The Old Time Modern Mixtape Hour: C O 2

Camera Obscura; Tiny Vipers
@ Sound Fix Records
Brooklyn, NY - August 23, 2007

There isn't a band cuter, more adorable, than Camera Obscura. And for as cute and adorable as they are, they have equal measurements of talent. They are simply one of the best bands in the world, and the best pop band right now. Their inspirations have never sounded so smooth and flowing, especially on Let's Get Out Of This Country. But in addition to great renditions of the title track, "Tears for Affairs", and "The False Contender", earlier songs like "Suspended From Class" sounded utterly brilliant, as did their little lounge-type cover of Sonny and Cher. The band was a bit overwhelmed by the packed house at little ol' Sound Fix and the accompanying heat and so only played a short set but they made their mark perfectly. The only bad moment was when this writer put the kibosh on lead singer Tracyanne's idea to take the gig to the street, resulting in the label "Mr. Bringdown". I hope she writes a song with that title.
Tiny Vipers are a dark-folk two-piece that are very delicate and somber but you can see a warmth underneath itching to get out. And at the same time, the leader has a Patti Smith quality about her.

Camera Obscura; Last Town Chorus
@ South Street Seaport
New York, NY - August 24, 2007

Night 2 of the Glaswegian's two night stand of free shows was at a packed Pier 17. Again, the band sounded perfect. "Polished" is an almost sterile word but it is apt, apt! Much like Let's Get Out of This Country, there is no filler in the live show. Every song is an ideal gem of blue-eyed Spector-ish songcraft. This is a band ready for the big time. I need to stop this review now before I give myself a sugar overdose.
Last Town Chorus is essentially the work of lead singer and exceptional lap steel guitarist Megan Hickey. A fine voice and an amazing musician, Hickey plays some very provoking Indie pop/alt-country melodies, including a smart, ballad-ized cover of Bowie's "Modern Love".
Photos here