The Eels. A Moment On Earth. The Finest Rock Show Ever.

[byronius]

I went to see the Eels at Harlowe's in Sacramento. A small venue, a few hundred people. The show was not publicized at all; I'm grateful to a music-critic friend for alerting me.

I've been to many great concerts in my life. The Stones at Sun Devil Stadium in '81, the Who on a Halloween night, Roger Waters three times, Elton John five times, and so on. However --

Mark Chad Everett (E) of the Eels is the most profound creative artist on this planet. The show began with a pulsing strobe light, a wall of sound, and a giant shaved-head man with SECURITY on his black t-shirt that emerged to glare at the entire audience. Once he was satisfied, he gestured to the rear of the stage, and E and his band emerged.

They were dressed in military gear. E himself looked like Rommel, with round sand-sunglasses and goggles on his head. The guitarist (C), looked exactly like Castro in '65. The drummer had an orange jumpsuit, big clear protective goggles, and an orange helmet. They crackled into the first song, "Old Shit/New Shit", one of my favorites -- and I became lost. The band never said a word, just played -- the Security Guard danced, played tambourine, played guitar and keyboards, and shouted poetry between songs -- but the message was unmistakable. Very anti-Bush, anti-Homeland-Security, and an unusually shocking aura of comment -- you had to be there. It was a little scary, and exhilarating.

They played every hit, every song I loved. Two encores -- the second done after the lights had come up, and most people had already left. The Security Guard pulled on latex gloves with a scowl -- and then ran across the front of the stage, giving high-fives and dispensing shots of whipped cream.

I found the show to be life-changing. Utterly hope-inspiring, despite E's constant scowl. They are brilliant artists, and I have never seen a show like this in my life. If you get a chance, YOU MUST GO. They opened with a band called 'Smoosh', two sisters, twelve and fourteen -- very talented, good songwriting.

This was the finest live-performance event of my life. It is a new reality. The Eels.

[OxQQme]

1. I'm pleased to announce that

my very own son is the 'castro' you mentioned. His stage name is 'The Chet'.
The next night they played here in Portland, then Sunday in Seattle (went to both).
Both venues are three times the size of the Sac club and they were standing room only.
Lots of fans with EELS shirts.
Funny thing about Smoosh, their mom is the manager/roady and they drive in a run down van following along the double decker tour bus that houses eels and 7 road crew from city to city.
Tonight is Salt Lake City.
http://www.eelstheband.com/tourdates/index.asp
My son is SO stoked about this tour. He was on the 'with strings' tour last year and played to thousands at a time in UK,Sweden,Germany,Spain,Australia,NewZealand and the Letterman and Leno shows.
Huge overseas fan base.

[byronius]

2. Holy Cow. You're Famous.

I was profoundly moved. Your kid is amazing.

[OxQQme]

3. pleased to hear you like n/t

[eeyore]

4. My friend Derek is the new drummer!

I'm so happy for him, and I'm glad to see your review of the show. Derek is a great guy, a fantastic drummer, and I wish all the best for him. He's put in his time paying dues with music, and it's great to see it pay off for a friend. I'm sure he looks great in an orange helmet!

:toast:

[byronius]

5. The opening song was so cool --

His body stayed perfectly still, while he just cut The Perfect Groove. His whole style was the perfect counterpoint to E -- the business end, the sharp edge, slicing reality into perfect chunks. My God, can your friend keep a beat. I coudn't not move.