Yep Roc 15 Night 1
This was probably the night I was most looking forward to, knowing what great shows Dave Alvin and Los Straitjackets are capable of and the opportunity to finally see Nick Lowe. The Cradle was gratifyingly packed the whole night (and we walked in at the exact moment John Wesley Harding was introducing the first band). For all the expectations (I've been looking forward to this weekend for months), there were some unexpected high points.Pleasant Surprise number 3 - Jukebox the Ghost. They were the first band up (and the last band added to the bill) and we both thought they were quite good. Somewhat hard to describe - the first couple of tunes sounded a bit like Ben Folds Five without the snark and the cussin' but other tunes were totally different. I liked them.
Pleasant Surprise number 2 - the Community Chorus Project taking the stage to do "(What's So Funny About) Peace, Love and Understanding". Just awesome. Unfortunately it meant Nick couldn't do it.
Pleasant Surprise number 1 - Chuck Prophet taking the stage with Los Straitjackets and storming through "Heart of the City". Wow. Just... wow. And unfortunately, yet another song that Nick couldn't do. ;-)
The finale was Dave Alvin and Christy McWilson with Los Straitjackets doing a rave-up of Alvin's "Marie Marie" - great way to finish the night! Glad I took today off to recover.
And I still don't get Robyn Hitchcock.
Labels: Music
