For those of us who have been lucky enough to live in LA throughout its ever-changing cultural landscape, it’s impossible not to have a soft spot for the iconic venues of the past. Modern Time Machines is a band that prioritizes paying homage to these lost symbols of Hollywood history. Not only does their music have a distinctly retro quality, but their latest video features rare images of vintage LA signage. Watch “Ghost Signs (Sleight of Hand)” and take a peek into a bygone era of Los Angeles.
Modern Time Machines is a modern rock band with a classic twist. Self-defined as “space rock,” this descriptor reflects their retrofuturistic identity. Boy/girl harmonies add a beachy quality to their layered sound, directly reflective of their SoCal roots. Their sound lies somewhere between rock ‘n’ roll and new wave.
There are several memorable locations showcased in the music video. One of the most painful closures for Angelenos was undoubtedly The Satellite in Silverlake. With a 25-year history of showcasing the best indie-rock in the city, it closed as an unfortunate casualty of the pandemic. The independent venue was a beloved, unpretentious space to experience live music with neighbors and friends.
However, before it was the Satellite, some may remember it as the Happy Hollow, a restaurant that opened in the 1950s. After the restaurant received its liquor license, that would mark the beginning of a long future as a hub of entertainment.
The Lytton Savings building, a staple of modernist SoCal architecture, most recently hosted Chase Bank but met its demise at the hands of an upcoming redevelopment plan. Although the LA Conservancy tried to save the funky building, it has finally been torn down completely. It may have been just a bank, but the building itself was a symbol of West Hollywood’s golden age.
Another legendary business featured in “Ghost Signs (Sleight of Hand)” is the Pacific Dining Car. While the Santa Monica location has closed for good, there might be hope for the historic Westlake location. It was given the status of a historic monument by the Los Angeles City Council, and is currently undergoing renovations. While we wait for it to (hopefully) reopen its doors, we can admire the exterior in Modern Time Machines’ music video.
From the beloved rotating Foot Clinic sign to the kitschy Good Luck Bar, “Ghost Signs (Sleight of Hand)” offers a rare opportunity to step back in time. Viewers can get lost in the landscape of days gone by. Although some of these structures and signs may be gone, videos like this offer us the opportunity to relive moments from LA’s golden years.
Watch “Ghost Signs (Sleight of Hand)”:
