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Wednesday, December 24, 2003
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...   |
 neil halstead live in cambridge, ma on november 14th, 2008 previously: joy formidable - boston 2011 recent posts on the 'nac...
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