by Seamus Simpson
I ventured out to Spaceland last Monday night to learn whether the rumors about the demise of The Movies were true and, if so, to see what could have been one the last shows from front man Timothy James in LA for a long time.
After a short jaunt down Santa Monica using our one and only trusty LA mass transit system I did what I always do on the way to Spaceland... which of course was to visit the amiable shop clerk at Silversun Liquors for what I like to call my “walkie beer." Why is it always so soothing in there? I chalk it up to the constant looping chant on the radio.
In a short while, I was walking up to the door at Spaceland and ran in to Mr. James sitting outside the club having a smoke. I felt this would be best time as any to simply ask "What is it over?"
Ambiguous as ever Mr. James simply laughed and said, "What band?" I wondered aloud if he was going off into seclusion a la Brian Jones style and record a master piece that can get released in twenty years. He explained he was moving to Malibu to take LSD and play in the surf and write a German opera about the life and times of Kermit the Frog. (I made that last part up, but in a strange way you can almost hear him saying as though it were truth...)
We laughed and I went inside to enjoy show.
I do not know much, but I know what is good and what is not. Timothy James is good. He played a strong set full of his best material included "Rock the Slingshot" and "Creation Lake." I was kind of struck by the emotion flowing that evening. Seemed like something was going on but the music was his therapy. He casually mentioned at one point the set that this was his last show in LA and that he was moving to Phoenix. That would be shame for LA. His rich baritone and witty lyricism will be missed. The mere fact that I will not ever be able to see a Movies show again kind of bummed me out. I spoke briefly with the man after the show and still did not feel like I got a good grasp of whether the Mr. James is leaving and The Movies are through or if like a real phoenix it can rise form the ashes.
I the behest of my RFSL colleague Joel, I stayed to catch The Grates before I headed out to catch the Origami records residency. I am not sure what it was about them I did not get. They played competently, the lead vocalist seemed as though she should ooze charisma and did to an extent, but it just seemed as though they were not ready to take that leap to the next level. A bit of jangle in the guitar, a little keyboard/bass action, and lots of smiles and dancing just not a whole lot of substance from where I was sitting. Pleasant enough if that’s your thing, but I strive for more from my music.
After four or five songs, I took off for The Echo. Yet another short jaunt Sunset I ended up showing up just as soon as [insert 10 o’clock band's name here] was ending their set so I coozied up to the bar for a beer and some perspective. (You will be glad to know I found none,)
I wandered out to the back patio and stumbled into some familiar faces that have been gone for awhile in The Henry Clay People. We talked of SXSW, fist fights, and Texas BBQ. We decided that one was delicious, one was over-hyped, one was dangerous, and all were necessary from time to time.
I went back inside and was simply floored by what I heard. Summer Darling were catching full steam and plowing through a hyper tense set of amazing music full of tension and emotion. To say I am not easily impressed would be an understatement, but I was enthralled with what I heard coming off the stage.
The double Fender guitar attack really let the intricate guitar interplay shine over a thumping but precise rhythm section. At times they conjured up images of early Fugazi. Maybe not so much in the actual songwriting style, but in the tome of the music. They were above all earnest in they intentions.
When next they play do yourself a favor and catch Summer Darling. I think you will pleased.
Photo by Jeff Koga.
Wow..What a great idea " Movies at spaceland". It seems to be you have great experience there. I am feeling jealous from you. I hope i will also do the same thing.
Posted by: Movies Blog | January 26, 2010 at 11:34 PM