Sunday Gigs: The Yarrows et al.

The Yarrows; Addie Brownlee
@ Mercury Lounge
New York, NY - September 9, 2007

The last time the Yarrows played the Merc, they sounded better than ever and tonight they continued the pattern. The songs are as complete, full, and tenderly ripe as they can be but if anything, this show showcased the musicianship of the band, each excelling at their instruments in a crescendoing pace. It reached a climactic, intense fury - a bottleneck of sound that surged forward. From the opening strands of "Lie Awake" to the very end, this band is making something good happening in the Mid-Atlantic states.
Here's "Impossible One"


Addie Brownlee plays modern country music which, while not very sonically exciting, is made better with her sense of wryness and a free-spirited attitude towards the music. Also she has a nice face, which makes it hard to criticize her. And the cover of "Dancing Queen" was unexpected and fun (mostly because of the outstanding vocals) If I could make a suggestion, it would be for her to use her backing band that includes a dobro and pedal steel player, and an upright bass player, and make some good roots rock and traditional country-blues music. The talent is there. A lot of talent. It just needs to be redirected as I see fit.

Photos here

The Crayons
@ Cake Shop
September 9, 2007

I stopped in the Cake Shop en route to the Yarrows and came upon a free all day kid metal punk hardcore fest and caught this young kid thing. Not the worst thing in the world, a good sense of the rawness which it needs, but also not exactly perfect. It is what it is.
And that all being said, I'm going on record right now: Enough with the kids bands. Work in your garage till your 18. And then come out to play.