NBC LA has pitted the two clubs against each other for their NBC LA “Golden Local” title of “Best Local Music Venue.” See more information about this here: http://www.nbclosangeles.com/around_town/the_scene/Live-Music-Mainstays-to-Battle-it-Out-.html
I have a hard time choosing, it’s a best of both worlds thing for me. I love The Troubadour because it has this “down to earth” kinda vibe that reminds me of clubs back east, and I’ve had a hard time finding that elsewhere. There are no bad seats or places to stand at The Troubadour, and you often get the chance to be up close and personal with some of your favorite artists. I’m going to be like 5 feet from James Iha tonight!
I looove Spaceland too though. I’m a Westsider, but I will make the trek to Silverlake over again because I love Spaceland. I think it has to do with the shiny stage backdrop. That’s a great stage backdrop.. it makes the band look like they’re playing in, uh, Space, I guess. Plus if you don’t like the opener you have the option of inhaling an insane amount of second-hand smoke in the separate smoking lounge. It took me forever to realize that I was staring at the black sky and not a black ceiling. “Holy shit, I’m outside right now?” I believe that was my reaction.
Honestly I can’t pick and I don’t want to. Beyond just seeing bands there, I’ve interacted with staff from both venues and they’re equally cool to deal with. I’m going to need to phone a friend on this one folks. What do you think?
on Apr 28th, 2009
troubadour. ffa has played there. spaceland hasn’t figured it out.
on May 17th, 2009
Spaceland is awesome. They have free shows every Monday, unlike the Troub. I’ve been at every Gangi residency show in May, which has been so cool.
on May 18th, 2009
brother are great venues.. l played both at different musical times in my life. you wanna ROCK.. I love the Troub… but you want local artsy crowds… Spaceland.. sorry, it is SOOOOOOOOO silverlake over there… the Troub still has that Hollywood thing going on!