[Editor's Note: Every Thursday, in addition to bombarding you with
blog posts, this newspaper does something really crazy…we write a
print version! Here's a taste of our top stories this week.]
1) Our lead feature this week focuses on the no-so-irie side of reggae music history–specifically the story of Al Anderson, guitarist for the Original Wailers. After joining Bob Marley and the Wailers in the late 70s, the guitarist contributed some of the most iconic blues-inflected licks in Marley's song catalog. But after Marley died in 1981, legal battles between the Wailers and Island Records over rights to the band's songs introduced Anderson to the dirty side of the music business. That only got worse when he tried to keep the legacy of the band going when he started the Original Wailers, a group dedicated to playing originals while preserving some hits from the past. The band performs on Sunday at the House of Blues.
]
2) Our second feature highlights the rise of L.A.-based indie tribe Grouplove.
Unless you've been totally ignoring civilization lately, they're the
band who came up with that song “Tongue Tied” made famous by a certain
iTunes commercial. After meeting each other on Greek Island of Crete (of
all places) the American quintet decided to keep in touch and start a
band. So far, that plan has been working out for them pretty darn well.
Read a profile of the band before they take the stage for a sold-out
show at the Observatory tonight.
3) Our Locals Only column this week stars Fullerton/Chino Hills four-piece Max and the Moon.
Currently on our list if indie bands to watch for next year, the band
is busy crafting a follow up to their well-received self-titled EP.
Borrowing hints of aural flavor from Local Natives and Young the Giant
gave the group of singer-songwriters the basis to create their own lush
sound which really comes alive in tracks like “The Way I See” and
“Lighthouse.” The band performs at Detroit Bar tonight along with the
Steelwells, Warships and the Heavy Guilt.
4) Ask Exene
is all about finding the courage to embrace your deepest, kinkiest
secrets…especially when a scorned ex-lover has the opportunity to
expose them to your friends.
Follow us on Twitter @OCWeeklyMusic and like us on Facebook at Heard Mentality
