06/10/02

Hopeless? Anything But. Finally, a label has arrived with the smarts to do what's right. Hopeless/Sub City Records, out of Van Nuys, CA., will release Volume 4 of the Hopelessly Devoted To You series on June 25th, selling for a paltry $3.98 and featuring a ton of bands like The Weakerthans, Selby Tigers, Avenged Sevenfold, Digger, Samian, Scared Of Chaka, Thrice, Common Rider, Mustard Plug and others. Most of the tracks have never come out before and cover the gamut of genres. The previous three volumes, with their brightly colored bags, sold more than 300.000 copies altogether. Not only that, but they make it easy for buyers to win computers and gift certificates and who knows what else. Details right here.

Live Music at its Best. The Red Light Café, in Atlanta's Midtown, played host to a threesome of artists recently that defined what a small live show should be. First up was Garrison Starr, who probably could have filled the venue all by herself. Accompanied only by a bass player ("we had to send the drummer home for financial reasons") Ms. Starr seemed truly touched by the affectionate welcome of the audience (which included a nervous-looking Angie Aparo and quite a few local music-industry types) and grateful for the attendance. A self-confessed chatterbox, she provided a running commentary and seemed unsure of the set-list, frequently changing her mind and then questioning her decisions. Starr has an interesting voice, going from husky whispers to high harshness, all the while hitting the guitar as hard as possible. Playing most of her new album Take Off To Landing, she also threw in her old hit 'Superhero' on which she succeeded in blowing the first line! No matter. Let's hope she returns very soon.

Next up was the eccentric Abra Moore, the only performer of the evening to still have a major-label contract. Performing with a full band, the skinny and anxious Moore displayed wit and intensity in equal measure, as well as a certain weariness with the whole process. A thunderstorm began just as she did, adding an eerie drama. Telling us that she's been "out of commission for 5 years," Moore never settled into the set, but still managed to captivate and beguile the listeners. Her new album, on Clive Davis' J Records, will be out this summer.

The headliner, David Baerwald, is a curiosity all his own. Having dropped out of sight in recent years, he is best remembered for his work with David & David back in the eighties, and a couple of excellent solo albums shortly thereafter. Baerwald was also instrumental in getting Sheryl Crow's career off the ground, but the two had a subsequent falling-out. His present outfit is called The New Folk Underground and is a pleasing mixture that includes accordion, keyboards and guitars. The best new song was 'Toughest Whore In Babylon' and the set included his one and only hit 'Welcome To The Boomtown'. Unfortunately, the crowd thinned out early, which was not lost on the melancholy performer. Baerwald himself was unable to find a seat while Moore played. The fact that he began his set with the words "I've suffered for my art" did not endear him to some. Still, Baerwald is a fine singer who merits attention and his work is well worth finding.

On The Deck: Heather Nova South (V2); David Bowie Heathen (ISO); Los Lobos Good Morning Aztlan (Mammoth); Amanda Marshall Everybody's Got A Story (Columbia); Tom Waits Alice & Blood Money (Anti-); Fatboy Slim Live On Brighton Beach (Southern Fried/MCA).

Until next time..