Yeah, it’s rather profound that two of the most exciting albums of 2008 so far come from ‘90s veterans Portishead and the Breeders. In the current cultural whirlwind littered with young acts doing their best to imitate heroes from the not-so-distant past, the irony of these genuine articles whipping out great new music that you want to listen to more than a couple of times speaks volumes.

The new Breeders (above) album “Mountain Battles” roars out of the gate from the opening blast of “Overglazed,” the dirty discordant riff and Kelley Deal’s inimitable wail setting the tone. The record recalls the glorious pre-indie world of "college rock," and why Frank Black was always so threatened by Deal. It shimmers with the same glow that made their 1993 masterpiece “Last Splash” an instant classic.

As for Bristol dark artisans supreme Portishead, the duo's stark and relentlessly challenging “Third” release is akin to their own “O.K. Computer” moment, completely reinventing an already pioneering sound into something entirely else. They work with sonic static as deftly as a master painter, juxtaposing it with raw emotion, unsettling tension and deep, hard-wrought melody. And it’s a monster on headphones.

Maybe both have been around long enough to know that when the blog hype, cool kids and critics turn their attention to the next sensation on the block, the only thing left is the music—all the more reason to create something special. Huh. It would seem that there are far better things for the current crop of acts to be emulating than fashion sense and drum sounds. Catch my drift?

P.S. Both acts are playing at Coachella this year. See you in the desert... 

—Scott T. Sterling 

Why am I always surprised to a see a celebrity at the Cha Cha Lounge? You would think I'd be used it by now. Jake Gyllenhaal's been, so has Chloe Sevigny. And once, "Scrubs" star Sarah Chalke offered me a piece of homemade chocolate cake while partying at the Silverlake hole. (Proof that stars really are just like us!) But last night's sighting of Eve tops them all. She wasn't doing anything remarkable and her boobies were put away. She was just there, chilling out in the corner with friends. Still, can you picture Eve at the Cha Cha? I’m befuddled.    

—Alexandra Le Tellier

Sheddy's isn't the only bar that has me holding my breath in anticipation. South, which was supposed to open tonight in Santa Monica, is still dealing with last-minute issues, ie. health inspections. The new opening date is next Friday, April 4, at which point I'll be drinking that mint julep out of a jam jar. 

Photo: Alex Gallardo/LA Time

—Alexandra Le Tellier

Just like Cher Horowitz, my main thrill in life is a makeover. You name it, I've probably tried to change it; from my Republican parents to my naturally curly hair to my major in college to my best friend's obnoxious girlfriend. So, when Motel 6 unveiled plans to reinvent the economy lodging experience by redesigning the interior of their rooms, you'd better believe I was happier than Paula Abdul on prescription refill day.

The simple, functional, modern design is just a prototype—it's called "The Phoenix"—though participating Motel 6 franchises will retrofit their rooms in its image by the summer of 2009. As an affordable alternative to costly, Euro-chic boutique hotels like The Standard and Farmer's Daughter, Motel 6 has officially made it inexcusable for out-of-towners not to visit.   

 —Marcos Luevanos