Many concerts you go to and you hear what was recorded on the album almost verbatim, the band often phoning it in, not putting their all into. I know the road life is tough, just ask Jon Crocker, or read up on the Decemberists in their Tour Journal.
Sam Beam is no lazy Gacy, and he, like the Decemberists has this kind of OOMF behind him when he plays live that makes you appreciate the music all the more. His performance last night at the Wiltern in Los Angeles with a backing band was rock solid. Quite familiar with his work, I was at a loss half the time as to which song he was playing until he got to the verses. “Oh boy,” I said to myself as he started singing ‘Jezebel’, from his Woman King EP.
If you’re a Beatles fan, I liken the change from record to live as the change between the two versions of ‘Revolution’. One being slow, solid and palpable, the other being upbeat, punchy, and complimentary to the other.
Here’s hoping he doesn’t start arguing with himself or marry Yoko.
Did I say video? Yes I did:
1:07 of the end of Jezebel
A 10 second smattering of Teeth in the Grass
Calexico struck a chord with my love of mexican culture. I am not saying they could cover the Mexican National Anthem with vigor, or play that song that goes “Bomba, la movimiento sensual,” but it’s got that tex mex flavor that makes things lovely if you’re not going gung-ho into the heart o’ Mexico(Pronounced meh-hee-ko).
Iron & Wine with Calexico sounded much like the record excepting that they A) rocked the hell out of Red Dust and B) had Tori Williams accompany on two songs. I’m afraid that I don’t know who that is though!
This looks like a post for the beards section.
Oh god! your right.
Calexico! I’ve heard a few of their songs and they’re pretty good
oh man, what’s with this new layout? i can’t get to the forums anymore…
http://www.confabulators.com/phpBB2
I will be adding the link in the style it was later today.
I just caught this show in Portland on Friday. Considering both of these groups are formidable (in my most humble opinion) it was only enhanced by the rundown of local artists who happened to pop up on stage throughout the performances:
M. Ward (who kept coming out on stage looking like he had just been woken up from a deep slumber)
Rachel Blumberg (ex-Decemberist)
Janet Weiss (Quasi & Sleater Kinney)
James Mercer (The Shins)
I’ll bet if Colin Meloy was in town he might have shown up as well.
And the Internet Archive (www.archive.org) has a few excellent live Calexico recordings that will give you an idea of how good they are and can be live (I wish their set had been longer on Friday).
my credit report…
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