Here’s the program I’ve saved from the first Queen concert I attended. I was 15 on the night of this show at the San Diego Sports Arena on March 12, 1976. This was my fourth concert ever and I remember the experience being almost overwhelming. Queen had a great and varied career, but early Queen was by far my favorite era of my favorite band.
I’ve always enjoyed cover versions of songs, especially when an artist takes an already great song and makes it their own. Here is an example that shows the artistry and talent of both the original performer and the cover artist. The Ship Song, from the 1990 Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds album The Good Son is Cave at his best, with a song that is a soaring demonstration of intense love. Likewise the Flaming Lips teamed with a young singer, Nell Smith, who brings a different, though completely compelling voice to the song.
The Ship Song – Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
The Ship Song – Nell Smith & The Flaming Lips
I love coming home to find a 12″/12″/1″ package on my doorstep. This time it was especially cool since it was the new Birdy Bardot LP! This local San Diego band is definitely good enough to break out of the local market. You can read a full review of this groovy/soulful/retro/pop record here at ListenSanDiego. You can buy the record and check out some other great San Diego bands over on The Redwoods San Diego page. Once you’ve listened let me know what you think in the comments.
I read a book once by Jacob Slichter, the drummer for 90’s alt-power-pop band Semisonic, called “So You Wanna Be a Rock & Roll Star”. It was an interesting peek into what it was like to try to make it as a rock band. The times are quite different now with the fracturing of the record company model and the emphasis on social networking etc – but the energy and passion of the musicians is still the same. This new band from LA, Greyface, reminds me of that story and the effort it takes to break out to a wider audience. Check it out!
San Diego – Jan. 14, 2017 Dirty Pennies, a rock band from San Diego, California play their new song, “Bad Machine” at the Ray at Night street festival in North Park. This song, written only two weeks prior and performed only once before, was created as a reaction to what our whole political process has become and is perfect timing considering the controversies surrounding the incoming president. Continue reading
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