LA Guns

Aside from the Oldominion shows at Vera Project (4 p.m.) and Neumos (8 p.m.), which you can read about here, there's all this:

LA Guns, A Lesson In Chaos, Universal Measure, Subjekt2Change at Studio Seven, 8 p.m., $17

If you're a law student interested in the entertainment biz, I have an awesome case study for you: How is it that two bands with completely different members can call themselves L.A. Guns and tour and record simultaneously? I have no fucking clue and, sadly, the lineup changes that caused this are too convoluted to cram into this blurb. But that's what lawyers are good for--making sense of nonsense. However, you L.A. Guns fans out there have a decision to make: Do you spend money tonight to see original singer Phil Lewis' version of the band as he celebrates 20 years of kick-ass cock & roll? Or take a chance that founder and iconic guitarist Tracii Guns' version might blow through town on an entirely different 20th anniversary tour later this year? I'm not steeped enough in L.A. Guns politics to know if fans chose sides, or if they are just happy to have double the Guns. Lewis, however, has expressed that his version of the band--which features longtime drummer Steve Riley--is superior to Tracii's (which, according to Lewis, is made up of "leeches" that are just using Tracii). But...the band is Tracii Guns' namesake and he is, inarguably, one of the most talented guitarists of his kind. Sigh. Then again, Cocked & Loaded is one of the greatest hard rock albums of all time and this particular show promises Lewis will be "singing all the hits." But honestly, dudes, having two different versions of the same band can't be good for either Lewis or Guns...or the fans!. So, I say one of you (I don't care which) cut the shit and sort this out the American way: Sue each other! BRIAN BARR
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When I first heard Lil Wayne was releasing a rock album, I thought it was one of the most catastrophic career moves the rapper could make. But I'm starting to change my mind. I love "Prom Queen."

And now another new Lil Wayne track has leaked on the Internet. You can listen to "Hot Revolver" here. It samples a lyric from Green Day's massive '95 hit "Basket Case." And it's pretty damn catchy.

You're welcome.

A couple of days ago, Seattle hip-hop O.G., Supreme La Rock was doing a radio show and dug up an old school track for a group called Chrome Kids that he produced back in 1997. The song is called "Official Members" and you can tell it was created in the late '90s as soon as the beat begins. There's a definitive East Coast sound to this track -- and Chrome Kids were from New Jersey so that makes sense -- but the essence of hip-hop's best underground years is draped all over this one.

For all of the acclaim that early '90s rap gets, I'd argue that production like this from the 97/98 years was even better. Check out the track after the jump.

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Nectar Lounge has done a good job of bringing in top-notch reggae talent lately. No other music venue around town (that I can tell) is doing so when it comes to live music. That track record continues tomorrow night when often over-looked reggae veteran, Yami Bolo, comes to the Town.

His music always maintains a strong, positive message and vocally, he's got a singing style, that's slightly similar to Junior Reid, but less gimmicky. Damien Marley is a big fan of Yami Bolo and has name-checked him several times on certain Marley tracks. The reason is, Bolo is permanently slept on as one of the more talented one-drop artist in Jamaica right now.

Check out this throwback video after the jump for footage of Bolo at 14 toasting in the dancehall. If for nothing else, it's great footage of what Kingston dancehall's used to look like in the early 80s when the essence of the music was at it's most fertile.

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Local rapper Spaceman is headlining his first show. All I have say is, "It's about friggin' time!" If you're not hip to one of Sportin' Life Records' most gifted talents, then peep his turn on "Big Homie Style," from producer Jake One's brilliant White Van Music. Space rocks it, as he will doubtlessly rock his February 13 show at Chop Suey. Tickets can be purchased here.

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As if Neil Diamond's unbelievable support of the Seattle-area Tejano scene and Hurricane Ike victims weren't enough to cement his awesomeness, then get a load of this quote, which was included in a press release announcing that Diamond will be honored as the MusiCares 2009 Person of the Year at a pre-Grammy benefit concert next Friday in L.A., which will include performances by Coldplay, the Jonas Brothers, Faith Hill, Kid Rock, and Seattle's own Los Volcanes.

Quoth Diamond: "There's probably a little category called 'Neil Diamond' which is a broad spectrum of rock and roll, mixed in with theatrical music, mixed in with country music, mixed in with Latin music, mixed in with Jewish melodies, throw a little dash of Afro-Cuban music in with some ballroom dancing too."

Afro-Cuban? Who knew?! Anyhoo, enjoy Will Ferrell's sterling impersonation of the studded one after the jump.

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Sir Paul McCartney wants YOU to buy a ticket to Coachella

Coachella music festival has announced it's full lineup this morning and I can imagine the internets are going to be on fire because of it. Tickets went on sale an hour ago, so if you head to their website, which is linked above, you can purchase tickets now.

There's definitely a few surprises on the lineup that I don't think anyone could have expected. The most obvious is Sir Paul McCartney--who I'm totally excited to see play on the same stage with the Ting Tings and Bajafondo. The big names--aside from Sir Paul, include Morrissey (lame--sorry) the Cure, TV on the Radio, our own FLEET FOXES (who love the Seattle Weekly btw) and Amy Winehouse. The last "big name" is funny cause I'm honestly not convinced she's gonna live long enough to be there. After the jump, check out the full lineup for all three days.

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SAETA. Photo courtesy of M. Macioce

SAETA (ex-Ms. Led) has their CD release party tonight at Cafe Venus. That's Matt Menovick and Lesli Wood's project, with cello support from Bob Smolenski. It's a quiet, whispery affair with pretty, soft instrumentals, although you may find Menovick's wispy voice to be an acquired taste.

Also, the Alan Bishop blurb we ran was actually for a Spoils show-- Alan Bishop is making a guest appearance, but the evening is actually going to be one long Spoils set, with guest appearances from Bishop, B.R.A.D., Chris Martin (of Kinski), Steve Moore, and Skerik.  The show is at the Blue Moon Tavern, starts at 10 p.m. and will cost $5.  Our bad, guys.  This wasn't clear to either Barr or me, so I'm letting you all know.  The blurb he wrote is attached, however, after the jump.
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