July 13, 2004
Los Angeles, CA
Camera Obscura, Live At The Troubador
Writer: Neil DelParto
Photography: Angelo
DelParto
The
legendary Troubadour Club in Los Angeles, CA has been noted in rock history
as the main meeting place for the folk rock/country rock scenes of the mid
1960's and the early 1970's. Many of LA's finest at one point or another
graced the stage - from Rick Nelson and The Stone Canyon band, to members
of the Byrds, Monkees, Buffalo Springfield, The Eagles and countless others.
The Troubadour in the 21st century may not have the same feel as the above
mentioned artists, but on July 13, 2004 -- at least for one more night --
it felt like a folk/light breezy rock revival...
Camera
Obscura, who are set to appear on the latest Planting Seeds Records release
"Sunsets and Silhouettes," (due out September 14, 2004) made an
appearance at the famed Troubadour club. The staff at Planting Seeds were
able to get an up-close look at Scotland's latest offering. The bulk of
the material from the evening's performance was from the bands second LP,
"Under Achievers Please Try Harder" (Merge
Records in the U.S., Elefant
Records internationally) and from their debut LP "Biggest Bluest
Hi-FI". The audience got a live treat when the band launched into Nancy
Sinatra's "Sugar Town", which also featured a verse or two of
the classic "Moon River" added on for good measure. The packed
crowd was entertained by the in between whispers and humor from vocalist/guitarist
Tracyanne Campbell and vocalist John Henderson. The biggest applause of
the night came when the band hit the opening drum beat of "Eighties
Fan" (the bands 2001 single which was produced by one Stuart Murdoch
of Belle and Sebastian). Overall, it was a good 90 minute set from one of
today's up and coming bands.
The
support act at the Troubadour was Mystic Chords of Memory, a Los Angeles
band on the Rough Trade
label. The band's members features Chris Gunst of Beachwood Sparks fame,
Jen Cohen of The Aisler's Set, and Ben Knight of the Tyde. Their set was
mostly comprised of atmospheric pop melodies with a lo-fi twee presentation.
Still present was Gunst country leanings. The band has released its debut
self-titled LP. For more information on the band, please visit Rough Trade
America.
Photos ©2004 Planting Seeds Records Archives
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