Missing Lucinda and Aimee (NT)

deanzat · August 25th, 2004, 10:01 AM

For the past few years, I've been moderately obsessed with Lucinda Williams, Aimee Mann, Sam Phillips and Gillian Welch. I got to see the latter two at the Lobero Theater in Santa Barbara a few years ago and it was great, but I've been waiting for a chance to see Lu and Aimee nearby.

Well, they're both coming to Ventura, but not for me! Aimee is playing at the "Majestic Ventura Theater," one of the worst music venues on the planet, and one I've sworn to never patronize again. Just like with my marriage, my vow trumps my desire in this case.

And Lu, sweet Lu, is playing the Ventura Hillsides benefit with Jackson Browne. But my wife and I had a heart-to-heart last night and determined that I should not go. Why? Because she and our son went last year, and they kept telling each other, "if Dad was here, he'd be in jail by now."

Apparently, this is one of those events where people pay good money to see if they can drown out the music by incessantly yapping their fool heads off. So, my wife and son will see Lucinda, but they know me well; I cannot be trusted to control my temper under such circumstances.

But I wonder if it's just me, or is anyone else bothered by the fact that people don't seem to know how an audience is supposed to behave?

Thanks, DZ

Bob Mc · August 25th, 2004, 10:09 AM

My heart goes out to you.
I went to see Springsteen at Giants Stadium (not really nuts about artist or venue), and when he sang anything that required attention (Up The Stairs for instance) most of the crowd started yapping loudly.
Maybe it's an age thing; are you able to go to see a movie in a theater? Not me.
PS
and Oh yeah, Lucinda....

deanzat · August 25th, 2004, 10:10 AM

Since I won't get to tell you in person:

On behalf of everyone whose parents could not afford orthodontia, thank you for the reference to "your sexy crooked teeth."

I know my smile's been a little broader since I heard that!

DZ

deanzat · August 25th, 2004, 10:14 AM

Movies are a little bit different, because in our small town there's one small theater and locals pretty much know that a film cannot start until I've turned to a chatterbox and said "Shut the F#$% UP!"

I'm not big or violent, but I am passionate and so far that's been enough. Eventually I'll get my ass kicked, but that's no reason to tolerate such behavior.

DZ

Mik · August 25th, 2004, 10:27 AM

What can you do? Ask them to be quiet. Then tell them to shut up. Often nothing works, polite requests or ultimatums: so I put up with the boors or walk out.

I can't recommend Lucinda Williams highly enough. Her performance at the Britt Festival this past July was the final highlight of my perfect motorcycle tour. A very polite and quiet crowd but Lu got em worked up and shouting out requests etc. I was asked to wait for Lu to finish a number before I returned to my seat from the bathroom: the quality of venue's crowd management also has a significant effect on the crowd's manners.

Anyway what an effective emotional musical voice Lu has, great, professional performance by her and her band (guitar toys included Lu's Tele, her lead guitarist had Gretches, Gibsons, a brown Princeton, a Twin, a Matchless head and cab).

Her songs and performance stayed with me for weeks after the show, that rarely if ever happens.

Go see Lu do her complete, headliner show, that's the way to experience Lucinda Williams's magic.

Mik

Sidney Vicious · August 25th, 2004, 10:37 AM

The rudeness of people is hard to ignore and almost impossible to stop . . .

My babies - boy 4 girl 2 - will sometimes break out with their rendition of "Conwete and bobbed wire" - too cute.

jwsamuel · August 25th, 2004, 12:23 PM

Wow...missing a Lucinda Williams concert.....that's like missing a case of the flu.

Jim

Horrorshow · August 25th, 2004, 01:18 PM

I've seen Lucinda Williams a couple of times. Once opening for Tom Petty, another time for Neill Young. That foxy woman puts on a fine show.

jwsamuel · August 25th, 2004, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Horrorshow

I've seen Loucinda Williams a couple of times. Once opening for Tom Petty, another time for Neill Young. That foxy woman puts on a fine show.

The only way I could ever call Lucinda Williams "foxy" would be if I was comparing her to Tom Petty or Neil Young.

Jim

ravindave_3600 · August 25th, 2004, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Mc

I went to see Springsteen at Giants Stadium (not really nuts about artist or venue), and when he sang anything that required attention (Up The Stairs for instance) most of the crowd started yapping loudly.
Maybe it's an age thing

Amazing - I had that same experience! I've been following Bruce since (mumble mumble mumble), seen him in big places and smaller places, and last year I finally got the chance to catch him in New Jersey. For me it was like a trip to the Holy Land.

Great show - horrible crowd. My wife was seeing him for the first time and I'd told her cool everybody was going to be. She was amazed at the concert but thinks the people of New Jersey are a bunch of (fill in the blank with your favorite insult):
* Talking loudly about makeup (thank you ladies in sec 131 row 17, 7/24/03)
* Making cell-phone calls about what they were going to do the NEXT weekend
* Gossiping (men and women) about co-workers in the middle of 4th of July, Asbury Park
* Simply ignoring the concert on Meeting Across the River and Empty Sky

I was thinking maybe some corp. bought a bunch of tickets and gave them away to idiots as sales incentives, but since the same thing happened to you, well.... I was so disappointed that the people of his home state care so little about his music. They were the worst!

As for me, I'm giving the award for the best Bruce crowds to (hate to say this)... Phoenix. Take that, Jersey. :evil:

snoglobe · August 25th, 2004, 03:14 PM

its a concert, not a string quartet recital.

I can see you guys at Woodstock saying "Hey, excuse me naked dancing hippy chick, can you please sit down so that I can see what chords Carlos Santana is playing."

Not everyone is there to enjoy it like you. You know what you're in for, and I think you're right in not going.

I've been to some festivals where I've had the most fun either in the beer tent, or chatting and laughing with friends, and the music was a wonderful backdrop.

Bob Mc · August 25th, 2004, 03:16 PM

I just flat out couldn't believe it either. I've kinda chalked it up to tailgating too much.
That was my first Bruce show (hard to believe I know) so I can't speak about other tours.

Hey Jim - we get it, you don't like Lucinda the way we do.

Horrorshow · August 25th, 2004, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwsamuel

Quote:

Originally Posted by Horrorshow

I've seen Loucinda Williams a couple of times. Once opening for Tom Petty, another time for Neill Young. That foxy woman puts on a fine show.

The only way I could ever call Lucinda Williams "foxy" would be if I was comparing her to Tom Petty or Neil Young.

Jim

Really now ... Looks fine to me. Neill or Tom? I don't think so.

ravindave_3600 · August 25th, 2004, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snoglobe

its a concert, not a string quartet recital.

I can see you guys at Woodstock saying "Hey, excuse me naked dancing hippy chick, can you please sit down so that I can see what chords Carlos Santana is playing."

Not everyone is there to enjoy it like you. You know what you're in for, and I think you're right in not going.

I've been to some festivals where I've had the most fun either in the beer tent, or chatting and laughing with friends, and the music was a wonderful backdrop.

Since I was about 10 I've been very fond of "naked dancing hippy chicks" :-) but of course, they're getting into the music too. That's why they're dancing.

If what you want to do is chat with your friends, go ahead and GO to the beer tent where you can use the live show as a $90 (apiece) radio. Let the music lovers listen to the music...and watch the naked dancing hippy chicks.

DISCLAIMER TO MY WIFE AND MANY FRIENDS IN THE SMS COMMUNITY: Any "naked dancing hippy chicks" refered to in the post above are purely hypothetical. Should they become actual they will only be looked at for purposes of sociological study.

jwsamuel · August 25th, 2004, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Horrorshow

Really now ... Looks fine to me. Neill or Tom? I don't think so.

I guess she looks fine.....if you like the no class look.

Jim

Lost_N_Austin · August 25th, 2004, 07:36 PM

I saw Lucinda last year at the Austin City Limits Festival and was taken by surprise at her
nasty foul mouth. That really didn't impress me much even though I love her music and think
she is a very talented song writer/perfomer. I wouldn't want my Grandkids to see her "live".

As to the rudeness of audiences, I don't think there is anything that bugs me more than
the co-ed with a picture phone or just dialing up someone and chatting them up while those
around them have to put up with it. Well maybe the Jerk with the .35 cent cigar but at least
they don't ring or talk. Is it just coincidence that Cell rhymes with H-e-l-l?

Johnny Sunshine · August 26th, 2004, 01:41 AM

*sigh*

I love aimee mann

Horrorshow · August 26th, 2004, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwsamuel

Quote:

Originally Posted by Horrorshow

Really now ... Looks fine to me. Neill or Tom? I don't think so.

I guess she looks fine.....if you like the no class look.

Jim

We're talking a female musician, folk rocker and blues lady, not a business woman in a Sunday suit. You want class? Hang out in Borders or your local library.

editorjuno · August 26th, 2004, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Horrorshow

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwsamuel

Quote:

Originally Posted by Horrorshow

Really now ... Looks fine to me. Neill or Tom? I don't think so.

I guess she looks fine.....if you like the no class look.

Jim

We're talking a female musician, folk rocker and blues lady, not a business woman in a Sunday suit. You want class? Hang out in Borders or your local library.

Maybe Jim is one of those guys who thinks female performers have to deck themselves out like Beyonce Knowles or Faith Hill to exude "class." No offense, Jim, but Lucinda Williams has more talent in her fretting pinky than a roomful of femmed-out wannabe divas -- and imo it doesn't get any classier than that.

Horrorshow · August 26th, 2004, 02:30 PM

Quote:

editorjuno wrote: Maybe Jim is one of those guys who thinks female performers have to deck themselves out like Beyonce Knowles or Faith Hill to exude "class." No offense, Jim, but Lucinda Williams has more talent in her fretting pinky than a roomful of femmed-out wannabe divas -- and imo it doesn't get any classier than that.

Bingo!

jwsamuel · August 26th, 2004, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by editorjuno

Maybe Jim is one of those guys who thinks female performers have to deck themselves out like Beyonce Knowles or Faith Hill to exude "class." No offense, Jim, but Lucinda Williams has more talent in her fretting pinky than a roomful of femmed-out wannabe divas -- and imo it doesn't get any classier than that.

Not at all...I just appreciate performers -- male or female -- who show up for their concerts sober enough to perform properly, who can speak without slurring their words and who can work without filling their speech with words that most parents would not want their kids to hear.

As for Williams, I find her voice grating and obnoxious and her music to be pretentious.

Jim

Horrorshow · August 26th, 2004, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Not at all...I just appreciate performers -- male or female -- who show up for their concerts sober enough to perform properly.
Jim

I guess you'd hate most performers from the 60's and 70's. But as I've said, I've seen her twice, and she was excellent both times.

editorjuno · August 26th, 2004, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwsamuel

Quote:

Originally Posted by editorjuno

Maybe Jim is one of those guys who thinks female performers have to deck themselves out like Beyonce Knowles or Faith Hill to exude "class." No offense, Jim, but Lucinda Williams has more talent in her fretting pinky than a roomful of femmed-out wannabe divas -- and imo it doesn't get any classier than that.

Not at all...I just appreciate performers -- male or female -- who show up for their concerts sober enough to perform properly, who can speak without slurring their words and who can work without filling their speech with words that most parents would not want their kids to hear.

As for Williams, I find her voice grating and obnoxious and her music to be pretentious.

Sounds like a Bob Dylan review from the mid-'60s. Afaik Lucinda Williams doesn't advertise her concerts as G-rated, so your concern for kids should be directed at parents who don't check out an artist's reputation and repertoire before bringing their children to an adult venue. Given all the glowing reviews of Ms. William's' performances, it's hard to believe she's not "sober enough" for her audiences to get their money's worth and more.

Horrorshow · August 26th, 2004, 03:39 PM

I don't think her language is any worse than what one might hear on any modern movie DVD or HBO special. Jim must need to change channels an awful lot at home, just to rid himself of all that foul language he can't tolerate. Maybe a Nickelodeon channel full of all that censorship and women with class is just what he needs. I wouldn't want the wrong words to enter his ears.

And one thing that really irks me is when parents bring children to a show such as Lucinda Williams. You know the kids don't care about being there. Leave the kids at home with Jim, I say!

August 25th, 2004, 10:01 AM	#1 (permalink)
deanzat TDPRI Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Ojai, CA Posts: 98	Missing Lucinda and Aimee (NT) For the past few years, I've been moderately obsessed with Lucinda Williams, Aimee Mann, Sam Phillips and Gillian Welch. I got to see the latter two at the Lobero Theater in Santa Barbara a few years ago and it was great, but I've been waiting for a chance to see Lu and Aimee nearby. Well, they're both coming to Ventura, but not for me! Aimee is playing at the "Majestic Ventura Theater," one of the worst music venues on the planet, and one I've sworn to never patronize again. Just like with my marriage, my vow trumps my desire in this case. And Lu, sweet Lu, is playing the Ventura Hillsides benefit with Jackson Browne. But my wife and I had a heart-to-heart last night and determined that I should not go. Why? Because she and our son went last year, and they kept telling each other, "if Dad was here, he'd be in jail by now." Apparently, this is one of those events where people pay good money to see if they can drown out the music by incessantly yapping their fool heads off. So, my wife and son will see Lucinda, but they know me well; I cannot be trusted to control my temper under such circumstances. But I wonder if it's just me, or is anyone else bothered by the fact that people don't seem to know how an audience is supposed to behave? Thanks, DZ __________________ Stood Miss Pragmatism is fine in theory, but it just doesn't work in practice.

August 25th, 2004, 10:09 AM	#2 (permalink)
Bob Mc Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Mo'town NJ Posts: 1,578	DZ My heart goes out to you. I went to see Springsteen at Giants Stadium (not really nuts about artist or venue), and when he sang anything that required attention (Up The Stairs for instance) most of the crowd started yapping loudly. Maybe it's an age thing; are you able to go to see a movie in a theater? Not me. PS and Oh yeah, Lucinda.... __________________ All of us contain Music & Truth, but most of us can't get it out. Mark Twain

August 25th, 2004, 10:10 AM	#3 (permalink)
deanzat TDPRI Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Ojai, CA Posts: 98	Oh, and one more thing for Ms. Williams... Since I won't get to tell you in person: On behalf of everyone whose parents could not afford orthodontia, thank you for the reference to "your sexy crooked teeth." I know my smile's been a little broader since I heard that! DZ __________________ Stood Miss Pragmatism is fine in theory, but it just doesn't work in practice.

August 25th, 2004, 10:14 AM	#4 (permalink)
deanzat TDPRI Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Ojai, CA Posts: 98	Movie theaters Movies are a little bit different, because in our small town there's one small theater and locals pretty much know that a film cannot start until I've turned to a chatterbox and said "Shut the F#$% UP!" I'm not big or violent, but I am passionate and so far that's been enough. Eventually I'll get my ass kicked, but that's no reason to tolerate such behavior. DZ __________________ Stood Miss Pragmatism is fine in theory, but it just doesn't work in practice.

August 25th, 2004, 10:27 AM	#5 (permalink)
Mik Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,416	Re: Missing Lucinda and Aimee (NT) What can you do? Ask them to be quiet. Then tell them to shut up. Often nothing works, polite requests or ultimatums: so I put up with the boors or walk out. I can't recommend Lucinda Williams highly enough. Her performance at the Britt Festival this past July was the final highlight of my perfect motorcycle tour. A very polite and quiet crowd but Lu got em worked up and shouting out requests etc. I was asked to wait for Lu to finish a number before I returned to my seat from the bathroom: the quality of venue's crowd management also has a significant effect on the crowd's manners. Anyway what an effective emotional musical voice Lu has, great, professional performance by her and her band (guitar toys included Lu's Tele, her lead guitarist had Gretches, Gibsons, a brown Princeton, a Twin, a Matchless head and cab). Her songs and performance stayed with me for weeks after the show, that rarely if ever happens. Go see Lu do her complete, headliner show, that's the way to experience Lucinda Williams's magic. Mik __________________ a "motor-bike with a touch of blood in it is better than all the riding animals on earth, because of its logical extension of our faculties, and the hint, the provocations, to excess."-T.E. Lawrence

August 25th, 2004, 10:37 AM	#6 (permalink)
Sidney Vicious Tele-Afflicted Join Date: May 2003 Location: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA Posts: 1,027 6 Photos	Lucinda fan here The rudeness of people is hard to ignore and almost impossible to stop . . . My babies - boy 4 girl 2 - will sometimes break out with their rendition of "Conwete and bobbed wire" - too cute.

August 25th, 2004, 12:23 PM	#7 (permalink)
jwsamuel Tele-Afflicted Join Date: May 2004 Location: Upper Holland, PA Age: 51 Posts: 1,960	Wow...missing a Lucinda Williams concert.....that's like missing a case of the flu. Jim

August 25th, 2004, 01:18 PM	#8 (permalink)
Horrorshow Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 227	I've seen Lucinda Williams a couple of times. Once opening for Tom Petty, another time for Neill Young. That foxy woman puts on a fine show.

August 25th, 2004, 03:14 PM	#11 (permalink)
snoglobe Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Posts: 517	unclench its a concert, not a string quartet recital. I can see you guys at Woodstock saying "Hey, excuse me naked dancing hippy chick, can you please sit down so that I can see what chords Carlos Santana is playing." Not everyone is there to enjoy it like you. You know what you're in for, and I think you're right in not going. I've been to some festivals where I've had the most fun either in the beer tent, or chatting and laughing with friends, and the music was a wonderful backdrop. __________________ Snoglobe "The liver is bad, it must be punished!"

August 25th, 2004, 03:16 PM	#12 (permalink)
Bob Mc Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Mo'town NJ Posts: 1,578	BS crowd I just flat out couldn't believe it either. I've kinda chalked it up to tailgating too much. That was my first Bruce show (hard to believe I know) so I can't speak about other tours. Hey Jim - we get it, you don't like Lucinda the way we do. __________________ All of us contain Music & Truth, but most of us can't get it out. Mark Twain

August 25th, 2004, 07:36 PM	#16 (permalink)
Lost_N_Austin Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Some Beach Age: 66 Posts: 1,183	Lucinda - Rated R for Rude I saw Lucinda last year at the Austin City Limits Festival and was taken by surprise at her nasty foul mouth. That really didn't impress me much even though I love her music and think she is a very talented song writer/perfomer. I wouldn't want my Grandkids to see her "live". As to the rudeness of audiences, I don't think there is anything that bugs me more than the co-ed with a picture phone or just dialing up someone and chatting them up while those around them have to put up with it. Well maybe the Jerk with the .35 cent cigar but at least they don't ring or talk. Is it just coincidence that Cell rhymes with H-e-l-l? __________________ “If you're going to be this miserable, make it Rhyme" Song writer advice from Bruce Robison.

August 26th, 2004, 01:41 AM	#17 (permalink)
Johnny Sunshine Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 109	sigh I love aimee mann __________________ Walking back to you Is the hardest thing that I can do That I can do for you For you

August 26th, 2004, 03:39 PM	#24 (permalink)
Horrorshow Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 227	I don't think her language is any worse than what one might hear on any modern movie DVD or HBO special. Jim must need to change channels an awful lot at home, just to rid himself of all that foul language he can't tolerate. Maybe a Nickelodeon channel full of all that censorship and women with class is just what he needs. I wouldn't want the wrong words to enter his ears. And one thing that really irks me is when parents bring children to a show such as Lucinda Williams. You know the kids don't care about being there. Leave the kids at home with Jim, I say!