eli@uw-june (Eli Messinger) (03/02/84)
The Long Ryders, one of the new paisley-underground bands out of Los Angeles
made their Seattle debut last Friday (2/24) at The Metropolis.
Since their debut EP, "10-5-60" on PVC/Jem Records, they've gotten a new bass
player--who's name escapes me at the moment--but their sound and style seems
to be intact. Live, the Long Ryders show their diversity of influences much
more than on record... their countryish numbers (incl. a Flying Burrito Bros.
cover) sound even more country with Steve McCarthy playing lap-steel, and their
psychopop songs (incl. a rave version of the 13th Floor Elevators "You're Gonna
Miss Me") sound even more garage punk.
It was hard to tell which of the songs in the set were new group compositions
and which were obscure covers (except for the Wailers B-Side which they an-
nounced)... their influences have woven themselves seamlessly into their
writing. Their set apparently changes from night to night, often including
covers that they work out on the spur of the moment. Steve McCarthy is an
amazingly good guitarist--something that comes through much better live...
Sid Griffin makes for an interesting--though ominous--front man.
The main problem with their set was it's length: about 35 minutes, plus a
one song encore ("You're Gonna Miss Me"). They really didn't get rocking
until the end of their time, and then it was over. Apparently Griffin's
voice was giving out... though I heard that the previous night in Portland
they didn't play any longer. Someone should get this band a membership to
a Family Fitness Center.
Hopefully they'll get picked up by another label (the PVC deal was for this
one disc only) and be back around to play LONGER.
... uw-june!eli
Ps. Apparently they borrowed the band name from the movie of the same
title--and the album title from the day that Elvis was discharged
from the army. Can anyone substantiate the latter claim?