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DUBSTEP
At this point, Dubstep is a world-wide phenomenon. What started in London almost 10 years ago has migrated stateside: Dubstep is a hybrid dance music genre, with deep influences coming from reggae, UK garage (think less annoying English house music) and grime. And just like the name sounds, the emphasis here is on the bass.
Like every other good (English) dance scene, dubstep can be linked to a certain club—and in this case, it was Forward>>. Word was spread via pirate radio stations, DJs and, of course, the Internet. Though the name dubstep didn’t come about until some time in 2002, the movement first started in the late ‘90s. Dubstep has since taken a “darker” and minimalist sound, but the main idea is still there: 2-step rhythms, bass-heavy, snare sounds.
Many credit Baltimore DJ Joe Nice with introducing the dance genre to the United States, and before you knew it, dubstep nights were starting up all across the country, including New York, Seattle, San Francisco… and Costa Mesa.
Detroit Bar’s Dubstep nights (formerly housed at the Crosby) are one of their most popular regular events, and now they’re celebrating their one-year anniversary this Tuesday. Stop in and be introduced to the hypnotic sounds of 12th Planet, Shawn & Emu and many more—show up early, it’ll be crowded.
Dubstep: Dubtroit One Year Anniversary: Detroit Bar, Tues., 9 p.m., free with RSVP. Detroit Bar, 843 W. 19th St., Costa Mesa, 949.642.0600. 21+.
Known mainly for being a founding member of legendary Los Angeles punk band X, John Doe—like his band member Exene Cervenka—has also ventured into his own solo career. (Though here’s a random fact: That version of “I Will Always Love You” that comes on the jukebox in “The Bodyguard” was actually sung by him.)
John Doe, now 55, still plays for that same audience X garnered in the ‘80s—growing with the fanbase, maturing in sound and sight. X might have played punk but they were also extremely popular with the rockabilly followers as well. John Doe is verging on the edge of alt-country, but still maintains his origins. With slide guitar a plenty, John Doe’s tracks and vocals now bring to mind Johnny Cash, Neil Young and Outlaw Country music in general. His solo work now shows off collaborations with Neko Case (the New Pornographers) and covers of tracks like Waylon Jennings’ “Stop the World and Let Me Off.”
Jon Doe’s been treating audiences to solo sets for a while now, but this time it’s even more special, opening up for the Blasters.
John Doe performs at the Coach House, Sat., Feb 20, 6 p.m., $18. 33157 Camino Capistrano #C, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.9366. All ages.
So it’s a little bit of the Kinks, a little of the Beatles, a little bit of the Band—and we’re serious when we say that. Why else would Ray Davies (head Kink) handpick Los Angeles’ the 88 to join him on his North American tour?
Formed in 2003, the 88 is a four piece made up of Keith Slettedahl (vocals, guitar), Adam Merrin (keys), Todd O’Keefe (bass) and Anthony Zimmitti (drums). We first caught the 88 live years and years ago at Sunset Junction in 2004—they were easily one of the most energetic bands there, let alone one of the most energetic bands we’ve seen in a long time.
Their Brit Pop sensibilities shine through particularly live on stage—if you’re looking for a good time, this is the show. Just check out “All ‘Cause of You,” just a thoroughly feel good track with the catchiest hooks, McCartney basslines and piano melodies. “Coming Home” isn’t far behind on the adorable catchy scale—with Slettedahl’s genuine vocals paired with a cheery tune, it’s hard not to fall in love with the 88.
The 88: Thurs., 9 p.m., $5. Detroit Bar, 843 W. 19th St., Costa Mesa, 949.642.0600. 21+.
It happened a few weeks ago: There we were, in our living rooms, totally guiltily engrossed in the latest happenings of Snooki, the Situation and the rest of the Jersey Shore gang when we heard it: The lulling, heartful, alt-country rasps of Long Beach-based Two Guns. And we squealed.
It doesn’t take too much to surmise a guess that the woeful vocals of lead vocalist Kevin Poush didn’t exactly match up with the overly tanned, flamboyant bodies on the television, but there it was, playing in all its glory for Generation MTV, “Yellow Book.”
Two Guns is a must listen for anybody who’s waiting for new material between new Wilco albums—“Dollars” is a favorite, with its slide guitar and skillfully embittered lyrics playing a nice contrast with the toe tapping melody: “Yeah you won’t find a way/In this place/And it smells of desperation anyway.”
Oh, but don’t worry: If you can’t make it out this Thursday, Two Guns plays the (free) Monday night residency at Detroit Bar in April.
Two Guns, Paper Planes and Cowboy and Indians performs Thurs., Feb. 11 at the Prospector, 2400 E. 7th St., Long Beach, 562.438.3839. $5 (free before 9:30 p.m.), 21+.
OK, no, we know what you’re thinking: It totally counts and yes, it really is awesome.
Karaoke bars usually are dingy, the catalog’s usually tragically behind (and not in a good way), the songs sound like cheap MIDI tracks or bad elevator muzak and the drinks? Not nearly cheap nor strong enough.
Enter: Alex’s Bar. Truly one of the most fun (and FREE) things we’ve ever done, KNAC/DC is Alex’s Bar resident metal karaoke band—they play live backup while you get to sing along to your favorites.
KNAC/DC features YOU on vocals with select area guys from a few local bands you may recognize. Their song list ranges from, yes, AC/DC, to Black Sabbath, Slayer and Judas Priest to Metallica, Motorhead, Dokken and, of course, Iron Maiden.
Take your pick, throw back a drink or two for courage and climb on stage and belt one out—everyone else is probably as drunk (and brave) as you are anyway.
KNAC/DC Live “Metal” Karaoke Band performs Sat., Feb. 13 at Alex’s Bar, 10 p.m., 2913 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach, 562.434.8292. Free.
