Henry Clay People and The Rosewood Thieves @ Little Radio December 15, 2007

I seem to be cursed when it comes to seeing shows at Little Radio. Or rather, when I want to see a show there, something happens to prevent me from doing so. It almost did this night, but in the end, I ended up just being to tired to finish the night past one and stay to see Dead Meadow.

The funny thing about the LR space is that it's not quite a venue yet. So, things like time do not matter, which is nice cause you can be lazy and take a nap after dinner, and even though start time says 9:30 on your invite, chances are nothing will begin till almost 11. Such was the case tonight, although I can't quite recall what the actual start time was, but I do know it was not 9:30.

The first band up was The Rosewood Thieves from New York. When they started playing they were not in my line of sight, so I thought a DJ was playing the Stones, a song I had not heard before, but the Stones nonetheless. However, when I turned the corner I was surprised to see a live band playing. They fluctuated between that folksy rock and some freak-folk styling that I still don't know what my opinion is of it. It turns out they're more well known than I thought, accumulating much in the way of good press. Their playing was on point the whole time they were up on the giant snowflake covered stage, making me feel that there kudos were very much earned.

Second up, and the last band I caught tonight, was the Henry Clay People, dressed as the Santa Claus People (or just the Santa people, I forget now...). I've praised this band before, however tonight they're playing was completely different. Maybe it was the Holiday season, maybe it was the Santa Claus costumes, maybe it was too much Dewars, but lead singer Joey Siara kept scaring me as he swayed and leapt all over the stage. In fact, Christopher felt the need to stay close to the stage in case he fell off. (For some photographic examples, click here for a slideshow at LA Weekly) However, the playing and sound were great. They played a bunch off their album, and some other stuff I didn't recognize- like usual.

Anyways, if you get the opportunity to go to a show at Little Radio, you should. They like to decorate, and know how to throw a party.

Coming soon: my review of live shows in 2007, cause I like lists.

A Little More Cheeky, A Little Less Wreckless: Wrecless Eric and Amy Rigby, the Adored @ Safari Sam's December 6th 2007

The last couple of times I've been to Safari Sam's it always seems to be raining... this should also tell you the frequency in which I attend concerts here. But it's a nice enough club... it kinda makes me think of what you would get if you turned an Old Spaghetti Factory into a club. Anyways, I get the emails from Safari Sam's and they were highlighting Wreckless Eric and Amy Rigby, although I didn't put it together that they were playing both at the same time till I got there (they're dating???), so I thought that was a good enough reason to go to Hollywood.

We caught one of the opening bands (although Christopher bought a cd from one of the earlier guys who we didn't see because the guy told him it was good- and I promise, yes, I will listen to it soon- I just keep forgetting it at the house). When we walked in, The Adored had just started to play and we immediately turned our attention to them; they were fun. Their live sound is much more intense than their recorded stuff. That comes off as a bit over produced and sounds like too many other bands. But live they pulled off a great set. They sound like they belong in the British post punk set, but they're from Los Angeles.

Up next, and last, was Wreckless Eric and Amy Rigby. It was just the two of them with guitars and occasionally Amy on keyboard with Eric on guitar. Both played songs from their own collections and played really well off each other. There were a few technical glitches (the keys could not be heard at all on the first song that was played with them) but everything smoothed out by the end. Memorable songs for the night included Amy's "Are We Ever Going to Have Sex Again?" and Wreckless Eric's "Reconnez Cherie". Between songs was Eric's British banter about toilets and things that sound funny when spoken with a British accent. It was a good mixed crowd and not too crowded. There was even some chairs to sit in! For me it was great to be back at a show after a hiatus.

Stay tuned for the Santa People at Little Radio show review!