Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Ten days 'til Christmas. I have shopping to do. So let's just get to the point...
Stopped by the Cold War Kids residency to see Eleni's latest project The Grabs, only so we could lust over Elvira and ogle Nigel a bit. The other reason was to see Gliss play a rare local show after being away in Europe for most of the year with so-and-so and you-know-who. I could seriously watch this band play musical chairs all day, but let's face it, all eyes are really on Victoria... Laura Burhenn made a quick stop in L.A. on Saturday at the Hotel Cafe. I love this girl and the new songs sounded great. If you missed her, I do believe she'll be back sooner than you think... Aftwards went to "Miss Derringer" Elizabeth McGrath's opening of her new work "Altarwise by Owl-Light". The woman is simply on another level. Disturbing, beautiful mixed media pieces that prove she's still the goth art queen, especially my favorite piece "Sleep"... A few know that I've probably seen Kate Earl way too many times. Make that way too many times plus one. Her solo show at the Mint was memorable for a few reasons: she's getting better at guitar, the new songs are yummy, and every time she got to 'divine' during her rendition of "O Holy Night," my knees buckled. So good to see you again, Ms. Kate... Earlier that evening, Jenny Owen Youngs made her debut to Los Angeles in front of a rather industry crowd of artists, label dorks, and Nic Harcourt. Youngs, with her sharp tongue and girlie girl songs, actually might be on to something. Too early to say though so keep your eye on her -- especially if she's giving piggyback rides... Gran Ronde played their last show of the year on the opening night of The Colour's residency at Spaceland. For those in the early stages of your "One's to Look Out For 2006," keep them in mind.
It's only been about a year and a half yet it seems like forever and a lifetime since Ozma called it quits. Their return to the stage opening for The Wrens at the Troubadour was kept fairly secret until the last minute. Bands that write pop/rock songs this good are often filed under 'guilty pleasure' in the indie-rock pantheon, but one should never feel guilty about the hooky riffs and catchy choruses this band makes. Stay tuned for more shows in the coming months. Meanwhile, The Wrens continue to be one of our favorite bands ever. Song after perfect song, one wonders why after over ten years they're still only playing mid-sized clubs. Their performance on this night -- and most every night -- was truly... divine.
The Grabs - "Already Forgotten" (MP3)
Yes, only one mp3... it's not Christmas yet.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
It always happens. Right around this time of year we start getting a little nostalgic and begin wondering how on earth eleven months have past by so quickly. And so November, like its siblings April, June and September, ended far too soon. The month did end on a high note, however, with a show that we won't forget too soon. We actually met Catherine Feeny almost two years ago to date. For the last year or so she's been spending her time in the UK working with Sebastian Rogers on her new album ("Hurricane Glass") and other projects. She's been making quite a name for herself over yonder, but recently she returned to L.A. and played last night at the Hotel. She couldn't have been any lovelier. Getting her hit out the way early ("Mr. Blue"), she obliged to make eyes glaze over with our favorites "Cold Mountain" and "I Come Home"... Speaking of grown men crying, that's what November resident David Ryan Harris conjured with his song "For You," which also probably got him at least a few dozen lady's phone numbers as well... Was in stealth mode most of the night (that's why PK never sees me), but was spotted by Seefried, Jude, and Russo. Kid Lightning is playing guitar in Feeny's band and he and the boys make up The Speakers (finally, an official name). They just signed with the new Starbucks label (Antigone Rising is one of their artists) and are playing at the Hotel on 12/16. More news on that later.
Goodbye November, we'll miss you.
Catherine Feeny on MySpace
Catherine Feeny - "I Come Home" (MP3)
Catherine Feeny - "Higher Ground" (MP3)
Catherine Feeny - "Please Don't Leave Me in Winter" (MP3)
Catherine Feeny - "Oh My Heart" (MP3)
Catherine Feeny - "You Crowd My Memories" (MP3)
Catherine Feeny - "Forever" (MP3)
Catherine Feeny - "Touch Back Down" (MP3)
Catherine Feeny - "Leave You on the Pavement" (MP3)
Catherine Feeny - "Live in Germany - 2 Sets" 7/13/04 (MP3)
