2005 LA Weekly Music Awards

Photos by Ted Soqui

The 2005 L.A. Weekly Music Awards, held Tuesday at the Henry Fonda Theater, were a real love fest, with bizarre juxtapositions at every turn. Favorite moments included watching Best Electronic DJ nominee Claudette Sexy DJ laugh her ass off to 8-Bit (who performed with a video backdrop of cheesy porn), followed by the ethereal nine-part harmonies of Petra Haden’s female choir performing Who songs. Brian Wilson offered heartfelt thanks for support of his Smileproject; and in his speech honoring headliners X, Flea summed up our sentiments by observing that as a native of Los Angeles, he considers X hisindigenous folk music. Lady Spinderella dazzled with her mere presence (not to mention her turntable magic); and Piolín brought a little glamour to the festivities as well. It was also a treat to see Lifetime Achievement winner Rodney Bingenheimer bonding with radio great Art Laboe. And, after watching 8-Bit, Lifetime Achievement winner Jeff Barry noted that in all his years of hit songwriting, he’d never thought to write a song called “Suck My Dick.” Does have a certain ring to it, though. Thanks to everyone who worked on the show, especially John Payne and Paul Rogers. And congratulations to allthe nominees. You’re all winners in our book. BEST NEW ARTIST Gram Rabbit BEST HIP-HOP/RAP ARTIST/DJ Tie: 8-Bit Saul Williams BEST CONTEMPORARY BLUES/R&B ARTIST Carlos Guitarlos

BEST COUNTRY/AMERICANA ARTIST The Blazers BEST LATIN ARTIST Quinto Sol BEST WORLD MUSIC/RECOMBINANT ARTIST GO: Organic Orchestra BEST JAZZ ARTIST Phil Ranelin BEST SINGER-SONGWRITER AM BEST ROCK BAND The Rolling Blackouts BEST PUNK/HARDCORE BAND The Mae Shi BEST HARD ROCK/METAL BAND Isis BEST POP/ROCK BAND Tie: The Sugarplastic The Movies BEST LATIN ROCK Los Abandoned BEST NEW GENRE/UNCATEGORIZABLE ARTIST Jon Hassell BEST ELECTRONIC EXPERIMENTAL ARTIST Tie: Dntel The Haters BEST ELECTRONIC DJ Frosty/Dublab BEST CLASSICAL ARTIST Christopher O’Riley BEST RADIO SHOW She Comes In Colours, KXLU

BEST HOME 4-, 8-, OR 16-TRACK RECORDING Petra Haden, PetraHadenSings:TheWhoSellOut