pnêyu

I don't think the Nels/Jon CD has been shelved, but I figure they can't pack those 45-minute/1-hour uninterrupted improv jams onto a CD, yet still include some of the more, ummm, traditional compositions, so they'll keep plugging away until the material makes itself known. Then again, it might join the massive volumes of unreleased Jon Brion material sitting in the vaults somewhere, such as the separate collaborations with Grant Lee Phillips, the Polyphonic Spree, David Byrne, and Elliott Smith. In the meantime, I look forward to the eventual resumption of the NC/JB Duo shows. In fact, I look forward to the resumption of any regularly scheduled Jon Brion shows.

Heidi has thoroughly covered many of the highlights, and I can't say enough about the mastery that is Benmont Tench. You think you know these old songs, then Benmont comes in and wrenches some revelatory, heretofore unknown melody out of the chestnut, and you're left gasping and gaping in your seat. Sure, we would've loved a repeat of the Chicago Power Trio from a few weeks ago, but I hear Glenn Kotche was busy elsewhere.

As a bonus, we got a half-hour opening set by Greg Proops. It would be a grave disservice to try to repeat what he said, but rest assured that he covered the topics of the World Cup, people who move to Los Angeles from other states, and Syd Barrett in his monologue. Whew.

I did have Lard of Mark and Lard standing behind me there.

OK, my jealousy is tempered by the fact that it wasn't Mark.

I missed Elbow on the last tour here because I didn't get tix in time (I'm slipping in my old age--I would never have let that happen in the past). I have no one to blame but myself, but Andrew, your reports always help. Nice pics too!

Take care of that knee, young man.

(PS - Played where's Pauldo with the Cell phone. Got a couple shots of our favourite 'Outta Head' bopping back and forth at the front of the crowd. Went down to introduce myself after the show and sadly, like a fabled shadow, he was gone)

Who's the shadow???

I'm now completely jealous, by the way. The fabled Tualla will have to remain exactly that.

I love bumping my own threads, but someone's gotta do it. Jon Brion will be on this week's Sound Opinions. Those of you with access to the Internet can stream it or even download it as a podcast. Imagine that!

We'll do something similar soon, E!

I have no idea what you two are talking about.

But I now forgive Jeff for not coming out Sunday.

A kind soul posted some videos on YouTube:

It's like a Carvel ice cream cake designed by John Wayne Gacy.

However, I will say this much --- Benmont Tench gets around! I was just sitting in front of him at the Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers show on Friday night in Indy. Altogether a different story, different type of evening for sure, but nonethless ... Benmont Tench! Yay!

Hey Wendy, we were wondering how far Benmont might've come for the show, so that answers our question. And in case you're interested, you aren't alone in your appreciation--the onstage talent seemed just as pleased by Benmont's masterful presence. In fact, I believe Jon said having Benmont onstage was kinda like getting to see a concert himself.

Poor Bob--I was kinda hoping that Bloc Party would have to eat the curfew.

Beautifully said, Chandler! It'd be an honor to save you a seat at the Largo table. This won't make sense now, but file away this piece of advice for future reference: the caprese and the checca.

Jon has some awesome guitars

They almost make up for that t-shirt.

Not exactly Jake and Ennis, but here you go:

You couldn't have asked for better circumstances for this weekend's Intonation Festival in Chicago. Saturday saw a perfect summer day: sunny but just cool enough for us to sit in the middle of the field and take in a few performances, including Ghostface Killah and the Boredoms. Sunday's morning rain couldn't deter us from our goal: Jon Brion's first scheduled performance since his tendinitis kicked in back in April.

At the start, we were concerned that they wouldn't have enough time to set up his loopers and other materials, but then again, the Largo performances are subject to the same issues. More worrisome was Jon massaging his hand before the performance began.

The more *ahem* seasoned Largo veterans could probably tell that he played a lot less piano than normal, but hey, when you have Benmont Tench pitching in, you can probably slack a little. Instead, Jon mostly stuck to the guitar, though the drums wouldn't be spared his pounding either. Again, he had a little help on the skins, thanks to Glenn Kotche.

Overall, it was a joyous set that saw Jon, Benmont, and Glenn in glorious spirits, and the friends around me sharing in the spectacle of it all made the afternoon even more wonderful. I really miss Friday nights at Largo, and there's still no indication that Jon's performances will resume anytime soon. But that's beside the point--live music has always been about living in the moment.

The setlist:

Same Thing

Fooling Myself

Happy with You [song build]

Benmont's piano improv while Jon tuned

Why Do You Do This to Yourself *

Tell Her No

The Girl I Knew [song build]

Don't Think Twice, It's Alright/Knock Yourself Out *

This Will Be Our Year **

Baby You're a Rich Man **

I Believe She's Lying [song build]

encore

Waterloo Sunset **

* = with Benmont Tench

** = with Benmont Tench and Glenn Kotche

Sounds like a great time, Judy. We were thinking of you over in Chicago--it's always nice when you have 2/3 of the NAFTA countries covered.

Your little ookpik has obviously inherited the parents' impeccable tastes. Any reaction to the gelato?

The monkey knows how you'll react

Creating want by holding back

Like some reverse pyromaniac

Let me try, baby, try

I propped my window up and then

I turned my back to lure you in

To rifle through what I might have been

Let me try, baby, try

Baby, please -- let me begin

Let me be your heroin

Hate the sinner but love the sin

Let me be your heroin

We have crossed the rubicon

Our ship awash, our rudder gone

The rats have fled but I'm hanging on

Let me try, baby, try

Baby, please -- let me begin

Let me be your heroin

Hate the sinner but love the sin

Let me be your heroin

Talked to them quickly after the show

Fan girl.

Was this a "typical" eels show? Is there such a thing?

No and no.

Sometimes it stinks to be a newbie.

Don't apologize--just pick up some CDs and catch them next chance you get.

Sounds like a great time.

I caught them at the Fillmore a few weeks ago, and I've seen them a number of times over the years. The eels are one of those under-the-radar bands; that is, no matter how much critical acclaim they receive, nothing prepares you for their live show. Over the years, I've seen them take a number of novel approaches to their tours. My favorite is probably the Daisies of the Galaxy tour, where a frail-acting E was accompanied onstage and offstage by a pair of roadies. That was also the show where he told us about the unlucky streak of them playing San Francisco, as at least two other shows coincided with deaths in the immediate family.

Even when I don't love their albums, I make an effort to see them live because I know they'll defy expectations.

 

Krazy Al was the only name that I DID catch. Did Smoosh open when you saw them? I loved their roles in the encore...

Yes! I took some pics, but they all turned out blurry and indistinguishable. Their littlest sister looked to be enjoying herself too.

I have to say Krazy Al is the most talented security guard I've ever seen...

Oh! That's Krazy Al? I couldn't catch their names and assumed he was Knuckles, based on the barbells, push-ups, and kickboxing. Awesome, thanks!

ok, now I'm just scared...

And the verdict...?

Watch out for E's "security" guy. You'll see what I mean...

Also, I hope you're hungry for whipped cream.

did nels intro the neil young set, or did it unfold? i can imagine the looks across the table as the band began another neil young song.

The selection of covers was very intentional. He claimed that the "lovelorn ballads" and "existential angst" of the first set had nothing to do with his life, but well, you kinda had to hear it for yourself. As for the Neil Young set, he talked a lot about how big an influence Neil has been on him, even going back to the Buffalo Springfield days. He admitted to not only being 14 years old and wanting to be Neil Young but also to the ridiculousness of the idea (and getting called out by Kathleen Hannah on it).

Nels is seriously the coolest guy in all of Greater (and lesser) Los Angeles.

Where exactly is Largo?

432 N. Fairfax, between Melrose and Beverly

Judy, we would've died for you if they had broken out in "Motion Pictures."

This post is dedicated to Dreamin' and ms yvon.

Back in April or so, Nels's site listed this show as the latest in his series of improv nights with Jon Brion. Alas, Jon has developed tendinitis, and this show was changed to reflect that. Still, we held on to the tiny bit of faith afforded by the "Nels Cline solo and not" announcement on Largo's calendar. We couldn't admit it too loudly at the time, for fear of jinxing it, but of course, we secretly wished for a Jon Brion appearance--his first known gig since April 7, before the tendinitis really kicked in. Well, I don't know how we got so lucky, but Jon showed up and sang on three songs in Nels's second set, composed entirely of "off the beaten track" Neil Young tracks. His tendinitis hasn't left him, so he didn't play an instrument, but apparently, he's set for Intonation.

It was just a great night overall. Nels opened with a characteristically modest caveat about how weird the set would be, but the crowd was very supportive and grateful, I think. His choice of covers was unexpected, and he even sang--perhaps a testament to the relaxed, accepting atmosphere of Largo. The second set, without a doubt, kicked all sorts of ass.

I love LA.

Set 1 (Nels Cline solo)

Look Through My Window [Mamas & Papas]

Tom Violence [sonic Youth]

I Hate Myself for Loving You [Joan Jett]

I Got No Answers [Joan Jett]

Little Argument with Myself [Low]

Set 2 (and not)

featuring Mad Cow, the backing band

Hippie Dream

Running Dry (Requiem for the Rockets)*

Don't Cry **

On the Beach ***

Walk On ***

Fucking Up ***

* = with David Garza and Jeff Gauthier

** = with David Garza

*** = with David Garza and JON FUCKING BRION

p.s. Starfucker alert: Danny Elfman and Matt Chamberlain were in the audience.