Events for Jan. 16-22, 2014

Get with THE PROGRAM

THURSDAY, JAN. 16

BOOKS

Cameron Diaz @ Barnes & Noble (The Grove)
Since making her feature-film debut at 21, the SoCal native has not only captivated millions on the big screen but has also become a role model as an advocate for education, the environment and the empowerment of women and girls. In her recently released The Body Book: The Law of Hunger, the Science of Strength, and Other Ways to Love Your Amazing Body, Diaz shares her own journey of learning about nutrition, exercise and the mind/body connection. She discusses and signs copies of the book tonight, so if you've always admired how fit the actress appears, now's your chance to hear her formula on staying healthy.

MUSIC

Nightmare and the Cat @ Bootleg Bar (Westlake)
If you've yet to see the L.A. fivesome led by Django and Sam Stewart (sons of Dave Stewart and Siobhan Fahey), you should definitely check them out while you can at venues as intimate as the Bootleg. They just released a video for the catchy "Blackbird Smile" off their Simple EP and are set to release their debut full-length via Capitol Records later this year, so you can bet you'll be hearing about the rockers in the months to come.

FRIDAY, JAN. 17

FILM

In Theaters This Week
By now you've probably seen photos or video footage of the scary baby marketing campaign for Devil's Due; Chris Pine assumes the role of Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit as he becomes a full operative for the CIA. Also with Keira Knightley, Kevin Costner and Kenneth Branagh; The Nut Job features the voices of Will Arnett, Brendan Fraser, Liam Neeson and Katherine Heigl; Ice Cube and Kevin Hart in Ride Along. Also in theaters: Jamesy Boy

MUSIC

Eagles @ The Forum (Inglewood)
It's only fitting that an iconic L.A. band like the Eagles inaugurate the new and improved Forum with over a week full of shows. Beginning last Wednesday and continuing tonight, Jan. 18, 22, 24 and 25, the prolific foursome of Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit takeover the reinvented venue with their History of the Eagles tour. Songs from the entirety of their 40-year career are included in each night's setlist, even some that have never been performed in concert. Beware of belting out the lyrics to "Witchy Woman," "Lyin' Eyes," "Heartache Tonight" and, of course, "Hotel California" too loud at the show, or you might not have a voice tomorrow.

SUNDAY, JAN. 19

CULTURE

The Nerdist Writer's Panel @ Meltdown Comics (Hollywood)
Ben Blacker (co-creator of "The Thrilling Adventure Hour" and writer for "Supah Ninjas," "Supernatural") moderates a series of talks with professional writers of television, film, comic books, music and novels about their process and the business in general at the NerdMelt Showroom housed at Meltdown Comics. This afternoon's chat is with TV writer/producer Bryan Fuller, the mind behind amazing programs like "Hannibal," "Pushing Daisies" and "Dead Like Me." The self-professed Star Trek geek has also worked on shows like "Star Trek: Voyager," "Heroes" and "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine." It should be interested to learn about Fuller's writing process and his views on the entertainment business as well.

MONDAY, JAN. 20

CULTURE

Kingdom Day Parade @ Western Ave. & Crenshaw Blvd. (South Los Angeles)
The biggest parade in the country honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. kicks off at 9:30 a.m. today at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Western Avenue in South Los Angeles. Presented by the Congress of Racial Equality of California, the parade draws thousands of people with floats, celebrity guests, equestrian and other community groups, and marching bands. Pay tribute to Dr. King's life and legacy by taking part in the festivities.

FOOD

dineLA
Today is the first opportunity you have to take advantage of the special prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus offered by some of the city's best restaurants over the course of 12 days (running through Jan. 31). Lunch prices range from $15, $20 to $25, while dinner costs $25 through $85. Why not venture to a different neighborhood for a day of food exploration? You could hit Downtown for lunch at Aburiya Toranoko and dinner at Mo-chica; Culver City for lunch at Ford's Filling Station and dinner at Lukshon (pictured to the right); Silver Lake for lunch at Mohawk Bend and dinner at Black Hogg. Or, why not try a restaurant that is normally a bit over your price range, like Bouchon, Patina, Spago or Melisse? The options are endless.

MUSIC

Justin Timberlake @ The Forum (Inglewood)
Angelenos are lucky that the pop star has graced SoCal with several stops on The 20/20 Experience world tour. He actually brings the tour to a close at the Staples Center on Aug. 12, but before then, he gives the recently reopened Forum stage a run for its money. The concert promises flashy lights, lasers and choreography, but the real main attraction is JT's own showmanship. He can dance and sing like no other, and if you haven't seen him live, what are you waiting for?

TUESDAY, JAN. 21

MUSIC

together PANGEA @ The Smell (Downtown)
I saw the L.A. trio perform at Echo Park Rising over the summer, and their ferocious energy and style captured my attention. They release a third full-length, Badillac, today and celebrate with a release show at the Smell this evening before heading out across the country in support of the album. Give tracks like "Offer" and "Cat Man" a spin, and you're curiosity will be piqued just like mine.

New Release Tuesday - 3/19/13

MARCH 19, 2013

MUSIC RELEASES

Alpha Rev – Bloom (Kirtland)
Fresh off their hometown shows in Austin for SXSW, the group release their third full-length that features the beautiful, hymn-like single "Sing Loud." Singer-songwriter Casey McPherson reflects on the album's title: "To bloom implies something beautiful is going to happen, but it's a process – like all our journeys." Indeed, like all great artists, McPherson successfully channels all of life's ups and downs into Bloom's 10 tracks.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – Specter at the Feast (Vagrant)
The trio of Robert Levon Been, Peter Hayes and Leah Shapiro unveil their seventh album, their first in two years and their first without the production assistance of Been's father, Michael, who passed away in 2010. Writing and recording the album served as an outlet for their grief, and one listen to Specter at the Feast's lead track, "Fire Walker," shows the heart-pounding, driving beats and fuzzy melodies that BRMC are known for are here to stay.

Hit-Boy – All I've Ever Dreamed Of (HS87)
Sometimes you just need to blast a hip-hop album and dance around the house to unleash all your pent-up frustrations at the world. The debut of Grammy-winning producer Hit-Boy in front of the mic, All I've Ever Dreamed Of, is just what the doctor ordered. While he's produced tracks like Jay-Z and Kanye West's "Ni**as in Paris" and Beyoncé's brand-new "Bow Down/I Been On," his own album boasts guest spots from Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, Common, Method Man, K. Roosevelt and Audio Push.

Justin Timberlake – The 20/20 Experience (RCA)
There's been no escaping JT ever since he announced a return to his musical roots with his first album since 2006's FutureSex/LoveSounds. Just as a single song off his two previous albums, specifically "Rock Your Body" and "SexyBack," would race up the charts and cement his superstar status, "Suit & Tie" is poised to do the same. The shortest track of the 10 on The 20/20 Experience, which reunites him with Timbaland and adds J-Roc into the production mix, clocks in at just under five minutes – they're hardly your standard pop quickies – but the instrumental breaks, particularly on "Strawberry Bubblegum" and "Let the Groove In," are indispensable. Last night at the El Rey, he announced that another 10 songs will be released one day soon (hence the 20/20 title), and he embarks on the Legends of Summer tour with Jay-Z this summer, stopping at the Rose Bowl on July 28.

Low – The Invisible Way (Sub Pop) Having been invited to Wilco's Chicago studio for years, the Duluth, Minn. trio finally decided to stop by while traveling on tour. After soaking in the vibe and hearing the latest songs Wilco was working on in the studio, Low made quick plans to enlist Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy to produce their 10th album, which also marks their 20th anniversary as a band. See the new tracks from The Invisible Way performed live on April 2 at the Troubadour.

The Ocean Blue – Ultramarine (Korda)
The Pennsylvania foursome returns with their first full-length in over 10 years. The Ultramarine title is a nod to the name of their Cerulean record from 1991, as well as a reflection of the "blue" mood of the album, according to singer-songwriter David Schelzel. They swing through Los Angeles on May 18 and 19 at the Satellite.

Palma Violets – 180 (Rough Trade)
The London-based four-piece were named "Best New Group" by NME, and with a successful stint at SXSW and the release of their debut album, they're set to invade the West Coast at Coachella and April 17 at the Echo. Although the strobe lighting in their "Best of Friends" video is a bit unnerving, Palma Violets' ability to grab your attention with their music is inescapable. Other gems on 180 include "Step Up for the Cool Cats" and "Last of the Summer Wine."

The Staves – Dead & Born & Grown (Atlantic)
Big Sur is one of my favorite places in California, and the trio of Staveley-Taylor sisters successfully capture the essence of the Central Coast town in their gorgeous video for "Facing West," off their debut album. Dead & Born & Grown is full of lush, three-part harmonies and haunting melodies from the UK-based siblings, and marks the first time father-son producers Glyn (the Rolling Stones, Eagles) and Ethan Johns (Kings of Leon, Laura Marling) have teamed up for an album.

Tecla – We Are the Lucky Ones (Mayimba)
The singer, rapper, DJ and producer continues to defy genre boundaries on her sophomore full-length, blending tropical, pop and funk elements with her soulful hooks and high-octane raps. A New York native, Tecla trained as a classical pianist as a child before exploring the hip-hop, reggae, punk, electronic and funk worlds. Having written every track on We Are the Lucky Ones, the album offers a glimpse into her life and musical journey thus far through songs like "Fake Tears," "Tragic Mulatto" and "Fiction Fairytales of Love."

Also available – Alice Smith's She; Anais Mitchell & Jefferson Hamer's Child Ballads; And So I Watch You From Afar's All Hail Bright Futures; André Obin's The Arsonist; Billy Bragg's Tooth & Nail; The Black Crowes' Wiser for the Time; Brandt Brauer Frick's Miami; Brian McKnight's More Than Words; Clutch's Earth Rocker; The Copper Gamins' Los Niños de Cobre; Dirtyphonics' Irreverence; Dump's Superpowerless; Fol Chen's The False Alarms; Heidi Happy's On the Hills; Josh Rouse's The Happiness Waltz; Kacey Musgraves' Same Trailer Different Park; Lordi's To Beast or Not To Beast; Lotus' Build; Lydia's Devil; Marnie Stern's Chronicles of Marnia; MC Breed's Street Kings Gumbo Mix; Phosphorescent's Muchacho; Prurient's Through the Window; Stornoway's Takes From Terra Ferma; Suede's Bloodsports; Swollen Members' Beautiful Death Machine; Various Artists' The RZA Presents: Shaolin Soul Selection Vol. 1; Various Artists' The Walking Dead AMC Original Soundtrack – Vol. 1; Walk Off the Earth's R.E.V.O.; William Tyler's Impossible Truth; Yukmouth Presents: The Regime's Dragon Gang

DVD RELEASES

Film – Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood, Andy Serkis, Hugo Weaving and Cate Blanchett reprise their Lord of the Rings' roles along with Martin Freeman as Bilbo in Peter Jackson's The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey; Tom Hooper brings the Broadway musical, Les Misérables (3/22), to the big screen with an amazing turn by Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean, as well as Anne Hathaway, Eddie Redmayne, Amanda Seyfried and Russell Crowe; Marion Cotillard and Matthias Schoenaerts in Rust & Bone; Judd Apatow revisits Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann's Knocked Up characters in This Is 40 (3/22); Kathryn Bigelow directs Jessica Chastain, Joel Edgerton and Chris Pratt in Zero Dark Thirty.

Music – Love For Levon; OAR: Live on Red Rocks

TV – Ghost Hunters: Season 8: Part 1; Jersey Shore: Season Six

Also available – Bachelorette; The Girl; The Great Magician; Hellgate; Price Check; Straight A's; Strange Frame

New Release Tuesday - 1/15/13

JAN. 15, 2013

MUSIC

First off, a couple of my favorites unveiled new material over the past few days:

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs debuted new songs, including "Earth" and the title track, from their Mosquito album (releasing April 16) at the Glass House in Pomona on Friday. Vocalist Karen O says, "We would love for this music to make our fans feeeeel something, for it to stir some shit up inside of them, whatever that may be. SO much feeling went into this record, it was the rope ladder thrown down into the ditch for us to climb up and dust ourselves off. I hope others can climb up it too; we're excited to share the good vibes." Watch the teaser video for Mosquito here.

Justin Timberlake's first single "Suit & Tie," from his forthcoming The 20/20 Experience (due later this year), features Jay-Z and became available on iTunes yesterday. Have a listen at countdown.justintimberlake.com/.

A$AP Rocky – Long.Live.A$AP (RCA)
The NYC rapper (aka Rakim Mayers), who was named after hip-hop legend Rakim, drops his debut full-length that features the likes of Drake, Skrillex, 2 Chainz and Santigold. The deluxe version includes "I Come Apart" with soaring vocals courtesy of Florence Welch (Florence + the Machine).

Christopher Owens – Lysandre (Fat Possum)
The former Girls frontman enlisted a seven-piece band for the recording of his solo debut, and he'll have them in tow for a tour in support of Lysandre that hits Los Angeles March 22. Owens says the album was inspired by events surrounding Girls' first tour in the summer of 2008, so expect coming-of-age, road-trip tales.

Sean Lennon – Alter Egos (Chimera) 
Mystical Weapons – Self-Titled (Chimera)
Sean Lennon has two new releases out today. The first is his score for the Jordan Galland-directed film Alter Egos, which features Danny Masterson and Lennon. Cibo Matto's Miho Hatori (the first Gorillaz Noodle) lends her voice to some of the tracks as well. Lennon's other release is the result of an improvisational project with Deerhoof's Greg Saunier, known as Mystical Weapons.

Various Artists – West of Memphis: Voices for Justice (Sony Legacy)
The soundtrack for director Amy Berg's documentary about the wrongful prosecution and imprisonment of Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley for the 1993 murders of three boys in Arkansas features music by Band of Horses, Eddie Vedder, Lucinda Williams, Marilyn Manson, Nick Cave, Patti Smith and Bob Dylan.

Yo La Tengo – Fade (Matador)
The indie rockers have been together for nearly 30 years and release their 13th full-length, a pulsating, infectious album. Full of honest reflection and not the least bit pretentious, the trio take you on a musical journey that simultaneously gets your head bopping and tugs at your heartstrings.

Also available: Criminal Hygiene's CRMNL HYGNE; Dawn Richard's Goldenheart; Erin McKeown's Manifestra; Free Energy's Love Sign; Half Hearted Hero's Whatever; Holopaw's Academy Songs, Volume 1; Jamie Woolford's A Framed Life in Charming Light; Midnight Spin's Don't Let Me Sleep; Pantha du Prince's Elements of Light; Rice Cultivation Society's Sky Burial; Seth Glier's Things I Should Let You Know; Teena Marie's Beautiful; The Plot in You's Could You Watch Your Children Burn

DVDS

Film – Liam Neeson reprises his role as ex-CIA operative Bryan Mills in Taken 2; Woody Allen directs a cast that includes Jesse Eisenberg, Alec Baldwin, Roberto Benigni, Ellen Page and Penélope Cruz in To Rome with Love; About Cherry stars James Franco and Heather Graham; Viola Davis and Maggie Gyllenhaal star as two mothers who take on their local school system in Won't Back Down.

TV – Being Human: Season 4; Men of a Certain Age: Season Two; Merlin: The Complete Fourth Season

Also available – 17 Girls; 30 Nights of Paranormal Activity with the Devil Inside the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo; Branded; China Heavyweight;  I Am Bruce Lee; The Other Dream Team; The Possession