Mostly Pretty Review

The show went well. I'm very pleased with both evenings--although last night was a bit better than Thursday (but then again I'm my own worst critic). Thanks to everyone who came; it meant a lot to me, and I hope you enjoyed yourselves.

I'd be remiss if I didn't thank the following:

Avril Smith, whose amazing guitar work and professionalism made the show a real success.

Ben Roussel, who took on the backup singer role with a level of dedication and commitment that helped bring the show to a whole new level.

Patrick McIntyre, whom I didn't even know until last Sunday, but whose contribution and good humor added a refreshing and sweet-sounding dimension to the songs.

Andy Reynolds, who designed the poster for the show and who exceeded any idea of design I ever had--I love it.

Chad Christian and Julia Robey, whose behind-the-scenes prowess made the whole thing happen. They knew exactly what to do and are damn nice people, to boot. THANKS.

Bruce and Adele Robey, whose H Street Playhouse has become my favorite venue to play in.

Michael Perham, Eric Dircksen, Matt Wade and Martha Huizenga, who took on the thankless task of money-taking, door-monitoring and CD order-taking and helped me tremendously.

And of course everyone who put up with me during the past week and helped me in any way, large or small.

It truly takes a village to make a revue--and in this case, the village went above and beyond the call of duty to pull together a great show. Look for audio and video clips on my website soon.

Manilow Is Number One

In a world where bombastic, overblown and overrated bands get Grammys 10 years after their prime, it's good to know there are still some genuine surprises in the pop world.

So it makes me feel good--seriously--to learn that Barry Manilow is number one on the Billboard album charts, almost 30 years after his last foray at the top of the charts (the 'Live' album from 1977).

Tonight and Tomorrow: The Mostly Pretty Revue

Well, it's showtime--almost.

This evening, I'll be joined onstage by Avril Smith, Patrick McIntyre and Ben Roussel for my show "The Mostly Pretty Revue" at the H Street Playhouse.

I'm very excited about the show because I think it's the best-planned show I've done in years. And Ben, Patrick and Avril are amazing. Please come if you can--I'll give you a report on the opening night tomorrow.

k.d.'s 'Reintarnation' Coming Soon

I was a fan of k.d. lang the first time I heard Shadowland in 1988. I loved the gorgeous, 60s country sound of it, and she was in great voice.

Well, she's never not been in great voice, really. And although I grew to love her Ingenue-era work more than her early "cowpunk" phase, I'm excited about a new compilation coming out in April. It's called Reintarnation, which is a brilliant title, and it will include highlights of her work from 1983 through 1989.

If I were to pick three k.d. albums to recommend, it would be (in this order) Ingenue, Shadowland and 2004's Hymns of the 49th Parallel.

Better than 'Catastrophe'

In 2003, I suddenly stumbled on Belle and Sebastian. Of course, I'd heard of them before but put them down to Scottish shoegazers with a Smiths fixation. But on a trip to Kramer Books, my ears perked up at what they were playing (turns out it was the B&S soundtrack to the film Storytelling). I immediately rushed out and bought Fold Your Hands Child, You Walk Like a Peasant...and I was hooked.

I saw them at the 9.30 Club in early 2004 touring for their successful, well-polished album Dear Catastrophe Waitress and they were wonderful. There's something infinitely satisfying about seeing seven (or eight) musicians who are completely devoid of rock-star attitude just playing their instruments and making some wonderful harmonies.

So when I picked up their brand new album The Life Pursuit this weekend, I knew I'd like it (B&S are literally the only "new" band--and they've been around 10 years--whose music I will purchase the day it's released without so much as a sneak listen). And I'm hooked, again. I like it better than Dear Catastrophe Waitress--it's less polished and clean, a bit more experimental...but let's face it; people like Belle and Sebastian because their music is so damn catchy.

Standout tracks are "Funny Little Frog," "To Be Myself Completely," "Another Sunny Day" and "Sukie in the Graveyard," although I honestly like every track (and the hooks sink deeper on subsequent listens). If you are among those who aren't that impressed (and I know exactly who you are!!) ask me for a listen of this album.

Wow--two great albums (this one and Rosanne Cash's), one damn good album (Cat Power's The Greatest) and a new single from Donald Fagen--and it's only early February. Hmmm...this year's off to a damn good start.

A Beautiful 'Pursuit'

It's pretty clear I love Belle and Sebastian. And in listening to their new album The Life Pursuit, which is released tomorrow, I know why I dig them so much.

Infinitely more satisfying than the 2003 effort Dear Catastrophe Waitress, The Life Pursuit is a more fully-realized, looser and more organic effort--and the songs are as catchy and odd as B&S fans expect them to be.

More on this (and yes, more on the new Rosanne Cash, too--I haven't forgotten) soon!