the incredibly talented Petra Haden. The final track, “It’s Great To Be Here” remixed by Kenny Dope, is an old school Jackson 5 favorite of mine.

These tracks will only be up for a few days so get them while they last.

do download, listen, and enjoy it.

Daft Punk / Michael Jackson – “Rock With You” (White Label Mix) Mp3

Petra Haden – “Thriller” Mp3

The Jackson 5 – “Its Great To Be Here” (Kenny Dope Remix) Mp3

Brooklyn based Here We Go Magic was the headlining act for this year’s Grizzly Bear tour. AMAZING band and a whole lot of fun to see live.

Here We Go Magic – “Ahab” mp3

Ed Droste and Dan Rossen, the incredibly talented vocalists of Grizzly Bear

Ed Droste’s voice is pure bliss. He could hit notes so high that it could surpass the height of Mt. Everest. Chris Taylor hiding in the back.

Dan Rossen tearing up the guitar.

Chris Bear on the drums.

Here is a track from Grizzly Bear’s latest album, Veckatimest.

Grizzly Bear – “Cheerleader” mp3

Mayer Hawthorne & the County, one of Stones Throw records newest addition, will be playing a free show tonight at the Continental Room in Fullerton. I know it may be a bit last minute to be posting this but if you’re down for some good soul music that will definitely set you in a good mood, I do recommend you check out this show! Doors open at 9PM but the show doesn’t start till 10:30PM. Got no plans tonight? Well, this would be a worthy option.

Mayer Hawthorne – “Just Ain’t Gonna Work Out” mp3

Tessar Lo will be having his first solo exhibition at Lebasse Project tomorrow night. I have been following his amazing work for quite awhile now and one thing you need to know is that it definitely will not disappoint! Seeing his work in person is truly engaging and captivating. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to snag a very special zine handmade by Tessar himself. It’s only limited to 134 so be there early! Fair warning.

I am loving this new album from The Whitest Boy Alive. I also love how Geoff Mcfetridge is the visual mastermind behind their band image.

If you go down to Hollywood, you will find that the Montalban Theater is covered entirely with Geoff’s work. It’s total eye candy whenever I pass by that area.

Need some new music? Here’s a new track for your playlist: The Whitest Boy Alive – Islands.mp3