The English Beat
The Coach House
If we had to pick one '80s band with enough energy and tenacity to put most younger acts to shame, it would probably be the English Beat. Anyone who's caught one of their shows in recent years is aware that when it comes to performing, the legendary 2 Tone ska band (who we covered this week) just can't stop it. Armed with a slew of bouncy, punk-inflected island grooves, it's pretty hard not to fall in love with songs like “Doors to Your Heart,” “Mirror in the Bathroom” and “Twist and Crawl.” Often playing shows that go on for more than just a couple hours, it's extremely important for a band with that much material to hold a crowd's interest and make you forget how long you've been on your feet watching them. Lucky for them , they pull it off.–Nate Jackson
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*The Five Best Shows in OC the Week
*Myspace Was Better Thann Facebook (For Music)
*Top Five Dive Bars in South County
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Saturday, September 29
Yellow Red Sparks
House of Blues Anaheim
It's clear that Yellow Red Sparks are the kind of band committed
to fighting the good fight. In the years since their heartfelt folk rock
sound branched out of the OC music scene, they've managed to hold onto
the work ethic that elevated them to one of the must-see acts in places
like Detroit Bar, Lucky Owl Loft and Alex's Bar. From the soul of lead singer Joshua Hanson's vocal range comes a breath of clean air in the middle of the city. Following the 2012 release of the band's album Four Steps in Corsets, Yellow Red Sparks has been rocking the Los Angeles scene full-force, and refuses to forget their humble beginnings in little 'ol Orange County. This weekend the band returns for a hometown show at the House of Blues Anaheim for a hometown that's really lit a fire under their asses.–Kacie Yoshida
Saturday, September 29
Rock Party feat. Animals as Leaders
Seaport Marina Hotel
Those who enjoy having it all might get a kick out ogf this indoor/outdoor/pool party happening at the Seaport Marina Hotel in Long Beach this weekend. Sporting an all-day, all-night lineup of acts (apparently there are over100 bands performing), Rock Party will have an easy time living up to its name. Especially when you count the headlining appearance of virtuosic metal band Animals as Leaders. Those who weren't familiar with guitarist Tosin Abasi's finger-shredding during their touring stint with Thrice this year better check these guys out. And hey, for all you former www.isanyoneup.com junkies, Hunter Moore, bro-tastic distributor of nude photos, will be among the guest DJs at the event. —Nate Jackson
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Saturday, September 29
Rise Against
Honda Center
Chicago's biggest, politically pissed off punk band is back in Anaheim for another round of distortion-dipped angst a la Endgame, their 2011 studio effort. Summoning the power and respect to draw a crowd of protest music fans, the band's relentless amounts of touring has paid off in a major way as fiery protest anthems like “Give it All” and “Ready to Fall” ringing through the largest indoor venue in OC. —Nate Jackson
Sunday, September 30
Fishbone
The Yost Theater.
Fans of ska, funk and reggae in Orange County should be excited for this Sunday. Fishbone, along with Long Beach Dub All Stars, C-Money & The Players Inc (from Slightly Stoopid) will be performing at the Yost Theater on the last date of their U.S. tour.
It's been a busy past few years for Fishbone. In 2011, they released their Crazy Glue EP
and this year saw the release of their live album, Live at The
Independent. On top of that, the Los Angeles-based alternative rockers
were the subjects of a documentary called Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone, which was narrated by Laurence Fishburne and featuring testimonials from Gwen Stefani, Flea, Les Claypool of Primus, Ice T amongst others. —Daniel Kohn
