Lipps Service Newsletter 6/25 - 7/1
Check out this week’s best shows, spins, playlists, and NYC recommendations — all curated by your favorite host, Scott Lipps.
Welcome to this week’s Lipps Service newsletter!
As most people still think that I live in LA, and it’s where my musical roots lie, here’s my top summer and fall LA concert picks for you guys.
Live in Los Angeles! - Scott’s LA Concert Picks
X - The End is Near: Smoke & Fiction Tour
Hoping we will snag this seminal LA punk band to appear on the show, but until then, check out X’s earlier work if you haven’t already, and stay tuned for their upcoming album. John Doe and Exene Cervenka are punk legends, and it’s quite certain that they will play all the most iconic X songs on tour. If you’re unfamiliar, check out “Los Angeles” and “Poor Girl,” which I think are some of the better LA-bred punk rock songs of all time. X will play two nights on July 25 and 26 at The Recent.
Green Day - The Saviors Tour
It’s incredible how many hits Green Day has, and when you see them live, you’ll also notice that the new album, Saviors, is one of their best in years. Now that they’re managed by Jonathan Daniels, my friend at Crush Management, there’s no stopping them. The band’s bassist, Mike Dirnt, is a true friend, and he was so kind as to hook me up with his personal doctor when I had COVID. I’m such a fan, and it’s amazing to see the band still thriving all these years later. Tickets for their show on September 14 at SoFi Stadium are almost sold out, so grab ‘em while you can.
Stephen Sanchez - Stephen Sanchez & The Moon Crests Live Shows Fall Tour
Is Stephen Sanchez Gen Z’s Elvis? I’ve had him on the podcast, which you should go back and listen to, and I assure you he’s the real deal. I saw him perform at Terminal 5 here in NYC, and not only does he give 1000% during each show, his charisma is unmatched. He lies somewhere between Chris Isaac and Elvis, with an amazing vocal range, snappy tunes, and tons of chutzpah. Catch him on September 13 at YouTube Theater.
Stephen and I right after I interviewed him for Lipps Service last March in LA.
Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago - Heart & Soul Tour
I’ll be honest, I haven’t seen Earth, Wind & Fire in years, and I’m not quite sure who’s in the lineup now, but these guys were the soundtrack to my youth. When I was growing up, they were pumping out the catchiest of tunes that made everyone groove and dance, and today when I hear them, I have that same sentiment. Most of my friends probably wouldn’t assume that I’m a fan, but oddly enough, my first few concerts were EW&F, Triumph, and Shaun Cassidy — quite an eclectic mix. If you like to reminisce about stealing your sister’s cool clothes and wearing them in the late ‘70s, then EW&F on September 6 at Kia Forum just might be the show for you.
Squeeze - Squeeze 50th Anniversary Tour with Boy George
Anyone who knows me well, knows that I’m a sucker for great, catchy power pop. Cheap Trick, Jellyfish, and Squeeze are amongst some of my very favorites in the realm. My #1 is definitely Squeeze, whose catalog of incredible pop hits rivals anyones. I just caught an episode of Daryl’s House on YouTube of Glen Tillbrook playing some Squeeze tracks with Daryl Hall, and it reminded me just how great they are. I think I missed them at Radio City Music Hall not too long ago, so a ticket to see Squeeze would be worth the flight to LA for me. I hope I see you and Squeeze on August 22 at YouTube Theater.
Scott’s Spins
“breakdown.” by Yungblud
Say what you will about Lipps Service alum Yungblud – his first two albums are absolute bangers! This kid has enormous charisma, and you just can’t argue with his global fan base. Although he’s yet to break in the US in the way he deserves, I’m still hopeful that he will. I was recently having a conversation with a few friends who run labels about UK rap, and if it can break here. Guys like Central Cee, Stormzy, and Dave are all incredible rappers, who I think should be much bigger than they are. “breakdown.” by Yungblud combines a bit of street-style and a bit of pop, and it’s another showcase of his genre-blending talents.
Two-time Lipps Service alum Yungblud and I in 2023 in LA.
“Up On You” by Mr. Big
If you’re like me — a child, product, and partaker of the LA-sunset-strip era — and you love a bit of ‘80s rock (or in my case, a lot!), you must check out Mr. Big. They have tons of hits in their catalog, and weirdly enough, the band was my top artist on Spotify last year. Not sure if their new track “Up on You” is their best, but I’m just happy to have more Mr. Big music. I love Eric Martin’s voice and his songwriting over the last 30 years.
“Favourite” by Fontaines D.C.
I saw these lads in Brooklyn a few years ago, and while I definitely liked it, I’m not sure it exactly lived up to what I was expecting. But regardless of what I think, Fontaines D.C.’s fanbase is steadily growing, and their moody and brooding, Smiths-esque alt-pop is definitely worth checking out. “Favourite” is a cool track, and it’ll perfectly sit on any of your summer playlists.
“SWALLOW” by Liily
My buddy Andrew Shack has been working with this group of incredibly talented and hip LA kids, Liily, including the homie Maxx Morando, the band’s amazing producer and drummer. “SWALLOW” is a great track that is a bit reminiscent of Oasis, and the rest of their new EP is filled with more rock and punk bangers. Liily is definitely one of the best up-and-coming groups that you should be looking out for right now.
The cover art for Liily’s new self-titled EP, which was released this month.
“All My Life” by Falling In Reverse and Jelly Roll
It seems that the entire music world’s gone country, whether you like it or not. I’ve been digging new crossover artists like Jelly Roll and Hardy, who both embody a bit of rock ‘n’ roll and country. I used to only mess with the Stones’ "Dead Flowers"-type of country, but I understand that it’s a widespread genre and why so many artists are beginning to dabble with it (Thanks Beyoncé!). When Andy Biersack of Black Veil Brides recently joined me on the show, he said that every generation needs that outspoken and charismatic singer. Ronnie Radke of Falling In Reverse, as Andy mentioned, could be this generation’s David Lee Roth. The melding of country and rock on “All My Life” is the future of music, so enjoy and open your mind to eclectic collaborations.
Lipps Licks
Listen to my top tracks of the week, including more of my recent favorites, on the playlist below.
Scott’s Top 5 People Watching Spots in New York
1. Jack’s Wife Freda
Jack’s Wife Freda sits on the corner where Spring St., Lafayette St., and Cleveland Pl. meet in Soho, and it’s undeniably the best corner for people watching in all of NYC — especially in the nicer-weather months. Before there was a Le Dive or Sant Ambroeus, Jack’s Wife has been pleasing people watchers for a few years now. You can’t help but feel like you’re in Paris while gazing at the best looking crowd in the whole city. For food recommendations, my go-to’s are the amazing zucchini chips, the roasted cauliflower, and the schnitzel. All the food’s always on point, and I’ll forever be grateful that they drew me on the wall in their University Pl. location. I’d like to think that I’m a top-10 customer, so if you want to find me, you’ll probably spot me at Jack’s Wife.
My friends who own Jack’s Wife, Dean and Maya, honored me on the wall at the University Pl. location!
2. Sant Ambroeus
While I prefer the original, Sant Ambroeus has various locations across the city, and the one in Soho has always been one of my top coffee spots. If you’re in the fashion business, this is also the place to see and be seen. The food is solid, but it’s really about the vibes, bread basket, and if you’re a pasta eater, the bolognese. It’s not cheap, but save up your money, and try to snag a reservation for some deluxe Soho people watching.
One of my best brothers Jonathan and I hanging at our favorite table outside at Sant Ambroeus.
3. Le Dive
I’m not quite sure how the popularity of Dimes Square and Le Dive seemingly came out of nowhere, but it did, and it’s on fire in the summer! Granted I might be one of the few non-young folks who hangs there — I’ve yet to get a nose ring, or maybe I should dust off my beat up Cheap Trick concert t-shirts — but the vibes are always fresh and hip. When I want to grab a bite at Le Dive, I dig the artichoke and the ice cream, and the steak frites are pretty solid. That whole area, from Casino to Le Dive to Forget Me Not, is basically the hottest spot in NYC right now. As I mentioned in last week’s newsletter, if the line’s too long at Le Dive, there are probably 100 tables outside in this three to four block radius, and the whole scene makes you feel like you’re vacationing in Europe. I recommend that you show up to Le Dive around 4 or 5 p.m. if you want a table.
Enjoying the Dimes Square nightlife scene and vibes at Le Dive.
4. West Side Highway
The whole world seems to be jogging or strolling down the West Side Highway in the summer, where I’m always walking my little pooch Milo. I have to be honest, I don’t really get the “beach” that they built along the way, or even the little island (I went once, but does anybody really go all the time?), but the people watching in Battery Park and along the West Side Highway in the summer is one of the best. And if you’ve already picked up on this, yes, most of my spots are downtown, but that’s where I live, and honestly, you’ll rarely find me past 14th St.
My handsome Milo begging to walk on the West Side Highway!
5. The Rooftop at Zero Bond
At least a few times a week these days, I’ll be on the rooftop at Zero Bond. It’s still a very exclusive, members-only club, where you might see Taylor Swift or Paul McCartney. It’s not the place to bother them, but especially on its new rooftop, Zero Bond makes for excellent people watching. If you want to admire a cool, swanky, and great looking crowd, sit on the roof around 9 p.m. when the sun is down, and have some crispy rice and take in the vibes. Zero Bond will forever be one of my top picks.
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