Fauxchella

I like the idea of Coachella, but I'm not into hanging out with a huge crowd of people for days.

When I heard of "Fauxchella", I was sold. Coachella bands? Small venues? San Francisco? Yes, yes and yes.

The first night was Mayer Hawthorne and Passion Pit at the Warfield in the Civic Center. Wowsers. What a great show. The unfortunate thing we found out was that they seem to like to start shows pretty on time. I'm not used to that at all in LA. In fact, if you want to see a headliner and the show starts at 8, you might roll in around 10 and still be listening to opening acts. Not the case here. We got to the venue at maybe 9 and had already missed part or Mayer Hawthorne's set. Boo. Good thing I'd seen him in LA (Hermosa Beach of all places) last year. Passion Pit was off the hook. I was convinced the balcony was going to come down. Here's some pictures of the pretty lights!






The next night was The XX and Hot Chip at the Fox Theater in Oakland. Again, the show really started at 8. WTF? This scheduling is not made for people with jobs. Well, that is if you have to work past 5pm. There is no time for anything else. I couldn't really get any great pictures, as I felt the need to constantly hold my ground in the crowd, so you'll just have to imagine the beautiful theater.

Saturday was spent eating more at the farmers market, walking around by the Golden Gate Bridge, eating Bi-Rite ice cream and wondering how people can so blatantly smoke pot in public. I guess that's San Francisco. Oh, and dinner at Foreign Cinema? Awesome!

Hot Tub Time Machine

My friend Sarah celebrated her birthday in Mammoth this year. In true Hermosa Beach style, there was a theme and costumes. I searched far and wide for some vintage ski wear. Sarah's mom brought some out from Vermont that had been in the family. The way I speak about it, you might think it was some priceless heirloom stuff we were dealing with. And you'd be right! Avert your eyes if you don't like awesome.

Rosario Sylvan Hearts Mayor Hawthorne

I heard a song playing on the radio or something early this summer, but didn't have the luxury of the Shazam application (or a fancy phone which would have said application) when I heard it. I just committed it to memory as being one of the best hip hop songs I'd heard in a while and knew I'd one day find it.

Thankfully kcrw started playing the song in September, so I finally figured it out. Mayer Hawthorne's "Just Ain't Gonna Work Out" is beyond rad and even better live. Lazy me was saved a trip to, well just about anywhere, when he came to my town to play at Saint Rocke back in October. Lucky me even got free tickets for knowing the Mayer Hawthorne generator. Take your middle name and the street you grew up on and you're good to go.

What a show. The County was on point! If you like hip hop, soul and just good music, go see Mayer Hawthorne and the County!


Swoon!

So sometimes Hermosa doesn't suck. What a relief.

Predator!

There's nothing quite like a treasure hunt. I used to dig through the records at thrift stores in hopes of finding some hit albums or campy artwork. It's been a while since I've done so, as I am trying to downsize.

I refound this gem while doing some spring cleaning. The band: Predator. The album: Easy Prey.


There some creepy lurker on the front in a super shredded shirt and a stocking over his head. Awesome! The bleach-blonde, bikini clad babe? Classic 80s. Also note the guy in the lineup.


Now, I can't say I agree with the outcome of this event. I would have hoped that maybe he was carrying her away into the sunset, but she looks a bit limp. And the knife? Was it really necessary?

I'd say the best part about this record is that it's local. That's totally the Hermosa Pier. Thanks to the people at Metal Blade records for producing something so cheesy.


I'm pretty sure that Predator is not still renting P.O. Box 843 in Hermosa 24 years after this album. But I can dream can't I? I have to give this record a listen (and find all the parts to my record player). Maybe I'll find the best song ever.

Big thanks to Carrie for making the pictures happen!

Rich and Single

CNN Money recently posted a story online about the top places to live if you are rich and single. Hermosa Beach, CA is apparently the number one spot.



Here's what they had to say:

"1. Hermosa Beach, CA
Hermosa Beach, CA
Population: 19,414
Single: 47.2%
Median family income: $137,941
Beach babes ride the waves and bask in the sun nearly all year long in this Los Angeles paradise. You'll find sun-kissed singles roller-blading along the Strand bike path or surfing. Beach volleyball is Hermosa Beach's unofficial sport, so claim an open court, round up some nearby beachgoers and start a coed game. When you've had your fill of sun and sand, stop by one of the many bars near the Pier Plaza for an ice cold beer. "

I call bullshit! Where are the single people making $137k? I think they unfortunately added in the income of the super rich people who own mega-mansions on the Strand when they were doing their median income calculation. (It does say family income, too.) All the people that I know either make about the same amount as we do or less. They also make no mention of the fact that many of the people making this money are a-holes. Or maybe they're, like, 50 years old, living at the beach and they just can't let go.