Balmorhea and Frank Fairfield at Echoplex - March 6, 2011

I heard some really fine music last week at a few shows after taking five night off. The movement to incorporate classical instruments, particularly strings, into the indie rock ensemble was beautifully illustrated this week by a number of shows I attended.

I had never heard of Balmorhea until they were highlighted in Brand X and I liked the description of their music. This mostly instrumental band from Texas appeared at the Echoplex last Monday, March 7, on a bill with Frank Fairfield, and since it was billed as a partially seated show, I decided to buy a seat and let their music wash over me.

I took a seat near the front as Frank Fairfield ambled on stage to play a set. I've been seeing him for a while now, ever since he was an opening act for Fleet Foxes locally, and on their first national tour in 2008. And I've witnessed the same phenomenon each and every time. He sits down in his unassuming manner, picks up his small guitar, tunes a bit and launches into one of his unearthed, early 20th century compositions and the audience gasps.

No one is ever quite prepared for the authentic sounds that come out of this young man. Though still in his mid twenties he seems to be channeling the heart and soul of musicians from a hundred years ago. He incorporates not only the vocal mannerisms, but many of the small tics and foot stomping, even the sudden bursts of laughter, that usually accompanies such music. And when coupled with his astonishing virtuosity on guitar, violin and banjo, he easily and handily whips the crowd into a near-frenzy, even though most of this audience was seated.

Everyone was caught off-guard, as they always are, by the intensity of his playing and singing. People, myself included, have been quick to label his music as Appalachian or Dust Bowl but, as he reminded us, these instruments are universal. His obvious love of the music he's playing and his desire to entertain and educate comes flooding out over the crowd.

When I Picked up their CD, Constellations, at Amoeba I knew I would like Balmorhea as soon as I heard the echoes of Erik Satie and Ennio Morricone, from his 1970's period (think Bertolucci's 1900 or Terrence Malick's Days of Heaven). As soon as they began you floated away on a cloud of feeling and emotions.

Their music has a bit more punch in a live setting, but still contains the sweeping orchestral sound their string section brings to the mix, creating definitive musical satisfaction. And when four musicians were all pounding away on the giant table xylophone, the repetitious movement came to resemble dance and moved the viewer/listener into a trance state.

Balmorhea's compositions are beautiful and delicate. carefully orchestrated to highlight each instrument, yet always eloquent and well formed. I came away totally in a dream state.

whrabbit

February Listening Pleasure

week of February 4 - 10, 2011:

1. Lord Huron - Mighty (self release)

2. Lord Huron - Into the Sun (self release)

3. Alpine Decline - Visualizations (self release)

4. The Low Anthem - Oh My God, Charlie Darwin (Nonesuch Records)

5. Pepper Rabbit - Beauregard (Kanine Records)

6. Tommy Santee Klaws - Rakes (self release)

7. Kenseth Thibideau - Repetition (Temporary Residence)

8. Nightfur - Glass Wall EP (self release)

9. George Glass - George Glass EP (self release)

10. Obi Best - Sentimental Education EP (self release)

Fueled by the February 4 set by Lord Huron at The Echo, of which I only saw two songs (had to catch Pageants up the street), I nonetheless gorged myself on their two EPs, Mighty and Into the Sun all week. These albums have real staying power and a sneaky way of burrowing into your subconscious. Alpine Decline's Visualizations continues to hold me captive with their primordial stew of guitar, bass, drums and dreamy voices coupled with their gift for songwriting that is as elemental as it is intellectually stimulating. Definitely above the average. The Low Anthem album is a quirky thing, but I'm enjoying it. The others are returning regulars.

week of February 11 - 17, 2011:

1. Iron and Wine - Kiss Each Other Clean (Warner Bros.)

2. Alpine Decline - Visualizations (self release)

3. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs (Merge Records)

4. Besnard Lakes - The Besnard Lakes Are The Roaring Night (Jagjaguwar)

5. Autolux - Transit Transit (TBD Records)

6. Arcade Fire - Funeral (Merge Records)

7. "The Wind and The Lion" - soundtrack, Jerry Goldsmith (Arista Records)

8. Duniven - Duniven (self release)

9. Tommy Santee Klaws - Rakes (self release)

10. Kenseth Thibideau - Repetition (Temporary Residence)

After letting the Iron and Wine album run it's course, I was surprised to see Kiss Each Other Clean had become number one on the Rolling Stone college listening chart. I'm always surprised when somethng I know shows up on this very commercial list. (I mean that in a negative way.) Kind of how I feel about the fucking Grammys, even though they gave album of the year to Arcade Fire, which caused me to want to hear all their albums again. So I guess I have to thank the Grammys after all.

I was sent a copy of the Dunivan album and it landed at number eight. The lead singer reminds me of Joshua of Eastern Conference Champions or Chris of Telegraph Canyon, and I mean that in a good way. I think there's a good variety of songs here and I can listen to it repeatedly.

I suppose I need to mention why the soundtrack to The Wind and The Lion is on the list. Oddly enough, I did not like the film when I saw it when it first came out in 1975, but my brother bought the album and it gradually became one of my favorite albums. The big double CD which contains the complete chronological score along with the original album presentation supplimented by source music came out last year on Intrada, and it was a dream come true. The music became so much a part of me that, even odder, I have now come around to love the movie as well.

week of February 18 - 24, 2011:

1. Choir of Young Believers - This Is For The White In Your Eyes (Ghostly International)

2. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs (Merge Records)

3. Duniven - Duniven (self release)

4. AV Club - Whale Talk (Manzan LLC.)

5. The New Pornographers - Twin Cities (Matador Records)

6. Arcade Fire - Neon Bible (Merge Records)

7. Count Fleet - Count Fleet EP (self release)

8. Iron and Wine - Kiss Each Other Clean (Warner Bros.)

9. Alpine Decline - Visualizations (self release)

10. Lord Huron - Mighty EP (self release)

The Choir of Young Believers show I saw at Bardot was so stimulating that I became obsessed all over again with their album and played it over and over. Arcade Fire required more and more of my time, which I was happy to give. The Dunivan CD is quite enjoyable, and the AV Club have played a couple of strong sets at Lot 1 Cafe and then at The Echo, one of which was with Count Fleet. The New Pornographers' Twin Cities is simply one of the best CD's I've ever heard, and regulars Iron and Wine, Alpine Decline and Lord Huron round out the list. By the way, did you see, Lord Huron are scheduled for a date at The Troubadour on May 14.

whrabbit

Choir of Young Believers

I had waited all weekend for an RSVP to the new "School Night" event that goes on every Monday at Bardot in Hollywood sponsored by Chris Douridas of KCRW, mfg and valida, until it arrived at about 6:45 which firmed my resolve not to miss this show with Choir of Young Believers and Princeton on February 21, 2011.

Now, the Bardot in on the roof of the Avalon and requires journeying into the beating heart of the fatally plastic world of Hollywood Clubs. The heart is plastic too...or a digital effect. But my prejudices proved unfounded (as prejudices often do). This was my second venture into Bardot, as I was there a year or so ago for an invitation only blogger party, and like that night, I found the atmosphere and ambiance of the club quite pleasant.

It doesn't hurt that the club, built as it is on the roof of the Avalon, is pretty beautiful, with two bars, indoor rooms and an outdoor patio with a performance stage, so covered with canopies that you only know you're outdoors by the occasional glimpse of a star-filled sky through gaps in the fabric. But the crowd itself was a slightly upscale indie rock audience (those able to afford $12. drinks) but they were attentive and interested in the music and surprisingly unpretentious.

I settled down with my $12. scotch, alone in a big chair, and surveyed the stage area and the room around it. Curious framed paintings adorn the wall by the staircase, mostly of Turner-esque landscapes and reverential portraits of pet dogs, some in odd costumes. It all makes for an interesting head trip.

Spotting who I thought were the band at the other end of the stage, I went up to introduce myself and met Caecilie Trier, who plays cello and sings stunning harmony vocals when called for, and she introduced me to singer/writer/guitarist, Jannis Makrigiannis. When I told them I had been at their Bootleg performance last March and had been a fan ever since, they became curious and we had a great chat about what they're up to now. They were charming, attractive and seemed eager to talk. They stated clearly that this was not the band in full and would just be an acoustic two-piece and I assured them I had known that beforehand.

Choir of Young Believers had me grinning from ear to ear from the first note, when not wiping a tear away from my eye because the music is so moving and so emotionally moving.

It was a great opportunity to hear the compositions in their rawest form, yet they were still excruciatingly beautiful, The two songs they played from the album, This Is For The White In Your Eyes, "Hollow Talk" and "Action/Reaction", were just as entrancing, even without the full band behind them, allowing one to really appreciate each separate element that goes into the music. Jannis' hollow, haunted guitar, his plaintive voice, Caecilie's classic cello and airy vocals combined to made me wonder if they even need a band.

They filled out the set with some covers that Jannis told me were by some of their favorite Scandinavian bands, and some new material. They've been in Los Angeles for a few weeks and are staying through March, then they return home to Copenhagen to begin recording a new album. I had managed to stay right next to the stage for their set and it was so intimate, the surroundings, so pleasant and relaxed that the whole experience resembled a dream

whrabbit

Recent Shows and Thoughts

Radio Free Silver Lake's third free February Tuesday (Feb. 15) with The Western States Motel was a feast of good music. The last band was going to be Jack Gibson's latest music project, Disaster Speaks. Jack, who splits his time between Austin, Texas and Portland, Oregon and Los Angeles, California is in town for (at least) three shows and has surrounded himself with some fine L.A. musicians, including John Seasons on bass, Bo Bory of Downtown/Union plays guitar and the band just rocks!

I had a nice catch-up with Jack when I got to the venue and he told me how he had just thrown together this band and written a bunch of songs for them to play...like it's no big deal. First up though, was Judson of Judson and Mary with a band assembled to cover parts Mary plays while she's back east. Singing a solo on guitar and harmonica, Judson opened the set with a simple folk song before inviting the band onto the stage where they proceeded to play interesting arrangements of familiar songs. The band was great and Mary's parts were taken by two musicians and the overall effect was pleasing.

The Western States Motel played a mixed set of new and older songs for a nice set, especially considering the sound problem of a faulty keyboard which the band dealt with admirably and professionally, still delivering a fine set of music, after which Disaster Speaks took over.

Jack Gibson has a golden touch as this new band, Disaster Speaks, was like another new, fully-formed east side band. Jesus, how many are there! Delivering a blistering and active program of newly minted songs that all sounded like classics, I was major pleased. Although not a huge crowd, I still think everyone left impressed.

Although tired, I still set out the next night to attend The Ross Sea Party show they invited me to at Silver Lake Lounge. The Californain were also on the bill, so acceptance was a no-brainer. I got there in time to hear most of the set by The Lexingtons, whose dynamic stage show is highlighted by another diminutive powerhouse of a lead performer. Like Samuel Bing of Fol Chen or Avi Buffalo of Avi Buffalo, small stature in no indicator of talent.

>div>The Ross Sea Party performed a strong set of power pop rock that kept me intrigued and wanting more, and The Californian were their usual electrifying selves. The crowd at Silver Lake Lounge was large and festive for a Wednesday night and I couldn't help but notice that if even a mid-week low key show could attract such a crowd, this music scene is certainly showing no signs of flagging.

I'd planned on going to the Friday show at Pehrspace with The Monolators and Disaster Speaks on February 18, but the rain was so intense and only got worse as the night went on that I was glad I stayed home.

I went out Sunday to Lot 1 Cafe instead and that was a night! For many it was a holiday on Monday (Feb. 21), so spirits were high and the place was pretty full for openers, Count Fleet and their attractive brand of indie/blues/rock. Was even given a copy of their CD by Caitlin Dryer and notice that it was produced by Raymond Richards and features such guest musicians as Jordan Hudock of Marvelous Toy/The Henry Clay People and is a nicely polished production.

The version of Disaster Speaks that appeared Sunday night was supplemented by the astonishing Avi Buffalo on guitar, and along with the two other guitars they created a wall of wailing guitars that was even more impressive than their performance on Tuesday. The audience was wowed. It was great to hang out with these guy and as Jack Gibson wends his way back to Texas, I have to admit, I will miss him.

I'd been given the AV Club's CD a week earlier and was mighty impressed so I was looking forward to their set. I have to admit, I was so dazed by Disaster Speaks, that I'm not sure I gave AV Club their due, but I remember enjoying their set

But for me, the night belonged to Torches in Trees, who, once again floored me with their set. Energetic, precise, filled with a variety of songwriting and beautifully performed. Once the vocals were mixed to their proper level the set soared and the audience felt it. One great song followed another great song for a set like a greatest hits sampler. The fullness of sound this three piece manages to put out is incredibly impressive.

whrabbit

January Weekly Top Tens

As I lay there dying from the flu in January, in my fevered hysteria, I thought, "how will I ever get my best of the year lists done?" Will I ever be able to get out of bed long enough to attend a concert again? Will I ever play another CD? Will I ever be able to do more than just watch travel shows on PBS? ...Will I ever stop talking abour it?

Well, eventually the senses started returning, I listened to some quiet albums, went out to a couple of shows (I really needed to get my concert legs back) and the urge to write followed, getting stronger and stronger.

Between January 14 - 20, 2011, and I listened to just a few albums, but it was the soothing, upbeat sweetness of the music of Lord Huron, on their two EP's, that was really healing and helped to escort me back to the world of music. Beirut's The Flying Club Cup was another piece, which I hadn't played in a while, but the variety and creativity of this album was reassuring and engaging. George Glass picked up the pace a bit for me with their more aggressive rock, but still they fascinate me with the breadth of their range in each song. Rob Crow, Film School and Blitzen Trapper filled out the rest of my listening parameters and I thank all these artists for bringing me back to where I belong.

What I listened To January 21 - 27, 2011:

1. Alpine Decline - Visualizations (self release)

2. Iron and Wine - Kiss Each Other Clean (Warner Bros.)

3. Iron and Wine - Live at Norfolk 6/20/05 (Sub Pop)

4. Nightfur - Glass Wall (self release.

5. The Monolators - Silver Cities/Ruby Double 45 record (self release)

6. Iron and Wine - Around the Well (Sub Pop)

7. George Glass - George Glass (self release)

8. Pepper Rabbit - Beauregard (Kanine Records)

9. Tommy Santee Klaws - Rakes (self release)

10. Seryn - This Is Where We Are (Velvet Blue Music)

I was sent the album by Alpine Decline called Visualizations over the holidays, but it wasn't untill I started playing the CD that accompanied the shipment that I realized just how great this is. It's diffused, spacious sound is anchored by a powerful wall of sonic noise beneath that it sounds like a spaceship taking off, but with some very sweet singing aliens on board. They played the very first night of our Radio Free Silver Lake LaBrie's show but I wasn't familiar with their music. I will pay closer attention next time.

This was the week of the Iron and Wine shows including the one I saw on Wednesday, Jan. 26 so I gorged myself on his recent records. His new album, Kiss Each Other Clean, is challenging and a little remote, but the poetry is beautiful and fascinating in its elaborate construction. In concert it was spectacular, full-bodied and quite hypnotic. 11 musicians filled the stage for most of the show and the sound was perfection. His Live at Norfolk album remains my favorite of his recordings because it's so forcefully played and his stage persona is so ingratiating and unforced that you can listen to it over and over.

The Nightfur album, Glass Wall, is terrifically well recorded and, though more tame than their live renditions, the songs are solid and interesting. The Monolators double 45 they just released, Silver Cities/Ruby is such a treasure, because they are recorded like a real rock band and sound better than ever. Their live energy is apparent on the record, but they take care to showcase all elements of their sound without ever tipping over into the sloppy.

I've written about all the others, but should mention that the Seryn album, This Is Where We Are, was sent to me and I enjoyed hearing it and I will try to see them next time they're in town.

What I Listened To January 27 - February 3, 2011:

1. Alpine Decline - Visualization (self release)

2. The Low Anthem - Oh My God, Charlie Darwin (Nonesuch Records)

3. Iron and Wine - Kiss Each Other Clean (Warner Bros.)

4. Nightfur - Glass Wall (self release)

5. George Glass - George Glass (self release)

6. The Monolators - Silver Cities/Ruby Double 45 record (self release)

7. Three Mile Pilot - The Inevitable Past Is The Future Forgotten (Temporary Residence)

8. Iron and Wine - Live at Norfolk 6/20/05 (Sub Pop)

9. Pepper Rabbit - Beauregard (Kanine Records)

10. Tommy Santee Klaws - Rakes (self release)

Still obsessed with the Alpine Decline album. I find the songs dreamy and seductive and they are good enough for frequent, repeated plays. It's great mood music while riding on the bus as the compositions are highly visual and cinematic.

The Low Anthem blew me away at the Iron and Wine concert in January, so I picked up their Oh My God, Charlie Darwin CD in the folk section at Amoeba, and, though not quite as impactful as their live set, it's still a damned good record.

All the others, you know what I think. Now I'm off to see a bunch of shows.

whrabbit

Heart Broken

I tried as best I could to get to see Arcade Fire in their secret show at the Ukrainian Culture Center of Los Angeles, but it was pretty hopeless, as work leaked last night and lines of overnight ticket-seekers camped out on Thursday night at the three locations announced. After assurances that the announcement would not be made until 9 AM Friday morning, it was a little disappointing.

The El Rey was one of the locations selling tickets and, as it is close by work, I dashed over around 11:40 AM, as an early lunch hour, to get in line, which was not too long. But after waiting 30 minutes it became clear that there was no hope, as they had wrist-banded as many people as they thought could get tickets and I was well behind that. Dejected, I returned to work.

I would have felt worse if I hadn't even tried, so to those lucky bastards I say, "enjoy your god-damned Arcade Fire concert". This band is, literally, on fire! I'd watch them on the Grammys on Sunday, except that after three minutes of that show I'm ready to throw up.

Got home later and found my DeVotchKa at The Fonda ticket in the mail, so that's some compensation. Also looking forward to this month's Red Cortez residency at The Satellite on Monday nights, especially the two with Everest. And rejoice, because Jack Gibson is returning to town and is going to play our Radio Free Silver Lake Free Tuesday at LaBrie's next Tuesday, February 15. He'll be fronting a new side project band called Disaster Speaks. We've seen him as Tenlons Fort for years, and it's always pretty special.

I had planned to try to see Alpine Decline tonight at Pehrspace, but I was wiped from the work week and the up/down of Arcade Fire (when I got in line at El Rey I actually thought there was a chance) so I didn't. I love the Alpine Decline album they sent me, both vinyl and CD (which I play all the time, great on the bus) and I wanted to see them live again before I write about it, but, another time. They were on the first bill of our LaBrie's series with The Californian on November 2, 2010 and I wish I'd been more familiar with their music then.

whrabbit

Summing Up My Weekly Ten Best Lists For 2010

I'm trying to wrap up 2010, but it's a tough struggle. It's like the year that won't go away. I have all these Ten Best lists from December (December 2 was the last date to appear on this blog), so I'll put them all together and make one big December list and hope I haven't slighted anybody. I'll deal with January later.


Fed somewhat by the shows I saw that month, the list is as follows.




1. George Glass - George Glass (self release)

Even though they didn't play any shows in town during December, they still ruled the month. I would still list this as one on the best of the year, even if my name were not on the back. I never tire of the songs. I can't wait to have them as our band of the month at Radio Free Silver Lake's Free Tuesdays at LaBrie's in March right after The Western States Motel finish up their fabulous February residency.


2. Pepper Rabbit - Beauregard (Kanine Records)

One of my favorite finds of the year was this band and their terrific blend of European pop and indie rock. Astonishing in live performance.


3. Three Mile Pilot - The Inevitable Past Is The Future Forgotten (Temporary Residence)

One of the most solid recordings of the year, so self-assured and sure-footed. A terrific array of songs in a great variety of styles. That Pinback bass and that Black Heart plaintive wail make a great combination from two legendary artists.


4. Tommy Santee Klaws - Rakes (self release)

This startling and well recorded album of the enchanting music this combine of remarkable musicians make is another year's best and well worth waiting for because this band never sounded so good (except live, of course)


5. Lord Huron - Mighty EP (self release)

The band out of nowhere that have taken their newly adopted home by storm. See these guys live at any one of the local dives before they break big.


6. Kenseth Thibideau - Repetition (Temporary Residence)

Fed by the fact this band opened for Rob Crow at The Satellite on the 7th, only increased my interest and I was rewarded with some of the most breathtaking , cinematic and dense music of the year and a great opening band.


7. Broken Bells - Broken Bells (Columbia Records)

I can't stop going back to this album, I find the songs so hypnotic and addictive


8. Rob Crow -Living Well (Temporary Residence)

His solo concert at The Satellite was a great opportunity to watch and hear what Rob does to those compositions as a solo artist. He promised to play 30 songs as fast as he could, and then he made good on that promise. It was a wonderful compendium of a great career.


9. Lord Huron - Into The Sun (self release)

Again, the recordings are great, but they only hint at the power of this band live.


10. Everest - On Approach (Vapor Records)

Set to play all over town in February, they are another reason for national attention focused on our local scene. They currently play some of the finest sets of their career and you'd be a fool to miss them.


Anyway that takes care of that. Next I have to tackle last year's Best Live Shows and whittling that down from 50 may take some effort.

whrabbit