LA Weekly

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 Smile project; and in his speech honoring headliners X, Flea summed up our sentiments by observing that as a native of Los Angeles, he considers X his indigenous 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 all the 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, Petra Haden Sings: The Who Sell Out

Quinto Sol

8-Bit

Brian Wilson

Petra Haden

Rodney Bingenheimer

Jeff Barry