San Diego Shows–Saturday, April 18
PLAN A: Menomena, Calico Horse, Writer @ The Casbah. Normally, I’d describe any band that creates its own computer program to record music as “genius.” Menomena are still too scattershot to qualify, but don’t be surprised if they drop a classic with their next album. PLAN B: John Prine @ Spreckels Theatre. Lots of folk musicians probably wish they’d had Prine’s career. Flying just under the mainstream radar for nearly 40 years, he’s made his name through an independent spirit (he owns Oh Boy Records), his nonchalant charm and a surplus of songwriting smarts. PLAN C: Andre Nickatina, Xzibit, Substance Abuse @ ’Canes. With a cadence that recalls Too Short and a ton of lyrics about cocaine use, “Dre Dog” is California underground’s most inexplicable phenomenon—the rapper that all white frat boys aspire to hang with. And what is Xzibit doing here? Shouldn’t he be pimping rides somewhere? –Todd Kroviak
Quick Picks:
Uh, I hear there’s some festival out in the desert this weekend. If you’re going, here’s ourpicks for bands you should check out. If you’re going because you’re dying to see The Killers and Yeah Yeah Yeahs, then our list probably doesn’t apply to you.
With the rise of big-box stores and the increased availability of online music during the past decade, Record Store Day was conceived in 2007 as a way to celebrate our country’s finest independent music retailers. This year, two of the area’s most respected spots are giving us more incentive to get out and buy some music. At 10 a.m. Saturday, April 18, M-Theory Records (915 W. Washington St. in Mission Hills) opens its sidewalk sale, followed by in-store performances from Maren Parusel, The Silent Comedy, Anya Marina and Dramarama, plus a foosball tournament with the dudes from Menomena and, on cash-register duty, Pall Jenkins and Jimmy LaValle. Also at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Lou’s Records (434 N. Coast Hwy. 101 in Encinitas) offers a $5 tent sale and DJ sets throughout the day from Greaser, Adrian Demain, Eric Castaneda, Mike Keneally and more. Check websites for updates and full schedules. www.mtheorymusic.com and www.lousrecords.com. Free.
Archons, Made Out of Babies, Gort @ Soda Bar
Steve Poltz @ Anthology
Lyon Crowns, Royal Campaign, Steve Carson Band, DJ Lord Nelson @ Beauty Bar
Cage The Elephant @ House of Blues
DJs Junior and Atari @ Bar Pink
The Cured, Blasphemous Rumours, Luv’n Rockets @ Belly Up
