Depression is a funny thing. Funny as in strange, unfathomable. There’s a desperate need for human connection and comfort, often combined with abusive behavior and a pushing away of those who are the closest. Medication, even when it’s by doctor’s orders and well-intentioned, seems almost random, as in “let’s see if this works.” How can one explain what it’s like to witness this happening to someone you care about and be helpless to do anything about it? Frustrating, harrowing, soul-destroying. I’m not talking about the gifted singer-songwriter Elliott Smith right now… I’m talking about my mom. A few days spent in a psychiatric ward, riding out manic-depressive pendulum swings brought on by incorrect medication levels, gave me kind of a unique perspective to discuss a beautiful spirit taken from us far too soon.
share this:Month: May 2010
This was definitely an evening for aficionados of impressive guitar heroics, but it was also a surprisingly good night for indie pop fans. Kaki King can definitely play a mean guitar (in fact, several different ones, in varying ways and styles), but she also has a sweet voice and can craft some decent songs, making for a varied set that moved from light and melodic to jaw-dropping guitar sorcery to intense ambient/fusion.
share this:I was not sure what to make of this new “Siamese sister duo”, Evelyn Evelyn. Technically speaking, they’re Parapagus Tripus Dibrachius twins, and while their story is unique and compelling, one can’t help but question the undoubtedly good intentions of Jason Webley and Amanda Palmer, who are bringing these lovely but vulnerable young girls to a worldwide audience, embarking on a rigorous touring schedule that would be physically challenging for a healthy individual with two arms, two legs, and one head. Though of course, like everyone else at the sold-out OBERON that night, I was curious and had to see and hear these remarkable sisters.
share this:Two Boston-area musicians featured this week. There’s John Shade, a singer-songwriter performing with a string quartet (nice!) at the Lizard Lounge Tuesday night (that’s tomorrow), as part of a three-week residency. Then there’s Zac Taylor, guitarist/songwriter (guitarist for Vivian Darkbloom, whom I had the pleasure of seeing last month). He has a CD release party for his solo debut, Salesman, at cafe 939, where he’ll be joined by his backing band and horn section, “The Drugs” (plus a few guests).
share this:Everest, Minus The Bear
at the Wilbur Theatre, Boston, MA
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
(8pm show – buy tickets)
Continuing the theme of really great L.A. bands to pass through Boston this Spring, Everest will be performing along with Seattle’s Minus The Bear Wednesday night at the Wilbur Theatre, just ahead of the release of their second album, On Approach.
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