I've been a mild M83 fan for a while. Their mostly dreamy, shoegazey sound is great for playing in the background while you work and their man-made electronic (a guy bangs a drum but sounds like a drum machine) beats keep things interesting. I was pretty excited to see their show on Saturday at the Henry Fonda.

Opening up for M83 was School of Seven Bells. I like their recorded stuff a lot, and their female vocalist has a great voice. Their set was ok, but I think they need to make a few tweaks for their sound to be just right when playing live. I would love to see them in a smaller venue with better sound for the vocals.

M83 came out on stage and made music in a way I'm not sure I've seen before. They had a very produced way of making live music. Each member of the French quartet would layer their music on top of the other members in a simple and easy to hear way. The drummer, who was behind some glass with headphones on controlled the tempo and flow of the music. The lead singer and guitarist would mess with recorded songs on his laptop, while another guitarist jammed along and the fourth member of the band would play keyboard.

M83 played a good range of songs from their catalog. They played slow melodic tunes, poppy stuff, and music that made me wish I had brought glow sticks. The crowd was into it and their performance was ear candy for everyone.

At some point as everyone was singing in unison "Hear all the bombs, fade away" I thought to myself, "I love this concert."

The Decemberists played at the Wiltern last night and put on a great show. Their mix of old English lyrics expertly articulated with good ole rock n roll is a recipe for a captivating performance. The band was touring in support of a handful of singles they recently released. They were trying out the songs live for some reason or another that only the band would know. All of those songs were played in the middle of the set, flanked by some of the most memorable songs from their previous albums.

I was surprised by how much fan participation and interaction was involved in the show. Decemberists fans, really like to sing along. The fans at the show were definitely way more knowledgeable than me about the band. Everyone had a great time and the Decemberists brought the house down.

I've been a fan of West Indian Girl since at least 2004. I have a really old mix CD with a couple of their songs on it. Shame on me for making last night the first time I've seen them live.

WIG's combination of psychedelic, experimental electronics, and California pop sounds makes them a unique band. They make really interesting transitions from tight knit rock to a loose echoey feel while maintaining an upbeat, danceable groove. It's quite something.

Last night at Spaceland was their 3rd show of a three-show residency at the venue. They worked on some new material but also rocked out with some beyond-indie classics. Also they've acquired a new singer since their first album was released, who had the voice of Christina Aguilera and the body of Salma Hayek. Most of the males in the audience spent a good amount of time fixated on her, but quickly realized she was more than just a pretty girl on stage.

I think there set was a little short due to Spaceland's tight schedule last night, so I can't wait to see West Indian Girl again when they get a longer set. The crowd was really into the show and some people were even doing that hippy dance where you wave your arms and shake your hips from side to side. Getting people to move at a show in LA is quite an accomplishment. I highly recommend trying out their music (see the links) and catching a show. They're really good.

I have to admit, I don't listen to The Faint that much. I do have 3 albums, but I keep them on a random rotation rather than picking out something from their catalog. A friend told me I should not miss them live because they put on a great live show, which could be expected from hearing The Faint's recordings. The band was touring in support of their new album, Fasciination.

Their style is most often referred to as dance-punk-wave. They've got beats and rhythm that is similar to something you'd find at an Eastern European dance club that pumps the latest techno. Their guitars sounds are gritty and the keyboards and synths add aural candy. The lead singer has a geeky mad scientist look and sound.

The Wiltern was completely packed when The Faint took the stage and I was one of the lucky people who had pit tickets. Their show started and everyone in the crowd was bouncing up and down and actually *gasp* dancing *gasp*. That doesn't happen in L.A. This was the first time in years that I've seen wild and crazy movement at a "hipsterish" show in L.A. It was great.

The Faint rocked about 15 songs, and then came out for an encore after raucous applause. The show was great, and as soon as Chris uploads his camera footage, I'll have some cool pics and vids here.

I can't believe that ended 7 hours ago and I'm already at work.

On Wednesday I saw one of my favorite bands, The Notwist. This German group who releases intricate albums full of various sounds was touring the USA to promote their new album, The Devil, You + Me. Their albums are a bit on the subdued side but as Keith can attest, their shows are incredible.

One notable part of the band was their use of technology and ability to improvise on the spot. In the past one of the instruments used by a member was a macbook. On this new tour, the macbook was still there, but IT WAS CONTROLLED BY A GUY USING HACKED NINTENDO WII CONTROLLERS!! I could not keep my eyes off that. His gestures, twists, and flicks of the wrist added sound effects all night and it was amazing.

The drummer also had a touchscreen that he banged on all night, but I couldn't quite tell exactly what it was. A wide array of songs were played that covered all the albums and the crowd was into it. I noticed a lot of people singing along the simple but resounding English lyrics. The songs Gloomy Planet, Neon Golden, Boneless, On Planet Off, Different Cars and Trains, and Pilot were amazing. The Notwist always put on an amazing show and I quickly remembered why I promised myself the last time I saw them to never miss them when they visit again.

British Gangsta Movie, check. Guy Ritchie, check. How could RockNRolla not be good?

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In Religulous, Bill Maher does a documentary to challenge aspects of religion. It's very predictable, but enjoyable.

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I think my musical entertainment for the rest of the year is looking pretty good.

Oct 29 - Wed - Notwists - Always put on a surreal folk-tronic show
Nov 05 - Wed - The Faint - never seen em, but heard good things
Nov 22 - Sat - VHS or Beta - so fun
Nov 24 - Mon - Decemberists - should be awesome
Dec 02 - Tue - Smashing Pumpkins - I'm going backstage and in the pit!!
Dec 03 - Wed - Smashing Pumpkins - Sitting a little farther back
Dec 04 - Thr - Oasis - why not? who wants to go?