Thursday, February 05, 2009

Chris Robley- User-Friendly Guide To Change






















Changed.

Do we all have attention deficit disorders? I sometimes wonder. This era of over-stimulation seems to require music that corresponds to the hyperactive zeitgeist. Chris Robley provides it on Movie Theatre Haiku. The impressive album veers wildly between styles and moods. Morphine, DeVotchKa, Harry Nilsson, The Get Up Kids, Nick Drake and Jeff Lynne of Electric Light Orchestra are among the dizzying array of artists Robley evokes. Here's a live version of "User-Friendly Guide To Change."

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Some people believe that children should be seen and not heard. I believe that The Republic Tigers should be heard and not seen. Their shimmering album has rightfully received glowing praise. "Buildings and Mountains" sounds incredible on the radio. But their stifled performance last night at the Uptown Theater confirmed their reputation as an unimpressive live act. The reunion of headliners Ultimate Fakebook was better. Unlike The Republic Tigers, they inspired genuine passion and enthusiasm from their fans.

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Although I never completely connected with The Cramps, I was surprised and saddened to learn of the death of Lux Interior. Here's "Human Fly".

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I reviewed a John Scofield concert last weekend.

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Dewey Martin, drummer for Buffalo Springfield, has died. And Tom Brumley, steel guitarist in Buck Owens' Buckaroos, died Wednesday. (Tips via BGO.)

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Kansas City Click: The last time I saw Gil Mantera he was wearing nothing but boots and gold underwear. That's why you won't see me at the Record Bar tonight.

Seed Love is among the bands paying tribute to Bob Marley at Crosstown Station Saturday.

Sax veteran Bob Kindred plays Jardine's Sunday.

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