Recently, mysterious Memphian Harlan T. Bobo released Sucker, his third album. Just like Bobo’s past efforts — 2007’s I’m Your Man and his 2006 debut Too Much Love — Sucker is a damn-near-perfect blend of old-school rock and all the good things that ever came out of the Memphis/Detroit/Chicago trifecta. Continue reading…
Erika Davies has a voice like a butterfly. It flutters about, agile and light as the air, clearing entire octaves with no visible effort.
Her performances are distinctly old school, from her vintage microphone to her penchant for evening gowns. Even her voice is retro — evoking Ella Fitzgerald and Édith Piaf but never paling in comparison — and it wouldn’t be surprising if her vocal chords were made out of vinyl. She’s one of the brightest diamonds in the San Diego ruff, and at Saturday’s monthly Sight and Sound event at Queen Bee, she was allowed to shine. Continue reading…
The Silent Comedy may be known for their foot-stomping, barn-burning concerts, but let it never be said that they’re afraid to show their tender side. Case in point: the video for “Footnotes,” the closing track from their newly-released album Common Faults, brought to you exclusively by your friendly neighborhood Owl and Bear.
Comprised largely of behind-the-scenes footage of the band, “Footnotes” is a rare and intimate look into the lives of not just The Silent Comedy, but professional musicians in general. From the recording studio to the stage to the long van ride home, the Kevin and Rebecca Joelson-directed video captures the weary beauty behind each fleeting moment.
Singer/bassist Joshua Zimmerman was overwhelmed when he saw the finished product. “The recording of Common Faults was a drawn-out process, so it is strange to see that period of time compressed into several minutes,” Zimmerman said. “We went through dramatic changes and learned a lot over the months that it took us to make the record.” For more insight into the making of the album, check out our recent interview with the band.
The Silent Comedy will be celebrating the fruits of their labor tonight at El Dorado with a special, band-hosted Mustache Party. The 21+ event will feature screenings of “Footnotes” and the new “’49” video, photos by Style Shark, giveaways, and various other whiskey-fueled, facial-hairy surprises. The event starts at 9pm, so head on over to El Dorado and knock one back with the boys.
Smile Now Cry Later just began playing shows, but has already become something of a local sensation. Until recently, one-woman band Lizeth Santos was the backup dancer for electronic dance wizard/husband Rafter, but decided to pursue her own music after a song of hers used in a MAC Cosmetics commercial left people clamoring for more.
Santos is continuing her fashion industry flirtation with the video for “Big Booty Butt.” Created for entry in the H&M Battle of the Bands contest — you can vote for her here — the video captures a typical, high-energy Smile Now Cry Later performance. It was shot by Jeannette Deron during the April 17th show at the Tin Can Ale House and edited by Rafter. The kinetic clip captures Santos hard at work, serving up drums, loops, and vocals for the eager crowd. It’s not easy to get San Diegans to shake their booty butts like that, and that bodes well for what is likely to be a prosperous career for Santos.
If you haven’t had a chance to hear Seabear, drop everything and go purchase their new LP. Aptly titled We Built A Fire, it’s the perfect album to keep you warm on a chilly night. With its lush arrangements and soothing vocals, you can’t help but be whisked away to “Seabearia” on a wave of trumpets, strings, and pianos.
Sindri Már Sigfússon is the creative force behind the Icelandic band’s beautiful melodies and heartfelt lyrics. He took some time out from mixing the new album for his solo project, Sin Fang Bous, to answer some questions for us. Continue reading…