Klaxons, Maps, Jamie T -- Mercury levels are high

Today's quandary: Which Mercury Prize nominee to see in Los Angeles tonight?

You can't raise a pint without dripping on an important English band, what with the "nu-rave-is-just -something-we-made-up" Klaxons having sold out the Fonda Theatre, home-recording electro-shoegazers Maps playing Club NME at Spaceland and punk-reggae-rap phenom Jamie T roughing up the Troubadour. Of course, the Klaxons took home the big prize and are coming around for, what, the third time this year? Maybe you saw them at Coachella. Maybe you saw them in the '80s.

So what's an Anglophile to do -- which might be my sort of crowd?

I consulted longtime pal and sometimes-blogger the Riverboat Captain, an English expat now ensconced in the southern hemisphere, to try to get a snapshot of the fans.

What of the Klaxons? Writes RC: "The word 'klaxon' is derived from the Greek verb klazo, meaning 'to shriek.' Expect fin haircuts, glow sticks, low-top sneakers, wheat grass juice and bottled water, entheogens (look it up) and plenty of people still hoping for a Stone Roses reunion."

And Jamie T [left]? "Pete Doherty-style trilby and haircut (dilemma: can't wear large headphones at the same time), quite posh, desperately trying to shed public school associations. Daddy is 'something in the city.' Hobbies: anti-capitalist rallies, using public transport. Drinks: Mummy's gin."

And as for Maps: "Wears anything as long as it has no recognisable colour. Can't imagine Maps fans drinking anything, but they might be enthusiastic -- 'I come from Northampton too! I make music in my bedroom as well, that's why I totally relate to what Jimmy is doing! "We Can Create" -- you see! You do call him Jimmy, don't you ... we all do. It's like ... totally ironic how he checks classical composers but he uses synthesisers, which sound really fresh and exciting.' "

Touts for Wednesday, Sept. 26

You need more choices? You can check your punctuation with !!! at the Avalon, mellow out with Sara Lov (supporting Buddy) at Bordello, check out Gliss at Boardner's or hit the Roxy for Hello Stranger.

Comments

[John Bard]

Klaxons suck.