First things first. While reading this entry, about last night’s Elbow show at the Avalon in Hollywood, you might think about listening to the band’s awesome set on KCRW Morning Becomes Eclectic. Better yet, read this later, and watch the set, first.

Sometimes I don’t take very good care of myself. Just home from Italy for two days and I take off for Hollywood because I had to see this show. So, 250 miles, half a bottle of wine, and three Absolute Mandarin and sodas later, I am feeling a little tired. Tired, but still tingly because that show was oh, so worth it.

I have loved this band since their first record came out in 2000. They’ve got two other records now, and all three are great. I saw them open for Doves in 2002 (the show where I, uh, lost a chunk of my eardrums) but they haven’t been here in a while. And definitely not as a headliner.

I love Guy Garvey’s voice. He looks like a big burly blue collar worker but he has the voice of an angel. Only, I don’t think he is an angel – there are a lot of references to unangelic behavior, in the lyrics, and onstage.

To be totally honest, it’s kind of hot.

Anyway, me and Teachick had plans to hang out before the show, and then she decided to COME to the show. Which was awesome. We ate some Thai food first, then got to the Avalon right before the opener. I was shocked that the room was so empty. But it was good for us because we got a spot on a little raised platform to the left of the floor. This is where I stood with several dozen people when I saw Spoon there (pre-Britt obsession, otherwise I would have been on the rail.) Also on the platform is a little seating area, and a wall that seperates the tables from the standers. The tables were taken up by six or seven fratesque looking dudes. Curious, I thought, that they would be at a Elbow show. They looked more like the Dave Matthews type.

L.A.’s own Earlimart opened. I have one of their records, and like it. But onstage they kind of sucked. But, opening acts are never given much of a chance, so I am not going to hold it against them. One of the frat boys was heckling them pretty bad. I thought we were in for it with these guys.

But then, before Elbow came on, I heard one of the guys talking about Sigur Ros. SIGUR FUCKING ROS. I was shocked. I tugged on his sleeve. “Did you see the Sigur Ros show here last summer?” I asked him. “Sigur Ros played HERE?” He asked. He was pretty blown away. “We are from Vegas,” he said. Then, to his friends: “DUDES. She saw Sigur Ros HERE.” They were all appropriately envious that I saw Sigur Ros in such an intimate venue.

Then he told me that it was his friend’s bachelor party, and instead of having a party with strippers or whatever, all those guys drove from Vegas, to see Elbow. I was shocked, also impressed. Lesson learned, never judge a book by it’s cover. Also, homie’s fiancee is one lucky person.

Finally, Elbow comes on, and it was pretty much a perfect show. Moments of breathtaking beauty, then walls of sound that could slam you on the ground. The frat boys were enthralled, and I could barely keep still, I was so into it. Teachick wants to buy all the records, now. The crowd was small, but happy and respectful. I am starting to change my mind about L.A. show-goers, at least the ones that go to shows where the band doesn’t have a hit on the radio or a song on a television show. I love the Avalon – the room is beautiful, and the acoustics are good. Plus their bartenders seem to be mixing a stronger drink. All this and Elbow, too. Life is perfect, except for the hangovers.

So I have one heartfelt plea – Elbow, please come to San Diego and play the Casbah!

Today I made it home in one hour and thirty five minutes. This is almost impossible as any Southern Californian will tell you. Also, it cost me $40 to fill my tank today. Also, I got the mega number in the lottery. But no other numbers, sadly. Otherwise I would be on a plane to San Francisco to see Elbow again tonight.

This entry was posted on Sunday, April 9th, 2006 at 3:48 pm and is filed under Adventures in Rock and Roll. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.