Monday night (July 14) was another of those shows where you feel as if this whole music scene is about to explode. I arrived in time to hear most of the set by I Make This Sound. I've seen them before and I like their indie-friendly, pop music. Some great harmonizing by the two lead singers around tightly constructed melodies
People started to pack in when Fol Chen took the stage delivering one of the best sets I've yet seen from them. This super-talented team of players just gets better and better, and the joy they obviously get from playing is infectious and irresistable. The festive atmosphere intensifies as the band raises the excitement factor with each song. Switching instruments and vocal duties, sometimes all five are singing at once, they trade places with ease as each player seems a multi-instrumentalist. Their sets are always characterized by sublime moments that make you stand back and say, "it just doesn't get any better than this!". They reached that point again Monday.
When Princeton started their set the crowd was overflowing into the street and totally pumped up. Princeton gets a different audience, like one that comes from more mainstream radio airplay. Kind of clean-cut collegiate types but an attentive admiring crowd. Many locals appeared to be looking around wondering, "who are all these people?". And this was a Monday night!
The audience enthusiastically cheered the 21st century Kinks-like rock. And they play it really well. Terrific lead singing from twins Jesse and Matt Kivel. Like their inspiration they combine sharp, witty lyrics with quirky melodies and some songs feel barely two minutes long.
All in all, a pretty electrifying evening with lots of great bands and bloggers in attendance.
Tuesday's "Let's Independent!" installment from Radio Free Silver Lake was a chance to catch three terrific and different sounding bands in that great setting, as Cocteau's "La Belle et la Bete" played on the wall above us (with Japanese subtitles).
The Black Kites played really pretty indie-rock with great vocal and keyboard work by Evelyn Reyes. The band of four, singer/guitarist Alan Petherick, bass player Nikki Nevlin and drummer Marcel Feldmar delivered a really tight set of tunes you couldn't help but bounce or sway to.
Second up was Exit Music who played a real diffused, atmospheric rock - kind of reminded me of Xu Xu Fang crossed with Broken Social Scene. Lead singer, Aleksa Palladino, begins in hushed tone, just coming up through the bottom of the music, finally asserting herself and the song coalesced around her vocal. Nice abstract stuff. Liked the use of the bow on the guitar by Devon Church, too.
Boardner's was pretty packed by now. One of the larger crowds I've seen there in some time and Joe Fielder can be proud so many showed up and were more than willing to pay the nominal admission. And once again it was a beautifully organized event.
I'd seen The Black Pine a couple of years ago at the Echo, but it was also the night I first saw The Parson Red Heads. They dominated the evening, so strongly with their set , that I'm not sure if The Black Pine played before or after but I wasn't paying attention, obviously, because this is an impressive band. It was great to see how good they are live because I've been listening to their recorded work lately and really enjoying it. Some gorgeous, droney-rock, with beautiful violin work. The band of six play a variety of instruments well, loved the drumming. I must get my hands on their CD.
Another great local music night.
I've added a Sunday night concert to my schedule (July 20) as it's A Hawk and a Hacksaw at the Echoplex and I'm just learning about this band led by Jeremy Barnes, percussionist with Beirut. This band plays a similar brand of Balkan-influenced, gypsy-instrumental music and it's brilliant and inventive. I can't wait to see it live. The reason I'm going is because Frank Fairfield is the opening act and he opened for Fleet Foxes the night they played the Echo in June but I got there only in time to see the stunned faces of the audience and to hear Robin Pecknold go on and on about him during Fleet Foxes' set. Naturally that sparked my curiosity and I've since heard from Robin that he's going to open for their September U.S. tour. Check out his myspace page to hear something amazing.
whrabbit
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Upcoming Shows thru July 18
This looks like it's going to be a pretty good week, show-wise, and just wanted to recommend a few.
Today (July 12) is the Arts District Downtown Music Festival going on at the corner of 5th St. and S. Hewitt St. beginning around 2 and going till 8. Bands include Death To Anders, Radars to the Sky, The Changos and others and it's free.
Monday's free residency for Princeton at the Silverlake Lounge provides another chance to see the phenomenal Fol Chen create their special magic and other great local acts, Willoughby and I Make This Sound. This show usually gets going around 9 or 9:30.
Tuesday is this months installment of "Let's Independent!" at Boardner's which I always look forward to, not just for the music but the great audience this Radio Free Silver Lake event always gathers. I listened to myspace samples of each act and it looks like Joe Fielder has come up with 3 winners again. The Black Pine, Exit Music and The Black Kites are the band names and you should check them out. The event is now $6. (next to nothing) and Dewar's drinks are $3. and it's always worth every penny.
Wednesday is part of Inara George's run at Tangier, and with or without her band, The Bird and The Bee, she is always worth seeing. Collaborating with Van Dyke Parks, who helped create her forthcoming album, and Grant Geissman on guitar and Joe Karnes on bass, Inara will perform, with Parks on piano, material from the new album. Should be a really lovely evening. Last minute note: Looks like this week's advance tickets are sold out, but they're also performing next Wednesday, July 25 and advance tickets are available. I just got one.
Then comes Friday night and Earlimart at Spaceland. Based on their last show at Amoeba (July 8), this should be a terrific show, highlighted by lots of new material. Also appearing will be Hocus Pocus (featuring members of Dios, who are a favorite California band) and the local legends, The Movies. I feel certain this will be a remarkable show and it's on a Friday night!
And, just a note, I can't stop playing "Hymn and Her". Is it Earlimart's best yet?
whrabbit
Today (July 12) is the Arts District Downtown Music Festival going on at the corner of 5th St. and S. Hewitt St. beginning around 2 and going till 8. Bands include Death To Anders, Radars to the Sky, The Changos and others and it's free.
Monday's free residency for Princeton at the Silverlake Lounge provides another chance to see the phenomenal Fol Chen create their special magic and other great local acts, Willoughby and I Make This Sound. This show usually gets going around 9 or 9:30.
Tuesday is this months installment of "Let's Independent!" at Boardner's which I always look forward to, not just for the music but the great audience this Radio Free Silver Lake event always gathers. I listened to myspace samples of each act and it looks like Joe Fielder has come up with 3 winners again. The Black Pine, Exit Music and The Black Kites are the band names and you should check them out. The event is now $6. (next to nothing) and Dewar's drinks are $3. and it's always worth every penny.
Wednesday is part of Inara George's run at Tangier, and with or without her band, The Bird and The Bee, she is always worth seeing. Collaborating with Van Dyke Parks, who helped create her forthcoming album, and Grant Geissman on guitar and Joe Karnes on bass, Inara will perform, with Parks on piano, material from the new album. Should be a really lovely evening. Last minute note: Looks like this week's advance tickets are sold out, but they're also performing next Wednesday, July 25 and advance tickets are available. I just got one.
Then comes Friday night and Earlimart at Spaceland. Based on their last show at Amoeba (July 8), this should be a terrific show, highlighted by lots of new material. Also appearing will be Hocus Pocus (featuring members of Dios, who are a favorite California band) and the local legends, The Movies. I feel certain this will be a remarkable show and it's on a Friday night!
And, just a note, I can't stop playing "Hymn and Her". Is it Earlimart's best yet?
whrabbit
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Retribution Gospel Choir, Earlimart at Amoeba, Fleet Foxes first video
aThe Retribution Gospel Choir played the Troubadour Monday night (July 7) and I didn't even know until late in the day that I would attend. I am so glad I did. Since I've been a big Low fan for a while now, it would seem natural to go to this show as Alan Sparhawk is allowed to cut loose and really rock with his wonderful band in this side project. He's joined by Steve Garrington on bass and the very talented drummer, Eric Pollard, who also sings beautiful harmonies. Apparently, they're not too well known yet, as there was only a small crowd on hand. Sometimes this can make a concert seem sad, but this time it was perfect, giving the set a lovely, intimate feeling. So comfortable, in fact, it felt like we were in Alan's living room listening to a rehearsal.
They play a collection of original songs interspersed with some reworked Low numbers. Alan's singing is strong and beautiful...sometimes he reminds me of Gruff Rhys' smooth vocal work in Super Furry Animals and the harmonies provided by Mr. Pollard knock me out. How does one sing so finely while drumming away, which I see a lot lately! Especially gorgeous was "They Knew You Well" with it's stunning descending vocals. Steve Garrington provided the steady bass work, anchoring each song. Interesting to see how the more extreme the songs, the more diffused the atmosphere, Alan's playing only becomes more careful and delicate, making the most bombastic sounds lighter than air. Pick up their self-titled CD if you can. It's great!
Adding to the evening for me was the chance to catch up with Mike Griffin of Tandemore, who I haven't seen in ages, since he was one of the first musicians to befriend me when I began this musical odyssey, almost three years ago. He said there's new Tandemoro music ready for release. Yea!
Tuesday (July 8) was Earlimart's in-store at Amoeba celebrating the release of "Hymn and Her", and it was well attended. Hard to believe this Los Angeles institution hasn't done Amoeba before but they made up for with it with a sparkling set by Aaron Espinoza and Ariana Murray and a drummer. What a wise move to open and close with less familiar songs from the pre-"Treble and Tremble" era which eased you in and then back out of some wonderful numbers from "Hymn and Her" including "Face Down in the Right Town", "Song For", "Before It Gets Better" and "Cigarettes and Kerosene". "Happy Alone" represented CD "Mentor Tormentor" and typical Earlimart between-song-atmosphere was provided by crickets and Chopin.
I had out-of-town relatives with me to whom I was anxious to show what's going on in this town musically (independent-wise) and Earlimart provided the better than perfect example. The great audience provided another...musicians, fans, bloggers, friends all demonstrating the great support and sense of community that is thriving here right now.
So sorry to have missed the first "My Little Underground" event hosted by Web In Front and Classical Geek Theatre at Bordello later that night. I hear it was an amazing show and I wanted to support these guys. I won't miss the next one!
On a side note, Fleet Foxes introduced their first music video, available for viewing on their myspace page or at Web in Front . It's for the song "White Winter Hymnal" and is directed by Robin Pecknold's brother, Sean Pecknold. It's a beautiful piece of stop-motion animation, also designed by Sean, which has stunning images of seasonal changes as witnessed by a bunch of long-haired, bearded men of indeterminate age, ruefully witnessing the passage of time. I found it very moving and thought the character expressions perticularly remarkable and meaningful, subtly rendered. Special mention to the little clothes the characters wear, the dark and mysterious lighting design, and those dancing mushrooms. Oh, and by the way, the song is brilliant, too.
whrabbit
They play a collection of original songs interspersed with some reworked Low numbers. Alan's singing is strong and beautiful...sometimes he reminds me of Gruff Rhys' smooth vocal work in Super Furry Animals and the harmonies provided by Mr. Pollard knock me out. How does one sing so finely while drumming away, which I see a lot lately! Especially gorgeous was "They Knew You Well" with it's stunning descending vocals. Steve Garrington provided the steady bass work, anchoring each song. Interesting to see how the more extreme the songs, the more diffused the atmosphere, Alan's playing only becomes more careful and delicate, making the most bombastic sounds lighter than air. Pick up their self-titled CD if you can. It's great!
Adding to the evening for me was the chance to catch up with Mike Griffin of Tandemore, who I haven't seen in ages, since he was one of the first musicians to befriend me when I began this musical odyssey, almost three years ago. He said there's new Tandemoro music ready for release. Yea!
Tuesday (July 8) was Earlimart's in-store at Amoeba celebrating the release of "Hymn and Her", and it was well attended. Hard to believe this Los Angeles institution hasn't done Amoeba before but they made up for with it with a sparkling set by Aaron Espinoza and Ariana Murray and a drummer. What a wise move to open and close with less familiar songs from the pre-"Treble and Tremble" era which eased you in and then back out of some wonderful numbers from "Hymn and Her" including "Face Down in the Right Town", "Song For", "Before It Gets Better" and "Cigarettes and Kerosene". "Happy Alone" represented CD "Mentor Tormentor" and typical Earlimart between-song-atmosphere was provided by crickets and Chopin.
I had out-of-town relatives with me to whom I was anxious to show what's going on in this town musically (independent-wise) and Earlimart provided the better than perfect example. The great audience provided another...musicians, fans, bloggers, friends all demonstrating the great support and sense of community that is thriving here right now.
So sorry to have missed the first "My Little Underground" event hosted by Web In Front and Classical Geek Theatre at Bordello later that night. I hear it was an amazing show and I wanted to support these guys. I won't miss the next one!
On a side note, Fleet Foxes introduced their first music video, available for viewing on their myspace page or at Web in Front . It's for the song "White Winter Hymnal" and is directed by Robin Pecknold's brother, Sean Pecknold. It's a beautiful piece of stop-motion animation, also designed by Sean, which has stunning images of seasonal changes as witnessed by a bunch of long-haired, bearded men of indeterminate age, ruefully witnessing the passage of time. I found it very moving and thought the character expressions perticularly remarkable and meaningful, subtly rendered. Special mention to the little clothes the characters wear, the dark and mysterious lighting design, and those dancing mushrooms. Oh, and by the way, the song is brilliant, too.
whrabbit
Monday, July 7, 2008
Backstory and Earlimart "Hymn and Her" CD review
I first learned of Earlimart in 2005. It was August that year I rediscovered rock (indie-rock specifically) and developed such a voracious, unquenchable need to discover more of this incredible new music. Each band I learned about kept opening doors to other bands, and, not being a radio listener (I'm more of a full album listener, not a random sampler), I turned to music videos which I kept seeing on TV shows like "Refused TV" (What happened to this extraordinary show and it's swearing robot!) and "Subterranean" on MTV2. That was how I learned about music all through 2005 and 2006. I just kept video taping all the videos I saw that I liked and ended up with a list of at least 100 bands I found intriguing and about 30 hours of music videos. It seemed like even the smallest band could make a music video if they had access to a cell phone camera, and I saw some amazing, inventive filmmaking.
Now it seems corporate America has put a stop to it, as all windows of access for these videos seem to be presently slammed shut. Even "Subterranean" and "The Dive" have vanished from MTV2 and FUSE-TV. Are the major record labels squawking again?!
The first video I saw was "Rebellion" by Arcade Fire, and within three minutes, my life had changed and my future direction took a radical turn. It was that sudden. I saw people...artists, really...singing, playing musical instruments (a great variety of musical instruments), heard compositionally complex songwriting with lyrics that had deep meaning. I was flabbergasted! Certain as I was that rock was a long dead art form.
Each video opened a new pandoras box for me and I eagerly looked forward to 11 o'clock each Monday night when "Refused TV" was on Public Access. Among the videos I taped was "Heaven Adores You" by Earlimart. Right away I knew I was hearing a song I would regard as an all time rock and roll classic. Apart from being incredibly moving, it really rocked! The video is just a series of snapshots of various band members layed over each other over and over and I was hypnotized, not only by the song, but by the people in the photos. They looked like real people, not the heavily artificial creatures I' d been seeing stalking the earth for the last 20 years, but genuine human beings I could relate to. Their music was telling me what's inside these people. I remember thinking at the time how great it would be to actually meet people like this. Two years later and I number many of them among my friends. Life can be very amazing.
Earlimart released their new CD "Hymn and Her" (Major Domo) last Tuesday (July 1) and I wouldn't ordinarily write anything about it so soon. I think,as a rule, I'd rather let an album work its way into my psyche before reviewing it. But this album has already made an impression.
Where "Treble and Tremble" dealt with loss and coming to terms with the anger, blame, hoplessness and ultimate power of forgivness, it remains, all these years after it's release, moving, honest, and deeply personal. The raw anger in a song like "Broke the Furniture" is positively catharcic.
"Mentor Tormentor" is a giant, enthralling achievement, that I still play all the time even a year after it came out. Many songs have a grand symphonic sweep yet retain that core Earlimart song style. It was such fun to see them all those times last year touring behind this CD with the String Dream Team. This album has songs of reason and acceptance (to a degree) that I love including "Answers and Questions", "Nevermind the Phonecalls" and "700>100". I think Aaron Espinoza is pretty good at looking life in the eyes and calling it what it is. I admire his ability. The album also introduced Ariana Murray as a songwriter of considerable skill, both musically and lyrically with "Happy Alone".
On "Hymn and Her", Aaron and Ari decided to write quickly and record quickly in contrast to the long process involved on "Mentor Tormentor" and the results are astonishing. Beginning with "Song For" which I've heard live a few times, recorded it comes off as a perfect Earlimart song. "Face Down in the Right Town" features a beautiful vocal performance by Aaron, straightforward lyrics and a haunting harmony. "Before it Gets Better" is Ariana'a first contribution and, I think, it's one of the best Earlimart songs ever. I love the rueful, matter-of-fact lyrics and the gorgeous counterpointal composition. She seems to establish a melody then drop in her main theme over, under and around it. Another of her songs is "Time For Yourself" which is a rumination on solitude and features beautiful piano work. "Cigarettes and Kerosese" is a real rocker about the combustibility of youthful misbehavior that should get you up and dancing around your room (do I hear a hint of Bollywood?). "Teeth" and "Town Where You Belong" are two more standouts.
The artwork is simple and appropriate and the production is perfection, right up to Aaron's usual standards, with inestimable support from Andrew Lynch. Finally, there's a resolution and peace in this CD that indicates, if not the end of a troubling journey, at least the reaching of a comfortable (temporary?) resting place (within the context of the larger journey). I trust I make myself obscure. Plainly put, I think this is an extraordinary work of art.
whrabbit
Now it seems corporate America has put a stop to it, as all windows of access for these videos seem to be presently slammed shut. Even "Subterranean" and "The Dive" have vanished from MTV2 and FUSE-TV. Are the major record labels squawking again?!
The first video I saw was "Rebellion" by Arcade Fire, and within three minutes, my life had changed and my future direction took a radical turn. It was that sudden. I saw people...artists, really...singing, playing musical instruments (a great variety of musical instruments), heard compositionally complex songwriting with lyrics that had deep meaning. I was flabbergasted! Certain as I was that rock was a long dead art form.
Each video opened a new pandoras box for me and I eagerly looked forward to 11 o'clock each Monday night when "Refused TV" was on Public Access. Among the videos I taped was "Heaven Adores You" by Earlimart. Right away I knew I was hearing a song I would regard as an all time rock and roll classic. Apart from being incredibly moving, it really rocked! The video is just a series of snapshots of various band members layed over each other over and over and I was hypnotized, not only by the song, but by the people in the photos. They looked like real people, not the heavily artificial creatures I' d been seeing stalking the earth for the last 20 years, but genuine human beings I could relate to. Their music was telling me what's inside these people. I remember thinking at the time how great it would be to actually meet people like this. Two years later and I number many of them among my friends. Life can be very amazing.
Earlimart released their new CD "Hymn and Her" (Major Domo) last Tuesday (July 1) and I wouldn't ordinarily write anything about it so soon. I think,as a rule, I'd rather let an album work its way into my psyche before reviewing it. But this album has already made an impression.
Where "Treble and Tremble" dealt with loss and coming to terms with the anger, blame, hoplessness and ultimate power of forgivness, it remains, all these years after it's release, moving, honest, and deeply personal. The raw anger in a song like "Broke the Furniture" is positively catharcic.
"Mentor Tormentor" is a giant, enthralling achievement, that I still play all the time even a year after it came out. Many songs have a grand symphonic sweep yet retain that core Earlimart song style. It was such fun to see them all those times last year touring behind this CD with the String Dream Team. This album has songs of reason and acceptance (to a degree) that I love including "Answers and Questions", "Nevermind the Phonecalls" and "700>100". I think Aaron Espinoza is pretty good at looking life in the eyes and calling it what it is. I admire his ability. The album also introduced Ariana Murray as a songwriter of considerable skill, both musically and lyrically with "Happy Alone".
On "Hymn and Her", Aaron and Ari decided to write quickly and record quickly in contrast to the long process involved on "Mentor Tormentor" and the results are astonishing. Beginning with "Song For" which I've heard live a few times, recorded it comes off as a perfect Earlimart song. "Face Down in the Right Town" features a beautiful vocal performance by Aaron, straightforward lyrics and a haunting harmony. "Before it Gets Better" is Ariana'a first contribution and, I think, it's one of the best Earlimart songs ever. I love the rueful, matter-of-fact lyrics and the gorgeous counterpointal composition. She seems to establish a melody then drop in her main theme over, under and around it. Another of her songs is "Time For Yourself" which is a rumination on solitude and features beautiful piano work. "Cigarettes and Kerosese" is a real rocker about the combustibility of youthful misbehavior that should get you up and dancing around your room (do I hear a hint of Bollywood?). "Teeth" and "Town Where You Belong" are two more standouts.
The artwork is simple and appropriate and the production is perfection, right up to Aaron's usual standards, with inestimable support from Andrew Lynch. Finally, there's a resolution and peace in this CD that indicates, if not the end of a troubling journey, at least the reaching of a comfortable (temporary?) resting place (within the context of the larger journey). I trust I make myself obscure. Plainly put, I think this is an extraordinary work of art.
whrabbit
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Release the Tourbillons!
Thursday night (July 3) was a three-in-one home run at the CD launch party for The Flying Tourbillon Orchestra at the Echo (probably four if I had been able to stay for the last band). Terrific line up sponsored by L.A. Underground, Radio Free Silver Lake and Web In Front began with Fol Chen firing up the audience with their unique, endlessly genre-bending program effortlessly inducing the audience to a state of jaw-dropped attention. I love the new songs they keep doing, which spin them off into even other genres. I'm baffled that anyone could stand still while they played. They just dig right into your bones and make you move. Adam sometimes seems as much magician as musician with the spell he can weave...I feel privileged to watch. And they're all such great singers, I love their little acappella parts. Keeping up with all the sudden shifts in their music makes it challenging and exciting to me. The only other band I can think to compare them to is Starlight Mints with their shape-shifting musical style. They announced an upcoming CD release in January which will be highly anticipated.
I'd heard the name Stevenson Ranch Dividians for a while now and kind of loved the name...and all it's implications, but had just been too lazy to research on myspace or to listen to them at all. So when they started up and I heard that sound, I became instantly transfixed. The guitars, the voice, that rhythm...I thought, "Oh my god, it's Brian Jonestown Massacre, but without the face-kicking!" Yet it was different, too. It had it's own style and sound, it sounded new and different. The beautiful, dreamy, languid motion of the music was echoed by the movement of the crowd in response and enhanced by Dwayne Seagraves remarkable vocals. Each song sounded like a fully formed rock and roll classic. Incredible! Clear, straightforward, unpretentious lyrics make each song interesting.. All through this I observed dazed audience members leaning forward, listening intently, as if hanging on every note, eyes wide as saucers, mouthing the giant word "WOW!" to each other. This band was making an impression and that's a really great moment to witness. O.K., their music reminded me, among a lot of things, of a jangly, loopy Lovin' Spoonful, of a Grateful Dead jam, and indebted to, but not a copy of Brian Jonestown Massacre (I even think their second song was a Jonestown cover), but they're just carrying on the tradition of solid rock and roll songwriting into the 21st century. I'm sorry I've missed so many of their local shows but I can promise, I won't miss any more. Also bought their CD and it represents their sound perfectly.
A really good crowd was on hand for The Flying Tourbillon Orchestra, since there's been a bit of media buzz around this show, and the band responded with an uptempo, robust set. The playing sounded more forceful than usual with lots of punch. Performing songs off their new EP "Escapements", their upbeat, pop songs about death and the impossibility of survival (after all, nobody gets out of this alive) warm the heart with their ironic honesty. Coupled with Hunter Costeau's other "I love you, but..."-songs, you get an idea of the band's take on fate. They're either pessimistic optimists or optimistic pessimists... I haven't made up my mind.
I love this band and its individual members and it's great to see the local community so supportive of those who give so much back already. This band is a really choice bunch of human beings. Also, splendid vocals by Hunter and Kelli Noftle...everybody, great job! Congratulation on the CD and it's beautiful artwork. It sounds AMAZING!
Thanks to everyone that makes me feel welcome at these events. It's an honor to be with you.
whrabbit
I'd heard the name Stevenson Ranch Dividians for a while now and kind of loved the name...and all it's implications, but had just been too lazy to research on myspace or to listen to them at all. So when they started up and I heard that sound, I became instantly transfixed. The guitars, the voice, that rhythm...I thought, "Oh my god, it's Brian Jonestown Massacre, but without the face-kicking!" Yet it was different, too. It had it's own style and sound, it sounded new and different. The beautiful, dreamy, languid motion of the music was echoed by the movement of the crowd in response and enhanced by Dwayne Seagraves remarkable vocals. Each song sounded like a fully formed rock and roll classic. Incredible! Clear, straightforward, unpretentious lyrics make each song interesting.. All through this I observed dazed audience members leaning forward, listening intently, as if hanging on every note, eyes wide as saucers, mouthing the giant word "WOW!" to each other. This band was making an impression and that's a really great moment to witness. O.K., their music reminded me, among a lot of things, of a jangly, loopy Lovin' Spoonful, of a Grateful Dead jam, and indebted to, but not a copy of Brian Jonestown Massacre (I even think their second song was a Jonestown cover), but they're just carrying on the tradition of solid rock and roll songwriting into the 21st century. I'm sorry I've missed so many of their local shows but I can promise, I won't miss any more. Also bought their CD and it represents their sound perfectly.
A really good crowd was on hand for The Flying Tourbillon Orchestra, since there's been a bit of media buzz around this show, and the band responded with an uptempo, robust set. The playing sounded more forceful than usual with lots of punch. Performing songs off their new EP "Escapements", their upbeat, pop songs about death and the impossibility of survival (after all, nobody gets out of this alive) warm the heart with their ironic honesty. Coupled with Hunter Costeau's other "I love you, but..."-songs, you get an idea of the band's take on fate. They're either pessimistic optimists or optimistic pessimists... I haven't made up my mind.
I love this band and its individual members and it's great to see the local community so supportive of those who give so much back already. This band is a really choice bunch of human beings. Also, splendid vocals by Hunter and Kelli Noftle...everybody, great job! Congratulation on the CD and it's beautiful artwork. It sounds AMAZING!
Thanks to everyone that makes me feel welcome at these events. It's an honor to be with you.
whrabbit
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Tuesday at Spaceland
Tuesday night (July 1) KXLU, Filter Magazine and Classical Geek Theatre presented The Mae Shi at Spaceland with opening bands Light FM and Death To Anders. I arrived just as Light FM went on. I'd seen them a few months ago at Joe's Boardner night but Tuesday they sounded even more impressive. Many familiar songs and a few new ones had the crowd in constant motion. I'll look forward to their new CD and I will definitely see them again.
During the break had a nice talk with Eli of The Monolaters who said they have a show coming up at the Echo on July 16. They are so great live!
Death To Anders went up next and they were ferocious. Tearing through, both favorites from their latest CD "Ficticious Business", and new material, Rob Danson is so much fun to watch as he seems to chew the words out, rolling eyes or raising an eyebrow for emphasis as if it helps his particular enunciation. I don't know when I've seen them better than this. They all played fiercely, great vocals by Nicholas Ceglio on a couple of numbers. Their genre-defying sound, augmented by Charlene Huang's violin for one number, had the audience hanging on every note.
The place was pretty packed by this time, and I had a chance to chat with friends and bloggers: Travis from Web in Front, Joe of Radio Free Silver Lake, one of thea events sponsors, Mouse of Classical Geek Theatre and a Squaregirl (Erica I think she said her name was...sorry, I'm trying). I couldn't help but rave about the new Earlimart CD, "Hymn and Her", which I had just picked up at Amoeba on the way over and listened to on the bus trip. I want to review it but I need to digest it's stunning beauty a little more first!
The Mae Shi... what can one say. You either like their music or you don't, but one thing is for certain, they put it over with an energy, a style and a passion just this side of goofy delirium...no over the other side of it. It was shattering! They spill off the stage into the audience occasionally and even spread a giant sheet out over the crowd which began undulating in time to the boisterous music creating an otherworldly, theatrical image. I can hardly tell their songs apart but like "Run To Your Grave" as a standout.
whrabbit
During the break had a nice talk with Eli of The Monolaters who said they have a show coming up at the Echo on July 16. They are so great live!
Death To Anders went up next and they were ferocious. Tearing through, both favorites from their latest CD "Ficticious Business", and new material, Rob Danson is so much fun to watch as he seems to chew the words out, rolling eyes or raising an eyebrow for emphasis as if it helps his particular enunciation. I don't know when I've seen them better than this. They all played fiercely, great vocals by Nicholas Ceglio on a couple of numbers. Their genre-defying sound, augmented by Charlene Huang's violin for one number, had the audience hanging on every note.
The place was pretty packed by this time, and I had a chance to chat with friends and bloggers: Travis from Web in Front, Joe of Radio Free Silver Lake, one of thea events sponsors, Mouse of Classical Geek Theatre and a Squaregirl (Erica I think she said her name was...sorry, I'm trying). I couldn't help but rave about the new Earlimart CD, "Hymn and Her", which I had just picked up at Amoeba on the way over and listened to on the bus trip. I want to review it but I need to digest it's stunning beauty a little more first!
The Mae Shi... what can one say. You either like their music or you don't, but one thing is for certain, they put it over with an energy, a style and a passion just this side of goofy delirium...no over the other side of it. It was shattering! They spill off the stage into the audience occasionally and even spread a giant sheet out over the crowd which began undulating in time to the boisterous music creating an otherworldly, theatrical image. I can hardly tell their songs apart but like "Run To Your Grave" as a standout.
whrabbit
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Fleet Foxes (Night Two)...and More
Seeing Fleet Foxes at Spaceland on Sunday night (June 29) was a very different experience than the Echo the night before. First of all the crowd seemed more local, and, when I arrived, wrapped around the building. Soon they let ticket holders, of which I was one, into the delightfully cool and not yet crowded club. I wanted to be sure not to miss the opening set by Evan Way, who was encouraged by numerous members of his band, The Parson Red Heads, who were in attendance, including Sam, Brette and Erin and some whose names I have failed to remember. We all planted ourselves near the stage, where I intended to stay all night, to keep my position in the mad rush of Fleet Foxes fans. Running into Robin Pecknold at the back of the club, I had the chance to say hello and tell him how wonderful the Echo show had been and he thanked me for coming twice. He was just as one would expect; courteous, genuine and friendly. It felt like an honor just to shake his hand.
Evan Way took the stage and sang some of his folk compositions I'd never heard before. Very nice, simple acoustic set anchored by his sure, steady vocals and beautiful guitar playing. Sunny, with a touch of melancholy, is how I'd describe his music. His wife, and Parsons drummer, Brette, joined him for two numbers offering pretty harmonies and nice vocal variety. I was particularly pleased with the last song, whose title Evan told me, but I've forgotten, which displayed an impressive vocal discipline and control. It was also a really pretty song. Everyone near the stage was focused in rapt attention. Good job!
The crowd swelled rapidly as Spaceland threw open the doors to as many people as legally allowed. I had staked my ground near the front, maybe three people deep from center stage and wouldn't relent. I had no intention of being all the way in the back like at the Echo. I'd had enough of being a football field away from performers in the '60's and '70's, thank you. Tonight I would really see, up close, how Robin achieves that amazing sound.
The same opening band from the night before, The Duchess and The Duke, set up to play, as I had a nice chat with Erin Way, who kindly shared a little of her and brother Evan's background. I'm always curious what draws a person to music and everyone I meet seems to have a facinating back story. But then, doesn't everyone in L.A. have a back story? It's why we all moved here (us non-natives).
After The Duchess and The Duke played a pleasant set of bluegrassish rock, the place packed, Fleet Foxes took the stage amid screams and cheers and Robin apologized for a sore throat he'd just developed. They launched their fleet of harmonic wonders, playing basically the same set as the night before, which I didn't mind, as they played almost all their songs. Robin sounded just as good as at the Echo, despite having to cough and recover after each number. You could tell he was just this side of the flu, yet his mood still seemed ecstatic at the reception his music elicits from an audience and he couldn't contain the occasional, hopelessly uncontrollable grin that lights up the room. And to be up close in a room that was a good 20 degrees cooler than the Echo, I was overjoyed! This night I was able to enjoy the camaraderie of this band, how much they appear to enjoy each other and sharing this moment in their lives. I wouldn't be surprised to see them playing The Greek or The Hollywood Bowl by this time next year, so the chance to see them these two nights will remain a special memory for me.
I dashed back to Spaceland last night, Monday June 30 for the set by The Happy Hollows who were opening for Afternoons final night of residency. Of course, there was a great crowd to see this band since Sarah Negahdari is one of everybody's favorite people. And with good reason! Her heart appears to be as enormous as her talent. She and Charlie Mahoney and Chris Meanie deliver some of the hottest, rawest, driving rock and roll around. And they make noise beautiful! Few bands can get this out there into noise-rock territory without flopping over into boredom, for me, but this band does it with such style, ability and fearlessness while adhering to a basic song structure and never overindulging...they just floor me. What a gift!
I've seen them a lot, but last night was especially excellent, fueled by a super-loyal following, as they blazed through their set at breakneck speed and left the audience breathless. Spaceland can be an enchanting place!
whrabbit
Evan Way took the stage and sang some of his folk compositions I'd never heard before. Very nice, simple acoustic set anchored by his sure, steady vocals and beautiful guitar playing. Sunny, with a touch of melancholy, is how I'd describe his music. His wife, and Parsons drummer, Brette, joined him for two numbers offering pretty harmonies and nice vocal variety. I was particularly pleased with the last song, whose title Evan told me, but I've forgotten, which displayed an impressive vocal discipline and control. It was also a really pretty song. Everyone near the stage was focused in rapt attention. Good job!
The crowd swelled rapidly as Spaceland threw open the doors to as many people as legally allowed. I had staked my ground near the front, maybe three people deep from center stage and wouldn't relent. I had no intention of being all the way in the back like at the Echo. I'd had enough of being a football field away from performers in the '60's and '70's, thank you. Tonight I would really see, up close, how Robin achieves that amazing sound.
The same opening band from the night before, The Duchess and The Duke, set up to play, as I had a nice chat with Erin Way, who kindly shared a little of her and brother Evan's background. I'm always curious what draws a person to music and everyone I meet seems to have a facinating back story. But then, doesn't everyone in L.A. have a back story? It's why we all moved here (us non-natives).
After The Duchess and The Duke played a pleasant set of bluegrassish rock, the place packed, Fleet Foxes took the stage amid screams and cheers and Robin apologized for a sore throat he'd just developed. They launched their fleet of harmonic wonders, playing basically the same set as the night before, which I didn't mind, as they played almost all their songs. Robin sounded just as good as at the Echo, despite having to cough and recover after each number. You could tell he was just this side of the flu, yet his mood still seemed ecstatic at the reception his music elicits from an audience and he couldn't contain the occasional, hopelessly uncontrollable grin that lights up the room. And to be up close in a room that was a good 20 degrees cooler than the Echo, I was overjoyed! This night I was able to enjoy the camaraderie of this band, how much they appear to enjoy each other and sharing this moment in their lives. I wouldn't be surprised to see them playing The Greek or The Hollywood Bowl by this time next year, so the chance to see them these two nights will remain a special memory for me.
I dashed back to Spaceland last night, Monday June 30 for the set by The Happy Hollows who were opening for Afternoons final night of residency. Of course, there was a great crowd to see this band since Sarah Negahdari is one of everybody's favorite people. And with good reason! Her heart appears to be as enormous as her talent. She and Charlie Mahoney and Chris Meanie deliver some of the hottest, rawest, driving rock and roll around. And they make noise beautiful! Few bands can get this out there into noise-rock territory without flopping over into boredom, for me, but this band does it with such style, ability and fearlessness while adhering to a basic song structure and never overindulging...they just floor me. What a gift!
I've seen them a lot, but last night was especially excellent, fueled by a super-loyal following, as they blazed through their set at breakneck speed and left the audience breathless. Spaceland can be an enchanting place!
whrabbit
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