Thanks to the economy Ive slowed down a bit. I skipped CMJ and even SXSW, which I never miss. Fortunately, some memorable shows have passed through town and I did make a jaunt to Denver.
I havent been the best at predicting who the next big things are. The music business is as fickle and competitive as its ever been. Part of that is that there are so many great bands and artists out there. If I was going to wager I would pick two bands: Black Gold and Other Lives. I saw BG at the Launchpad opening for Lydia in March and if you have seen them and heard the record you might agree. The dance, electro pop with occasional ballads is infectious. This is no rookie band. drummer Than Lou jams with pros the likes of M. Ward and Neko Case. The album Rush is the first release on Red Bull Records. Listen to “Detroit,” “Plans and Reveries,” “Shine,” “Idols” and “Canyon.” This is music that music supervisors will fight over. Another artist on that bill was Joshua James. I liked his presentation and he has some nice songs. Think Damien Rice. Lydia was much improved over the performance I saw 3 years ago thanks to frequent touring, personnel changes and new songs added to their proven older material.
I went up to Denver to catch the reunion of The Dead and while there caught Other Lives opening for Elvis Perkins. The parking lot was as festive as I remember back at the 1988 tour. Cool bootleg tees and yes, even the herbal concoctions popular in the past. There was a band from San Fransisco called Strangefeather playing in the parking lot. The Dead were pretty tight although at times they drifted into unknown territory. Well, unknown to me. I have only seen The Dead ten times starting in 1977. There was a guy in front of me who seemed to mouth every word to every song. “Casey Jones,” “Ramble On Rose,” “Not Fade Away” and “Cumberland Blues” were more familiar to me. “Cumberland” was the highlight for me because Warren Haynes added a bluegrass, country feel to it and nailed every note. A fellow behind me was leaving immediately for the LA show and on up the coast finishing his Dead vacation at The Gorge. I was embarrassed to say it was my only show of the tour. Well…. there is Rothbury in July. I bought the limited edition cd of the show and after listening realized again what a great show it was. Well, like the saying goes: if you remember the show you weren’t there.
After spending the day cruising Denver, which included seeing the psychedelic poster show at the art museum and sampling an amazing Thai meal at Spicy Basil, Other Lives proved worth the wait. Their music can only be described as beautiful pop. Imagine Chris Martin writing with Harry Nilsson and that might give you an idea of what to expect. My favorite songs were “Black Tables,” and “Speed Tape.” The record aptly named Other Lives after the band also has a few more gems like “Matador” and “AM Theme.” What made them so special? I can tell you that during the first song I was hooked and had visions of greatness for this band. Think Arcade Fire if they were to add more instruments and explore more variety. The intensity and emotional potential was there.
Of course, I have to comment on Elvis. Its good that Other Lives is touring with him because they can take a few notes from Perkins and his band, Dearland. Elvis can start off like Dylan and end up like Flogging Molly. And yes, the spirit of Mr. Presley was there in the form of a rocking gospel number.
I usually do Jazz Fest in New Orleans and was 90 miles away when I got word that my sister had passed away. She was a child of the 70s. She was flamboyant back then and her friends attributed the popularity of fashions of the time to her. She was respected for her innovation and daring. Remember the maxi coat? All I can say is stay close to those you love and if you have an inkling that they are in trouble drop what you are doing and reach out to them in person and show them that you love them.
My one Jazz Fest moment was passing through town and having Leslie Smith give me a private preview of her new record. A much needed uplifting. Music seems to do that for me. Thats why I do what I do.
