Gangi at Spaceland (5/11/2009)

The second of Gangi's May residency at Spaceland. I went to this show expecting good things from Saint Motel and to be mildly fascinated by Gangi. My experience was almost exactly the opposite.

I was unimpressed with Saint Motel. I like their recorded output, but their live show didn't bring anything to the table. After their set I expected to stay for a couple Gangi songs and leave early.

Gangi, though, was a delight to see. They're simply a "cool" band. I really liked how they began most of their songs with various samples and then dove into more traditional indie rock territory, while the samples continued to loop. They played new tracks and old tracks, and I'm looking forward to hearing the new songs and seeing them perform again in the future.

My only regret: that I didn't see Gangi the Monday before, when Head Like a Kite opened.

W2G2: May 18 - 23

Last week was a bit of a letdown, although I did enjoy Gangi's residency set and my first time seeing Death to Anders.

Monday: Residency Night (but I'll be at the Dodger game)

• Gangi at Spaceland. They're definitely worth checking out before the month is over. I hope to have a review up of last week's residency show early this week.

• Golden Animals are at the Silverlake Lounge. Xu Xu Fang opens. I'm plan to check out Golden Animals next Monday.
  

Tuesday: Avi Buffalo's residency at the Echo. I still need to get to one of his residency shows. Nico Stai is also playing with Useless Keys at the Troubadour. I have yet to see Nico Stai perform, but I don't think I'll be seeing him on Tuesday.

Wednesday: Folk/Alt-Country night with Olin & The Moon (11pm) and Leslie & The Badgers (9pm) at Silverlake Lounge. The two will be touring together in June. I very much recommend Olin and the Moon's new album, Terrible Town. Or, the Whale is on at 10pm.

• Other options: Fitz and the Tantrums at The Roxy and Downtown/Union's residency at Mr. T's Bowl.
  

Friday: Oh No Oh My, who I didn't get to see at SXSW, is at the Echo for the early show. I'll be in Boston (actually flying into Boston and then immediately renting a car and driving to Newport Beach -- oh joy), so sadly I'm missing this one.

Saturday: The Dears and Great Northern play the Echoplex, but if I was in town I'd try to head over to the All Star Lanes in Eagle Rock/Highland Park for the last show ever at the Eagle Rock Bowling & Drinking Club with The Monolators, who I have never seen.