On The Album Leaf

Posted on December 24, 2003 at 10:22 am | No Comments

An emotional rollercoaster of a music-filled weekend it was, bookended by Friday night’s stellar Album Leaf / American Analog Set / Shenzhou 5 show at TTs and Sunday’s melancholy yet quietly comforting afternoon of a tribute to Elliott Smith.

The Album Leaf took me to another planet entirely. The dimmed lighting, the sychronized video projections, the beautiful Rhodes keyboard stylings of super-genius Jimmy LaValle over trancey, rhythmic backing tracks (running on Windows ME, no less. risky!). The lulling strains of a subtle violinist accompanied him, along with two members of the American Analog Set (singer Andrew on keyboards and guitar, vibramaphone guy Sean Ripple on the drums). The songs ran together nicely, only a brief pause or two during the whole set, which helped send the crowd into perfect space. Found myself closing my eyes a lot, totally overwhelmed… it’s rare that a band is able to do that for me, and when they do, it’s like I’m hooked on a perfect drug. I’ve loved their recordings for awhile, but I’ll be at every area A.L. live show from here on out. More please.

I’ve been listening to their new import CDEP (“Seal Beach”), which I picked up at the show, non-stop since Friday. Ranks up there with their best, and jumps into my best of the year list just in time. (speaking of best of the year… have you heard that Stills album? oh my goodness, now that’s the stuff).

The Album Leaf’s mesmerizing set sort of overshadowed the other two bands. Y’know, I think I’ve sort of burned out on American Analog Set. I’ve seen ’em maybe four times in the past year (I’m not complaining!… I’ve been spoiled.), and while the shows have been either good or mostly great, the lack of new material is leaving me just a tiny bit apathetic. They’re one of my favorite bands, but I find myself hungering for a new AAS experience.

The Shenzhou 5 were very good, if a little loose, and it’s the sonic extension of Seana Carmody’s Syrup USA days. I love that she’s got Deb on harmonies and guitary stuff… she adds a hell of a lot to the layers, as does the other slide (and sometimes regular) guitarist. Looking forward to some recordings, for sure.

Not ready to write about the Elliott tribute yet. Maybe later…

An Afternoon for Elliott Smith

Posted on December 18, 2003 at 10:16 pm | No Comments

This weekend brings Boston’s tribute to the dearly departed, and so much missed, Elliott Smith. I still have a hard time believing he’s really not around, that he’s not holed up somewhere recording a bunch of new songs. He meant so much to so many people, proven on messageboards and by memorials around the country. The Boston one, happening Sunday afternoon at TT the Bears, has been thrown together by his friend and sometime collaborator Mary Lou Lord. Details have been sketchy, but word is that over 20 artists (and fans) have asked to cover Elliott songs for those still in mourning. Mary Lou will be showing some personal tour footage along with the slightly surreal Elliott short-film Strange Parallel. Doors are at 1:30 pm, the video footage starts at 2, and the music kicks off at 3 o’clock. Any proceeds will go to the Elliott Smith Memorial Fund for abused children. For a brief article on the benefit, check out today’s Boston Globe online. There’s also this great interview with Mary Lou talking about Elliott and the show at the Weekly Dig website. Get your tickets early, because tons of people are travelling from near and far away. Don’t get left out from this sure-to-be-memorable memorial.