The best excuse for Lydia to be on tour right now might be the domestic publication of Paradoxia: A Predators Diary - a book that was previously available only as a UK import. But tonight's appearance was billed as a performance of "Hangover Hotel'. 'Sick poems and twisted grooves' were promised.
Named after a track found on the 'Smoke in the Shadows' CD; 'Hangover Hotel' lasted about 45 minutes and included material from said LP along with other poems and rants that Lydia belted out in association with her prerecorded accompaniment.
I don't know the source of the song that wielded the hardest jolt-- in it she rattled off the names of revolutionaries and artists who had met untimely deaths as the cd player spun a recording of a sax player who was going volcanic. This cut closer to the bone than the noir-lounge "Queen of Siam-revisited" vibe of her recent studio recordings.
The volubility of LL's thoughts about pleasure, isolation, chaos, rebellion, damaged survivors and freedom is needed here and NOW in a town (country?) where 'feeling alive' is, ad nauseum, equated with the music of The Replacements and Bruce Springsteen. Break out of your comfort zone, dudes, and try feeling THIS.
Lydia's set ended by 10 which left plenty of time for anyone who wanted to, to head over to Seventh Street Entry to catch a set by Celebration.
Celebration makes interesting records. Records which don't really capture the trance/bliss/love incarnate vibe of their live sound. Music with the grandiosity of Bjork, Cocteau Twins and um, Die Kreuzen, but with a Hammond b-3 heart and Nina Simone soul? And 10xs the rhythm. Katrina Ford = a wonderful singer.
Katrina Ford
I've listened to their first LP quite a bit but barely recognized a word or melody during the set (though it was impossible to miss the beat breakdowns in War). In time that will be fixed. It would be nice to be able to find my way back to this place. At will. It's where it seems like everything is always going to be alright. psychic comfort.
celebration - myspace
celebration - website
