Choice Cuts: Franklin Avenue's Favorite Tracks of 2015, Part 3

In no particular order, I've selected the favorite tracks from 2015's playlists for our fourteenth annual Choice Cuts end-of-year mix. The next four:



9. The Scene Between -- The Go! Team

Ten years ago, I was intrigued by The Go! Team's use of sampling and odd vocals on catchy tunes like "Huddle Formation." In 2015, "The Scene Between" kept the fun cut-and-paste sound but added more depth and maturity to the mix.



10. 40 Watt -- Elel

Technically from 2014, but "40 Watt" and Nashville's Elel reached me in 2015. One blog calls it "indie-pop cotton candy for the ears." Hey, nothing wrong with that!



11. Pay No Mind (ft. Passion Pit) -- Madeon

Passion Pit had a new CD this year, and it was... just OK. I was much more excited by the band's collaboration with French producer Madeon, "Pay No Mind." The video is trippy too.



12. Long Way Down -- Robert DeLong

On a rare date night this year, Maria and I saw Robert DeLong perform at the Natural History Museum last February as part of its "First Fridays" series of events. Perhaps that makes me a little partial to "Long Way Down," but it's also just a strong track.

The next four tomorrow!

Also on Franklin Avenue:

Choice Cuts: Franklin Avenue's Favorite Tracks of 2015, Part 1

Choice Cuts: Franklin Avenue's Favorite Tracks of 2015, Part 2

Scenes from the Natural History Museum's First Fridays Opener

Science, music, booze. There's a lot to like about the Natural History Museum's First Fridays events, which returned on Feb. 6. It was the first First Friday for Maria and I, and we hope to make it to another one.

We got to the museum in time for the music, sponsored by KCRW: Tom Vek performed at 8, followed by Robert DeLong at 9:15. The performances took place in one of the North American mammal halls, which meant stuffed animals looking on as the crowds grooved to the music. In another hall, KCRW's Raul Campos and Guest DJ Mr. Pauer spun grooves. Outside, food trucks were available (although the lines were too long) and inside, beer, wine and cocktails were for sale. (Including a great deal on $4 microbrews.)

Unfortunately, we got there too late to experience the tours and discussions. NHM Citizen Science manager Lila Higgins gave a tour on "Finding LA's Hidden Wildlife One Photo at a Time," and later Sam Droege led the discussion "Taking Control of Your World - Citizen Science Activism."

Still, besides the music, Maria and I toured my favorite exhibit ("Becoming LA," of course!) and walked around some of the second-floor galleries. (No dinosaurs for us this time, we'll save that for the next time we hit the NHM with the boys).

The NHM has become my favorite LA museum, and the kids love it too. But for one First Friday evening, it was the perfect spot for date night.

Some pics:


Outside the NHM, which was sold out for First Fridays. Get your tickets early!


Crowd forms to get in to see Tom Vek and Robert DeLong.


Opener Tom Vek performs


If this were "Night at the Museum," this grizzly would be annoyed by the loud music.


This guy is at the "Becoming LA" exhibit.


DJ Mr. Pauer on the ones and twos.


Robert DeLong wraps up his set...


... and says hello to fans after the show. But there's a hard out: The NHM shuts down at 10 p.m. on First Fridays. Hey, they gotta clean the place up, the museum is back open on Saturday morning, after all!