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 

Pop.1280 at Death By Audio

As good as their booking and sound may be, Death By Audio is not one of my favorite places to take photos. The reason of course is the lighting, which is not only weak but pointed at everything but the band. Bands end up playing in the shadows. That's not the right look for a lot of them.

Lyrically at least, Pop.1280 are about the most nihilistic band in Brooklyn. They're well suited to the shadows. Hell, one of them was wearing dark glasses for a while there. Dark, yeah, it's their thing.

Posted: 8/4/2013 at 1:48pm     Tags: Death By Audio  Pop.1280 

Willy Gantrim at The Knitting Factory

I'm used to seeing Willy Gantrim at either small venues or big outdoor festivals. Catching him at a mid-sized concert hall is a weird thing. I mean, he is just one guy who sits there and plays his songs. While he was accompanied by a drummer on most of his songs, there sure was a lot of open space on that stage!

Posted: 8/2/2013 at 6:15pm     Tags: The Knitting Factory  Willy Gantrim