the BEAT of the week: KCRW at Who Shot Rock & Roll.

This, no doubt, will be a fun one. L.A. public radio station KCRW is teaming up with the Annenberg Space for Photography for the museum's current exhibition -- Who Shot Rock & Roll, the first major museum exhibition of rock music photography -- for a series of outdoors concerts. Not only will you get to check out a fun, very L.A.-esque exhibit featuring works from a number of influential photographers -- Anton Corbijn, Dennis Hopper, Richard Kern, David LaChapelle, Annie Leibovitz, Laura Levine, Ryan McGinley, Mark Seliger, to name a few -- but KCRW has also rounded up some great musicians to bring the rock.

First up this Saturday is none other than Moby (with a DJ set by Morning Becomes Eclectic's Jason Bentley). Then there's Portugal. The Man next Saturday, celebrating the station's release of its “T. Rex vs. KCRW Soundclash” remix EP. And finally, on Aug. 4th, it's L.A.'s very own Band of Skulls and Raphael Saadiq, celebrating songs of Bob Dylan. Plus: It's all free. Just be sure to RSVP and arrive early!

Who said museums aren't cool?

Who Shot Rock & Roll is being shown until Oct. 7 at the Annenberg Space for Photography, located at 2000 Avenue of the Stars in Century City. For more information on the KCRW outdoors concerts, check here.

-- Chau Tu

Click It. BEAT picks of the week.

Ryan Adams (my favorite) covering Danzig's 1988 hit, "Mother".

A Los Angeles summer scarf from Madewell.

Discovery: Walmart sells Hard Candy nail polish. You better believe I have a brand new bottle of Sky.

Twelve Uncomplicated Summer Cocktails, by Mark Bittman.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Click It. BEAT picks of the week - Valentine's edition.

Nothing says "Happy Valentine's Day!" like chocolate and flowers.

Favorite picks for chocolate gift-giving:

Chocolove bars if you're keeping it simple (Toffee & Almonds in milk chocolate is my favorite)

See's

Teuscher champagne truffles

Theo Chocolate caramels (above), sprinkled with Himalayan pink sea salt

Vosges

Good flower choices:

Lilies

Orchids

Peonies

Roses

Or, ask a florist to help create a special bouquet!

And a few girly items for the big (Tues)day: red nail polish for a fresh mani/pedi, a bottle of bubbly, a soundtrack, and something sexy to wear to bed!

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: shopterrain.com

the BEAT of the week: IAMSOUND at the Ace Hotel.

So it's fall. That doesn't mean you're not in need of a vacation. How about a little mini-trip to the desert?

This weekend before Thanksgiving is the perfect excuse for an escape. And hey, there's actually something going on in that desert land of Palm Springs this weekend beyond the bingo games. Local record label IAMSOUND is hosting a showcase at the always-hip Ace Hotel this Saturday and Sunday, urging everyone to come poolside and enjoy some good tunes. In the lineup is one of my favorite new up-and-coming bands, Electric Guest (the frontman is Jorma Taccone's brother!), as well as Sean Bones and Fidlar. And there'll be some DJing, too, of course, with maybe some surprises?

Best part: the showcase with the bands is free for everyone, and the daytime DJ sounds by the pool come with a $16 swim pass. So all you've got to do is get yourself to the desert! As if you needed any more prodding.

The IAMSOUND Showcase takes place this Saturday and Sunday at the Ace Hotel, located at 701 E. Palm Canyon Dr. in Palm Springs.

-- Chau Tu

the BEAT of the week: Hedi Slimane's "California Song" at MOCA.

To put it modestly, Hedi Slimane is one of the most well-respected and most admired names in the fashion industry. He's helped build the modern fashion houses of Yves Saint Laurent and Dior Homme, and quite singlehandedly created what is the slim silhouette so common nowadays in menswear. But Slimane hasn't stopped there: he also designs album covers (Daft Punk), and writes and photographs (Vanity Fair).

His striking photography is getting its first proper West Coast show beginning this week, with the "California Song" exhibit at the MOCA Pacific Design Center. Divided into two parts, the installation will include a photo diary focused on California artists, musicians and youth culture, as well as a section with sonic, motion-photography. Select California bands, including L.A.'s own No Age and Ariel Pink, are also contributing music for the exhibition. Those two bands are slated to perform in the opening for the show on Nov. 11.

If you're familiar with any of Slimane's work, you already know that this exhibit will be beautiful and moving and distinct -- stark yet classy. You can take a peek at Slimane's photography here, in the meantime, but being able to see the work up close and personal will definitely be an experience of its own.

Hedi Slimane's "California Song" will be showing Nov. 12-Jan. 22, 2012 at the MOCA Pacific Design Center, located at in West Hollywood.

-- Chau Tu

Advance Notice. Moby at Book Soup.

Moby (an Angeleno who lives in this awesome Hollywood Hills castle) has a new album and book out, and on Monday he'll be at Book Soup for a signing. There are a few fantastic reviews on Amazon, so if you're already a Moby fan, or just curious about what he's been up to recently (other than eating/hanging out at Oaks Gourmet), check out Destroyed.

Monday September 12 at 7:00 p.m. 8818 Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood. Info: booksoup.com, (310) 659-3110

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images North America via zimbio.com

Advance Notice. FYF Fest.

Although it had its share of organizational problems last year, FYF Fest is still, in my opinion, one of the best music festivals offered in Southern California. The FYF crew is always able to round up a great lineup, mixing big names with small, and keep the price for admission reasonable. And being set in downtown on Labor Day weekend? What a way to say farewell to summer.

It feels like a long ways off, but it's time to prepare now. FYF Fest 2011 was announced last Wednesday, and tickets are now on sale. For $35 (early price) to $40, it's basically a steal to see awesome bands like the Descendents, Death From Above 1979 (who made a triumphant return from hiatus this year, and completely killed it at Coachella), Explosions in the Sky, Broken Social Scene (always amazing at festivals), Dan Deacon, Guided By Voices, Cults, Japandroids, Cass McCombs, Avi Buffalo, Fool's Gold and so many more.

Get your tickets now -- it'll likely be on the road to selling out soon.

FYF Fest 2011 is taking place Saturday, Sept. 3rd at (new location!) City Hall, located at 1st and Main in downtown.

-- Chau Tu

Do It. Adele's Los Angeles Concerts.

If you don't have Adele's album 21, buy it now.

Also--see her next week at the Greek Theatre (6/6) or the Hollywood Palladium (6/9).

Adele's "Make You Feel My Love" is on a compilation charity CD, Songs for Japan, that I picked up at a Best Buy in Montreal last week and have been listening to non-stop. Other tracks include John Lennon's "Imagine", Bob Dylan's "Shelter from the Storm", and Eminem Featuring Rihanna's "Love the Way You Lie".

Los Angeles shows Monday June 6 and Thursday June 9.

Tickets available through Ticketmaster, if sold out, try Craigslist.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: thatgrapejuice.net

Check It. Coachella bands to see.

You've had the chance to mull over those Coachella set times for hours now. Have you got your weekend set?

You haven't, unless you've got these artists below. These are bands or musicians that may or may not know so much about, but are definitely worth your while, or at least can act as a great soundtrack to lounging in the sun:

Friday:
The tents and stages will definitely be rumbling around the 4pm hour, with the ever-hyped Odd Future going up against the entertaining Cee-Lo Green, local faves Warpaint and and sing-along-friendly Morning Benders, so get your adrenaline going by catching Titus Andronicus right before it all. The Jersey natives hit the Outdoor Theatre at 3:30pm and will rock the perfect anthem-driven tunes to begin your weekend like you're going into battle (because you basically will be).
Also don't miss: Cut Copy, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears, Robyn

Saturday:
With Arcade Fire ending this night in all their glory, the day's filled with openers in the same indie music ilk -- Broken Social Scene, Bright Eyes, Two Door Cinema Club, Henry Clay People. Catch a still up-and-comer in Cults, a twosome from San Diego (but now based in New York) who craft fun, delightful pop tunes inspired by the '60s and doo wop. Their debut is set to release in May, so get a jump on knowing their new songs when they perform on the Gobi stage at 1:55pm.
Also: Thao and the Get Down Stay Down, Radio Dept., Rye Rye

Sunday:
It's all about the staples on this last day: Kanye, the Strokes, DFA 1979. Watch Delorean to start off your day right. The Spaniards will either get you up dancing or allow you dream off into a haze, but either way, the catchy dance tunes will put you in a euphoric mood. They'll be playing on the Gobi stage at 2pm, and will give you just the boost you need.
Also: Twin Shadow, Chromeo, MEN

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: Wired.com

Advance Notice. Blonde Redhead L.A. shows July 1 and 2.

In case you missed Blonde Redhead last time they came to town, get tickets now for their upcoming summer shows.

On July 1 they will be at Echoplex, and on the 2nd at El Rey.

Listen now: Falling Man on Misery is a Butterfly.

Both shows $25 general admission.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: blonde-redhead.com

Check It. Coachella set times.

They're finally up -- Coachella has posted the set times for this weekend's desert music festivities. Check them out here, and start planning! And check back tomorrow for some BEAT picks, courtesy of moi.

Happy Coachella-ing!

-- Chau Tu

Advance Notice. KJEE Summer Round-Up in Santa Barbara.

June sounds like a nice time for a weekend getaway, right? And if you needed a bigger excuse, you've got it with the KJEE Summer Round-Up happening June 3rd at the Santa Barbara Bowl. With a line-up that includes Lykke Li, Peter Bjorn and John, Foster the People and Cage the Elephant, you know you'll be starting off summer just right. Plus, tickets are only $18-25! Definitely a steal, and worth that beautiful drive up the coast.

Presale begins today at 10am with the password "elephant" or you can wait until the official onsale tomorrow.

The KJEE Summer Round-Up begins at 4pm on Friday, June 3rd at the Santa Barbara Bowl, located at 1122 N. Milpas St. in Santa Barbara.

-- Chau Tu

Advance Notice. TV on the Radio at the Music Box.

Just over four years ago, I saw TV on the Radio at the Music Box and wrote about the show for my college paper. The headline was "TV on the Radio wows Hollywood".

They're playing the same venue May 3, and I highly suggest getting tickets when the pre-sale starts tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. Password: WILLDO.

If you're not familiar with the band, check out their 2006 album, Return to Cookie Mountain (particularly songs I Was a Lover, and Wolf Like Me), and their new (fourth) album, Nine Types of Light, which will be released April 12.

The Music Box is located at 6126 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood. Tickets will be available at ticketmaster.com, $25. Info: themusicbox.la, (323) 464-0808

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: blogs.villagevoice.com

Check It. Panda Bear's "Tomboy" [The Monday Download].

Like his main gig, Animal Collective, Panda Bear's solo music is pretty weird. It's experimental, ethereal, filled with strange noises. And yet, it also somehow manages to be catchy. There were many moments in Panda Bear's debut album, Person Pitch, that I felt reminded of the pop experimentalist nature of The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds. (It also helps that he has a voice that can reach up nearly as high as Brian Wilsons's).

The indie music community has been long awaiting the sophomoric release, and it's finally here. Although set to officially be released April 12th, NPR is streaming the entire album, named Tomboy, for free on its website. Check it out now, and give me your thoughts.

-- Chau Tu

Check It. LCD Soundsystem's "A Long Goodbye" farewell show.

It's time to say goodbye to a good friend. LCD Soundsystem is officially and gracefully bowing out this weekend, after nine years and three unforgettable albums. And although that sad farewell is set to take place this Saturday night at Madison Square Garden in New York City, we here in L.A. too have a chance to send our farewells.

Pitchfork will be broadcasting the at-least-three-hour show live on its website. So get dressed in all white (as was the requested dress code for the live audience), turn up the speakers and have a down and dirty dance show. It's the least you can do.

Thanks James Murphy and Co.!

"A Long Goodbye" will be taking place on Pitchfork at 6pm PST. For a primer before the show, be sure to check out Pitchfork's extensive history, track-by-track, of the band here.

-- Chau Tu

Advance Notice. Janet Jackson at Book Soup.

Janet Jackson's book, True You: A Journey to Finding and Loving Yourself, was released in February, and next month the five-time Grammy winner will be at Book Soup signing it.

The book covers fame, food, depression, and struggles and successes with self-esteem, as well as fitness secrets from her trainer and wholesome recipes from her nutritionist, David Allen.

Friday April 15 at 3:00 p.m.

Book Soup is located at 8818 Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood. Info: booksoup.com, (310) 659-3110

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: Harper's Bazaar

Advance Notice. Silver Lake Jubilee.

It's back. The arts, music, food and neighborhood festival known as the Silver Lake Jubilee will be returning to its spot under the bridge at Sunset Blvd. and Santa Monica Blvd. for a second year of fun festivities. Most of the special info -- the 50+ bands/artists and 60+ vendors and food trucks -- have yet to be announced, but the $5 (!!) tickets are already a steal, so you have no excuse to miss out. Get them here now, and mark your calendars for May 21-22.

The Silver Lake Jubilee is taking place the weekend of May 21-22 at 1070 Myra Ave. in Silver Lake.

-- Chau Tu

Check It. Middle Brother.

Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes is one of the best young musicians out there. He's joined forces with John McCauley of Deer Tick and Delta Spirit's Matthew Vasquez to form Middle Brother. Time Out Chicago calls them an "Americana Supergroup" and that sounds about right to me.

They made a splash at SXSW this year after debuting at the annual Austin, Texas film and music festival last year. Their self-titled debut album was released March 1.

You can listen to their song "Me Me Me" on the band's MySpace page.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: blogs.kcrw.com

Advance Notice. Arctic Monkeys at the Palladium.

I really love the Arctic Monkeys' "Whatever People Say I am, That's What I'm Not (2006)" album. I wasn't the only one--it was (and still is) the fastest selling debut in UK chart history. Since then, they've released "Favourite Worst Nightmare (2007)" (Fluorescent Adolescent is a great song), and "Humbug" (2009). Clearly they're due for a new release, and it's coming--with one new song "Brick by Brick" already up on their website.

In September 2007 I saw them play the Hollywood Palladium (pre-renovation), and it was a lot of fun. On Friday June 3, they'll be back. Order your presale tickets tomorrow starting at 10:00 a.m. (till 10:00 p.m.) through Live Nation with the password "pedicure". Onsale to general public Friday March 11 at 10:00 a.m.

Also noteworthy--Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner has been dating English "It girl"/modern day fashion icon Alexa Chung since 2007.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: starpulse.com

Do It. Lykke Li at Amoeba.

Lykke Li's L.A. shows this week at the Wiltern and El Rey went on sale sometime last year and sold out quickly. And this was way before her latest, powerful and beautiful album Wounded Rhymes was even close to leaking (it was officially released last week). But the Swedish beauty is still giving you another chance to see her live.

We told you about the Mondrian Sessions a while back -- and hey! Guess who the special guest this Thursday is (you are probably still be able to RSVP to this, by the way)! -- but if you just can't wait, head on over to Amoeba tonight at 6pm (but you should get there way earlier) and see Lykke do her thing. The new record is darker, more sultry than her debut pop effort, but Lykke says that this is definitely more her style. So get ready to see her rock.

Lykke Li will be performing today at 6pm at Amoeba Music, located at 6400 Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood.

-- Chau Tu