Music Monday: Lene Lovich

New Wave chanteuse Lene Lovich released "New Toy" in 1981. It was the title track to a 6 song EP, and was actually written by Thomas Dolby, who was a member of her touring band at the time. You'll see him on the synth in this video. The single peaked at number 19 in the US, and stayed on the dance charts for 6 months.

I love the message of this song, and I think it's still highly relevant in the present day, when people will stand in line for hours to be among the first to get their hands on the latest version of the iPhone.

Also, doesn't she totally look like she could've gotten her outfit off of Etsy? 

 

Lene Lovich has been touring Europe this year, and has just confirmed that she will be playing SXSW next March. More info at her official website, lenelovich.net.

Music Monday: Savages

For me and Savages, it was love at first listen. Their debut, Silence Yourself, is a rarity in today's music world. It grabs you between the legs on the first track, and doesn't let go even after the final strains have faded.


If you ever get the chance to see them live, do not let it pass. I was fortunate enough to see them at the Bluebird here in Denver in September, and it was one of the best shows I have ever experienced.

Savages with Duke Garwood (left) and Johnny Hostile. From the band's Facebook page.

If you do get to see them live someday, leave your smart phone in your pocket. Savages do not take kindly to people coming to their live shows only to watch them on tiny little screens.

A note posted at the venue by Savages. Photo by science vs romance on Tumblr.

I agree.

Check out more Savages at savagesband.com.

A Rare Night Out

Last night I got to fly the coop for a little while and take in an Elvis Costello show at the legendary Ryman Auditorium here in Nashville. He is reunited with his backing band the Imposters this tour, and they have revived the Spectacular Spinning Songbook, a humungous wheel with the names of 40 songs on it. Audience members were escorted to the stage by his lovely assistant Lola to spin the wheel, and either sit at a vintage bar on the stage and enjoy the performance, or become part of the act by dancing in a go go cage (I was a bit surprised how many participants took him up on that, considering how short the line at the bar in the lobby was). The set was a fantastic blend of retro living room and old school carnival.

This was my fourth Costello concert and so far my favorite. In addition to the selections from the Spinning Songbook, he did a short set of Americana tunes for his first encore and his delivery really blew me away. He even strode away from the mic at a couple of points and sang unamplified, taking advantage of the Ryman's unsurpassed acoustics (better even than Radio City Music Hall).  I don't know how he does it, but the man just gets better and better with age.

Music Inspiration: Anna Calvi

I really can't say enough good things about British singer/guitarist Anna Calvi.  Imagine if Siouxsie Sioux and Jeff Buckley had a baby, and that baby was about ten times more talented (no offense to the late great Buckley or dear Siouxsie). Throw in some heavy reverb and a touch of flamenco, and then you're getting close to describing Anna Calvi.

Her eponymous debut album was released in the US in January 2011. Unfortunately I didn't learn about her until about a month ago, but she has been playing almost non-stop at my house since that time. Not only does this woman have serious pipes, she is also a guitar goddess, and her first release is also one of the best produced records I think I have ever heard. I've even been keeping my eye out for turntable on my frequent jaunts to the local thrifts because I am dying to hear it on vinyl.

As incredible as Ms. Calvi is, I wouldn't care if she turned up at her gigs in a burlap sack, but she also happens to be incredibly stylish to boot. I mean, no one rocks the red like Ms. Calvi.

Photo by Ivo Kendra

Red 80s Puffed Sleeve Trench: $38

Navy and Cream Striped Tank Dress: $34

Navy and Red Ferragamo Heels: $46