The Echo

Having wrested the title of "Eastside Den of Underfed Rock Blogger Pontificating" from Spaceland, The Echo is now entering its own identity crisis of sorts. It's still the go-to venue for all things bearded and Pitchfork-wielding, but a resurgent Smell, the opening of somewhat awkwardly-sized Echoplex and greater attempts by Sunset Strip clubs to siphon off hyped out-of-towners have taken some of the buzz off. Recent ad buys by Camel cigarettes inside and a totally incongruous valet stand haven't helped either. But that said, if you entertain at least a passing enthusiasm for left-of-center rock, electro, folk or whatever permutation the kids are into these days, you will find yourself here eventually and will probably enjoy it, especially at one of their weekly free residencies. Come early for the vast plains of free after-6 p.m. parking a block south of Sunset between Lemoyne and Echo Park Ave., and carbo-load for all your $3 Dewars at the bistro Masa and the vegan-friendly Burrito King off Alvarado nearby. And of course, the perennial post-show hangouts, the Short Stop and Little Joy (and now even the Gold Room, kinda) are mere blocks away.