Best of LA #33 The Fling, and #34 Michael Runion

We continue our "Best of LA Countdown", this time covering two of the artists that made our Year Ends Best of LA Poll list (a chart compiled by a jury comprised of local bloggers, music writers, promoters, record store personnel, DJs, and our writers and readers).

The Fling should definitely be checked out by lovers of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club or The Jesus and Mary Chain. They play soaring, melodic rock with surging guitars, pounding drumbeats, and a psychedelic undertone. Their songwriting is intimate and a bit on the dark side. They will be playing at The Casbah in San Diego on March 1st and 10th, and The Prospector in Long Beach on March 8th.

Michael Runion‘s soothing folk pop is easy on the ears. A master of the acoustic guitar and story-telling lyrics, it’s no surprise that Runion also has worked with other talented L.A. artists. Above is a video of "The Daylight", a sweet and romantic tune featuring Elizabeth Z Berg of The Like. Visit the main website for free downloads of his music, and check out his new band The Chances, where he is 1/3 of a soft and classic sounding folk trio.

Jenna Putnam