FILTER

An Evening With David Gray

 

A relatively recent LA transplant, I'm slowly making my way through the multitudes of iconic concert venues that this city has to offer. Last week, I was fortunate enough to catch one of my longtime favorites- David Gray, at LA's famed Orpheum Theater. Stopping to get a bite to eat, we arrived just as opener Lisa Hannigan was finishing her set. A Damien Rice fan since O, I was sad to have missed her cello-infused brand of folk.

After taking our seats, with a not-so-rock and roll glass of Merlot in hand, we were ready to settle in for a night of great music. The crowd was a relatively mixed bag, composed of the coffee shop/ LL Bean Catalog crowd, older fans, and just general music appreciators. A common thread, of course was a mutual appreciation for the sometimes underrated talents of this fantastic UK singer-songwriter.

Gray began his set with "First Chance," from his recently released Draw the Line- a great way to open the show. From there, he interspersed new material and old, spending a great amount of time on his critically hailed White Ladder material- a personal favorite album of mine. At the show's climax, Gray had the entire crowd singing along to a quiet rendition of "This Year's Love." The combination of a great venue, a charismatic artist and music I love made this show excellent. Afterward, we got the chance to meet him, and even take a photo. Fresh from the stage, he was as nice as could be. Often, a live show proves that studio tools really make the musician. David Gray, however, proved that many musicians' talents are really showcased on the stage.

Austin City Limits Celebrates 35 Years

As FILTER's resident Austinite, I hold a special place in my heart for the good ole' capital of the Lone Star State. Beloved public television music program Austin City Limits is currently celebrating its 35th season on PBS. 35!!! That's a whole lot of years. I grew up watching the show, as many did, but, because it filmed in my hometown, I felt especially attached to the show. Attending tapings, difficult and crowded as they were, was a chance at an exciting and intimate look at the performing artist. Add some free Lone Star beer into the mix, and well, you have yourself an excellent evening of live music. Filmed not in a park, but in a crowded soundstage on The University of Texas campus, the show is just as personal if viewed at home. In my book, it's one of the best, if not THE best live music-on-TV programs around.

Newshour's Jim Leher devoted a segment of his most recent show to the Willie Nelson-founded program, and interviewed artists such as Ben Harper, Eddie Vedder, and Carolyn Wonderland. Check out a portion of Leher's segment below- It's sure to make you long for some laid-back live music. Upcoming show performances include Andrew Bird, M. Ward, Okkervil River, and St. Vincent. Finally, I'll leave you with one of the most eclectic performances of the recent years- Sufjan Stevens with "Casimir Pulaski Day."

Gaga For Glee (and others...)

I'm a bit of a TV nerd, and I'm not afraid to admit it. Though time doesn't always permit regular watching of many of my favorite programs, here are my highlights on the fall schedule. Take a look, and feel free to offer any suggestions on any notables you feel we at FILTER might be missing out on.

Glee
Several of us here at FILTER have taken a liking to this twee musical dramedy. Set in Ohio, the show follows the trials and tribulations of the misfits of a small town high school's glee club. Think of it as Freaks and Geeks meets High School Musical. In a good way. A highlight- Jane Lynch's portrayal of Sue Sylvester, coach of the glee's cheerleading rivals, the Cheerios.



It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia
Not a new show by any means, but a highlight nonetheless. Entering it's fifth season, this crass comedy about a group of friends and family in Philadelphia is laugh out loud funny. Like, milk up your nose funny. The situations these characters get themselves into constistantly make them seem like the worst group of people on the planet- yet sometimes they appear likeable. I had a highlight to attend the recent live performance of last season's "The Nightman Cometh" episode, and my love for the show has been re-inspired. A highlight- Charlie Day's loveable, illiterate Charlie.



Modern Family
I'm not usually a fan of the 30 minute sitcom/laugh track combination, but thanks to a friend, I was able to catch the pilot of this show before it aired. While some of the jokes and storylines are a bit tired (the "My Two Dads" bit is a tad over the top,) I actually caught myself laughing out loud a few times, something that ABC rarely inspires me to do. Though I'm still mildly on the fence on this one, I'll check it out a second time. A highlight- the bee-bee gun scene.

RIP, John Hughes

Today, popular culture mourns the loss of an icon, director John Hughes. The man responsible for nearly every generation-defining film of the 1980's, passed away due to a sudden heart attack early Thursday morning. Hughes directed The Breakfast Club; Sixteen Candles; Ferris Bueller's Day Off; Uncle Buck; Planes, Trains & Automobiles (a personal favorite); and Weird Science. He also wrote and produced Pretty in Pink; Some Kind of Wonderful; Vacation; and Home Alone, as well as many, many others. In fact, it's easier to list movies in the 1980's that Hughes was not involved with.

Hughes had the ability to bring teen angst so close to home for so many viewers. His portrayal of Middle America in the 1980's, in the fictional town of Shermer, Illiois, was so insanely accurate that for many, all that differed from their Saturday detention was the presence Mr. Vernon himself.

Aside from the obvious plot strengths and quoteable lines, Hughes' movies had another thing going for them- great music. His films brought new age to the homes and cinemas of suburbanites everywhere, and for that, FILTER is thankful. Here are some of our favorite John Hughes' moments, as told through song.

“Don’t you (Forget about me)” - Simple Minds

"Try a little Tenderness"- Otis Redding

"If You Were Here"- The Thompson Twins

"Weird Science"- Oingo Boingo

"Pretty In Pink"- The Psychedelic Furs

"Danke Shoen"- Wayne Newton

"If You Leave"- Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

"Every Time You Go Away"- Hall & Oates

"Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want"- The Smiths

John Hughes Tribute

Take A Trip, With Wolfmother

Who says laser light shows are a thing of the past? Tonight, at the LASERIUM CyberTheater in Hollywood, Wolfmother fans, myself included, will be treated to a show of epic proportions. Lucky fans get a preview of the new Wolfmother album, Cosmic Egg, set to the visual splendor that only a laser light show can offer. What better way to experience a new rock record than by surrounding yourself in an environment that’s a throwback to the roots of rock and roll spectatorship?

Space is limited, but those in the LA area still have time to RSVP. Hopefully we’ll see you tonight!

Dress Like Don Draper

I love Don Draper, I won't deny. The lead character in AMC's period drama, Mad Men, is not a generally likeable guy. He’s a philandering, drinking, smoking semi-misogynist. The thing is, he looks so wonderful doing it. Season 3 of Mad Men is on its way, and I can’t wait. I love the Sterling Cooper gang- from mousy career-woman Peggy Olsen, to voluptuous office minx Joan Holloway, to self-destructive newlywed Pete Campbell. I can't get enough. So you can imagine my delight when a friend sent me an article about the upcoming season.

To promote the new season, AMC and Banana Republic are teaming up, for a line of Mad Men inspired clothes. That’s right, with the right amount of money; you too can look like Don, Betty, or any one of the well-dressed gang.

Is anyone else excited? If you're not watching this show, you must. It’s the sort of character-driven drama that's been missing from HBO lately (R.I.P, Six Feet Under). Season 2 arrives on DVD July 14th, and AMC will run a marathon August 10th. Here's a preview of Season 3.