When Portland experimental rock band Grails goes record hunting at Amoeba Hollywood, you can expect them to find some obscure records. "I picked this record out purely based on the cover," said Ilyas Ahmed while pulling out Nuits D'Été Avec Naima Samih by Moroccan organist Abdou El Omari. "When I find something like this it makes me really excited that I can go home and listen to it, and have to learn to live with it," he told us. "I think that's something with music that's kind of underappreciated these days," he continued, comparing the process of appreciating records to getting know friends. All of the guys picked up some interesting and esoteric records and shared their personal insight with us in our latest What's In My Bag? episode.

Originally named Laurel Canyon, Grails began playing shows together in 1999, self-releasing two EPs before signing to Neurot Recordings for the release of their debut full-length under the Grails moniker, 2003's The Burden of Hope. The core lineup of Alex John Hall, Emil Amos, and William Zakary Riles was refined over time, with previous members sometimes joining the trio for live performances and guest collaborators contributing to their recording sessions.

Michelle Zauner of Japanese Breakfast went shopping at Amoeba Hollywood and shared some of her favorite records, movies, and current interests, like Shin Joong Hyun, whom she describes as "the Phil Spector of Korea, without the issues." While on tour in Seoul, the promoters introduced her to Shin, who is considered the godfather of Korean rock, and was not only a psychedelic guitar god, but also a prolific writer of songs for Korean girl groups. All in all, Zauner had lots of interesting picks, making for an eclectic and insightful What's In My Bag? interview.

Japanese Breakfast is the solo indie pop project of Zauner, the guitarist and vocalist for Philadelphia indie band Little Big League. She began writing as part of a month-long song-a-day challenge; the results would eventually become Japanese Breakfast's 2013 cassette release, June. The following year, Little Big League released Tropical Jinx, and Zauner self-released a handful of works by Japanese Breakfast. In 2016, her focus shifted strongly toward her solo project, with the darker, heavier Psychopomp finding release via Yellow K Records.

By Brent James

Recently, I had the extreme pleasure of attending the opening night of Jeff Lynne’s ELO world tour. The massive Oracle Arena in Oakland, California could hardly contain the excitement of the sold-out crowd that had traveled from as far away as New Zealand just to witness the return of one of music’s most unique and mainstay institutions in the flesh.

On Thursday, August 2nd, 2018, they were not disappointed…

Opening with “Standing In The Rain”, the 14-piece powerhouse band pummeled the crowd with blast after blast. “Evil Woman” kicked off an operatic hard rock cavalcade, and by the time “Do Ya” was over the fans could take no more! “When I Was A Boy” slowed things down so folks could catch their breath or perhaps refresh libations.

“Living Thing” was the band’s showcase, redefining the word “orchestra.” Iain Hornal was one of many VIP’s this evening and shined through on “Handle With Care,” channeling Roy Orbison with an almost eerie precision. “Xanadu” brought the house down, and “Shine A Little Love” demonstrated the technologically visual prowess that ELO has been known for since the very beginning. A show within a show.

The third “act” kicked off with “Wild West Hero,” and galloped all the way through classic staples “Don’t Bring Me Down” and “Turn To Stone” before finally settling down. The encore, “Roll Over Beethoven” written by Chuck Berry but basically owned by Lynne and ELO, left the crowd on their feet and begging for more. Like an orgasmic, euphoric roller coaster ride, you want to ride it again and again.

Amoeba is proud to partner once again with MATATU for the 2018 MATATU Festival of Stories, which kicks off on Wednesday, September 26th at 7pm with an evening with Saul Williams at Oakland's historic Grand Lake Theatre. Part film, part performance, everything is on the table in this conversation with one of the world's most prolific artists.

Saul Williams has been breaking ground since his debut album, Amethyst Rock Star, was released in 2001. After gaining global fame for his poetry and writings at the turn of the century, Williams has performed in over 30 countries and read in over 300 universities, with invitations that have spanned from the White House, the Sydney Opera House, Lincoln Center, The Louvre, The Getty Center, Queen Elizabeth Hall, to countless villages, townships, community centers, and prisons across the world. The Newburgh, New York native gained a BA from Morehouse and an MFA from Tisch, and has gone on to perform with Nine Inch Nails and Allen Ginsburg, as well as countless film and television appearances.

Wednesday, September 26th, includes a special film screening of The Third Part of the Third Measure (2017), a new audiovisual composition commissioned by the Institute of Contemporary Art, Philadelphia and Sharjah Biennial 13. The Third Part of the Third Measure creates an encounter with the militant minimalism of avant-garde composer, pianist, and vocalist Julius Eastman. The film focuses on what The Otolith Group describe as “an experience of watching in the key of listening,” invoking political feelings of defiance and the collective practice of movement-building that participates in the global struggles against neo-reactionary authoritarianism. The Third Part of the Third Measure invites viewers to attend to exemplary ecstatic aesthetics of black radicalism that Eastman himself once described as “full of honor, integrity, and boundless courage.”

Enamel pins continue to be a widely popular accessory these days and we offer a wide selection of pins, ranging from music and movies to pop culture and politics. But we're especially proud of these new enamel pins shaped like the exteriors of our stores, made exclusively for us by Rockin Pins! These super cute enamel pins are available in-store and online for $10 each or you can collect all three for just $20!

Get them here: Amoeba Hollywood pin | Amoeba San Francisco pin | Amoeba Berkeley pin | 3-Pin Bundle

We sat down with the guys from Rockin Pins -- graphic designer Jason Cryer and owner Mauricio Alvarado -- to chat with them a little bit about our new pins and their process.

What inspires you and how did you think to do the Amoeba store pins?

Jason: Our inspiration really springs from our love for music — it’s what brought Mauricio and I together as friends and fuels our work with Rockin Pins. I've been shopping at the Berkeley Amoeba for most of my life — I bought my first LPs there at 13 — so making pins for Amoeba was a no-brainer. The money I make from Rockin Pins usually goes directly into funding my record collection!

In celebration of the release of Death Cab For Cutie's Thank You For Today, come in to Amoeba SF on release date (this Friday, August 17) at 4:30pm and get a FREE BURRITO (while quantities last) with purchase of the new album OR when you show us your DCFC shirt, tattoo, or ticket stub! No kidding!

Although Death Cab for Cutie can't be there, you can enjoy a burrito on them. DCFC loves their fans and they also love burritos, so Friday is all about both at Amoeba SF.

Thank You for Today is the sound of Death Cab for Cutie both expanding and refining; a band twenty years into its evolution, still uncovering new curves in its signatures, new sonic corners to explore. The Seattle band’s ninth studio album stands alongside classic Death Cab for Cutie albums including their 1998 debut Something About Airplanes and 2003’s masterful Transatlanticism as a definitive collection -- ten tracks that are by turns beautiful and dynamic, and darkly anthemic and bittersweet.

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds are coming to Los Angeles and Amoeba Hollywood has an exclusive ticket + vinyl bundle available! Starting Friday, August 17th, fans can purchase a GA floor ticket to see Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds with Cigarettes After Sex at The Forum on Sunday, October 21st, pre-order the limited edition Distant Sky: Live In Copenhagen EP on 12" vinyl, and get a limited edition tour lithograph poster. This exclusive bundle is available for $110 in-store only at Amoeba Hollywood (starting 8/17, while supplies last).

The poster and tickets will be handed out at time of purchase, but you must return to Amoeba Hollywood to pick up the vinyl EP starting September 28th. (No online or phone orders, no shipping.)

Distant Sky: Live In Copenhagen was recorded at Copenhagen’s Royal Arena in October 2017 and captures an extraordinary and triumphant live concert from Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds.

Already have your ticket? Pre-order the Distant Sky: Live In Copenhagen EP here. (Online pre-orders do not include a ticket to the Forum or a lithograph poster).

LA pop/rock band Wallows performed at Amoeba Hollywood to celebrate the release of their debut EP Spring and beforehand we got a chance to talk with them about some of their favorite records, including David Bowie's final album, Black Star. "To be 68 years old and making this album," Dylan Minnette marveled, "[it's] completely game-changing, and unlike anything I've ever heard." The singer/guitarist considered the record one of the artist's best, saying, "David Bowie went out with one of his greatest albums in his entire catalog."

Los Angeles-based Wallows consists of Braeden Lemasters (vocals/guitars), Dylan Minnette (vocals/guitars), and Cole Preston (drums). Lemasters and Minnette, both child actors, met through their work in the film industry, later inviting Preston to play music with them. They have been performing in bands together since they were eleven-year-old students at the San Fernando Valley music school Join the Band. After collaborating musically for almost a decade, Wallows signed to Atlantic, releasing their debut recording, the Spring EP, (fittingly) in spring 2018.

Amoeba Hollywood is having a sidewalk sale on Saturday, August 18! We'll have crazy good deals on DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, vinyl, T-shirts & more 12pm-4pm. Everything is priced to move fast and conveniently located just outside the store.

Check out some of the great bargains you'll find at our sidewalk sale:

DVD box sets: 2 for $5 or $3 each DVDs: 3 for $5 or $2 each Blu-ray: 3 for $10 or $4 each CDs: buy one, get one free (of equal or lesser value) Posters: 3 for $5 or $2 each 45s: 3 for $1

Clearance and discounted LPs Classical CD and LP deals Books, magazines & comics: 2 for $1 Bargain toys & rare artist merch

All sidewalk sale items are aggressively sale priced. Therefore, we do not accept store credits, gift certificates, coupons or other offered store sales for any sidewalk sale items. Additionally, we cannot offer customer holds or mail order. All sales are final.

Noise Pop presents their sixth annual 20th Street Block Party on Saturday, August 18th from noon to 6pm! The 20th Street corridor between Harrison and Bryant Streets in the historic Mission District will be transformed into a FREE neighborhood celebration of music, food, local vendors, and tons of other surprises.

This year's musical line-up includes performances from Empress Of, Jeff Rosenstock, The Marías, The She's, FAN (Meric Long of The Dodos), The Total Bettys, Small crush, SAZON LIBRE, B-Side Brujas, and more. Additionally, there will be yoga set to live music on the main stage from Showga, which is presented by SAVA, a marketplace for curated cannabis goods. (Mutiny Radio, on 21st and Florida, will play host to a SAVA delivery hot-spot for anyone who wants to order for delivery during the festival.) 

Amoeba Music is thrilled to be on the scene too with killer used vinyl, enamel pins, and more. We'll be located in the Deep Eddy Vodka's Music Mixer, where attendees can cool down with delicious vodka slushies, peruse our used vinyl, and maybe even dance at the adjacent Silent Disco. Guests are encouraged to buy some vinyl for the DJ to spin for the audience.

Brooklyn hip hop group Flatbush Zombies visited Amoeba Hollywood recently and showed us some of their favorite records, including a few important soundtracks in their lives, including the rap mockumentary CB4. "This is a public service announcement to all the current rappers right now," said Meechy Darko. "This movie is literally what is going on right now in the world. Not just rap, in the world. People fakin' it 'til they make it." For Erick "the Architect" Elliott, the soundtrack to Friday was particulary meaningful. "This movie introduced me to Curtis Mayfield, Rick James," he told us, continuing, "Ice Cube is really a genius for him to be a MC and do something amazing like this, being on the screen and writing a script." Darko, Elliott, and fellow bandmate Zombie Juice found interesting music and movies, and had a lot to say about the importance of each, making for a fun and insightful What's In My Bag? episode. 

Consisting of childhood friends, Flatbush Zombies formed in 2010 and began attracting attention with the release of their "Thug Waffle" video. The band self-released their debut mixtape D.R.U.G.S., an acronym for Death and Reincarnation Under God's Supervision, in 2012. That same year, Flatbush Zombies made an appearance on the RZA track "Just Blowin' in the Wind," written for the Wu-Tang Clan member's film The Man with the Iron Fists. 

In addition to the new hip-hop album releases in the Top Five below are such other new/recent arrivals to Amoeba as the Fugees vinyl release from Sony Legacy; Refugee Camp: Bootleg Versions LP. As its title implies this is a collection of alternative bootleg versions of tracks by the Fugees (aka Refugee Camp)   including "Ready Or Not [Clark Kent/Django Remix]" and "Nappy Heads [Mad Spider Mix]. Another Sony Legacy trip down memory lane is their 2LP/vinyl reissue of Nas' 1999 album Nastradamus 2LP/vinyl reissue.

New releases on vinyl this week include Fat Albert Einstein's 2U4U LP, Jake Najor's 7" DJ/producer tailored Dirty Money Breaks on Common Good Records, and Minneapolis artist Sims' Arteria Verite LP. That brand new album by the Doomtree crew member is also available on CD. 

Additional hip-hop new arrivals at Amoeba from the past couple of weeks include Curren$y & Harry Fraud's The Marina EP (also on vinyl/LP),  Freeway's Think Free,  and Jarren Benton's Yuck Fou. Recent vinyl releases include Knxwledge's Stones Throw 7"  "Gladwemet," a 3LP blue vinyl pressing of Damu The Fudgemeunk's Vignettes, and the super-duo Marlowe's (Solemn Brigham & L'Orange) self-titled album on Mello Music Group, Marlowe LP (more on this amazing album in an upcoming Amoblog interview with the artists).

Amoeba Music is proud to support Signifyin' Blues, a 3-day music and dance event in November benefiting The California Jazz & Blues Museum! Taking place November 9th-11th at the Airtel Plaza Hotel in Van Nuys, CA, the benefit event includes live music performances, dance workshops and competitions, as well as interactive talks, all with the goal of honoring the origins of Blues and highlighting the deep impact it has on our culture.

Tickets for Signifyin' Blues are available now at Amoeba Hollywood with low service fees. Plus, you'll receive a free $10 Amoeba gift certificate with every ticket purchased! 

Music performers include:

• RL Boyce
• Barbara Morrison
• Missy Anderson
• Brother Yusef
• Weapon of Choice
• Lenny "Fuzzy" Rankins
• Blaux Bros
• Cheyenne Amen

The dance workshops will be led by instructors Damon Stone, Kelsy Stone, Heidi Fite, Kenneth Shipp and more. More information about the event can be found here.

By Brent James

“And I'm lost, behind
The words I'll never find
And I'm left behind
As seasons roll on by”
- Chris Cornell

As we shift through the seasons of our own lives, we’re constantly reminded of the influence music has had not only on us and our ever-changing desires for rebirth and new experiences, but how it’s also shapes things we sometimes take for granted such as Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall.

“We had joy, we had fun
We had seasons in the sun.
But the hills that we climbed
Were just seasons out of time.”
- Terry Jacks

Whether you realize it or not, life has a soundtrack. Think about the music you listened to when you were younger, or in your “Spring” years. It may not be in your current rotation now, but it sure shaped you then, and is guaranteed to be bringing somebody SOMEWHERE to the brink of their realizations now. You pass on what you learn, and hope to gain knowledge of fresh conditions along the way.

“The nights draw in
There's a silky moon up in the sky, yeah
Children are fantasising
Grown-ups are standing by
What a super feeling
Am I dreaming?”
- Queen