Camera Obscura, without camera

This might be one of my only posting without a photo. Either the venue (The Music Box/Henry Fonda), or Camera Obscura did not want photographs taken. What a dissapointment. Did it crush the night? No, but I would have liked to have a shot of the band.

What I didn't know was just how big their following was. Often compared to Belle & Sebastian, the Glasgow band now touring to promote their newest album "My Maudlin Career". Every track they put out is likable - with their 60's sweetness that makes even a grumpy person swoon and sway.

The Music Box was packed. Full. Indie kids, boys kissing boys, and even a 10 year old boy who knew every song. What a great achievement for them, but bad for someone like me who likes to move around a little bit more and not feel stuck in spot, (all the way in the back because I can't figure out how to navigate through the crowd). Wah for me. And because I was stuck so far far away from the stage, I lacked the emotional connection to the band even though they did perform a flawless set.....only to have missed a few songs I would have really loved to have heard, like "Number One Son".

Otherwise great show.

Stereolab : Music Box

The last time I saw the "Post Rock" band Stereolab I was a Freshman in College in the early'90's, when they were a newer band. For 2 dollars I saw them sing their French melodic tunes play for NYU students in our auditorium. In 2008, I paid 10 bucks, passing up the 20 dollar parking lot, and tickets ran for more than the 2 dollars I paid in the '90's. (I sound like some one's grandparent telling of tales).


While I have no idea what the band even sings about, since they are all in French, it is said that many of their lyrics they have admitted to being influenced by the Surrealist and Situationist cultural and political movements. Since I am more of a melody person, than a lyrics person and of course their French lyrics, I just sang along with them with made up gibberish to the quirky 60's beats played on the organ and moogs.


Lætitia Sadie wore a blue dress over leggings and a banana clip in her hair. That's right, I said banana clip.


While not the most enthusiastic performers, the crowd made up for them. The offbeat crowd seemed to made of a group of French ex-patriots. Dancing like monkeys and chickens with man purses, they were no doubt having the time of their life. They, unlike me, were able to sing along to the lyrics.

The light/visual backgrounds gave the band a light happy feeling to their upbeat lounge pop sound.

Girls Girls Girls : Tegan & Sara

Sisters Tegan & Sara performed at The Music Box/Henry Fonda last night for a crowd of girls, and the 3 guys I brought along. The Canadian girls loved talking to their fans. Promoting Obama, and the vote for NO on 8. Remember NO. But the crowd kept screaming "yeah" - so hopefully they weren't confused and won't vote YES. Because, they need to vote NO on 8 for gay marriage. Got it? At one point they said jokingly, that they should set up a contest for all those that vote NO on 8 can sign up on their site to win marriage to one of the girls, or band members. (Tegan on left in black, Sara on right) A tight performance with a lot of energy and photography from the audience (me included).