We met over 15 years ago when we were booking rock bands for the Beachfest, a local music festival here in Long Beach, CA. Since then we have seen hundreds of shows together. This is our forum to talk about concerts, bands and records that we love in the hope that we can keep rock alive.
We have witnessed an array of incredible in-store shows at Fingerprints Music over the past 20 years or so. Heck, just two weeks ago we were lucky enough to be in the crowd for an intimate acoustic performance by Chrissie Hynde. That was a night that neither of us will ever forget. Where do you go from there? Bam! The email hit our mailbox announcing an all acoustic performance by a little band named Weezer. Are you kidding? We thought for a minute that we were dreaming. We knew we had to act fast since Weezer has legions of devoted fans that would do anything to get into this show. After an afternoon of dialing the store non-stop, we finally got through on the phone lines and secured our spots by purchasing their great new album "Everything Will Be Alright In The End."
Weezer had originally booked one show at 8pm, but a second show at had to be added at 7pm due to the overwhelming demand. About 250 fans packed each show to a cozy capacity. We were lucky enough to get a nice spot on the side of the stage for the late show. The band played a short set which included 5 powerful songs from their new release "Everything Will Be Alright in the End." Weezer invited their fans on stage during both "Go Away" and "Foolish Father" to act as the backing chorus. It was an impressive testament to the band and their passionate fan base. Many had already memorized the music and lyrics within the 24 hours of their record being released. The best thing about attending the late show was the fact that the band stuck around for over an hour to sign autographs and chat with their fans. It really made for another unforgettable night at Fingerprints. Their latest record has critics and fans agreeing that it is a return to their garage rock sound that established them as one of the most influential bands of the 90's. As the lyrics to the new song "Back To The Shack" say "Take me back, back to the shack. Back to the Strat with the lighting strap. Kick in the door. More Hardcore. Rockin' out like it's 94'. Turn up the radio." Weezer is back!
Every once in awhile we will go to show knowing absolutely nothing about the band that we are seeing. Many times these turn out to be some of the most unforgettable nights of music. The Olms gave us one of those experiences tonight at Fingerprints Records in Long Beach.
The Olms were formed by longtime solo artist Pete Yorn and local musician J.D. King. Their sound is a combination of country-rock, folk and a little bit of 60's psychedelic rock thrown in for good measure. Even though they borrow from the past the band's sound is fresh and original. Incredible harmonies and jangly acoustic guitar are both trademarks of The Olms' style. Yorn and King take turns on the lead vocal duties which adds a unique dimension to the band's music.
Below is a video that we shot at Fingerprints of the band performing "Someone Else's Girl." The song is from their excellent new self titled album that was released today on Harvest Records. This is our favorite track off the new record and is a good representation of their overall sound.
JD KING
After the show the band stuck around to sign posters for the several hundred fans that were in attendance. Below is a photo of Jody getting his album and poster signed.
Randy Leasure once said about the band The Posies, "They wear their influences on their sleeve, but what a great shirt." The same can be said about the Allah-Las. Their psychedelic sound has a direct lineage to some of the great garage bands of the 60's. The obvious comparison would be the early Stones but listen closely and you'll also hear a little of The Beach Boys, Love and for those that like to dig a little deeper, The 13th Floor Elevators.
The band was playing at Fingerprints Record Store tonight to celebrate the Innovative Leisure Records' release of their new 7" single "Tell Me (What's On Your Mind)" with the flip side "Sacred Sands." The A side being a an excellent representation of the band's atmospheric sound and the B-side being an instrumental reminiscent of many of the great California surf bands of the past. Click below to view their recently released video for the new single to get a taste of what this band is all about.
I got the sense from the sizable crowd that was assembled at Fingerprints tonight that this band already has a large local following. The store was packed with several hundred eager fans. I had heard (and loved) a few of the band's songs before the show, but the real test is if a band can deliver the goods live. Once they stepped on stage any doubt that I had was put to rest. To be frank, I was completely mesmerized by the Allah-Las. Individually they are all excellent musicians but collectively the music that they produce is otherworldly. You can not help but be drawn in by the hypnotic sound of this band.
Drummer Matt Correia, Singer Miles Michaud, Bassist Spencer Dunham-Allah-Las at Fingerprints Records
Lead singer Miles Michaud has a vocal style that reminds me of a young Eric Burdon when he was a member of The Animals. It's laid back but intense in just the right spots. He has an undeniable charisma that hooked the crowd throughout the show. Lead guitarist Pedrum Siadatian's Byrd's inspired jangly riffs complemented Michaud's vocals perfectly. The back beat provided by bassist Spencer Dunham and drummer Matt Correia completed the retro-cool sound.
Gutarist Pedrum Siadatian and drummer Matt Correia - Allah-Las at Fingerprints Records
The band played a 13 song, hour long set which included the infectious new single "Tell Me (What's on Your Mind)" as well as the B-side instrumental "Sacred Sands." They also played their 2011 single "Catamaran" and the B-side "Long Journey," a Roots cover with drummer Matt Correia taking over the vocals while lead singer Miles took over the drumming duties. Another cover the band performed was an obscure Ariel Pink song called "I Don't Need Enemies" which fit perfectly into their set.
View from backstage
After watching the show tonight my faith in the power of music was renewed. I had just seen something magical that I would remember for a long time. I have seen a lot of great bands over the years but the Allah-Las are by far one of the best. If you have a chance to see one of their shows or buy one of their records don't hesitate. Trust me you won't regret it.
After the show the band stuck around to sign some autographs and take some pictures. Here's a picture of me meeting my favorite new band.
Riding a wave of positive buzz from their recent South by Southwest appearance, Skinny Lister stopped into Fingerprints Records for an in-store show before their gig at Alex's Bar in Long Beach. The five piece band from London plays their own infectious brand of English pub rock. Much of their press to date has penned them as a cross between Mumford & Sons and The Pogues. This is a fair comparison but make no mistake they have their own distinct sound. They played songs from both their Grand Union (2010) and Home Made Tour (2010) EP's and also previewed songs from their new album Forge & Flagon due to be released June 4th. Below is a link to their video for "If The Gaff Don't Let Us Down" the B-Side of their single "Plough & Orion."
The band consist of Daniel Heptinstall (vocals/guitar), Lorna Thomas (vocals/ukulele), Sam Brace (vocals/guitar/concertina), Maxwell Thomas (vocals/melodeon/mandolin) and Dan Gray (double bass/vocals). The band played a high energy show which featured a mix of pub, folk and a dash of punk thrown in for good measure. Their musicianship and vocals really shined this evening. They all form a tight unit and they really seem to enjoy playing together. Vocalist Lorna Thomas is the band's ring leader and came into the crowd on several occasions to incite the concert goers with her dancing and singing.
Skinny Lister Live at Fingerprints
The band has an uncanny ability to play to the entire room and draw everyone into their performance. I got the sense that the band didn't care if they were playing in front of a few hundred people or a few thousand people. They have a sound and energy that you can't ignore. They also don't hide the fact that this is drinking music. The entire time I was watching the show I was wishing that I had a drink in my hand. In fact, the band mentioned that they usually have a jug of liquor that they pass around and into the crowd during their shows. Sadly they left the jug at the El Rey Theatre the night before.
Skinny Lister has just a few more shows left in the US before they head back home to England. They have a full slate of festivals scheduled for this summer to coincide the release of their full length album. If you have an opportunity to see them play live don't pass it up. Trust us, you won't regret it.
Before they rocked the stage in front of rock legends the likes of Queen and The Who at the Classic Rock Awards in London, Rival Sons killed it at one of the coolest and last surviving independent record stores in the heart of downtown Long Beach, Ca. As I stood in front of the stage at Fingerprints I felt like a kid that had just heard the first Guns and Roses record. To put it bluntly, Rival Sons kick ass. They play a blues based brand of hard rock that you don't hear much these days. I think it's because most bands today don't have the musicianship to pull it off. You can hear the influences from Led Zeppelin to Bad Company but make no mistake, these guys have their own sound.
Jay Buchanan, whom I've come across often in the last 15 years of addictive show attendance, is the lyricist and voice of Rival Sons; And an impressive voice he is. He has the capability and range like those of his classic rock forefathers. His lyrics are so descriptive and relatable you feel as though you've lived it and he's writing a song about your life. Isn't that what a great rock song is all about? The opening track to Pressure & Time "All Over the Road," has a lyrical feel reminiscent of the Eagles', " Life in the Fast Lane." Although, the lyrics are not so much negative as they are entertaining. The rhythm and chord progression are much more rockin', too. In fact, I know I have taken this road trip, I just don't remember Jay being in the car with us. That one factor, alone; RELATABILITY, is the distinction between a great song and a legendary one. A song that changes the face of rock and becomes a part of the soundtrack to your life.
The hour plus set included a mix of songs from the recently released "Pressure & Time" as well as a few tracks from their debut EP. Some of the standouts included "Only One" which paints a picture of life on the road. In the song Jay sings, "Another night spent alone, while I'm up on the stage, in some Midwest town refusing to act my age." This is easily my favorite track on the new record. The band also played "Burn Down Los Angeles" and "Pressure and Time." The latter is the lead single which they played recently on the George Lopez Show.
Before the Fingerprints show Rival Sons had just returned from a European tour with Judas Priest and Queensryche. With their blazing guitars, searing vocals and feverish drumming they can easily hold their own in a room full of rock vets. This gives you a clue to the caliber of talent you are witnessing when watching Rival Sons. If you yearn for the days when musicianship was the driving force behind getting your ass to a show...then do yourself a favor and look these guys up.
