Last night was The Smiths x Joy Division Night at Club Underground. It was also the release of Gorillaz new album, The Mountain, which features multiple contributions from my all-time favorite guitarist, Johnny Marr, so I kicked off the open-to-close set downstairs with “Casablanca,” from Gorillaz, featuring Mr. Marr and bassist/dapper punk Paul Simonon.
“How Soon Is Now?” was going to be the last song, but I underestimated how long it is. Then “Unloveable” was going to be the last song, but I could totally squeeze in “Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want” after that because it’s only two minutes, so that was going to be the last song. Then the crowd asked for one more, so you got a bonus track, “Morrissey” by Robbie Williams. It’s on his new album, Britpop. Totally in theme. Anyhow, set list is below. Songs from the past year or so link back to previous mentions on the blog.
The 110 freeway in L.A. as seen from a Metro J Line stop (Pic: Liz O.)
It’s time for another Beatique Mix. The April 2025 edition of this mix series includes new music from Mark Lane, Night Ritualz, Marie Davidson, Model/Actriz, The Horrors, French Police and more. It also includes a few classic cuts from the likes of Kittin and the Hacker, Joy Division and others.
One thing that I want to stress is that these aren’t club mixes, even if they partially sound very clubby. The Beatique Mix series is a reflection of the music that’s been in my head for the past month, regardless of genre or vibe or whatever. For the April mix, specifically, I had transportation in mind, which explains the first three songs, as well as the last one. The photo for this mix is of the 110 freeway as seen from an L.A. Metro J Line stop.
If you want to hear my club sets, then you have to go to the gigs. Click this link to see where I’m playing next.
Club Underground brings a dose of post-punk Manchester to Los Angeles on Friday, August 9 with a Joy Division x The Smiths dance party with DJs Larry G. and Liz O. (that’s me) at Grand Star Jazz Club. Both floors of the venue will be open, so you can expect a mix of hits and deep cuts from the Mancunian icons as well as your favorite Underground indie, Britpop, post-punk, darkwave and new wave jams. Plus, there will be a giveaway for tickets to this year’s The Smiths/Morrissey Convention at Avalon on August 25.
