The Best Shows in LA This Week: The War On Drugs, The Drums, Pinback, Cass McCombs, Conor Oberst, Beverly and more!
Written by Patrick McNamara
There is lots of show goodness out there this week. However, because we are heroes we have managed to narrow down your choices to the following five. But remember. It only takes one good show to change your life. And I hope you remember that, man.
#1. The War on Drugs/Cass McCombs - The Fonda/Glass House - Wed/Thurs/Fri - Oct 1/2/3 - 2014 A.D.
Wow. That broke the line didn't it? Oh well. It was worth it to include so much dynamic information. You get two for the price of one at these three shows. The War on Drugs are a super solid easy breezy band that are instantly likeable and I hear from my girlfriend in Canada who's a marine biologist that this band is often nice to listen to while lighting the marriage huana. And, of course, you probably already know about the post-singer/songwriter alt pop goodness Cass McCombs has been slinging for over a decade. But if you don’t, well, now’s your chance, man. Things always work out in the end.
#2. Pinback - El Rey Theatre - Friday - October 3 - 2014 A.D.
Speaking of decades, did you know that Pinback’s sublime eccentro-pop* album “Summer in Abaddon” is ten years old? My how time flies when you’re having eccentro-pop* fun. The band will be playing that record in its entirety tonight. And then they’ll probably play a bunch of other shit because Pinback’s sets can be like the longest sets ever. Good thing they’re good. If they sucked this show would suck.
* been trying to get that genre term in the alt Zeitgeist since 2004 - I'll let you know!
#3. Beverly - The Smell - Saturday - October 4 - 2014 A.D.
This relatively new-ish Brooklyn band Beverly play the chill beach-esque pop hits. But these tunes (also known as “jingles” or “cuts” by Music Industry Insiders) come with some bite that make these melodies a whole lot more interesting than those regular old run-of-the-mill chill beach pop hits (you like the beach - cool - got it). See Beverly only if you’re interested in seeing bands who are good. You don’t like bands that slay, stay away.
#4. The Drums - The Mayan Theater - Sunday - October 5 - 2014 A.D.
In recent years, these London (by way of New York by way of Florida by way of New York) melody makers have churned out the catchiness with admirable steadiness and chill determination. See them play songs off their new album “Encyclopedia” tonight. I hope they play the old hits too. I sing that one that goes “Jenny Jenny Jenny don’t be laaaaazy” when I’m vacuuming or showering or writing this thing or whatever all the time. The following is not that song.
#5. Conor Oberst - The Greek Theatre - Sunday - October 5 - 2014 A.D.
Mr. Bright Eyes returns. And this time…. it’s personal. See Commander Venus Conor and then lean over to your friend and say, “I’m glad we did this. We made the right decision. This is fun.” Or, be a Desaparecido and skip it. It's all good. I'm OK. You're OK. Everything is chill. You do you. It’s your journey, man.
