100% Black at Shea Stadium

Okay, there are these three guys in terrible drag, and one of them looks like Charlie Chaplin. I just had to shoot this in black and white. As it happens their look seems to be more Twin Peaks inspired. Someone book these guys at The Flat, pronto!

I believe 100% Black only did three songs. They were long, they were atmospheric, in a sort of angry gothic style. Even their cover of Bela Lugosi's Dead was more aggressive than the original. Yet it is noteworthy that the band rarely (if ever?) looked at the audience. The drummer actually performed with his back to the crowd. So the aggression was not directed at the crowd. It seemed to be something more internal, seething up inside but not (yet?) spilling out.

Posted: 8/11/2013 at 11:24pm     Tags: 100% Black  black and white  Shea Stadium 

The Cambodian Space Project at The Rock Shop

I believe that only lead singer Srey Channthy of The Cambodian Space Project actually managed to get a visa, so technically this is her performing the band's songs. I have to say, though, this was a pretty sharp backing band. Aside from the fact that some of the instruments are missing they sounded like the real band.

Their sound has been called psychedelic, surf, and garage, and surely it is influenced by those styles. More than that they are part of a musical tradition which developed in Cambodia in the 60s and 70s and more or less died out (literally). Radio station WFMU's website has a lot more info and some mp3s you can listen to. The point is that these folks are the next generation, taking that Cambodian musical style forward.

Posted: 8/11/2013 at 1:58pm     Tags: The Cambodian Space Project  The Rock Shop 

Mungo Jerry at Brooklyn Bowl

A couple of people are probably wondering what Mungo Jerry sounds like these days. Yes, we all know the band from that song, and lead singer Ray Dorset from those sideburns (which are gone now). But what does the band sound like now, especially with Dorset being the only original member left?

Well, based on this show I would have to say that the folky style of their famous singles is still there.The occasional wailing guitar solo and weightier subject matter point to some blues influences. Much of their music qualifies as pop, but nothing too saccharine. The songs are catchy but perhaps a touch formulaic. Lots of 'em end by repeating the same phrase over and over, for example. Still, Dorset can definitely still sing, so I have the feeling that Mungo Jerry will exist as long as he can find a band to back him.

Posted: 8/6/2013 at 8:28pm     Tags: Brooklyn Bowl  Mungo Jerry  New York Night Train 

Apache at Brooklyn Bowl

I was kind of hoping that this show would be as up close and personal as their last one, but oh well. Apache rocked and that is enough.

Posted: 8/5/2013 at 9:45pm     Tags: Apache  Brooklyn Bowl  New York Night Train 

White Mystery at Brooklyn Bowl

I know they're brother and sister, but are the White siblings twins? I swear, these two not only look so similar (not that I can see their faces with all that hair in the way) but rock out the same too.

Posted: 8/5/2013 at 9:45pm     Tags: Brooklyn Bowl  New York Night Train  White Mystery