Shoegazers Unite
So it would seem a lot more people than I realized are closet shoegazer lovers--judging from the mail and comments I've received since last week's Stranger article in praise of the often-maligned genre ("Don't Leave It All Behind," Dec 19). People are waxing nostalgic about Swervedriver, the Swirlies, Slowdive, and Lush, as well as throwing into the hat more contemporary bands like Sianspheric (whose 1997 release Somnium I still pull out for the Sunday afternoon couch festivals) and Southpacific (whose 2000 release Constance I've not yet heard). And I'll kick in defunct Portland band Swoon 23 (whose 1995 release Famous Swan Song is still available online), as well as direct you toward Spiritualized's Pure Phase (1995) and Opal, the band which begat Mazzy Star and Viva Saturn. Anyway, given the enthusiastic response, I think it's safe to say there was a lot of fitful reunion or multi-orgasmic writhing going on last weekend as reverb-heads hunted out or dusted off tossed-aside cassettes and records or just played them out in their minds. For those who wish to experience the next best thing to actually seeing Ride live, the Crocodile is planning a cover night dedicated to that band sometime during the third week in February.
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Okay! So let's cool things down body-temp wise by discussing the Showbox's Third Annual Holiday Party last Saturday, December 21. Always a bash to remember, this year's all-star banquet/benefit for Team A featured Modest Mouse, Swarming Hordes, and Saturday Night Live's Fred Armisen, who did a super short standup (including an excellent impression of my favorite asst. district attorney from Law & Order, Jack McCoy) and lent some snare action to Modest Mouse's live set. That night was the first time (in recent recognition) that I had witnessed Swarming Hordes, and I must say, I LIKE! A loud, bassy three-piece band not all that far removed from the Melvins--just throw a little math rock in there, and maybe a bit of prog, too. Isaac Brock was sporting his de rigueur winter beard, and strode on stage wearing Calvin Johnson's trademark ear protectors.
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Have you heard talk about the John and Spencer Booze Explosion? 764-HERO's John Atkins and Murder City Devils' Spencer Moody got all boozed up and recorded a funny and spectacular album of covers featuring songs by Jacques Brel, the Velvet Underground, Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood, something Ben Folds wrote for Bette Midler, and something from the demo tape of an unknown band. It's super good, showcasing not only the vocals of John Atkins but also the straight singing voice of Moody (think Scott Walker or recall "I'll Come Running" off In Name and Blood) and the musicianship of guest stars, including Joe Plummer (Black Heart Procession, Magic Magicians), Phil Ek, Dann Gallucci (MCD, Modest Mouse), and Jim Roth (the Delusions). John and Spencer Booze Explosion doesn't come out on Tiger Style Records until January 21, so you'll have to wait a bit. I swear to God, however, it's worth the holdup, as is anything that features a glockenspiel--heaven's own most soulful instrument (in my book, anyway). And since this is It's My Party, MY book is the only book that matters, now isn't it?
